As Spring begins, US Family Health Plan members looking to sustain their New Year’s health and wellness resolutions should focus on preventative health care. The six member organizations of the US Family Health Plan place a high priority on providing their patients with quality health care and educating them about how preventive care can help them stay healthy all year long.  Examples of preventive care include:

• Annual Exams: Schedule your annual exams in the beginning of the year, monitor chronic conditions and discuss any recent changes in your health with your doctor.¹

• Eat Nourishing Foods: Eating nutritious foods – including fruits, vegetables and healthy protein – can help prevent illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.²

• Move Every Day: Exercise boosts your mood, gives you energy and improves sleep. Find ways to add in movement throughout your day.³

• Maintain Your Brain: Keep your mind active with challenging activities like crossword or jigsaw puzzles – they’ve been shown to boost brain productivity and prevent memory loss.⁴

• Socialize: Socializing regularly can help reduce stress and anxiety. Try scheduling one social activity a week—perhaps join a book club or sign up for a class at your local recreation center.⁵

• Set Goals: Write down your health goals to keep them at the forefront of your mind.⁶

The US Family Health Plans’ preventive health care initiatives—including disease and complex care management programs and a patient-centered medical home concept that includes in-home patient monitoring—keep members active in lifestyle programs and invested in their health and wellness. For additional tips on preventative measures, contact your primary care provider.

References

1. Regular Check-Ups are Important | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
2. What Are the Benefits of Eating Healthy? | Medial News Today
3. Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity | Mayo Clinic
4. 12 Ways to Keep Your Brain Young | Harvard Health Publishing
5. The Health Benefits of Socializing | Psychology Today
6. An Easier Way to Set and Achieve Health Goals | Harvard Health Publishing