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Vacation season is here, but traveling shouldn’t mean taking a break from healthy eating. According to Sina Pastorino, RD, LD, a HealthPartners clinical dietitian, “Fast food is so quick and easy. If you plan ahead and bring healthy foods that keep you from becoming too hungry, it’s easier to resist.” Pastorino has these tips for taking your healthy habits on the road:
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Stock a cooler with low-fat yogurt, hummus, hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, cut-up vegetables and fresh fruit. Items that travel well without refrigeration include dried fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds, low-fat popcorn, trail mix and whole-grain crackers. |
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Drink water. Sodas and “energy” drinks are nothing but caffeine, sugar and empty calories. Fruit juices are nutritious, but they are often high in sugar. |
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Bring snacks like bananas, apples, trail mix, nuts or carrots in your carry-on bag. |
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Green tip (that saves money too): Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up at a water fountain in the airport to avoid becoming dehydrated while flying. |
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Stock your hotel room fridge with yogurt, high-fiber cereal, premade salads, fruits, veggies and sandwich fixings from the local supermarket for easy, inexpensive meals. |
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Salads, grilled sandwiches, yogurt and fresh fruit are available at many fast-food restaurants. Choose vinaigrette salad dressings over creamy ones and order sandwiches without mayonnaise. |
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In full-service restaurants, share large entrées and desserts — or skip dessert. |
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HealthPartners coverage and convenience travels with you
You may be able to control what you eat on the road, but you can’t always control your health. If someone in your family needs medical care away from home, call Member Services at the toll-free number on the back of your Member ID card to find a provider in your network. Or log on to healthpartners.com to find a provider, check your plan benefits and access personal health records. |
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Quick fruit kebobs
Kids and adults will love these fruity, healthy kebobs. They’re easy to make and fun to eat with no mess. Store in your cooler for a great snack on the go. |
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When getting well is a struggle, let HealthPartners help take care of the details
HealthPartners member Ann Naas faced a long and difficult journey after being diagnosed with an ovarian tumor. Surgery removed the tumor but, unfortunately, Ann’s survival came with some painful — and life-threatening — side effects. She needed expensive home medical equipment to massage her legs, which experienced painful swelling from a buildup of fluid — the result of having her lymph nodes removed. Ann’s HealthPartners plan covers the cost of this equipment. However, Ann encountered red tape and rudeness from the manufacturer when she tried to order it.
That’s when Jan, a HealthPartners nurse navigator, came to the rescue. “Jan was a tiger,” recalls Ann. “She followed up multiple times with the manufacturer.” Finally, in a joint call with Ann, Jan convinced the company to ship the order. “This hasn’t been an easy journey,” says Ann. “It’s wonderful when you find caring and supportive people like Jan.”
The HealthPartners representatives and nurses who answer your calls are experienced healthcare professionals and experts in helping you maximize your health plan. If you encounter problems or have questions about your care or coverage, call Member Services at the number on the back of your Member ID card.
Have you received great service from a HealthPartners employee? Click here to share your story. |
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Take yourself in for a tune-up
Like a good mechanic keeps your car in shape, a doctor you trust and see regularly for routine care and screenings helps keep you healthy. Your body is a lot like your car. If your car is making funny noises, you take it in. If you aren't feeling well, you probably go to the doctor.
But there is one big difference. Your car can't tell the mechanic how it is feeling. Since you know your body better than anyone, you are the best person to tell the doctor exactly what is going on. By being a prepared and engaged patient, you can develop a relationship with your doctor and get the best care possible. The following tips can help you take a more active role in your health:
Six tips for building a health partnership with your doctor
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Be prepared. Before your visit, make a list of your concerns in order of importance and be as specific as possible about the severity, frequency and duration of your symptoms. Bring it with you so you won't forget anything. |
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Know what to ask. The National Patient Safety Foundation has developed three questions you should ask your doctor to help you better understand your health. Visit askme3.org for the list. |
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Don't be shy. Doctors have seen almost every potentially embarrassing health problem. Remember your doctor is there to help, not judge. |
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Tell the whole truth. It's tempting to gloss over unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking. Your doctor can provide better care if you are honest about your lifestyle. |
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Be assertive. If you don't understand something, ask your doctor to explain it again or write down instructions for you. You shouldn't leave the office without a clear understanding of your condition, treatment or follow-up appointments. |
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Use the Health Information Library. Visit healthpartners.com/healthlibrary to learn more about your symptoms before you visit the doctor. This great tool will help you explain what you are feeling so your doctor can zero in on the problem. |
Need help finding a doctor?
Part of being a prepared patient is taking time to choose a doctor that is right for you. Healthpartners.com is a great resource to help you find a doctor that fits your needs. You can search for doctors, hospitals and clinics in your network, read more about them and check their cost and quality ratings. |
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The information in this newsletter cannot be used to diagnose individual cases. Each case is unique. Only a professional healthcare provider is qualified to diagnose illness and prescribe treatment. The HealthPartners family of health plans are underwritten and/or administered by HealthPartners, Inc., Group Health, Inc., HealthPartners Insurance Company or HealthPartners Administrators, Inc. Fully insured Wisconsin plans are underwritten by HealthPartners Insurance Company. Copyright © 2009 HealthPartners.
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