Spring 10
A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies
• Save money through preventive care, Page 14 • Become a fan of fitness, Page 15 • New online national doctor and hospital directories, Page 21
Baptist Health Medical Center’s latest Blue Distinction® Centers of Excellence featured on Page 8.
INSIDE 3 4 5 6
Out of the Blue A noteworthy response to the Haitian disaster Personal Health Statements are here Certain drugs may increase bleeding in heart attack patients Bone-building drugs may lower risk of breast cancer
7 Chemical in plastics risky? 8 Three of a Kind: Baptist Health Medical Center recognized for three Blue Distinction® Centers of Excellence
12 Does eating at night cause weight gain? Charlie and Shirley Rule participate in the SilverSneakers yoga class at Fitness Unlimited in Benton.
Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!
13 Are “comfort foods” really comforting? What are comfort foods?
14 Cost Matters: Save money through preventive care 15 Become a fan of fitness! Why do resistance exercises?
on Page 22 5
Personal Health Statements are here
18 Cleaning out your
medicine cabinet
16 Lifelong Health with Dr. David 18 From the Pharmacist — Spring cleaning: Your medicine cabinet is calling
19 The Doctor’s Corner 20 A Good Investment: The Bank of Lake Village 21 New online national doctor and hospital directories Do you cringe at the memory of your teenage years?
22 Healthy Habits through SilverSneakers® 23 Customer Service telephone numbers 24 Good for you
Cover photo: Baptist Health surgeon, Herbert Hahn, M.D., reviews an X-ray before a joint replacement procedure.
Spring 10
is published four times a year by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the company’s members, health-care professionals and other persons interested in health care and wellness.
Editor: Kelly Whitehorn — BNYou-Ed@arkbluecross.com Assistant Editor: Jennifer Gordon Designer: Gio Bruno Photographer: Chip Bayer Contributors: Chip Bayer, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Ryan Kravitz, Kathy Luzietti and Mark Morehead Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley
Out of the
Blue A message from our CEO and President, Mark White
We will support responsible changes even if it means that we, as a health insurance company, must significantly change the way we do business. We support the idea that all Americans should have access to high-quality, affordable health care. Any reforms should address the issue of the uninsured by offering financial assistance to those who cannot afford insurance on their own. For those who have cover-
What’s next for health care reform As I write this editorial in late February, President Barack Obama is asking both Democrats and Republicans to join together for a televised “health-care summit” to
age, we must find ways to effectively control the cost of medical care and enhance the quality of the care received. Without a doubt, increasing cost is the most signifi-
begin another conversation about the future of health
cant issue facing health care. It is the primary issue,
care reform. The President’s agenda for this summit
and it must be addressed. Cost is the reason why many
includes discussion on four topics: insurance reforms,
Americans do not have health coverage. Cost is why
cost containment, expanding coverage and the impact
our current system is unsustainable. True reform must
health reform legislation will have on deficit reduction.
first address cost. The cost of health-care services
The President has asked for this new starting point
directly impacts your health insurance cost — not the
because the election of a Republican to the Senate took
other way around. In order to slow the growth in costs
away the Democrats’ supermajority and put health care
our industry must work with consumers, employers,
reform almost back to square one. Together, everyone
physicians and hospitals to improve the system.
involved in the health-care industry must develop a bal-
We must change how we pay health-care provid-
anced and meaningful approach — an improved health-
ers. Currently, doctors and hospitals are paid for each
care system that builds on the positive aspects of our
service they provide. We need a system in which doc-
current system.
tors and hospitals are paid to treat a patient’s “medical
Our stance on health care reform has not changed. We support meaningful reform that improves access,
episode” rather than each medical service provided. Expanding health information technology (IT) in the
controls costs and improves quality. The rate of growth
health-care delivery system will create a more effi-
in health-care cost is not sustainable in the long term.
cient system (and it is already included in many reform Blue & You Spring 2010
3
proposals). We need a system that links the health plan,
Like all of you, we don’t know what will happen with
the doctor, the hospital and the patient together so that
health care reform. We only know that we work for you
everyone has access to the information they need to
and, on a daily basis, are thinking about what is best
provide the best treatment for each patient and to get
for you … our members. We know that when it comes
their claims paid as well.
to reform, everyone has a role to play … the public and
As the state’s leading health insurance provider, we
the private sectors need to work together along with
will be doing our part to improve the system in Arkan-
your input to find solutions that work for everyone.
sas and make reform meaningful for everyone, regard-
And most importantly, we know the best way for
less of what happens in Washington, D.C. We know
reform to be successful and meaningful is if we all take
that many Americans are satisfied with their insurance
responsibility for our own health. We should all invest in
and with the health care they receive, so it makes
our own wellness by committing to healthier lifestyles
sense to build on the system we have, not tear it down
so we can all prosper no matter what happens in the
and start again.
future of health care reform.
A noteworthy response to the Haitian disaster 4
More than $34,000 — that’s how much the employees of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield raised for the American Red Cross International Response Fund (Haiti). Although the amount may seem quite astonishing to some, I’m not surprised. In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, our employees organized a week-long fund-raising campaign. They donated food, material items and talent to raise money through activities that included bake sales, silent auctions,
Arkansas Blue Cross employees have a bake sale to raise funds for Haiti survivors.
benefit luncheons, breakfasts and more. To boost participation, the employees requested and received donations including pizza, box lunches, breakfast bowls, gifts, cosmetics, jewelry, movie tickets, gift cards and other valuable items from many local businesses. I am continually amazed by our employees’ generosity. Anytime there is a need or an opportunity to do something of value for the community — whether it’s Blue & You Spring 2010
just down the street or halfway around the world — they are ‘all in.’ And, their results are always inspiring. Raising this money took a whole lot of effort, a whole lot of energy and a whole lot of heart. It is a privilege to work with such an incredible team. To honor their work, Arkansas Blue Cross donated an additional $10,000 in matching funds, for a total of $44,433 going to the fund. — Mark White, CEO and president of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Personal Health Statements are here! The wait is over — Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield members began receiving the new Personal Health Statements (PHS) in March. The PHS replaces the traditional Explanation of Benefits (EOB) health-care benefit statement, which was generated every time your doctor or hospital filed a claim. The PHS is more comprehensive than the EOB and designed to make claims processing easier to understand. With the PHS, industry terms have been rewritten into everyday language, claims are more
5
clearly explained, and members will know exactly where they are with their out-of-
The ‘Benefits at a Glance’ section also shows mem-
pocket costs (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance
bers their personal health benefits and tracks where
and more). The PHS also gives more information about
they are in meeting deductibles and annual coinsurance
health benefits.
maximums. Pharmacy information has been added, in-
“Our members told us through focus groups that
cluding generic medication recommendations. Another
they want to know first and foremost ‘what do I owe?’”
new feature on the PHS will be personal health mes-
said Karen Raley, vice president of Communications
sages and reminders to get health screenings.
and Product Development. “So we’ve put this information in red on the first page.” In addition, a ‘Benefits at a Glance’ section has been
Members still have the option to confidentially view their PHS electronically by signing up for a notification e-mail through the My Blueprint member self-service
added so members are reminded of their health ben-
center. Then, when a new PHS is generated, members
efits. Charts and graphs should make the information
will receive an e-mail.
displayed easier to understand as well. The PHS also features: • A better description of the discounts members receive on their health-care services. • Information on how to get in touch with us. • A quick understanding of how much members owe and to whom. • Help in understanding the benefits members have and how they work.
The new PHS will be issued twice a month instead of every time a claim is filed. If a member only has pharmacy claims during a month, the PHS will be issued quarterly. The new PHS now is available to all Arkansas Blue Cross members and will be available later in the year for Health Advantage members. “We love to hear from our members,” said Raley. “Feedback always is welcome on how the PHS can be improved.” Blue & You Spring 2010
4 In the News 3 Certain drugs may increase bleeding in heart attack patients drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel
admission for bleeding increased
and those that reduce the action of
with the number of these drugs
vitamin K. However, there has not
used. Researchers suggest that
been much research on the safety
treatment with the aforementioned
of these drug combinations. A new
drug combinations only be used
article suggests that there may be
after a complete individual risk as-
an increase in bleeding for patients
sessment has been conducted.
taking these combinations of drugs.
6
Heart attack patients are treated
The medical journal, The Lancet,
Sources: Medical News Today, The
states that the study, conducted
Lancet
by Rikke Sorensen M.D., and col-
with a wide combination of anti-
leagues, suggests that in patients
thrombotic (blood clot-preventing)
with heart attacks, risk of hospital
Bone-building drugs may lower risk of
breast cancer prescription just yet. Experts say
to take a bisphosphonate to prevent
drugs (bisphosphonates), such as
that these studies are not definitive
cancer.” He did say, however, “If in
Boniva or Actonel, may be getting
and additional research will need
fact you have osteoporosis and you
an added bonus. Two recent studies
to be done. Eric P. Winer M.D.,
are taking these drugs, it’s possible
suggest that bisphosphonates may
a breast cancer specialist at the
there is an added benefit.”
reduce the risks of breast cancer by
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in
one-third.
Boston says, “I don’t think these
Sources: The New York Times and
studies should be used as a reason
medicinenet.com
Women taking bone-building
But don’t run out and ask for a
Blue & You Spring 2010
4 In the News 3 Chemical in plastics risky? The chemical Bisphenol A (or BPA) is present in many hard plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans. It has been present since the 1960s, but you may have never even heard of it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health have “some concern” about the possible effects of BPA on unborn children, infants and young children. For example, scratched baby bottles and cups should be thrown away, as they can release BPA if it is present. Currently, the FDA is continuing in-depth studies to an-
7
swer key questions and clarify the uncertainties around the risks of BPA. In the interim, the FDA is taking reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply. These steps include: • Supporting the industry’s steps to stop producing BPA-containing baby bottles and infant feeding cups for the U.S. market. • Facilitating the development of alternatives to BPA for the linings of infant formula cans. • Supporting efforts to replace or minimize BPA levels in other food can linings. The FDA does not recommend that families change the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential risk from BPA exposure.
Blue & You Spring 2010
When a hospital is recog-
nized as a Blue Distinction® Center of Excellence for a specific medical specialty, it is worth noting. When a hospital gains three such distinc-
Three of a Kind
tions, like Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, it is worth stopping and taking a closer look. Baptist Health has been a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care for more than a year, but it also is
Baptist Health Medical Center recognized for three Blue Distinction Centers of Excellence
8
now a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery and for hip and knee replacement. Just what is going on at Baptist Health Medical Center to promote such excellent care? “I think our success here at Baptist Health is due to a combination of things,” said Doug Weeks, senior vice-president and administrator of Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. “Our excellent doctors and our compassionate caregivers combined with the latest technology and surgical approaches have helped us remain as Arkansas’ most preferred healthcare provider.”
Jason Tullis, M.D., a spine neurosurgeon with Baptist Health Medical Center.
Blue & You Spring 2010
What is a Blue Distinction Center? Blue Distinction Centers of Excellence must meet high quality standards established by an expert panel of physicians, surgeons and other health-care professionals. When a hospital has been desig-
nated a Blue Distinction Center, you know they have
he was walking, with the help of a walker, down the
expertise in that specialty, that they focus on quality
hall! How was that possible?
and that they have a history of patients with positive
Dr. Hahn explained that the team of Baptist Health
outcomes. Hospitals provide care differently, and the
and OrthoArkansas has worked for years together in
Blue Cross system has created a process where hospi-
refining joint replacement protocols and integrating the
tals can demonstrate their expertise.
entire program from admissions to discharge, allow-
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recognized
ing the staff to provide efficient, optimum care. “What
Baptist Health’s cardiac care program in its spring 2009
makes this work is the people,” Dr. Hahn said. “Baptist
issue of Blue & You. Let’s take a look at the newly
has attracted quality people across the spectrum
recognized areas of hip and knee replacement and
of care.”
spine surgery.
There are potential serious complications with joint
replacements, particularly blood clots in the deep veins Hip/Knee Replacement of the legs or pelvis (thrombosis) and blocked artery in Rocky Hodges knows a thing or two about surgery. the lungs caused by a blood clot (pulmonary emboli). To Not only is he a registered nurse, he’s been the direcavoid complications, Dr. Hahn said the hip/knee team is tor of peri-operative services at Baptist Health Medical aggressive at getting a patient up and moving as soon Center in Little Rock for 11 years, overseeing everything as possible after surgery. The movement keeps blood from pre-op to recovery. So when it was his turn to be a clots from forming, and it gives the patient a “sense of patient, he wanted everything to go perfectly. He could self, so they don’t think of themselves as crippled.” In have chosen any hospital, but knowing the quality of order to keep the pain to a minimum, the surgery site care he saw day to day, “I wouldn’t have had this done is bathed in a long-acting anesthetic. Dr. Hahn said that anywhere else.” allows the patient to wake up and become active and In February 2009, Rocky, 56, started to have trouble with his right hip, a real problem for someone in such a fast-paced work environment. By June, he was in constant pain and it was obvious he needed medical intervention. Through OrthoArkansas, Rocky was diagnosed with a cartilage tear and arthritis in the hip joint. More conservative types of treatment were tried and exhausted, but by December Rocky was still limping and an X-ray proved what he already suspected — he needed a total joint Herbert Hahn, M.D., and Jason Tullis, M.D. replacement. Rocky chose Herbert Hahn, M.D., to do the allows the medical team to stay “ahead of the pain.” surgery on Jan. 6, 2010. The surgery began at 7:30 a.m. “It didn’t hold any fear for me,” Rocky said thinking and by 10 a.m. he was in his hospital room. By 3 p.m. back on it, adding that “Dr. Hahn is excellent and my Blue & You Spring 2010
9
in Searcy, she is always looking for new tools in order to present information to her students. So when her back pain became intolerable, she was delighted to receive the latest technology through Baptist Health Medical Center. For at least 30 years, Cindy suffered with back pain without knowing why. She went to several doctors without diagnosis. By February 2008, at 57 years old, she was still teaching, but her legs were going numb and she had to sit as she taught her classes. She was slowly losing the ability to do the work she loved. Cindy’s primary care physician suggested she visit with Jason Tullis, M.D., a spine neurosurgeon with Baptist Health Medical Center who had begun doing
10
consultations in Searcy. “The first tests he did … he didn’t find a lot,” Cindy said of Dr. Tullis, “but that’s what makes him different. He was extremely compassionate and realized there was more to this problem.” Finally, an MRI and CT scan picked up what years of Rocky Hodges works with his therapist, Melissa Harklay.
X-rays had not. Cindy had a vertebra that was repeatedly fracturing and healing. Cindy and Dr. Tullis discussed the situation and determined that she needed surgery
staff is the best.” He has been working with a therapist at home, working to remove the limp that has affected his gait for more than a year. When it came to being a patient, Rocky said he knew he wouldn’t get preferential treatment at Baptist, though the conversations were
“Dr. Hahn is excellent and my staff is the best,” said
a bit different. How-
Rocky Hodges.
ever, being an employee does have its perks — he got a copy of his X-ray on his smart phone!
Spine Surgery Cindy Mahan loves technology. As a mathematics and physical science teacher at Riverview High School Blue & You Spring 2010
to finally give her lower back the support it needed. Cindy was concerned that the surgery would be intrusive and take a long time to heal, taking her away from the classroom, but Dr. Tullis put her mind at ease. Using the latest technology and years of experience, he was able to adapt techniques to create a surgical plan just for Cindy. “Every surgery is modified to each patient. Everyone is different,” he said. Dr. Tullis said the Neurosurgical Spine Center at Baptist Health recognizes that not only is the spine the basis of support for the entire body, it also is a conduit that sends information throughout the body. He said that while some surgeons may sub-specialize, he has a holistic view of how the spine functions and works on
issues varying from structural issues, to damage to the
school year when her activity loosened a screw that
spinal tissue to tumors, from the base of the spine all
had to be removed. “My husband said his hardest job
the way up into the head.
was stopping me from doing too much.” Dr. Tullis said spine neurosurgeons have to be dedicated to solving problems and must have honest conversations with their patients, balancing the treatment options and risks with the intensity of the disease. While some people may heal over time from back injuries, others may lose their careers or risk nerve damage by letting a condition continue. The Neurosurgi-
Cindy Mahan instructs one of her mathematics students, Tevin Larry, at Riverview High School in Searcy.
cal Spine Center at Baptist Health combines the latest technology with a team of dedicated surgeons and support staff, making it a Blue Distinction Center of Excellence.
Cindy’s surgery was scheduled a few days after school let out for the summer. She said Dr. Tullis made two, two-inch incisions to support her spine with rods and screws. By moving the muscle instead of cutting, he reduced her pain and healing. While in surgery, Dr. Tullis discovered another cause of Cindy’s back issues
“[Dr. Tullis] was extremely compassionate and realized there was more to this problem,” said Cindy Mahan.
Find your Blue Distinction Center of Excellence For Rocky and Cindy, Baptist Health has renewed their lives and livelihoods. If you are looking for a hospital with a Blue Distinction designation, go to our Web sites and visit our “Members” section. We do the work for you, so you can be assured you are receiving the best care possible.
— a vertebra had not formed properly at birth, creating weakness. “Three days later I was comfortably walking down the hall at the hospital and they let me go home,” she said. Cindy said she was determined to be ready to teach when school started again. She had to go to a teaching in-service six weeks after the surgery and was fine.
Go to Blue & You Online on our Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage Web sites for more on our Blue Distinction Centers.
She did suffer a small setback during the Blue & You Spring 2010
11
Lose weight The Healthy Weigh! The Healthy Weigh! Education Program is free for members of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage (except state and public school employees*), Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (Federal Employee Program), Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS) and eligible members of BlueAdvantage Administrators
12
of Arkansas. To enroll, complete the attached enrollment form and return it in the
Does eating at night cause
weight gain? Is it really true that a midnight snack will pile up around your middle more quickly than if you had eaten it hours earlier? The reasoning behind this belief is this: All those calories enter your
self-addressed, postage-paid envelope included in this magazine. The program starts when you enroll. After enrollment, you will begin to receive information through the mail, which you can read in the privacy of your own home and at your own pace. The program is completely voluntary,
system right before you go to bed. While sleeping, those calories build
and you may leave the program at any
into fat instead of burning off because you are not being active. And,
time. If you have further questions
while that seems to make sense, the truth is that this belief is largely
about the program, call the Health
a myth.
Education Program’s toll-free number
The fact is your body burns fat even while you sleep. The secret to avoiding weight gain is a simple matter of mathematics. Burn the calories you consume. If you take in more calories than you burn off you will gain weight, regardless of when you take in those calories. Or, to put it simply, eat less, exercise more and do it for the rest of your life.
Blue & You Spring 2010
at 1-800-686-2609. * Our state and public school members can access the “Nourish” program through Life Synch.
Simply complete, sign and return the attached enrollment form in the selfaddressed, postage-paid envelope.
Are “comfort foods” really
comforting?
When you are
be surprised at what they found. During the course
a little stressed,
of the study, the research showed that as stress and
do you long for
change increased — individuals tended to pick often
your mom’s
unfamiliar, even healthier foods and lifestyle options.
homemade
More research is needed to explain why the comfort
pancakes dripping
food theory may be a fallacy. However, the research
with maple syrup?
upends the notion that people turn to the familiar when
Or, maybe just two,
their lives are undergoing transformation such as the
three or a dozen of your grandma’s homemade choco-
loss of a job, getting a new job, a relocation or the birth
late chip cookies? If you believe what you have read for
of a child. Maybe, these are the times in people’s lives
years, you probably think you are prone to reach for the
when they are more open to change.
familiar — however, that is not as likely as you might believe.
Source: Journal of Consumer Research,
A new study from the University of South Carolina re-
September 2009
cently tested the “comfort food” theory and you might
What are
comfort foods? Comfort foods are simple foods that remind us of our
childhood. Surveys list the following as many of our favorite comfort foods: peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese sandwiches, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, beef stew and apple pie just to name a few! Remember, if you think you need comforting from some comfort foods — try something a little different. Look for low-fat substitutes or healthier options. There are lots of healthy recipe options on the Internet — just visit the American Heart Association’s recipe Web site, deliciousdecisions.org. Blue & You Spring 2010
13
Cost Matters: Save money through preventive care
Living with a chronic illness can be devastating to
your livelihood, your family and your pocketbook. While
least every two years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or
some illnesses give you little warning, many are the
higher.
result of years of poor lifestyle choices.
Colorectal cancer: Have a test for colorectal cancer
Preventive care is one way you can avoid costly ill-
starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide
nesses. By getting tested regularly for conditions like
which test is right for you. If you have a family history
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar
of colorectal cancer, you may need to be tested earlier.
and getting regular immunizations for illnesses like the
Diabetes: Have a test for diabetes if you have high
flu, you can stay ahead of many illnesses before they
blood pressure or high cholesterol.
lead to costly medications and procedures.
Depression: If you have felt sad, or hopeless over the
The most important things you can
14
Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at
last two weeks or have little interest in doing things,
do to stay healthy are:
you may be depressed. Talk to your doctor about being
• Get recommended
screened for depression.
screening tests.
Sexually transmitted diseases: Talk to your doc-
• Be tobacco free.
tor to see whether you should be tested for sexu-
• Be physically active.
ally transmitted diseases.
• Eat a healthy diet. • Stay at a healthy weight. • Take preventive medicines if you need them. The following are some preventive screening tests recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Men and Women Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated regularly if you are overweight. Cholesterol: Men should have their cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 35; women by age 45. Have it checked at a younger age if: • You have diabetes. • You have high blood pressure. • Heart disease runs in your family. • You smoke. Blue & You Spring 2010
Men Only Abdominal aortic aneurysm: If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked (100 or more cigarettes during your lifetime), you need to be screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is an abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in your abdomen. Women Only Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40. Cervical cancer: Have a Pap smear every one to three years from the ages of 21 and 65. Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones): Have a bone density test beginning at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis. Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
TM
Become a fan of fitness! The Blue & You Fitness Challenge is hyped to announce that it’s now on Facebook® and Twitter! Fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest Fit-
exercise tips and
® Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
BYFitChallenge
reminders. The Blue & You
ness Challenge updates, reminders, events, photos, etc.
Fitness Challenge
(Find us by searching for Blue & You Fitness Challenge.)
is a physical activity
We are excited to join the world of social media and
contest during which
look forward to building relationships with our partici-
participants engage in eli-
pants and potential fans. Our page on Facebook allows
gible cardiovascular exercises for a
us to share daily exercise tips and reminders with our
three-month time period. The contest
fans. This page also provides a forum for you to share
is a way to launch exercise activity
questions, comments and experiences regarding health
and encourage wellness activities
and fitness. Through this page, we hope to keep our
throughout the year in the work-
Challenge participants (and anyone else who is inter-
place and community. For more
ested) motivated to start and continue a fitness routine
information about the Challenge
and/or enhance an existing routine. When you follow us
visit blueandyoufitnesschallenge-
on Twitter (@BYFitChallenge), you also will receive daily
ark.com.
Why do resistance exercises? Resistance (weight)
• Resistance exercise can slow down or even reverse
training isn’t just for men.
the decline or loss of muscle fibers that occur as we
Research has shown that
age by building muscle mass and strength.
there are benefits associated with resistance
• Resistance training builds bone, which is important for women who are prone to, or have, osteoporosis.
training for everyone
• Research also shows that resistance exercise can
including the elderly.
build bone even in the elderly, and more strength
A new review, which
can lead to fewer falls.
compiles data from more than 100 clinical trials, concludes that progressive resistance training can help older people in daily activities, such as climbing stairs and fixing dinner. Resistance or weight training is any exercise where muscles contract against an external resistance to increase strength, tone, mass and/or muscular endurance. Here are just some of the added benefits:
• Some evidence suggests that resistance training may help lower moderately high blood pressure. • It can raise metabolic rate, which helps you maintain a proper body weight. The good news is that it’s never too late to start resistance training and reap the benefits. But, please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen. Sources: webmd.com and medicinenet.com
Blue & You Spring 2010
15
Lifelong Health David A. Lipschitz, M.D., Ph.D.
with Dr. David
1. Medications are beneficial in relieving symptoms and curing disease, but all medications come with side effects. While side effects vary from very common to very rare, they always happen. In each case, the benefit of the drug must outweigh the risks for the medication to be taken. Consult with your doctor and your pharmacist to make sure the benefits and risks are fully understood. 2. Do not refuse to take a medication because you are concerned about side effects. A patient may say, “I hate to take medications,” or “I am very sensitive to medications,” or “I always experience side effects.” It is a mistake to refuse to take a medication that may be beneficial because you are concerned about side effects.
16
10 simple steps for using your medications appropriately The number may surprise you, but an estimated 26 percent of all hospital admissions are due to complications from prescription drug therapy. Because this problem is so widespread, we must all take time to understand how to take the medication for a particular condition, its intended benefits and possible side effects. Here are 10 steps that may help: Blue & You Spring 2010
3. Try to begin one new medication at a time. If two or three drugs are started simultaneously and an adverse reaction occurs, it is often impossible to identify which of the new drugs is causing the problem. The only course of action is to discontinue the medications, leading to insufficient care and more confusion. Sometimes the nature of the illness is such that a doctor is forced to prescribe a number of new drugs at a time. On other occasions, it may not be necessary, so talk to your physician if he or she prescribes multiple medications. 4. Consider generic medications first. Often, patients and physicians use the newest and most expensive medication. And yet, for almost every disease, there is a generic drug available that has proven benefits.
Editor’s Note: David A. Lipschitz, M.D, Ph.D., is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of geriatrics. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is honored to have him as a contributor to Blue & You magazine.
5. The more drugs you take, the greater the risk of side effects. Side effects increase dramatically if six different pills are taken per day. If 11 or more pills are taken daily, you have a 100 percent chance of experiencing adverse side effects. All pills count when it comes to the risk of side effects including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal remedies or dietary supplements.
8. Take a complete list of medications to every doctor’s appointment. If medications are changed or discontinued by one doctor, make sure all your other physicians are aware of the changes. 9. If a medication does not work, tell your physician and ask if it can be discontinued. If you are taking a medication that does not appear to
6. Identify one physician who knows all the be helping, the only way to find out is for your physician to stop the drug. If symptoms worsen, the drug always medications you are taking. can be restarted. Patients with multiple chronic diseases often go to multiple specialists who focus exclusively on one 10. Compulsively take medications as particular problem. One physician starts a medication, prescribed. and other physicians are reluctant to stop or change One of the single most critical reasons for medication treatment initiated by another physician. Work with problems is non-compliance. Always take your a primary care physician that you respect, medications as prescribed, and talk to your Always take your and ask that he or she become responphysician immediately if you are experisible for prescribing and monitoring all medications as encing a problem. medications taken. prescribed, and talk Taking multiple drugs leads to
to your physician confusion, which can adversely affect 7. Use the same pharmacist immediately if you are your care. Take this advice and use whenever possible. it to make sure you get the optimum There are so many different mediexperiencing a benefit from the drugs you have been cations on the market today that it is problem. prescribed. impossible for a physician to be fully aware of all the potential adverse effects, whether the prescribed drug is ideal, and if one medication is exerting either a positive or a negative effect on another medication taken. Fortunately, a pharmacist has access to a computer-based program that provides a clear list of all the potential problems of each drug, the possibilities of interactions with other drugs, and can identify obvious mistakes (such as prescribing the same drug twice or prescribing an incorrect medication). Blue & You Spring 2010
17
Spring cleaning:
Your medicine cabinet is calling down the toilet unless told to do so
area, you still can discard your
have expiration dates on them?
by your doctor or in the prescription
medications safely in your
Medications used beyond their
information. Most medications can
household trash.
expiration dates can be less effec-
be thrown away. There are, howev-
You can safely dispose of medi-
tive or even harmful. This date is
er, some medications that could be
cations in your household trash by
based on experiments to determine
harmful or fatal if used by anyone
using the following approach:
the safety and efficacy of your
other than the intended patient. The
1. Remove all medications from
medicine. That is why you should
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
include your medicine cabinet in
(FDA), recommends flushing the fol-
your springtime cleaning ritual. You
lowing medications:
Did you know that medications
18
their containers. 2. Mix the medications with undesirable substances (cat litter,
might be surprised how many of
Actiq
Methadose
your medications (prescription and
Avinza
Morphine Sulfate
Daytrana
MS Contin
Demerol
Onsolis
Diastat
Opana
Dilaudid
Opana ER
Dolophine
Oramorph SR
Duragesic
Oxycontin
scription numbers from the old
Embeda
Percocet
Fentora
Percodan
prescription containers before
Kadian
Xyrem
over-the-counter) have expired. Checking the expiration date on medication is easy. Prescriptions will have expiration dates on the container; over-the-counter products have expiration dates on the package, bottle or container. If the date
Methadone Hydrochloride
used coffee grounds). 3. Put the mixture in a container. 4. Seal the container and put it in the trash. 5. Remove your name and pre-
throwing them out. Remember to add your medicine
has passed, or you can’t read the
Some communities have drug
date, throw it out. Make a note of
take-back programs through their
list. It’s one more step to keeping
any medications that are close to
household trash and recycling
yourself and your loved ones (pets
their expiration date.
service. Ask your pharmacist if she/
included) safe.
According to the Office of Na-
cabinet to your spring cleaning
he knows of any, or call your trash
tional Drug Control Policy, you
and recycling service. If there are
should not flush prescription drugs
no drug take-back programs in your
From the
Pharmacist
by Brandon Griffin, Pharm D., Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Blue & You Spring 2010
The
Doctor’s
Corner to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than nonsmokers. People who quit smoking improve their chances of not developing MS, but they remain at a higher risk than those who have never smoked.
Can aspirin help those with colon cancer? According to a recent study, people who have colon cancer and regularly take aspirin are less likely to die from their cancer than people who do not. During this 12-year study, those whose cancer had not initially spread to other areas of the body were almost 30 percent less likely to die if they took aspirin on a regular basis. The study also showed that people who took one regular aspirin per day did somewhat better than those who took less that one per day. However, aspirin does have risks, so patients also should consult their doctor before taking it on a regular basis. Another reason to quit smoking! Researchers have found that smokers are 60 percent more likely
Should ovaries be routinely removed during a hysterectomy? More evidence says maybe not … Surgeons often routinely remove the ovaries during a hysterectomy because the surgery eliminates the future risk of ovarian cancer. Evidence is mounting, however, that shows this practice does more harm than good. A new study reviewed the outcomes of 30,000 women who had a hysterectomy — half of whom had their ovaries removed. The women who had their ovaries removed were 12 percent more likely to die during the next 24 years than those whose ovaries were left in place. The increased death rate
by Ray Bredfeldt, M.D., Regional Medical Director Northwest Region, Fayetteville
was from an increase in heart attacks and many types of cancer.
19
Combination of drugs proves helpful for Bell’s palsy Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves. According to a recent study with 2,786 patients with Bell’s palsy, they are significantly more likely to have better outcomes if they are treated with corticosteroids (such as prednisone and prednisolone). And, when an antiviral agent (such as acyclovir) was added, outcomes were even better. Blue & You Spring 2010
A Good Investment
The Bank of Lake Village has remained with Arkansas Blue Cross since 1958
In 1958, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president of
been provided out of the Pine Bluff office has been
4 cents, and The Bank of Lake Village, Ark., hired Ar-
“With Judy, especially,” added Rita Chandler, the
the United States, a first class postage stamp cost
kansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to provide health
bank’s senior vice president, referring to Judy Ste-
insurance coverage for its employees. A lot of things
phens who works at the Southeast Regional Office
have changed since 1958, but one thing hasn’t: The
in Pine Bluff. “She’s been really helpful. She stays in
Bank of Lake Village is still with Arkansas Blue Cross.
touch with us.”
“Providing health insurance is one of the largest, if
20
very good.”
The long-term relationship is something that is ap-
not the largest, benefit we give our employees,” said
preciated by the employees of the regional office, too.
Terry Alpe, president of The Bank of Lake Village. “So
“We value all of our relationships with our custom-
it’s a major factor in contributing to the overall cost of
ers,” said Dwayne Pierce, regional executive for the
our employee base. It’s reviewed once a year or any
Southeast Regional Office, “but when you’ve had a
time there are changes regarding increases or de-
relationship with a customer for more than 50 years,
creases in costs and coverage,” said Alpe.
it’s more like taking care of family. I take great com-
The bank provides health insurance for about 40 employees from four entities: The Bank of Lake Village, Jefferson Bank in Mississippi, the Southeast
fort in knowing Judy is working with The Bank of Lake Village and taking care of our family.” “My experience has been when our people go to
Arkansas Holding Company and the board of direc-
doctors, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, there has
tors. And, according to Alpe, during the past 50-plus
been a comfort level knowing that they’ve got a good
years Arkansas Blue Cross has consistently provided
insurance provider. That they take with them a cover-
the best combination of savings and service. Having
age that’s readily accepted and well-known is com-
a regional office just up the highway in Pine Bluff has
forting,” said Alpe. “There are credentials that come
helped, too.
with having Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.”
Said Alpe, “I think the representation that has
Bank of Lake Village employees are (front row, left to right) Rita Chandler, Amanda Murdaugh and Kim Buckner. (Back row, left to right) Terry Alpe and Leslie Shipman.
Blue & You Spring 2010
New online
national doctor and hospital directories Finding a doctor or hospital in another state is as
• Upfront filtering that eliminates searching for pro-
easy as going to the new online directories on the Blue
vider data such as affiliations, recognitions and board
Cross and Blue Shield Association Web site, bcbs.com.
certifications.
The new National Doctor and Hospital Finder and the Federal Employee Program online directory provide Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members with easy access to the medical care they need, whether they are searching their own state or across the nation. Here are just a few features that make searching for
• Ability to search for individuals and groups/facilities simultaneously. • Mobile access through handheld devices. “The new doctor and hospital finder will make it much more convenient for members to locate the appropriate medical attention they need — and not just in
doctors and hospitals easier:
Arkansas, but nationwide,” said Jim Bailey, senior vice
• Simplified searches with fast results by selecting
president of National Business and Inter-Plan Relations.
“Find a Doctor or Hospital” at bcbs.com. • New “type-ahead” technology that helps spell city and specialty names.
“It’s just one more way the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is working to improve health care for all its members.”
Do you cringe at the memory of your teenage
years?
metabolic diseases as their most popular and powerful classmates. New research suggests that the social standings of teenagers has long-term health consequences. In a study, known as the Stockholm Birth Cohort Study, researchers noted that the students who reported lower levels of social acceptance as young teens tended to have a higher risk of serious health issues as adults; the same was true for males and females. Specifically, the study found that children who were the least popular and powerful at school had more health problems as adults. • They were more than four times as likely to require hospital treatment for hormonal, nutritional and
• They were more than twice as likely to develop mental health and behavioral problems, including suicide attempts and self-harm. • They also were significantly more likely to develop drug and alcohol dependency problems, and nine times more likely to develop heart disease. Researchers theorize that lower peer status and less social support results in more negative self-image and less self-confidence, which in turn could influence the child’s future ambitions, expectations and choices. Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, September 2009 Blue & You Spring 2010
21
Healthy Habits through SilverSneakers
Shirley said she and Charlie have both had their share of surgeries and medical problems, and Charlie (left) and Shirley Rule (below) participate in the SilverSneakers yoga class at Fitness Unlimited in Benton.
sometimes aren’t confident in their stability, but the SilverSneakers classes allow participants to use a chair to stay balanced. If they feel comfortable,
22
the participants
When you’ve been married for 59 years, you de-
can stand, but when they are unsure, they can sit. Yoga movements have been modified to stretch muscles
velop a lot of the same habits.
from a seated position and Shirley said the cardio pro-
For Charlie and Shirley Rule, those habits include fitness, fun and friendship through the SilverSneakers
®
program at Fitness Unlimited in Benton, Ark. The Rules started participating in the SilverSneakers program about three years ago when Shirley found a notice about it in the mail. “I figured Charlie wouldn’t want to go, but he said he wanted to try it.” The two have been fixtures in the SilverSneakers program ever since. Membership in SilverSneakers is a
Enrollment in SilverSneakers is a benefit of Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS) coverage.
benefit of Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS) coverage. The Rules try to go to SilverSneakers classes as often as four times a week. Charlie provides entertainment by printing out jokes and funny stories for Barbara Kane, their instructor, to read out loud at the beginning of class. Blue & You Spring 2010
gram is quite a workout even using a chair. Barbara said she has seen the improvements her participants have made by adding exercise to their lives.
We love to hear from you!
“Everyone says it improves their flexibility and gives them more energy to do things they want to do in life,”
May we help? For customer service, please call:
she said. She said the exercises to loosen the neck muscles are extremely important for the participants
Little Rock Number (501)
who still are driving because it keeps them safe on the
Medi-Pak members
378-3062 1-800-338-2312
road. “Many of them tell me, ‘I almost fell but was able to catch myself.’” For Charlie, who retired from the railroad and ser-
Medi-Pak Advantage members
1-877-233-7022
Medi-Pak Rx members
1-866-390-3369
Arkansas Blue Cross members
viced both aluminum plants in the area, going to SilverSneakers is a chance to catch up with many friends and neighbors, “and find out what is going on in the community.” Shirley said she has tried exercising at home, but can’t stay motivated. “I like to walk and visit with people,” she said. Barbara said the group extends beyond the classroom and has gotten together for meals and movies on occasion. For those who have lost their husband or wife, it may be the only time they get hugs during the week. “This is a great group,” Barbara said. For Charlie and Shirley, SilverSneakers is a habit they will stick with for the fun, fitness and friendship. As Charlie said, “We hate to miss a class!” To enroll in SilverSneakers, Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak Advantage members can go to a participating fitness center near them and show their ID card. Fitness center staff will assist with enrollment and provide tours of the locations. Because new fitness centers are being added to the program regularly, members can go online to silversneakers.com to find all participating locations in Arkansas. You also can call customer service to find a participating location near you. Go to Blue & You Online on our Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage Web sites for more on SilverSneakers.
Toll-free Number
378-2010 1-800-238-8379
Pharmacy questions
1-800-863-5561
Specialty Rx Pharmacy questions
1-866-295-2779
Health Advantage members
378-2363 1-800-843-1329
Pharmacy questions BlueAdvantage members
1-800-863-5567
378-3600 1-888-872-2531
Pharmacy questions
1-888-293-3748
State and Public School members 378-2364 1-800-482-8416 Federal Employee members
378-2531 1-800-482-6655
Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help! For individuals, families and those age 65 or older
378-2937 1-800-392-2583
For employer groups 378-3070 1-800-421-1112 (Arkansas Blue Cross Group Services, which includes Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas) Prefer to speak with someone close to home? Call or visit one of our regional offices: Pine Bluff/Southeast Region 1800 West 73rd St. Jonesboro/Northeast Region 707 East Matthews Ave. Hot Springs/South Central Region 100 Greenwood Ave., Suite C Texarkana/Southwest Region 1710 Arkansas Boulevard Fayetteville/Northwest Region 516 East Milsap Rd., Suite 103 Fort Smith/West Central Region 3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite 5 Little Rock/Central Region 320 West Capitol Ave., Suite 900
1-800-236-0369 1-800-299-4124 1-800-588-5733 1-800-470-9621 1-800-817-7726 1-866-254-9117 1-800-421-1112
You can contact customer service through our Web sites: SilverSneakers® is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc. The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is provided by Healthways, Inc., which is an independent company that operates separately from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
arkansasbluecross.com healthadvantage-hmo.com blueadvantagearkansas.com
Related Web sites:
blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org blueannewe-ark.com
Blue & You Spring 2010
23
At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we are always looking for new ways to be "Good for You." Here are some of our latest accomplishments.
24 See BlueAdvantage’s new Web site
Do you have a Personal Health Record?
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas has a
A Personal Health Record (PHR) is a secure, Web-
new Web site! The new design makes it easy to
based, electronic medical record that combines
navigate and puts the tools you need right at your
information provided by you, your doctor and your
fingertips. The “Plans & Products” section is de-
insurance company. To set up your PHR, log in to
signed with employer groups in mind to help find
My Blueprint, our member self-service center, and
the right health-care coverage for your company.
select “Personal Health Record.” Your PHR already
Links under each tab for Members, Employers and
includes your medical history, current medications,
Providers make finding what you need a snap!
medical tests, a summary of your visits to your doctor and more. You can add to the information by including your personal medical history, family medi-
Get claims information online You can receive e-mails to notify you when your
cal history and social history. A PHR can be extremely helpful in emergency
Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) or Personal Health
situations when you may need a doctor to have
Statements (PHSs) are available online behind
access to your medical history and current medica-
My Blueprint, our member self-service center. It’s
tions in a hurry. Or, by using the Health Trackers,
convenient, fast and easy! To sign up, you must be
you can provide your doctors a day-to-day glimpse
registered for My Blueprint. If you haven’t already,
at your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and other
go online and follow the easy registration instruc-
vital health statistics.
tions from the home page of our Web sites.
Blue & You Spring 2010