LiveHealthy...Healthy. Ryan Kanable, Managing Editor . Live Healthy. is published by WPS Health Insurance. This material is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about

FALL 2019wpshealth.com

VAPINGBetter than smoking?

DIABETESTop questions

and answers

ASTHMABeyond the stereotypes

KEEP YOURBLOOD PRESSURE IN CHECK

LiveHealthy

Asthma: Beyond the stereotypes»You’re watching a movie or a TV show, and somebody reaches for an inhaler: what does that person look like?

Probably not David Beckham.

Pop culture has a long history of stereotyping people with asthma as being nerds. Usually it’s for comic effect. Sometimes it’s to show vulnerability. But asthma is almost always used to convey weakness.

The truth is anybody can suffer from asthma, even a dashing English soccer star like Becks, who, in 2009, admitted he’d had asthma for years.

Twenty-five million Americans, or approximately one in 12, has the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number is on the rise.

What is asthma?Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways narrow and swell and can produce mucus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Constricted airways can impair breathing, and cause coughing and wheezing. Symptoms can be mild or severe—even life-threatening. Some compare the feeling of an asthma attack to trying to breathe through a narrow or flattened straw.

The Mayo Clinic describes three types of asthma:

» Exercise-induced asthma often worsens in cold, dry weather

» Occupational asthma is triggered by things like chemical fumes, gases, or dust in the workplace

» Allergy-induced asthma is stimulated by airborne substances, such as:

o Pollen

Live HealthyRyan Kanable, Managing Editor

Live Healthy is published by WPS Health Insurance. This material is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about this or any other subjects pertinent to your health. See your summary of benefits for covered services. Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers™ partnerships are paid endorsements.

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o Mold spores

o Pet dander

o Cockroaches

o Rodents

Colds and flus can also serve as triggers, as well as strong emotions, such as anger, fear, and excitement.

Asthma treatmentsThere is no cure for asthma, but there are effective treatments that can help manage it. There are two types of medications, ones that offer long-term control and others that provide quick relief.

Long-term medications are taken regularly and help control symptoms and limit attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common and effective type, reducing the swelling in airways.

You may be more familiar with the quick-relief medications, usually inhalers. They are used when an asthma attack has already started or when symptoms worsen.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends that everyone with asthma should have a treatment plan in writing. A free sample plan form is available on the aafa.org website.

There are many variations of asthma. It is essential to see your doctor to form a treatment plan that works best for you.

To learn more about asthma, visit our Wellness page at wpshealth.com and search “asthma.”

Asthma: Beyond the stereotypes

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PREVENTIVEversus DIAGNOSTIC

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Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), preventive care* must be covered by insurance plans 100%. Preventive care helps keep people healthier and reduces health care expenses in the long term.Preventive care is only covered at 100% when obtained from an in-network health care provider.

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between “preventive” care* and “diagnostic” care. Preventive care, as stated, is covered. But if a doctor wants to examine any specific health issues further, that falls in the “diagnostic” category, which means the patient will likely be paying a copay or coinsurance. This is important to keep in mind when visiting the doctor.

Preventive care includes: » Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests » Many cancer screenings, including

mammograms and colonoscopies

» Counseling on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthfully, treating depression, and reducing alcohol use

» Regular well-baby and well-child visits, from birth to age 21

» Routine vaccinations against diseases, such as measles, polio, or meningitis

» Counseling, screening, and vaccines to ensure healthy pregnancies

» Flu and pneumonia shots; visit vaccines.gov to learn more

Find more information at:hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/preventive-care/index.htmlhealthcare.gov/coverage/preventive-care-benefits/

*Preventive care services include routine exams, screenings, immunizations, and other services ranked A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Provider directoryavailable onlineFor up-to-date information on health care providers, visit wpshealth.com. Click on Find a Doctor and then enter your Group Number from your customer ID card. You can also get current provider information or request a printed directory by calling Customer Service at 888-915-4001 (toll-free).

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Customers may request an external review if coverage was denied. Some reasons may include:• Services were deemed not

medically necessary• Services were considered

experimental or investigational• Services were rendered by an

out-of-network practitioner whose clinical expertise was felt to be medically necessary and the expertise is not available from an in-network practitioner

• Services were for a pre-existing condition exclusion

• The policy or certificate was rescinded

The external review process provides customers the opportunity to have medical professionals who have no connection to their health plan review their disputes. A decision of an Independent Review Organization may be binding on the health plan and customer, unless other remedies are available under state or federal law.

When a coverage request is initially denied, information on how to request a review is provided with the denial. In most cases, external review is available only when the grievance procedure has been completed. Customers may be entitled to an expedited external review when certain situations apply.

A request for an external review must be made within four months of the date of the adverse determination or experimental treatment determination, or from the date of receipt of notice of the grievance panel decision, whichever is later.

Have a question?If you have any questions or need additional information, call us at 800-765-4977. You may also contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) at 800-236-8517 or oci.wi.gov.

Osteoporosis, a disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, is quite common. One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Bone mass stops increasing around the age of 30, according to the National Institute on Aging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to keep your bones strong.

Eat high-calcium foodsCalcium is critical for bone health, and dairy can be a great source of the mineral. The body absorbs calcium more efficiently in smaller doses, so try spreading your intake throughout the day. Check with your doctor to see if calcium supplements would be beneficial.

Get some sunVitamin D is another vital component of bone health, including helping the absorption of calcium. Diet, including milk, can help. An AARP article states

that getting 15 minutes in the sun each day can provide the vitamin D you need.

Get activePeople who are inactive have an increased risk of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, like walking or jogging, are important. So are resistance training, such as light weightlifting, and cardio.

Stay well-restedGetting less than six hours of sleep each night can result in a higher susceptibility to osteoporosis, according to a recent study by the American Geriatrics Society. Limit tobacco and alcohol useStudies suggest that both tobacco and alcohol use can weaken bones, according to the Mayo Clinic.

To find out more about osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent it, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website at nof.org or visit the Wellness page at wpshealth.com where you can search on “osteoporosis.”

Increasing your bone density

Notice of external review rights

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Vaping not a good alternative to smoking

The increase in e-cigarette use, particularly among young people, is a dangerous trend that carries real health risks, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). For many reasons, the AHA says, e-cigarettes should not be promoted as a safe alternative to smoking.

While fewer people are smoking or starting to smoke than ever before, many are using other forms of tobacco. The increase in vaping by kids and young people in recent years is a serious public health threat. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “Juuling.” Users inhale and exhale aerosolized vapor. This way of taking in nicotine poses health risks to users and non-users.

Many downsides to vaping; few potential upsidesE-cigarette promoters claim the devices can help people quit smoking. But more evidence is needed to show their effectiveness for quitting cigarettes and other tobacco use. Instead, trends suggest users are more likely to continue smoking along with vaping, which is referred to as “dual use.”

For tips on quitting smoking, visit the Wellness page at wpshealth.com and search on “quitting smoking.”

Vaping may not be less harmful than smoking. While e-cigarette aerosol or vapor doesn’t include all the contaminants in tobacco smoke, vaping is still harmful: » Most e-cigs deliver nicotine, which is highly

addictive and may cause negative health effects, such as harming the developing brains of teens, kids, and fetuses in women who vape while pregnant. » Some types expose users to even more nicotine

than traditional cigarettes. » E-cig vapor includes potentially harmful substances,

such as nicotine, diacetyl (a chemical linked to a serious lung disease), cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals (e.g., nickel, tin, and lead). And because vapor is exhaled, those nearby are also exposed to these contaminants.

» The liquid used in e-cigs can be dangerous, even apart from its intended use. Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing the liquid through their skin or eyes.

E-cigarettes’ biggest threat to public health may be their increasing popularity, which may “re-normalize” smoking after years of decline. Smoking is still the leading preventable cause of death and is responsible for 480,000 American deaths each year.

A threat to young peopleTobacco companies want to hook a new generation on nicotine and the allure of smoking.• In 2014, tobacco companies spent more than $125

million on aggressive marketing. In that same year, almost half of U.S. teens ages 12-17 and more than 80% of young adults ages 18-21 were exposed to magazine ads for e-cigs.

• Vaping is now the most common form of tobacco use by kids and teens. In 2018, vaping by high school students in the U.S. doubled from 2017.

• Many students say they’ve tried e-cigarettes in part because of the flavors in the liquids.

More effort and research are neededIn a 2016 report, the Surgeon General called e-cigarette use among young people a “public health concern.” The AHA shares that view and advocates for stronger regulations. The organization also supports maintaining the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory authority over e-cigarettes along with other tobacco products.

The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are not well understood yet. But the science suggests vaping is not a safe or healthy alternative to smoking conventional cigarettes.

Source: American Heart Association, heart.org/en/ healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/ is-vaping-safer-than-smoking.

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You have options for medical careWhen you are sick or injured, knowing where to go to seek care can make a big difference in how long you wait for treatment and how much you pay out of pocket. It is important to know the options available based on your specific situation. YOUR OPTIONS WHEN TO USE CONVENIENCE COST

TELEMEDICINE

For conditions such as cold, flu, aller-gies, sinus problems, ear/respiratory infections, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, or stress. Appointments can be done via phone, video, or mobile app.(All WPS-sponsored plans have a ser-vice provider.)

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, from the comfort of your home, office, or when you are away from home.

Low out-of-pocket cost.

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

Health issues that can wait for an appointment during normal business hours.

Appointments required during office hours.

Medium out-of- pocket cost.

URGENT CARE

When a condition is not life threatening, but needs same-day treatment, and you cannot get in to see your primary care provider.

Extended hours. May experience long wait times to see the doctor.

Medium out-of- pocket cost.

EMERGENCY ROOM

When immediate treatment is needed for a life-threatening event, such as head trauma, seizures, chest pain, se-vere allergic reaction, loss of conscious-ness, or difficulty breathing.

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. May experience long wait times as more severe cases are seen first.

High out-of-pocket cost.

For more detailed information, please see: • The Urgent Care or Emergency Room? FAQ page in the Wellness section at wpshealth.com • The Telehealth Services page found under My Benefits at wpshealth.com. If you have questions, please contact Customer Service at the number printed on your customer ID card.

NAME: Tim La Sage

ROLE AT WPS: Military Affairs Manager

HOMETOWN: Sussex, Wis.

TIME SERVED: 1993–2015

BRANCH OF SERVICE: U.S. Marine Corps

RANK: First Sergeant

WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MILITARY?

My father was on a mountain climbing team and I

found myself growing up in the outdoors. Mission

planning was normal for the climbing trips as well

as hunting seasons. The military/infantry seemed

like nothing was changing in how I grew up.

FUN FACT: Tim is the vice president of the

Wisconsin Purple Heart Riders motorcycle club.

At WPS Health Solutions, helping veterans has always been a part of our mission. WPS was founded in 1946 in part to help World War II veterans returning to Wisconsin get the affordable health care they needed. We remain committed to those who serve our country. At WPS, hiring veterans is a priority. As of last count, we had 125 on our team. We wanted to share some of their stories with you.

Protect yourself from flu

> Page 2: Beyond the stereotypes of asthma

> Page 4: Preventive vs. Diagnostic

> Page 5: Increasing your bone density

> Page 6: Is vaping better than smoking?

Live HealthyFALL 2019

wpshealth.comFlu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. For otherwise healthy people, it’s usually a minor illness. For people with heart failure, however, flu may worsen cardiovascular symptoms. This could trigger a heart attack. Flu is also more likely to lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, or death in those with heart failure.

Protect yourself and make sure your vaccines are up to date: Get a flu shot every year. There are many influenza viruses. This vaccine protects against the three that scientists predict will be most common in the upcoming flu season. Flu shots begin as soon as the vaccine is available each fall. Get yours as early as possible.

Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 13th season in 2019. It’s the 11th year it has been presented by WPS Health Solutions or its affiliates. Find out more at OperationFanMail.com.

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