Features

CareSource named one of the Top Work Places

We are honored to be named 1 of 60 organizations on the Dayton Daily News’ Top Work Places list. We placed #8 out of 10 in the large business category. This is a testament to all of our employees not just in the Dayton office, but in Columbus, Cleveland and Lansing, Michigan. It’ reminds us of the outstanding culture and professional environment we have cultivated.

Join our team. We are hiring! View our jobs and apply online.

Top 10: Large Business Category

  1. Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors
  2. MacAulay-Brown Inc.
  3. The Hospice Of Dayton Inc.
  4. Miami Valley Career Technology Center
  5. Gem City Homecare
  6. St. Leonard
  7. Hillsboro City Schools
  8. CareSource
  9. Comfort Keepers Miami Valley
  10. Dayton Children’s Medical Center

New Year’s Resolutions

Lose weight, quit smoking and exercise regularly are the most common New Year’s resolutions.

What happened to last year’s resolutions? Around February 1, you probably forgot what your resolutions even were. This year, set goals that are realistic and can be achieved.

Get Active

You don’t have to run a marathon or climb Mt. Everest to be active. Making small changes can add up to big results.

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Park farther out and walk
  • Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out
  • Take your dog for a walk instead of watching TV
  • Play with your kids outside for 30 minutes a day

For more tips, go to www.smallstep.gov.

Manage Stress

Stress can be caused by changes in life such as losing your job, your child leaving or returning home, the death of your spouse, divorce or marriage, an illness, an injury, a job promotion, money problems, moving or having a baby. Stress can cause health problems or make health problems worse. Here some tips for dealing with stress.

  • Don’t worry about the things you can’t control
  • Prepare for events that you know may be stressful, like a job interview
  • Talk with a trusted friend, family member or counselor
  • Eat well-balanced meals
  • Get enough sleep
  • Look at change as a positive challenge, not as a threat
  • Get involved in activities and hobbies you don’t find stressful
Eat Better

Being overweight puts you at risk for developing diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Lowering your weight helps prevent and control these diseases. Make better food choices by doing the following things:

  • Drinking skim milk instead of 2%
  • Choosing whole grain bread and pastas instead of white
  • Drinking water or 100% juice instead of soda
  • Eating baked or grilled foods instead of fried
  • Cooking at home instead of eating out

We wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2012.

Source: smallstep.gov and American Academy of Family Physicians

CareSource offers Ohio Community Resource Guide

CareSource knows that it can be hard to find help for you and your family. We want to help you.

We have created a Community Resource Guide that lists agencies near you. These resources are there to help you in many ways. Some of those resources include:

  • Emergency Shelters
  • Food pantries
  • Heating and cooling help
  • Crisis services (Domestic Violence, child protective services)
  • Job and family services
  • And many more

Go to the Ohio Members page and select a program to view our Community Resource Guide.

Patient Navigator Community Model

Dayton Daily News
By Ben Sutherly
Sunday, December 18, 2011

DAYTON - CareSource is about to embark on a big statewide experiment: deploying 60 people to help frequent Medicaid users navigate Ohio's fragmented health care system.

The Dayton-based nonprofit, which now covers about 10 percent of all insured Ohioans and through November had 2011 revenues of $2.5 billion, is betting that those "patient navigators" will be a cost-effective way to improve outcomes for its most high-risk members. Those improvements would be due in large part to eliminating barriers to access, communication and trust that individuals encounter or perceive in the health care industry.

Others will be watching to see if CareSource's bet pays off.

"If it's proven to reduce cost and improve quality and outcome, then ... I think there's a high likelihood that more of the commercial insurance system could really embrace this," said Pamela Morris, CareSource's president and CEO. "Our experience can help convince our peers in the commercial sector." The patient navigator concept assumes that workers who meet face-to-face with the Medicaid population will have a better chance of improving their outcomes than those who make contact with Medicaid beneficiaries by phone.

CareSource will initially make patient navigators available to about 1 percent of its members deemed most at-risk, or about 8,500 to 9,000 members. Those members typically have a range of medical problems such as diabetes or heart disease, socioeconomic disadvantages and/or behavioral health care needs.

There's much at stake. Just 1 percent of Ohio's Medicaid patients account for 23 percent of Ohio's total Medicaid spending, according to the state Department of Job and Family Services. The state's Medicaid program is budgeted at $18.8 billion this fiscal year.

Dr. Harold Freeman, credited for pioneering the patient navigator concept in Harlem, said research has shown the approach to be effective in improving screening and rates for breast cancer patients. But more long-term research is needed to prove the approach's effectiveness in treatment.

CareSource's 60 patient navigators will be paid $30,000 to $35,000 annually. Officials said last week they hope to hire the unemployed and underemployed to fill the jobs. The hires are part of CareSource's effort to meet a state push to improve the performance of Medicaid managed-care plans.

Statewide, CareSource is also hiring 90 registered nurses and social workers. Of the 150 total jobs, an estimated 35 will be filled in the Dayton-Cincinnati market. "If you have a system of care in which the community becomes confident that you're going to see them all the way through, then it's more than likely that people in the community will come," Freeman told the Dayton Daily News on Wednesday following a talk at CareSource.

By diagnosing diseases such as cancer earlier on, treatment tends to be less expensive, he said.

"That's one area that could lead to better outcomes, which will trump cost (of the patient navigators) any day of the week for us," Morris said. New York City launched its first patient navigator program in 2003 to combat low rates of colorectal cancer screening. In one New York hospital, Freeman said, the no-show rate for colonoscopies was cut from 65 percent to 10 percent.

CareSource expects the community-based model will provide a framework for expanding beyond its traditional Medicaid base. Future patient groups will include "dual eligibles" (seniors eligible for both Medicare and

Medicaid); uninsured adults who will become eligible for Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul; and those who participate in state health care exchanges.

"We think we're the first to do this (patient navigation) in a meaningful way in Ohio," said Dr. Craig Thiele, CareSource's chief medical officer.

CareSource employs 1,128 people overall, including 945 in Dayton.

Uncommon yet delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables to enjoy this winter.

Fruits and vegetables are easier to come by in the warmer months than in the fall and winter. But to stay healthy and fight off illnesses. it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in your diet year-round. Here are some uncommon yet delicious fruits and vegetables to try in your favorite recipes this winter.

  1. Radishes – A good source of vitamin C, radishes have a crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste. Cook them with a little salt or sugar for a tender side dish or stir-fry them with other veggies.
  2. Blood oranges – Include these tangy citrus fruits in winter salads, desserts and drinks. Just like other varieties of oranges, they're rich in vitamin C and fiber. Their deep red color makes them an eye-catching addition to holiday meals.
  3. Snow peas – A stir-fry favorite, snow peas are low-calorie veggies packed with plenty of vitamins C and K. Their crunchy texture also makes them a delicious surprise in pasta dishes.
  4. Cabbage – A cup of this leafy veggie packs almost 100% of your daily-recommended intake of vitamin K, plus vitamin C and fiber – and it contains phytonutrients that naturally detox the body.
  5. Rhubarb – This low-calorie stalk vegetable, packed with vitamins C, A and calcium, thrives in the cold weather and has a tart and somewhat sour taste. It is a perfect addition when paired with meats or bakeds in desserts.
  6. Chestnuts – The fruits of chestnut trees are only in season for a brief time each winter. They're a good source of vitamin C, but more importantly can bring a sweet, nutty flavor to vegetables and breads. Fresh chestnuts may be tricky to find, so try bottled varieties or visit a specialty grocery store.
  7. Artichokes – Artichokes come into season in early spring and also early winter. While it may be convenient to buy them in a can, fresh artichokes are even more delicious. They're rich in fiber, vitamin C and folate, which helps our body produce new cells.
  8. Persimmon – These sweet fruits have a unique texture that can be either mushy or firm. They're a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and can be used to add flavor to salads or in baked goods and drinks.
  9. Kale – Kale is a “superfood” containing high amounts of vitamins K, A, and C, and even a bit of calcium. Its delicious, earthy flavor makes it a great addition to many meat dishes.
  10. Cranberries –These tart little berries, which can be used in a variety of salads and side dishes, not only reduce the risk of certain infections, but they also contain vitamin C and may even improve cholesterol levels.

Source: Health.com

Clear Kids with Concussions Before Sports

Parents and coaches should use their head when dealing with young athletes and injuries resulting from blows to the head and neck.

Kids who suffer from concussions need to be cleared by a doctor before they start playing sports again. Parents and coaches should also be aware that young athletes could take longer to recover than adults from head injuries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

A concussion, particularly common in kids who play sports, is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head and neck, such as when a soccer player hits her head on the goal post or collides head-on with another player. Even when they seem mild, concussions can be serious. That is why it is important to know how to recognize the signs of a concussion and take the necessary steps to seek treatment. Signs of concussions may show up immediately, or they may take weeks after an injury. The symptoms include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, or depression and anxiety, the Council says. Some but not all athletes with concussions lose consciousness.

The brains of kids and adolescents might be even more vulnerable to the effects of a concussion than older athletes. While some athletes might want to "tough it out" after getting hit in the head, the Council recommends a gradual increase in activity once symptoms go away – and urges that kids who suffer concussions should never return to a game or practice the same day.

Parents should get the “all clear” from a medical doctor before allowing kids who have suffered from concussions to return sports – and parents and coaches need to be aware of concussion symptoms, as well as the risks of not properly treating head injuries.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness

Sneezing and Wheezing?

Fall is in the air, bringing cool, crisp days — and allergies that cause sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat, sinus pressure and other symptoms.

The fall season is often associated with leaves turning colors, pumpkins and cooler weather. However, it is also the time of year when ragweed takes its toll on allergy sufferers. Allergens such as mold and dust can be major allergy triggers but ragweed is usually the main problem due to its high levels of pollen.

Seventeen species of ragweed grow throughout the United States, and if you have pollen allergies, you have a 75 percent chance of being allergic to ragweed. Severe fall allergies often cause children to miss school, and adults to miss days at their jobs. Fight back with these simple strategies to reduce allergy symptoms:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible, especially in the early morning when pollen is released.
  • Monitor pollen counts in your area by visiting the National Allergy Bureau at http://www.aaaai.org/nab.
  • After spending time outside, take a shower to remove pollen from your hair and skin.
  • Remove shoes and jackets immediately upon entering the house to minimize the spread of pollen.
  • Keep windows at home and in the car shut.
  • Use air-conditioning as long as possible to clean the air.
  • Vacuum regularly.
  • Wash pets weekly to reduce dander.

There are many solutions when it comes to dealing with and treating fall allergies and allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor if allergies have you sneezing and wheezing this fall.

Source: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology

GetUp Montgomery County Gets Kids Moving

Worried about your child’s nutrition? Want to fight the increase in childhood obesity? It’s as simple as…5-2-1-Almost None!

5-2-1-Almost None

5 – Serve a fruit or a vegetable with every meal – eat your fruit, don’t drink it.

2 – Hours or less of screen time – kids who watch less than an hour of TV a day scored the best on achievement tests.

1 – Hour of active play – one hour can be split into a few fun games lasting 10-15 minutes each.

Almost None – of those sugary drinks – soda, sports drinks and most juice drinks contain almost no nutrition and add empty calories

 If you want to learn more, check out http://getupmc.org/. This helpful site is packed full of tips about how to ensure your child eats healthy.

GetUp Montgomery County

Back to School Time—Check Your Immunization Record

Has your child had a check-up recently?

Check-ups are an important part of keeping your child healthy. Schools require health records upon enrollment, so make sure all your child’s immunizations are up-to-date.

If you need a copy of your immunization record, or are missing some required vaccinations, make an appointment today for a Well-Child check up.

Making the Holidays Safer for Kids

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks and reflect. While it may be one of the most wonderful times of year – especially for children – it is also one of the busiest for emergency rooms. Learn how to protect kids from some common holiday dangers so your family can enjoy a season that's happy and healthy. Follow these simple safety tips to make sure your memories are of good food, time spent with friends and family and your favorite holiday tunes.

Poisoning

  • Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are often used as decorations, but they are can be poisonous and should be kept out of a child’s reach. Symptoms of plant poisoning include rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If your child has eaten part of a plant, call the Poison Control Center at 1-1-800.222.1222.
  • If you attend a party where alcohol is served, be aware that alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. Be mindful of empty and partially empty cups, bottles and cans. Because kids imitate adults, some children may drink what they see adults drinking. Even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous.
  • Practice food safety by washing hands, utensils, dishes and anything else that comes in contact with raw meat and eggs. Store leftovers properly and heat them thoroughly before serving.

Choking and Swallowing

  • Small children can easily choke on tree ornaments, light bulbs, tinsel and small toys as it can block their airway. Remember, if it's small enough to fit in their mouth, it's too small to play with.
  • Holiday foods such as peanuts and popcorn can be choking hazards and should not be given to children under age 4.
  • The needles of holiday trees can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them.

Fire

  • Keep your tree secure in a sturdy stand so that it doesn't tip over. Keep it away from heat sources such as candles, space heaters, electrical outlets and radiators. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled "fire-retardant." Unplug all lights and blow out all candles every night before you go to bed.
  • Do not use real candles on a tree. If the needles are dry they can easily catch fire. Never leave the room with candles burning.
  • Don't overload electrical outlets with lights and decorations as it can start a fire.
  • Have your fireplace inspected before you light your first fire of the season. A chimney professional can clean your fireplace and ensure that it is safe to use.
  • Have a family emergency plan in the event of a fire and practice fire safety procedures. Check smoke detectors before you put up your holiday decorations.

Accidents

  • Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and always keep the oven door closed to avoid burns and scalds. To prevent accidents, watch your kids while you bake or cook. Kitchen appliances should be clean to prevent possible fires.
  • Keep breakable ornaments out of reach of children or keep them off the tree until children are older. Clean up broken glass immediately.
  • Young kids should be supervised and should avoid dangerous sledding areas, such as rocky areas steep hills and crowded sledding hills.
  • Secure kids properly in car seats, booster seats or seat belts during car rides and do not drive after drinking alcohol. Be extra careful when traveling during the evenings of holidays since there is a higher number of drinking related accidents on these days.

Source: Dayton Children’s – childrensdayton.org

Carving out Good Health with Pumpkins

When most people think of pumpkins, it's carving that comes to mind – but the pumpkin is more than just a decorative Halloween candleholder or a pie filling to be eaten only once a year. It is one of the most nutritious foods available year round. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, both the flesh and seeds of the pumpkin provide many health-boosting nutrients.

Pumpkins are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant with properties that can help improve immune function and reduce the risk for diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A cup of cooked pumpkin has only 50 calories and nearly three grams of fiber, making it the perfect healthful addition to your autumn meal. Even better, while the flesh of the pumpkin packs nutritious power on its own, there's a good reason not to toss the seeds. Promising research suggests that the oil from pumpkin seeds can help with prostate problems.

Pumpkins are considered a type of squash. The tough outer skin and sweet flavor of pumpkin are the distinctive trademarks of a squash harvested during cooler weather, often referred to as "winter squash." Other winter varieties of squash like acorn squash, butternut squash, banana squash, and buttercup squash can be prepared in the same way as pumpkin. For more information on how to cook this nutritious vegetable, go to: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/pumpkin-recipes-packed-nutrition.

Source: WebMD

Kids and adults need a flu vaccine every year

The flu is highly contagious. It affects all ages, though kids tend to get it more often than adults. Flu season runs from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year, especially the following high-risk groups:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5
  • Adults 50 years of age and older
  • Adults, teens and children with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes)
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu (health care facilities, day care centers)

The vaccine reduces the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80%. People who got the vaccine last year aren't protected from getting the flu this year because the protection wears off and flu viruses constantly change.

The flu vaccine is available now. Contact your primary care provider (PCP) for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

The flu is often confused with the common cold, but flu symptoms are usually more severe than the typical sneezing and stuffiness of a cold.

Symptoms, which usually begin about 2 days after exposure to the virus, can include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • dizziness
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • nausea or vomiting
  • weakness
  • ear pain
  • diarrhea

For more information log on to www.cdc.gov/flu or www.flu.gov.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; KidsHealth

November is "Open Enrollment"

Once a year in Ohio, you can switch from one Medicaid managed health care plan to another. This “Open Enrollment” period is in November.

We value you as members and hope you will stay with us. You don’t have to do anything if you want to stay with CareSource.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Women tend to be caregivers, constantly serving others and rarely taking time for themselves. But being proactive about your health is so important, especially in early detection of breast cancer. By creating and following an Early Detection Plan, you will increase your chances of detecting breast cancer in its early stages.

According to the National Cancer Institute:

  • One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
  • Over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
  • When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%.
  • Over 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage.

Depending on your age and health history, an Early Detection Plan encourages you to be proactive about your health by reminding you to perform routine breast self-exams and to schedule mammograms. You can select the reminder options that work best for you - email alerts, calendar reminders, text messages or print your plan on paper.

Consider your personal risk factors when preparing your plan. These risk factors include your diet, weight, alcohol intake and other lifestyle factors. Get more information from the National Cancer Institute’s breast cancer risk assessment tool and contact your doctor to schedule a mammogram. View the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Resources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Pharmacy Benefit Change

New Pharmacy Benefit Changes for Aged, Blind and Disabled and Covered Families and Children Members.

Beginning October 1, CareSource will pay for your prescription drugs and some prescription medical supplies at the pharmacy. For additional information select the appropriate plan below:

Nutritious, Delicious and Fun School Lunch Ideas

Start your kids off right by packing school lunches with nutritious foods that get an "A" for good taste and fun…all while helping them get healthy eating habits for life. Instead of a sandwich on white bread, bag of chips, and cookies try some of the following healthy (and more interesting) items for your child's lunch box:

  • Wraps made with whole-wheat tortillas, made with either lean cold cuts or low fat cream cheese topped with veggie slices. Even the classic peanut butter and jelly is healthier in a wheat wrap.
  • Single portion-sized cups of unsweetened applesauce or fruit.
  • Trail mix made with cereals, nuts, pretzels dried fruit or raisins and a few chocolate chips.
  • Low fat cheese spread on whole-wheat crackers.
  • Individual serving-sized packages of low fat yogurt, cottage cheese or yogurt smoothies.
  • Baby carrots, celery sticks or apple slices with dips made from yogurt or low fat sour cream.
  • Mini-burritos made with rice and black beans or refried beans in a tortilla with tomato salsa.
  • Baked chips or pretzels, which are a healthier choice than high-fat potato chips or cheese snacks.
  • Drinks made from water with a splash of cranberry, grape or other fruit juices.
  • Whole grain bagels topped with vegetable cream cheese spread.
  • Air-popped popcorn flavored with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
  • Low fat cheese cubes and seedless grapes.
  • Cold strips of grilled chicken with honey mustard dip.
  • Dried fruit like cranberries, cherries or apples.
  • Quesadilla slices made with cheese and chicken or vegetables.

Source: MedicineNet.com

5 Back to School Safety Starters

With summer ending and the start of school just around the corner, August is "Back to School Safety Month." Both kids and drivers need to be extra careful at all times and pay close attention when traveling to and from school and in and out of school zones.

Here are five safety starters:

  1. Teach your kids to obey all traffic signs, signals and officers.
    Following the rules of the road is important in preventing accidents whether your child rides the bus, bikes, or walks to school.
    • Cross the street at corners; use traffic signals and cross walks.
    • Never run out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
    • Look both ways before crossing the street
  2. Plan a walking route to the bus stop or school.
    Choose the most direct path, with the fewest street crossings, that avoids areas where not many people are around like parks, fields and vacant lots.
    • Walk the path with your child to practice; keep track of how long it takes to get there.
    • Encourage your child to walk with a sibling, neighbor or friend at all times.
    • Reinforce the "Never talk to Strangers" rule -- never accepts gifts or rides from people you don't know or trust.
  3. Be sure your child wears a helmet if he or she rides a bike.
    Bicycle helmets should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
  4. Remind your child about School Bus Safety.
    Wait for the bus to stop before approaching from the curb.
    • Do not move around on the bus.
    • Always remain in clear view of the bus driver.
    • Make sure clothing and backpacks have no loose drawstrings or long straps that could get caught in the handrail or bus door.
  5. Drivers - slow down and be alert.
    Be extra cautious in residential neighborhoods and school zones.
    • Eliminate distractions inside your car such as cell phones, food, and scanning the radio so you can be alert and watch for children on or near the roadways.
    • Drive slowly and carefully when exiting driveways and alleys.
    • Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus.

With these safety tips in mind, be on the lookout as children head back to school. For more safety information, visit these resources: Safe Kids USA, Reader's Digest, American Academy of Pediatrics

Farmers' Markets are the perfect place to find fresh food for everyone in the family.

Summer is the season for Farmers' Markets, which offer the freshest, local fruits and vegetables to help improve your diet - we all know that eating these foods is important, but getting the daily recommended servings isn't always as easy as it sounds.

From the large markets with many vendors, to the small, roadside stands, Farmers' Markets are the perfect place to find fresh food for everyone in the family. These markets are generally tables or stands set up outside by individual farmers, to sell their freshest crops. With many benefits to offer, Farmers' Markets are definitely worth the trip during summer and early fall. Over 50 Farmers’ Markets throughout Ohio now take the Ohio Direction Card and accept Women, Infants and Children (WIC) coupons.

Four benefits of Farmers' Markets:

  1. The products are picked at the peak of the season when nutrients are highest and the fruits and vegetables have achieved the perfect ripeness. Experiencing these fruits and veggies at their finest may encourage even your pickiest eater to try a few bites.
  2. Some markets present a greater variety of fresh fruits and vegetables than most grocery stores, and often for a lower price.
  3. Your purchases benefit the local farmer and strengthen your community. Farmers sell directly to consumers, so middle-man costs are eliminated and more money remains in the community
  4. The locally grown fruits and vegetables save fossil fuels because they travel fewer miles to get to your dinner table.

If you decide to take the trip to your local Farmers' Market, make the most of your visit with these four fun ideas:

  1. Try a new fruit or vegetable, or prepare your favorite in a new way.
  2. Ask the vendor for their favorite ways to prepare certain produce, many have recipes to share.
  3. Attend special events like free tastings, cooking demonstrations and fun activities for kids.
  4. Give your kids $2 to explore and make a new produce selection.

To locate the freshest produce near you, search online to find your local Farmer's Markets: Ohio Farmers' Markets, Ohio Proud Markets, Michigan Farmers' Markets, USDA Farmers' Markets

Resources: Benefits of Farmers' Markets

Summer activities to keep kids learning

Summertime is filled with family vacations, splashing in the pool, shooting hoops with friends and trips to the movie theater. Summer should be fun and exciting for kids, but education doesn't have to end.

Here are eight ways to keep your kids connected to learning.

  1. Encourage your child to read.
    Many public libraries offer free summer reading programs for your kids to get involved in.

  2. Improve reading through writing.
    • Have your child help you write a grocery or to-do list
    • While on vacation children can write letters, postcards or emails to send to friends and family back home
    • Buy your child a journal to write in about their summer activities and adventures
  3. Practice real-world math.
    They are many opportunities in "real-life" for children to sharpen their math skills.
    • Practice making change at the cash register
    • Give your child an allowance to teach him or her about spending on a budget
    • During summer party planning, have your child divide guests into groups of four or figure out how many hot dogs you'll need if each guest eats two
    • Each time you visit the grocery store have your son or daughter help you compare prices by adding and subtracting.
    • Let your child cook with you to reinforce math skills like measuring and fractions
  4. Map it out.
    When preparing for family trips and vacations, include your children in the planning process.
    • Keep up on geography skills by mapping out your travel route and the places you'll visit
    • Pull out the atlas and encyclopedia so your child can learn more about your destination
  5. Take a nature walk.
    Grab a book on plants, birds or bugs, then hit the trails or explore your own backyard.
  6. Make time for game time.
    Play games that involve reading, thinking or spelling like Boggle, Scrabble, or Trivial Pursuit.

  7. Take advantage of local learning opportunities.
    Museums, historic sites, zoos, and aquariums all present many ways for you and your child to learn.

  8. Send your kid to summer camp.
    Community and private day camps throughout the summer offer children the opportunity to participate in swimming, sports, crafts and field trips - all which make learning more fun for kids.

So there you have it, eight summer activities that prove learning and fun don't have to be opposites.

Sources: WJBC, Zoodles Blog, MSNBC

Healthiest Employer Award

CareSource was named one of Dayton Business Journal’s first ever Top 10 Healthiest Employers. The awards are given to Dayton-based organizations that incorporate wellness programming in the areas of culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, and programming and interventions.

The Healthiest Employer program participants were scored after completing an online assessment that measures wellness programming in six key categories.

Over five years ago, our passion for health and wellness led to the creation of our official employee wellness program. The mission of our Employees First wellness program is to establish, encourage and maintain a culture of health and well-being that promotes healthy lifestyles through education, environment and policies to support employee efforts.

The Top 10 winners are:

  • Brower Insurance Agency
  • CareSource
  • City of Kettering
  • Dayton Metro American Heart Association
  • DMAX Ltd.
  • McGohan Brabender
  • Midmark Corp.
  • NewPage Corp.
  • Shumsky
  • YMCA of Greater Dayton

Pinnacle Award - NICU Care Transitions Program recognized at 2011 Ohio Association of Health Plans Convention

CareSource was recognized with a Pinnacle Award at the 2011 Ohio Association of Health Plan’s Annual Convention. The Pinnacle Award is presented to the top overall entry in each category. There were only three Pinnacle Award winners. Our Care Management team was recognized with the top honor in the Health Care Programs category for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Care Transitions Program.

The CareSource NICU Care Transitions Program eases the transition for babies in the NICU to home by pairing experienced NICU Case Managers with parents and providers to create a comprehensive transition plan. The program works to safely send high risk infants home and to lower utilization and reduce hospital stays.

Congratulations to the Care Management team for their outstanding Care Transitions Program and for being recognized with such a prestigious award.

Improved Find a Doctor Tool

We have updated our Find a Doctor tool. Now it is easier than ever to find a health care provider who participates with CareSource. And you can use it any time - day or night.

Get information on providers such as:

  • Address and phone number
  • Accepting new patients
  • Specialty type
  • Maps and driving directions
  • Languages spoken

How do I use the Find a Doctor tool?

  • Click on the Find a Doctor button located on the homepage of our website
  • Select the state you live in
  • Follow the instructions when prompted

There’s never been an easier way to search our current list of providers. We verify our data and update it daily, but you should always confirm with the provider. If you have questions, call Member Services at 800-488-0134.

Watch children around water

You think it could never happen to your child, but each year more than 800 children drown. Emergency rooms see an increase in drownings every year when the weather starts to get warmer. These incidents are preventable.

Five truths about children who drown, from Safe Kids USA:

  1. Weak or no supervision.
    Drowning is quick and quiet and happens in a matter of seconds. Children should be supervised around water at all times. Adults who were present when a child drowns were often distracted in some way – talking on the phone, reading, or chatting with other adults.

    Actively watch children around water and have a phone nearby to call for help in an emergency. If there are several adults around when kids are swimming, designate an adult as the “water watcher.” Safe Kids USA encourages you to download their Water Watcher Card.

  2. No barriers.
    Young children are curious explorers. They can easily find and fall in to water like pools, ponds, streams, tubs and even buckets. Often they are discovered too late to save.

    Never leave a child alone in or around water – even if it’s less than a few inches. Young children can drown in less than two inches of water.

    Pool owners should have an enclosed fence and a self-closing and self-latching gate to keep children away from the pool. Hot tubs should be covered and locked when not in use.

  3. Weak or no CPR skills.
    Drowning victims who are rescued need CPR immediately. It can prevent brain damage and be the difference between life and death.

    Get certified in CPR. There are plenty of classes available to work around busy schedules. Contact your local health department, American Red Cross or hospital.

  4. Weak or no swimming ability.
    Children who are from families that don’t know how to swim are eight times more likely to be at-risk of drowning.

    Enroll your kids in swimming lessons and learn to swim yourself. Contact your local YMCA.

  5. Lack of life jacket use.
    Nearly 5,000 boating accidents happen every year and more than 700 people drown. Of those who drown, 9 out of 10 were not wearing a life jacket.

Have your child wear a life jacket every time you go boating. Kids who aren’t good swimmers should also wear a life jacket when swimming.

Remember, whether you are at the pool, the beach or even the bathtub, water can be dangerous to your kids if you don’t take the right precautions. Drowning can happen any time of year, but parents and caregivers need to be even more aware during warmer months.

Sources: SafeKids USA

Women's Health - What every woman should know

Women tend to be caregivers, constantly serving others and rarely taking time for themselves. It’s your time - time to make your health a top priority so that you are able to give your best and live a healthy life.

Here are five steps to improve your physical and mental health:

  1. Get active. Stay active.
    There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can not only lower your chances of early death, but can also lower your risk of certain illnesses like:
    • Heart disease
    • Stroke
    • High blood pressure
    • Unhealthy cholesterol levels
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Metabolic syndrome
    • Colon cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Falls
    • Depression
  2. Eat a healthy diet.
    Several foods help prevent heart disease, stroke and other diseases including:
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Whole grains (whole wheat, oatmeal and brown rice)
    • Low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt and other milk products
    • Fish, skinless chicken, lean red meats, beans, eggs and nuts
    • You should also limit the amount of foods you eat that contain:
      • Saturated fat
      • Trans fat
      • Cholesterol
      • Sodium
      • Added sugars
  3. Get regular checkups.
    Most women only go to the doctor when something is wrong, but it’s very important to see your doctor at least once a year, whether you're sick or not. Preventive care can help detect warning signs of heart disease, cancer and stroke - three of the biggest threats to your health.

  4. Avoid risky behaviors.
    Make wise choices. Smoking, not wearing your seat belt or engaging in unsafe sexual activity can pose a health risk and possibly death.

  5. Pay attention to your mental health.
    Life certainly has its share of happy times and hard times — all of which can affect your mental health. Traumatic life events like the death of a loved one, losing a job or getting divorced can affect the mind and body. However, many of the things that bring great joy to your life such as a job promotion, having a baby, or buying a house can also cause stress on your mental health.

Source: Womenshealth.gov

Athma Awareness: 25 million Americans live with asthma

Asthma is one of the most common lifelong chronic diseases. There are about 25 million Americans living with asthma. The disease affects the lungs, causing repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. Although asthma cannot be cured, it is possible to manage asthma successfully to reduce and prevent asthma attacks, also called episodes.

Follow these four tips to help control your asthma:

  1. Work with your doctor to learn about asthma and to create an asthma action plan.
  2. Learn about your medications including controller medications taken routinely to prevent attacks. Ask your doctor about a peak flow meter.
  3. Know your asthma triggers. Triggers can include allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold and pollen, pets, weather and tobacco smoke.
  4. Check medication prices if your physician recommends allergy medications. There may be a less expensive over-the-counter alternative.

To learn more about how you can control your asthma, visit CDC's asthma site.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How devices like the iPad are helping special-needs children, hospital patients

By Susan Dalzell, Contributing Writer
Middletown Journal

It’s an early Saturday afternoon at We Care Arts in Kettering, where a drop-in art class for children with autism is coming to an end. While most of the students put the finishing touches on dough sculptures they’ve been making, 10-year-old Makayla Yoakum is focused intently on the screen of an iPad propped on the table in front of her. She smiles as her finger gently traces circles on the iPad surface, expanding and contracting vivid color wheels.

When Makayla’s mom, Dee Yoakum, arrives to pick her up, she is surprised to see Makayla using the iPad so comfortably. “I didn’t know she knew how to use one,” Yoakum said.

While art instructor Diane Schwob Zubrick explains the many apps on an iPad that autistic children enjoy, Makayla moves on to use other programs, drawing neon-colored shapes onto a black screen and creating faces by selecting hair, eyes, noses and mouths from a series of choices. She is clearly enjoying herself and her mom is impressed.

“That’s awesome. I’ve never seen that before,” she said. “My husband just brought up the idea of an iPad, but this makes it more believable, to see it in use.”

If the Yoakums do decide to purchase an iPad, they’ll be part of a growing number of parents, teachers, doctors and therapists who have discovered the device’s many uses for people with disabilities. It may be a fun gadget for entertainment purposes, but it’s also having a surprisingly positive effect on the quality of life for many families.

iPad and autism

Shelli Mendel-Koeppl, president of the Dayton Chapter of the Autism Society of America, said the word is spreading fast about the usefulness of the iPad and the iPhone. “There’s a lot of buzz about the iPad in the autism community,” she said.

Mendel-Koeppl recently bought an iPad for the use of her two boys, Adam and Brendan, both of whom are on the autism spectrum and are high-functioning. “We’ve only had it a month or so, so I’ve only scratched the surface on how to use it. But I know other parents who have them and absolutely love them and say they are benefitting their children,” she said.

Like many autistic children, Mendel-Koeppl’s son Adam has difficulty keeping track of time. To help him understand when an amount of time — say an hour — will be ending, she can pull up an app on the iPad that displays a giant timer that helps to show him visually how much of the hour has passed and how much is left.

Other parents locally who have children with more severe symptoms have been using apps that help their children to communicate. A “tap to talk” app can help a non-verbal children express everything from what they want to eat to how they are feeling at the moment by tapping on a series of choices on screen that are then spoken by a computer voice.

“Even though they are non-verbal, they are very intelligent and this helps them to get out what they want to say,” Mendel-Koeppl said. “It helps so much. Many of our parents are finding their kids have fewer meltdowns.”

Programs that help autistic children to express feelings are particularly popular. Some are communicative, and give the user the option of picking a picture to show how he or she is feeling at that moment. Others are instructive, helping to teach what different emotions look like. “That’s helpful because kids with autism often can’t read facial cues,” Mendel-Koeppl said.

Lisa Flake-Houseworth, a consultant with Trumpet Behavioral Health in Dayton, uses many of these apps, but has also found that non-educational games are great motivators for her autistic clients. “Since a lot of autistic kids love to play games, we use it as reinforcement for good behavior,” she said. “If I’m trying to teach a child how to label a body part, once they do it correctly, they can play with the iPad for a minute.”

Some apps actually help teach parents how to cope. One by the Southwest Research Institute, called Behavior Breakthroughs, looks like a video game, and portrays an autistic child. As the child acts out, the player is given options for how to respond as the parent, whether it’s to take action, say something or ignore the child. Depending on the choices made, the child will either calm down or get more upset.

The iPad is not the first electronic gadget to provide some of these functions, such as presenting pictures that can illustrate feelings. However, some of the other gadgets can cost thousands of dollars and can often only be ordered through a doctor or an agency. “A lot of families have to write grants or do fundraisers to afford them,” Flake-Houseworth said.

The iPad has the advantage of versatility, with its ability to offer almost limitless interactive apps, games, books and music, with many downloadable programs free or in the one-dollar range.

The ease of use is also appealing. “They’re (my sons) better than me at it. They can figure out how to work anything electronically,” Mendel-Koeppl said.

“Kids in general love technology. It really helps to motivate them,” said Dr. Mary Beth DeWitt, a staff psychologist at Dayton Children’s who often works with autistic children. She hasn’t started using the iPad in her own practice but recommends it as a tool for the parents of children she treats. “It’s a first step to get them interested, especially because autistic children are often very visual. This is a great alternative to using flash cards.”

DeWitt knows of parents who have used the iPad to ease their child’s efforts at socialization, by displaying pictures of classmates for them to study and uploading pictures of pets to give their kids a conversation starter with others at school. “There are so many ways it can be used and parents are amazing at figuring out new uses,” she said.

The Dayton Chapter of the Autism Society considers the iPad such a valuable therapeutic tool that it now offers grants to families for purchasing one, alongside grants for things like speech therapy and medical supplies.

It is also one of the items available to borrow from the product lending library managed by Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, which loans assistive technology devices out — for free — to individuals with disabilities. “The iPad is the most popular item in our lending library,” said Kevin Leonard, assistive technology services coordinator. “It gives people a try-it-before-you-buy-it option.”

Leonard said the iPads are mostly being checked out to help those who have non-verbal autism.

“The only drawback we’ve had is truly its popularity,” he said.

Beyond autism

At Goodwill Easter Seals, Leonard sees potential for the iPad to help more than just the autistic community. “What we’re finding is the software is absolutely wonderful, not only for children, but also for seniors,” he said.

For individuals with physical disabilities, the lack of a keyboard also makes the device easier to use than a traditional computer. “I have a physical disability myself and I’ve found this is one of the few items I haven’t had to adapt,” Leonard said. “With the iPad, even though I have limited finger dexterity, all I have to do is use my thumb or one finger. Or, I just push a button and use a voice activation app. I can do searches on Google just by speaking to it.”

At Dayton Children’s, the Child Life Department is using an iPad both to educate and to entertain patients and their parents. Before obtaining an iPad, Child Life Specialist Kristy Rowe had to cart around a rather large bag of items. “I’d carry DVDs, a DVD player, CDs, a CD player, books and games and so on. This is so much easier and offers so much more,” she said.

Rowe uses an educational app to illustrate procedures before surgery. She’s found that the iPad images are easier for people to understand than what’s available in books and she likes that she can draw on it.

Opening up the world

Like any technology, there can be drawbacks. No device can be a complete substitute for human interaction and instruction.

“My biggest concern with technology is that people don’t know how to talk directly with each other anymore,” said DeWitt, the psychologist at Dayton Children’s. “But in the field of autism, the iPad is a means to help children connect with others.” Mendel-Koeppl agreed, saying she’d recommend it for anyone with a disability. “It opens your world up,” she said.

Diane Schwob Zubrick, the art instructor at We Care Arts, witnesses that again and again, when she uses the iPad in art classes she teaches to special-needs students at Beavercreek High School and Baker Middle School in Fairborn.

On Saturday, Zubrick swiftly demonstrated numerous apps to Dee Yoakum, Mikayla’s mother, showing pianos on screen that can be played, fire engines that can be scooted down a cartoon street, and cats that can be petted or poked, prompting either meows or yowls. Her students with disabilities are using the iPad to learn music appreciation, hand-eye coordination and the social niceties of pet interactions.

“It’s just amazing that they can learn all this from electronics,” Zubrick said.

Don't Turn Car Seats Around Until Age 2, AAP Says

Children should stay in rear-facing car seats until age 2 or until they grow too big for seat specifications, according to revised guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Although the AAP has recommended since 2002 that kids stay in rear-facing seats as long as possible, the new advice is a departure in that it does not establish a minimum threshold for turning seats around, according to Dennis Durbin, MD, a pediatric emergency physician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

In the previous guidance, the minimum was age 1 or 20 pounds, said Durbin, the lead author of the policy statement and an accompanying technical report, which was published online in Pediatrics.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also released new guidelines for child passenger safety. They are based on age and are consistent with the AAP's recommendations, according to a statement.

The AAP's committee on injury, violence, and poison prevention decided to revise the policy on child passenger safety shortly after it was reaffirmed in 2007, Durbin said in an interview.

New data from the U.S. and Sweden, where children typically stay rear facing until age 4, indicated that there remained a benefit for reducing the risk of serious injury in children older than 1.

Durbin acknowledged that it might take some time for parents to absorb and implement the new recommendations -- particularly because of concerns about their child's comfort -- but said that most car seats and restraint systems on the market can accommodate the new advice.

Pediatricians are expected to play a major role in spreading the word.

"The academy is really hoping that these recommendations do a good job of getting all pediatricians up to speed on what the recommendations are because they're really viewed as a major source of information for families," said Durbin, who noted that the policy statement includes an algorithm to help guide clinical decision making.

"We hope that this enables [clinicians] to feel confident that they can be providing the best available advice for their families as they possibly can," he said.

The updated AAP recommendations are as follows:

All infants and children should be in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they outgrow the height and weight specifications of the seat.

Once children outgrow a rear-facing seat, they should be placed in forward-facing car seats with harnesses until they exceed the height and weight criteria.

After forward-facing seats are no longer suitable, children should be placed in belt-positioning booster seats until the vehicle's lap-and-shoulder seat belt fits properly -- with the lap portion fitting low across the hips and pelvis and the shoulder portion fitting across the middle of the shoulder and chest -- usually when a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches or around ages 8 to 12.

Lap-and-shoulder seat belts should be used at all times for children who have outgrown booster seats.

All children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat at all times.

Durbin noted that parents and pediatricians often think of these transitions as developmental milestones, and said that parents should not let their excitement result in a switch too soon.

"I think one of the main messages that's coming out of these recommendations is that those transitions should be delayed for as long as possible, because with each transition you make you give up a little safety in the event of a crash," he said.

What changed?

This is a change from the previous recommendation that rear-facing seats be used until age 1 or 20 pounds was reached.

As of March 2011, children should stay in rear-facing car seats until age 2 or until they grow too big for seat specifications, according to revised guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Sources: MedPage Today and American Academy of Pediatrics

“Spring” into Wellness

As soon as the weather warms up, people of all ages head outdoors. Whether it’s doing yard work, cleaning out the garage, taking a bike ride or walking the dog, there’s something about those first few days of spring that helps us all get moving, especially after the winter we’ve had this year.

Here are five tips to help you and your family “spring” into wellness:

  1. Buy a pedometer.
    Wear it every day to count the number of steps you walk/run. Did you know it’s recommended that we take 10,000 steps per day? That’s a lot more than you realize. By wearing a pedometer, you may find that you have a little more motivation to take the stairs instead of the elevator or to park a little farther out at the grocery store than you normally would. Most pedometers are very affordable and range in price from $10 to $30 depending on the model and features.

  2. Drink plenty of water.
    How much water should you drink every day? It's a simple question with no easy answer. Studies have shown different recommendations over the years, but bottom line, your water intake depends on your health, how active you are and where you live. Water makes up 60% of your body weight and is important for your body to function - flush toxins out of organs, carry nutrients to your cells and provide a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Doctors recommend that an average, healthy adult get 8 - 9 cups (8 oz) of water each day. If you're concerned about your fluid intake, check with your doctor.

  3. Make time for fun and relaxation.
    We all live very busy lives. Trying to balance work, raising kids, volunteering, paying bills, attending events and doctor appointments can certainly be challenging. However, if you regularly make time to have fun and relax, you’ll be in a better place to handle stress.
    • Set aside relaxation time. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.
    • Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life.
    • Do something you enjoy every day.Make time for activities that make you happy – taking photographs, playing an instrument, or working out.
    • Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. Laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.
  4. Get more sleep.
    Lack of sleep means your body is working extra hard to do its everyday jobs. If you feel like you need to consume extra sugars and caffeinated drinks to make it through your day, you may not be getting enough sleep. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night is best for a healthy, active lifestyle.

  5. Visit your doctor regularly. Most people only go to the doctor when something is wrong, but it’s very important to your doctor at least once a year, whether you're sick or not. Preventive care can help detect warning signals of heart disease, cancer and stroke - three of the biggest threats to your health.

Resources: Mayo Clinic, Humana, WebMD

Poison Prevention

From cleaning supplies to medications, poisonous items show up throughout our homes. More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country and more than 90% of these poisonings happen in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings happen with children younger than 6 years old.

Here are the top four poisonous items and how to safeguard your home:

  1. Medications
    Keep medications in a locked cabinet and out of reach of children. Don’t rely on the packaging to protect your children. Be aware of all medications in your home (and in those of friends and relatives if your kids spend a lot of time there).
  2. Cleaning products and household chemicals
    Never put cleaning products in containers that were once used for food or drink.Store products in a locked cabinet out of reach of children. When you're cleaning or using chemicals, never leave the bottles unattended if there's a small child present.
  3. Alcohol
    Don't leave alcoholic drinks where kids can reach them. Take special care during parties — guests may not be mindful of where they've left their drinks. Clean up right after the party. And remember, mouthwash even contains alcohol.
  4. Lead paint
    Don't use cribs, bassinets, highchairs, painted toys or toy chests made before 1978; these may have a finish that contains lead. If you have an older home, have the paint tested for lead. Keep up on toy recalls due to the use of lead paint — you can receive notifications from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For more information on lead, call the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD (5323).

Maintaining a Safe, Kid-Friendly Environment

To check your childproofing efforts, get down on your hands and knees in every room of your home to see things from a child's perspective. Be aware of your child's surroundings and what might be potentially dangerous. Completely childproofing your home can be difficult. If you can't childproof the entire house, you can shut the doors (and install doorknob covers) to any room a child shouldn't enter to prevent wandering into places that haven't been properly childproofed. For sliding doors, doorknob covers and childproof locks are also great for keeping little ones from leaving your home. Supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids from getting injured. Whether you have a baby, toddler or a school-age child, your home should be a safe place where your little one can explore.

National Poison Prevention Week is March 20 - 26. Learn more at www.poisonprevention.org.

Resources: Poison Prevention, KidsHealth

Medicaid Phishing Scam Reported

Friday, March 11, 2011

Ohio Health Plans (OHP) received a report regarding a possible “phishing” scam targeting Medicaid consumers. A county recently contacted OHP on behalf of a consumer who was contacted by telephone by an unknown source with an out of state phone number. The consumer was told Medicaid was being terminated, but termination would not occur if the consumer provided enumeration information, including their social security number. The consumer contacted the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and managed care program and was advised they had not contacted the consumer for such information. Never provide personal information to unknown parties - this increases the potential for identity theft and Medicaid fraud. If you have experienced a similar situation, please call your local Job and Family Services Department and notify your Medicaid provider.

Heart health - 7 steps to a healthier heart

What’s called the “silent killer,” the number one risk for heart disease and one in three adults have it?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

Surprised?

Even more disturbing - most people don’t even know they have high blood pressure which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” It can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and even heart failure.

The American Heart Association has introduced Life’s Simple 7™ - seven steps to a healthier heart.

  1. Manage your blood pressure. Know your numbers - normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80 (120/80). Keep your blood pressure down by eating a heart-healthy diet which includes reducing salt, enjoying regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco smoke.

  2. Eat better. – Eat better. A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best methods to fight heart disease. Choose foods like:
    • Vegetables and fruits – high in vitamins, minerals and fiber; low in calories
    • Whole grains – wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains help lower your cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help manage your weight.
    • Lean meat and fish – salmon, trout and herring have omega-3 fatty acids that may help lower your risk of heart disease.
    • Low-fat dairy products – skim milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt are great sources of calcium, protein and Vitamin D which help build stronger bones, lower blood pressure and maintain weight
  3. Get active. – By exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength and ability to function well. To increase physical activity try:
    • Parking farther away from your destination
    • Take short walks throughout the workday
    • Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
    • Participate in active-play video games with your friends and family like Wii Fit Plus™

    The simplest, positive change you can make to improve your heart health is to start walking.


  4. Control cholesterol. – Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body and food. Your liver and other cells in your body make about 75% of blood cholesterol. The other 25% comes from the foods you eat. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol. When too much of it circulates in the blood, it can clog arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. To keep your cholesterol under control The American Heart Association recommends that you:
    • Schedule a cholesterol screening
    • Eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat and free of trans fat
    • Maintain a healthy weight
    • Stay active

  5. Lose weight. – Obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease. If you have too much fat — especially a lot around your waist — you're at higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Eating healthy and being active is the key to managing a healthy weight.
  6. Reduce blood sugar. – The American Heart Association considers diabetes one of the six major controllable risk factors for heart disease. In fact, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes. When diabetes is diagnosed, a doctor may prescribe changes in eating habits, weight control, exercise programs and medication to keep it in check. It's very important for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups. Work closely with your doctor to manage your diabetes.
  7. Stop smoking. – Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, but when it is combined with other factors like being overweight and having diabetes for example, it can double or triple your risk of heart disease. You don't have to quit alone. Ask your family, friends, and doctor to help you. Quitting is hard, but it can be done.
    • Get ready. If you're ready to quit right now, go ahead. But if you want to plan ahead, set a date to quit. Pick a time when you won't have a lot of stress in your life. Get rid of ashtrays and lighters before you quit. Don't let people smoke in your house.
    • Change your routine. For example, if you smoke after eating, take a walk instead.
    • Use medicine. It can help with cravings and stress, and it doubles your chances of quitting smoking. You can buy nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches without a prescription. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine.
    • Get support. Seek help from the national tobacco Quit Line (1-800-784-8669), stop-smoking programs like the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program or contact your doctor

Remember, Life’s Simple 7™- it’s the small steps that make a big difference.

Source: American Heart Association, WebMD

Cyberbullying: Virtual name-calling can have real-world effects on the health and well being of kids and teens

Bullies and mean girls have been on playgrounds and schools forever, but the Internet and cell phones have opened up a whole new world. Kids use technology different than their parents. Many spend a lot of time on social networking sites like Facebook and send hundreds of text messages and instant messages (IMs) to their friends. Their knowledge of technology can be intimidating, but they still need parental supervision.

What Is It?

Cyberbullying is the use of technology – e-mail, text messages and social media sites - to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. In a 2006 poll from the national organization "Fight Crime: Invest in Kids" found that 1 in 3 teens and 1 in 6 preteens have been the victims of cyberbullying. Severe cyberbullying can leave victims at greater risk for anxiety, depression and other stress-related disorders. Some kids have even turned to suicide.

Know the Signs

Kids who are cyberbullied are often reluctant to tell a teacher or parent because they feel ashamed or are afraid their computer and cell phone privileges may be taken away. The signs that a child is being cyberbullied vary, but a few things to look for are:

  • Emotional distress during or after using the Internet
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Avoidance of school or group gatherings
  • Slipping grades and "acting out" in anger at home
  • Changes in mood, behavior, sleep or appetite
  • Wanting to stop using the computer or cell phone
  • Appearing nervous or jumpy when getting an instant message, text message or e-mail
  • Avoiding discussions about computer or cell phone activities

What You Should Do

Here are some suggestions on what to do if online bullying has become part of your child's life.

  • Talk to your child. Listen to how they feel about being bullied and talk about ways you can approach the situation.
  • Know your kids' online world. Check their postings and the websites they visit. Be aware of how they spend their time online. Talk to them about the importance of privacy and why it's a bad idea to share personal information online, even with friends.
  • Limit access. Keep the computer in a public place in the house and limit the use of cell phones and games.
  • Block the bully. Most devices have settings that allow you to electronically block e-mails, instant messages (IMs), or text messages from specific people.
  • Get involved. Talk to your child’s school counselor, principal or teacher about what is going on. However, before you do that, tell your child what your plan is. He or she may think you are “tattling” and prefer the situation be handled at home.
  • Keep record. Threatening messages, pictures and texts can be used as evidence with the bully's parents, school, employer or even the police.

Cyberbulling is on the rise and should be taken seriously. Talk to your kids about respecting others even through technology. It’s a lot easier to send a hateful text message than to say it to someone’s face.

Source: KidsHealth.org

Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

As the weather turns colder, it's a sure sign of the return of cold and flu season. What can you do to stay healthy this season? Follow these tips to help you and your family fight off colds and the flu this winter:

Eat Healthy

  • Get at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fresh fruit every day
  • Choose whole grains when you can
  • Eat at least two servings of milk or yogurt daily

Wash Your Hands

Don't underestimate the power of hand washing. The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor's office. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water frequently especially:

  • After using the bathroom
  • Before eating and cooking
  • After touching animals, including family pets
  • After being outside - playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc
  • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • Before and after visiting or taking care of a sick friend or relative.

Get Plenty of Sleep

To make sure your body is able to fight off illnesses this winter, create a consistent bedtime routine for yourself and your children. This should include going to bed at the same time each night, even on the weekends. So how much sleep should you and your family get? Here are some approximate numbers based on age:

  • Newborns up to 6 months generally sleep 16 to 20 hours each day, divided about equally between night and day
  • Babies 6 to 12 months typically need a 3 hour nap each day and sleep 11 hours at night
  • Toddlers (1 to 3) need about 10 to 13 hours of sleep
  • Preschoolers (3 to 5) generally need 10 to 12 hours per night
  • School-aged children (6 to 10) should get 10 to 11 hours
  • Tweens and teens (11 to 17) need about 8 to 9.5 hours per night
  • Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep

Get a Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year, especially the following high-risk groups:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5
  • Adults 50 years of age and older
  • Adults, teens and children with chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu (health care facilities, day care centers, etc.)

Flu shots are available at many health care settings including doctors' offices and public, employee and university health clinics and some pharmacies and supermarkets. Call your doctor or local public health department about availability in your area.

Source: About.com, KidsHealth.org, cdc.gov and Sleepfoundation.org

Carving out Good Health with Pumpkins

When most people think of pumpkins, it's carving that comes to mind – but the pumpkin is more than just a decorative Halloween candleholder or a pie filling to be eaten only once a year. It is one of the most nutritious foods available year round. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, both the flesh and seeds of the pumpkin provide many health-boosting nutrients.

Pumpkins are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant with properties that can help improve immune function and reduce the risk for diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A cup of cooked pumpkin has only 50 calories and nearly three grams of fiber, making it the perfect healthful addition to your autumn meal. Even better, while the flesh of the pumpkin packs nutritious power on its own, there's a good reason not to toss the seeds. Promising research suggests that the oil from pumpkin seeds can help with prostate problems.

Pumpkins are considered a type of squash. The tough outer skin and sweet flavor of pumpkin are the distinctive trademarks of a squash harvested during cooler weather, often referred to as "winter squash." Other winter varieties of squash like acorn squash, butternut squash, banana squash, and buttercup squash can be prepared in the same way as pumpkin. For more information on how to cook this nutritious vegetable, go to: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/pumpkin-recipes-packed-nutrition.

Source: WebMD

Clear Kids with Concussions Before Sports

Parents and coaches should use their head when dealing with young athletes and injuries resulting from blows to the head and neck.

Kids who suffer from concussions need to be cleared by a doctor before they start playing sports again. Parents and coaches should also be aware that young athletes could take longer to recover than adults from head injuries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

A concussion, particularly common in kids who play sports, is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head and neck, such as when a soccer player hits her head on the goal post or collides head-on with another player. Even when they seem mild, concussions can be serious. That is why it is important to know how to recognize the signs of a concussion and take the necessary steps to seek treatment. Signs of concussions may show up immediately, or they may take weeks after an injury. The symptoms include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, or depression and anxiety, the Council says. Some but not all athletes with concussions lose consciousness.

The brains of kids and adolescents might be even more vulnerable to the effects of a concussion than older athletes. While some athletes might want to "tough it out" after getting hit in the head, the Council recommends a gradual increase in activity once symptoms go away – and urges that kids who suffer concussions should never return to a game or practice the same day.

Parents should get the “all clear” from a medical doctor before allowing kids who have suffered from concussions to return sports – and parents and coaches need to be aware of concussion symptoms, as well as the risks of not properly treating head injuries.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness

Nutritious, Delicious and Fun School Lunch Ideas

Start your kids off right by packing school lunches with nutritious foods that get an “A” for good taste and fun…all while helping them get healthy eating habits for life. Instead of a sandwich on white bread, bag of chips, and cookies try some of the following healthy (and more interesting) items for your child's lunch box:

  • Wraps made with whole-wheat tortillas, made with either lean cold cuts or low fat cream cheese topped with veggie slices. Even the classic peanut butter and jelly is healthier in a wheat wrap.
  • Single portion-sized cups of unsweetened applesauce or fruit.
  • Trail mix made with cereals, nuts, pretzels dried fruit or raisins and a few chocolate chips.
  • Low fat cheese spread on whole-wheat crackers.
  • Individual serving-sized packages of low fat yogurt, cottage cheese or yogurt smoothies.
  • Baby carrots, celery sticks or apple slices with dips made from yogurt or low fat sour cream.
  • Mini-burritos made with rice and black beans or refried beans in a tortilla with tomato salsa.
  • Baked chips or pretzels, which are a healthier choice than high-fat potato chips or cheese snacks.
  • Drinks made from water with a splash of cranberry, grape or other fruit juices.
  • Whole grain bagels topped with vegetable cream cheese spread.
  • Air-popped popcorn flavored with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
  • Low fat cheese cubes and seedless grapes.
  • Cold strips of grilled chicken with honey mustard dip.
  • Dried fruit like cranberries, cherries or apples.
  • Quesadilla slices made with cheese and chicken or vegetables.

  • Source: MedicineNet.com