Tag: Preventive care

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JULY 2022

Healthy weight, healthy wallet

It’s well known that obesity has been linked to health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. But a recent study, based on the results of two federal health surveys, has taken a much closer look at that connection — with some surprising results.

Overall, health care costs for obese adults were nearly $1,900 higher each year than those of their healthy-weight peers. And once adults were in the “obese” category, even incremental increases in weight resulted in higher health care expenses.

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Omada digital scale for personal weight indicates dollar signs instead of pounds

Even small changes count

“It’s not just categorical shifts in BMI that increase health care costs — it’s small shifts, too,” said Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut.

“On the other hand,” she added, “that suggests even small improvements in BMI could make a difference.” Schwartz was not involved in the study.

BMI, or body mass index, is a measure of a person’s weight in relation to their height. It’s often described in terms of categories: A BMI of 30 to 34.9 is the “obesity class I” category, 35 to 39.9 is “class II,” and a BMI of 40 or higher is “class III” or “severe” obesity.

Higher BMI, higher expenses

In the study, once people reached a BMI of 30, even a one-unit increase caused annual health care expenses to creep up — by an extra $253 per person. Not surprisingly, severe obesity carried the heftiest price tag — costing an additional $3,100 per person compared to what Americans with a normal BMI would pay annually. Still, study leader Zachary Ward agreed that the findings can be seen in a positive light.

“If people can maintain their current weight as they age, that might avert some of these extra health care costs,” said Ward, a research scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health.

The study comes at a time of soaring obesity rates among Americans. As of 2018, more than 42% of U.S. adults were obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That was up from 30% about 20 years ago.

Never too late to improve your health

Ward said childhood is an ideal time for prevention. But it’s also never too late for adults to make diet changes or start exercising. It is an uphill battle, Schwartz noted, and as people age, they are fighting the natural slowdown in metabolism.

But as the latest findings suggest, even preventing further weight gain — particularly the slide into severe obesity — can be considered a win.

“Every step in the right direction counts,” Schwartz said.

Source: WebMD. Obesity costs the average U.S. adult almost $1,900 per year: study.

Are you thinking about making small but long-term dietary changes that can have a significant impact on your health? These resources can help.

 

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TAKE ACTION

JUNE 2022

Make preventive care a habit

Getting routine care, like annual physicals, screenings and vaccines, can help you stay healthy or catch health issues early, when they’re most treatable. Your Costco medical plan covers routine care at 100% when you see an in-network doctor — and that helps keep your wallet healthy, too.

According to a study published in PubMed, US adults who have a primary care physician have 33% lower health care costs and 19% lower odds of dying than those who see only a specialist.1

Preventive care starts with a yearly physical. Honest talks with your doctor about a healthy lifestyle, including eating better, exercising or quitting smoking, are part of your visit, too. Depending upon your age, sex, and personal and family medical history, your doctor will also recommend the appropriate screenings and vaccines to protect your health.

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Stay current with vaccines and screenings

The following chart shows what’s generally recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not all tests and screenings are needed annually. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

PHYSICAL EXAM

Age: All

Frequency: Ask your doctor

Cholesterol test

Age: 18+

Frequency: Every 5 years from age 20

Flu shot

Age: 6 months and older

Frequency: Annually

Colorectal cancer screening

Age: 45+

Frequency: Every 10 years

Routine OB/GYN exam

Age: 21+

Frequency: Annually

Cervical cancer screening (pap smear)

Age: 21+

Frequency: Every 3 years

Breast cancer screening (mammogram)

Age: 40+

Frequency: Varies by age & risk

Prostate cancer screening

Age: 50+

Frequency: Every 2 years

Dental exams

Age: N/A

Frequency: Twice per year

1Bhat, Samidha S., MD. Health benefits of primary care. Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

Want to be more proactive about your health? Your Costco benefits include preventive health care resources that can make a difference.

 

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Learn the basics

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LEARN THE BASICS

JUNE 2022

Get the right care at the right place

It’s after midnight. You suddenly wake up with a blinding headache, a stiff neck and a fever. Should you rush to the emergency room, drop by your nearest urgent care center or simply wait and make an appointment with your primary care doctor? Here are a few guidelines to ensure you get the most appropriate, effective and affordable health care for your condition.

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Do you know where to go?

The right place to go for care can depend on your condition and the level of care you need.

In-office primary care

This is your regular trusted provider or provider group. Visit primary care for:

  • Annual exams and screenings
  • Immunizations
  • Chronic disease
  • Prenatal care
  • Earaches/colds/fevers
  • Non-urgent health care needs

Telemedicine

This is an online visit with a doctor. It’s best for:

  • Follow-up visits after you’ve already seen your doctor
  • An exam of easy-to-see areas, like your eyes or skin
  • Severe cold and flu symptoms
  • Counseling and other mental health services
  • Prescription refills
  • Monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma

Urgent care

Urgent care centers offer quick, effective care for minor injuries or illnesses that need urgent attention. Hours for urgent care centers vary, so be sure to check. Visit urgent care for:

  • Minor cuts, burns and wounds
  • Minor injuries, infections or irritations
  • Severe cold and flu symptoms
  • Sprains
  • Muscle aches/pains
  • Persistent fever
  • Allergies
  • Severe earaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Other non-life threatening but urgent needs.

Emergency care

If you or another person are experiencing a life-threatening or serious medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately for 24/7 care. Seek emergency care for:

  • Symptoms of heart disease, including chest pain
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Warning signs of stroke, including numbness in face, arms and legs
  • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Automobile or industrial accident
  • Poisoning
  • Complicated bone fractures
  • Major illness
  • Head injuries
  • Suicide attempts or thoughts

When should you call an ambulance?

According to guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians, you (or someone else, if you’re too ill or injured to call) should call an ambulance when:

  • Your condition appears life threatening
  • Your condition could worsen and become life threatening on the way to the hospital
  • Moving you could cause further harm or injury

Your Costco benefits offer 24/7 health care services you can access from the comfort of home. Check out the helpful resources below for more information.

Sources:

Willamette Valley Medical Center. Know where to go to get the care you need.
WebMD. Telehealth or in-person visits.

 

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Learn the basics

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LEARN THE BASICS

JUNE 2022

Do you need a primary care physician?

When it comes to your health, few relationships are more important than the one you have with your primary care physician (PCP). A long-term relationship with a PCP keeps you healthier. They are typically the first to treat any health problems that arise. A PCP can teach you how to lead a healthier life, provide needed medications, screen for disease and recommend specialists when you need them. They’re your health care partner.

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What does a PCP do?

PCPs, also called general practitioners, cover all types of everyday health concerns. They can answer questions about infections, chronic conditions or medicines. With regular visits, such as annual health checkups, your PCP will get to know much about you: 

  • Your current health 
  • Your medical history
  • Your family’s medical history 
  • Your treatment preferences and daily challenges 
  • Your personality and lifestyle 

What can a PCP do at checkups?

Your overall health is affected by your personal health history, family health history and lifestyle. A PCP will consider those factors and then:

  • Teach you ways to make better decisions about your health to prevent disease. For example, your PCP can guide your efforts to eat more nutritious foods, manage stress or quit smoking.
  • Make sure your vaccines are up to date to prevent illnesses like the flu.
  • Suggest screening tests to detect problems before you even notice them (like a mammogram for breast cancer).
  • Treat health problems that pop up (such as a rash or an infection).
  • Help you manage long-term health problems (for instance, diabetes, high blood pressure or depression).
  • Find a medical specialist if you need one (like a knee surgeon or a heart doctor). 

How can a PCP help me?

PCPs catch potential health problems early, before they become severe. People who have a PCP spend less time in the hospital and less money on medical costs in the long run. According to a recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine, adult patients with a PCP were far more likely to receive high-value care such as cancer screenings, including colorectal cancer screening and mammography, than people without a PCP.

They give you complete care throughout your lifetime and will also know when you need more advanced care, such as a hospital procedure or a specialist.

Are there different kinds of PCPs?

Many types of health care providers offer primary care. Different specialists are trained to see certain types of patients:

  • Family practitioners (also known as family doctors) see patients of all ages, sometimes everyone in a family.
  • Pediatricians care for children and teenagers.
  • Internists, or internal medicine doctors, see only adults.
  • Geriatricians care for older people.
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists focus on women’s health and pregnancy.
  • Nurse practitioners and physician assistants also provide primary care. But they must serve as part of a team that includes a primary care physician, and the physician has overall responsibility for the patient.

How do I find a PCP?

To be comfortable and develop a long-term relationship, it’s important to find a PCP who is qualified, fits your personality and accepts your insurance plan. Many strategies can help you identify the right provider:

  • Find an in-network PCP using your Costco benefits search tool (see resources below).
  • Talk to people you trust, such as family members, friends and neighbors.
  • Ask other health care professionals you know, such as your dentist, a nurse or another doctor.
  • Search an online national directory of health care providers. (Organizations like the American Board of Family Medicine offer such directories.)

How do I choose a PCP?

When you’re choosing a PCP, try to schedule an interview to get to know them. Here are some questions you can ask to help you decide if the person is a good fit for your personality, lifestyle and needs:

  • What are your qualifications?
  • Are you certified in primary care?
  • Do you focus on disease prevention or treatment?
  • Do you have a more conservative, or more aggressive, approach to treatment?
  • How do you decide when a patient needs a specialist?
  • How do you like to communicate (in person, by phone, by email)?
  • Whom would I talk to when you’re on vacation?

You also may want to consider the PCP’s overall office setting and the staff at the PCP’s office:

  • What are the office hours?
  • How long does it usually take to get an appointment?
  • Does the office do lab tests onsite or nearby?
  • Are the staff members friendly?
  • Do staff members respond to calls quickly?

Find a PCP who meets your needs with help from your Costco benefits, as described in the resources below.

Source: The Cleveland Clinic. The importance of having a primary care doctor.

 

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MAY 2022

Make a healthy heart-mind connection

Your mental health affects how you think, feel, act and make choices. It can also have a profound effect on your physical health. Recent studies have shown that trauma, depression, anxiety and stress can have an impact on the body, especially the heart. It’s a connection worth exploring.

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What’s the link between mental health conditions and heart disease?

A growing body of research shows that certain mental health conditions can be risk factors for heart disease. People who struggle with depression, anxiety, stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for extended periods may experience a faster heart rate, high blood pressure, reduced blood flow to the heart and heightened levels of cortisol. Over time, these effects can lead to calcium buildup in the arteries, metabolic disease and heart disease.

Evidence also shows the reverse — that mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, can develop after a major heart event, such as heart failure, stroke or heart attack. These conditions can be brought on by a variety of factors, including pain, emotional distress and financial stress.

Medicines used to treat mental health conditions may be another risk factor for heart disease. For example, the use of some antipsychotic medications has been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, stroke and death. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of antipsychotic medications.

What mental health conditions are related to heart disease?

Some of the mental health challenges most associated with heart disease are:

  • Mood disorders: Major depression or bipolar disorder that affects your psychological or emotional well-being nearly every day.
  • Anxiety disorders: Responding to a person, object or situation with fear, dread or terror. These include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders and phobias.
  • PTSD: A condition that may follow a traumatic life experience, such as war, natural disaster or any other serious incident.
  • Chronic stress: Constant, uncomfortable emotional stress that persists over an extended period. It’s accompanied by biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes.

What groups have higher rates of heart disease from mental health conditions?

  • Veterans. Studies found that veterans are at a higher risk for heart disease, mainly due to PTSD resulting from combat.
  • Women. Studies exclusively focused on women found that PTSD and depression may have damaging effects on physical health, particularly with increased risk for coronary heart disease-related illness and death. (Although men experience traumatic events more often, women are far more likely to be the victims of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse as children, all of which are more likely to result in PTSD.)
  • Couples with someone who has PTSD. Comparative studies found that couples in which one or both partners had PTSD experienced more severe conflict, greater anger and increased impacts on cardiovascular health than couples where neither partner had PTSD.
  • Racial and ethnic minorities. Lastly, studies focused on how racial or ethnic minority groups are more vulnerable to depression, stress and anxiety. Due to inequities that affect health, adverse childhood experiences and racism/discrimination, some in this group could also be at a higher risk for hypertension, cardiovascular reactivity, heart disease and poor heart health outcomes.

How can you heal your own mind-heart connection?

If you, or someone close to you, is at risk for heart disease due to mental health challenges and other factors, get the help you need sooner, rather than later. See a mental health professional for help with your condition and focus on improving your emotional and physical well-being. Get more exercise. (Choose an activity you love and stick with it!) Eat a healthy diet. Quit smoking. And reduce stress with a mindfulness practice, such as meditation or yoga.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease and mental health disorders.

For a referral to a specialist or mental health support, the following resources can help. They are confidential and available to you at no extra cost.

 

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MAY 2022

Finding help in a mental health crisis

We all experience ups and downs. But when “nerves” become crippling anxiety, and “the blues” give way to deep depression and suicidal thoughts, it may be time to seek serious professional help. If you or a family member were to have a mental health crisis, would you know what to do, who to call, how to help?

Now’s the time to explore your Costco benefits, including the no-cost mental health resources they offer — before you need them. That way, you can get prompt, high-quality care if you or a family member ever needs it.

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Start with Resources For Living®

Resources For Living (RFL®) is your first stop when you need mental health care or help with the stress of everyday life. It offers you and each member of your household (including children up to age 26 living away from home) support services such as:

  • Up to six no-cost counseling sessions per issue, per year with a licensed therapist or a psychologist — face-to-face or by phone, video or on-demand chat
  • Access to interactive self-care programs
  • Help finding in-network providers who are accepting new patients
  • Referrals to community resources

With RFL, you and members of your household also have free 24/7 access to additional mental health resources, including:

  • Talkspace confidential, on-demand chat therapy with a licensed therapist, for adolescents ages 13+ and adults

If you’re enrolled in a Costco medical plan, mental health benefits are covered through your plan, including counseling and substance abuse disorder treatment. If you want to continue counseling after your six free sessions, your RFL Care Partner can help you find in-network providers who meet your needs.

Chat with a Care Partner 24/7

With RFL, a team of Care Partners will be your single point of contact for every step of your mental health journey. Care Partners will help you:

  • Understand your benefits
  • Guide you through your options
  • Create a mental health care plan
  • Find in-network providers who are accepting new patients
  • Discover resources in the community

They’ll even schedule your first appointment for you.

You can connect with a Care Partner by calling 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711). You can also start a Live Chat by visiting RFL.com/Costco.

Source: RFL.com/Costco

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TAKE ACTION

NOVEMBER 2021

Why is the flu shot important?

Flu season is well underway. If you haven’t already gotten your annual flu shot, now is the time to get it. Flu shots are available — at no cost to you — at any Costco pharmacy. If you don’t have a Costco pharmacy within 25 miles, you can also get a free flu shot from an in-network provider. 

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Getting vaccinated will help protect you from the discomfort and potential complications of the influenza (flu) virus. It will also help keep your family, friends and co-workers safe and healthy during flu season. 

Protect yourself from serious illness this winter: get a flu shot; get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster

Influenza (the flu) is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Getting the vaccine — though not 100% effective — is the best way to prevent the misery of the flu and its complications.  

. . .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone age 6 months or older.1 

. . .

This year’s flu shot will offer protection against four of the influenza viruses expected to be in circulation this flu season. High-dose flu vaccines will be available for adults age 65 and older.  

It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot. But you can benefit from the vaccine even if you don’t get it until after the flu season starts.  

Still not convinced you should get a flu shot?

Take a look at these five common myths about the flu and flu shots.  

#1. Flu shots can cause the flu. 

The flu shot is made from an inactivated flu virus. It cannot make you sick. 

#2. Flu shots don’t work. 

Studies show that the flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu by 40–60%. 

#3. Flu shot side effects are worse than the flu itself.

The flu shot can cause side effects — mild aches, fatigue, headache or fever. The flu can cause serious illness lasting days or weeks. 

#4. Healthy people don’t die from the flu. 

Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and death, even in healthy people.

#5. I never get the flu, so I don’t need to be vaccinated.

Being fortunate in the past doesn’t mean you’ll be so lucky this year. 

Who needs the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is especially important for people at high risk for complications, including:  

  • Pregnant women 
  • Older adults 
  • Young children 
  • People with weakened immune systems  

Chronic medical conditions also can increase your risk for complications from the flu. Examples include:  

  • Asthma 
  • Cancer or cancer treatment 
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  
  • Heart disease 
  • Cystic fibrosis 
  • Diabetes 
  • Brain or nervous system conditions 
  • HIV/AIDS 
  • Kidney or liver disease 
  • Obesity  

Anyone with a chronic medical condition or living in a nursing or other long-term care facility should also get the flu vaccine.  

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza vaccination: a summary for clinicians.  Accessed October 5, 2021.  

Source: Mayoclinic.org. Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza. Accessed October 5, 2021.  

 

Vaccinations are an important way to help you and your family stay healthy. We’re here to support you with these and other resources you need for your well-being journey. 

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Be prepared at home

TAKE ACTION

JUNE 2021

Be prepared with a home first aid kit

Not every scraped knee or sprained wrist is an emergency, but some
injuries can become more serious if not treated swiftly at home.
That’s why a well-stocked first aid kit is the first line of defense for
both minor and major health issues.

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You can create a home first aid kit yourself, or purchase any of the kits sold at Costco. Remember to include prescribed medications and emergency phone numbers, and to check the kit regularly for expired medications. Tip: Keep a good thing going by assembling kits for specific activities — like camping or hiking — and for your car.

The American Red Cross recommends that a first aid kit for a family of four includes the following:

  • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
  • 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
  • 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
  • 5 antibiotic ointment packets (1 gram each)
  • 5 antiseptic wipe packets
  • 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
  • 1 emergency blanket
  • 1 instant cold compress
  • 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
  • (1 gram each)
  • 2 pairs non-latex gloves (size L)
  • 1 3-inch gauze roll (roller) bandage
  • 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
  • Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
  • 2 triangular bandages
  • Tweezers
  • Emergency First Aid guide
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Take action

TAKE ACTION

MARCH 2021

Reduce your risk for diabetes

You may know that type 2 diabetes is when your blood sugar (blood glucose) is too high. But what’s prediabetes? This is when your blood sugar is higher than normal, which puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that prediabetes is still a serious condition that needs special attention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 out of 3 adults in the United States have prediabetes. And yet, most of them don’t know they have it.¹

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Lifestyle changes are key

The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent type 2 diabetes or delay its onset. These include making lifestyle changes to help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. You can get started by making these part of your daily life:

  • Managing your weight
  • Making healthy food choices
  • Staying physically active

Get your body up and moving

Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent type 2 diabetes or delay its onset. Here are some tips to get you started:

Talk with your doctor
You may need to have a medical exam before you start an exercise program.

Make it a priority
Do moderate to intense activity for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

Be consistent
Don’t go more than two days without being active. Keep the habit going strong.

Get creative
Why not take the stairs? Or park your car farther away? Instead of sit-down meetings, have walking meetings. Stay active whenever you can.

Build it in
Pick part of your schedule and pin an activity to it. If you’re busy, you can exercise in 10-minute intervals. Every bit helps.

Know that everyone is different
What works for one person may not work for another. Just do what you need to do to help yourself succeed.

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes: your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes. May 30, 2019. Available at: cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html. Accessed June 13, 2019.