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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.
Stand Up to Bullying
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.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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.
Join WHA at the Sacramento Heart & Stroke Walk
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.
Take Time this Month to Prepare Yourself for Emergencies
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.
Start Lowering Your Cholesterol this September
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.
Take Steps to Reduce Childhood Obesity this Month
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.