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Passport to Health Your personal guide to wellness
Passport to Health Your personal guide to wellness
4800 Deerwood Campus Pkwy. | Jacksonville, FL BlueMedicareFL.com
Y0011_85724 1215 C: 12/2015 Y0011_85724 1215 EGWP C: 12/2015
How to Use this eGuide
This eGuide was designed to be read with Adobe Reader, which is a free program for all Mac and Windows computer users. You can download the latest version of Adobe Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader. Guide functionality may vary depending on your reading device.
In addition to reading about your health, you can use this eGuide to:
• Skip to speci�c topics. Click on any section heading to skip to that topic.
• Search for a speci�c topic. On the menu, go to Edit>Find. Type in your search word, followed by the Return key. Search results will be highlighted. Continue to hit Return key to skip to the next result.
• Look up unfamiliar words. Use the cursor to highlight a word (for example, “diabetes”). On the menu, go to Edit>Look Up “diabetes.” Your internet browser will open to provide more information about this word.
• Track your health information. Places to enter your information appear in blue. Click on any blue �eld and begin typing. Use the Tab key to skip to the next �eld or the Return key if you are done. Don’t forget to save your changes before you close the document.
Concerned about keeping your information private? Edit your security settings: On the menu, go to Edit>Protection>Security Settings.
• Make note of health questions or concerns about what you are reading. On the menu, go to View>Comment>Annotations. Choose Sticky Note. Click where you would like to insert a note and begin typing.
• Learn more from internet resources. Click on any web address to open that web page in your internet browser.
• Hear the guide read aloud to you. First, activate this feature. Go to View>Read Out Loud>Activate Read Out Loud. Then, go back to View>Read Out Loud and choose Begin, Pause, or End Reading Aloud.
Aging is a natural part of life, and while we can’t control it, we can make strides to live
a healthy life. On the other hand, if we ignore our health, or persist with habits that damage it, our later years can be difficult or even cut short. The good news is that many health problems can be prevented.
This guide is all about helping you learn what you can do to improve your health. Start taking an active role by paying attention not only to your physical well-being, but also to your emotional and spiritual sides—in short, your whole self.
Pewaukee, WI 12th Ed. 1 © 2013 HealthStyle Press PRINTED IN U.S.A.www.healthstylepress.com
Even though much of your good health is up to you,we get the most out of our efforts when we work inpartnership with health providers, spiritual advisors,and those who love us. Making healthy changes takestime and can be difficult. Any effort you make in theright direction is worth it.
� Healthy Living pages 4–9
� Chronic Conditions pages 10–15
� YOU in Health Care pages 16–21
� Immunizations & Screenings pages 22–27
� Medication Safety pages 28–33
� Care Transitions pages 34–38
This Guide is provided to help you. It is not asubstitute for professional medical advice, diagnosisor treatment. You should not alter or stop anytreatment without first consulting your healthcareprovider. Therefore, HealthStyle Press will not beliable for the accuracy or use of this content.
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Personal Information
Name ________________________________
Address ______________________________
City _________________________________
State _______________ Zip ___________________
Phone ________________________________
Date of Birth _____________________________________
Male Female
Allergies/Sensitivities ________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
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3
Emergency Contact
Name______________________________________
Phone #____________________________________
Name______________________________________
Phone # ___________________________________
Yes, I Have Advance Directives: Living Will Health Care Agent (Proxy) Health Care Power of Attorney 5 Wishes document
Document is kept at ________________________
________________________________________
Health Insurance Name ______________________ Medicare Managed Medicare Supplemental Medicare Other Health Insurance Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Insurance
Prescription Discount Card: Yes No
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Tips for Eating Well
Choosing to eat healthy foods may help you avoidgaining too much weight. Consider these guidelinesfor good nutrition*:
• Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.Choose a variety of dark green and orange fruits andvegetables. Include beans and lentils.
• Choose whole grain products each day.
• Make lean, low fat, or fat free choices ofmeat, poultry and milk or milk products.
• Limit processed and red meats.
• Eat foods fortified with vitamin B12.
• Limit solid fats. Enjoy olive and other vegetable oils.
• Talk with your doctor to see if you need to limit thesodium (salt) in your diet. Don't add extra salt toyour food.
• Reduce calories from solid fats and added sugars.
• Limit alcohol—no more than 1–2 drinks per day.
Look for foods that have good nutrition without theextra calories. Cut out refined and processed foods.
*Dietary Guidelines, UDSDA and US DHHS, 2010*American Cancer Society, 2009
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Keep Obesity from Your Door
Everyone should choose to eat healthy foods to reducethe risk of developing long-term health problems suchas cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Obesity is whatthey have in common. Calorie counting, portioncontrol, and exercise are the keys to losing weight andpreventing weight gain.
If you are overweight, taking action to lose those extrapounds will benefit you in many ways. It doesn’tmean being on a strict diet, but it does mean somebasic changes:
� Lose about five to ten percent of your bodyweight—your doctor or a dietitian can help showyou how.
� Eat a low-fat, low-calorie variety of foods andwatch your portion sizes. If you make this a dailyroutine, you can always have treats or splurge—just get right back on track afterwards!
� Get thirty minutes of physical activity five timesper week – see page 6.
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Stay Active
Try to get thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exerciseon most days. Consider making small changes such asusing the stairs instead of an elevator. Keep things fun.Include strength, endurance, and balance-buildingactivities in your day.
Daily Exercise:• Helps protect you from heart disease, stroke, highblood pressure, high cholesterol and some forms ofcancer.
• Reduces your risk of developing diabetes.
• Helps you control your weight.
• Reduces your risk of falling as you get older.
• Helps improve symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Safe Exercise• Let your abilities guide your exercise choices.
• Start slowly. Work up to more intense activities asyour body gets used to them.
• Exercise in a safe place such as your home or ashopping mall.
• Protect yourself from injury and falls.
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Stop Smoking
The most preventable cause of disability and earlydeath is smoking.* It doesn’t matter how old you areor how long you’ve smoked, quitting reduces your riskof lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung diseases.Tobacco causes most cancers of the lung, mouth andthroat and increases the risk for many other cancers.
You probably know you shouldn’t smoke. It mayseem impossible to quit—but it can be done:
� Admit the problem toyourself and those aroundyou.
� Keep track of when andwhy you smoke.
� Set a quit date.� Limit the time you spendwith people who smoke.
� Talk to your doctor abouttreatment options.
� Medicare may covercounseling to quitsmoking.
� Call the National Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
*American Cancer Society
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Happy and Healthy
When you have a sense of well-being, you not only arehappier, but can be healthier too. Consider these areasof a better quality of life.
• Enjoy healthy relationships and social involvement.
• Be involved in your community.
• Make your contributions to society.
• Accept and express your feelings in an effectiveway.
• Develop your ability to bounce back and moveahead when problems happen.
• Make responsible decisions.
• Have a sense of meaning and purpose.
• Practice optimism.
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Safety = No Falls
Falling at home happens too often, causing seriousinjuries with long-lasting problems! There are waysto keep your home safe and to prevent some commoncauses of falls:
� No loose rugs on the floor
� Electrical cords not across the floor
� Good lighting in stairways and halls
� Steps have handrails and non-skid surfaces
� Grab rails near toilet and tub
� Non-skid surfaces in tub and shower
� Clear pathway from bed to bathroom
� Nightlights used
Factors that affect our chances of falling as we ageinclude:
• Weakness • Vision
• Balance changes • Medications
• Fear of falling • Alcohol misuse
• Home and outdoor hazards
Daily activity that involves strength and balance canhelp prevent falls.
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Heart Disease
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are theleading causes of death. You can take action toreduce your chances of getting heart disease:
Know your blood pressure and keep it undercontrol.
Exercise regularly.
Stop or do not smoke.
Get tested for diabetes.
Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels andkeep them under control.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Get regular check-ups.
Heart Attack and Stroke
A heart attack occurs when the blood vessels of theheart become blocked. A stroke occurs when bloodflow to the brain is blocked. Ask your doctor abouttaking aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke.
American Heart Association, 2011
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Warning signs of heart attack include:• Pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the centerof the chest that lasts more than a few minutes orgoes away and comes back.
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.• Chest pain with dizziness, fainting, sweating,nausea or shortness of breath.
Women may have less common warning signs of heart attack:• Atypical chest pain, stomach, or abdominal pain• Pain that radiates into the jaw• Nausea, dizziness or trouble breathing (withoutchest pain)
• Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue• Rapid heartbeats, cold sweat or palenessWarning signs of stroke include:• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.• Sudden confusion, trouble talking orunderstanding.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance.
If you have signs of heart attack or stroke,DON'T WAIT CALL 911
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Cancer
Lung cancer is the most common cancer killer.Cigarette smoking causes 90% of those deaths. Quit smoking to improve your health and prevent lungcancer.
Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer inwomen. The earlier breast cancer is found, the betteryour chance for survival.
• Breast cancer risk increases with age.
• Mammogram screening every year for women age40 and older. This exam can often detect a breastlump before you can feel it.
• Clinical breast exams by a doctor or nurse help tofind changes in your breasts.
• Be aware of what your breasts normally feel like andlook like. Tell your health care provider right away ifyou notice any changes.
Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cause ofcancer-related death in men. It’s important to find aprostate problem early, when it is most treatable. Talk to your doctor about screening exams.
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Diabetes Control
Diabetes is a growing disease in America. The type 2variety can be delayed or even prevented by followingthe guidelines on page 5.
If you have diabetes already, managing it includes:
� Monitoring your blood sugar levels to keep themwithin the normal range.
� Maintaining a healthy weight, as you are morelikely to develop heart disease and stroke.
� Having regular health exams to find and preventblindness, amputations, and kidney disease.
� Monitoring results of A1C, cholesterol, bloodpressure, eye, kidney and foot exams.
� Not smoking. People with diabetes who smoke arethree times more likely to get heart disease or havea stroke than those who don’t.
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Breathing Problems
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is aserious lung disease. You may have heard it called byother names, like emphysema or chronic bronchitis.People with COPD have partially blocked airways (thetubes that carry air in and out of the lungs).
COPD develops slowly. Over time it becomes hard tobreathe. Be sure to let your doctor know about anynew symptoms or if your current symptoms getworse.
Understanding asthma is the key to keeping it undercontrol. Symptoms may be confused with othercauses of breathing trouble. Managing asthma means:1. Know what triggers your symptoms.2. Know your early warning signs.3. Have a plan if your symptoms get serious.4. Understand your treatment and teach those aroundyou.
U.S. DHHS National Heart, Lung and Blood Inst., 2011
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Mental Awareness
If your mood, memory or thinking changes, it may bea sign of a problem. Below are a few commonconditions that can be treated:
• Stress is a normal part of life. Too much stress canaffect daily activities, relationships and sleep.Symptoms include feeling anxious, worried or asense of panic. Other signs may be rapid breathing,fast heart beats, sweating or trembling.
• Depression is more than just having the blues. You can't just snap out of it. Symptoms includeunhappiness, sadness, frustration or troublethinking. You may feel tired or have changes inyour appetite or sleep.
• Dementia affects your mind and social abilities.Memory loss alone doesn't mean you havedementia. Other symptoms can be trouble talkingor walking, personality changes or not being able toremember or learn new things.
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk withyour doctor.
Medline Plus, July 2012
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My Role in My Health
To better manage my health and medicines, I will:
� Bring this guide to my doctor visits. I will bring itwith me if I go to the hospital, emergency room orurgent care center.
� See my primary care doctor once a year for awellness exam. Include a review of all of mymedicines, supplements, and vitamins.
� Contact my doctor if I have any changes in myhealth.
� Keep a list of medicines.
� Follow the instructions my doctor and I discussed.
To be ready to see my doctor, I will:
� Bring my health insurance card with me.
� Bring all of my medicines with me.
� Bring a list of questions I want to ask the doctor. I will write my questions on page 20-21 of thisguide.
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Communication is the key to better health care.There’s a lot you can do to get the most out of yourtime with the doctor. � Ask Questions
1. What is my main problem?• Repeat back what you heard to be sure it iscorrect.
• Have him/her explain new terms. 2. What do I need to do?• What are the treatment options? What arethe risks and benefits with each?• Do I need to see another health specialist?• Do I need a follow-up visit?• Take notes and ask for written instructions.Find out about any medicines you will take.(See page 28.)
3. Why is it important for me to do this?� Ask about the yearly "Wellness Exam" and theone-time "Welcome to Medicare" exam thatMedicare covers.
� Bring someone along to help you ask questions andunderstand the answers.
� Don’t be afraid to talk about embarrassingproblems.
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Urinary Problems _________
Do You Have?
Other: _________
Stroke _________
Osteoporosis _________
High Blood Pressure _________
Heart Disease _________
Diabetes, Type 1 2 _________
Depression _________
Arthritis _________
Cancer, Type: _________
Asthma/COPD _________
WhenDiagnosed
Other: _________
Frequent Falls _________
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Health History
Keep track of events such as medical procedures,tests, and when you’ve been in the hospital.
YearProcedures/Surgeries
20
Visit Health Care Questions, Reason for Visit, Date Provider Services Received
Medical Visit Tracker
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Visit Health Care Questions, Reason for Visit, Date Provider Services Received
Medical Visit Tracker
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*Immunizations
Pneumonia and flu together are the 5th leading causeof death among older adults. These diseases can beprevented with vaccines.
Influenza (flu) spreads easily. You can get the fluwhen someone with the flu sneezes or coughs nearyou. Help prevent the flu:
� Stay at home when you are sick.� Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whencoughing or sneezing.
� Clean your hands.� Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Flu shots help prevent severe flu, hospitalization, anddeath but are not perfect for preventing all flusymptoms. The flu virus changes from year to year.October or November is the best time to get a flu shotevery year. Medicare covers the flu and pneumoniavaccines.
Getting the pneumonia vaccine will help preventsevere pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. If youare younger than 65, have a long-term illness, such asheart or lung trouble, or if you smoke, talk with yourdoctor about a pneumonia shot.
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*Source: CDC Recommended Adult ImmunizationSchedule 2011
Immunization Record
Vaccine Date Health Professional(Sign and Date)
Hepatitis APer risk
Tetanus/DiphtheriaPertussis
Every 10 years
Hepatitis BPer risk
PneumoniaAfter age 65
InfluenzaAfter age 50
ZosterAfter age 60
MeningococcalPer risk
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Health Exams & Screenings
Weight/BMI
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol or Lipid PanelTOTALHDL
Blood Sugar
Eye Exam/Glaucoma
Dental
Hearing
*Periodically
*Every 1-2 years
*Discusswith yourdoctor ornurse
*Every year
*First test by age 60,then every 3 years
*1-2 timesevery year
Date/Results
* Check with your doctor for recommendations
*Discusswith yourdoctor ornurse
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Write the date and results when you have these exams.
based on your age, health and medical history.
Date/Results
Date/Results
Date/Results
Date/Results
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Health Exams & Screenings
Depression Screening
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Colorectal ScreeningAge 50+
MammogramAge 40-74
Pap Test/Pelvic ExamAge 21-70
Prostate PSA DRE
Bone Mass
*Per risk
*Every 4-10years
*Every1-3years
*Discusswith yourdoctor ornurse
*Per risk
*Periodically
* Check with your doctor for recommendations
Screening Ultrasound *Once per risk
*Every1-2years
Date/Results
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Write the date and results when you have these exams.
based on your age, health and medical history.
Date/Results
Date/Results
Date/Results
Date/Results
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Medication Safety
Here are questions to ask about your medicine:1. What is the name of the medicine and
what is it for?
2. Is a generic version of this medicine available?
3. How and when do I take it—and for how long?
4. What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietarysupplements or activities should I avoid whiletaking this medicine?
5. When should I expect the medicine to begin towork? How will I know if it is working?
6. Are there any sideeffects? What arethey? What do I do ifthey occur?
7. Will this medicinework safely with allthe other medicines Iam taking?
8. Can I get a refill? If so, when?
9. How should I store this medicine?
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Are you making any of these mistakes?
• Not filling a prescription you need right away
• Not refilling a prescription when needed
• Taking a medicine at the wrong time
• Taking the wrong dose
• Skipping doses
• Taking someone else’s medicine
• Taking medicine that has expired
• Stopping a medicine, especially after you feelbetter, without your doctor’s advice
• Taking a medicine incorrectly, such as with foodwhen it should be taken on an empty stomach
If you’re making any of these mistakes, or don’t takeyour medicines as instructed, your condition may notimprove. It may even get worse.
Tell your health care provider if you cannot afford yourmedicine.
American Society of Health System Pharmacists, 2005
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Drug Reaction
List medications, herbal and dietary supplements, and vitamins you are taking.
Place a line through those you no longer takeand note the date when stopped.
Pharmacy Phone #
How Often
PurposePrescribed by:
MedicationDose
Drug Allergies
Medication Record and Drug Allergies
Pharmacy Drug Plan_____________________________
How Often
PurposePrescribed by:
MedicationDose
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How Often
PurposePrescribed by:
MedicationDose
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How Often
PurposePrescribed by:
MedicationDose
What's Next After The Hospital*
If you go to the hospital,* you need to know what itwill take to stay safe and well when you get backhome. Knowing what to expect and what to do nextcan affect how you feel.
Take these steps to communicate with your healthcare team to make sure services are planned for yournext care setting.
� Record your health information in this guide.
� Show this guide to each new healthcare professional.
� Make sure that you know whatservices you will get at each newsetting.
� Bring someone with you to be youradvocate.
� For your safety, keep a list of allyour medicines. (See pages 30 –33.)
* Hospital, emergency room, urgent care center,skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center
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Ready-to-Leave Checklist: Use this list to help answer important questionsbefore you leave:
I know where I am going after I leave this facilityand what will happen to me once I get home or tothe new care setting.
I have the name and phone number of a person Ishould contact if I have a problem during mytransfer.
I know what my medicines are, how to get themand how to take them.
I understand the possible side effects of mymedicines and whom I should call if I have any ofthese side effects.
I understand how to keep my health problems frombecoming worse.
My doctor or nurse has answered my mostimportant questions before I leave.
My family or someone close to me knows that I amcoming home and what I will need.
If I am going directly home, I have scheduled afollow-up visit with my doctor. I havetransportation to this appointment.
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Schedule a Follow-up Medical Visit
Your primary care doctor or specialist may not knowyou have been in the hospital.* Call their officegenerally within a week after you have beendischarged. When you call, let the office know:
• You have just been discharged from the hospital.*
• You need to discuss changes to your medicines.
• You have questions about how to keep your healthcondition from getting worse.
• You may need to see your doctor.
When you go to your visit, bring this guide. You canuse the Medical Visit Tracker (pages 20 –21) to notequestions and answers.
Appointments Date/Time Phone
____________________ __________ ___________
____________________ __________ ___________
Transportation
__________________________________________
* Hospital, emergency room, urgent care center,skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center
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My Health Care Team
Name/Specialty Phone
___________________________ ______________
___________________________ ______________
___________________________ ______________
___________________________ ______________
Pharmacist Phone
___________________________ ______________
Medical Supplies and/or Equipment
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Provider Phone
_________________________ ______________
Home Care Service(s)
__________________________________________
Provider Phone
_________________________ ______________
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If This Happens... I Will...
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Action Plan... Know Your Symptoms
• Know when your condition is getting worse.
• Plan for when and how to respond to changes.
• Discuss these symptoms and your action plan withyour doctor.
• Know who to call if these symptoms occur.Consider days, nights and weekends.
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More Help & Information
Administration on Agingwww.aoa.gov
Alzheimer’s Association800-272-3900 www.alz.org
American Cancer Society800-227-2345 www.cancer.org
American Diabetes Association800-342-2383 www.diabetes.org
American Heart Association800-242-8721 www.americanheart.org
Arthritis Foundation800-283-7800 www.arthritis.org
Benefits Check Up—find benefits and programswww.benefitscheckup.org
Eldercare Locator—to find community help800-677-1116 www.eldercare.gov
Family Caregiver Alliancewww.caregiver.org
Help with cost of medicine www.needymed.org,www.rxassist.org, www.pparx.org
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Medicare1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)www.mymedicare.gov
Medicare errors, fraud and abusewww.StopMedicareFraud.gov
National Association of Area Agencies on Agingwww.n4a.org
National Council on the Aging202-479-1200 www.ncoa.org
National Family Caregivers Association800-896-3650 www.thefamilycaregiver.org
National Legal Resource Center www.nlrc.aoa.gov
Quality of home carewww.homecarecompare.hhs.gov
Quality of hospital carewww.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov
OBC
Passport to Health Your personal guide to wellness
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Call: 1-800-926-6565TTY users dial 1-800-955-8770
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