MESSA’s Cardiovascular Case Management improves quality of life

February is American Heart Health Month.

MESSA

Cardiovascular Education Nurse

Cathy Scott‑Lynch answers questions about taking care of your heart and lungs. MESSA’s Cardiovascular Case Management program is a resource that gives members one‑on‑one support to help you reach your cardiovascu lar health goals, including ways to improve your blood pressure, communicating your needs and concerns to your health provider, and developing a personal health action plan.

What are the advantages of using MESSA’s Cardiovascular Case Management program?

Advocacy! When you have an event that affects your heart health, you need someone who will be there to help you navigate your journey through the health care system, to assist you and answer questions with you.

You communicate a patient’s wishes to their health pro ‑ vider. Why is this key in cardio management?

Providers are very good with giving care, but the key is listening to the patient and their concerns and needs. That’s what we do as nurses and certified case managers. We listen to what’s really important to you as we work together to reach these goals.

Explain Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and why it is critical for good heart health?

The DASH eating plan is rich in fruits, vegetables, fat‑free or low‑fat milk and milk products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds and nuts. It’s proven to be one of the most effective approaches to helping someone choose the proper nutrients for a heart healthy life, using natural ingredients that are easy to adapt. This approach is rec ommended by the National Institute of Health (NIH) at nhlbi.nih.gov/ education/dash‑eating‑plan

How do you get control of high blood pressure?

You gain control with lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and mind fulness of what you are eating on a daily basis. You also have to know what your blood pressure num bers are. Then you can work with your health care provider to make a difference.

How do you lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke?

Here is one simple start: Just move. The American Heart Association recommends you to get at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly. We can help you devise a plan on how to do this — that’s part of the work we do with the case management program. Finally, what are some small things people can do to improve their heart health?

Follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8: Eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep, manage weight, con trol cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and manage blood pressure. v

Cardiovascular Case Management

“I was very grateful when Cathy called because the aftercare at the hospital is non‑existent. I was lost. Having this program as a support, it helps out with knowing where to go when I had a question. MESSA was concerned enough to help me.”

To learn more, visit messa.org/heart or call 800‑336‑0022, prompt 3.