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Published: 10/14/2019
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.
Published: 10/09/2019
This month is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, a time when the world comes together to raise awareness for bullying prevention.
One child or a group of kids repeatedly picking on or shaming another child—whether physically or verbally—is unfortunately nothing new. Many adults have at least one memory of being bullied as a child, usually by an older sibling or by someone at school. What is new today is the various forms bullying has taken, and the magnification of its power to hurt, thanks in part to the widespread use of social media among young people. Such experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, skipping school and even violent acts of retaliation.
Published: 10/03/2019
While Western Health Advantage recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we also recognize that domestic violence is not restricted to a single month and that knowledge is a means to end this hidden crime. WHA encourages our members to become educated about domestic violence during this month and to take action throughout the year.
Published: 09/25/2019
On Saturday, September 28, 2019, Western Health Advantage will promote fun ways to be physically active and make healthy lifestyle choices by participating as the title sponsor of the Sacramento Heart & Stroke Walk. WHA will also field a large team at the walk and have a “healthy selfie” booth. The event is put on by the American Heart Association, whose mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Published: 09/16/2019
September is recognized as National Preparedness Month and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). National Preparedness Month is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for emergencies and disasters, both large scale and smaller local events.
Published: 09/13/2019
September is National Cholesterol Education Month and a good time to ask your doctor about getting your cholesterol numbers checked. There are no symptoms with high cholesterol. It can only be diagnosed with a blood cholesterol screening test.
Published: 09/09/2019
One in three children in the United States are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Published: 08/28/2019
August is National Eye Exam Month. This is a good time to remember the importance of getting regular, comprehensive eye exams. Having your vision checked should be part of taking care of your overall health, just like going to the dentist and getting an annual physical.
Published: 08/23/2019
WHA members interested in getting fit and staying healthy have several choices. One is the Active&Fit Direct program, which allows a WHA member to work out at any fitness center in their network. The monthly cost is just $25 (plus a $25 enrollment fee and taxes where applicable) – that’s less than $1 a day!
Published: 08/16/2019
You exercise to keep your body healthy, but your mind needs training too. To boost both physical and mental health, try dancing, tai chi or yoga.
Published: 08/14/2019
With the end of summer vacation comes the start of a new school year. This can be a hectic time, as families busily shop for classroom supplies and new fall clothes. But it’s important to add one more item to your back-to-school to-do list: Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician.
Published: 08/12/2019
Summer travel can take you to elevations well above sea level, and it may be challenging for those unused to high altitudes to acclimate to the reduced oxygen in the atmosphere. It can also complicate your exercise efforts. Dr. Lineberry of Mercy Medical Group offers guidance on working out in high places. inated.
Published: 08/07/2019
The number children who died in the U.S. during the 2017-2018 flu season hit an all-time high with 186 deaths. About three-quarters of these deaths occurred in children who were not vaccinated.
Published: 07/24/2019
Members of Western Health Advantage benefit from the added comfort provided by Assist America. As part of WHA’s health plan, urgent care and emergency care services are covered wherever you are in the world. Anytime you travel 100 miles or more away from home, even in a foreign country, you are eligible for Assist America’s assistance services, which include:
Published: 07/19/2019
It’s summertime and that means it’s time for lemonade stands, grilling, picnics, beach days and pool parties. Unfortunately, in California, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of five. Each year, near-drowning incidents result in life-long disabilities.
Published: 07/17/2019
It’s summer time and children are out of school, many folks are taking a vacation or planning one, and it’s probably hot outside! For hospitals and urgent care centers, however, this is a time of year to be ready. As people enjoy the outdoors and engage in more adventurous activities, the number of injuries and trauma incidents seen at hospitals double, compared to winter, according to Assist America. The most common causes of injuries during the summer include car accidents, severe sunburn, water-sports injuries, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and falls.
Published: 07/12/2019
Summer is prime time for outdoor cooking, such as around Independence Day, July 4th. Don’t let improperly prepared food ruin your summer event. Here is a bit of advice for this season’s outdoor eating—from picnics to dinner parties.
Published: 07/08/2019
No one wants to spend a beautiful day sick in bed. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to lower your chances of getting a spring cold or other seasonal illness.
Published: 07/03/2019
Taking care of yourself when you are feeling anxious or alone can be tough. Read on for some easy ways to help chase away the blues.
Published: 07/01/2019
Do you sometimes find that you’re not in the mood to go to the gym? Fortunately, there are other ways to get in a workout! For maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consider these alternatives: