WHA's Health & Wellness Blog

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.

Had your eyesight tested recently?

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. 

WHA Has Gym Discounts for Members

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! 

Workouts for Mind and Body

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.

Get a Healthy Start to the Academic Year With Your Child's Back-to-School Checkup

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.

Expert Advice for Smart Workouts

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.

Immunizations Save Lives

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.

Enjoy a Relaxing Summer Vacation with Peace of Mind from Assist America

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: