SPRING/SUMMER 2018 WWW ... - Independent Health · Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage...

Y0042_C5971 Accepted 04092018

Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-SNP, HMO-POS and PPO plans. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal.

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

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Breathe easierTips to tackle COPD

24/7 CARE with Teladoc®

FITWORKS® MEDICARE Earn a reward for being healthy

PremierWellnessPackageSee page 3.

2 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2018

INSIDE this issue

Independent Health puts value into every plan we offer to members. Check out page 3 to learn about all the valuable fitness and wellness opportunities you can take advantage of to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Look on page 7 for information on Enhanced Annual Wellness Visits and why they’re important for your health. And if you want to take the first step toward a more active lifestyle, read page 12 to discover how a regular walking routine can improve your fitness and overall health. Start living a healthier life today!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

4 New Medicare cards to be issued

5 Get rewarded for completing FitWorks® challenges

6 Serving up Healthy Options

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About four out of five Americans who could benefit from a hearing aid don’t use one. If you’re among them, it may be time to reconsider. Most of Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans offer a hearing aid benefit*, which includes coverage for:• A hearing aid evaluation exam• TruHearing Flyte hearing aids• Three follow-up visits with an in-network provider for

fitting and adjustment of hearing aids• 48 batteries per aid• Three-year manufacturer warranty for repairs

Assistive devices have come a long way since the days of vacuum tubes and heavy batteries. For example, most models are now smaller and nearly invisible, fitting partially or completely within the outer ear or ear canal. Many hearing aids also have a directional microphone, too. Switch it on so that sounds in front of you—say, a person speaking—will sound louder than noise behind you.

If you’re having trouble hearing, check with your doctor or an audiologist. He or she can help pinpoint the cause of your problem and choose the hearing aid that’s best for you.

*Applicable copays may apply for these benefits. Member must use TruHearing providers in order to take advantage of these benefits. Refer to the Evidence of Coverage for complete details. Excludes Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice HMO-SNP. Benefits vary by plan. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits and/or copayments may change on January 1 of each year. The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.

NEED A HEARING AID? WE HAVE YOU COVERED

8 Vaccination can help prevent shingles

11 Why you should complete a Health Care Proxy

WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 3

here for you

Putting more value into every plan we offer

Vision benefitsRoutine vision coverage is provided through EyeMed with all our Medicare Advantage plans and includes:• Routine eye exam• Routine eyewear• Post-cataract eyewear• Post-cataract routine eye exam

Hearing aid benefit Most of our plans cover hearing aids when purchased through TruHearing, as well as a hearing aid evaluation exam. TruHearing Flyte hearing aids come in a range of sizes, colors and styles to fit your needs. (See page 2.)

Enhanced Annual Wellness VisitThis $0 preventive service encourages members to meet with their doctors each year so that they can create personalized health plans. (See page 7.)

To find a participating Healthy Benefits fitness facility, dental providers and vision providers, visit “Find a Medicare Provider” at www.independenthealth.com/medicare. To take advantage of the hearing aid benefit by scheduling a hearing exam, call TruHearing toll-free at 1 (844) 211-1723. TTY users call 1 (800) 975-2674.


For 2018, our Premier Wellness Package has been enhanced to provide you with even more benefits to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It now includes our new telemedicine benefit (see page 4) and FitWorks® Medicare (see page 5). Plus, you still get to enjoy the following health and wellness benefits:

Healthy Benefits Fitness ProgramThrough Healthy Benefits, you receive a fitness membership at any of the participating facilities located throughout Western New York. To begin using this benefit, you simply present your member ID card at the participating facility of your choice and activate your membership. You will be required to pay a $20 activation fee when you join a facility or renew with one.

Dental benefitsMost of our Medicare Advantage plans offer preventive dental coverage, which includes:• Oral examinations (two per

calendar year)• Routine cleanings (two per

calendar year) • Bitewing X-rays (two per

calendar year)• Full mouth X-rays (once in a

36-month period)

At Independent Health, we’re dedicated to giving you more all year long. That’s why our Medicare Advantage plans come with our Premier Wellness Package, additional benefits and services that go above and beyond Medicare coverage.

*Applicable copays may apply for these benefits. Member must use EyeMed, HealthPlex or TruHearing providers in order to take advantage of these benefits. Refer to the Evidence of Coverage for complete details. **Excludes Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice HMO-SNP. Benefits vary by plan. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments may change on January 1 of each year. The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.


what’s new

You can now contact a doctor 24/7 with our new telemedicine benefit

At Independent Health, we understand there may be times when you are traveling, need care after hours or can’t reach your primary care physician. That’s why most of our Medicare Advantage plans* now include a telemedicine benefit provided through Teladoc®.

This convenient benefit allows you to connect with a doctor by phone at any time, whether you are at home or traveling. Consultations are also available by online video, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Common illnessesFor a low copayment**, Teladoc connects you to a national network of board certified doctors who average 15 years’ experience. Simply go online to www.teladoc.com/ih, use the Teladoc mobile app or call

1 (800) Teladoc (1 [800] 835-2362) to set up an account, provide your medical history and request a consult.

Within minutes, a doctor will contact you, ready to listen and resolve your issues any time of the day. If medically necessary, a prescription will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice. It’s a faster way to feel better for common medical conditions, such as cold and flu symptoms, bronchitis, allergies, poison ivy, pinkeye, sinus

problems, ear infections and more.Please note: Independent

Health’s telemedicine benefit is not intended to replace your relationship with your primary care doctor. Instead, it offers you an alternative to seeking care from an urgent care facility or emergency room, or when it is difficult to obtain services from your primary care provider. To learn more, visit www.independenthealth.com/telemedicine.

*Does not include Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice HMO-SNP plan **Benefits vary by plan.

New Medicare cards to be issued by the governmentWhen you enrolled in Medicare, you should have received your red, white and blue Medicare card. This card shows that you have Medicare health insurance; whether you have Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance) or both; and the date your coverage starts.

Under federal law, Social Security numbers must be removed from all Medicare cards by April 2019. As a result, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently begun to mail new Medicare cards to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Things to know about your new Medicare card:• Your new card will

automatically come to you. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If your address is incorrect, it will need to be changed with the Social Security Department.

• It will have a new 11-digit unique identifier called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), which will replace your Social Security number.

• Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

• Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

• Your new card will be paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.

• Only give your new MBI to doctors, pharmacists, your insurer or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.

As always, your Independent Health Member ID card will continue to be your main card—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care.


for your benefit

Get rewarded for completing FitWorks® Medicare challenges

Independent Health is required to provide our Medicare members an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)/Evidence of Coverage (EOC) each September. This large document gives an overview of the upcoming changes to your current plan, including benefits, premium rate and cost share.

You can access your ANOC/EOC on a computer or tablet with internet access. Follow these easy steps:1. Log on at www.

independenthealth.com/login.

As a way to help keep you motivated and on track with your health, Independent Health offers you a wellness program called FitWorks® Medicare. Through this unique program, you can now earn points for completing different FitWorks Medicare challenges. Upon earning 100 points during the plan year, you will automatically receive a $50 gift card to TOPS Friendly Markets.

The following are among the FitWorks Medicare challenges you can choose from:• Completing an Enhanced

Annual Wellness Visit (30 points). Visit your doctor each year to maintain good health. (See page 7.)

• Completing preventive services (10 points each), such as a colonoscopy, mammogram and flu shot. Independent Health covers more than 25 services at no cost to our members.

• Completing a routine vision exam (10 points) with any EyeMed provider.

• Completing a dental exam (10 points) with a HealthPlex provider.

• Joining Independent Health’s Healthy Benefits Fitness Program (10 points). Get moving with a fitness membership at a participating facility near you. Find a list of participating facilities at www.independenthealth.com/medicare. (See page 3.)

• Registering for Teladoc® (10 points), Independent Health’s new telemedicine benefit. (See page 4.)

• Enrolling in Direct Debit Bill Pay (10 points). Pay your monthly individual plan premium automatically—it’s easy and hassle-free. Check your premium invoice for details.

• Signing up to view important plan documents online (10 points). Skip the paper and choose

to view important plan documents online only. (See article below.)

Plus, we’ve made it easy for you to participate in FitWorks Medicare. You do not have to fill out any paperwork. Instead, we automatically track your activity and record the points for you.

To learn more about this program, visit www.independenthealth.com/FitWorksMedicare.

*Benefits vary by plan. Benefits, rewards and incentives may change on January 1 of each year. Excludes Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice® HMO-SNP.

2. Click “View Document preferences” on the Account Home screen under “Documents.”

3. Choose the “electronic” preference, then click “Save preferences.”

Advantages of going paperless• You will have access to your

document 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• If you travel, you will have access to the document wherever you are.

Receive important plan information electronically• You will not have to store the

large document each year.• This option is voluntary and can

be changed at any time.

If you choose to go paperless, you will receive an email notification when a new version of your ANOC/EOC is posted with instructions on how to view it. We encourage you to read your ANOC/EOC thoroughly, as it will help prepare you for the Medicare open enrollment period.


in the community

The Foundation currently works with more than 250 local restaurants and food trucks to make sure customers have the opportunity to choose heart-healthy food options, which are considered lower in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Fun facts about the Healthy Options program• With the help of the Healthy

Options program, all food trucks participating in Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square are once again required to offer a Healthy Options menu item this year. This weekly community event takes place every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. through October.

• For the past 12 years, the Independent Health Foundation has partnered with the Taste of Buffalo to require each restaurant serve a healthy dish. The Taste was the first food festival in the U.S. with this menu requirement. This year’s event will be held July 7 and 8.

• Healthy Options items are available at concession stands

throughout New Era Field during Buffalo Bills games. Among the healthier items fans can purchase are chicken tacos, turkey jerky, yogurt parfaits and fresh fruit cups.

• You can order Healthy Options items at the Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo RiverWorks and at festivals throughout Western New York, including the Erie County Fair, Taste of Lewiston and Taste of Lockport.

• The Healthy Options program offers three cooking classes a month featuring local restaurant chefs and their healthy dishes.

The Healthy Options program is proudly supported by HealthEdge, Personal Computers Inc. (PCI), Phillips Lytle LLP, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Gelia, Beacon Health Strategies and the Buffalo Bills Foundation.

Visit www.healthyoptions buffalo.com to view a list of all Healthy Options participating restaurants and food trucks, register for Healthy Options Cooking Classes, download healthy recipes and learn tips for making healthier choices when dining out.

Serving up healthier menu items thanks to the Healthy Options programSince 2004, the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options Buffalo program has been assisting Western New Yorkers in making more informed decisions when dining out as a way to address the high rates of stroke and heart disease prevalent in our region.

In order to truly help you achieve a healthier lifestyle, it’s imperative that prevention and wellness activities be available for you to take part in throughout the year. That’s why Independent Health has partnered with a variety of local organizations to offer engaging community initiatives that promote healthy choices.

From 8,000 people attending Fitness in the Parks classes last summer to more than 21,000 individuals registering for the Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge to 1.8 million calories burned and 47,386 miles traveled in 2017 through our Reddy bikeshare program, our community partnerships have provided Western New Yorkers with fun and easy ways to get active, eat right and take charge of their health. As if that’s not enough, many of these initiatives are free.

YOU’RE INVITED TO TAKE PART! A list of all the community programs and events Independent Health offers and supports can be found at www.independent health.com/events.

We’re teaming up to provide you with plenty of ways to stay fit and active


be proactive

Make sure you visit your doctor every year

Not only is your EAV covered in full at a $0 copayment, you can also earn 30 points as part of the FitWorks® Medicare program (see page 5).

Here are some things you can do to make sure you are prepared when you arrive at the office:• Write down your questions in

advance. This ensures that you don’t forget to mention something important.

• Bring someone with you. You can ask a loved one to sit in on the visit with you. Your friend or family member may have questions or observations that can help you get the best medical care.

• Bring your health records. This is especially important if this is your first visit or if it’s been a while since you saw this doctor. Let your doctor know about any other health care providers you see. You might also want to bring information about the health of your close family members.

• Bring a list of your medications. Let your doctor know what medicines you take each day. Make sure to include vitamins and supplements. If there are too many for you to write down, bring them all in a paper bag to show your doctor. Bring the name and phone number of your pharmacy.

• Talk about any changes you’re experiencing. Mention any new sensations, signs or symptoms that you’ve been having. If you’re

Independent Health encourages you to schedule your Enhanced Annual Wellness Visit (EAV)* with your primary care physician (PCP). This yearly visit includes a detailed exam, can help you identify any health risks before they become a problem and gives you the chance to create a personalized health plan with your PCP.

having problems with daily activities for any reason, such as pain in your joints, memory problems, unsteady balance, or difficulty seeing or hearing, let your doctor know.

• Ask about your numbers. This is a good time to check in on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, weight, body mass index and heart rate. Ask what you need to do to keep these measurements in healthy ranges.

• Ask about screenings. Certain health screenings, such as those for the prostate, breast and colon, are recommended for older adults. If your doctor doesn’t mention them, ask whether you should be screened during this visit or in the next few years.

LOOKING FOR A PCP? Independent Health has a large network of participating health care providers. You can search for participating PCPs who are accepting new patients by visiting the “Find A Doctor” page at www.independenthealth.com. If you need assistance, call our Member Services Department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY users call 1 (800) 432-1110.

*Excludes Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice HMO-SNP. Benefits vary by plan. Benefits, rewards and incentives may change on January 1 of each year.


medications

How to store and dispose of your meds properly

About one in three Americans will develop shingles (also known as herpes zoster), a painful, itchy rash that also causes headaches, nausea, chills, fatigue and fever. Many of the 1 million people who get shingles each year are adults ages 60 and older.

Fortunately, you can take an important step to protect yourself from shingles: Get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for people 50 and older. Vaccination reduces the risk of getting shingles, as well as the pain you’ll feel if you do develop it.

There are currently two shingles vaccines available to you: Zostavax® and Shingrix®. Zostavax is a one-dose vaccine, while Shingrix

That bathroom medicine cabinet certainly seems convenient. But it could be the worst possible place for your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

In fact, the warmth and humidity in a steamy bathroom can break down many types of drugs, especially tablets and capsules. Kitchens, too, with their sinks and stoves, can be less-than-ideal storage spots for medication.

What works best for storing prescription and OTC medications, vitamins and supplements is a cool, dry place. This kind of environment can actually help your medicines maintain their quality and last longer. For example, you might choose a locked cabinet or closet in your bedroom.

More store-it guidelinesYou should also take these steps to help maintain the effectiveness of your medications:• Keep all medicines in their original packaging, along

with any additional instructions.• Get rid of pills that have changed color, consistency or

smell. Also toss tablets or capsules that stick together or are cracked. And dispose of any medications that have gone beyond their expiration dates.

How to dispose of medicines safelyMany drugs can be discarded in the regular trash if you follow some basic guidelines:• Take the medications out of their containers and

mix them with undesirable trash, such as kitty litter or old coffee grounds, in a sealable bag.

• Don’t flush the medicine unless the instructions specifically say so.

• When throwing out medication containers, cover up any personal information with marker to protect your privacy.

Certain prescription pain medications need special handling so they don’t harm people, pets or the environment. Check with your pharmacist for any special disposal tips or visit www.fda.gov/drugs.

is a two-dose vaccine given two to six months apart.

According to the CDC, Shingrix is officially the preferred vaccine because it’s much more effective than Zostavax. The CDC recommends that people who have already gotten Zostavax should receive Shingrix, too.

If you were to get shingles, it usually subsides after a few weeks or months with no long-term effects; however, some people may have pain for months or years after the rash goes away. Antiviral medications can speed recovery. But you must take them soon after symptoms begin—so tell your doctor right away if you suspect shingles.

Vaccination can help prevent shingles

good to know

Lowering blood cholesterol levels to reduce fatty buildup in blood vessels is key to preventing heart disease. Statins help decrease your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol, that builds up on artery walls as plaque.

The family of drugs called statins decreases the buildup of plaque, lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke. American Heart Association guidelines suggest that your doctor prescribe a daily statin if you’re 40 to 75 years old and your LDL is 70 mg/dl or higher—even if you don’t have heart disease.

Statins go by many names, but they all essentially work in two important ways: They slow the work of an enzyme that controls cholesterol production while also enhancing your liver’s capability to filter out LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Protection for diabetes patientsFor people who develop diabetes as adults, damage to blood vessels can be a major problem. Substances from fatty and sugar-based foods can build up inside vessels, restricting blood flow. As many as four out of five people with type 2 diabetes develop blocked arteries, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Studies show

Statins benefit more than just heart health

We want to make sure you’re receiving quality care


that cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins reduce blood vessel problems in people with diabetes by about 25%.

If you have diabetes, speak with your doctor to see whether a statin is right for you.

Advice for statin usersRegardless of which statin you’re prescribed, these tips can help make them be most effective:• Take them at night. Your body makes more

cholesterol at night, so statins typically are taken at dinner or bedtime.

• Stick with it. Your cholesterol level may drop in as little as two weeks, even if you don’t feel any different. By six to eight weeks, your doctor may find your level has dropped significantly.

• Report side effects. Gas, stomach upset, constipation and cramps are common side effects as your body adjusts to a new drug. Call your doctor if they continue or worsen.

Independent Health’s Quality Management approach is guided by knowledge of and commitment to our principles, which incorporate a “continual improvement” methodology. Quality is a way of thinking, a way of acting, and a way of understanding the data generated by our processes. It’s more than graphs and numbers. It’s our ability to understand the messages

contained in our data.Our Quality Management

Program is a coordinated and collaborative effort that involves management, multiple departments and disciplines, physicians, and other professionals working together as a team and collaborating to improve our organizational performance and the physical and behavioral health outcomes of our members.

If you would like to receive a complete paper copy of our Quality Management Program, which includes our Patient Safety Program, please call our Member Services Department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY users: 1 (800) 432-1110.

take charge

Steps to take to breathe easier with COPD

Here are a few examples:• If you’ve been diagnosed with

mild to moderate COPD, you may need short-acting bronchodilators once in a while, when your symptoms get worse. These medicines give you quick relief, but do not keep symptoms from happening again.

• If you have moderate to severe COPD, you may also need to take long-acting bronchodilators to control your condition, in addition to short-acting medicines. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or corticosteroids if you have frequent flare-ups. Antibiotics fight bacterial infections, while corticosteroids help ease swelling in your airways.

Independent Health has an organization-wide approach to member safety. Member safety is improved by creating and maintaining processes and structures whose application reduces the probability of adverse events resulting from exposure to the health care system.

Independent Health’s Patient Safety Subcommittee is a clearinghouse for the collection of safety activities across the organization. This committee has responsibilities to organize reporting on existing patient safety activities and to screen for and report opportunities/initiatives to support members, providers and internal staff with member safety efforts.

We also encourage you to visit the “Healthy Living Tips and Guidelines” page under the “My Health” section at www.independenthealth.com to learn how you can protect your health and well-being. There you will find a variety of resources on preventive health, immunizations, chronic diseases, behavioral health, smoking cessation and more. It’s just another way we’re helping you get healthy and stay healthy.


Exercise helps your heart send blood and oxygen throughout your body. When there’s more oxygen in your blood, it’s easier to breathe. This helps reduce the shortness of breath that comes with COPD. In addition to helping your muscles get stronger so you can do more, exercise can also help you lose extra weight. Being overweight makes your heart and lungs work harder, which can make it tougher to breathe.

The first step in an exercise regimen is to talk with your doctor. He or she may give you a test to see how much exercise is safe for you. Your doctor may also recommend pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program that teaches you special breathing techniques to use during exercise.

Depending on your fitness level, your doctor may have you do a specific exercise program. Or you may get to choose your own exercise. Some ideas include walking, riding a stationary bike, swimming, slow dancing or yoga. Follow any instructions your doctor has given you.

Medications can also helpIn addition to exercise, there are several types of medicine that can help your lungs breathe easier no matter the severity of your condition.

It’s hard to think about exercising if you’re tired or short of breath. But getting exercise can actually help give you more energy and improve your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Keeping you safe and

healthy is important to us

FOR MORE INFORMATION about COPD, talk with your doctor or visit www.lungusa.org.


wise choices

Advance planning can ease end-of-life decisions

conversation with them and complete a Health Care Proxy. Plan ahead with these four easy steps:1. Think about what is important

to you and how you want to receive care.

2. Select a person (health care agent) to speak for you if you are unable to speak for yourself. When choosing your health care agent, be sure to select someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Make sure he or she is willing to take on the responsibility.

3. Share with your health care agent your thoughts, beliefs and preferences about how you would want to be treated for the remainder of your life.

4. Put your health care choices in writing using the New York State Health Care Proxy form.

People who plan for care at the end of life are more likely to get the medical treatment they want, and their family members experience less stress, anxiety and depression, according to research. Preparing a Health Care Proxy is one way to communicate your choices and help doctors and loved ones decide on your care.

A Health Care Proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone as your health care agent, who would, in turn, be responsible for making health care decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself (for example, if you’re severely injured or ill).

If your loved ones do not know what your wishes are should you become incapacitated, Independent Health encourages you to have the

Health Care Proxy forms are available from your doctor and at hospitals. In addition, you can download a form by clicking on “Frequently Used Forms” in the “Tools, Forms & More” section at www.independenthealth.com. Once your form is signed, keep the original and give copies to your doctors and your health care agent.

English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 1-800-432-1110).

Independent Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Spanish: ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 1-800-432-1110).

Independent Health cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Chinese: 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 1-800-432-1110).

Independent Health 遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、殘障或性別而歧視任何人。

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PA I D Independent

HealthThe Wellness Magazine for Independent Health Members

KEITH PAGE Editor

Material published in HealthStyles® is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Consult your physician before making changes in your health care regimen. Benefits discussed in HealthStyles® may vary by plan. Developed by StayWell.

© 2018

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Walking more is a great way to increase your daily physical activity. It doesn’t require special training or equipment, and it’s adaptable to many health needs and fitness levels. Now a new study underscores the link between walking regularly and having a lower risk for obesity.

The study, led by Stanford University researchers, used data from a smartphone app that measured daily steps. Researchers analyzed data from more than 717,000 people in 111 countries. Their steps were tracked for about three months, on average.

When more people walk regularly, fewer are obeseResearchers homed in on “activity inequality”—the size of the difference in number of steps between people in a given country who walked the most and those who walked the least. A bigger gap between these groups was associated with a higher obesity rate.

For example, the U.S. had a large

Health and wellness or prevention information

activity gap, indicating that a sizable portion of the population was very inactive. The obesity rate here is high. In contrast, Sweden had a small activity gap, indicating that most people walked a similar amount. The obesity rate there is much lower.

Brisk walking drops disease riskAlong with burning calories, walking briskly reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Take a step in the right direction with these tips:• Walk on the treadmill at a local

fitness facility. You can sign up for a fitness membership through our Healthy Benefits Fitness Program*. (See page 3.)

• Walk in a variety of places. Change your route often to keep things fresh. A walk on the 2-mile Independent Health Wellness Trail at the Outer Harbor gives you the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Regular walking linked to lower obesity rates

• Find a walking buddy. You’re more likely to get out and walk when someone is waiting for you.

For more tips on how to make walking a healthy habit, go to www.heart.org/walking.

*Not available with Independent Health’s Family Choice HMO-SNP

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 WWW ... - Independent Health · Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage...

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