QUESTION:  Yes or No.  I smoke and I’ve never felt any serious respiratory effects or shortness of breath.  Should I be concerned about my habit?

Answer.  YES.  Fact:  Smoking is a major cause of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.  Not every smoker will develop lung cancer, but every smoker will experience the effects of cigarettes on the circulatory system.  These include narrowed blood vessels, increased blood pressure, ‘sticky’ blood, and an increased risk for heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.  Call 1-800-QUITNOW for free counseling support, nicotine replacement options, and discounted medication.  Spit tobacco use puts you at higher risk for selected types of cancer and oral disease.  The Quit Line also provides free counseling and cessation medications for spit tobacco users.

http://tobaccofree.mt.gov/

POP-UP: Did you know you have access to expert counselors and discounted tobacco cessation medication to help you quit? 

Reducing the burden of tobacco-caused illness is a priority for the State of Montana – cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are significant contributors to all forms of cardiovascular disease.  State employees are encouraged to take advantage of our smoking cessation promotion.  Benefits include:

• Free telephone consultations with licensed professional cessation counselors
• Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum, lozenges, inhalers)
• Discounted cessation medication:
• Chantix ($50/month copay)
• Buproprion ($5/month copay)

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to take advantage of this offer, and give your heart the immediate and long-lasting gift of living tobacco-free.

Did you know Members of the State of Montana benefit plan have an enhanced benefit available to them?  Please visit http://benefits.mt.gov/tobaccocessation.mcpx for details.

QUESTION:  True or False.  Most people with diabetes die from experiencing an extreme high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or an extreme low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Answer.  FALSE.  Heart and blood vessel problems are the main cause of sickness and death in persons with diabetes. In fact, 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Additional problems include circulatory issues to the kidneys, eyes, legs and feet.

To prevent and control heart and blood vessel problems, eat right and get minimally >150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.  Choose a healthy diet low in sodium.  If you are overweight, lose weight.  Don’t use tobacco.  Check your blood pressure.  If you have diabetes and it is higher than 130/80 mmHg, work with your provider on ways to lower it including taking blood pressure medications as prescribed by your provider.  Check your cholesterol levels yearly.  LDL (low density lipoprotein – bad cholesterol) should be less than 100 mg/dL and HDL (high density – good cholesterol) should be greater than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.

http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/diabetes/

POP-UP: Do you know where you can receive education, A1c, test strips and lancets so you can live well with diabetes?  Talking bubble 2:  The Take Control Program offers this and more.

If you have Diabetes, Learn to Take Control

As Members of the State of Montana health plan, you have a great opportunity to work with the professionals at Take Control to help you create a healthy lifestyle and to put you in control of your diabetes.  The Take Control program offers a telephonic delivery allowing access from anywhere in the state.  The staff includes Certified Diabetes Educators, Registered Dietitians, Health Coaches, and Exercise Physiologists to help provide you with the knowledge, skills, and ability to live life with diabetes to the fullest!

Contact Take Control at:1-800-746-2970 or Takecontrolmt@gmail.com

QUESTION:  True or False.  You don’t need to have your cholesterol checked until you reach middle age.

POP-UP: Did you know everyone should start getting a cholesterol test by the age of 20?  You can get your health screening with no out-of-pocket costs as a DPHHS employee. 

This program offers confidential individual health screenings and assessments for:

• Glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides;
• Blood pressure and body mass index;
• Optional screenings including PSA, TSH, CBC, Homocysteine, C-Reactive Protein.

Health screenings are offered at with no additional out-of-pocket cost every year to the State of Montana health plan members, spouses, and children 18 or over.  By participating in this yearly screening, you save all the copayments or coinsurances that apply through your health plan if you had the same services performed at your doctor's office.  Participation in a 2012 health screening will reduce your 2013 contribution by a maximum of $10 per month. Review the health screening calendar and schedule your appointment today.

QUESTION:  Yes or No.  I have a history of breast cancer and heart disease in my family. Are these things I should talk to my doctor about?

POP-UP: Did you know that the State of Montana health plan covers one routine mammogram for women ages 35-39, one every 12 months for ages 40 and over?

Adult Preventive Services: Coverage includes gynecological exams, mammograms, PSA tests, bone density tests, proctoscopic exams, and sigmoidoscopies or colonoscopies when provided by a covered provider within the scope of the provider’s license, subject to the coinsurance specified in the current Annual Change Booklet and are not subject to deductible.

QUESTION:  True or False.  Controlling the ABCs of Diabetes can lower your risk for complications.

POP-UP: Did you know that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed?  You can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.  

Has your physician told you that you are at risk for diabetes or cardiovascular disease?  You may be eligible for the Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Prevention Program, available at 14 locations across Montana. The program is designed to help you lose 7% body weight and engage in physical activity. It is not a diet. It is a healthy lifestyle change, for life.  For more information, visit www.mtprevention.org  or http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/diabetes/prevention.shtml

State of Montana employees may be eligible for the Healthy for Life Weight Management Program.  Visit http://benefits.mt.gov/somhealthyforlifeprogram.mcpx for more information.

Program Benefits:

Learn how simple changes can have big rewards

• Work with healthcare professionals for guidance in nutrition and physical activity
• Group support
• Improved blood pressure
• Improved LDL(bad cholesterol)
• Improved HDL (good cholesterol)
• Gain confidence
• Feel better
• Look good

QUESTION:  Yes or No.  Is high blood pressure really that dangerous?

POP-UP: Did you know that State of Montana employees with hypertension may be eligible for a blood pressure kit at no cost to them? 

The Health Care & Benefits Division manages the State of Montana Health Care Plan and continually works to provide our members with the best benefits possible.  We are pleased to introduce our new Blood Pressure (BP) Management Program, which is now open for participation!

Program Requirements:

Must have health screening results or a doctor’s blood pressure reading that shows the following:

• Your systolic blood pressure reading (first number) is 140 mmHg or higher;
• OR, your diastolic blood pressure (second number) is 90 mmHg or higher.

Program Benefits: you may be eligible for one or more of the following:

• A blood pressure evaluation and follow up with a certified pharmacist.
• A kit including a blood pressure cuff that you can use to take your own readings at home.

To Enroll   Please have your It Starts With Me health screening lab report or doctor’s blood pressure reading with you when you call Linda Krantz, Montana Cardiovascular Health Program or (406) 444-4105 or lkrantz@mt.gov.

QUESTION:  Yes or No.  I quit smoking years ago. Can I do other things to lower my risk of getting cancer and other diseases?

POP-UP: Do you know someone that lacks health insurance? The Montana Cancer Screening Program offers certain cancer sscreening services based upon eligibility.

The Cancer Screening Program supports comprehensive cancer control in Montana by providing ongoing quality screening services to Montana men and women and education in a manner that is appropriate, accessible, cost-effective and sensitive to the client’s needs.

Screening services include mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests, and pelvic exams for the early detection of breast and cervical cancers and colonoscopies and Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT) for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Diagnostic testing is also provided for the follow-up of abnormal screening tests. For information about low cost screenings for eligible clients, call:   1-888-803-9343 or visit http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cancer/cancerscreening.shtml

Question:   Yes or No.  I exercise every day.  Does that protect my heart from the effects of smoking? 

POP-UP: Did you know if you have diabetes and use tobacco, you are tripling your risk of cardiovascular disease?

Reducing the burden of tobacco-caused illness is a priority for the State of Montana – cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are significant contributors to all forms of cardiovascular disease.  State employees are encouraged to take advantage of our smoking cessation promotion.  Benefits include:

• Telephone consultations with licensed professional cessation counselors
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum, lozenges, inhalers)
• Discounted cessation medication:
• Chantix ($50/month copay)
• Buproprion ($5/month copay)

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to take advantage of this offer, and give your heart the immediate and long-lasting gift of living tobacco-free.  Did You Know? Members of the State of Montana benefit plan have an enhanced benefit available to them.  Please visit http://benefits.mt.gov/tobaccocessation.mcpx for details.

QUESTION:  True or False.  Using the salt shaker at the table is the biggest source of sodium in a typical diet.

POP-UP: Did you know adults aged 51 and older should limit their sodium intake to 1500 milligrams per day (about 2/3 teaspoon of salt)?

Most Americans should consume less sodium.  Most sodium we consume is in the form of sodium in processed and restaurant foods.  Too much is bad for your health.  It can increase your blood pressure and your risk for heart attack and stroke.

For more information visit www.cdc.gov/salt

CDC Vitalsigns(TM) - Where's the sodium?

CDC Reducing Sodium in Your Diet to Help Control Your Blood Pressure TIPS

QUESTION:  If you have diabetes, how often should the ABCs be checked? ( Match the best answer with the test)

a.) Yearly                         A1C (average blood sugar)                          

b.) At least twice a year     Blood Pressure                                

c.) Monthly                       Cholesterol                               

d.) At every visit to the Provider

POP-UP: Have you or a family member been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?  Get all your questions answered through the free Living with Type 2 Diabetes program. 

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?  Living with Type 2 Diabetes is a free 12-month program for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  You can use this program as a constant guide and companion to maintaining your health and happiness during your first 12 months of living with type 2 diabetes.  You can sign up here or by calling 1-800-CALL-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).  The program is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.

Program Benefits over 12 months:

• 5 informational packets including information on how to manage and live with diabetes
• Three free copies of our award-winning Diabetes Forecast magazine
• Delicious and healthy recipes for you and your family
• A monthly e-newsletter providing seasonal tips, new recipes and stories from others living with diabetes
• Tools to help you manage your diabetes
• Invitation to meet others living with diabetes through our online community and local events in your area

http://www.diabetes.org/campaigns/american-diabetes-association-type2-diabetes.html?loc=hpfeature1_lwt2d_jan2012