Letter from the

President House Call8900 Lakes at 610 Drive | Houston, Texas 77054

February 2011

Dear KelseyCare Advantage Members,

Thank you for taking time to read the latest edition of House Call, the

newsletter designed just for KelseyCare Advantage members.

In this issue, we focus on prevention. Read on to learn more about:

• How annual physicals help you stay healthy and prevent illness

• Ways to reduce your risk of falling in your home

• How KelseyCare Advantage Preferred Pharmacies can save you time

and money• What you need to know to prevent glaucoma, the “sneak thief” of sight

If you ever have any questions about KelseyCare Advantage, please call

our Concierge Service at 713-442-9540. We will be happy to assist you in

any way possible!

In good health,

Marnie MathenyPresident, KelseyCare Advantage

What You Need to Know About Annual PhysicalsFor many people, going to the doctor falls to the bottom of their to-do list. However, seeing the doctor once a year for a check-up (also known as an annual physical) really does help you stay healthy. Even better, annual physicals are a covered benefit for KelseyCare Advantage members.

What happens during an annual physical?Your doctor will talk with you about any questions or concerns you have about your health. He or she may also complete several of the following tests and screenings:

• Vital signs. Checks blood pressure and basic heart and lung functions.

• Physical exam. Looks for anything out of the ordinary around your abdomen, head and neck region, skin and neurological system.

• Your doctor may order tests to check blood glucose; cholesterol; and liver, heart and kidney function.

• Cancer screenings. Cancer screenings vary depending on your age, gender, medical

history and family history. The most common cancer screenings include those for colon, breast, cervical and prostate cancers.

Why do I need an annual physical?Many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, respond better if found and treated early. Getting an annual physical can catch problems before they become major issues.

Physical exams also help you establish a track record for your health. For example, if your blood pressure is elevated, is it due to a stressful day, or could it be an ongoing problem? Without a baseline, it can be hard to know. Comparing your health from year to year gives your doctor important information.

In addition, having a physical every year helps build trust between you and your doctor. Staying in contact with your doctor allows him or her to know your health status and properly diagnose your issues.

How do I schedule my appointment?Schedule your annual physical today! Call 713-442-0000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for an appointment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment• Your doctor will ask questions

about your diet, exercise, sleeping patterns and overall feeling of health.

• Your doctor may conduct tests and screenings to check things like blood glucose, cholesterol, and liver/heart/kidney function.

• Prepare to talk to your doctor about any concerns you’ve been having about your health.

H0332_MK11084_

fileanduse_02/14/2011

Important Plan Information

Focus on Fall PreventionEvery year, one in three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to injuries, such as hip fractures, and can even increase your risk of early death. Fortunately, falling is a problem that can often be prevented.

Who is at risk of falling?To find out if you’re at risk for falling, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have any trouble balancing or walking?

• Have you fallen to the ground (without being pushed) within the last 12 months?

• Are you taking a medication that makes you feel dizzy or disoriented?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at risk for a fall.

You can take action in the following ways:

➊ Begin a regular exercise program Exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of falling! It makes you stronger, and exercises like Tai Chi and walking improve balance and coordination. Ask your doctor about the best type of exercise program for you.

➋ Have your doctor to review your medicines As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative drug that keeps you more alert and balanced.

➌ Have your vision checked Get your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

➍ Make your home safer Did you know that half of all falls happen at home? To make your home safer, remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes). Use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool. Install grab bars in the bathroom, and use non-slip mats in the

bathtub. Try to wear shoes both inside and outside the house and avoid wearing slippers without non-skid soles.

To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physician or KelseyCare Advantage network optometrist or ophthalmologist, please call KelseyCare Advantage Concierge at 713-442-9540.

Did you know…1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will fall this year?

More than half of all falls occur in the home?

Important Phone Numbers

to RememberKelseyCare Advantage

Concierge713-442-9540

For personalized assistance with physician selection, benefits issues, billing

questions

To speak with a pharmacist on the KelseyCare Advantage

team, please call 713-442-4820.

The pharmacy team can review all of your medications and

help you identify cost savings opportunities.

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline713-442-9595

1

36 13

2

4

8 9

10

11

12

5

7

1

2

9

3

10

11

8

6

45

12

14

15

20

24

2930

2627

28

17

18

21

2223

19

25

16

13

7

45

225

249

249

1960

518 528

6

6

6

288

Beltway 8

Hard

y Toll R

d

FM 1488

Rayford Rd

Sawdust Rd

Kuykendahl Rd

Woodlands Pkwy

Louetta

ConroeConroe

Westpark Tollway

Dul

les

Ave

Sienna Pkwy

Westheimer

Bar

ker

Cyp

ress

Rd

N F

ry R

d

Mas

on

Rd

S Fry

Rd

Humble-Huffman Rd

Kingwood Dr

Nasa Pkwy

Fairmont Pkwy

FM 646

FM 6

46

16th St

Grand Parkway

Beltway 8

45

610

1010

59

59

290

242

336

29202920

Want more information about Preferred Pharmacies? Visit www.kelseycareadvantage.com or call KelseyCare Advantage Concierge at 713-442-9540 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-302-9336).

Choosing a Network Pharmacy

HEB Pharmacies

Kelsey Pharmacies

As a KelseyCare Advantage member, you have a wide variety of pharmacies to choose from. Open your Pharmacy Directory and you’ll see that they are divided into “preferred” and “non-preferred” pharmacies.

But what exactly do these terms mean, and how do they affect you as a member?

Preferred pharmacies are network pharmacies with which our plan has negotiated lower costs for our members. These preferred

pharmacies are all H-E-B pharmacies and all Kelsey pharmacies.

Non-preferred pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, are still part of the KelseyCare Advantage network, but you will pay a higher cost (usually a copay) to get your prescriptions filled.

If you are enrolled in a KelseyCare Advantage employer group plan, you may not have a preferred/non-preferred pharmacy network. You may pay the same copay for a drug at a non-preferred pharmacy as at a

preferred pharmacy. Please refer to your Abridged Formulary for more information.

Why choose a Preferred Pharmacy?Preferred pharmacies can save you money through lower copays and coinsurance, and are very convenient. H-E-B has more than 30 locations around Houston and are open on weekends. Kelsey pharmacies are right in your doctors’ office and hours may vary. Check with your local Kelsey Pharmacy. Kelsey pharmacies even provide a free home mailing service!

1 Atascocita 281-812-4729

2 Bay Colony 281-337-5210

3 Bear Creek 281-463-9148

4 Beechnut 281-564-5209

5 Buffalo Market 713-664-3426

6 Bunker Hill 713-647-5950

7 Conroe 936-756-1435

8 Cypress Market 281-758-1155

9 Friendswood 281-996-9971

10 Fry 281-829-2565

11 Grand Parkway 281-392-1188

12 Gulfgate 713-847-0071

13 Houston 713-278-8474

14 Katy 281-599-0958

15 Kempwood 713-996-0449

16 Kingwood 281-361-0083

17 Kirkwood 281-497-8479

18 Blackhawk 713-991-3762

19 Lake Colony 281-403-1861

20 Louetta 281-251-0255

21 Pasadena 281-487-6170

22 Pearland 713-578-6155

23 River Park 281-239-2055

24 Sawdust 281-292-0774

25 Sienna Market 281-778-1350

26 Spring Market 281-907-7950

27 Tomball 281-351-1972

28 Vintage Park Market

281-257-4655

29 Woodlands Market

281-292-3962

30 Woodlands 281-292-8026

1 Clear Lake Medical Center

713-442-4360

2 Cypress 713-442-4055

3 Houston Center 713-442-6337

4 Fort Bend 713-442-9475

5 Humble 713-442-2079

6 Katy 713-442-4179

7 Kingwood 713-442-2179

8 Main Campus 713-442-0079

9 Pasadena 713-442-7179

10 Spring 713-442-1779

11 The Vintage 713-442-1579

12 The Woodlands 713-442-1975

13 West 713-442-2450

Physical Activity: An Everyday Way to Improve HealthPhysical activity is important for everyone, including older adults. Staying active can help you do what you enjoy and stay independent.

Why is Physical Activity Important?Exercise over time has long-term health benefits, like a stronger heart, lungs and joints. That’s why experts say older adults should be active every day!

In some cases, exercise can even be an effective treatment for some medical conditions. Studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefit from regular exercise. Exercise can also help people with high blood pressure, balance problems or difficulty walking.

How Do I Start?Find an easy starting point and build slowly from there. Pick activities that are comfortable and realistic—and that you enjoy! For example, if you babysit your grandchildren, why not walk to the park instead of playing video games? Or take a walk after lunch instead of afternoon TV? Over time, little changes can add up to real benefits.

What Activities Can I Do?There are lots of ways to be active. Find something you enjoy, include it in your regular routine, and increase your level of activity over time.

Lots of physical activities, such as walking, raking leaves, or taking the stairs, are free and don’t require special equipment. You could also check out an exercise video from the library or use the fitness center at a local senior center.

These exercises can help you improve strength and balance, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you’re concerned about whether or not an exercise is safe for you, ask your doctor. He or she can recommend physical activities that are safe for you.

Wall Push UpThese push-ups will strengthen your arms, shoulders and chest. Try this exercise during a TV commercial break!

❶ Face a wall, standing a little farther than arm’s length away, feet shoulderwidth apart.

❷ Lean your body forward and put your palms flat against the wall at shoulder height and shoulder-width apart.

❸ Slowly breathe in as you bend your elbows and lower your upper body toward the wall in a slow, controlled motion. Keep your feet flat on the floor.

❹ Hold the position for 1 second.

❺ Breathe out and slowly push yourself back until your arms are straight.

❻ Repeat 10-15 times.

❼ Rest; then repeat 10-15 more times.

Stand On One FootYou can do this exercise while waiting for the bus or standing in line at the grocery store.

❶ Stand on one foot behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance.

❷ Hold position for up to 10 seconds.

❸ Repeat 10-15 times.

❹ Repeat 10-15 times with other leg.

❺ Repeat 10-15 more times with each leg.

Information and Photo Source: National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov

Some Exercises to Try…

Glaucoma: The Sneak Thief of SightGlaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when too much fluid pressure builds up inside the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve. For many people, glaucoma is inherited and doesn’t show up until later in life. Many times, there are few or no symptoms, which is why glaucoma is often nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight”.

Who Gets Glaucoma?Glaucoma commonly occurs in adults over age 40, but it can also occur in younger people, even babies. Glaucoma occurs more often, at an earlier age and with greater loss of vision among African Americans.

You may be at increased risk if you:

• Are over age 40• Have a family history of glaucoma• Are of African-American, Irish,

Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent

• Have poor vision• Have diabetes• Take corticosteroid medications,

such as prednisone

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?For many people, there are few or no symptoms of glaucoma. The first sign is often the loss of side vision.

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical care:

• Seeing halos around lights • Loss of vision• Eye redness• Nausea or vomiting • Eye pain• Tunnel vision

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?An ophthalmologist or optometrist will examine your eyes by dilating your pupils. The doctor may also check for eye pressure by performing a procedure called tonometry. Glaucoma testing is painless and

takes very little time.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?Depending on the type of glaucoma you have and its severity, your doctor may recommend treatment in the form of prescription eye drops, laser, or microsurgery.

How Can Glaucoma Be Cured?Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured, but if it is diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be managed.

Successfully lowering eye pressure can prevent further visual loss from glaucoma. Most people with glaucoma do not go blind as long as they follow their treatment plan and have regular eye exams.

Get Tested YearlyIf you’re at risk for glaucoma, see your optometrist or ophthalmologist every year to get tested. Regular testing will help your doctor catch any appearance of glaucoma early, when the disease is most treatable.

To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic optometrist or ophthalmologist, please call 713-442-0000, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

A Friendly Reminder…Always continue to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium!

This premium is what you pay directly to Medicare to have Part B coverage, and you need it to stay enrolled in KelseyCare Advantage.

If you have questions about your Part B premium, please call us at 713-442-CARE (2273) or toll-free at 1-866-535-8343. TTY/TDD users should call 1-866-302-9336.

Moved Recently?If so, it’s very important to let KelseyCare Advantage know about your change of address. Having your current information on file helps us to:

• Communicate with you about important benefit information

• Properly advise you on provider services in your area• Keep you up-to-date on KelseyCare Advantage news• Ensure you are enrolled in a county in the KelseyCare

Advantage service area. If you ever move out of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery or Galveston (Mainland) county, you can enroll in another Medicare plan that serves your new county.

To update your address or phone number, just call 713-442-CARE or toll-free 1-866-535-8343 (TTY/TDD 1-866-302-9336), 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Update on Member ID CardsYour KelseyCare Advantage member ID card is an important tool in getting the healthcare you need. Here are some helpful reminders about member ID cards.

Current ID Cards. Please note that KelseyCare Advantage members do not automatically receive a new ID card every year. For the past two years (2009 and 2010), many members received new cards due to a change in the prescription benefit plan administration. In general, however, new ID cards are not issued annually.

Getting a New ID Card. There are many reasons you may need a new ID card, such as loss or damage. If you change plans within KelseyCare Advantage, you will be sent a new ID card. If you do require a new card, please do not hesitate to call

KelseyCare Advantage Concierge at 713-442-9540.

Identity Protection. Always remember to keep your ID card safe and secure. Also, never allow

another person to use your card to access healthcare. This could lead to identity theft, and it could affect the healthcare you receive from your providers.

Glaucoma: The Sneak Thief of SightGlaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when too much fluid pressure builds up inside the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve. For many people, glaucoma is inherited and doesn’t show up until later in life. Many times, there are few or no symptoms, which is why glaucoma is often nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight”.

Who Gets Glaucoma?Glaucoma commonly occurs in adults over age 40, but it can also occur in younger people, even babies. Glaucoma occurs more often, at an earlier age and with greater loss of vision among African Americans.

You may be at increased risk if you:

• Are over age 40• Have a family history of glaucoma• Are of African-American, Irish,

Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent

• Have poor vision• Have diabetes• Take corticosteroid medications,

such as prednisone

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?For many people, there are few or no symptoms of glaucoma. The first sign is often the loss of side vision.

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical care:

• Seeing halos around lights • Loss of vision• Eye redness• Nausea or vomiting • Eye pain• Tunnel vision

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?An ophthalmologist or optometrist will examine your eyes by dilating your pupils. The doctor may also check for eye pressure by performing a procedure called tonometry. Glaucoma testing is painless and

takes very little time.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?Depending on the type of glaucoma you have and its severity, your doctor may recommend treatment in the form of prescription eye drops, laser, or microsurgery.

How Can Glaucoma Be Cured?Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured, but if it is diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be managed.

Successfully lowering eye pressure can prevent further visual loss from glaucoma. Most people with glaucoma do not go blind as long as they follow their treatment plan and have regular eye exams.

Get Tested YearlyIf you’re at risk for glaucoma, see your optometrist or ophthalmologist every year to get tested. Regular testing will help your doctor catch any appearance of glaucoma early, when the disease is most treatable.

To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic optometrist or ophthalmologist, please call 713-442-0000, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

A Friendly Reminder…Always continue to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium!

This premium is what you pay directly to Medicare to have Part B coverage, and you need it to stay enrolled in KelseyCare Advantage.

If you have questions about your Part B premium, please call us at 713-442-CARE (2273) or toll-free at 1-866-535-8343. TTY/TDD users should call 1-866-302-9336.

Moved Recently?If so, it’s very important to let KelseyCare Advantage know about your change of address. Having your current information on file helps us to:

• Communicate with you about important benefit information

• Properly advise you on provider services in your area• Keep you up-to-date on KelseyCare Advantage news• Ensure you are enrolled in a county in the KelseyCare

Advantage service area. If you ever move out of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery or Galveston (Mainland) county, you can enroll in another Medicare plan that serves your new county.

To update your address or phone number, just call 713-442-CARE or toll-free 1-866-535-8343 (TTY/TDD 1-866-302-9336), 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Update on Member ID CardsYour KelseyCare Advantage member ID card is an important tool in getting the healthcare you need. Here are some helpful reminders about member ID cards.

Current ID Cards. Please note that KelseyCare Advantage members do not automatically receive a new ID card every year. For the past two years (2009 and 2010), many members received new cards due to a change in the prescription benefit plan administration. In general, however, new ID cards are not issued annually.

Getting a New ID Card. There are many reasons you may need a new ID card, such as loss or damage. If you change plans within KelseyCare Advantage, you will be sent a new ID card. If you do require a new card, please do not hesitate to call

KelseyCare Advantage Concierge at 713-442-9540.

Identity Protection. Always remember to keep your ID card safe and secure. Also, never allow

another person to use your card to access healthcare. This could lead to identity theft, and it could affect the healthcare you receive from your providers.

Choosing a Network Pharmacy

HEB Pharmacies

Kelsey Pharmacies

As a KelseyCare Advantage member, you have a wide variety of pharmacies to choose from. Open your Pharmacy Directory and you’ll see that they are divided into “preferred” and “non-preferred” pharmacies.

But what exactly do these terms mean, and how do they affect you as a member?

Preferred pharmacies are network pharmacies with which our plan has negotiated lower costs for our members. These preferred

pharmacies are all H-E-B pharmacies and all Kelsey pharmacies.

Non-preferred pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, are still part of the KelseyCare Advantage network, but you will pay a higher cost (usually a copay) to get your prescriptions filled.

If you are enrolled in a KelseyCare Advantage employer group plan, you may not have a preferred/non-preferred pharmacy network. You may pay the same copay for a drug at a non-preferred pharmacy as at a

preferred pharmacy. Please refer to your Abridged Formulary for more information.

Why choose a Preferred Pharmacy?Preferred pharmacies can save you money through lower copays and coinsurance, and are very convenient. H-E-B has more than 30 locations around Houston and are open on weekends. Kelsey pharmacies are right in your doctors’ office and hours may vary. Check with your local Kelsey Pharmacy. Kelsey pharmacies even provide a free home mailing service!

1 Atascocita 281-812-4729

2 Bay Colony 281-337-5210

3 Bear Creek 281-463-9148

4 Beechnut 281-564-5209

5 Buffalo Market 713-664-3426

6 Bunker Hill 713-647-5950

7 Conroe 936-756-1435

8 Cypress Market 281-758-1155

9 Friendswood 281-996-9971

10 Fry 281-829-2565

11 Grand Parkway 281-392-1188

12 Gulfgate 713-847-0071

13 Houston 713-278-8474

14 Katy 281-599-0958

15 Kempwood 713-996-0449

16 Kingwood 281-361-0083

17 Kirkwood 281-497-8479

18 Blackhawk 713-991-3762

19 Lake Colony 281-403-1861

20 Louetta 281-251-0255

21 Pasadena 281-487-6170

22 Pearland 713-578-6155

23 River Park 281-239-2055

24 Sawdust 281-292-0774

25 Sienna Market 281-778-1350

26 Spring Market 281-907-7950

27 Tomball 281-351-1972

28 Vintage Park Market

281-257-4655

29 Woodlands Market

281-292-3962

30 Woodlands 281-292-8026

1 Clear Lake Medical Center

713-442-4360

2 Cypress 713-442-4055

3 Houston Center 713-442-6337

4 Fort Bend 713-442-9475

5 Humble 713-442-2079

6 Katy 713-442-4179

7 Kingwood 713-442-2179

8 Main Campus 713-442-0079

9 Pasadena 713-442-7179

10 Spring 713-442-1779

11 The Vintage 713-442-1579

12 The Woodlands 713-442-1975

13 West 713-442-2450

Physical Activity: An Everyday Way to Improve HealthPhysical activity is important for everyone, including older adults. Staying active can help you do what you enjoy and stay independent.

Why is Physical Activity Important?Exercise over time has long-term health benefits, like a stronger heart, lungs and joints. That’s why experts say older adults should be active every day!

In some cases, exercise can even be an effective treatment for some medical conditions. Studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefit from regular exercise. Exercise can also help people with high blood pressure, balance problems or difficulty walking.

How Do I Start?Find an easy starting point and build slowly from there. Pick activities that are comfortable and realistic—and that you enjoy! For example, if you babysit your grandchildren, why not walk to the park instead of playing video games? Or take a walk after lunch instead of afternoon TV? Over time, little changes can add up to real benefits.

What Activities Can I Do?There are lots of ways to be active. Find something you enjoy, include it in your regular routine, and increase your level of activity over time.

Lots of physical activities, such as walking, raking leaves, or taking the stairs, are free and don’t require special equipment. You could also check out an exercise video from the library or use the fitness center at a local senior center.

These exercises can help you improve strength and balance, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you’re concerned about whether or not an exercise is safe for you, ask your doctor. He or she can recommend physical activities that are safe for you.

Wall Push UpThese push-ups will strengthen your arms, shoulders and chest. Try this exercise during a TV commercial break!

❶ Face a wall, standing a little farther than arm’s length away, feet shoulderwidth apart.

❷ Lean your body forward and put your palms flat against the wall at shoulder height and shoulder-width apart.

❸ Slowly breathe in as you bend your elbows and lower your upper body toward the wall in a slow, controlled motion. Keep your feet flat on the floor.

❹ Hold the position for 1 second.

❺ Breathe out and slowly push yourself back until your arms are straight.

❻ Repeat 10-15 times.

❼ Rest; then repeat 10-15 more times.

Stand On One FootYou can do this exercise while waiting for the bus or standing in line at the grocery store.

❶ Stand on one foot behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance.

❷ Hold position for up to 10 seconds.

❸ Repeat 10-15 times.

❹ Repeat 10-15 times with other leg.

❺ Repeat 10-15 more times with each leg.

Information and Photo Source: National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov

Some Exercises to Try…

Focus on Fall PreventionEvery year, one in three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to injuries, such as hip fractures, and can even increase your risk of early death. Fortunately, falling is a problem that can often be prevented.

Who is at risk of falling?To find out if you’re at risk for falling, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have any trouble balancing or walking?

• Have you fallen to the ground (without being pushed) within the last 12 months?

• Are you taking a medication that makes you feel dizzy or disoriented?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at risk for a fall.

You can take action in the following ways:

➊ Begin a regular exercise program Exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of falling! It makes you stronger, and exercises like Tai Chi and walking improve balance and coordination. Ask your doctor about the best type of exercise program for you.

➋ Have your doctor to review your medicines As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative drug that keeps you more alert and balanced.

➌ Have your vision checked Get your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

➍ Make your home safer Did you know that half of all falls happen at home? To make your home safer, remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes). Use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool. Install grab bars in the bathroom, and use non-slip mats in the

bathtub. Try to wear shoes both inside and outside the house and avoid wearing slippers without non-skid soles.

To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physician or KelseyCare Advantage network optometrist or ophthalmologist, please call KelseyCare Advantage Concierge at 713-442-9540.

Did you know…1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will fall this year?

More than half of all falls occur in the home?

Important Phone Numbers

to RememberKelseyCare Advantage

Concierge713-442-9540

For personalized assistance with physician selection, benefits issues, billing

questions

To speak with a pharmacist on the KelseyCare Advantage

team, please call 713-442-4820.

The pharmacy team can review all of your medications and

help you identify cost savings opportunities.

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline713-442-9595

1

36 13

2

4

8 9

10

11

12

5

7

1

2

9

3

10

11

8

6

45

12

14

15

20

24

2930

2627

28

17

18

21

2223

19

25

16

13

7

45

225

249

249

1960

518 528

6

6

6

288

Beltway 8

Hard

y Toll R

d

FM 1488

Rayford Rd

Sawdust Rd

Kuykendahl Rd

Woodlands Pkwy

Louetta

ConroeConroe

Westpark Tollway

Dul

les

Ave

Sienna Pkwy

Westheimer

Bar

ker

Cyp

ress

Rd

N F

ry R

d

Mas

on

Rd

S Fry

Rd

Humble-Huffman Rd

Kingwood Dr

Nasa Pkwy

Fairmont Pkwy

FM 646

FM 6

46

16th St

Grand Parkway

Beltway 8

45

610

1010

59

59

290

242

336

29202920

Want more information about Preferred Pharmacies? Visit www.kelseycareadvantage.com or call KelseyCare Advantage Concierge at 713-442-9540 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-302-9336).

Letter from the

President House Call8900 Lakes at 610 Drive | Houston, Texas 77054

February 2011

Dear KelseyCare Advantage Members,

Thank you for taking time to read the latest edition of House Call, the

newsletter designed just for KelseyCare Advantage members.

In this issue, we focus on prevention. Read on to learn more about:

• How annual physicals help you stay healthy and prevent illness

• Ways to reduce your risk of falling in your home

• How KelseyCare Advantage Preferred Pharmacies can save you time

and money• What you need to know to prevent glaucoma, the “sneak thief” of sight

If you ever have any questions about KelseyCare Advantage, please call

our Concierge Service at 713-442-9540. We will be happy to assist you in

any way possible!

In good health,

Marnie MathenyPresident, KelseyCare Advantage

What You Need to Know About Annual PhysicalsFor many people, going to the doctor falls to the bottom of their to-do list. However, seeing the doctor once a year for a check-up (also known as an annual physical) really does help you stay healthy. Even better, annual physicals are a covered benefit for KelseyCare Advantage members.

What happens during an annual physical?Your doctor will talk with you about any questions or concerns you have about your health. He or she may also complete several of the following tests and screenings:

• Vital signs. Checks blood pressure and basic heart and lung functions.

• Physical exam. Looks for anything out of the ordinary around your abdomen, head and neck region, skin and neurological system.

• Your doctor may order tests to check blood glucose; cholesterol; and liver, heart and kidney function.

• Cancer screenings. Cancer screenings vary depending on your age, gender, medical

history and family history. The most common cancer screenings include those for colon, breast, cervical and prostate cancers.

Why do I need an annual physical?Many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, respond better if found and treated early. Getting an annual physical can catch problems before they become major issues.

Physical exams also help you establish a track record for your health. For example, if your blood pressure is elevated, is it due to a stressful day, or could it be an ongoing problem? Without a baseline, it can be hard to know. Comparing your health from year to year gives your doctor important information.

In addition, having a physical every year helps build trust between you and your doctor. Staying in contact with your doctor allows him or her to know your health status and properly diagnose your issues.

How do I schedule my appointment?Schedule your annual physical today! Call 713-442-0000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for an appointment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment• Your doctor will ask questions

about your diet, exercise, sleeping patterns and overall feeling of health.

• Your doctor may conduct tests and screenings to check things like blood glucose, cholesterol, and liver/heart/kidney function.

• Prepare to talk to your doctor about any concerns you’ve been having about your health.

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Important Plan Information