Health Education

Members are entitled to take certain health education classes at no charge. These classes are held at locations throughout Santa Clara County. Most classes are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Classes, sponsored by local agencies, include: Asthma Diabetes Management & Prevention First Aid/CPR Childbirth preparation In addition, VHP offers wellness and health promotion classes to Members on:

Yoga Tai Chi Zumba and Weight management. Health Education provides classes and programs, health education materials and services. For VHP Members, call VHP’s Health Education Department at (408) 885-3490, e-mail healtheducation@vhp.sccgov.org or visit our Web site www.valleyhealthplan.org for a list of current classes. For SCFHP Members, call Santa Clara Family Health Plan–Network 2 at 1-800-260-2055. To refer Members to health education classes, please contact the Health Education Department directly. The following information will be required: Member information (name, DOB, VHP ID# contact information) Physician contact information (phone and fax) Preferred Language Indicate class requesting for Member Any comments specific to Members’ needs

VHP providers may request selected materials free of charge. These materials have been reviewed for cultural & linguistic standards and are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Topics include asthma, diabetes, domestic violence, smoking cessation, and health education. To obtain an order form and packet of sample materials, call (408) 885-3490 or e-mail healtheducation@vhp.sccgov.org To request materials on a specific topic, please contact the Health Education Department directly. Studies show that patients learn the most from printed materials that are: Written in simple language and without medical jargon Formatted with plenty of white space Highlighted topic areas with easy-to-read headers Reflect the experiences of the intended audience in the text and illustrations Written in the primary language of the Member. Health education evaluates patient education materials for reading level, content and layout, please fill out the Health Education Materials Readability Evaluation Form (see Section 15: Forms).

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The following tips are useful when teaching a Member: Assess the Member’s knowledge and readiness to learn. Start with basic information. Use everyday language. Speak clearly and position eyes at the Member’s eye level. Demonstrate during explanation. Try to include family Members or a caregiver in the discussion. Use an interactive approach, i.e. let the Member participate actively in the discussion. Have the Member demonstrate understanding of material.

The following suggestions may help providers use educational materials more effectively: Preview the material. Use the material as a discussion tool. Personalize the material for the Member. Suggest ways the Member can use the material at home.