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You will have the chance to:
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Hear Mary Brainerd, CEO, share her vision of healthcare, coverage and service. |
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Learn about heart health from Dr. Tom Kottke, cardiologist and researcher. |
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Talk to your Board Members, HealthPartners leaders and Member Services representatives. |
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Have your blood pressure checked, learn how to use the new tools on healthpartners.com and get tips for staying healthy and receiving quality healthcare. |
A box lunch will be provided and free parking is available at the RiverCentre Parking Ramp. RSVP at 952-967-7787 or e-mail directors@healthpartners.com by Friday, April 10, 2009. We look forward to seeing you there. |
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Weathering the stress of the economic storm
The economic downturn can take a toll on your bank account — and your stress level. Eight out of 10 Americans cite financial worries as a source of increased stress, with more than half reporting stress-related physical and emotional symptoms.
Those figures don't surprise HealthPartners stress counselor, Nora Alexander. "Even people who still have jobs are concerned about layoffs and economic security," says Alexander. "Around 80 percent of those who call us about stress problems need help with financial issues."
Controlling the cost to your health
In the short term, stress can cause headaches, muscle pain or tension and upset stomachs. Long-term stress increases your risk of serious health problems, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. "Overeating, drinking alcohol and smoking are unhealthy methods of coping that contribute to chronic health problems," Alexander reports. "Healthy techniques for coping with stress may reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease. Exercising, eating well and getting enough sleep should be your first line of defense." |
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Five coping strategies
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Do the 'write' thing. Record the situations that cause you stress and how you react. Then, think about how changes in your behavior or reactions could have made the situation less stressful. |
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Don't play ostrich. While your head is in the sand, problems just get worse. Deal with problems head on to help keep life's stresses under control. Calculate your stress level with this tool available in the Health Information Library at healthpartners.com. |
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Take a tip from Pollyanna. Look for the positive in situations you can't control. For example, instead of seeing it as an annoyance, look at the traffic jam as a gift of time to plan your day or listen to your favorite music. |
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Exercise in a 'tweet.' Manage stress throughout the day with Twittercize at twitter.com/twittercize, a free service that sends a one-minute exercise to your cell phone or computer each hour. |
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Plan for stress-induced snacking. Keep fresh fruit, almonds or low-fat yogurt on hand so that stress doesn't send you to the nearest vending machine. |
Feel better for less with Healthy DiscountsSM
Save on exercise equipment, classes, spas and wellness services with your HealthPartners Member ID card. Log on at healthpartners.com to find participating retailers. |
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Stress-busting salsa
With loads of potassium, avocados help control blood pressure when you're stressed. Try this fresh salsa atop simple sautéed fish or with baked tortilla chips.
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Reassurance is on the line — CareLineSM Service
 "I feel so much better after talking to you." CareLine nurse, Michelle Weiss, RN, can't count the many times she's heard those words from HealthPartners members.
Accidents and illnesses don't just happen during regular office hours. When you or someone in your family is sick or hurt at night or on the weekend, call CareLine for advice. CareLine is a free phone service staffed with registered nurses who can answer many medical questions and discuss treatment options after normal clinic hours.
Experienced guidance when you need it
"We're here to answer members' health questions and to recommend appropriate treatment, whether that means the emergency room, urgent care clinic or seeing their doctor later. It's reassuring to be able to reach someone who can provide knowledgeable answers anytime, day or night," says Weiss.
Another CareLine nurse, Mary Lane, RN, adds, "All the nurses taking calls are highly experienced professionals who have dealt with all kinds of health issues. That experience helps us ask the right questions and get the member the right kind of help." "Many times," says Weiss, "we can reassure callers that their symptoms are not serious and can wait for a doctor's visit or be treated at home."
However, sometimes people are not aware the symptoms they are experiencing are actually life threatening. These may include situations such as heart attacks, stroke and certain allergic reactions. For the CareLine nurses, those cases are some of the most rewarding because they are able to direct the caller to 911 for immediate emergency assistance. "What I love most about my job," Lane says, "is that I'm here to help."
When you need advice about when or where to seek medical care, call the nurses at CareLine at 612-339-3663 or
1-800-551-0859 (TTY 952-883-5474). |
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