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All Together HEALTHY

Fall 2017

Manage Your Diabetes for a Healthier Life What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or effectively use the hormone insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. Some people can manage the condition with lifestyle changes alone, such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and being more physically active. But you may also need to use oral medications or insulin to help keep your blood glucose in a healthy range (under 100 mg/dL).

At Elderplan/HomeFirst, we care about your health and want to make sure you have the information and resources you need if you have diabetes so you’ll feel good and can avoid diabetes-related problems.

Why is it important to manage your diabetes? Managing your diabetes can help keep you healthier and allows you to lead a more fulfilling life.

Everyday benefits include:

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Increased energy levels Feeling less tired Improved healing

Lower risk of infection Reduced feelings of thirst Decreased need to urinate

You also lower your risk of these diabetes-related health complications:

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Heart attack Stroke Kidney damage

Eye and vision problems Issues with your teeth and gums Tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet

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Check out our valuable tips inside for managing your diabetes.

Source: American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org

healthylivingYOUR WELLNESS CHECKLIST

In This Issue...

As summer leads to autumn, we begin to anticipate the beautiful colors, enticing aromas and crisp days that usher in a new season. We are fortunate to enjoy the changing seasons as New Yorkers, giving us something fresh to continually look forward to. This issue of All Together Healthy will also give you something to look forward to – living a healthier life.

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to take steps to avoid getting diabetes – or to manage the disease if you already have it. Approximately 25% of adults over age 60 have diabetes and that’s why we’ve provided you with information you can use to help manage the condition. From our cover story to the valuable tips inside, our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling life. We’ve even included a delicious diabetes-friendly recipe in this issue.

Another simple step you can take for better health is to get your flu and pneumonia vaccines. Other things you can do to improve your quality of life and health include getting your hearing checked and scheduling an annual exam with a dentist. We provide information on why it’s important to take these steps and how to find a provider.

As we embark on a new season, all of us at Elderplan/HomeFirst are dedicated to helping you stay healthy so you can enjoy all that is yet to come.

David Wagner, Chief Operating Officer, Health Plans

Member Services: elderplan.org/homefirst 1-877-771-1119 (TTY: 711) 8:30am to 5pm Monday-Friday

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healthylivingYOUR WELLNESS CHECKLIST

5 Tips to Help You Control Your Diabetes The most important member of your diabetes health care team is YOU. You are the one person who can take steps every day to maintain or improve your health. Of course, you can’t do it alone. You also need information, guidance and support from doctors, family and friends.

Here are 5 steps you can take to stay healthier if you have diabetes:

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1. Identify. Learn about the type of diabetes you have (type 1 or 2), how your actions affect your health and who should be part of your health care team.

2. Check. Schedule regular appointments with your primary care physician, eye doctor, podiatrist, dentist and other specialists so you are routinely checked for anything diabetes-related that may affect your health.

3. Support. Ask your health care team, family and friends for any help you need. You can also take classes or join a support group.

4. Monitor. In addition to monitoring your blood sugar, keep track of important health indicators, such as your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol.

5. Maintain. Follow a healthy diet, be physically active, don’t smoke, get enough sleep, reduce stress and take medications as directed by your doctor. If you’re traveling, make sure you have enough medication and supplies for your trip.

Together you and your doctors can come up with a plan to manage your diabetes, but it is up to you to follow that plan so you stay healthy. It’s also important to report any changes in your health to your health care team.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/diabetes

Elderplan/HomeFirst is here to help you manage your diabetes. To find a doctor near you or for more information about your health care coverage, call HomeFirst Member Services at 1-877-771-1119 (TTY: 711) Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5pm or visit http://elderplan.org/homefirst/.

healthylivingYOUR HEALTH PLAN AT WORK

How to Protect Your Hearing as You Age Hearing loss is a common consequence of aging, but can be prevented with proper screening. Called the “invisible handicap”, many people don’t recognize early stages of the condition and show no outward signs of difficulty. Hearing examinations are recommended every 1 – 2 years. If hearing loss is suspected, you may be referred to an audiologist, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist), otologist or otolaryngologist for further testing or treatment.

Why have your hearing tested?

• Being unable to hear traffic sounds, doorbells, telephones, alarms, emergency vehicles, smoke detectors or cries for help can compromise your safety and may even put your life in jeopardy.

• Not hearing instructions from physicians, pharmacists or caregivers can put your health at risk.

• Hearing loss can reduce your ability to communicate and may lead to isolation, alienation and depression. This affects up to 40% of adults over age 65.

• The longer hearing loss is untreated, the more likely your brain will forget how to process speech, even after treatment is implemented.

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Turning the volume up on your TV?

Struggling to follow conversations in crowded or noisy settings?

Frequently asking “what” or “huh”?

Complaining about people mumbling, talking too fast or not speaking clearly?

Finding it hard to make out words of songs on the radio or dialogue in movies?

If you answer “YES” to 3 or more questions, or others think you have a hearing problem, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested.

Because we care about your health, Elderplan/HomeFirst has partnered with HearUSA, giving you access to a network of providers who can examine your hearing and cover hearing aids. HearUSA’s online store, Hearing Shop, also has hearing care products to help keep you safe. Call HearUSA at 1-800-442-8231 (TTY: 711) or visit https://members.hearusa.com/elderplan to find out more.

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healthylivingYOUR HEALTH PLAN AT WORK

Healthy Mouth / Healthy You As you age, your oral health needs change. Regular dental visits are an important step towards maintaining a healthy smile, as well as your overall health. Untreated oral health problems can quickly grow worse, but a trip to the dentist can make all the difference. During a dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, poorly fitting dentures, sores, irritations, infections and oral cancer. Your mouth can also reveal the status of your general health. Some health conditions, such as diabetes, can show early signs in your mouth.

Elderplan / HomeFirst cares about your oral and overall health. That’s why we encourage you to follow these tips:

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Brush your teeth twice a day.

Floss daily.

Visit your dentist once a year for a checkup and cleaning, even if you wear dentures.

Tell your dentist about changes in taste and smell or if you feel anything unusual in your mouth.

Make good lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy, not smoking and limiting alcohol.

If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease for healthier gums.

Seeing your dentist yearly can save time and money in the future and helps you stay healthy.

Elderplan/HomeFirst contracts with Healthplex to ensure you have access to quality dental care. Healthplex can help you find a dentist near you who speaks your language. If you have a dental emergency, they can assist you with finding a dentist to treat your needs. Call Healthplex Customer Service at 1-888-468-5175 (TTY: 711) or visit http://www.healthplex.com/our_dentists and select “Elderplan” to locate a participating dentist.

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healthylivingKEEPING YOU HEALTHY

Butternut Squash and Apple This delicious and diabetic-friendly side dish brings together the mellow flavors of Fall. Try this side dish with a turkey, chicken or beef entree.

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash or 1 package (12 oz) frozen winter squash

1 cup no-sugar-added applesauce

1 tsp brown sugar

1/8 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 Tbsp chopped fresh sage or 1 tsp dried sage

Preparation

With a heavy knife, slice the top and bottom off of squash and discard. On a cutting board, slice the squash in half horizontally and stand each half upright, cut side down. Slice skin off, starting from top and cutting straight down the squash. With a large spoon, scoop out seeds and discard. Chop peeled squash into 1-inch dice.

Transfer diced squash to a microwave-safe bowl, cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time. If using frozen squash, cook according to the package directions. Place cooked squash in a sauce pan. Add the applesauce, sugar, salt, cinnamon, dried cranberries and sage and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat until heated through, about 5 minutes.

4 servings; Serving size: 1/2 cup Per serving: Calories: 90; Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 79mg; Carbohydrates: 22g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 0g

Elderplan/HomeFirst complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Elderplan/HomeFirst cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-771-1119 (TTY: 711).

Elderplan/HomeFirst遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定 不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、殘障或性 別而歧視任何人。注意 如果您使用繁體中文 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電1-877-771-1119 TTY 711

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healthylivingKEEPING YOU HEALTHY

Protect Yourself from the Flu and Pneumonia Every year, thousands of people in New York get sick or even die as a result of getting the flu or pneumonia. But you can lower your chance of getting sick by getting recommended vaccines.

There are many misconceptions about flu and pneumonia vaccines, but here’s what you need to know:

FLU:

• Flu vaccines cannot give you the flu. Vaccines are made from inactivated flu viruses or have no active flu virus at all. The most common reaction is soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site.

• You need a flu shot every year. The viruses the vaccine protects against change from year to year. Even if they’re the same, your protection from the vaccine declines over time.

The flu vaccine can’t protect you from every strain of flu virus or from other types of respiratory illnesses. But if you do get sick with the flu, it can make your illness milder and reduces the risk of hospitalization. Since flu is a common cause of pneumonia, preventing the flu is also a good way to avoid getting pneumonia.

There are lots of reasons to get your flu shot each year – and now is the perfect time to get yours.

PNEUMONIA:

• What is pneumonia? It is an infection of the lungs that causes symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, trouble breathing, high fever and chills. It can result in serious complications or even death.

• Why get vaccinated? The CDC recommends adults 65+ get vaccinated to prevent pneumonia and there are two different types that will protect you against it. Consult your doctor to find out when you need each vaccine.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/ 7

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What’s InsideManage Your

Diabetes Healthy Mouth /

Healthy You Protect Yourself from

Flu and Pneumonia Butternut Squash

Recipe

Health and wellness or prevention information. All Together Healthy is a publication of Elderplan Inc. The information in this newsletter is intended to serve as a guideline; it should never replace the conversations you have with your own health care practitioners. Copyright © 2017 Elderplan Inc. Copyright © 2017 Baldwin Publishing.

Fill Your Plate with Good Health

Non- Starchy Vegetables

Lean Protein

Starch

Dairy

Fruit

Here’s a simple way to help you lose weight and manage your diabetes.

At each meal, use a 9-inch plate and then follow these steps.

1. Fill 1/2 of the plate with non-starchy vegetables.

2. Fill 1/4 of the plate withlean protein.

3. Fill 1/4 of the plate withstarches (choose whole grainswhenever possible).

4. Choose a serving each of fruitand dairy. Use healthy fats insmall amounts.

5. Add a low-calorie drink, such aswater or unsweetened coffeeor tea.