SPRING 2025 Kern Legacy Health Plans What is a nephrologist? A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases that affect the kidneys. You may need to see a nephrologist if you have chronic kidney disease, kidney infections or kidney failure. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the phone number on the back of your ID card for a list of contracted nephrologists. Is it kidney disease? Learn to spot the symptoms Your kidneys play a key role in keeping your body balanced by filtering your blood. They remove waste and extra fluid, control blood pressure, and keep bones healthy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 37 million American adults. Untreated CKD worsens over time and can progress to kidney failure and early cardiovascular disease. Early detection is important Many people may think their symptoms are related to another condition. Early symptoms include: ● Feeling tired. ● Nausea or loss of appetite. ● Unexplained weight loss. ● Peeing more than usual. ● Itchy or dry skin. ● Foamy or bloody urine. Symptoms that can indicate advanced stages are: ● Numbness or swelling in your arms, legs, ankles or feet. ● Cramping muscles. ● Trouble concentrating or sleeping. Although kidney disease can affect anyone, some people may be at a higher risk of developing it. Risk factors for CKD include: ● Diabetes. ● High blood pressure. ● Heart disease or heart failure. ● Obesity. ● Age over 60. ● Family history of kidney disease. ● Tobacco use or smoking. Understanding kidney stones Kidney stones are another risk factor for developing CKD. They form when there is too much waste and not enough liquid. Stones either stay in the kidney or travel through the urinary tract. Your body may pass tiny stones through your urine without much pain. Those that do not pass can cause extreme pain due to backed-up urine. Kidney stones vary in size and can be as large as a golf ball. Symptoms depend on the size and whether the stone is causing irritation or a blockage. Symptoms can include: ● Severe pain in your lower back (one-sided). ● Nausea or vomiting. ● Fever and chills. ● Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine. Causes of kidney stones may include not drinking enough water, eating sugary or salty foods, and not exercising enough or exercising too much. Keeping your kidneys healthy is essential to your overall health. Speak to your primary care provider if you experience any symptoms. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Kidney Foundation Kidney Cancer Month Awareness MARCH
Need an allergy provider? Call the phone number on the back of your member ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com to find a full list of contracted providers in your area. Consultations and routine follow-up visits do not require prior authorizations; however, most allergy injections/shots (immunotherapy) services do. Coping with allergies Allergies can make your life miserable. Their symptoms—runny nose, coughing, itching, headache and sneezing, to name a few—can be mild or severe. But you can do several things to reduce your discomfort from them. Allergy basics An allergy is a reaction your body has to something that’s usually harmless for most people, such as dust mites, pet dander or pollen. An allergen is the thing that triggers the allergic reaction. Your immune system responds to the allergen by releasing a chemical called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms. Some common allergens are: ● Pets. The dander in their fur can linger in the air and furniture for a long time. Their saliva or urine causes allergic reactions too. ● Mice and cockroaches. These pests have allergens in their feces and saliva. ● Dust mites. You can’t see them without a microscope, but they live in bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture and dust inside your house. ● Mold. These microscopic organisms reproduce through mold spores. Spores float through the air and are easily inhaled. ● Pollen. Trees, weeds, grass and other plants release pollen. Pollen levels usually peak during the spring and fall. While most of these allergens crop up year-round almost anywhere, some—such as cockroaches, dust mites and mold—flourish in warm, humid environments. Symptom relief Try these tips to soothe your allergies. Reduce pet dander. Groom your pet outside and wash its bedding frequently. Shut your windows. This can help keep pollen and dust at bay. Scrub surfaces. Regularly clean areas where mold tends to grow, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Lower the humidity. Aim for a humidity level of less than 50%. Avoid humidifiers. Use filters. Use a vacuum cleaner and an air purifier with highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce dust and dander. Look into installing air filters in your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Medicate. Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications can relieve your symptoms. They are available as drops, tablets, liquids and sprays. The major types of allergy medications are antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids and mast-cell stabilizers. Have allergies? Make an appointment with our allergist. Sources: Allergy & Asthma Network; American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Salt gives many foods a boost of flavor. But there’s a catch. Salt has sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure—a major cause of heart disease and stroke. You can take steps to help keep your blood pressure down. The first step is to avoid salting foods when preparing or eating them. But you’ll also want to reduce your intake of sodium overall, most of which comes from other foods besides table salt. That doesn’t mean settling for bland foods. Check out these tips. Add zing with herbs and spices instead of salt. In the kitchen, try flavoring foods with a variety of herbs, spices and other ingredients. Here are a few flavorful combinations: ● Chopped garlic with potatoes. ● Turmeric with rice. ● Citrus juice with fish. ● Rosemary with chicken. ● Basil with pasta. ● Paprika with soups. Put on your chef’s hat. Up to 70% of the sodium we eat comes from processed or ready-made packaged foods—from instant rice to frozen pizzas. Whenever possible: ● Prepare foods with fresh, naturally delicious ingredients instead of instant mixes and sauces, which often have salt added to them. Grow your own herbs The most tastefully dressed dishes are wearing fresh herbs. But these culinary darlings can be pricey to purchase. To grow them at home, plant your favorites in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water them as needed—but skip the pesticides. Basil, chives and parsley thrive in containers. Mint is easy to grow, too—though it can invade your garden, so keep a close eye on it. Snip leaves as you need them. To save some for the future, rinse leaves; place them one-deep on a tray; and dry in a dark, wellventilated room. Drying intensifies flavor, so use two-thirds to three-fourths less. Sources: AARP; U.S. Department of Agriculture Snacks that satisfy Salsa crunch Dip whole-grain tortilla chips in zingy salsa. Yum! Veggies with hummus Carrot sticks, bell peppers and cauliflower are dippable and delicious. Spiced apples Sprinkle cinnamon over apple slices. DIY trail mix Combine plain, airpopped popcorn; unsalted nuts; and raisins. Ants on a log Spread peanut butter on celery sticks; top with raisins for naturally sweet fun. Cheese quesadilla Melt low-fat cheese inside a rolled-up, whole-wheat tortilla. Water with a twist Add a citrus or cucumber slice to chilled water. Don’t be salty How to cut back on salt ● Cook with dried instead of canned beans. ● Choose unprocessed meats, such as fresh, skinless poultry and fish, instead of meats that are smoked, cured or salted. Choose low- or no-salt versions of your favorites. Many foods have lower-sodium versions that taste delicious. At grocery stores, compare nutrition facts labels and choose foods with the least amount of sodium. Tip: Even foods that don’t taste salty, like bread, can supply a lot of sodium. When buying canned or frozen items (such as soups, vegetables and broths) look for “no salt added,” “low sodium,” “reduced sodium” or “unsalted.” Need help? If you want to learn delicious ways to cut back on salt, ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Grab the good stuff on your next grocery run Strategies for healthy weight loss When life gets hectic, healthy habits that support weight loss are sometimes the first things to go. Luckily there are proven strategies to help. Here are five tips for approaching weight loss in a healthy and manageable way. Focus on fruits and vegetables. The produce section is bursting with foods that are naturally low in calories and filled with fiber. High in antioxidants, fruits and vegetables tame inflammation, which can help reduce your risk for obesity. Try filling 75% of your plate with plants at each meal. Plan your meals. When you know you want to eat more vegetables, one secret to success is planning when you’ll get those servings into your daily diet. That starts with breakfast: Plan what you’ll eat, and don’t skip it. When you have your groceries and meal plan ready, you’re less likely to skip any meal. And that’s a good thing. Skipping meals leads to blood sugar and energy crashes. You can end up eating whatever is around, like chips or cookies. Reduce refined carbohydrates. Also known as simple carbs, these foods include white bread, pizza, pastries, pasta, white rice and sweets. They are typically high in calories and lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes. Instead, choose unrefined carbs, including vegetables and whole grains. These healthy foods can help you lose weight and reduce the risk of disease. Cut back on sugar. The empty calories that come with sugar can derail your weight loss journey. Limiting sugary treats, including sweetened beverages, doughnuts, muffins and candy, can help you lose weight and lower your risk of diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 6 teaspoons or less per day. Get active. Exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight for life. You don’t have to go to the gym. Walking is a great exercise that’s available to everyone. See a registered dietitian to create a personalized eating plan that meets your nutritional needs. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call 661-868-3182 for a list of contracted dietitians. Sources: American Council on Exercise; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention These tips can help you Make a list. Pick a day on the weekend to plan meals for the week. Shop the perimeter first. The outer aisles of grocery stores contain some of the most nutritious choices, like fresh produce. Pump up the produce. Fill your cart with fruits and vegetables. Choose different colors for different nutrients. Think juicy red and green apples; crunchy, orange carrots; crisp, dark lettuce; and tender, tasty zucchini. Go lean with protein. Choose lean or extra lean meats. Reel in the benefits of fish. Here’s an exception to the lean-protein rule: fatty fish, like salmon, which have heart-healthy omega-3 fatty oils. Cut the dairy fat. Try low-fat or fat-free versions. Grab some whole grains. For example, look for 100% whole-wheat instead of white sandwich bread, whole-wheat tortillas and pasta, and brown rice instead of white. To verify a product is truly whole grain, make sure a whole grain is the first listed ingredient. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; International Food Information Council; U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease If you know someone with Alzheimer’s, you understand how difficult it is for everyone involved. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person with the disease; it touches everyone close to them. Knowing the facts can help you cope. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, which interferes with your ability to remember things, perform daily tasks and take care of yourself. Eventually, you become completely dependent on others. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia—in fact, 60% to 80% of people who develop dementia have Alzheimer’s. Your risk for Alzheimer’s goes up after age 65. People under age 65 can get Alzheimer’s, too, but this is less common. How to spot the signs Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of getting older. Damage to your brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, triggers Alzheimer symptoms. Scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes this damage, but it can begin years before signs of the disease appear. Alzheimer symptoms may include: ● Forgetting something you just learned or dates, events or people’s names. ● Repeating phrases. ● Having trouble doing routine things, such as paying bills. ● Not knowing what time, day or year it is. ● Confusion about where you are or how you got there. ● Losing things often. ● Having trouble understanding a conversation or choosing the right words. ● A decreased ability to use sound judgment, such as with your money. ● Pulling away from friends, family or hobbies. ● Personality changes like irritability, confusion, anxiety, suspicion and depression. Diagnosis and treatment If you have a family member with signs of Alzheimer’s, they should see their health care provider as soon as possible. The provider will review the person’s medical history, ask about behavior changes and perform lab tests. The provider may also assess the person’s memory and problem-solving skills and order a brain scan to rule out other illnesses. No single test can diagnose Alzheimer’s. Your loved one may need to be assessed several times as symptoms worsen. Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but researchers have made great strides toward slowing its development and treating its symptoms. Early intervention is important for preserving and improving quality of life. Is it Alzheimer’s? Watch for red flags If you’re concerned about changes in memory, talk to a doctor. The problem may be caused by something other than Alzheimer’s, and the right care could improve or reverse it. Source: National Institute on Aging Normal forgetfulness Possibly Alzheimer’s disease Occasionally overlooking a bill. Sometimes struggling to remember a word. Forgetting what day it is but remembering later. Misplacing things, like a phone or a set of keys, from time to time. Trouble having a conversation. Losing track of the date or time of year. Putting things away in an odd place, like keys in the freezer. Trouble with basic tasks like paying for a purchase or counting change.
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and members of KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3182. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans Colorectal cancer: Why you should get screened Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in the United States. Adults ages 65 to 74 are more likely than younger people to get it. But recent data shows that colorectal cancer has increased among people ages 15 to 39. Routine colorectal cancer screening is important. Screening can help your provider find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. In fact, screening might help them find and remove suspicious growths before cancer can form. How colorectal cancer begins Colorectal cancer usually develops from a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. If a polyp becomes cancerous, it can spread into the wall of the colon or rectum. The cancer can then spread to other parts of the body. There’s no surefire way to prevent polyps from forming. You may be more likely to develop polyps if someone in your family has had them. You may increase your risk of developing polyps if you: ● Are physically inactive. ● Are overweight. ● Smoke. ● Drink alcohol heavily. Some, but not all, polyps become cancerous over several years if they are not found and removed. You can have polyps and not know it. Most of the time, they don’t cause symptoms. How and when to get screened When you start colorectal cancer screening depends on many factors, such as your overall health and family history. In general, you should begin at age 45. People over age 75 should talk with their doctors about the need and frequency for screening. There are different ways to be screened. Talk with your doctor about the test that is most effective for you. To make an appointment with a specialist, call 661-868-3182 or, for a list of contracted providers, visit www.kerncountyhealth benefits.com. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases A change in bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stools. Blood in the stool or very dark or black stools. A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying. Abdominal pain or cramps. Feeling very weak or tired. Losing weight without trying. Getting screened is the best way to find colorectal cancer early, before it causes symptoms, when it may be easier to treat. Ask your doctor if it’s time to be screened. Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer Source: American Cancer Society
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