Newsletter WINTER 2008

Transcription

1 VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles Newsletter WINTER 2008 As a member of Vi va Medicare Plus Rx He a lt h y Lifestyles plan, we want to help you start out 2008 with valuable tools that you can use to improve your health and well-being. This newsletter is designed to give you specific information on programs, options and ways to help accomplish living a healthier lifestyle starting NOW. Never Too Late for Elderly to Improve Their Health, Stop Major Diseases Many elderly people feel that it is too late for them to improve their health, but that is simply not true. Dec. 14, 2007 The author of a new study of scientific data about senior citizens claims he has an important message for the elderly: It s not too late to improve your health through diet and exercise, even if you ve had an unhealthy lifestyle in the past! Published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the report surveyed scientific literature and found that adults, 65 and older, can have significant health improvements with simple and realistic lifestyle changes. It found that risk can be reduced for many diseases including obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. I think this is an extremely important and positive message, says the paper s lead symposium editor, Dr. Richard S. Rivlin, professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Many elderly people feel that it is too late for them to improve their health, but that is simply not true. Dr. Rivlin analyzed how the elderly can ward off risks to their health late in life by improving body composition - lowering fat and boosting muscle mass. Adhering to a low-calorie and low-fat diet - high in vegetables and fruits - with a regular exercise plan, can help the elderly stave off the diseases of aging. When measures to combat chronic disease are started in one s 60s and 70s, there are still definite benefits, says Dr. Rivlin. But older adults must realize that there is no quick fix. They must change their lifestyles. Specific findings: Lowering high blood pressure or hypertension a major risk for cardiovascular disease through improved diet and exercise had more dramatic health benefits for the elderly than for any other age group. Control of hypertension could potentially prevent one-fifth of coronary heart disease cases in men, and 30 percent in women. Older adults who adhered to a low-calorie diet with regular exercise had lower rates of cancer. In one study, risk was reduced by nearly 50 percent. Benefits of weight training include increased ability to burn calories and prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D supplements for seniors helped slow rates of bone loss and reduce the number of bone fractures. Our study reviews and presents the most up-to-date information showing the influence a healthy lifestyle continued on page 3 H0154_mcdoc653A 02_08

2 Page 2 EatRight Lifestyle Program The EatRight Lifestyle Program is a 12-week lifestyle-oriented weight control program. EatRight is designed to beat the odds of the weight-loss battle, allowing participants to lose weight and keep it off by easing into new eating and activity habits. EatRight is more than just a diet. It s a plan that will put participants in control of their weight for life. The average weight loss for a program is 4% to 5% (8 to 25 pounds depend- ing on the amount of weight the individual needs to lose). The multifaceted program includes extensive nutrition education such as: substitute foods and behaviors that contribute to weight gain with healthy choices to keep participants fit for life; dietary patterns that can reduce the risk of developing diseases that threaten a healthy life and lifestyle; food and recipes that taste as VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles good as they are good for the body in a program that the entire family will enjoy; enjoyable exercises to increase metabolism, making weight loss easier; and emotional support from the Eat- Right staff and fellow participants. The program is medically safe and supervised by physicians board-certified in clinical nutrition. EatRight is taught by registered dietitians. Vi va Medicare Plus Rx He a lt h y Lifestyles is a Medicare plan that combines excellent Medicare benefits (including Part D prescription drugs) with a great program to help members lose weight and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. You may enroll at any time if you qualify. Members of the Vi va Medicare Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles Plan receive the same benefits as members of Viva Medicare Plus Rx as well as the following additional benefits: Nutritional education The plan will cover up to $150 every 12 months (calendar year) toward nutritional education through a participating provider Eat Right Cookbook Viva Medicare Plus will give each new member a health or nutrition related book or cookbook at the time of enrollment. Newsletters Members will periodically receive a newsletter focused on He a lt h y Lifestyles and weight management. As a member of Viva Medicare Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles, you choose either hands-on classes from Eat- Right or on-line computer classes from Positive Directions. See the next page for more information on the Positive Directions program. EatRight Lifestyle classes are minutes. Currently, classes are held in Birmingham at the Kirklin Clinic downtown, the Kirklin Clinic at Acton Road and also in the Greystone area. Members in the Montgomery area who are interested in enrolling should contact EatRight. If enough members want to be enrolled, a class will be offered in Montgomery. Please note that EatRight classes may not be available in all counties. Your membership in Vi va Medicare Plus Rx He a lt h y Lifestyles must be active to enroll, so please register after your effective date. To enroll in the EatRight Lifestyle program: 4 Call to register for a class OR strongdc@uab.edu 4 YOU MUST notify staff that you are a member of Viva Medicare Plus Rx He a lt h y Lifestyles 4 Choose a class time and location 4 Cost of the Lifestyle program is $250-$300. Viva Medicare Plus will pay $150 and you are responsible for the remaining balance ($100-$150). Your portion is payable by check or credit card on the first day of class (or in 3 monthly payments).

3 VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles Page 3 Positive Directions Positive Directions is a computer-based program that targets both weight and health needs for members who would like weight management assistance. Positive Directions unique range of web tools and support offer: Meal plans and diet solutions Beginner exercise programs Mind & Body solutions Health tests Progress trackers Over 60 online courses covering Nutrition, Exercise, Behavior, Wellness and Lifestyle Concerns Guidance and support from a Health Coach via Visit the Positive Directions website and Sign Up today! Positive Directions gives you the tools to reach your short and long-term weight and healthy lifestyle goals. Your $150 Viva Medicare Plus Rx Hea lt h y Lifestyles nutritional education benefit covers the full cost of membership in Positive Directions. Never Too Late continued from page 1 may have on cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis, says Dr. Rivlin. I also believe that the risk for other diseases, like diabetes and pulmonary disease, can also be avoided through later intervention. But, the earlier, the better. Information included in the report was culled and updated during a symposium of peer-reviewed, selected proceedings of a Harvard College 50th Reunion, held in Cambridge, MA, June 6 9, Other contributors include, Dr. Robert S. Blacklow, co-editor, Department of Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Robert S. Lees, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Dr. Kilmer S. McCully, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Roxbury, Mass. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many serious chronic diseases and conditions including: cardiovascular (heart) disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer and osteoarthritis. Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects the way your body uses food for energy. The disease develops when the cells of the body become resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, which causes high blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body s cells get needed energy from sugar. When insulin is not able to do its job, too much sugar builds up in your blood. Over time, this extra sugar in your blood can lead to problems with your eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. Common symptoms of diabetes are: increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unusual weight loss, and extreme fatigue. But in Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels rise so slowly that a person usually does not have symptoms and may have the disease for many years before being diagnosed with it. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. People who develop Type 2 diabetes often are overweight and not physically active. It is most common in people who are older than 40. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or at least delayed if a person maintains a healthy body weight and exercises regularly. Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure at safe levels. A balanced diet and regular exercise are effective for many people, but some may need one or more medicines, including insulin, to help control blood sugar levels. * Information for this article was obtained from the WebMD website

4 Page 4 VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles In addition to your choice of either the EatRight classes or the Positive Directions program, Vi va Medicare Plus will cover up to $20 per month toward membership dues at any contracted health and fitness facility. You must participate at least once a month in order to qualify for payment to the facility for that month. Simply present your Vi va Medicare Plus member ID card to one of the facilities listed below and they will file your claim with us for up to $20 each month. WHAT COULD BE EASIER THAN THAT? FACILITY NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE YMCA--Alabaster Community Branch 1303 Seventh Street SW Alabaster Legacy YMCA of Bessemer th Ave S.W. Bessemer Fitness Center at St Vincent s East 50 Medical Park East Drive Birmingham One Nineteen Health and Wellness 7191 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham Gold s Gym-Birmingham 3427 Colonnade Parkway Birmingham Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road Birmingham x257 Healthy You/Trinity Medical Center 720 Montclair Road Birmingham Carraway Fitness 1600 Carraway Blvd Birmingham Birmingham YMCA--Association th Place South Birmingham YMCA-Downtown Branch 2101 Fourth Avenue North Birmingham YMCA-Greystone Family Branch 5414 HWY 280 Birmingham YMCA-Northeast Family Branch 628 Red Lane Road Birmingham YMCA-Shades Valley Family Branch 3551 Montgomery Hwy Birmingham YMCA-Trussville Family Branch 5920 Valley Road Birmingham YMCA-Vestavia Xpress 2086 Columbiana Road Birmingham YMCA-Western Area Family Branch 1195 Bessemer Road Birmingham Fitness Xpress 210 Doug Baker Blvd Birmingham Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and Fitness HWY 25 Columbiana Next Level Fitness 904 Decatur Highway Fultondale Southlake Orthopaedics 4517 Southlake Pkwy Hoover YMCA of Montgomery-Association P.O. BOX 2336 Montgomery YMCA-Bell Road Family Branch 2435 Bell Road Montgomery YMCA-Downtown Adult Fitness Branch 761 South Perry Street Montgomery YMCA-East Family Branch 3407 Pelzer Ave Montgomery YMCA-Kershaw Family Branch 2229 West Fairview Ave Montgomery YMCA-Southeast Family Branch 3455 Carter Hill Road Montgomery Y s Somerset 7600 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery Y s Hillwood 2898 Zelda Road Montgomery The Gym State Hwy 75 Oneonta YMCA-Shelby County Branch 2610 Pelham Pkwy Pelham Y s The Water Fitness Branch 19 Bridge Street Pike Road The Gym at Deerfoot 4901 Deerfoot Pkwy Trussville Global Fitness 400 Main Street North Warrior YMCA-Wetumpka Family Branch 200 Red Eagle Drive Wetumpka

5 VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles Page 5 Making Smart Food Choices A family s eating habits may affect the health and well-being of many generations. Try some of these ideas to improve your diet and your health: Focus on foods that fill you up with fewer calories especially non-starchy fresh vegetables. Examples: lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes. Choose brightly colored vegetables and fruits. They can have special health benefits. Include lean protein in your diet. Drink plenty of water daily, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. SENIOR HEALTH TIPS Fitness One of the ways to stay on top of things in your golden years is to keep moving! Exercise will keep both your mind and body sharp. Here are a few tips to stay fit: Take a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood and you ll feel the difference all day long! Don t sit in one spot for more than 20 minutes. Get up and stroll around the house. Play with your grandchildren and pets even if it s just tossing and catching a ball. Join a fun, low impact exercise class. Get fit while making new friends! Do the house and yardwork that you can handle without risks to your health. Add fiber naturally from whole grains, by leaving skin on fruits and vegetables, or by eating beans, lentils or peas. Remember to combine your healthy diet with regular physical activity. Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture s Food Pyramid Web site for more suggestions: or call the toll-free number Nutrition The golden years of your life have come that is, if you make the most out of them. You are at an advantage, because you have the time to focus on eating right. Here are some easy tips to follow: Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day! Plenty of water protects us from nausea, headaches, dry skin, constipation, thirst, and fatigue. It charges the body with strength and energy. Take vitamins to cover your nutrient needs from A to Z. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Red, yellow, orange, green they fill our lives with color and great nutrients! Eat several smaller meals throughout the day. A Thought on Time If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves. Maria Edgeworth

6 VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Healthy Lifestyles th Avenue South Birmingham, AL PRSRT-STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BIRMINGHAM, AL PERMIT NO We appreciate your allowing Vi va Medicare Plus to provide your Medicare benefits. As a Vi va member, you and your health are very important to us. The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, exercise plan, or taking vitamins or supplements. Snack Time Yogurt Crunch A crunchy and cool treat that contains your favorite granola bar mixed with toasted nuts in yogurt that is topped with fresh fruit such as kiwi, peaches, or strawberries. Ingredients: 6 cups vanilla yogurt 4 firm granola bars, any flavor ½ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, toasted ½ pint of chopped or sliced fruit Directions: Pour yogurt into a bowl or large cup. Add granola bar to a plastic food storage bag and crush. Add to yogurt along with nuts. Stir to combine all ingredients and place into your bowl or cup then, just top it off with your favorite fruit. Number of Servings: 4 H0154_mcdoc653A 02_08