WHA Blog

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available to Anyone 16 or older

Here is the Where, When and Why to get your shot. 

Let AHA's 'Move More' Tips Boost your Mood

Sitting for eight hours each day or at low levels of physical activity can negatively impact your health – both physically and mentally.

Seasonal allergy relief, naturally

As spring-like weather arrives, so does the pollen count. And, it’s a perfect time for stocking up on tissues and allergy medications, as well as an opportunity to try some natural remedies as well.   

Simple Eating Tips to Stay Healthy

Were you challenged keeping a 6’ social distance from your refrigerator this past year? You are not alone. To help, we developed a few very simple ways to develop good habits that will help you get back on track. 

COVID-19 Virus, Vaccines and Your Heart

In wrapping up February’s Heart Health Month, WHA wanted to share important information related to COVID-19 virus and vaccines, and as it relates to your heart health. Anyone with risk factors for heart disease and stroke are at greater risk for getting the virus. The American Heart Association is encouraging those with a history of heart disease or stroke to get the vaccine because of the higher risk of developing complications due to the virus. 

Make The Most of Your Health Plan

Staying Well – Using your Plan Helps!

Most think that a health plan simply gives you medical coverage for when you are sick or injured. But when you enroll in a WHA plan, you get preventive care, such as vaccines and screenings, immediate access to care, and money-saving resources that keep you well! 

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Health Plan

Choosing the right health plan for you and your family is not always an easy task. There’s much to consider. WHA wants to help by providing these 5 tips to help in the process.

WHA members now have two ways to get a flu shot – at your pharmacy or PCP

It’s more important than ever this season to reduce the spread of respiratory illness, such as the flu. One reason is that if you get the flu, it could put you at risk for COVID-19. 

WHA Medicare Advantage plans now available during Annual Enrollment Period

Western Health Advantage now offers its WHA MyCare and WHA MyCare Plus HMO plans to Medicare-eligible residents in six Northern CA counties: Marin, Napa, Sacramento, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

Heart and Stroke Walk is Coming September 26, 2020

The Sacramento Heart and Stroke Walk Digital Experience is coming up.

Suicide Prevention

September is suicide prevention month. To save a life, read about trigger events and free crisis phone line. 

Time To Reboot Preventive Visits

If you put off seeking preventive care for fear of contracting COVID-19, now there are strict measures in place in all medical facilities to protect you, such wearing face coverings (or masks), visitor policies, protective supplies, and even isolation of COVID-19 patients. If you are due for your annual preventive check-up, call to schedule a visit with your doctor today.

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.