feed the snack attack! - Coventry Health Care of Missouri

WWW. GH P. C OM
CHRISTY TURLINGTON SPEAKS OUT ABOUT SMOKING
r
page 6
ivingwell
FALL 2009
A COVENTRY HEALTH CARE/GHP MAGAZINE
FEED THE
SNACK ATTACK!
How to stock a
healthy pantry
PAGE
13
FOR THE
WISE GUYS
The tests men need
to stay healthy
PAGE
3
URAC
ACCREDITED
HEALTH PLAN
12
TIPS FOR THE TIMES
Walk to
to burn
burn calories—not
weight—not cash.
Walk
cash.
At restaurants, tighten your belt
At
byrestaurants,
splitting an tighten
entrée. your belt
by splitting an entrée.
Use teachable moments to help
kidsteachable
learn about
managing
money.
Use
moments
to help
learn
about
managing money.
SEEkids
PAGE
8 FOR
MORE
HE ALTH SPARKS
turkey time
NIGHT OWLS
This holiday season, don’t
send guests home with a case
of food poisoning. To be safe:
Thaw meat in the refrigerator or microwave, never on
the countertop.
Cook stuffing in a separate
dish, or look for frozen prestuffed turkeys that have
a USDA or state mark of
inspection on them. Cook
these turkeys from frozen,
without thawing first.
A recent study shows
that what time you
go to bed may be
as important as how
many hours you sleep.
And remember: A whole
turkey is safe when cooked
to a minimum internal temperature of 165° F. Now go
gobble it up!
beware!
Men who went to
bed before midnight
had much less arterial
stiffening—a precursor to hardening of the
arteries—than men
who hit the sack later,
regardless of the number of hours they slept.
Presented at this
year’s American College of Cardiology
Scientific Session,
the study looked at
251 healthy men and
their sleep habits.
Researchers speculate
that going to bed later
may disturb habitual,
biological sleep patterns. They suggest
that there may be
benefits to matching
sleep habits to the
body’s natural biological demands.
1/2 cup
Bring along
of walnuts
with you for a filling, cancerfighting, good-for-your-heart snack.
Three Steps to Winter Safety
AS THE TEMPERATURE
DROPS, you’ll be kicking on
the furnace or cozying up to
a nice warm fire. As you do,
the U.S. Fire Administration
recommends these steps
(among others) to avoid a
house fire:
Have your furnace
inspected each season to
make sure it’s working properly.
1l
Have your fireplace
and chimney inspected
annually, and possibly cleaned.
2l
3l
If you use a space heater,
never leave it unattended.
Coventry’s health plans and insurance companies operate under the names: Altius Health Plans, Coventry Health Care, Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company, Carelink
Health Plans, First Health, FirstHealth Services, Group Health Plan, HealthAmerica, HealthAssurance, HealthCare USA, OmniCare, PersonalCare, Southern Health, Vista Healthplans
and WellPath. LivingWell is published by McMurry. ©2009. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written
permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not take the place of—the recommendations of your health care provider. Consult your
physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. McMurry makes no endorsements or warranties regarding any of the products and services included
in this publication or its articles. ©2009 ANDREW MARKS/CORBIS (PAGE 6)
2
livingwell
*
Women, Know Your Rights
The Women’s Health and Cancer
Rights Act (WHCRA) is a federal law
that requires most insurers, HMOs or
Surgery and reconstruction of the
other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance.
group-sponsored health plans that
Prostheses and treatment of
provide benefits for mastectomies
physical complications of all
to also cover reconstructive surgery
stages of mastectomy, including
and prostheses after a mastectomy.
In particular, the law requires that
lymphedemas.
This coverage will be provided
if your plan covers mastectomies
in consultation with you and your
and if you choose breast reconstruc-
doctor. Please share this informa-
tion after the mastectomy, benefits
tion with your family members
also must be provided for:
covered under your plan, and keep
Reconstruction of the affected
this notice with your official plan
breast.
documents.
KEEP ON THE
sunny side
Studies indicate that maintaining an optimistic attitude
can impact your health and
got healthy
drinks?
well-being, including your
Separating kids from the sweet stuff can be
challenging, but a recent study published
in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent
Medicine suggests that replacing sugar-
ability to manage stress.
So the next time you feel
stressed, stop and examine
sweetened beverages with water can be an
your mindset. If you’re only
easy way to keep kids at a healthy weight.
seeing the negative aspects
To tempt your kids’ taste buds for healthier drinks, try adding a squeeze of lemon,
lime, orange or grapefruit, or even a bit of
mashed berries, to water or sparkling water.
You can also make fruit-juice ice cubes.
Milk is another good beverage choice
for kids. They need calcium and vitamins,
of a situation, look for something positive and engage
in “positive self-talk.” You
might find that a little practice helps you stay on the
bright side.
so the calories they get are healthy ones.
Adding a touch of chocolate or strawberry
flavoring can make milk tastier with few
extra calories.
going GREEN!
This issue of Living Well is
printed on lightweight, 50-percent
post-consumer recycled paper.
r
livingwell
3
IN SE ASON
How Long
Will My
Cold Last?
Days 1-4 After you
catch a cold, symptoms
such as an irritated nose or
scratchy throat will develop
first, followed by sneezing
and runny nose. You may
COLD
OR
FLU?
Know how to tell the difference.
also feel fatigued at the
beginning of your cold.
Days 2-5 Nasal
secretions usually become
D
uring cold and flu season, chances are
extreme exhaustion or fatigue and weakness
you or someone in your family is going
that can last up to two or three weeks. You may
to catch something. But it isn’t always
or may not have symptoms like a stuffy nose,
thicker and darker. You
easy to tell the difference between a cold and
sneezing and sore throat. But you will commonly
may also experience a
the flu, says the Centers for Disease Control
experience chest discomfort and coughing,
and Prevention (CDC). Both are respiratory
which can be severe. You can prevent some
illnesses and can cause similar symptoms.
forms of the flu with an annual flu shot, and if you
Generally, colds are milder than the flu and do
develop the flu you can shorten the duration and
not cause serious health problems. So how
severity of symptoms with antiviral medicines.
mild or moist cough,
decreased appetite,
muscle aches, postnasal
drip or a sore throat.
can you tell whether it’s a cold or the flu?
The flu can become serious and lead to
complications such as bronchitis or pneumo-
IT’S A COLD WHEN ...
nia. Seek medical care right away if you are
If it’s a cold, you probably won’t have a
having trouble breathing, feel pain or pres-
fever or a headache. You might feel a
sure in your chest or abdomen, or experience
little achy and tired, but not exhausted.
severe or persistent vomiting.
Typical symptoms include stuffy nose,
Most people recover from the flu without
sneezing, sore throat and a cough. You
complications—and the recommended steps
may develop sinus congestion or an
for getting well are pretty much the same
earache. There’s not much you can do
whether you have the flu or a cold.
Day 7 By this point, your
avoiding sick people and washing your hands
and avoid alcohol and tobacco. And don’t
cold will probably be gone.
often—and treatments only provide temporary
scoff at time-tested home remedies like
Days 7-14 Up to
symptom relief.
gargling with warm salt water to ease a sore
25 percent of people may
IT’S THE FLU WHEN ...
offers good nutrition and, according to some
experience lingering symp-
The flu, on the other hand, is usually accompa-
evidence, may relieve cold symptoms, includ-
toms, such as a cough that
nied by a fever that lasts three or four days. You
ing congestion. If nothing else, it’s inexpensive,
lasts several weeks.
may feel severe aches and pains, along with
safe and comforting. to prevent the common cold—other than
throat or eating chicken soup. Chicken soup
GOOD to
know
A common cold will rarely
cause a fever above 101˚ F.
4
livingwell
Plenty of rest is key. Drink lots of fluids
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5
SPOTLIGHT
SPEAKING OUT ABOUT
LungHealt
Smoking can do beastly things to your health—
just ask the bright and beautiful Christy Turlington.
CHRISTY TURLINGTON BURNS is the picture
Turlington successfully kicked the habit at age 25
of health. She’s a stunning supermodel whose
(she is now 40).
iconic image has graced major magazine covers
Her father, a lifelong smoker, quit smoking at
around the world. She’s passionate about yoga
about the same time, but it was too late. He was
and how it can help people improve their health and
diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and died
well-being. She’s an active mother of two, a writer
six months later.
and an advocate for causes from cancer awareness
to CARE, an international relief organization.
And she has early-stage emphysema, a chronic
Turlington quickly became an outspoken advocate for smoking cessation and the prevention of
lung disease. In 2001, she launched an aware-
lung condition that damages the air sacs in the
ness and education campaign entitled “Smoking Is
lungs.
Ugly,” which includes an award-winning website,
emphysema
www.smokingisugly.com.
is frequently diagnosed in
conjunction with chronic bronchitis, which is the
Coping With COPD
inflammation and scarring of the lining of the
When Turlington was diagnosed with emphysema,
bronchial tubes. Because these two lung diseases
a physician quoted in People magazine said her
often co-exist, they are commonly referred to as
condition should not get worse because she no lon-
a single condition: chronic obstructive pulmonary
ger smokes. And it’s a fact that quitting smoking is
disease (COPD).
the most important thing people can do to prevent
and manage lung diseases like COPD.
Early Struggles
6
livingwell
On her Smoking Is Ugly website, Turlington
Turlington, who is married to actor/director Edward
encourages everyone to quit smoking, and to keep
Burns, has admitted she began smoking when she
trying until they succeed: “The fact that tobacco-
was 12 or 13 years old and eventually smoked a
related disease and death are preventable make all
pack of cigarettes or more every day. By the time
the more reason to put forth the effort.”
she was 19, she couldn’t even climb a flight of stairs
But plenty of Americans still smoke, and many
without being short of breath. After many attempts,
of them will eventually be diagnosed with COPD if
th
they don’t kick the habit. In 2006, the American
excess mucus, wheez-
Lung Association said an estimated 12.1 million
ing, and having trouble
adults had COPD. It is the fourth leading cause of
breathing or taking a
death in the U.S. Smoking is the primary risk factor,
deep breath.
with between 80 and 90 percent of COPD deaths
If you are diagnosed
“
THE FACT THAT TOBACCORELATED DISEASE AND DEATH
ARE PREVENTABLE MAKE ALL
THE MORE REASON TO PUT
FORTH THE EFFORT.
caused by smoking. Even former smokers like
with COPD, the condition
Turlington, people with a family history of COPD,
can’t be cured or reversed, but it can be man-
or those exposed to second-hand smoke, air pol-
aged. Quitting smoking is paramount, as is avoiding
lution or occupational dusts and chemicals are at
fumes, pollutants or other substances that can
increased risk and should be tested for COPD.
irritate your lungs. It’s also important to take any
It’s especially important to be tested for COPD
”
medications your doctor prescribes and enroll in a
if you begin experiencing symptoms, which can
pulmonary rehabilitation program. Getting an annual
develop slowly and worsen over time. Symptoms
flu shot is strongly recommended, and your doctor
include persistent cough, shortness of breath,
may also want you to get a pneumonia vaccine. be a model patient Whether you are having symptoms of COPD or are simply at risk, ask your doctor about getting tested.
The test for COPD, which is called spirometry, is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that can detect COPD before symptoms become serious.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, spirometry measures
the amount of air you can blow out of your lungs and how fast you can blow it out.
All you have to do is take a deep breath and then blow out as hard and as fast
as you can into a mouthpiece that’s connected to a spirometer. The spirometer
measures your lung function and records the results for your doctor to review.
livingwell
7
STAND UP
To the Economic Downturn
Try these tips for turning negatives into positives.
U
Unless you have an unlimited source of cash (and
If you find yourself dealing with stress in a negative
who does?), chances are you’ve felt the pinch of the
manner—through unhealthy activities like smok-
current economy. And although experts continue to
ing, drinking or emotional eating—take steps to
predict that things will turn around, it doesn’t really
find healthier ways to cope. Challenges can create
take the sting out of losing a job, losing your savings
opportunities, such as giving you a chance to begin a
or just feeling lost in a sea of financial fears.
walking program to alleviate stress and maybe even
Even if you’re holding your own, it’s hard not to
feel a bit downtrodden by the daily news. But there
ward off some potentially expensive health issues in
the process.
are steps everyone can take to stay emotionally
strong in a shaky economy.
According to the American Psychological Associa-
REMEMBER, ANXIETY CAN SPREAD
Don’t ignore the impact economic stress can have on
tion (APA), even extreme stress can be managed,
your kids, especially if you’re feeling anxious yourself.
often by using techniques similar to those applied to
They’ll pick up on your mood and may become afraid
handle day-to-day tensions.
of what they’re hearing in the news or around the
The APA suggests paying attention to the state
house. The APA recommends talking with your kids
of the economy, but not getting caught up in a cycle
honestly, sharing only information that’s appropriate
of doom and gloom. Stay calm and focused on reali-
to their age. Listen to how they’re feeling and clear up
ties, not hype.
misunderstandings that may be creating anxiety for
your children.
TIME TO DITCH BAD HABITS
8
livingwell
Addressing your children’s concerns about the
It’s also helpful to identify your financial concerns and
economy also gives you an opportunity to manage their
develop a concrete plan of action. Write down specific
expectations about material goods. You can use the cur-
ways you and your family can cut costs and save
rent economy as a “teachable moment” to help your kids
money, and review the plan periodically.
learn about budgeting, saving and spending wisely. LIFEST YLE
If you’re looking to save money, look
for strategies that are good for your body
and your budget.
$10
$1,ooo
A good bottle of wine can cost up to $10 or
more, which means the expense of drinking can add up quickly.
Save money by consuming less alcohol, which can help you shed
extra pounds and may reduce your risk of certain health problems.
If you quit smoking, you could save an average of $1,000 per year or more, depending
on how much you smoke and how much
cigarettes cost where you live. Plus, quitting
smoking can help prevent a host of potentially expensive health and dental problems.
In a study sponsored by AARP,
51 percent of adults said they had
taken a generic or over-the-counter
medicine instead of a prescribed
branded drug. Generic medicines can
be a cost-saving tool. Check with your
doctor to see if a generic drug would be
right for you.
51%
1/2
275
When eating out, split
an entrée. Most restaurant portion sizes are
too big to be healthy
anyway, so you can literally tighten your belt
by saving money and
losing some weight.
Someone who weighs
160 pounds can burn about
275 calories walking at a
moderate-to-brisk pace
for one hour. So instead
of using the car for short
trips, go on foot. You’ll save
money on gas and burn
calories—enough to lose a
pound in two weeks, even
if the only lifestyle change
you make is to walk for one
hour six days a week.
60 Percent
In a recent national poll of
members of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP),
60 percent reported having seen more health problems caused
by their patients forgoing needed preventive care due to the
current recession. But preventive screenings are essential, and
far less expensive than developing a serious illness. Plus, many
of the doctors surveyed by the AAFP said they were offering free
screenings, so ask your doctor if he or she might do the same.
livingwell
9
CHRONIC CARE
Live Well With Diabetes
Be Good to
Your Body
The best way to prevent
health complications
from diabetes is to keep
your blood glucose levels
under control. Regular
Tips for staying healthy from head to toe.
diabetes
is a health condition that can impact your entire body.
But taking care of yourself can help delay or prevent the onset of diabetesrelated complications.
exercise and a healthy
EYES People with diabetes are more likely to
eating plan are also
develop eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma,
important, as is main-
diabetic retinopathy, and vision loss or blindness. Early
taining an appropriate
detection and treatment of eye problems is essential.
weight.
can Diabetes Association,
MOUTH Diabetics have a higher risk for gum
quitting smoking is one of
disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other mouth-
the most important things
related problems, and even heart disease. Practice good
you can do for your body.
oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly.
According to the Ameri-
Limiting alcohol intake is
managing stress, which
HEART Diabetes increases the risk of heart
can cause your blood
attack, stroke and complications related to poor circula-
glucose to spike.
tion. Controlling your blood glucose levels—as well as
also a smart move, as is
Last but not least, be
your blood pressure and cholesterol levels—is critical.
sure to see your doctor
regularly to monitor how
well you’re managing your
KIDNEYS High blood glucose levels can
diabetes. Your doctor
damage the kidneys over time. Prevent kidney damage
can offer guidance about
by managing blood pressure and blood glucose levels,
exercise, eating plans and
and checking for protein in the urine once a year.
other ways to take good
care of yourself.
SKIN Diabetics can be prone to skin conditions
such as bacterial or fungal infections and itching. They
may also develop skin spots and scaly patches. Most
can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.
FEET
If you have diabetes, you’re most likely to
develop foot problems if you have nerve damage or poor
blood flow in your feet. Check your feet daily for cuts,
sores or swelling, wear shoes that fit well and protect
your feet from extreme heat or cold.
10
livingwell
PRE VENTION
Don’t Just Sit There
Get the straight talk on back-friendly seating.
activity in your day, chances are you
3l
find yourself doing a lot of sitting.
hips, and rest your feet comfortably on the floor.
ven if you get plenty of physical
E
knees at about the same level as your
Being seated for long periods of time can
If your chair rolls and pivots, don’t twist at the
be tough on your back and your neck—and,
waist; turn your whole body instead.
you may be surprised to learn,
your feet and legs, too.
One thing you can do wherever you
Get a chair that
adapts to your body and
includes armrests that
support your forearms.
1l
2l
4l
Place your computer keyboard one or
two inches above your thighs if possible.
Try to keep your arms perpendicular to the floor
are is to take breaks every 30 minutes
and your wrists nearly straight.
or so. Get up and stretch. Try reaching
5l
your arms over your head or gently
Position your monitor at arm’s length with
the top of the viewing screen at eye level.
rolling your neck. And change positions
Even when you’re relaxing at home, try to
frequently while in your chair. Try these
keep your back straight and your shoulders back
strategies for improving your posture
while seated. A small rolled-up towel or lumbar
while seated.
roll placed behind your lower back can help you
At work, start by setting up your
workspace properly, suggests the
maintain the normal curves in your back.
When driving, keep your knees at the same
American Academy of Orthopaedic
level or higher than your hips and consider using a
Surgeons.
lumbar roll. Adjust the seat so you can comfort-
Get a chair that adapts to your body
ably reach the steering wheel and the pedals
and includes armrests that support
while maintaining the natural curve of your back.
your forearms.
If you frequently use your cell phone for texting
Sit back in the chair while working at
or reading e-mails, don’t hunch over it. Look up
the computer and keep your elbows
from the screen every few minutes or bring the
near your waist.
POSTURE
Position your thighs horizontal with your
Perfect
If you practice the principles of
good posture, soon enough it will be
No one’s going to make you walk
a healthy habit. Here are a few tips
around with a book balanced on
for standing tall the right way:
your head, but learning proper
Hold your head up straight with
device up to eye level. Reach the top of your head
toward the sky.
Keep your shoulders back and
your back straight.
Tuck in your stomach and don’t
posture is worth a little effort. Good
your chin tucked under ever so
tilt your pelvis forward.
posture can prevent backaches
slightly. Don’t tilt your head for-
Keep your knees straight.
ward, backward or sideways.
Make sure the arches of your
and muscle pain. It can also help
decrease abnormal wearing of joint
surfaces that could lead to arthritis.
Line up your earlobes with the
feet are supported.
middle of your shoulders.
livingwell
11
MEN’S HE ALTH
Be a Wise Guy
llas:
hey fe
What you need to do to keep your body strong.
ith
get we
th
am!
p ro g r
here are times when your body will tell you something’s wrong, like when you twist
T
your ankle playing basketball and it swells and starts to hurt. But there are other health
conditions your body isn’t going to tell you about, such as high cholesterol or high
blood pressure, neither of which causes symptoms.
That’s where routine testing comes in. Every man should have certain screenings on a regular
basis. Here are the basic recommendations for most men, but be sure to talk to your doctor
about when and how often you should have your routine screenings.
At Your General Checkup
(usually once a year) you need:
A blood pressure test. At least
Colorectal cancer screening. Starting
every two years, to monitor your risk
at age 50, or earlier if you have risk
of heart disease.
factors or a family history. There are a number
of available tests. Ask your doctor which one is
A cholesterol test. Regularly starting
right for you, such as a colonoscopy, which
at age 35, or sooner if you have other
should be performed every 10 years, or a fecal
health issues such as diabetes or high blood
occult blood test, which needs to be done
pressure that can increase your risk of heart
every year.
disease.
A testicular exam. Perform a monthly
A blood glucose (A1c) test. Starting
self-exam and have your doctor
at age 45, or earlier if you have risk
perform one as part of your general check-
factors for or a family history of diabetes.
up, to test for testicular cancer. Feel for any
lumps or bumps.
A body mass index (BMI) measurement. Regularly screen for obesity by
calculating your BMI, which is a measure of
An abdominal aortic aneurysm test.
Once between the ages of 65 and 75, if
body fat based on height and weight; your
you have ever smoked (100 or more cigarettes
doctor can check BMI or you can find
in your lifetime), to check for an abnormally large
calculators online.
or swollen blood vessel in your abdomen. NO JOKIN’ AROUND: See Your Doctor
Men are less likely than women to visit the doctor
and use medical services, even if they’re experiencing symptoms of something as serious as a heart attack. In fact, a recent
U.S. Census Bureau report showed that almost one-third of men said they had not seen a doctor in the previous 12 months.
But men need to look after their health the same way women do—especially when you consider that one in five American
men has heart disease and three in four are overweight, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
It’s important to see your doctor regularly. Be sure to give your doctor as much information as you can about your health
history, the medicines you’re taking and any problems you might be having. It’s the best way for your doctor to determine
how to help you stay healthy.
VISITING THE DOCTOR ISN’T A SIGN OF WEAKNESS—IT’S ACTUALLY A SHOW OF STRENGTH. If you want to
take care of your loved ones for years to come, start by taking the best possible care of yourself.
12
livingwell
NUTRITION
Are You
*
Label-Literate?
Plenty of food packages carry claims,
and the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration
has strict guidelines for
the use of certain food
label terms.
*
Pantry
Pointers
Here are a few of the
most common claims
and what they mean:
Low calorie: Less than
40 calories per serving.
Low sodium: Less
than 140 mg of sodium
How to stock
your kitchen with
healthy options.
I
per serving.
*
f you want to eat better, you need to shop
packed in fruit juice instead of syrup. Choose low-
better. By keeping some smart choices
sodium veggies if you’re watching your salt intake.
on hand, you’ll be ready to whip up a
healthy meal or snack anytime.
The American Dietetic Association suggests
always having beans, brown rice, pasta, oatmeal
and barley in the pantry. Try using brown rice and
Nuts are another great item to have in the pantry,
as a heart-healthy snack or addition to dishes ranging
from salads to main courses. Try coating chicken or
fish in chopped nuts instead of bread crumbs.
When you’re grocery shopping, always check
barley to stretch and add fiber to stews, soups
out what’s on sale and stock up on basics, such as
and casseroles. Beans are an excellent source of
low-sodium canned soup and broth, low-fat salad
protein and give a tasty touch to salads and other
dressing, condiments and frozen vegetables. They
dishes. They’re also yummy on their own, warmed
all have long shelf lives, so buy now and save later.
up with your favorite seasonings.
It’s a good idea to have some canned fish, like
Another way to stock up on healthy food is to
make extra portions of whatever you’re cooking
salmon or tuna, in the house, too. Both are a great
and freeze them. Freezing some of it to enjoy later
ÜÕÀViʜvʜ“i}>‡ÎÊv>ÌÌÞÊ>Vˆ`ÃÊ>˜`Ê«ÀœÌiˆ˜]Ê>˜`ÊV>˜Ê
is healthier and less expensive than a pre-packaged
be used in a variety of recipes.
frozen dinner.
Dried fruits, tomatoes and mushrooms store well
And when you’re heading to the store, be sure to
Low cholesterol: Less
than 20 mg of cholesterol and 2 g or less
of saturated fat per
serving.
High fiber: Five or
more grams of fiber
per serving.
Good source of:
Provides at least
10 percent of the recommended daily value
of a particular vitamin
or nutrient per serving.
Don’t be misled by
some claims. To be
fully informed, read
and can add flavor and nutrition to rice or grain
take a list. You’ll be more likely to buy the healthy
the label yourself to
dishes. And don’t turn your nose up at canned fruits
items you set out to get in the first place, and less
determine exactly what
and vegetables, especially during fall and winter
likely to be distracted by the tasty but not-so-good-
you’re getting in every
when some foods aren’t in season. Just look for fruit
for-you treats you’re trying to avoid. serving.
livingwell
13
PL AN POINTS
Measured for Care
Learn more about our 2009 HEDIS ® scores.
T
he Healthcare Effectiveness Data and
health screenings and assistance in managing
Information Set (HEDIS) is a comprehensive
complex cases and diseases, GHP informs
set of standardized performance measures
members of their need for these recommended
developed by the National Committee for Quality
health services. The HEDIS measures reflect
Assurance (NCQA). HEDIS is designed to ensure
how well GHP and our health care providers
health plan members and employer groups have
assist our members in improving or maintaining
the information they need to compare performance
their health.
Below is a table showing the Commercial HMO/
between competing health plans. More importantly,
GHP uses the HEDIS results to set goals and
POS HEDIS 2009 (based on calendar year 2008
develop quality improvement activities aimed at
claims data) rates for selected measures. For the
improving the health status of our members. Through
Commercial report, the benchmark is NCQA’s
initiatives such as reminders for various preventive
Quality Compass® HEDIS 2009 rates.
Commercial HEDIS 2009
*
Results
GHP HEDIS
2009
HEDIS 2009
QUALITY
COMPASS
Childhood Immunization Status*
73.63%
77.71%
Colorectal Cancer Screening
61.11%
59.02%
Breast Cancer Screening*
69.24%
69.86%
Cervical Cancer Screening*
81.51%
81.32%
Chlamydia Screening In Women
35.55%
41%
MEASURE
Appropriate Testing for Children With Pharyngitis
79.89%
76.36%
Appropriate Treatment for Children With Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
85.71%
84.35%
Avoidance of Antibiotic Treatment in Adults With Acute Bronchitis
78.68%
76.91%
Controlling High Blood Pressure
60.23%
64.02%
Cholesterol Screening Test*
85.94%
88.97%
Cholesterol LDL-C Level <100
64.17%
60.70%
Diabetes—Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Testing*
84.15%
87.95%
Diabetes—Eye Exam*
48.54%
56.80%
Diabetes—Cholesterol (LDL-C) Screening*
79.02%
84.96%
Diabetes—Monitoring Kidney Function*
78.05%
81.98%
Use of Appropriate Medications for Asthma*
92.16%
92.58%
Timeliness of Prenatal Care
97.96%
93.33%
Postpartum Care
91.84%
83.62%
*For 2009, GHP has QI and/or Disease Management Activities in place to actively address member and provider communications on the importance of these
measures.
14
livingwell
BY THE NUMBERS
HMO/POS CAHPS ® survey results are in.
How We Rate
T
he Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
Providers and Systems (CAHPS) is a survey
developed by the Agency of Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ) to measure consumer
and patient perspectives on health care quality. The
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
includes CAHPS as a component of HEDIS.
The CAHPS survey is conducted by a private
vendor that is certified by NCQA. The survey provides information on member experience and gives
Health care service is measured through satisfaction with the health plan, customer service and
a general indication of how well the services that
health care professionals and the health plan provide
claims processing.
meet member expectations.
The Commercial CAHPS table provides the results
Member satisfaction is measured for quality of
health care and quality of service.
Health care quality is measured by overall satis-
for HEDIS 2009. The table also provides the HEDIS
2009 rates from NCQA’s Quality Compass®. Quality
Compass is a national benchmarking database
faction with health care, personal physician and
compiled by NCQA and is a compilation of all health
getting needed care.
plans willing to publicly report their CAHPS results.
HEDIS 2009 GHP CAHPS
*
Results
GHP HEDIS
2009
HEDIS 2009
QUALITY
COMPASS
Rating of All Health Care*
80.3%
78.81%
Rating of Health Plan*
65.1%
63.81%
83%
82.03%
Rating of Specialist Seen Most Often*
84.6%
81.44%
Claims Processing Composite**
89.9%
87.94%
Getting Care Quickly Composite**
87.2%
86.99%
How Well Doctors Communicate Composite**
94.1%
93.49%
MEASURE
Rating of Personal Doctor*
Customer Service**
80.5%
83.99%
Getting Needed Care**
83.4%
85.85%
Plan Information on Costs**
67.5%
66.85%
Shared Decision Making***
60%
59.51%
*Using any number from 0 to 10 (0 being the worst possible rating and 10 being the best possible rating), members scored GHP on the quality of care and
quality of service they received. These statistics show the percent of members surveyed who selected 8, 9 or 10 as their response.
**Percent of members who responded they always or usually had a positive experience in these areas.
***Percent of members who responded yes.
livingwell
15
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Saratoga Springs, NY
Permit #349
WWW.GHP.COM
Coventry Health Care/GHP
550 Maryville Center Drive, Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63141
e This
M
zine Print
e
BE T TER BODIES
Cooking With Heart
Spice up your food with good-for-you flavors.
C
ooking with butter and salt may be tasty, but it isn’t doing your heart any
favors. Fortunately, there are plenty of other flavors you can use to create
dishes that are delicious and healthy, too.
Instead of butter, try using a bit of olive oil or cooking spray, along with garlic and
lemon or lime juice when sautéing vegetables or meat. Add the citrus juice and some
herbs—like tarragon, basil, sage or parsley—right at the end of cooking. You can also
bake chicken or fish in individual foil packets with citrus juice and herbs.
Vinegar is a great salt replacement. Add one tablespoon of vinegar when steaming
vegetables or boiling pasta, or try apple cider vinegar when cooking fish.
Salt-free spices can give any food some extra kick. Start with spices you know, like
garlic or onion powder, red pepper and paprika. Don’t be afraid to experiment with
different flavors such as nutmeg or cardamom. Whatever herbs and spices you choose
will add interesting flavors to your heart-healthy meals. Very Lemony Chicken
1-½ lb. chicken breast,
skinned and fat removed
½ c. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
½ c. fresh sliced lemon peel
3 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or
1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1 medium onion, sliced
¼ tsp. salt
Black pepper to taste
½ tsp. paprika
PLACE chicken in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
MIX lemon juice, vinegar, lemon peel, oregano and onions.
POUR over chicken, cover and marinate in refrigerator
several hours or overnight, turning occasionally. SPRINKLE
with salt, pepper and paprika. Cover and bake at 325º F for
30 minutes. UNCOVER and bake 30 minutes more or until
done. Serves four.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING: 154 calories,
5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 63 mg cholesterol, 202 mg sodium
GH
cycl
Always verify with Customer Service that services we mention in Living Well are covered under your benefit plan.
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