healthylife
Questions About Your Plan? Chat with Us Online
We’ve made it easier than ever to get the help you need—you can now chat live with a customer service representative directly from your MyBSWHealth member portal!
Just log in to your member portal through MyBSWHealth.com or the MyBSWHealth app and follow these steps:
1. In the left-hand navigation menu, click Insurance & Bill Pay.
2. Then select Baylor Scott & White Health Plan.
3. Click on Claims, Deductible, or Plan Benefits.
4. Look for the blue chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
5. Click the icon and follow the prompts to start chatting. HealthyLife is published by Baylor Scott & White Health Plan. The information is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Developed by Krames, a WebMD Ignite solution. © 2025 Printed in U.S.A.
Summer Lovin’
Can you believe we’re past the halfway point for the year? I hope the sweltering Texas heat isn’t keeping you from having a little summer fun. Perhaps you’re traveling or spending extra time with the grandchildren now that they’re out of school.
No matter your plans, your health and safety come first—especially related to summer heat. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you’re outside and drink water throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration is especially prevalent for people over the age of 60 because the sense of thirst fades as you get older. Learn exactly how much water you need daily and how to stay hydrated on page 3.
clutter around the house can all cause you to lose your balance. Turn to page 4 for practical tips on how to lower your risk of a fall.
One way to reduce your risk of falling is by having a regular routine of physical activity. Exercise helps you strengthen muscles and improve your coordination. Whether you’re swimming, playing summer sports, or simply going for a walk, you may want to consider getting a fitness tracker to track your movement. Learn more about the benefits of fitness trackers (and how to get one at no cost if you’re a BSW SeniorCare Advantage member) on page 8.
Another common concern among older adults is falling. Chronic conditions, some medications, and
Finally, I’d like to thank those of you who attended the SeniorCare Celebration in May. If you took pictures, we’d love to see them. Flip to the back of this newsletter for information on how to send us your photos; you might see your smiling face in the next issue.
Robert Waterhouse, MD, MBA, HSM
Chief Medical Officer/Senior Vice President
Baylor Scott & White Value-Based Care and Baylor Scott & White Health Plan
Water, Water Everywhere Tips for Beating Dehydration
Dehydration can be sneaky—and not just in the summertime. As you age, your sense of thirst can fade, and you might not feel the need to drink, even when your body desperately craves more fl uids.
This is why many older Americans aren’t getting enough water.
Dehydration affects up to onequarter of adults ages 60 and older—a simple problem with potentially serious consequences.
The Downsides of Dryness
Dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty. The stakes are much higher than that. Running low on fl uids can lead to complications such as:
Urinary tract infections
Heatstroke
Kidney failure
Heart problems
Dehydration can also affect your coordination, increasing the risk for falls and injuries—a major concern for that age group.
Why Dehydration Is Hard to Spot
So why isn’t it caught sooner? In older adults, the signs can be easily mistaken for other health issues. Dehydration symptoms include:
Less frequent urination
Darker-colored urine
Dizziness
Fatigue
Muscle cramps in arms or legs
Dry mouth
Headaches
When you’re mildly dehydrated, drinking lots of water is key. But seek medical help immediately if you feel faint, become confused, have rapid breathing or heartbeat, or can’t urinate at all. You may need fl uids through an IV.
Drink to Your Health
The good news is that preventing dehydration is pretty straightforward: water, water, and more water! Start with estimating your daily intake: Divide your weight in pounds by three, then aim for that many ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, target 50 ounces of water every day.
To get there, follow these tips:
Keep a lightweight pitcher and cup by your favorite chair and at your bedside.
Set an alarm to remind you to sip water regularly.
Cut back on alcohol. It’s a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to remove fl uids from your bloodstream.
Include water-rich foods in meals and snacks. Think cucumbers, watermelon, and low-sodium broths and soups.
Switch it up by trying caloriefree fl avored water, milk, decaf coffee, or herbal tea.
One last word of caution: You might need more water when you exercise, in hot and humid conditions, and if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea. If you have other medical conditions or take medications, talk with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
BALANCING ACT
Take Steps to Prevent Falls and Maintain Your Independence
Falls are a serious health concern for adults ages 65 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in four older adults falls each year. However, falls can be prevented. By following steps to prevent falls, you can reduce injuries, improve your quality of life, and stay as independent as possible.
Why Fall Prevention
Matters
Falls can have a big impact. When you take steps to prevent falls, you:
1. Lower your chance of getting hurt. Falls often result in injuries like broken bones, head injury, and
bruises. Broken bones, like a broken hip or shoulder, can lead to a long hospital stay, less mobility, and longterm health challenges. Preventing falls helps avoid these injuries.
2. Maintain your independence. A fall can lead to a fear of falling again. This fear may cause you to limit activities, leading to physical decline, social isolation, and loss of independence. By preventing falls, you can remain active in your community.
3. Reduce healthcare costs. Fall injuries may need surgery, hospitalization, and physical
therapy—all of which can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in copays.
Preventing falls is about avoiding injury, staying independent, and maintaining your quality of life. Small changes can make a big difference. Take steps today to lower your fall risks and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Risk Factors for Falls
Understanding the causes of falling is the fi rst step in prevention. Falls are often the result of:
Muscle weakness, poor balance, and chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease
Medications like sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness
Cluttered walkways, loose rugs, poor lighting, and slippery fl oors
Ways to Lower the Chance of a Fall 1. Stay active.
Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances coordination. Activities like walking, yoga, tai chi, and strength training help prevent falls. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.
2. Review medications. Talk with your provider or pharmacist about all your medications, including overthe-counter medications and supplements. They can identify medications that may cause side effects, like dizziness, and can adjust your medications as needed.
3. Make your home safe.
Clean and declutter: Keep floors clear of tripping hazards like cords, shoes, and rugs. Use nonskid floor wax and wipe up spills right away. If you use a walker or cane, replace and clean the rubber tips regularly.
Improve lighting: Make sure areas are well-lit. Pay close attention to lighting in staircases and hallways. Use night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Install safety features: Add grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on staircases, and nonslip mats in the kitchen and bathtub.
Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes with nonslip soles and good support. Avoid walking in socks or slippers without grips.
If you feel that your environment is unsafe due to clutter or other fall hazards, our CareNav+ program can help. Call 833.818.1339, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
4. Be aware of fall risks in the community, like:
Cracks in pavement, uneven sidewalks, raised curbs
Poor lighting
Slippery or wet areas
Crowded public areas
5. Use assistive devices if needed. If you have balance or mobility issues, use an assistive device like a cane or walker. These devices help with stability and lower the chance of falling. Talk with your provider if you feel you need an assistive device.
Use caution with rugs. Avoid rugs on floors. If you use rugs, make sure they have a nonslip backing and edges are taped down. Use nonslip mats near sinks and showers to absorb water.
6. Manage chronic conditions. Work with your healthcare provider to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Managing symptoms helps lower the chance of falls.
What to Do if You Fall
Falls can still happen even if you follow fall prevention steps. Know what to do if you fall to minimize injury and help you recover quickly.
Stay calm. Take a moment to check for injuries.
Get up safely. Roll onto your side, then slowly get on your hands and knees. Use a sturdy piece of furniture to help yourself up. If you cannot get up, call for help using a medical alert device or phone.
Seek medical attention. If you fall, tell your provider, even if you don’t feel injured. Falls can be a sign of health issues that need attention.
Source: National Council on Aging
Mason Jar 7 Layer Salad
Who says salads have to be boring? Try this picture-perfect summer salad that’s loaded with protein and other nutrients to keep you fueled for the day.
Ingredients
2 tbsps. low-fat ranch dressing
⅔ cup frozen peas, thawed
1 ½ cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup sliced cucumbers
½ cup diced green onions
1 slice of turkey bacon, sliced finely
1 hard-boiled egg white, sliced
2 tbsps. low-fat, shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. In a quart-sized Mason jar, pour ranch dressing.
2. Top with peas, then layer with lettuce, cucumbers, green onions, turkey bacon, egg white, and shredded cheese.
3. Seal with top. To serve, pour salad into bowl.
Per Serving
A serving is 1 Mason Jar Salad: 222 calories, 10 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 22 mg cholesterol, 0 g trans fat, 511 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates, 4 g sugar, 5 g fiber, and 12 g protein.
Where to Go for Care
You have many options when it comes to care. Know which provider is best for not just your condition—but also your budget.
Not sure which type of provider to choose? See which scenario below sounds most like you.
I have a medical concern, but I’m not sure if I should see a doctor.
24-hour nurse line. Call 877.505.7947 (TTY: 711) to talk with a nurse.
I’m not feeling well, but it’s not an emergency. I can’t make it to the doctor right now.
Virtual care. Get care from the comfort of home on your phone, tablet, or computer with MyBSWHealth or Teladoc. It’s quick, easy, and has $0 copay. Best for issues like allergies, bladder infection, cold, fl u, pink eye, quitting tobacco, sinus infections, stomach problems, and yeast infections.
It’s not an emergency, and I’d prefer to see a doctor in person.
Primary care doctor. Primary care visits are $0 copay.
Best for preventive care and conditions like allergies, bladder infection, cold, flu, diabetes, earaches, headaches, high blood pressure, pink eye, sinus infections, sore throat, sprains, stomach problems, well-woman exams, and yeast infections.
It’s not an emergency, and my doctor is not available.
Walk-in clinic. A walk-in clinic can offer you same-day care.
Best for conditions like asthma, bladder infections, ear or sinus pain, fl u, sore throats, or sprains.
It’s not an emergency, but I need care and can’t wait for an appointment.
Urgent care. Urgent care clinics will be able to see you quickly. Depending on your plan, your copay may be $40 or $50.
Best for conditions like allergies, asthma, back pain, bladder infections, cold, fl u, dehydration, earaches, headaches, high blood pressure, minor burns, minor eye injuries, minor cuts that may need stitches, pink eye, sinus infections, sore throats, sprains, stomach problems, and yeast infections.
This is a life-threatening emergency. I need care now.
Emergency room. Only visit the ER if you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. This is your most expensive option. Best for issues like chest pain, deep cuts or wounds, difficulty breathing, poisoning, overdoses and suicidal behavior, severe abdominal pain, coughing or vomiting blood, severe burns or head injuries, sudden loss of balance, vision changes, facial droop, or arm or leg weakness.
Did you attend our SeniorCare Celebration in Temple, Texas, on May 20? Email your photos to Samantha.Calimbahin@ BSWHealth.org for a chance to be featured in the next issue of Healthy Life. Be sure to include your full name in the email, with your photos attached. We can’t wait to see your pics!
How Fitness Trackers Help You Get Moving
Need a little motivation to get more exercise? Consider getting a fitness tracker.
Health and fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes with a range of different abilities. And some do more than just monitor your movement—certain models can track how long and how well you sleep. Others can check the regularity of your heartbeat. Some can even call emergency medical assistance if you fall.
But, like most devices, it’s what you do with it that matters. So whichever one you choose, put it on and keep moving!
Here are four ways a little technology might help move you:
1. Real-time feedback. Fitness trackers can monitor things like your number of active minutes, distance, pace, heart rate, and steps. This can help you stay on track during a workout or over the course of your day.
2. Progress over time. Some devices can sync to your computer, tablet, or smartphone, so you can view all your activity details in one place. This makes it easier to see how far you’ve come and help you pick your next goal.
3. Friendly competition. If your friends or family also have fitness trackers, you can compare results and keep each other accountable. Have fun challenging yourself or others.
4. Achieve together. Some apps let you post photos so you can cheer each other on.
Get Your No-Cost Fitness Tracker
BSW SeniorCare Advantage members— did you know that you can get a Fitbit® or Garmin® fitness tracker at no cost?
With your Silver&Fit® benefit, you have access to one Home Fitness Kit per benefit year.* Simply visit SilverandFit.com and select the Fitbit® or Garmin® Wearable Fitness Tracker Kit. Once you choose a kit, you will get an online promo code. Follow the instructions for how to redeem the code. Your kit will be mailed to you. Shipping times for kits may vary.
For questions, call the Silver&Fit program toll-free at 1.877.427.4788 (TTY/TDD: 711), Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
*Home Fitness Kit promo codes cannot be used in combination with any other promotions on thirdparty vendor websites. Promo codes will expire at the end of the benefit year. Once selected, kits cannot be exchanged.
The Silver&Fit program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Please talk with your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine. Silver&Fit is a trademark of ASH and is used with permission herein. Other names and logos may be trademarks of their respective owners. Kits are subject to change, including the color of items within the kit.