Active Outlook Summer 2015 by Jimmy Gonzalez

I ss u e # 2 2015

Pardon My Wake! Humana Member

DeEtte S.

Helping You L ive a Healthier Life

Give Your Brain a Workout Simple, Delicious Summer Dishes Hula-Hooping for Health

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I ss u e # 2 2015

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Helping You L ive a Healthier Life

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I ss u e # 2 2015

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Helping You L ive a Healthier Life

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welcome!

Dear Members,

t wasn’t that along ago that when we wanted to reach someone, we dialed a rotary phone. Or mailed a letter. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined smartphones, tablets, and other technology that immediately connects us with family, friends and the world. They make our lives so much easier and more enjoyable that we wonder how we ever lived without them. I’m excited to bring you Active Outlook Magazine, online. Your passion for living full and joyful lives inspires me – and other members. But there never seems to be enough pages to tell all of your amazing stories! With our new enhanced online magazine, we can share even more of your stories. Like cover member DeEtte S., who went from being obese and inactive to a medalwinning swimmer (page 12). Or Annie H., who manages heart problems and keeps “blooming” (page 16). Or James H., who still “saddles-up” at 90 (page 31). As you read, look for icons that connect you to bonus content like videos from members and health experts, recipes, and tools to help you manage your health. For example, read how depression is a real, treatable illness (page 24) – then click the story’s video link to “hear” more about it from our Humana mental health expert. Enjoy your new online Active Outlook Magazine, and all the features it offers you! Happy reading,

Editor, Active Outlook Magazine Click on these icons wherever they appear for additional content

Videos

Photos

Links

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Manager

Humana Active Outlook Michelle Schaefer Editor, Active Outlook Magazine

Suzette Shoop

Production Manager

Cynthia Scheler

Wax Custom Communications Account Director

Heather Mickley Creative Director

Contents

Jimmy Gonzalez Editorial Director

Tracy Boeckmann Managing Editor

Craig Fairfield

Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Advisory Board Our panel of Humana Active Outlook® experts provides you with trusted advice about health and wellness. Learn more about them at HumanaActiveOutlook.com. Amy D’Aprix, MSW, Ph.D., CSA Maggie Green, RDN, LD Sudha Kumar, M.D., MPH Philip Painter, M.D. Jessica Payne, MA, Ph.D. Todd Prewitt, M.D. Andrew Renda, M.D., MPH Clay Rhodes, Pharm.D., MBA, BCPS, CGP Jane Thibault, MA, MSSW, Ph.D. A special thanks to this issue’s guest contributors: George A. Andrews, M.D., MBA, CPE, FACP, FACC, FCCP Sims Corbett, senior learning designer Amy Hurwitch, Pharm.D., BCPS Bryan Loy, M.D., MBA Denise Shields, Ph.D.

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6 Catch Colon Cancer Before It Starts 7 What Your Feet Say About Your Health 8 The Next Chapter 10 Maintain Your Health, Like You Do Your Home 12 Making Waves 15 Puppy Love & Kitty Crushes 16 Still Growing Strong 18 Do Sweat the Small Stuff 19 “Falling” in Love 27 Taking Medicines: Be Smart & Safe 28 Join in on the Hoopla 29 Mind Matters

In Every Issue 4 Member Musings 20 Healthy Eating 24 Emotional Health 26 Mayo Clinic 30 Fred's Puzzle 31 Member Wisdom 32 Humana Resources HumanaActiveOutlook.com 3

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membermusings

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In we Spring, asked: Is your pet the most adorable animal in the world? Tell us about your “baby!”

Have you had an issue with taking a medicine that required medical care? Or had a side effect from taking a medicine the wrong way? What did you learn from your experience? I went to the emergency room for chest pain, but the reason for the pain was never found. I decided to be the detective. Before the pain began, I had a new blood pressure medicine prescription. I wondered if it had a diuretic in it. Without it, fluid might build up around my lungs and heart. I asked my pharmacist and found out it did not include the diuretic. Once I was back on the right medicine, I was OK. Saundra A. Hilliard, Ohio

At 70 years young, it’s easy to stay active when your best friend likes to kayak. Fred – a 1-year-old Goldendoodle – is the most delightful companion. He’s always ready for any new adventure and puts a smile on your face. Carol T. Naples, Florida Read more from members about their pets on page 15 and online at HumanaActiveOutlook.com. Have you “changed course” in your life or “reinvented” yourself? Tell us how. I had been retired for one week when I took over as manager of a family farm. New experiences greeted me daily: Driving a tractor, mucking horse stalls, and spreading manure! The challenge was to move into an arena of experiences in which I was least comfortable. An unexpected result of this adventure is that I’ve learned to properly ride a horse. Thomas R. Cincinnati, Ohio

Carol T. enjoys kayaking with Fred.

tell us your story 1

What’s the best advice you’ve given – or received?

Tell us about the relationship you have with your healthcare providers. What matters most to you?

Have you held a grudge – or had a grudge held against you? What happened when the grudge was let go? How was forgiveness good for your health?

Do you see Humana as a partner in your health journey? If so, how does Humana help you along the way?

Write to Us at the Address on the next page.

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No Ifs, Ands, or Butts After two serious bouts of bronchitis in a few months, Valmarie B.’s doctor suggested the former smoker get a lung screening test. Valmarie, 72, of Holiday Island, Arkansas, was told lung cancer can go undetected for years and then, when found, is frequently in an advanced stage. The test found an early-stage lung cancer, which was removed with surgery. If you’re 60 or older with a history of smoking, check into lung screening in your area. It could save your life. QuitNet® can help you quit smoking. It’s offered at no extra cost to most Humana Medicare members. Call 1-888-429-3535 (TTY: 711).

We Want to Hear from You Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or just want to share a good joke. Write to us at the address below. We’d also like to hear more about your experiences; just answer the questions listed on page 4. We may print your comments in Active Outlook Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving Humana permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. We might not be able to use every story we receive.

Mail to: Suzette Shoop, Editor Active Outlook Magazine 003/50780 P.O. Box 740003 Louisville, KY 40201-7403 email to: HumanaActiveOutlookProgram@Humana.com

better than ever

This issue includes bonus content like videos from experts and members, easy-to-print charts, extra recipes, links to the latest health and wellness information, and much more!

Humana is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal and health information. We pledge to you that we’ll never sell your information to third parties for any reason.

If you have questions or comments about your insurance, please mail them to the address on the back of your Humana ID card. HumanaActiveOutlook.com 5

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bodytalk

Catch Colon Cancer Before It Starts By Matt Windsor olorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer – and second leading cause of cancer death – in the United States. “If everyone got their screenings as recommended, more than 18,000 lives could be saved each year,” says Bryan Loy, M.D., Humana cancer specialist. “Folks need to get screened if they’re at risk,” Dr. Loy says, “and that’s anyone over age 50.” Several screening tests look for colorectal cancer: fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is the most accurate and most complete, according to Dr. Loy. If you have abnormal results from other tests, a colonoscopy will be recommended anyway. During the test, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a video camera to look inside the entire colon and rectum. Finding and removing polyps (clumps of cells) during a colonoscopy can prevent many colorectal cancers, Dr. Loy says. That’s why colonoscopy, he adds, has made colon cancer one of the most preventable cancers. Still, people have excuses as to why they don’t need the test. ■

“I’m Not at Risk!”

If you have a colon, you’re at risk. Most people who develop colon cancer have no clear risk factors.

“I Don’t Have Symptoms.”

Colon cancer grows from polyps that usually don’t cause symptoms.

“The Prep Is Terrible!”

Your bowel must be empty so the doctor can see the colon clearly. Liquid laxatives used today taste better and are easier to take than preps in the past – you can take half at night and the other half on the morning of the procedure that lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

“It’s Painful!”

You won’t feel – or remember – a thing. Medicines help you sleep through the procedure.

No Excuses!

Ask your doctor if you need a colonoscopy or other screenings. These simple tests may save your life!

Stop fearing the prep Many people put off colonoscopy because they’re afraid of the “prep” – medicines to clean out the colon before the exam. Sandra L., 67, of Port Charlotte, Florida, is glad she got screened. Her test found an early form of anal cancer. “If I hadn’t had that colonoscopy, it would have been too late,” she says. After chemo and radiation treatment, “I am now cancer-free,” she adds. And the prep was a “piece of cake” compared to what she went through with her cancer treatment. 6 active outlook

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What Your Feet Say About Your Health By Sari Harrar our feet work hard, carrying you an average of 115,000 miles in your lifetime! Along the way, you may have foot problems that can mean bigger health problems. Andrew Renda, M.D., an expert on diabetes and heart disease, tells you what to watch for.

What Your Tootsies May Be Telling You Swollen feet: If you have congestive heart failure or kidney disease, swollen feet may mean you’re holding fluid. If your foot, leg, or calf is swollen or tender, it may also be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot often caused by a long period of sitting. steps to take: Call your doctor right away. If you have DVT symptoms along with chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood, go to the emergency room or call 911. A big toe that’s suddenly red, swollen, and very painful: You may have gout – caused by higher-thannormal levels of uric acid. Painful, needlelike crystals get deposited in joints like the big toe. steps to take: Call your doctor. Treatments can stop pain and prevent joint damage. A sore that’s slow to heal: You may have nerve damage and poor circulation due to diabetes. Cuts and sores can become infected because your body can’t deliver oxygen and nutrients for healing. It’s serious – you can lose a limb. steps to take: Call your doctor right away. Cold feet and toes: You may have poor circulation due to diabetes, peripheral artery disease, low iron levels, or thyroid problems. steps to take: Call your doctor. Dragging your feet: You may have nerve damage due to diabetes or muscle problems due to a ministroke. Weak muscles may make it hard to lift your foot, while nerve damage can affect the feeling in your feet. steps to take: Wear well-fitting, low-heeled shoes to help prevent falls. Talk to your doctor about foot problems. ■ HumanaActiveOutlook.com 7

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activelife

The Next Chapter By Haley Shapley | Illustration by Riki Lipe

“I have so much fun in my head!”

So says Riki L., 80, a writer and illustrator of children’s books. She enjoys sharing the fun with others in her stories of growing up on her grandmother’s farm. “I just started putting down memories,” say Riki, of Springfield,

Missouri. “Thoughts, ideas, and pictures would just flow.” She wanted to create a fairy tale for her granddaughter (The Secret of Ricena’s Pond). “That was supposed to be my only book,” she says. “I never dreamed how much fun I would have and could not quit with just one.” As a painter, Riki has also

illustrated her books. She even created her own publishing company to have control over her work. Page Turner Riki has drawn on her colorful adventures – and challenges – for inspiration. Riki’s family moved often. Her father was killed in World War II.

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How Arts Can Improve Your Health

Riki has written and illustrated many books.

A year later, she started to feel strange. “In my head, something wasn’t right – it wasn’t really a headache,” she says. “I went to bed one night, and the next morning, I couldn’t sit up.” Diagnosed with polio, Riki moved from Kansas City to California to receive the Sister Kenny polio treatment. It used heat and exercise instead of rest and medicine. “They’d drop big wool blankets into boiling water and put them on us,” she remembers. Riki was there for three months. “When I came out, I was so limber. For years, I slept with a board under my bed.” Creating a New Story Once she was better, her mother moved the family to Riki’s grandmother’s farm in Missouri. She lived in a house without plumbing and went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. When her mother died, Riki and her sister moved in with their aunt

Want to write, paint, dance, or play a new instrument? Studies say you should. “Being artistic may have health benefits,” says Jane Thibault, Ph.D., an expert in physical, emotional, and social health for older adults. “It improves the ability to focus, reduces anxiety and stress, and may restore immune system functioning.”

and uncle, living in Guam. When locals learned she could sing, she began entertaining and was known as the “songbird of Guam.” Later, she moved back to the United States to attend college. At a dance, she met her husband, Dean, whom she’s been married to for 60 years. Riki wanted to try painting and asked a friend who painted to help her learn. They went up in the Berkeley Hills with “puny little paintbrushes,” and Riki’s friend told her to paint what she saw. That started a lifelong hobby. Along with illustrating, Riki teaches painting classes. “I help students get from a blank canvas to a nice painting,” she says. “Classes are in my basement, and my

students call it the Magic Room. We laugh and listen to wonderful music from the ’50s and do our paintings. It’s great therapy.” Riki loves inspiring others through her words and paintings. The best part about being a children’s book author and illustrator is talking to schoolchildren about being creative and trying new things – a message she also believes in for adults. “If there’s something somebody’s been wanting to do, just try and don’t give up,” Riki says. “It’s OK if you make mistakes. You don’t know how wonderful you can do it if you don’t try.” In fact, one of her books is Wonder What Would Happen If … : Don’t Know But I’m Gonna Try … ■

did you know? Polio left President Franklin D. Roosevelt unable to walk. He led the fight against the disease, asking Americans to give whatever they could – even 10 cents – to help the cause, creating a “March of Dimes” reaching to the White House. HumanaActiveOutlook.com 9

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Maintain Your Health, Like You Do Your Home

By Sari Harrar Your health and your home have this in common: Keeping up with everyday repairs can prevent big problems later on.

“Good maintenance can help you make the most of your home, and your health,” says Todd Prewitt, M.D., Humana director, chronic care strategies. “If you hear a funny noise in your furnace, calling a repairman today could save you from replacing the whole system later. It’s the same with your body.

Your doctor is part of your care team and helps you match your healthcare choices with your lifestyle and goals. See “Shared Decision Making” in the Knowledge Library at HumanaActiveOutlook.com. 10 active outlook

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A sturdy structure: Bones are your body’s framework. Eating calcium-rich foods like dairy products, fortified orange juice, and leafy green vegetables; getting enough vitamin D (600 IU per day to age 70; 800 IU daily after that); and staying active can help keep bones strong. Maintenance check: Ask your doctor about getting a bone density scan (usually suggested around age 65).

Clean pipes: Your “pipes” — arteries and veins — deliver oxygen- and nutrient-filled blood throughout your body. A clog could lead to a heart attack, stroke, or circulation problems in legs and arms. Keep “pipes” clean with a healthy diet, exercise, and medicines to control cholesterol and blood pressure, if needed. Maintenance check: Have blood pressure checked at each doctor visit, and cholesterol checked as often as your doctor recommends.

Clear ducts: Like your home’s heating system’s filters and ducts, keeping lung airways healthy helps keep air flowing for easier breathing — especially important if you have asthma, respiratory allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quit smoking and steer clear of secondhand smoke, allergy triggers, and air pollutants. Maintenance check: If you have asthma, use a peak flow meter to check how well air flows out of your lungs. If you have trouble breathing, including shortness of breath, see your doctor.

Powerful electrical system: Your home’s circuit breakers and wiring are like your brain and nervous system — they run the show. Keep your brain working at peak levels with exercise, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and by challenging it with activities like crossword puzzles. Maintenance check: If you have changes in your mood, or feel depressed, tell your doctor.

Good plumbing: Plumbing problems — including constipation or bladder control issues — are no fun. Exercise and a fiber-rich diet can help relieve constipation, and treatments (bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, or medicines) can help bladder problems.

When Change Causes Concern

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Illustration by Hiram Henriquez

Maintenance check: Talk to your doctor about bathroom habits, and getting regular colon cancer screenings.

Making healthy changes usually brings good results — like weight loss or lower blood pressure. But some changes may be early warning signs of health problems. Watch for: new cough, pain, tiredness, balance problems, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, changes in bathroom habits, or changes in thirst and appetite. Make note of changes or use the health planning insert in this issue. Talk with your doctor about any concerns.

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E t t e ’ s Day

By Andrea Gollin | Photos by John Lair While most of us are still tucked in bed at 5 a.m. enjoying sweet dreams, DeEtte S., is already in the pool chasing hers. She’s swimming for medals – and against the tide of aging. 12 active outlook

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ix mornings a week, DeEtte, 73, of Houston, Texas, trains at her local swim club. She’s already a champion senior swimmer with national and world placements. Now, she’s training to win gold at this summer’s National Senior Games. It’s a goal that pushes her to try to swim even faster. She believes she can always improve – in and out of the pool. But it wasn’t always this way. Sink or Swim DeEtte admits that, at one time, she was a mess. She hadn’t been active for years. She was also a workaholic, alcoholic, smoking, drug-taking, self-described “party girl” who was trying to be a supermom. “I was making myself crazy,” she recalls. When she gave up smoking, and abusing drugs and alcohol, she turned to another unhealthy behavior – overeating. It didn’t take long before she reached 250 pounds. “I was hugely embarrassed, and I felt incredibly old,” she says. It was during a family vacation at a lake resort that DeEtte finally had enough. “I was so obese that I could not maneuver myself into a boat,” she says. That’s when she decided she wouldn’t live that way anymore. From Fat to Fast DeEtte started her journey from “fat to fast.” She began getting fit by starting small – walking, and

lightening up her Louisiana-style cooking. Soon, she was working out at a gym. She lost 100 pounds. On a whim, she signed up for the gym’s swim team. She wasn’t an immediate success. “I couldn’t even get across the pool,” she says. “I wanted to quit.” But the coach wouldn’t let her. She was a young, 23-year-old whom DeEtte calls “one of the greatest gifts I ever received in my life. She said, ‘You just keep your mouth shut and do what I tell you.’ She was this little pip-squeak who was bossing me around.” So DeEtte stuck with the swimming. Several months later, that same coach signed her up for a swim meet. “I won a gold medal. I remember just bawling my eyes out,” says DeEtte. More Than Medals There have been lots of medals and competitions since, among them 16 medals at the National Senior Games. But the best results are how she feels. Although she has severe arthritis in her spine, her body is so strong that she’s not in pain. She was also headed for heart disease. Even after years of swimming, a 2002 scan showed so much plaque in her arteries that she was a heart attack waiting to happen. But a combination of medicine and exercise worked wonders. A follow-up 2009 scan showed that her arteries were “100 percent OK,” she says. Her husband, George, 82, got healthier, too. He HumanaActiveOutlook.com 13

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exercises several times a week and is so fit that his doctor recently told him he could enlist. Like DeEtte, George quit drinking decades ago. His healthy lifestyle is related to DeEtte’s choices, he says. “She is the biggest inspiration.” DeEtte says George is a great support, traveling with her to out-of-town swim meets. “He’s my handler,” she says. She needs one, because she swims so hard that she can have trouble getting out of the pool. She competes in difficult events, focusing on the 200-meter butterfly and the 400-meter individual medley. Leading on Land, Too The strength she has gained through swimming and exercise has also helped her get involved in the lives of young people. She and George are both active volunteers, tutoring kids in an after-school program and serving as mentors for at-risk high school students. George is a lay chaplain at a hospital. And using Skype, DeEtte teaches history and literature to two of her grandchildren who live nine hours away. Connecting with them in this way “has been one of the most exciting things in my life. Our conversations are rich and wonderful,” she says. Still Making a Splash DeEtte says that people often want to know her secret. “Everyone wants to hear that it has been magic. They don’t want to hear that you still struggle. I work every day to maintain this.” It boils down to hard work and discipline – one of her favorite words. She and George “love discipline. We love being in control.” They’re doing all they can to keep their health under control – staying active, eating right, and taking care of themselves – so they can enjoy life to the fullest. And they do! ■

Humana believes in exercise at every age. We're a proud sponsor of the 2015 National Senior Games, held July 3-16. Congratulations to all of our athletes! If you competed, let us know how you did! Write to us at the address on page 5. 14 active outlook

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furryfriends

puppy love &

Kitty Crushes Y By Tracy Boeckmann our pet always puts a smile on your face. But he or she might knock a few points off your blood pressure, too. “Stress builds up and causes health problems,” says Jane Thibault, Ph.D., an expert in physical, emotional, and social health for older adults. “Spending just 15 to 30 minutes with a dog, cat, or even a fish causes stress hormones to drop and may help lower blood pressure,” she says. It also increases “feel-good” hormones to help fight depression and loneliness. Dee H., of Chiefland, Florida, is a foster mom to dogs and kittens until they’re strong enough to be adopted. “I became an expert at bottle-feeding tiny felines,” she says. One kitten who came to Dee at just a few days old – Stewie – has found his home with Dee. “He’s a character and makes life more meaningful.” Rescue Labrador retriever and licensed therapy dog Lexi, and owner Diane W., of Fresno, California, work to improve lives of others. “We go to the library every week where children read to her,” Diane says. “She’s a ‘Tail Waggin’ Tutor.” Your pet might even help you stay in shape. “Honey helps me do my exercises twice a day,” says Ruth S., 87, of Grove City, Ohio, of her 14-year-old cat. “She rolls over, and I get down on my hands and knees to rub her belly.” ■

Dee H. rescued Stewie, who is now part of her family.

Phyllis W. and Daisy Mae walk together daily.

Pat T. says Charmin' Charley is a "bundle of furball joy."

Barbara T. and Bella.

Pets Are Good Medicine Barbara T., 86, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, was depressed after losing both her husband and poodle within a few months. Then she found Bella, a Westie, at the animal shelter. Her doctor even wrote a letter saying Bella lowers Barbara’s anxiety and can go with her anywhere. “My spirits are higher, and I feel stronger,” she says. “We saved each other.” Service or emotional support dogs are trained to help owners with special health needs. They stay with their owner and can go on planes, in stores, and other places. Some are trained to help with daily tasks. For more information, ask your doctor or vet, or visit the American Service Dog Association: www.americanservicedog.com. Meet more members and their pets at HumanaActiveOutlook.com.

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Special Section:

Congestive Heart Failure

Annie keeps CHF and diabetes in check so she can garden to her heart's content

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Still Growing Strong By Tracy Boeckmann | Photo by Ross Gordon

nnie H., 74, was ready to break ground in her garden – until she started having trouble breathing. “Because I smoked, I thought something was wrong with my lungs,” she explains. Instead, tests showed Annie’s heart was the problem. Annie was surprised to learn she had three blocked valves. She’d never had chest pain or other signs of heart trouble. But she does have diabetes. “My doctor said many diabetics have heart problems,” Annie says. Annie’s problem is congestive heart failure (CHF). “Hearing ‘failure’ in the same sentence with your heart can be scary, but CHF doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working,” says George Andrews, M.D., cardiologist and Humana’s chief of quality. “It means it’s not pumping blood as well as it should.” Annie, of Louisville, Kentucky, is doing all she can to keep her heart working at its best. She stays active gardening and eats homegrown veggies to help her heart health, and her diabetes. She also quit smoking. Starts in the Heart – but Affects the Whole Body Your heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. But a CHF-weakened heart can’t keep up with its workload. Fluid starts building up in the lungs and, if left unchecked, less

oxygen-filled blood reaches the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, stomach, and muscles. This can cause:

» Shortness of breath (dyspnea) » Trouble thinking » Cough or wheezing with white or pink-tinged mucus » Feeling tired or weak, and not up to exercising » Rapid or irregular heartbeat » Chest pain (angina) » Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting » Lack of appetite » High blood pressure » Increased need to urinate at night » Swelling (edema) of the legs, feet or ankles, or abdomen » Weight gain

CHF can also cause life-threatening symptoms. Call 911 if you have:

» Chest pain or extreme shortness of breath » Fainting or severe fatigue » Rapid or irregular heartbeat along with shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting » Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus

CHF can’t be cured. The good news is, it can be prevented or controlled. ■

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Special Section:

Congestive Heart Failure

Do Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t let little health problems add up to big ones – like congestive heart failure By Tracy Boeckmann

o your blood pressure is a “little high” or your blood sugar gets “out of whack.” It’s not such a big deal. Or is it? “High blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems can and do add up,” says George Andrews, M.D., cardiologist and Humana’s chief of quality. This creates a “snowball” effect, often leading to bigger health problems, like congestive heart failure (CHF). “Your heart doesn’t pump blood like it should, so your body doesn’t get oxygen and nutrients it needs. This condition can’t be cured and greatly affects your daily life.”

What Hurts Your Heart? Anything that puts an extra burden on the heart makes it more difficult for it to pump and keep up with the body’s needs, such as: High blood pressure: Increases your heart’s workload so it pushes harder and, in time, tires out. Coronary artery disease: Cholesterol and fatty deposits build up in heart (coronary) arteries, narrowing and clogging vessels, and making it harder for your heart to pump blood through arteries. Heart attack: When an artery that supplies blood to the heart is blocked, your heart can’t get oxygen and nutrients it needs. The damaged part of it dies, and it can’t pump blood as well.

Diabetes: It’s a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and kidney disease, and both raise the risk for heart failure. Sleep apnea: Not breathing right during sleep lowers oxygen in the blood and increases risk of abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure, both of which can weaken heart muscle. Heart defects from birth: If you were born with a heart problem, you may have extra stress on your heart and its pumping ability. Faulty heart valves: If valves don’t open and close completely during each heartbeat, your heart pumps harder to keep blood moving. Being older, drinking alcohol, using tobacco, or being obese (often due to a high-fat diet and not exercising) can also weaken the heart and increase your risk for CHF. Your Heart Protection Plan The best protection against CHF is to keep it from happening in the first place. Develop heart-smart habits: Manage blood pressure: Keep blood pressure in a normal range. Eat a low-salt diet, don’t smoke, and manage stress.

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“Falling” in Get active: Aim for 30 minutes of daily physical activity – like walking, swimming, or chair exercises with weights. Control cholesterol: Fat and cholesterol can build up in arteries and block blood flow. If your cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or higher, ask your doctor how to lower it. Eat better: Eat fruits and veggies; fiber-rich, wholegrain foods; and fish. Cut back on added sugars, salt, and saturated fats. Lose weight (if needed): Being overweight increases your heart disease risk. Eat 500 fewer calories per day to lose about 1 pound a week. Lower blood sugar: Stay away from sugary foods and drinks. Exercise to help your body use insulin. Take prescribed medicines: To help keep blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other conditions under control. Stop smoking: Most people need help to stop smoking. Talk to your doctor or try QuitNet®, a program you may have access to that can help you quit smoking. It’s offered at no extra cost to most Humana Medicare members. Call 1-888-429-3535 (TTY: 711). ■ Based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7. See more at mylifecheck.heart.org.

Help your heart stay healthy. Take part in our "Congestive Heart Failure" webinar class online or over the phone on Aug. 19 or 20, 2015. Sign up at HumanaActiveOutlook. com. While on our website, go to the Learning Center and watch our virtual online class: “Heart Smart.”

Love

By Tracy Boeckmann eather Ann C. was walking outside on a subzero Wisconsin winter night when she slipped on ice and fell. “I landed on the back of my head,” she says. “I don’t remember how long I lay outside.” She suffered frostbite on all of her fingers, and a brain stem injury. “I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and everything else.” Still, Heather Ann, 55, of Big Rock, Illinois, tells her story with a smile. That’s because her fall led to another one: in love, with Ray, “the best man you’d ever want to meet.” While visiting his mother at a nursing home, Ray met Heather Ann in the residents’ computer room. “He thought I was a nurse, until we started talking,” she says. “Then he realized I was a patient.” Ray asked Heather Ann if he could email her, and take her to dinner. “Mind you, I was 41, but on a walker and you could barely understand me,” she says. Ray kept seeing her when he visited his mother. When Heather Ann was released, she accepted Ray’s invitation to move in with him. “That was 15 years ago, and we’ve been happy ever since,” she says.

Knocked Down but Not Out Heather Ann has faced other health challenges: two hip replacements, a shoulder replacement, and a broken leg. It doesn’t get her down. “I call myself the Timex watch. I take a licking but keep on ticking,” says Heather Ann. Her injury and recovery inspired her to become a caregiver, working with dementia patients. “I try to make everyone’s life a little brighter,” she says. ■ Click here for a Humana Healthy Insight about positivity from Jane Thibault, MA, MSSW, Ph.D. HumanaActiveOutlook.com 19

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healthyeating

Get More Health Bang For Your Bite By Maggie Green, RD, LD

Eating good-for-you foods can help you feel great, have more energy, and improve your mood. Find out which foods give you the most health “bang” per bite – and which may hurt your health.

Eat and Drink for Health Conditions Learn what to eat and drink if you have heart disease, diabetes, or other health problems. See HumanaActiveOutlook.com. Go With The (Blood) Flow Keep blood cells healthy to carry oxygen with iron-rich foods like lean beef, iron-fortified cereal, and liver. Red wine, garlic, water, leafy greens, and salmon may help prevent blood clots. Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats that can clog arteries.

Fight Off Illness With Your Fork Strengthen your immune system with oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, strawberries, and papayas. They’re high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the cells. Onions, garlic, and mushrooms also contain a substance that boosts the immune system. 20 active outlook

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Boost Brainpower Your brain and nervous system need nutrients, too. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, and flaxseed may improve mood and memory, and reduce depression. B vitamins – found in whole-grain breads and pasta, fresh fruits, and vegetables – produce substances that help the brain and nerves “talk” to each other.

Shake the Salt Habit Help circulation and prevent swelling in hands, legs, and feet when you eat low-salt foods like unsalted nuts, avocados, Brussels sprouts, kale, and red grapes. Bone Up Bones support your entire body. Keep them strong with calcium-rich foods like spinach, kale, almonds, and milk, and vitamin D-filled foods like eggs and oysters. Stay away from too much beer, wine, vodka, or whiskey, as they can lower bone density.

You Got The Beat Love your heart with salmon, oatmeal, fruit, and red wine. They may prevent plaque buildup in arteries and high blood pressure. Substances in red wine and 100 percent Concord grape juice help reduce blood clots and keep blood flowing. All fruits are low in sodium, and many are high in potassium. Protect Peepers Keeping blood sugar in check can help keep eye arteries healthy – protecting against cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose carrots, oranges, kale, spinach, tuna, salmon, anchovies, strawberries, and eggs.

Be Kind to Kidneys Keep blood sugar under control and lower blood pressure to protect arteries in your kidneys. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich, low-fat dairy.

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healthyrecipes Baked Cod with Olive Oil and Lemon

in ok

g with m ag

Fish is a rich source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Cod helps heart and brain health, while olive oil provides “good fats” that may lower HDL blood cholesterol levels. Ingredients: 4 6-ounce cod filets (For best results, select cod filets that are at least 1-inch thick.) 1 ⁄4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend 1 ⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh dill or 1⁄2 teaspoon dried 1 large or 2 small lemons, thinly sliced

Eat for Your Heart’s Sake Eating well for your heart’s sake can be delicious – and easy – with these low-sodium recipes that feature healthy fats and fiber.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Brush some of the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Remove excess moisture from the fish with a paper towel. Place fish on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fish filet generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt-free seasoning blend, pepper, and dill. Place 2 to 3 lemon slices across the top of each piece of fish. Bake until the fish is firm to the touch and flakes easily with a fork, about 12 to 15 minutes. Nutrient Totals Calories: 265; Protein: 31 g Carbohydrate: 3 g; Total Sugars: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Total Fat: 15 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 73 mg; Sodium: 93 mg Serves 4 Recipes provided by Humana Active Outlook Advisory Board member Maggie Green, RDN, LD. These recipes are from Ms. Green’s latest book, The Kentucky Fresh Cookbook. In it, you’ll find healthy recipes that are both good and good for you. Available in bookstores.

Chopped Mediterranean Salad This flavorful salad, rich in potassium and low in sodium, helps fight high blood pressure, and fluid retention that can come with congestive heart failure. Chop the lettuce and vegetables the same size for best results. Ingredients: 1 head romaine lettuce 1 ⁄4 cup thinly sliced red onions 1 cup grape tomatoes (6 ounces), cut in half 1 medium red bell pepper, seeds removed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into 1-inch chunks 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 medium clove garlic, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend 1 ⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons olive oil Wash lettuce and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place in a salad bowl. Soak the red onion in a small bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. Drain and add to the lettuce. Mix in the tomatoes, red pepper, and cucumber. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, salt-free seasoning blend, and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil until combined. Pour over the salad and toss ingredients together. Let sit for 10 minutes and stir salad again before serving. Nutrient Totals Calories: 141; Protein: 1 g; Carbohydrate: 5 g; Total Sugars: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 10 mg Serves 6 Find more great recipies at HumanaActiveOutlook.com. HumanaActiveOutlook.com 23

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emotionalhealth

a r n m o re

It's Not All

In Your Mind! Mental illness is a real illness. Don't let fear keep you from getting help.

By Matt Windsor We all have ups and downs. Losing a spouse, retiring, or facing other life changes can be tough – and we all don’t react in the same way. Changes in sleep patterns, losing interest in things you once enjoyed,

or having trouble concentrating – these can be signs of depression, says Sudha Kumar, M.D., Humana behavioral health medical director. “Depression is a real physical illness, like having high blood pressure or high cholesterol,”

Dr. Kumar says. Scientists think depression happens when brain chemicals get out of balance. It may be triggered by life changes, stress, or health problems. Depression is common in older adults, Dr. Kumar adds. But you

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“ Having depression doesn’t mean you’re crazy. What’s crazy is not doing anything about it.” don’t have to feel this way. “The last thing you want to do is spend the best part of your years in that state of mind.” Dealing With Depression There are different types of depression. » Major depression has severe symptoms that make it hard to eat, sleep, and enjoy life. You may have it once or several times in your lifetime. » Mild, chronic depression (dysthymia) has low, dark, or sad moods that are ongoing, and last at least two years. » Bipolar disorder (manicdepressive illness) brings extreme high and low moods, and changes in energy, thinking, and behavior. Betty M., 77, Charleston, West Virginia, has bipolar disorder. “When I go down, I go down hard,” she says. She stays on top of her health by taking medicines and eating right. She also escapes the “black hole” by saving nice letters or cards in a special box. “When I’m feeling depressed, I pull them out and read them.” Pat S., 75, of Jacksonville, Florida, became depressed and withdrawn after her husband passed away. Her health suffered, too. On a call to Humana, Pat learned about the Health Coaching Program. That’s how she met health coach Judy, “my lifesaver!” Pat says. “She has walked me

through a lot of bad moments.” Coaching can be done by phone, email, or both, says Denise Shields, Ph.D., Humana coaching services manager. Trained counselors “help members move forward, including handling stress, managing weight, and more.” Learn more by calling Humana Personal Health Coaching: 1-855-852-9451 (TTY: 711).

mood booster » Stay active with hobbies and friends » Get enough sleep » Eat a healthy diet » Avoid cigarettes and alcohol » If you’re taking a medicine thought to cause depression symptoms, ask your doctor about switching to another medicine

Getting Off That ‘Slippery Slope’ Like cancer or heart disease, depression can run in families. It also needs to be treated just as quickly. “The worst thing is to not do anything, because that makes it worse,” says Dr. Kumar. “It’s a slippery slope – the longer you spend in this state, the less energy you have to get yourself out of it, and the harder it is to treat.” She adds: “Having depression doesn’t mean you’re crazy. What’s crazy is not doing anything about it.”

Don’t be Ashamed to Ask for Help Not sure if you’re depressed? Talk with a Member Assistance Plan (MAP) trained counselor. Call 1-800-767-6171 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central time. After-hours calls will be returned and answered by licensed staff on the next business day. Or visit the MAP website at HumanaActiveOutlook.com, under QuickLinks. If you feel like you want to hurt yourself or others, get help immediately. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Learn more about depression at HumanaActiveOutlook.com. Watch the “Beating the Blues” class in the Learning Center. If you’re having symptoms of depression every day for two weeks or more, see your doctor. Turn the page to see signs of depression from Mayo Clinic. ■

Treating Depression There are good treatments for depression, says Dr. Kumar. Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help rebalance brain chemicals. Talk therapy can help, too. There are other things you can do for yourself and mental health: » Keep a routine » Exercise regularly – a powerful

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mayoclinic

Major Depressive Disorder

Depression Symptoms » Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness – for example, excessive worrying, pacing, handwringing, or an inability to sit still » Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements » Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures, or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility » Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things » Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide » Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

lthough depression may occur only one time during your life, usually people have multiple episodes of depression. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day, and may include: » Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or unhappiness » Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters

» Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex » Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much » Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort » Changes in appetite – often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people

For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. Other people feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why. Learn more about depression types, symptoms in older adults, children, and teens, and when to see a doctor or get emergency help at www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/depression/basics/ symptoms/con-20032977. ■

This article has been adapted from an article from Mayo Clinic. The article, dated April 17, 2015, can be found at www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/symptoms/con20032977 ©1998-2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). active 26 humana outlook activeAll outlook rights reserved.

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medicalnews

Taking Medicines

Be Smart& Safe By Amy M. Avery f you’ve taken a dozen or more different prescription medicines this year, you’re not alone. For people 65 and over, the average is 14 or more! That’s a lot of doses – and a lot of chances for dangerous mistakes, drug interactions, or side effects. “If you take just eight prescription medicines, for example, you have a 90 percent chance that at least two of those medicines will react with

each other in a negative way,” says Amy Hurwitch, clinical pharmacist and Humana adverse drug events expert. A new prescription led to a trip to the emergency room for Elizabeth F., of Ravenna, Ohio. “My regular asthma drug reacted badly with a new drug,” she says. Only after her doctor reviewed all of her medicines did he find the cause. She needed another medicine to stop the problem. ■

Tips to Take Medicines Safely

You should take the medicines your doctor recommends. But you

can avoid many of the dangers of drug interactions. Try these tips:

Have one person – your primary care doctor or pharmacist – look at a list of everything you take. This should be done once a year, and whenever you stop or start taking a medicine.

Use only one pharmacy and one doctor, if possible. The more people involved in prescribing medicines, the greater the chance of a breakdown in communication. Consider using Humana’s mail delivery pharmacy for all of your maintenance medicines.

Process every prescription through your prescription insurance. Humana has safety tools in place to screen your medicines, no matter which pharmacy fills the prescription.

Keep an updated list of everything you take – including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Also, keep a list of items that you might not take regularly, like pain relievers. Bring these lists to any doctor visits, including urgent care clinics.

Share this list at every visit with your provider, plus your pharmacy – including any mail-order pharmacy you use.

With good communication and the right experts on your team, you can reduce the chance that your medicines will interact in an unsafe way.

Humana Pharmacy® is Here Humana Pharmacy is the new and improved version of RightSource®. Get prescription mail delivery and specialty pharmacy services, plus on-site pharmacies in many of our partner clinics. Learn more at Humana.com/Pharmacy.

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funfitness

tro

re win

join in on

The Hoopla By Andrea Gollin f you haven’t touched a hula hoop since you were a kid, pick one back up. This 50-year-old toy is as much fun as you remember – and now a great workout tool! Fitness consultant Sims Corbett recently saw a hula hoop class in a park. “Ages ranged from 10 to 80. One woman was even hula-hooping with a baby,” Corbett says. “There was so much laughter within the group, and from people walking by.” Hula hoopers were having a good time and getting a workout, which is what exercise can – and should – be. You may think hula-hooping can’t be real exercise since it’s so much fun! But the low-impact exercise burns about 210 calories in 30 minutes. It also tones muscles all over your body, improves balance, and is a great cardio workout.

Hoopers say they’re losing weight, having less back pain, and more. And anyone can do it! Even if you can’t run or walk distances, bet you can stand in place and spin! Give It A Whirl It’s easy! » Get a hoop – Use an adult-sized hoop. Larger, heavier hoops are better for beginners, as they spin more slowly, giving you more time to get used to the rhythm. Standing on its side, the hoop should reach your chest or waist. » Get into position – Stand inside

the hoop, grip it with both hands, and bring it up to waist level. Step one foot in front of the other to get your balance. Let the hoop relax against one side of your waist.

» Get moving – Spin the hoop

counterclockwise (or clockwise, if you’re a lefty). Move your waist in a circular motion. Push your stomach forward as the hoop moves across it and then, push the hoop back when it moves across your back. Keep spinning the hoop around your waist. It may fall a few times, but you’ll soon find the right spinning motion for you. ■

Ready to get your hoop on? Many fitness centers offer classes and online videos to show you how it’s done. Or see a hooping demonstration and more at www.hulahooping.com.

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mindmatters

brain teasers 1

George's mother has three children. The first one's name is April. The second one's name is May. What's the third child's name?

ABCDEFGHIJKLM NOPQRSTVWXYZ

3 4

Where do fish keep their money?

There's a word in the dictionary that's spelled incorrectly. Which one is it?

Three women each have two daughters. They are having dinner at a restaurant. There are only seven chairs in the restaurant but all of the women are seated. How is this possible?

“ I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose.” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

did you know? Working brain teasers is more than fun and games. It’s like taking your brain to the gym! Just as physical exercise helps keep your body in shape, doing brain exercises may help keep your brain in shape – and might help sharpen your memory.

Answers (no peeking) 1 The third child is George himself. 2 Missing You (U)! 3 In a riverbank 4 INCORRECTLY 5 Grandmother + her two daughters + their two daughters (1 + 2 + 4 = 7) HumanaActiveOutlook.com 29

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fred’spuzzle

24 27

46 50

1 Rascal 6 Pocket 9 Fairy tale opener 13 Long boat 14 Both 15 Nitwit 16 Concerning (archaic) 17 Fib 18 Undo the laces 19 St. Louis pro football team 20 Happen to 22 South by east 23 Friday (abbr.) 24 Buzz 25 Space administration 27 Risks 29 Public disgrace 33 Sup 34 Map legend 35 Taunt 36 More capable

58 62

Across

47 51

by Gretchen Schmidt

49 53

30 35

39 Container cover 40 __ Systems, IT company 41 Steep 42 Newsman Rather 43 Roll 44 Marker 46 Great ape 49 Properly 50 Deli order 51 One gram of gold 53 Moment of understanding 56 Heeded 58 Soft tissue injury 59 Colonoscopy can discover this colon growth 61 Roman dozen 62 Bird’s “thumb” 63 Tiny amounts 64 Electroencephalograph (abbr.) 65 Traditional pub game 66 Upon 67 Compass point 68 Complies

Down

1 Neck warmer 2 Fabrication 3 Lack of iron in blood that can make heart work harder 4 Olympus __, largest of known volcanoes in solar system 5 Domestic companion 6 State capital 7 First letter of the Arabic alphabet 8 Washed 9 Have 10 Brooklyn pro basketball team 11 Baby bed 12 Fencing sword 15 Oklahoma city 20 Wreck 21 Gauzy 24 Be aware of 26 Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to heart muscle 28 Stunk 30 Criticize (slang)

Solution on page 29

Active Outlook Magazine’s crossword puzzle is named for Fred Wheeler, a remarkable Humana retiree who championed Medicare members throughout his career.

31 Alphabet 32 Sign of the zodiac 34 Relation 36 Sign language 37 Constrictor 38 Scientist’s office 39 Voice boxes 40 Short 42 Restaurant with prepared foods 43 Daring 45 Pieces of sugar 47 Mother ___ 4 8 ___ as charged 50 Sandy color 52 Lawn plant 53 Capital of Samoa 54 Owl sound 55 Singing voice 57 Expires 58 Block 60 Shrill bark 62 Hoopla

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t he s ce n

memberwisdom

nd hi

Still holding the reins at 90

By Member James H. Gurnee, Illinois

Photo by O'Neil Arnold

’ve been riding horses for 87 years and don’t plan to stop anytime soon. If I couldn’t ride, I’d find life to be difficult. Even while stationed in Germany near the end of World War II, I rode at a nearby palace, impressing a Hungarian countess with my five-gaited seat. She let me ride her horse while I learned the dressage style. I was invited to attend the prestigious Spanish Riding School in Austria. That wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have the guts to go after what I wanted. I’ve told my kids, if you never ask for something, the answer’s always no. Here’s what else I know: Don’t let slowing down stop you completely. I have a powerful horse. He’s 16.1 hands, about 1,200 pounds, and has a mind of his own. I’ve lost my strength and endurance, and he often takes advantage of it – but he also stands perfectly still when I’m dismounting. It’s not as easy as when I was younger,

but I don’t let that keep me from riding daily. Invest in yourself. I manage my type 2 diabetes by exercising daily and eating fruits, vegetables, skinless chicken, and fish. To nourish my mind, I take part in a nonfiction book discussion at a library, where I also volunteer. The worst thing you can do is sit in a house and watch television. It’s never too late to learn – or relearn – something. I’ve attended both police and fire schools – I climbed a 95-foot ladder and learned how to break into cars to save people. Recently, I came across an algebra book at the library, so now I work on algebra. It’s amazing what you forget – but also what you can remember if you try. ■

What do you feel life has taught you? Share your wisdom with us. Write to us at the address on page 5. HumanaActiveOutlook.com 31

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About Active Outlook This publication offers general health-related information and isn’t a substitute for professional healthcare. To get medical guidance for you, talk to your doctor. Humana doesn’t receive compensation for products or services offered and purchased by you through the Humana Active Outlook Program discounts and promotions. Humana doesn’t guarantee, nor is it responsible for the quality of, any product or service you purchase. Humana doesn’t recommend or endorse any specific company, product, service, or discount mentioned within the Humana Active Outlook Program. Further, Humana doesn’t review or approve information, materials, or websites of any company not affiliated with Humana. Humana is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in a Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. The program(s) and services(s) described is/are not insurance and is/are neither contractually offered nor guaranteed under Humana Medicare Supplement insurance policies. They may be provided by a third party, discontinued at any time, and are subject to geographic availability. Policy Form Series MES, MESM10, MESHL, MESRD, or state equivalent. Not all plans are available in all markets.

Removing Your Name from the Humana Active Outlook® Mailing List You can ask us to remove your name from our mailing list at any time. You’ll still get mail about your Humana health plan, but you won’t get Humana Active Outlook mailings (such as Active Outlook Magazine) and notices of events that we send you today. To remove your name from our list, choose one of the following: • Call us toll-free at 1-800-781-4233 (TTY: 711). You can call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. • Write to us at Humana Active Outlook, 003/50780, P.O. Box 740003, Louisville, KY 40201-7403. • Email HumanaActiveOutlookProgram@Humana.com. If you have questions or need more information, visit the My Account page on HumanaActiveOutlook.com or call us at the number on the left. Be sure to give us your name, full address, and Humana ID number. We’ll send you a notice that we’ve received your request. Please allow six to eight weeks for your cancellation to take place.

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HumanaVitality

Completing just two preventive screenings earn you a $10 gift card from a popular retailer.

With HumanaVitality, you get rewarded for doing things that help make you healthier. It’s easy! 1. Get started: Register for — or sign in to — MyHumana at

HumanaVitality.com. All you need is your member ID number, date of birth, and zip code. Then sign in and click on the HumanaVitality tab.

2. Get screened: Get healthy with all the Humana Vitality® eligible preventive exams that earn Vitality Bucks®.

3. Get shopping: Spend your Vitality Bucks in the HumanaVitality Mall® and get movie tickets, fitness gear, gift cards, and more!

Every Screening Earns Vitality Bucks® 1,000 Vitality Bucks • Welcome to Medicare Exam

500 Vitality Bucks Each • Annual Wellness Visit • Bone Density Test • Mammogram • Flu Shot • Colorectal Screening • Dental Exam • Cardiovascular Disease • Screening • Vision Exam

Facebook.com/ HumanaVitalityMedicare Learn more at HumanaVitality.com

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Vitality Check® Completion: 500 Vitality Bucks Each • Body Mass Index (BMI) • Blood Glucose Screening (Diabetes Test) • Blood Pressure • Total Cholesterol

HumanaVitality is not available on all plans. To find out if you are eligible for HumanaVitality, look for the HumanaVitality logo on your Humana member ID card or sign in to MyHumana to see if the HumanaVitality tab appears on your account. In accordance with the federal requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, no amounts on the gift cards shall be redeemable for cash. GHHJBJ2EN

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Two Ways to Learn Online LEARN ABOUT: • Congestive Heart Failure • Early Signs of Alzheimer’s • Manage Stress • Keeping Your Mind Fit • Maintain Your Independence • Skin Cancer • Caregiving • All About Diabetes

Online classes Available to you 24/7. It’s easy since they’re ready to watch when it works best in your schedule. Webinars Join us for these live classes over your computer or phone.

Visit us at HumanaActiveOutlook.com and go to the Learning Center to view or sign up for our classes. You can also call Humana Active Outlook at 1-866-444-7412 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, for more details.

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