Health Tab - Jan 2024

HEALTH

HUTCHINSON LEADER

LITCHFIELD INDEPENDENT REVIEW

BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE BOOK AT A TIME:

‘Carolina Moonset’ is 2024 One Book, One Community selection / 3

IS THERE A PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE?

Find out what local hospital administrators are saying / 6

OH, MY ACHING BACK!

Tips to reduce lower back pain for the hybrid worker / 10

THOUSANDS OF LIVES COULD BE SAVED if more people would get screened for lung cancer / 11

Dr.KentKuball,D.D.S

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Dr.ValerieVadnais,D.M.D Dr.AngiePfeifferBedard,D.D.S

10HassanStreetNorth~P.O.Box49 Hutchinson,MN55350

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Building community one book at a time

Hutchinson’s annual One Book, One Community reading program encourages connecting with others to build stronger relationships

BY KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com

If you’re feeling isolated during the winter months and wish you could connect with others, there’s an opportunity just a book away. Start 2024 by joining Hutchinson’s annual One Book, One Community program and read “Carolina Moonset” by Matt Goldman.

It was Heart of Hutch’s Connect Wholeheartedly committee that is credited with introducing the idea of a community read. It makes sense when you consider the committee’s focus, which is encouraging connecting with other people to build stronger relationships.

One way to do this is through reading. The thought was if everyone is reading the same book, it provides a basis for shared discussion. The idea’s roots date to “If All of Seattle Read the Same Book,” started by Nancy Pearl in 1998 at Seattle Public Library’s Washington Center for the Book. Their first selection was “The Sweet Hereafter” by Russell Banks.

Hutchinson’s One Book, One Community read started in January 2014 with the selection of “The Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. Since then participants have read a variety of books ranging from “Canoeing with the Cree” by Eric Sevareid and “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger to “Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894” by Daniel James Brown and “The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father” by Kao Kalia Yang.

This year’s selection — “Carolina Moonset” — has woven together the story threads that include Lewy body

dementia, family dynamics, long-buried secrets and murder. McMillan, publisher of “Carolina Moonset” describes the 2022 release as “both suspenseful and deeply moving.”

The protagonist is Joey Green who has returned to Beaufort, South Carolina, to look after his ailing father, who is succumbing to dementia, while his overstressed mother takes a break.

While Marshall Green’s short-term memory is all but gone, there are compensations — his long-term memory is filled with remembrances of his youth growing up in Beaufort. It’s a walk down memory lane for father and son until the narrative is infused with hints about long buried secrets and hidden mysteries that still have the power to ruin lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Goldman is a Minneapolisbased New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning television writer. He has been nominated for the Shamus Award, awarded by the Private Eye Writers of America for the best detective fiction, and the Nero Award, which is a literary award for excellence in the mystery genre presented by The Wolfe Pack, a society founded in 1978 to explore and celebrate the Nero Wolfe stories of Rex Stout.

Goldman’s television writing credits include “Seinfeld,” “Ellen,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.” He has published four books in his Nils Shapiro series: “Gone to Dust,” “Broken Ice,” The Shallows” and “Dead West,” and two standalone novels — “Carolina Moonset” and “A Good Family.”

WHY THIS BOOK?

According to Mary Henke, chair of the One Book, One Community Committee, they look for variety in their choice of books, so that they can reach out to all the reading tastes of the community.

“This book has a contemporary setting that deals with the issue many families face, supporting an aging family member with dementia,” she said. “Complicating a stressful situation, buried family secrets begin to be revealed as the past memories come to light. Goldman’s book is engrossing and sensitively told.”

Committee member Katy Hiltner, head librarian of the Hutchinson Public Library, said Matt Goldman was an author that several of us on the committee were aware of.

“After reading ‘Moonset Carolina,’ we agreed it was a compelling read,”

Meet author Matt Goldman and hear about his work at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the McLeod County History Museum, 380 School Road NW, Hutchinson. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Leslie Parker

she said. “At least one committee member has heard him present, and we’re excited to invite him here this spring for an author program in Hutchinson. It’s always fun to put a spotlight on Minnesota authors.”

John Hassinger, longtime committee member, echoed Hiltner.

“This book is a change of pace for the One Book, One Community read,” he said. “While it is a mystery, it touches on issues of loss, family dynamics and cultural themes. I found it to be a lighter, fun read.”

Sharon Nagy, committee member, listed several reasons why she enjoyed the book: The moral dilemma the son is faced with, the setting and the pull of the places we grow up, childhood incidents that impact our lives and the things we do or don’t do for family and those we love.

“It’s a good family drama wrapped around a mystery,” Nagy said. “I think people will enjoy the book and also really enjoy hearing the author.”

Jeanne Langan agreed.

“I always like a mystery and this is a good one,” she said. “I learned a lot about Lewy Body Dementia and how

Moonset to 4 ➤

MOONSET

➤ continued from 3

important family and caretakers are in the life of the person suffering from dementia. Also, how a mystery can be solved by memories from long ago.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

Share your thoughts about “Carolina Moonset” at a community book discussion 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts, 15 Franklin St. SW. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Meet the author and learn about his work in a live presentation at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the McLeod County History Museum, 380 School Road NW, Hutchinson. There’s no charge to attend.

“Carolina Moonset” is available to borrow at the Hutchinson Public Library, 50 Hassan St. SE. The library will also have book club kits available to borrow. With the Village Shop closed, the Hutchinson Center for the Arts, 15 Franklin St. SW, is the only place to purchase the book locally.

A crowd turned out in February 2017 for the One Book, One Community book selection, “Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894.” The book discussion for “Carolina Moonset” is 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts.

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Why do I have to wait so long to see my doctor?

Healthcare staff shortages aren’t just a big city problem, it is felt locally at Hutchinson Health and Glencoe Regional Health

BY MARY-ANNE OLMSTED KOHLS For Crow River Media

It used to be that when a person called to make an appointment for a physical or routine check up, they were looking ahead to a week or so to see the physician. However, in the last year or two, when talking to the scheduler these days the earlier to get in is more than a month. Why is there such a delay before you can see your doctor?

Hutchinson Health and Glencoe Regional Health say it is due to overall staff shortages — physicians, nurses, lab technicians — the whole spectrum of the industry.

Healthcare is experiencing a nationwide shortage of skilled personnel, and Glencoe Regional Health and Hutchinson Health are not immune to those challenges. The national struggle to hire staff is primarily due to the competitive nature of the job market and the increas-

ing demand for healthcare services.

“We are also faced with the challenge of attracting professionals to rural healthcare settings, said Ben Davis, president and CEO at Glencoe Regional Health.

“For licensed and clinical staff, it can be difficult to recruit to a rural community,” Rhonda Thovson, human resources at Hutchinson Health, agreed, “While we feel Hutchinson has so much to offer, you need to sell the community to providers and clinical

Nielsen Studios Inc.

Ben Davis, president and CEO, at Glencoe Regional Health

Submitted photo

Watch for enhancements to the facilities at the Glencoe Regional Health campus in 2024.

staff. We are close enough to the metro for staff to drive out here.”

An additional industry-wide issue is the continued increase in expenses for the healthcare sector. Unlike other industries, hospitals and clinics can’t simply raise their prices to cover these mounting costs. According to a recent survey by the Minnesota Hospital Association, or MHA, 67% of hospitals and health systems in the MHA analysis had negative operating margins, which is up from 55% recorded in 2022.

“As the cost of attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals continues to rise, we must stay competitive,” Davis explained. “This is a highly sought-after, small pool of professionals. Being in close proximity to the Twin Cities means we must remain competitive with both local and metro compensation models.”

“We are also competing with work from home positions verses working at the patients bedside,” Thovson added.

Staffing shortages have the potential to create a ripple effect, impacting other departments.

“If we do not have the nursing staff to support an additional practice, we’re unable to post an opening for an additional provider or physician to expand appointment availability,” said Dr. Kristine Knudten, chief medical officer at Glencoe Regional Health. “Interdependence between departments underscores the importance of addressing staffing shortages across the healthcare industry.”

“I have watched a birth care nurse float down to the emergency room to help change over rooms to avoid delays for our waiting ER patients,” Thovson shared. “Everyone has to be nimble and ready to help each other out.”

Both Hutchinson Health and Glencoe Regional Health do the best they can to compensate for the shortage.

Hutchinson has taken many steps to stay on top of staffing by including alternative schedule designs, finding process efficiencies and reviewing the market for benefit and compensation adjustments.

“We have to be evolving how we are connecting with staff on a regular basis to get their feedback, support their well being, assess their engagement and actively involve them in decisions around their daily work,” Thovson said.

Glencoe Regional Health is actively addressing these challenges with a multi-faceted approach.

“We’re engaged in targeted recruitment efforts and adjusting our compensation packages to remain competitive for our qualified applicants,” Davis said. “We’ve also implemented enhanced employee recognition programs to attract and retain top talent.”

Glencoe Regional Health also created a free, in-house Nursing Assistant Training Program, where interested individuals receive the training they need to be successful as a nursing assistant. This program track leads selected applicants directly into a position with Glencoe Regional Health. After completion of the 90-day orientation period, they are eligible for a $1,500 stipend.

“To improve access for patient appointments, we’ve increased provider coverage in our Urgent Care, Emergency department, and same-day clinic appointments,” Knutden said. “This expansion allows us to increase availability and better meet the needs of our community.”

The main issue with these shortages patients will notice is the longer wait times — whether that is on the phone, emergency room, clinic visits and tests results. Not only do these cause frustrated patients, but also can be a reason for staff burnout.

“While we do our best to minimize disruptions to patient care, staffing shortages can lead to longer wait times

for appointments,” Knutden said. “Our priority is always patient safety, and we continuously assess our staffing resources to ensure we’re maintaining the highest level of care for our patients. We have some of the best Urgent Care hours in the region to ensure you get care when you need it.”

Both medical facilities are doing what they can to recruit. They stay competitive with wages, sign-on bonuses and advertising loan forgiveness programs.

“We have increased tuition reimbursement for some positions to promote and train our current employees into clinical positions,” Thovson said. She also visits high schools and talks to students about fields in healthcare. “When I speak to high school students about a career in health care that is not a doctor or a nurse, you’d be amazed how they struggle with that question.”

here because they want to be part of a culture of caring, purposeful, and meaningful work. We know that no one is a better advocate for our organization than our incredible team who lives out our mission each day.”

Despite the challenges, Glencoe Regional Health is growing.

“We need to continue to work with local schools to educate high school students on all the different careers in health care to discover endless possibilities,” Thovson continued. “There are even grants available at the state level for paid tuition for certain careers.”

Hutch Health will accommodate job shadow requests from high school students to explore careers. They’ve hosted groups to come in and learn about careers in healthcare. They’ve also provided needed clinical rotations for students in many healthcare occupations.

“Glencoe Regional Health is committed to creating an attractive and welcoming workplace for all healthcare professionals who choose to join our team,” Davis said. “We monitor the wage market and offer competitive compensation packages to recruit and retain exceptional talent. We also offer professional development opportunities, opportunities for career advancement, and a supportive work environment.”

“Our referral bonus program incentivizes our staff to encourage people to join our team who are interested in supporting our mission of improving every life by offering high-quality, safe and accessible healthcare,” Davis continued. “We want people to work

“With the addition of our pain clinic, and growth in our award-winning wound center, transitional care unit, we’re able to provide additional care to our patients.” Davis shared. “We also have plans to invest in our organization with enhancements to our facilities on our Glencoe campus in 2024. These investments are just an example of our commitment to being here to care for our community for many years to come.”

Both care facilities are doing their utmost to provide quality care in the region.

“Glencoe Regional Health deeply values our community’s trust and support,” Davis said. “We’re continually exploring innovative solutions and remain committed to delivering exceptional care while actively addressing staffing issues the healthcare industry is currently facing. If you are looking for ways to support, we simply ask that the community brings patience and a friendly face to our hard-working staff. Without them, we wouldn’t be here to care for you.”

“Your care is our top priority at all times,” Thovson said in closing. “We aim to be your healthcare provider of choice. Our healthcare workers show up every day for you, the patient. Please, continue to show them your gratitude.”

Submitted photo

Rhonda Thovson, human resources representative, at Hutchinson Health.

Trying the new weight loss medications?

Three important tips to support your journey

As the new year is here and you may be setting health goals for yourself, exploring the new weight loss medications might be part of this. Whether you’re considering trying them, currently on one, or recently have ended treatment, it’s important not only to consult with your health care provider for guidance, but also to follow nutrition practices that can support your long-term wellness goals.

To help you in sustaining your weight loss journey, Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, director of nutrition at Atkins, offers practical advice and recommendations.

“Many patients who are now taking medications to help promote weight loss can face unique challenges,” said Clinthorne. “Health and wellness are long-term goals that go beyond weight, however the good news is that these medications appear to be effective and can really help people reduce their calorie intake by reducing appetite. Ultimately for many people this is an important piece of their wellness journey.”

When your appetite is suppressed and you’re eating less, it becomes more important to focus on nutrition quality and make every bite count.

Here are some important factors to keep in mind if you’re taking weight loss medications, and tools to help keep you on track.

 Focus on maintaining lean

muscle: Losing weight typically involves losing some lean muscle tissue, so it’s important that you consume enough protein to help minimize the amount of muscle lost. One way to do that is to seek meals and snacks that are higher in protein, including lean meats, seafood, eggs, low-fat dairy and nuts. Also, don’t skimp on exercise, combining resistance training with higher protein intake is typically the best way to preserve lean tissue during weight loss.

 Make sure to get your vital nutrients: Since weight loss medications can suppress your appetite, your everyday food choices will matter even more. Be sure that the foods you do eat are not full of empty calories and added sugar, but instead are sources of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body

needs. Many of the newer weight loss medications may also reduce thirst, so make sure to stay well hydrated.

 Find healthier ways to satisfy cravings: It’s important to understand that if you haven’t made nutrition and lifestyle changes, it’s likely you will regain weight if you stop taking these medications. You may also find that your cravings for certain foods such as sweet things will return when stopping treatment.

“Seek out mini meals like bars and shakes when your appetite is suppressed, because they provide a one-two punch combining quality protein and fiber,” said Clinthorne.

For more information about weight loss medications, and how Atkins can help, visit Atkins.com/weight-lossmedications.

Source: Brandpoint

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‘Ouch, my back!’ 3 tips to reduce lower back pain

Did you know 26% of working adults experience lower back pain?

Do you experience regular back pain?

You’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, more than 1 in 4 (26%) working adults experience lower back pain.

Not only is it painful, but studies show that back pain can limit your activities and impact your ability to work. In fact, the Health Policy Institute found it to be a leading cause of work-loss days, with 83 million days of work lost per year.

Whether you work from home, the office or a combination of both, it’s important to invest in your musculoskeletal health and protect your back. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, offers three tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

1. PRACTICE PROPER POSTURE

Let’s get back to basics. Sitting properly is the first step to protecting your back. You may not realize how often you slouch or hunch over your desk while working. Practicing and maintaining proper posture may seem simple, but it will go a long way in preventing back pain and injury.

When sitting, keep your back in a normal, slightly arched position and your head and shoulders erect. Adjust your chair so your elbows are relaxed, your hands are resting comfortably on the desk, your knees are bent at 90 degrees and your feet are flat on the floor.

2. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Your work environment can have a big impact on your comfort and musculoskeletal health. Instead of forcing your body to fit your workspace, set up your workspace to fit your body.

Focus on making your workstation more ergonomic. Make sure your working surface is at the proper height, and your

computer screen is at eye level, so you don’t have to lean forward. Consider ergonomic office equipment that is designed to promote proper posture and back support. You can also consider using a Swiss ball (or exercise ball) as your desk chair to work your core and protect your back.

3. TAKE A BREAK

If you’ve ever been to a baseball game, you know how nice standing up for the seventh-inning stretch feels. Even though it’s a sedentary activity, sitting puts a strain on your back. Once an hour, if possible, take a few minutes and give your back a break by standing up and slowly stretching.

Carefully place your hands on your lower back and gently arch backward. Take a walk to the break room, another room in your remote workplace or take a lap around the office. You can even try some simple desk exercises like neck stretches and shoulder rolls. A break not only protects your back but can also

refresh your mind so you can return to your work with sharp focus.

“Good musculoskeletal health is not just about treating problems when they arise; it’s about taking proactive steps to prevent them in the first place,” said Dr. Alan S. Hilibrand, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery. “By maintaining proper ergonomics at our workstations and building the strength of our core stabilizing muscles we can significantly reduce the risk of developing debilitating chronic or debilitating back pain and related conditions.”

For more strategies on how to take care of your back at home and work, contact your health care provider:

 Call Hutchinson Health at 320234-3290, or visit tinyurl.com/yh93n7er.

 Call Glencoe Regional Health at 320-864-3121, or visit grhsonline.org.

 Call Meeker Memorial and Clinics at 320-693-3233, or visit meekermemorial.org.

Source: Brandpoint

Thousands of lives could be saved if more people would get screened for lung cancer

BY DR. DANIEL J. BOFFA

Chair

of

the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Quality Assurance and Data Committee

Lung cancer takes the lives of about 127,000 people in the United States annually — nearly the same number of people who will die from colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. And yet 1 out of 5 people who smoked could have saved their life with a simple test — a low-dose CT scan — catching the cancer before it spreads to lymph nodes and other vital organs.

Tragically, this simple test — one of our best weapons against one of the most dangerous cancers — is not being used frequently enough. As a result, tens of thousands of people are lost each year to a disease they could have beaten.

As a surgeon who cares for lung cancer patients and a leader with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, I have heard many reasons from people over the years about why they have not participated in lung cancer screening. We need to get past these barriers to save more lives. I would like to openly respond to some of the concerns I have heard to hopefully convince more people to seek out screening.

 I cannot afford it. Screening for lung cancer with a yearly CT scan is covered by many insurance plans, including

Medicare and Medicaid. If you are 50 or older and smoked or still smoke, ask your doctor if you are eligible for lung cancer screening.

 I am not ready to quit smoking. Although there are great benefits to quitting tobacco smoking, quitting is not mandatory to be screened for lung cancer.

 I have not smoked in years, so I would have already gotten cancer by now. Lung cancer can show up many years after you quit.

 I feel fine; I don’t have any symptoms. Screening works by finding cancers early. If you wait until you have symptoms, the cancer is much more likely to have already spread.

 The treatment is worse than the cancer. Newer treatments are less toxic and less invasive with fewer side effects and complications. Importantly, screening works by finding early cancers, which are generally easier to treat for patients.

 I am claustrophobic. The CT scan is completely open and only takes a few minutes.

 I don’t have a ride. Many screening programs can help arrange transportation.

 If they find something, there is nothing they can do anyway. Screening works by finding more curable cancers.

 My primary care provider never brought up screening for lung cancer.

 In medicine, “no news” is not always “good news.” Just ask.

“ReflectingOurHearts ThroughOurHandssince1989”

 I smoked, so whatever happens, I did it to myself. Nobody deserves to die of lung cancer. Nobody. The question is not about blame, but accountability. If you made the choice to smoke, then you need to be accountable to the people who count on you.

 I am scared. Nobody wants to look for something they don’t want to find. I am terrified every time I get a colonoscopy. I don’t want to become a cancer patient, and I don’t want to stop my life to be treated. The reality is, cancer is a common experience, and about 40% of us will get some form of cancer in our lifetime. Why not catch it early, when the treatment is easier, and a cure is most likely?

The author Scott Turow once wrote that “courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to proceed in spite of it.”

Be brave for your family and friends; for those you help, and for those who could use your help. Be brave for those who already were, and lost, or for those who wished they had another chance to be.

If you are 50 or older and smoked or still smoke, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening.

Dr. Daniel Boffa is a professor of thoracic surgery, division chief of thoracic surgery, and clinical director of the Center for Thoracic Cancers at the Yale School of Medicine. Committed to increasing the survival rate of cancer patients, Dr. Boffa’s clinical research focuses on early detection of lung cancer and preventing tumor metastasis.

Source: Brandpoint

Be prepared for the winter virus season

Every season comes with its pros and cons. Winter is no exception — with cozy sweaters and Sunday football, we also get clunky jackets, icy roads and winter viruses. And while there are many things about winter that we love, one thing is for sure: We want to avoid severe illness from viruses like flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. CDC anticipates a rise in these viruses this winter, which can put a strain on our healthcare system.

But there’s good news: This year we’re in our strongest position yet to protect ourselves from the most severe complications from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Fortunately, there are safe and effective immunizations, proven treatments, and common-sense precautions we can take that will help protect ourselves and our loved ones.

While you might not be able to prevent your favorite football team from losing or

Submitted photo

handwashing, and staying home when you are sick to help protect you and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Depending on your risk, you might consider wearing a high-quality wellfitting mask and opening windows to keep air moving when possible as part of these everyday preventive actions.

your favorite sweater from shrinking in the wash, you can protect yourself from catching a respiratory virus that will stop you from enjoying all the winter fun. Below are the top three steps you can take to protect yourself and others during this winter virus season.

 Vaccinate: Make sure you and

your loved ones are up-to-date on recomended preventive actions such as updated COVID-19 vaccine and RSV vaccine or immunization.

 Prevent: In addition to vaccination, you can take other CDC-recommended preventive actions such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequent

 Treat: There are treatments for some respiratory illnesses including flu and COVID-19. If you are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, RSV, or COVID-19, talk to a healthcare provider about what to do if you get sick and follow their treatment advice.

Stay protected against viruses to make the most of this winter season. Learn more about which vaccines are right for you and additional details on how to stay safe this season by visiting cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses.

Source: Brandpoint

To protect yourself from viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV, talk to your healthcare provider to fi nd out your best course of prevention.

Focus on your sight and health to ward off vision loss from diabetes

Anoften silent condition that can steal vision, diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that may have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in workingage Americans. The condition affects nearly 8 million Americans, and that number is expected to double by 2050. Thankfully, people with diabetes who recognize their risk of vision complications and get regular dilated eye exams, learn the signs and symptoms to watch for, and seek expert treatment from a retina specialist can protect their sight.

A 2023 survey of 1,000 Americans 40 or older commissioned by the American Society of Retina Specialists, or ASRS, revealed a frightening lack of knowledge about diabetic retinopathy that could put millions at risk for vision loss. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Americans 40 or older (64%) did not know that one of the causes of spots or floaters in their vision is due to diabetic retinopathy. And more than half who

took the survey (51%) did not know that people with diabetes who have high blood pressure are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy.

“A diabetes diagnosis means many aspects of a person’s health may be impacted including vision, yet awareness about the risk factors for and symptoms of diabetic eye disease remains too low,” said ASRS Foundation President Dr. Judy E. Kim. “Everyone with diabetes and those at risk for the condition should pay special attention to their vision.”

To get started, learn the ABCDE and S of healthy habits to prevent vision loss from diabetes. This six-letter range of lifestyle practices can help ease or end retina damage from diabetic retinopathy.

 A: Keep track of your A1C and work to manage your levels, as poor blood sugar control over time can worsen diabetic retinopathy.

 B: Control blood pressure as much as possible. High blood pressure affects the blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina.

 C: Rein in high cholesterol to avoid a build-up of plaque that can clog blood vessels and damage eyes.

 D: Commit to disciplined eating or healthy eating, with an emphasis on colorful fresh vegetables, fatty coldwater fish, nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids and foods high in fiber.

 E: Stay active and make regular exercise part of your routine. Being active improves insulin resistance and helps control obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, which benefits eye health.

 S: Just say no to smoking. Smoking can lead to vision loss and blindness and quitting can significantly improve eye health.

Awareness of diabetic retinopathy risks and symptoms is also crucial to protecting vision. Anyone who has diabetes — including Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes — is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Additional factors that can increase the risk include:

 Disease duration: The longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of

developing diabetic retinopathy

 Poor control of blood sugar levels over time

 Hypertension (high blood pressure)

 Kidney disease

 High cholesterol levels

 Pregnancy

Many people have diabetic retinopathy for a long time without symptoms. By the time symptoms occur, substantial damage may have occurred. Symptoms may include:

 Blurred or distorted vision

 Difficulty reading

 The appearance of spots — commonly called “floaters” — in your vision

 A shadow across the field of vision

 Eye pressure

 Difficulty with color perception

For more information about diabetic retinopathy, visit SeeforaLifetime. org/DiabeticRetinopathy. To find your retina specialist, visit FindYourRetinaSpecialist.org.

Source: Brandpoint

Your Medicare annual wellness visit:

Preventive care and health planning at no extra cost

Most of us know that it’s important to see a doctor for an annual checkup. During your working years, that annual checkup typically means a full physical. But once you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll likely start hearing about something called an annual wellness visit.

Unlike a standard head-to-toe physical, an annual wellness visit is primarily focused on preventive care, health screenings and wellness planning. It gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your health status and goals — then create a long-term plan to help you meet those goals and maximize your well-being.

While Original Medicare doesn’t cover an annual physical, some Medicare Advantage plans do. However, everyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an annual wellness visit at no additional cost. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes coverage for an annual comprehensive physical exam, ask your provider if the annual wellness visit and the physical can be scheduled during the same visit.

The misconception that the annual wellness visit is the same as a physical could be part of the reason why so few Medicare enrollees take advantage of the benefit — only about 23% of beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare attended a wellness visit.

Below you’ll find an overview of what to expect from your annual wellness visit — and hopefully the motivation to schedule one.

TAKING STOCK OF YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY

Your doctor’s office may send you a form ahead of your appointment that includes a list of questions. Filling out this form in advance can help ensure your doctor has a thorough understanding of your health history and

You may have chosen a health care surrogate or a proxy who will speak on your behalf should you ever become too sick to speak for yourself. If so, bring a copy of your completed forms to your appointment. If you haven’t made your choices yet, this is a good time to get your physician’s advice on your personal advance care planning.

AN RX FOR A PRODUCTIVE MEDICATION REVIEW

Getting a full rundown of all your vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements and prescription medications can help the doctor spot potential drug interactions that could be harmful to your health. They will also want to ensure you have a complete understanding of each medication, its purpose and any potential side effects.

Make a list, including how often you take each medication and the dosage. Or, bring all your pill bottles with you to your appointment and show them to the provider.

STATS AND SCREENINGS

also remind you of questions you might want to raise at the appointment.

If you don’t get a form before your visit, you should still be prepared to be as detailed as possible when describing any past medical procedures and illnesses. Knowing specific diagnoses and dates will certainly help, but even giving a rough description of any major medical events in your life will help your physician understand both your past and current medical issues. Your primary care provider will review your relevant medical history,

including major illnesses, surgeries, your current medical condition and medications you’re taking.

THE WHO’S WHO OF YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM

Keeping you healthy is a group effort, and the primary care provider you see for your wellness visit will want to know who’s part of your health care team. So be prepared to give the person conducting your visit a list of your current health care providers, including contact information and field of specialty.

A clinician will check your height, weight and blood pressure, and then your provider will likely ask you some questions, including how you have been feeling recently. These questions are designed to test your cognitive function and screen you for depression. Answer them as honestly as possible and come to the appointment well rested so you can perform your best on the tests.

CREATING A WELLNESS PLAN

After completing all tests and assessments, your provider will be ready to assess your current health status and work with you to develop a plan to meet your health goals. That plan will address how to treat your current conditions and how to help prevent future health problems. If you have any risk factors for developing new conditions, your provider will give you some options for managing those risks.

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When you are prepared, your annual wellness visit is more than just an office visit. It is your opportunity to take charge of your health and help ensure you’re on the right path to living the life you want.

You can also set up a schedule for preventive care or screening tests and discuss treatment options for any newly diagnosed conditions.

Don’t be shy to ask questions throughout the annual wellness visit; your provider may have more time than usual to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

It’s also important to be honest about your health goals. Not everyone sets out to exercise daily or lose 10 pounds in the next year — and that’s OK. Maybe your goal is to ride a bike with your grandkids around the neighborhood or to cut back on your alcohol consumption. Whatever your health goals are, your provider can’t help you reach them if they don’t know about them. So be as open and honest as possible during your visit.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

To avoid surprises, pay attention to these details as you get your visit on the calendar:

 Make sure the appointment is

scheduled specifically as an annual wellness visit, or the provider may bill it as a normal office visit, which could be subject to a copay, depending on your plan.

 If your provider orders a test during the annual wellness visit, you may be charged any applicable lab or diagnostic copay for the recommended services.

THE BOTTOM LNE

When you are prepared, your annual wellness visit is more than just an office visit. It is your opportunity to take charge of your health and help ensure you’re on the right path to living the life you want. If you haven’t scheduled yours yet, use this as the push you need to get it on your calendar. It could be one of the most important conversations you have all year.

To learn more about how your Medicare plan can help you access the care you need, visit uhc.com/medicare.

Source: Brandpoint

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