Governor’s Wellness Initiative
Prevention Special Edition 2019 Inside this issue‌ Preventive care Quitting tobacco Healthy pregnancy Diabetes management Help for substance abuse
PREVENTION RULES in the world of health care You go to the clinic when you’re sick, but don’t forget that it’s equally important to see your provider when you’re well. Preventive health care is the best way to stay healthy by treating and detecting preventable diseases. In fact, chronic diseases are best treated when caught early, and the best way to catch them early is through preventive screenings. Preventive screenings, tests and services are available for children, adults and pregnant women throughout their lives. As a Sanford Health Plan member, you are eligible for free or low-cost preventive care. We encourage you to utilize your preventive care benefits to keep you and your family healthy. This may include: • Colorectal cancer screening for adults age 50 and older • Breast cancer screening for women age 40 and older • Cervical cancer screening for women age 21 and older • Immunizations • Yearly wellness exam for children and adults • Depression screening • Sexually transmitted disease screening • Breastfeeding supplies for new moms
Contact customer service at (800) 499-3416 or view your Certificate of Insurance (COI) for full details on how your preventive care will be covered. Find your COI in your mySanfordHealthPlan account at sanfordhealthplan.com/memberlogin.
First trimester: What to expect Q&A When should I have my first prenatal doctor’s visit? Most first visits happen between 10 and 12 weeks, but could be sooner in high risk situations. If you are experiencing severe morning sickness, bleeding, pain, or have complex medical problems that could affect your pregnancy, you may need to be seen sooner. What symptoms can I expect during this time? Common symptoms include: • Nausea and vomiting (any time of day, not just morning)
• V aginal bleeding/spotting (see your doctor if this occurs)
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness What can I do to feel better? • Eat small, frequent, healthy meals to provide energy and help with nausea • D rink plenty of fluids during the day, then slow your intake several hours before bed to help avoid disturbing your sleep to use the bathroom • T o combat fatigue, try stretching, deep breathing exercises or a brisk walk around the block • Take naps during the day if possible, and move up your regular bedtime What changes will I see in my body? • Increased heart rate and respiratory rate • Decreased ability to tolerate exercise or physical activity • Hair and nail changes, possible acne NDPERS Sanford Health Plan members are eligible to participate in the Healthy Pregnancy Program. Get information and support from a registered nurse throughout your pregnancy, plus free prenatal vitamins and more. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program and how you could save up to $850 in pregnancy expenses.
TOP TIPS
for quitting tobacco
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: Make a plan
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et a quit date. Give yourself some time to prepare for this change in your life, then stick to it. S Make a list of all the reasons you want to quit. Refer to this list often as motivation. Make a list of the positive things you can do to distract yourself when you get the urge to smoke or chew. Set small milestones to strive for, and reward yourself when you reach them.
: Commit to changing your behavior
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Stay away from places or people that make you want to smoke or chew. Don’t keep tobacco near you. Keep up other healthy habits like exercising, drinking water and eating healthy foods. Practice meditation or deep breathing to combat cravings.
: Talk to your doctor
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ell your primary care provider that you’d like to quit smoking. They may have resources or recommendations for you. T Discuss if and when you should have a lung cancer screening. A sk if prescription or over the counter medication could help. Counseling may also be an option. CLICK HERE or call (877) 737-7730 to learn more about the NDPERS Tobacco Cessation Program. Eligible members can receive $700 every six months to help pay for the costs of quitting tobacco.
: Get support
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ell your friends and family about your plan to quit. They can encourage you, and hold you accountable. T Get connected with your state’s quit line at (800) QUIT-NOW. Check with your local clinics and hospitals for support groups or workshops. Sanford Health Plan members are eligible for tobacco cessation coaching with a certified health and wellness coach.
: Don’t give up
• If you have a setback, remind yourself of all the reasons you want to quit. Use them as motivation to stay on track. • If you’ve tried to quit in the past without success, try a new approach this time around. • Keep trying different techniques, avoiding triggers, figuring out how to get over your cravings, and celebrating the progress you make.
MANAGING
type 2 diabetes Maintaining a regular schedule of office visits, and developing a trusted relationship with your doctor are key in managing type 2 diabetes. DEVELOP A PLAN At your first visit, work with your doctor to develop a plan for managing your diabetes. Include: • Goals for: ü Blood sugar (A1C, fasting) ü Weight ü Blood pressure ü Physical activity ü Cholesterol and blood fat levels • A ction steps to help you reach these goals • Medicine schedule • Nutrition plan • Check-up schedule FOLLOW-UP VISITS At each of your check-ups, remember to address the following topics: • How you’ve been feeling • B lood sugar tracking and other records you keep • Any major changes in your life • C hanges to, or concerns about medications • Check your feet • New signs or symptoms Get extra support from a local pharmacist by joining the About the Patient diabetes management program. NDPERS Sanford Health Plan members may qualify to have copay and/or coinsurance charges reimbursed for certain diabetes visits and supplies. CLICK HERE to learn more.
OVERCOMING substance abuse More than half of all adults with severe mental disorders are further impaired by substance use disorders (abuse or dependence related to alcohol or other drugs). Considerable evidence from population-based and clinical studies support a positive association between social determinant adversity, negative emotions, and chronic distress and addiction vulnerability. Questions that are helpful to ask yourself in assessing possible substance abuse: • Have friends or family members expressed concern about my alcohol or drug use? • Has alcohol or drug use caused problems in my relationships? • Have I ever felt I should cut down on drinking or drug use? • Have I tried to cut back, but couldn’t?
Stressors that are highly emotional or distressing events that are uncontrollable and unpredictable can increase the addiction to alcohol and drug use. There is hope by receiving treatment at the same time for both the mental health diagnosis and substance abuse. This is the best approach to developing healthy coping skills and strengthening relationships. For assistance in finding the right treatment program for you, contact Sanford Health Plan behavioral health team at (877) 652-1847 or the EAP services available with your agency.
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