Simple Things You Can Do to Protect and Monitor Your Health
Preventive care services are so important to maintaining good health and detecting issues early that your Health Plan pays 100% of the allowed amount. Although it’s free, some people resist going to the doctor when they aren’t sick.
We encourage you to see your health care provider annually for a checkup, but here are some things you can do yourself to help protect and monitor your health:
- Keep your vaccinations current. See what’s recommended for adults at cdc.gov/vaccines. Then, go to a participating pharmacy that administers vaccines to stay up to date. For starters, get a flu shot every year and a tetanus booster every 10 years.
- Watch your blood pressure. Make sure you stay within the normal (optimal) range of less than 120/80 mm Hg. Use a blood pressure cuff at your local pharmacy to check your pressure regularly. Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.htm.
- Do monthly self-exams of skin, and breasts or testicles to watch for physical changes and detect issues early. Visit a reputable website, like webmd.com, to get instructions on how to do self-exams correctly.
- Get a standard blood test. The best option (covered by your Health Plan) is to call your doctor’s office and ask for a referral to a lab; your doctor will receive your results and interpret them for you. Another option (not covered by your Health Plan) is an online blood test, which gives you test results without having to talk to a doctor.
- Be aware of your family health history. If anyone in your genetic history has asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease or any chronic condition, you probably have a higher risk, too. Learn more about family health risks at the CDC: cdc.gov/genomics/famhistory.
Just remember, you can’t DIY when your results indicate a health issue. If you have any health concerns or questions, please see a doctor.
Resources on Regence.Com at No Cost to You
Login at Regence.com, click on Dashboard, then scroll down to Wellness Tools. Here’s where you’ll find a variety of free, confidential resources to help you get fit and maintain your good health.
General Health Assessment. Start here by taking a few minutes to complete this self-inventory and get feedback that can help you be a healthier you. Next, click on Risk Advisor to see your overall health risks and specific changes you can make to reduce them.
Wellness Workshops. Are you at risk for Cardiovascular Disease? Diabetes? Arthritis? Allergies? Stress? There’s a wellness workshop for that! These free online workshops arm you withinformation to help reduce risks and live a healthier life.
Nutrition & Exercise Plans. Get healthy recipes and meal planners, exercise plans and tracking logs—it’s like having a virtual health coach at your command. Here’s where you can set healthy goals, plan a solid strategy and reach your objectives.
Condition Manager. Take steps to better health, if you have one of these chronic conditions: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure or diabetes. You’ll work with a nurse who can answer questions and give you suggestions on how you can manage your condition—and stop letting your condition manage you! To learn more, call 800-267-6729.
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