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This routine checkup can help find ways to improve your health and better manage your pain. A pain assessment is an important and routine part of any healthcare checkup, and helps your doctor learn the details of your pain. By learning more, your doctor can prescribe medications and treatments to help. Here are some tips to help reduce your pain levels:

• Heat or ice to the area if recommended by your doctor
• Keep a pain diary to track what makes it better or worse, and share that with your doctor
• Exercise to help improve your strength and movement. Always talk with your doctor about what exercises are right for you before starting any exercise programs
• Talk to your doctor about working with a physical or occupational therapist to help learn ways to control your pain and your reactions to it
• Find ways to distract yourself, such as reading, listening to music, or meditation

For help scheduling an appointment to speak with your doctor, please call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

High cholesterol levels in your blood can lead to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. There are many things you can do to bring it under control. Lifestyle changes and medications can help lower your cholesterol levels and improve or prevent other complications.

How do I treat my high cholesterol?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you:

• Follow your provider’s instructions and take your medications
• Always talk to your provider first before stopping a medication
• Watch your food labels and avoid foods with saturated and trans fats
• Eat healthy and exercise to maintain a healthy weight

To find more information and resources about managing cholesterol, visit the CDC website.

The American Heart Association (AHA) also has valuable information on preventing heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels. The AHA Life’s Essential 8 checklist recommends that you:

• Eat healthier
• Be more active
• Quit smoking if you use tobacco
• Get enough sleep
• Manage your weight
• Control your cholesterol
• Manage your blood sugar levels
• Manage your blood pressure

To find more information and resources about managing cholesterol, visit the AHA website.

An Advance Directive is a set of documents you fill out to make sure your wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care are followed if you become unable to speak for yourself. 

A Health Care Proxy lets you choose someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

Things to know:

• Two witnesses need to sign the form once it is completed. After this, give a copy to your doctor, trusted family members, and your Health Care Proxy
• If you change your mind on who you choose, your changes should be shared with your doctor and trusted family members

A Living Will lets you decide ahead of time what medical care or lifesaving measures you would want if you became unable to make decisions for yourself. Your Living Will is used by your Health Care Proxy and family to make sure your wishes are carried out.

Things to know:

• A Living Will states what treatment you want if your heart stops or if you need care to keep you alive. Talk with your doctor about these decisions.
• Share a copy of your Living Will with your Health Care Proxy and trusted family and friends
• You can always change or cancel your Living Will choices. Let your doctor and family know you have changed your mind.

What is the MOLST Form I have been hearing about?

The MOLST stands for “Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment” and is not part of an Advance Directive. The MOLST is used when you are still able to make your own decisions. It is a document signed by both you and your doctor that helps guide life-sustaining treatment for a serious illness based on your wishes.

How do I get started with my Advance Directive?

You can get these forms by asking your SWH (Senior Whole Health) nurse care managers, doctors, and other providers. They can help fill out the forms and answer questions about them.

For help scheduling an appointment to speak with your doctor, please call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

Patients who are discharged from the hospital can be at risk of going back unexpectedly. This can be expensive, stressful, and unnecessary. It is important to follow your discharge instructions to stop this from happening. You should also make a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) when you get home. Here are some more tips to avoid going back to the hospital:

• Make a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) when you get home
• Have your SWH (Senior Whole Health) care manager or pharmacist look over your medication list to make sure you are taking your medications correctly
• Pay close attention to how you are feeling. If something does not feel right, talk to your doctor or care manager immediately
• Follow instructions for any physical or dietary restrictions or recommendations

Contact your PCP with questions or concerns about your discharge instructions or medications. Your SWH Transition of Care nurse can also help to make sure you have what you need at home.

For help scheduling an appointment to speak with your doctor, please call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

What is an Annual Wellness Visit?

The purpose of an Annual Wellness Visit is to work with your doctor on preventive care. Your doctor will look at your existing health problems and risk factors to decide what services and treatments you need to stay healthy and prevent future complications. A preventive health plan will help you reduce health problems, stay healthy, and keep up to date with recommended screenings. 

Is an Annual Wellness Visit the same as my Annual Physical?

No, the Annual Wellness Visit is different from your Annual Physical Exam. Some providers may be able to combine the two during one appointment. It is important that you see your doctor for both exams each year to stay healthy.
 
Why do I need both an Annual Wellness visit and an Annual Physical exam?

The Annual Wellness Visit is focused on identifying risk factors and creating a prevention plan. The Annual Physical Exam is focused on your current health status and ongoing treatment. While the two types of visits can overlap, the focus of the Annual Wellness Visit is to prevent a future decline in health and well-being.

Do I have to pay extra for this visit?

No, Medicare pays 100% for the Annual Wellness Visit. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. The visit needs to be at least 365 + 1 day from the previous appointment to be covered.

What can I do to make sure I receive my Annual Wellness Visit?

• Check with your primary care provider to ask about the Annual Wellness Visit and schedule an appointment
• Check with your provider or Senior Whole Health nurse care manager if you have questions about the visit and what to expect
• Make a list of questions prior to your visit
• Make a list of things you want to work on to stay healthy. Bring it to your appointment to share with your provider

It is important to stay on top of your medical care and to update your needs as you age. During your annual physical, your doctor may perform a Functional Status Assessment. This allows your doctor to look at how you are doing overall, including:

• Your ability to move and walk safely
• Any pain you may be experiencing
• How you feel emotionally
• How your overall health and function affects your quality of life

The Functional Status Assessment can provide recommendations such as:

• An appropriate exercise program
• New medication
• New therapy treatments
• Other services that may help improve your quality of life

To schedule an appointment or arrange transportation to an appointment, please call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, open 7 days/week between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time.

Early detection of breast cancer is possible with regular mammograms. Your chances of a full recovery improve if you catch cancer in its early stages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a mammogram every other year for women ages 65 and older. Speak with your doctor for recommendations on how often you should go. Please do not put off your mammogram.

Tips to reduce your chance of developing breast cancer:

• Avoid excessive alcohol use
• Avoid smoking
• Get daily exercise
• Eat a low-fat and healthy balanced diet

Speak with your doctor about screening today! For help scheduling an appointment, please call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, open 7 days/week between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time.

You should monitor your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure - also known as hypertension - often has no symptoms. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure, you can get it under control by making changes such as:

• Work together with your doctor to manage medications and lifestyle changes
• Take all medications as ordered and do not skip any doses
• Use a home blood pressure cuff to track your blood pressure
• Avoid salt and eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat foods, and whole grains. This can help control your blood pressure, manage your cholesterol levels, and help prevent diabetes
• Use your gym benefits and exercise regularly with a weekly goal of at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise – this can include brisk walking, strength training and balance exercises
• Stop smoking – smoking raises blood pressure and increases your risk for heart attack and stroke

You can find more information about high blood pressure in the Million Hearts Tool Kit located at: Tools | Million Hearts ® (hhs.gov).

It is important to go over your medications with your doctor and learn how to take them safely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are at higher risk to go to the emergency room for a drug related event. Your doctor should do a medication review to make sure they correct and up to date. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Keep a list of your current medications with you and always bring it with you to appointments
• Follow instructions carefully and ask questions if needed
• Keep up with any blood tests related to your medications
• Ask your primary care provider and any specialists to do a medication review at least once a year or more often if needed
• Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have any new symptoms that could be related to medicine you take
• Throw away discontinued or expired medications following local disposal guidelines

For more information or questions on medication safety, you can speak with your doctor or your Senior Whole Health nurse care manager.

It is important to make sure you are taking the right medications after you are discharged from a hospital. It is common for them to be changed or for new ones to be ordered.

Medication reconciliation involves your doctor, pharmacist or registered nurse doing a careful review of all your new medications and comparing them to the ones you were taking before your admission.

Be sure to review your list and update it as needed so that you are taking the correct ones. Give a copy of that list to your doctor, family members or caregiver. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse care manager.

Additional resources:
https://www.consumermedsafety.org/safety-tips/keep-a-record-of-your-medicines https://www.consumermedsafety.org/safety-tips/medications-at-home

Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects your bones. It is common in older women and can lead to weak or fragile bones. You should ask your doctor about your risk factors for osteoporosis, especially if you have had a bone fracture. Here are some common questions you should ask your doctor:

• Am I at risk for osteoporosis?
• Are there things I can do to help prevent osteoporosis?
• Do medications I am taking cause bone loss?
• What doses would you recommend I take of calcium and vitamin D each day?
• Do you recommend that I get a bone density test?
• Are there things I can do to help prevent falls?
• Are there foods that can help my bones?

Additional resources:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/women/osteoporosis
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis
https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/fracturesfall-prevention/

Colon cancer often goes undetected until it has started to spread. Do not put off recommended screenings to detect colon cancer. Making a full recovery is possible if it is found early. Talk with your doctor about the best screening option for you, which can include stool testing or colonoscopy.

Tips to lower your risk of developing colon cancer:

• Eat a low-fat and high-fiber diet
• Avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body (sugar, artificial sweetener, processed meats, trans fats, dairy products, common cooking oils)
• Exercise to help improve your strength and movement. Always talk with your doctor about what exercises are right for you before starting any exercise programs
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Quit smoking

For help scheduling an appointment for your cancer screenings, call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

Diabetes is the main cause of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74. It is also a major cause of blindness for those aged 75 or older. Serious eye problems are more common in people with diabetes.

Regular exams help your doctor find and treat eye problems early to protect your vision. Get a dilated eye exam at least once a year with an eye doctor. Be sure to share the results with your primary care doctor.

What is a dilated eye exam?

• Your eye doctor puts drops into your eyes that make your pupils larger.
• Your eye doctor can see inside your eyes and treat problems so you do not lose your vision from diabetes.
• Your eye doctor may take pictures of your eyes with a tool called retinal photography. This tool helps the doctor see your retina, which is at the back part of your eyes.
• Be sure to make and keep your next eye doctor appointment!

For more information and help to make an appointment with an eye doctor for a dilated eye exam, call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

It is common for people with diabetes to also have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is important to work with your doctor to control your blood sugar and blood pressure. Over time, high blood sugar and high blood pressure can lead to damaged blood vessels, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease. By checking your condition regularly, you will know when you need help for high blood pressure. If your blood pressure goes above 140/90, you should contact your doctor for help.

Tips to lower your risk of complications of high blood pressure when you have diabetes:

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Increase physical activity
• Watch what you eat and decrease the number of foods that are high in saturated or trans fats, cholesterol, and salt
• Avoid drinking alcohol

You can find more information on blood pressure control when you have diabetes by visiting the following website:
CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html.

For more information on managing your diabetes, speak with your doctor or your SWH nurse care manager. To learn more about the SWH Diabetes Health Management Program, call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

The COVID-19 virus has affected us all and changed the way we live. Older adults who get COVID are more likely to become very sick and need to go to the hospital. People with multiple health conditions are even more at risk. The COVID-19 vaccination can help protect you from the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group. Things to know:

• COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are recommended for all adults over the age of 18
• COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective
• Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you have recovered from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations
• You should speak with your doctor or pharmacist about the right vaccine and does for you

FFor more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist and also visit the CDC website located here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

For help scheduling an appointment with your provider for a COVID vaccine, call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

Depression is a medical condition that can be treated. Your doctors have options to help manage your mental health conditions. Some medications need weeks or months in your system before you start to feel better, so don’t give up! You should continue to take your medications as directed. Speak with your doctor before stopping them for any reason. Talk therapy is another treatment that is helpful. Speak with your doctor if you feel that is right for you.

Tips for Improving Mental Health and Feelings of Depression:

• Connect with family, friends, and loved ones if possible
• Consider joining a gym or other programs that interest you and allow you to socialize with others in your community
• Exercise daily and eat a healthy diet. This can help improve mood and fight fatigue
• Find a new hobby or return to an old one – creating art, gardening, dancing, singing, and other hobbies provide enjoyment and enrich your life
• Talk with your doctor if you are having feelings of hopelessness or depression
• Ask to see a specialist if your feelings continue
• Take your medications as prescribed to avoid disrupting your therapy

Remember, you are not alone! Contact your provider or your nurse care manager if you need support.

• Senior Whole Health covers behavioral health benefits. Please call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week
• In the event of an emergency due to feelings of suicide or self-harm, please call 911 for immediate help or dial or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line can assist with finding mental health or substance use disorder services 24/7. Please call (833) 733-2445, TTY: 711.

 

Take care of your diabetes and control your blood sugar by getting regular HbA1c tests and following your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Things to consider:

• Get your Hemoglobin A1c test per your doctor’s recommendations. This test will show where you are at so you can work to control your blood sugar level over time.
• Take your diabetes medications as prescribed to keep blood sugar levels under control.
• Schedule your annual eye exam to detect early symptoms of diabetes-related vision changes.
• Stay up to date on your vaccinations to prevent illness and complications.
• Ask your doctor to examine your feet during routine visits to detect any diabetes-related issues.
• Talk to your doctor about routine urine testing at least once each year to detect diabetes-related kidney damage.

For more information on managing your diabetes, speak with your doctor or your SWH nurse care manager. To learn more about the SWH diabetes health management program, call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes also have kidney disease. By working to keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels stable, you can help prevent more kidney damage.

• Keep your blood sugar levels in your target range, and take your medications as ordered by your doctor.
• Get an HbA1c test! Talk to your doctor about how often is right for you.
• Check with your doctor to make sure a urine test is done at least once each year to monitor for diabetes-related kidney disease.
• Check your blood pressure regularly and keep it below 140/90 mm/Hg. Your doctor may also have a different target level for you. Talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your blood pressure that will help protect your kidneys.
• Watch your diet to keep your cholesterol in a healthy range. Eat fruits and vegetables and avoid foods high in salt.
• Try to exercise at least 3 – 5 days per week. Make sure your doctor approves of your exercise plan.

You can learn more in the link below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/pdf/CKD_TakeCare.pdf

For more information on managing your diabetes and preventing kidney disease, speak with your doctor or your Senior Whole Health nurse care manager. To learn more about the SWH Diabetes Health Management Program, call Member Services at: Toll Free: (888) 794-7268, TTY/TTD: 711, between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., open 7 days/week.