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May is both National American Stroke and High Blood Pressure Month
Mind Your Risks® is a public health campaign sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that educates people with high blood pressure about the importance of controlling blood pressure in midlife (from the ages of 45 to 65) to help reduce the risk of having a stroke and possibly developing dementia later in life.
5 Common Questions About Type 2 Diabetes
More than 30 million people in the United States are living with diabetes. Most have type 2 diabetes, caused when the body isn’t producing enough insulin, can’t use insulin properly, or both. Read on for some commonly asked questions about the condition.
Preteen Vaccine Week Promotes Immunizations
To help protect adolescents against dangerous diseases, Western Health Advantage (WHA) is joining with the California Department of Public Health in recognizing March 1-7, 2020 as Preteen Vaccine Week.
Join WHA at the 2020 Sacramento Undy RunWalk!
On Saturday, February 22, 2020 Western Health Advantage (WHA) will be raising awareness about colorectal cancer by participating as a sponsor and as a team – WHAtch Your Tushie – in the 2020 Sacramento Undy RunWalk put on by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Under Pressure
Monitoring and managing your blood pressure is one of the best ways to help your heart health
High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it doesn’t typically have symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues including heart attack and stroke.
Fortunately, there’s a simple way to prevent blood pressure-related complications from sneaking up on you: Check your blood pressure regularly and discuss the results with your doctor. Investing in a blood pressure device for home use is ideal to check your level between doctor’s visits. You can also check your blood pressure at your local pharmacy, where devices are located in waiting areas.
Go Red for Women
Did you know that February marks American Heart Month? Did you know that heart disease is the #1 health risk of all Americans?
3-2-1: How You Can Help Teens Build Healthy Habits
Holiday treats and New Year’s resolutions can serve as opportunities for adolescents to reflect on their eating, exercise, and nutrition habits. Healthy habits in the teen years can support teens’ development now and their health in the future. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Office of Adolescent Health has some suggestions below for adults to keep in mind as they support teens in making healthy choices.
Folic Acid – Why it's important before and during pregnancy
WHA wants to spread the word about the importance of folic acid for women. The first full week of January is Folic Acid Awareness Week. Several national and international health organizations promote this week to increase awareness of the importance of consuming enough folic acid, particularly for women thinking of becoming pregnant and for women who are already pregnant.
Take Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer this January
Many young women are missing the opportunity to be screened for cervical cancer. As January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, WHA would like to remind you of the importance of cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Cervical cancer, which forms in the tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina), is almost always caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which is spread through sexual contact.
Depression Can Happen to Anyone
Before she was a famous author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling was a young, divorced, single mother who experienced thoughts of suicide. One doctor brushed off her concerns but another realized the seriousness of her symptoms and successfully treated her with cognitive behavioral therapy.
December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Each year December is observed as National Safe Toys and Gifts Month.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season and year round:
Join WHA at Sacramento's Santa Parade
Western Health Advantage is excited to support the annual Santa Parade, being held Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Downtown District near Capitol Park in Sacramento. The parade route goes around Capitol Park – N Street to NOW 9th , and up L Street to 12th .
National Influenza Vaccination Week: December 1-7, 2019
It’s not too late to vaccinate – get your flu vaccine today if you haven’t had one yet!
WHA to Partner with OptumRx in 2020
Western Health Advantage is pleased to announce that starting January 1, 2020, OptumRx will manage pharmacy care services for WHA members with pharmacy benefits. WHA’s new partnership with OptumRx will help keep our rates competitive and enable us to continue offering excellent health care to our members. OptumRx provides 24/7 access to pharmacists, online prescription management, and tools to find pharmacies.
This November, Take Steps to Prevent and Manage Diabetes
November is American Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans. In the United States, the CDC reports that 84 million people have pre-diabetes, putting them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes (which another 30 million Americans have).
November is Eat Smart Month!
Western Health Advantage has teamed up with the American Heart Association to help you find healthier options this holiday season. Here are some daily tips from AHA:
Review Your Health Plan Options this Open Enrollment
As of October 15, 2019 California residents who cannot get a health plan through their employer are able to shop and enroll in a number of health plans through Covered California, California's health benefit exchange. Western Health Advantage plans for 2020 are among those available during Covered California’s open enrollment period. Whether you are currently uninsured or already enrolled in a Covered California plan, this open enrollment period is offered to all who are eligible for Covered California.
Get a Discount on Holiday Fun
Western Health Advantage members can get $5 off the admission price to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink by showing their WHA membership card, thanks to WHA’s support of the 2019-20 Ice Rink season. The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is a treasured #URBANHOLIDAY destination for outdoor skating and a launching pad for exploring the central city.
Learn F.A.S.T on World Stroke Day, October 29
Every second counts during a stroke. Whether you’re enjoying music at a festival or are about to finally reach the front of the line at the DMV, the second you notice the sign of an impending stroke, it’s time to act.
Have you had a mammogram recently?
This October Western Health Advantage is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer organizations. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.