HealthyLiving

Why Mammograms

Matter

Women vs. Men: The Medication

Gender Gap

You Can Do It!

Quit Smoking Today

HEALTH INSURANCE • HOSPITALS • MEDICAL GROUP • OUTPATIENT SERVICES

News for Members of Health First Health Plans and Health First Insurance

www.myHFHP.org

October/November 2014

Inside This Issue5 REASONS TO QUIT SMOKING TODAY

PAGE 4

Medicare Members:

Keep Checking Your Mail!Look for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This document explains any changes to your health insurance coverage or costs starting in January of next year. Be sure to review this notice when you receive it. In October and November, we will review the changes to our Medicare Advantage plans at Member Benefit Sessions. Look for your invitation in the mail.

HEALTHY LIVING October/November 2014

Contact Customer ServiceONLINEwww.myHFHP.org Click on Contact Us at the bottom of the page.

BY PHONE: CALL TOLL-FREEMedicare members: 800-716-7737

Commercial and Individual members: 855-443-4735

TDD/TTY 800-955-8771

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon

From October 1 through February 14, we’re available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you call after hours, you can leave a message and we’ll return your call the next business day.

BY MAILHealth First Health Plans and Insurance 6450 U.S. Highway 1 Rockledge, FL 32955

IN PERSON6450 U.S. Highway 1, Rockledge Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2040 Treasure Coast Plaza, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fall season is full of important health observances. Don’t miss these opportunities to take action toward a healthier you. Inside this

issue, we provide information and resources to help. Follow us on Facebook for more Weekly Health Tips!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Learn about the importance of mammograms on the next page.

October 5–11 is National Mental Illness Awareness Week. Proudly use #itstime in your social media posts to raise awareness and stop the stigma of mental illness.

October 9 is National Depression Screening Day. Could you be depressed? Take an anonymous screening at www.myHFHP.org/login. After you log in, hover over the Healthy Living tab and select Healthy Living Programs. Click on Library at the top. Under the heading Diseases & Conditions, select Depression. To access the interactive tool, select Are You Depressed? under Related Topics.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. There’s no better time to stop smoking, a major cause of lung cancer. Commit to quit on November 21, the Great American Smokeout. Go to www.cancer.org/smokeout to sign up. See page 5 for resources right here in Florida.

November is American Diabetes Month, too. Don’t be in the dark about diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your risk or how to manage diabetes if you have it. Another good reference is our April/May 2014 issue of Healthy Living that featured articles all about diabetes!

Mark Your Calendar for Good Health

2 HEALTHY LIVING • October/November 2014

Did you know…Approximately 2.8 million women living in the U.S. today had breast cancer— and overcame it!

ASK THE EXPERT:

Why Mammograms MatterNo woman wants to hear these four dreaded words: “You have breast cancer.” But the sooner her doctor says them after the disease begins, the better her outcomes. Cathy Marinak, ARNP, breast program naviga-tor with Health First Cancer Services, answers your questions about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

Q. Why should I be screened for breast cancer?

A. Statistics say that about one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Yet the number of women who develop and die from the disease is actually declining each year. The likeliest answers are increased mammogra-phy screenings and advances in breast cancer treatment.

Q. Can’t I just see my doctor about a mammogram if I notice a lump?

A. While breast exams are a good practice, the X-ray pictures on a mammogram help spot cancers too small for you or your doctor to feel on your own. Women should talk with their doctors about the mam-mogram screening schedule that’s

Cathy Marinak, ARNPBreast Program Navigator Health First Cancer Services

www.myHFHP.org 3

right for them. Whichever screening schedule you choose, sticking to it is essential. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, but if caught earlier, it’s easier to treat and treatment can be more successful.

Q. Is there anything else I can do to protect myself?

A. Find out all you can about breast cancer, like what factors may increase your chance of getting it. If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, you are at greater risk. Make sure your doctor is aware of your family’s medical history, including any breast cancer

Get your screening mammogram regularly. For a list of network diagnostic centers thatoffer mammograms, click on Mammography Locations on the Breast Cancer Screening Information link on your member portal Welcome page, or refer to your provider directory. Access it in the member portal at www.myHFHP.org/login.

on your father’s side. And ask about other risk factors that may affect you.

Q. Is a mammogram covered under my plan?

A. Yes. Health First Health Plans covers annual screening mammo-grams starting at age 40.

4 HEALTHY LIVING • October/November 2014

1. You will have a better chance of living a longer, healthier life.

Seeing your grandkids graduate, reaching that career goal, traveling the world: Don’t let smoking stop you from achieving what you want in life. Statistics show your chances of dying at an earlier age are much higher if you smoke. However, as soon as you stop smoking, your body starts to recover. Within two weeks to three months, your heart attack risk declines and lung function improves. Within a year after you quit, your risk for heart attack declines by about 50 percent. Within 10 years, your risk for lung cancer will be almost the same as if you had never smoked.

5 Reasons to Quit Smoking

TODAY

If you smoke, you probably already

know that you should quit. Maybe

you just haven’t gotten around to it

yet, tried and didn’t succeed, or

need some motivation to finally

toss that pack of cigarettes.

Consider these reasons why you

should commit to living smoke-free.

5. You will have more money in your pocket.

The cost of cigarettes continues to rise. If you smoked a pack a day for a year, you’d spend more than two thousand dollars. What could you do with an extra two thousand dollars?

There are plenty of other reasons to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is difficult, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do for your health and your life.

2. Your appearance will improve.

Nicotine can block the blood supply to your skin, which can cause wrinkles. Tobacco smoke can dry your skin and make it more prone to wrinkles. And with every puff, nicotine and tar coat and stain your teeth.

After you quit, take steps to whiten your teeth. You might consider over-the-counter products; check with your dentist. Brush and floss daily. Your brighter smile will remind you of how good it feels to be smoke-free.

3. Food will taste better.

Smoking takes a lot of the pleasure out of eating by interfering with your senses of taste and smell. Smokers often report improved sense of taste once they’ve quit. Try using healthy foods like fruits and vegetables to help you quit. Leave fresh fruit in a bowl on your kitchen counter where you’re likely to see it and grab it.

4. You may not get sick as often.

Smoking damages your airways and makes you more prone to coughs, colds, and infections. Smoking can also weaken your immune system over time, putting you at increased risk for more serious health conditions.

Coping with Mood SwingsOnce you put out your last cigarette, it can take time for mood swings to fade. Be prepared with these strategies: Take a break when you’re feeling stressed or upset. Calm down and gather your thoughts. Reach out to a family member or friend for support. Keep yourself busy—go for a walk, practice your yoga moves, or play a game when the urge to smoke strikes. Jot down good things that happen each day, on paper or online. Go back to your list when you need a pick-me-up.

www.myHFHP.org 5

We’re Here to Help

It’s rarely easy to break the smoking (or tobacco-chewing) habit, but health begins to improve almost immediately when people stop using all forms of tobacco. Health First Health Plans offers these resources to our members:

Online

Learn about how to quit smoking and track your progress online. To get started, log in to the member portal at www.myHFHP.org/login. Go to the Healthy Living tab and select Healthy Living Programs. Click on Library at the top. Under Healthy Lifestyle, select Tobacco Cessation. Find tips to handle relapses and other tools to ensure success.

In Person

“I Quit”/“Quit Smoking Now” classes are offered at Health First hospitals and conducted by the Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)

Network. Each class is a free, six-session group program that includes nicotine replacement (while supplies last). For details, visit www. Health-First.org/events or www.AHECtobacco.com/ calendar. Your health plan also has health coaches available to help at no additional cost. To enroll by phone, call toll-free 800-308-5848 (option 7) or log in to the member portal at www.myHFHP.org/login. Select the Healthy Living tab, then Health Coaching - Enroll Now!

Medications

CHANTIX® (varenicline) and ZYBAN® (bupropion) medications are covered prescriptions for tobacco cessation. Nicotine replacement patches, gum, and inhalers are not covered by insurance. However, patches and gum are available for free through the “I Quit”/“Quit Smoking Now” community program (while supplies last).

Questions About Medications?Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure your doctor knows about all the drugs you take, including over-the-counter drugs, to avoid potentially dangerous reactions.

Your doctor will help you find the right medication and dosage for you. Tell your doctor if you experience side effects, and don’t stop taking any prescription drugs without your doctor’s OK.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All for Medications

Women are 50 to 70 percent more

likely than men to have

a bad drug reaction.

common in women. This may be because women tend to be smaller than men, so the drug has a stronger effect.

Sex differences in hormones, digestion, body fat, and body chemistry can also affect a drug’s response. For example, women digest food slower than men. Therefore, women may need to wait longer after meals to have a drug that needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

When your doctor hands you a new prescription, you may

be quick to ask when and how to take the medicine. Here’s another question to add to your list: Could my gender impact how this medi-cation affects me at all?

Research shows that men and women process and react to medications in different ways. These differences may influence the safety and effectiveness of certain medications.

Men and Women Handle Drugs Differently

Women are 50 to 70 percent more likely than men to have a bad drug reaction. Side effects are also more

The Watch List

Patient information that comes with a prescription must include any differences in the drug’s response based on sex. Common drugs with gender differences include:

• Antidepressants; specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as PROZAC® (fluoxetine) or LEXAPRO® (escitalopram). Women generally have better results with SSRIs than men.

• Antihistamines, which are more likely to cause drowsiness in women.

• Pain medications, which have a stronger effect on women. Men may need up to 40 percent more to have similar pain relief.

• Statins. These cholesterol- lowering medications can cause muscle weakness. Women may be more likely to experience this side effect.

6 HEALTHY LIVING • October/November 2014

Healthy Reminder: Medication Safety 101 Are chemicals and medicines stored safely in your house? Remember to keep household cleaners, prescriptions, and supplements in their original containers with their labels. If you must switch containers, never put chemical products in containers used for food. Keep them in cabinets where kids can’t reach them, and use child-resistant latches.

www.myHFHP.org 7

You can access a complete, up-to-date list of drugs covered

by your health plan by visiting our online member portal at www.myHFHP.org/login. Simply log in or sign up for your free, secure account. Once you’re in the portal, hover over Prescriptions, then click on Formulary (Drug List).

The following is a list of recent additions and updates to the formulary for our Medicare members:

Recent Drug Changes for Medicare Members

ADDITIONSAPTIOM® 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg—Tier 4; prior authorization for new starts; quantity limit of 31 per 31 days

APTIOM® 600 mg—Tier 4; prior authorization for new starts; quantity limit of 62 per 31 days

methotrexate injection 25 mg/ml —Tier 2

Recent Drug Changes

nevirapine 400 mg—Tier 4

peginterferon alfa-2b 0.16 mg/ml, 0.24 mg/ml, 0.3 mg/ml—Tier 5; prior authorization required

prednisone 5 mg and 10 mg dose pack—Tier 1

raloxifene 60 mg—Tier 3; quantity limit is 31 per 31 days

sotalol 120 mg tablets—Tier 2

sotalol AF 80 mg, 160 mg—Tier 2

This is not a complete list of drugs covered by our plan. For a complete listing, please call Customer Service (see page 2) or visit www.myHFHP.org. The formulary is subject to change without notice.

UPDATESBRILINTA® 90 mg—Tier 3; removed prior authorization requirement

CELEBREX® all strengths—removed step requirement

tretinoin topical gels and creams—removed prior authorization requirement

valacyclovir 1 g—increase quantity limit to 93 tablets in 31 days

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PRST STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHealth First

Health Plans, Inc.

Health and wellness or prevention information 10768MA

Healthy Living is published as a service for members of Health First Health Plans and Health First Insurance.

Jennifer H. Brady, MDVP, Medical Delivery System &Chief Medical Officer

Laura BreischDirector, Government Programs

Catherine Flanagan, RNDirector, Quality and Accreditation

Susan S. DowneyEditor, Marketing/Communications

Information in Healthy Living comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. ©2014

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Health First Health Plans is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health First Health Plans depends on contract renewal.

Health First offers health care coverage options through two companies. Health First Health Plans, Inc. offers Medicare Advantage and Group HMO and POS (point of service) health plans. Health First Insurance, Inc. offers Group and Individual PPO insurance, including Exchange policies.

Health First Health Plans & Insurance does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or health status in the administration of the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations.

6-lb. turkey breast with bones (with at least 2 cups meat)

2 medium onions, peeled and cut into quarters

3 stalks celery, sliced

1 tsp. dried thyme

½ tsp. dried rosemary

½ tsp. dried sage

1 tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. dried marjoram

½ tsp. dried tarragon

½ tsp. salt

Black pepper, to taste

½ lb. pastina

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Health First Health Plans6450 US Highway 1Rockledge, FL 32955

Healthy Recipe:Homemade Turkey SoupBroth-based soups, like this one, are healthier than cream-based ones. This recipe includes a quick cooldown that lets you skim the fat off the top—making it even healthier.

Place turkey breast in a 6-quart pot. Cover with water until three-quarters full. Add onions and celery to pot. Simmer, covered, for 2½ hours. Remove carcass from pot. Divide soup into smaller, shallower containers for quick cooling in refrigerator. After cooling, skim off fat. While soup cools, remove remaining meat from turkey carcass. Cut into pieces. Add turkey meat to skimmed

soup, along with herbs and spices. Bring to a boil and add pastina. Continue cooking on low boil for 20 minutes, until pastina is done.

Makes 16 servings. Each serving provides about 201 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 101 mg cholesterol, 141 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, and 33 g protein.