SUMMER 2023 Kern Legacy Health Plans 6 Have fun, stay safe this summer 2 High blood pressure: Keep it in check Inside Get mosquitoes to bug off! Take these steps to avoid mosquito bites this season and beyond In warm weather, mosquitoes are a hot topic. Generally, these insect bites are just itchy and uncomfortable. In rare instances, though, mosquitoes can carry disease, such as West Nile virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms. In other cases, mosquito bites can cause a serious allergic reaction. To prevent your skin from becoming a mosquito picnic—and reduce the chances of mosquito-borne illness—limit your contact with mosquitoes as much as you can. Start by putting these pest-free pointers into practice. Use bug spray. Before heading outside, apply sunscreen, then bug repellent. Check bug repellent labels for active ingredients— such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)—that have proven to be effective and safe, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Apply according to label directions. Avoid bug repellents with OLE and PMD for children 3 years of age and younger. Cover up. Tight-knit clothing, such as jeans and long-sleeved shirts, can act as a physical mosquito barrier. Similarly, cover baby strollers with mosquito netting. Debug your yard. Standing water is a mosquito breeding ground. Pour water from buckets, toys and any other open containers. Also, empty and change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week. When to see a doctor about a bug bite If you get munched on by mosquitoes, wash your bites with soap and water. Apply an icy compress to the area, followed by anti-itch cream to take away the itch and the red bump. Some people develop large bumps. See a doctor if the bite worsens; if you develop a skin rash, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or swollen glands; or if you feel achy. Get to the emergency department immediately if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling in your lips, face or tongue; dizziness; or vomiting. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Stopping your blood pressure from climbing too high is one of the healthiest things you can do for many reasons—including that it may help lower your risk for having a stroke or developing dementia. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, making it more likely that they will: ● Become narrowed and clogged, which reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. ● Rupture or burst. Both of these changes to the blood vessels can lead to stroke. Many people who have a first stroke have high blood pressure. Some people also develop what’s called vascular dementia or vascular cognitive impairment, which can cause memory and thinking problems, after having a stroke Keep your blood pressure down Start by getting regular blood pressure checks by your primary care provider (PCP). High blood pressure has no symptoms. So regular testing is the only way to know where you stand. Ask your PCP if you should also check your blood pressure at home. If your blood pressure is not in a healthy range, you may be able to bring it down (and possibly help protect your brain) by: Making lifestyle changes. For instance: ● Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. ● Cut back on salt a nd sodium by comparing food labels. ● Keep moving. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity, like brisk walking, each week. ● Watch your weight. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight. Taking medications. If your PCP prescribes blood pressure medicines, take them exactly as directed. Sources: Alzheimer’s Association; American Heart Association; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services DO NOT DELAY! Make an appointment with your physician to check your numbers. Consultations and routine follow-up visits with contracted Kern Legacy providers do not require prior authorization; however, services for procedures and advanced imaging, such as MRI, CT and PET scans, do. Services requiring prior authorization must be submitted and approved prior to obtaining services. For questions about your benefits, visit www.kerncounty.com or call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card. Keeping blood pressure under control may help prevent dementia and stroke Do your brain a favor Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers: a top (systolic) number and a bottom (diastolic) number: Blood pressure category Top number Bottom number Normal Less than 120 And less than 80 Elevated 120 to 129 And less than 80 Stage 1 high blood pressure 130 to 139 Or 80 to 89 Stage 2 140 or higher 90 or higher Hypertensive crisis (call your doctor right away) Higher than 180 Higher than 120
Another reason to control your blood pressure High blood pressure is a serious threat to your kidneys Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering your blood and keeping your body functioning properly. So it’s important that your kidneys stay healthy. One way to do that is to make sure your blood pressure stays within a normal range. Blood pressure that is too high can cause kidney disease. Blood pressure is the force of your blood as it flows through your blood vessels. When blood pressure is too high, blood vessels stretch so the blood can flow through them more easily. This stretching damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. Kidneys with damaged blood vessels don’t remove wastes and extra fluid through your urine like they should. In turn, the extra fluid that accumulates in blood vessels may cause blood pressure to go even higher, creating a dangerous cycle. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. Symptoms of kidney disease Like high blood pressure, kidney disease does not have symptoms—at least not in its early stages. You may notice swelling in your legs, feet or ankles. This is called edema, and it is caused by a buildup of extra fluid and salt that healthy kidneys would expel. In its later stages, kidney disease may cause: ● Loss of appetite. ● Nausea and vomiting. ● Fatigue and problems sleeping. ● Trouble concentrating. ● Increased or decreased urination. ● Generalized itching or numbness. ● Dry skin. Do you have high blood pressure? If you have high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider about your risk for kidney disease. Your provider might want to do some tests of your urine and maybe a blood test to determine early signs of kidney damage. The best way to avoid or slow progression of kidney disease is to lower your blood pressure. You can do that with medications and also changes in your lifestyle, such as: ● Following a healthy eating plan that includes reducing sodium (salt). ● Getting regular physical activity. Ask your provider what kind and how much activity is safe for you. ● Losing weight if you’re overweight. A loss of 7% to 10% of your body weight can help. ● Quitting smoking if you light up. Smoking damages blood vessels. ● Reducing stress. Exercise can help. Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Knowing key numbers—and working to keep them in a healthy range—can add up to better health. Here’s a look at target numbers for most adults. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. BLOOD SUGAR Target: A fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg/dL. BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) Target: 18.5 to 24.9. BLOOD PRESSURE Target: Systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Why it matters: High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. What it is: The force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Why it matters: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems and certain cancers. What it is: A measure of body fat based on your height and weight. Why it matters: Diabetes occurs—or is poorly managed— when blood sugar levels are too high. What it is: The amount of glucose in your blood. CHOLESTEROL Target: Talk with your doctor about what’s optimal for you. It depends on your overall risk factors. Why it matters: Unhealthy cholesterol levels raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. What it is: A waxy substance produced in the liver and released into the blood. Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force BETTER HEALTH
Heads up, everyone: It’s OK, even necessary, to put yourself first sometimes—especially when it comes to your health. And that’s true no matter how much you’re juggling. It’s crucial to take care of both your body and mind. So put yourself on your to-do list with steps like these: Sit less and move more. Block out time for exercise. And treat it like a must-show appointment you wouldn’t cancel. You might be more faithful if you sign up for an exercise class or you make exercise dates with a friend or partner. But remember that any exercise is better than none, and you don’t need a gym. So walk your dog, romp with your kids on the playground and see stairs as opportunities. Don’t be a stranger to your doctor. One of the best ways to stay healthy is to see your personal physician (such as an internist or a family physician) regularly. That way you won’t fall behind on checkups and tests that can help you find health problems early, when they’re often easier to treat. Watch your weight. Getting to or staying at a healthy weight will reduce your risk for a slew of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to certain cancers. A food diary or a tracking app can help you be more mindful of your eating habits. De-stress. Carve out time every day for something that gives you pleasure. Meet a friend for coffee, get lost in a book (at least for a little while) or stargaze at night. Recharge and enjoy. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HealthCare.gov; National Institutes of Health; Office on Women’s Health Make time for yourself From family obligations to work responsibilities, chances are you have a lot on your plate. But one thing you can’t afford to skimp on is self-care. We’re talking about taking time for yourself to engage in habits that help you live and feel your best. What follows are a few good ways to be good to your body and your mind. Keep in mind that many of these tips can help improve both your physical and your mental health. For your body Eat healthy foods. Along with giving you energy to focus, good nutrition may help reduce your risk of some chronic conditions. One simple change is to eat vegetables and fruit every day. Other good foods include whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Get enough sleep. Snooze at least seven to nine hours at night. Help yourself to a good night’s rest by sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding watching TV or scrolling through your social media feed close to bedtime. Be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Walking is often ideal. But the best activities are those you enjoy and can sustain. For your mind Try a relaxation technique. Here’s one: Find a quiet place, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Take a break. Do your best to set aside time each day (even just a few minutes) to do something you enjoy. Maybe that’s listening to music, reading a book or spending time working on a hobby. Reach out. Having social connections is good for our mental health. Talk with close friends and family about any stress in your life. Say thanks. Try writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day. Daily expressions of gratitude may boost your mood. Ask for help. If you need help maintaining or improving your wellbeing, talk with your primary care provider. If you are in crisis and need to talk with someone right away, you can call or text 988 (the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) to connect with a trained counselor. Sources: American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance for Mental Health; National Institute of Mental Health It’s time to focus on you REACH OUT TO PROFESSIONALS. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors can help you 24/7. Call 844-416-6386 or visit anthemeap.com and enter “County of Kern” to log in.
Kern County and VSP: An affordable vision plan for you Know the benefits you get with a VSP provider WELL-VISION EXAM focuses on your eyes and overall wellness. ● $20 co-pay, every 12 months. PRESCRIPTION GLASSES ● $20 co-pay. FRAME* (every 24 months; co-pay included with prescription glasses) ● $150 frame allowance. ● $170 featured frame brands allowance. ● $80 Costco/Walmart frame allowance. ● 20% savings on the amount over your allowance. LENSES (every 24 months; co-pay included with prescription glasses) ● Single vision, lined bifocal and lined trifocal lenses. ● Impact-resistant lenses for dependent children. LENS ENHANCEMENTS (every 24 months) ● UV coating: $0. ● Scratch coating: $0. ● Tints/photochromic coating: $0. ● Polycarbonate (adults and children): $0. ● Anti-reflective coating: $35. ● Standard progressive lenses: $50. ● Premium progressive lenses: $50. ● Custom progressive lenses: $50. ● Average savings of 40% on other lens enhancements. CONTACTS (every 24 months) ● $150 allowance for contacts; co-pay does not apply/$0 co-pay. ● Contact lens exam (fitting and evaluation): up to $40 co-pay. *Coverage with a retail chain may be different or not apply. For a full description of your vision benefits, visit www.kerncounty healthbenefits.com. Please note: Not all Kern Legacy Health Plans members are eligible for vision care. Why you should have an eye exam You might not miss an oil change for your car. But eye exams have been known to fall by the wayside. That’s because we tend to take our eyes for granted unless there’s a problem, such as blurred vision, redness or pain. Still, your eyes are a vital part of your health. Even if you don’t have issues with your vision, it’s important to see an eye care provider. When to see an eye doctor You should have your eyes checked in your 20s and 30s, but age 40 is prime time for an eye exam, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A checkup will screen for early signs of age-related changes in your vision that you may not even notice. Your eye doctor can use the exam as a benchmark for future eye exams. If you wear contact lenses, have an infection or injury, or if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease, you’ll want to see an eye doctor before age 40. Talk to your eye doctor about how often you should have checkups. If you are 65 or older, you should get your eyes checked every year or two. If you notice sudden floaters and flashes or patterns of light, don’t wait for your next checkup. Call the eye doctor. Checking your vision Eye exams can help detect eye conditions that can impact your vision, including: Glaucoma, an eye disease in which increasing fluid pressure in the eye slowly destroys the optic nerve. It’s a painless, symptomless disease until you start noticing some vision loss. Cataracts, a clouding of the lens. Macular degeneration, which strikes the retina, the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye. An area of the retina, known as the macula, is responsible for sharp central vision. Be on the lookout for diabetes-related eye conditions You’ll also want to see your eye doctor regularly if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes affects your blood sugar, which can impact your eyesight. High blood sugar can cause tiny blood vessels in the retina to leak, causing blurry vision. The condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can lead to vision loss. But treatments are available to help protect your vision. Safeguard your sight If you’ve never had a comprehensive eye exam, now is a good time. Contact your eye care provider. If you don’t have one, call the customer service number on the back of your ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com to find a provider. Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Diabetes Association; National Institutes of Health
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 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. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans Have fun, stay safe this summer Summer. It’s often packed with fun-filled activities like picnics and water sports. While enjoying this sunny season, it’s important to keep in mind potential hazards that can derail your good times. Follow these vital tips to help keep your summer safe. Slather on the sunscreen. The sun may feel good on your skin, but it can do a lot of damage too. For example, sunburns raise your risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen can help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply sunscreen every day—even when it’s cloudy. Spread it over all exposed skin. Don’t forget the tops of your feet and head and your lips, neck and ears. Be mindful around water. Whether you’re in a pool, on a boat or near open water, take steps to protect yourself and others from drowning: ● Never leave children alone near water. ● Have rescue equipment nearby if you own a pool. ● Always have a phone nearby too. Keep outdoor meals safe. Nearly 1 in 6 Americans gets food poisoning each year, and hot temperatures and outdoor gatherings make summer a particularly risky time for getting sick from food. Don’t let food poisoning spoil your next picnic or backyard barbecue. ● Keep raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs away from other food. ● Cover and refrigerate foods within two hours of serving—one hour if it’s hotter than 90 degrees. Avoid bug bites. Most bug bites aren’t serious, but they are annoying. Here’s how to lessen your chance of being bitten or stung. ● When hiking through areas with tall grasses and bushes, wear light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible. When you get back, examine your skin and scalp for bugs or bites. ● Use bug spray that contains DEET. ● Apply bug spray on top of sunscreen. Do not apply repellent on skin under clothing. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -HEALTHY ideas kids will love Stock a snack drawer Older kids can help themselves to whole-grain crackers, unsalted nuts, and dried or fresh fruit. Plant something together Kids may be more likely to try kale or collards if they planted the seeds and watched them grow. Make a game of food labels Have kids measure out what they think is a serving and compare it to what the label says. Create a sports zone Keep balls, jump ropes and other fun gear in one go‑to location. Visit the farmers market Encourage kids to pick out a new fruit or veggie to take home and try. Make a splash that’s not soda Flavor water with fresh berries or orange slices.
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