You have the power to prevent or minimize serious—and deadly— health conditions. While you can’t control every factor that leads to illness, such as age, genes, or family history, you can take steps to lower your risk. Here’s how:
1. Get recommended preventive care.
There’s no cost to you for an annual wellness checkup and routine tests and screenings. Preventive care can detect serious issues early when treatment is most effective.
2. Talk to your doctor.
Know your health stats (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, A1C, etc.). Discuss your family’s health history. Report unusual symptoms.
3. Develop healthy lifestyle habits.
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Be physically active 150 minutes per week. If you drink alcohol, drink moderately. If you smoke, quit.
Beat the Numbers
Your Health Plan helps you reduce your risk for many of the major causes of death in the U.S., like these:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one person every 33 seconds. Reduce your risk by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels within healthy limits.
- Regence Empower can help you develop heart-healthy habits, like eating healthier, starting a fitness routine, or losing weight. Download the app or log in on regence.com to get started. There’s no cost to you!
Chronic lower respiratory diseases (including COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma) are the sixth leading causes of death in the U.S. Reduce your risk by avoiding exposure to air pollutants (including secondhand smoke), preventing respiratory infections, and if you smoke, quit.
- Free & Clear® Quit for Life® uses research-based solutions and no-judgment coaching to help smokers quit for good at no cost to you. Go to quitnow.net.
Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death. Twelve percent of people in the U.S. have diabetes, but 1 in 5 of them doesn’t even know it. Ask your doctor for a blood test to learn your risk.
- Livongo gives you support from expert coaches who help you learn to manage blood sugar better. You also get a smart meter and free supplies delivered to your home. Go to livongo.com/diabetes (registration code: BLEDSOE) to enroll and participate in this program at no cost to you.