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When it comes to health care, scientific research and new discoveries are constantly changing things. That's why certain tests and procedures that were in five years ago may be out today.
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Out: Annual Pap screenings (women only) |
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In: Pap screenings every three years |
| Depending on your age and health, annual trips to the doctor for a Pap smear may be a thing of the past. If you are over 30 and have had three normal Pap smears in a row, you may only need one Pap smear every three years. As always, check with your doctor to be sure this is the right choice for you. |
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Out: Routine tooth polishing |
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In: Selective tooth polishing |
| When you visit your dentist for a cleaning, you're likely getting your teeth both cleaned and polished. While cleanings remove plaque, tartar and stains, tooth polishing helps to smooth the surface of the teeth. Unfortunately, according to HealthPartners Dental Director David Gesko, polishing also removes the very beneficial outer layer of your tooth enamel which has been shown to protect your teeth from cavities and sensitivity. Rather than routinely polishing all surfaces, ask your dentist and hygienist if they can be selective in the manner they polish your teeth. |
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Out: X-rays for low back pain |
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In: Waiting for six weeks to heal |
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| Low back pain is the second most common symptom that sends people to the doctor, often for imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. But, doctors have found that these tests aren't useful unless you have red flag symptoms for nerve compression or damage, broken bones, cancer or infection. In fact, 70 percent of low back pain can be treated at home in six weeks, without any type of imaging test. By stretching, applying ice or heat, taking anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and moving your body with normal activities and aerobic conditioning, your back pain can go away. Visit our low back pain web site to learn more. If you still have pain after six weeks of at-home treatment, contact your doctor. |
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Out: One-size-fits-all preventive care |
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In: Care plans personalized for you |
| Depending on your health history, other tests which used to be routine may not be needed as frequently or at all. As more information about preventive tests and screenings surfaces, your care can be customized by you and your doctor to fit your needs, making sure you get the tests and services that are necessary for you to protect your health. Visit healthpartners.com/preventive to see what preventive screenings and tests are recommended for someone in your age group. Then, talk to your doctor about your options. |
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Go to healthpartners.com to stay up-to-date on health care information that is important to you. Visit often because we're continually updating and adding new features that help you get the most from your health plan. |
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Healthier=Wealthier
Cut your health care spending in half
We'd all like to spend less and earn more. According to Thomas Kottke, MD, a cardiologist and medical director for Evidence-Based Health at HealthPartners, choosing a healthier lifestyle can help individuals — and the nation — spend less on health care and increase our wealth.
Healthy=Lower costs for care
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, the average American family spent over $2,800 on health care. However, there are three simple habits that can cut your health care spending in half, says Dr. Kottke. "Studies show that people who exercise, eat right and don't smoke spend half as much on health care." Over a lifetime, that's money you can save or invest to help build your financial assets.
Healthy=Higher earnings
Making healthy choices also affects how much you earn. "Research by Stanford University economist Victor Fuchs, MA, PhD, shows that when health care costs and premiums rise for employers, salaries go down," says Dr. Kottke. In addition, he points out that healthy people are able to work longer and so earn more over a lifetime.
Make the right choices for health and wealth
Though the choices that determine a healthy lifestyle are simple, they are far from easy. At HealthPartners we're working on new ways to make it easier to make healthy choices. Nico Pronk, vice president and health science officer, JourneyWell at HealthPartners, and Dr. Kottke presented research on workplace wellness at the Centers for Disease Control's Weight of the Nation conference in July. "The goal of the conference was to look for 'what works' to help people eat right and be more active. Initiatives such as walkable cities or employee fitness programs are essential, but success for both the health of the nation and the individual also depend on the personal choices we each make every day," says Dr. Kottke.
Dr. Kottke's tips for health and wealth
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Get "fast" food at the grocery store. Today's markets offer a variety of healthy "fast" choices, including fresh fruit, salads, yogurt and nuts or cooked, skinless chicken that's often cheaper than drive-thru. |
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Make your commute people-powered. Walk or bike to work if possible. You'll spend less and get a workout. Even using public transportation can increase your activity and your bank balance. |
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Take advantage of health and wellness programs offered at work. People who participate are happier, more productive and have lower health care costs. HealthPartners Healthy Discounts also offers members savings on exercise equipment, classes, wellness programs and more. Visit healthpartners.com for a list of Healthy Discounts. |
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Be smoke-free. Today, we have very effective tools to help people quit smoking, including HealthPartners telephone support program. This program can help smokers save the short-term cost of tobacco as well as long-term health costs. |
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Peanut Energy Bars
These carbohydrate-rich bars also have protein for a great pre-workout snack on busy mornings. Makes 16 bars. |
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Health care reform and what it means to you
With the continued national debate on health care reform, we want you to know where your health plan stands on the issues. We believe reform should be focused on improving high quality care, providing an exceptional experience for members and patients, all at an affordable cost. It is possible to simultaneously achieve all three.
Specifically, at HealthPartners, we believe:
- Everyone should have affordable heatlhcare coverage.
- Payment systems should reward value (high quality care that is also efficient).
- Quality, costs and incentives should be transparent to patients and members.
For more on our positions on health care reform click here.
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The information in this newsletter cannot be used to diagnose individual cases. Each case is unique. Only a professional health care 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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