1. Understand the language of health care.

We’ve all been there: nodding in agreement with what a doctor has said, while thinking, “I’m really not sure what you mean.” So, what’s the best thing you can do when a doctor uses words and phrases you simply don’t know? Ask for an explanation.

Few things make a doctor happier than a patient who asks for clarification. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention, that you care about what’s going on, and that you want to understand so you can follow through properly. In the meantime, the following links might help you be better prepared for your next visit:

• Cardiovascular Terms: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/3,82057

• Healthcare Terms: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/1,2856

• Indispensable Health Insurance Glossary: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/1,1829

• Nutrition Glossary: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/1,2965

2. Keep your brain in shape.

The more you challenge your brain, the healthier, sharper and quicker it will be. By stimulating your mind, you help protect yourself against declining brain function.

There are hundreds of things you can do to keep your mind healthy, and most are quite simple. Solve the newspaper’s daily crossword puzzle. Join a book club. Play card games, word games, or any games that make you think and use your imagination. Study a second language or take a class that interests you. There are even software programs and online resources that can help you challenge your mind in creative ways. To find out more about how to exercise your mind, go to: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/1,1507

3. A fitness formula for better health: 3 x 10 = 30

No time in your day for a half-hour workout? That’s OK. Your recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise don’t have to be done all at once. Many people get their workout by breaking it up into smaller, more manageable 10-minute increments. While not as intense as a 30-minute workout, you will still enjoy the healthy benefits of exercise.

There are many ways to squeeze exercise into your day when you approach it this way. Consider starting or ending your day with some aerobics or stretching. Walk to and from your favorite lunch place, or take a quick lap around the school after you drop off the kids. Click here for dozens of other helpful exercise strategies: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/Articles.pg?topicid=23

4. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Your doctor will often recommend follow-up activities after your visit – it may be lab work, another appointment or seeing a specialist. Why do they make such requests? Because they are truly interested in your health and well-being. Yet many patients simply don’t follow through. It’s called “non-compliance,” and it can end up lowering your quality of life and increasing the cost of health care due to potential complications or delayed treatment.

Of course, if you’re not clear about the request, you’re not likely to follow it. So we encourage you to ask questions until you feel comfortable with the next step. If you understand the why, when and how, you’re much more likely to comply – and get well soon. To learn more about how to be a proactive, involved patient, go to: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/RelatedItems/1,2329

5. Talk with your pharmacist.

Pharmacists do more than count pills into little bottles. They are highly trained, skilled professionals who are a valuable source of information about anything that involves your medication. Always ask your pharmacist any questions you have about drug interactions, appropriate dosages and methods of taking your prescriptions. (with meals, on an empty stomach, with water). Follow his or her advice and always be sure to finish your prescription. Of course, if you ever notice an adverse reaction to medication, you should call your doctor immediately. For in information about specific medications, visit our drug reference website: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/DrugReference/

6. Be prepared for your doctor’s questions with your interactive health record.

With so much to remember, are you ever stumped by the questions your doctor asks? Keeping track of information about medications, past visits, recent tests and medical histories can leave your head spinning.

That’s why we’re inviting you to download a Personal Health Record. It’s a private, secure place where you can keep organized records about medications, test results and other information for every member of your family, so all the valuable information you need is right at your fingertips. This handy computer-based tool generates a printout to help you find important medical details when you need them the most. The information can also be stored securely on your computer, so it’s private and easy to update. Click here to download a Personal Health Record: http://www.bcbsde.com/promotions/healthtips/image/PHR07.Doc

7. Shop the perimeter.

For a healthier cartload on your next trip to the grocery store, try shopping from a different angle — look along the perimeter of the store for the items on your list. The perimeter aisles are where stores tend to feature their freshest, healthiest and least-processed food selections. Chances are you won’t find everything you need along those outer edges, but you just might discover some healthfully tempting options you hadn’t noticed before. Now that you know where to find all the healthy ingredients, here are several recipes you can use them in:
http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Recipes/

8. Reduce stress for better mental health.

Stress, whether physical or mental, is a natural part of life. But sometimes it can feel overwhelming — and that’s when it becomes a concern. Unhealthy levels of stress can create and further complicate emotional, physical, and behavioral problems. It’s important to recognize when you start to feel stress, so you can learn how to successfully manage it. For tips and interactive tools to help you cope with and overcome — stress, visit: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/RelatedItems/1,2692

9. Keep an eye on your vision.

It’s easy to see it’s important that you have regular eye exams. While they’re not necessarily an annual requirement when you’re young, eye exams should be scheduled more regularly as you age, so your doctor can screen for potential vision problems, eye diseases and other health problems. And, of course, regular eye exams will help keep your eyewear prescription current.

For a list of other screenings you should take care of regularly at various life stages, visit: http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/2,7

10. Stay current with blood pressure screenings.

Chances are, we’ve all experienced high blood pressure at one time or another, whether in response to strenuous exercise or a stressful situation. But usually, those are just temporary increases in blood pressure. More serious is the chronic high blood pressure that many people have for years without knowing it. This can be a symptom of or lead to other dangerous health conditions if left undiagnosed.

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is very easy to detect. So have a medical professional check your blood pressure. Being aware of your readings can really help you keep the pressure off. Find other important tips on keeping your blood pressure low at:
http://bcbsde.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/1,1311