Category: Brandpoint

2018-02-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – In January, when many people make New Year’s resolutions to get fit, they’re full of energy and excitement to start and see results.

But by the end of February, that intensity and interest start to slip. Gold’s Gym has identified this as the Fitness Cliff, or the time that gym check-ins begin to gradually decline.

To help fight against the urge to slow down or quit, Gold’s Gym has declared Feb. 22 to be Commitment Day. On that date, Gold’s Gyms across the country will offer free workouts and classes along with resources to help people stay on track. But you can take action right now to make it easier to recommit to your fitness resolutions.

1. Create a plan

Everyone’s fitness journey is different, and with a personalized plan of attack, you’re more likely to get the results you want. Work with an expert to develop a routine that’s best for your current fitness level, body type, age and health history.

“Simply planning to make your resolution part of your schedule makes a significant difference,” says Dempsey Marks, a Gold’s Gym fitness expert. “Our lives can get very busy, so writing a weekly workout plan on Sunday that includes days, times and workouts will help keep you focused, organized and accountable.”

To help you get started, anyone who recommits to their goals on Feb. 22 at Gold’s Gym will receive a free 30-day fitness plan from a certified personal trainer.

2. Eat well

Just because you kill it on the treadmill or in the weight room doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want with no consequences. Food is fuel — learn what to put into your body that will help it perform its best.

Remember, eating three to four hours before your workout will deliver energy to your muscles and help you avoid low blood sugar levels. And eating after a workout will replenish the fluids and carbohydrates your body just burned off.

3. Find an accountability partner

Having at least one workout buddy is good motivation to keep you showing up, push you to work hard and encourage you to keep striving toward your goals. Plus, it’s great to have someone to celebrate with when you reach those fitness milestones.

Commitment Day is the perfect time for you and a pal to get started — bring a friend in to Gold’s Gym for free workouts and classes on Feb. 22.

4. Be adaptable

We get it: Life happens. If you can’t make it to the gym because your car broke down or you’re traveling, it can be tempting to take a break from your fitness routine.

With a digital personal training app like GOLD’S AMP™, you’ll always have an option for workouts at home or on the road. You can choose a coach-guided workout — including outdoor walking and running workouts, stretching and bodyweight exercises — to take anywhere and pair it with the perfect exercise playlist.

5. Just breathe

A fit lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight; don’t get frustrated if things are slow to start or if you hit a plateau. Let yourself rest, think positively and be patient. Getting stronger takes time and effort, and you’re putting in the work that will lead to results later.

6. Avoid the comfort zone

If it’s getting too easy, it’s time to reassess your routine. Don’t be afraid to try a different piece of equipment, lift that heavier weight or join a new group exercise class.

“It’s easy to get stuck in your comfort zone because it’s comfortable!” Marks says. “But with fitness, it’s especially important to avoid the comfort zone to challenge your body in new and unique ways. Plan a new workout every other week by switching up the equipment and machines or go for that personal record. It’ll help to avoid boredom and lead to greater physical gains.”

7. Set an example

Your efforts don’t go unnoticed. Whether or not you realize it, you’re inspiring someone else with his or her own fitness. Use that to give yourself a boost when you need it.

Take Gold’s Gym Challenge winner Ellie Carter, whose two young sons were moved by her efforts to get back in shape.

“Every time we’d go to Gold’s, the boys would say, ‘We’re going to the gym, and Mommy is going to get strong,’” she says. “[Kids] do what we model, so I definitely want to keep encouraging fitness.”

Read Ellie’s success story and find more inspirational stories like it.

2018-02-06T06:01:01

(BPT) – Chest discomfort. Heartburn. Tightness or pressure in the throat, jaw, shoulder, abdomen, back or arm. These are all symptoms of a common heart disease called obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as a blockage in the heart arteries. And it can be deadly. In fact, it often is.

Given how serious a disease this is, you need to know your options for an accurate diagnosis. There’s new evidence for a simple blood test that can help your doctor determine whether your symptoms are due to heart disease or something else, like heartburn caused by a spicy meal, anxiety due to stress, or a pulled muscle in the upper chest area. An emerging field of medical research called cardiovascular genomics has given doctors a new way to discover whether their patients’ symptoms are caused by obstructive CAD just by looking at a patient’s blood sample.

A recent substudy of the Duke University-run National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded PROMISE trial^[1] gave further evidence that this simple blood test can be used to help doctors determine whether obstructive CAD is the cause of patients’ symptoms as well as to provide information about the potential for future heart disease events.

The test (known as the Corus CAD^® blood test) incorporates age, sex and gene expression measurements into a single score that indicates a person’s current likelihood of having a significant blockage or narrowing in their heart arteries. Unlike a genetic test, which provides information about a patient’s future risk of disease, this test provides the likelihood of plaque buildup in the arteries right when the testing is done.

Dr. Andrew Waxler of Berks Cardiologists Ltd. tells us that “Heart disease is not only the number one killer in the U.S., it is also incredibly expensive. The traditional and common tests and procedures doctors use, including heart catheterizations, are expensive, though these are very valuable tools when used with the right people. The beauty of this simple blood test is it’s not very expensive, relatively speaking, and it will direct who needs the more expensive and more risky tests, and who doesn’t. This is a good thing because fewer invasive tests mean fewer risks to the patient, including surgery complications and radiation exposure.”

“In these current health care economic times, people don’t want to pay for unneeded tests. With proper use I feel this simple blood test will help us all save money in the long run while helping doctors determine the best treatment path for each individual patient. It’s a win-win for all involved,” adds Dr. Waxler.

This simple blood test is scored on a scale of 1-40. Those with low scores, defined as ≤ 15, can be safely assessed as having symptoms not caused by CAD, whereas patients with higher scores have a higher likelihood of obstructive CAD. A low score means the patient may be spared invasive and potentially risky cardiac tests and procedures, while those with high scores may require more testing.

If you are concerned about the symptoms of obstructive CAD, talk with your doctor.

For more information about the blood test, visit coruscad.com.

Fast Facts

• One in seven deaths among Americans is caused by CAD.^[2]
• A simple blood test called Corus CAD helps doctors identify patients who are at low risk so that unnecessary and potentially harmful cardiac tests can be avoided, as well as those at high risk so appropriate next steps can be taken.
• This simple blood test (Corus CAD) offers potential costs savings to the patient as well as to health insurance companies as it can help reduce unnecessary tests and procedures, which are often more costly.

2018-02-20T12:01:00

(BPT) – For patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) 12 years and older with certain mutations

At 17 years old, Taylor Brown is a straight-A student balancing a 10-hour work week and competitive dancing. She is also one of approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive genetic disease that makes it difficult to breatheⁱ.

Taylor has been taking a combination of medicines to treat and manage her disease since her diagnosis when she was six days old. In the U.S., approximately 1,000 people are diagnosed with CF each yearⁱ. CF is a disease you are born with.

“Cystic fibrosis has always been a part of my life, but I don’t let it define me,” said Taylor. “I’m still able to do the things I love, like competitive dancing and advocating for other people with cystic fibrosis.”

There is no cure for the life-shortening disease, but therapies are available for some people that target the underlying cause of CFⁱⁱ. CF is caused by a reduction in the quantity and/or function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) proteins resulting from gene mutations that leads to the buildup of mucus in organs, such as the lungsⁱ.

After talking with her treatment team and family, Taylor participated in a clinical trial for SYMDEKO™ (tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor). SYMDEKO was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 12 years and older who have two copies of the F508del mutation or who have at least one mutation in the CF gene that is responsive to SYMDEKO.

“SYMDEKO is a new treatment option that helps the body’s CFTR proteins work better,” said Patrick Flume, M.D., Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Program at the Medical University of South Carolina. “Scientific innovations have enabled medicines to target cystic fibrosis at its root. I encourage patients and their families to work with their doctors to understand how these developments may help them.”

SYMDEKO is made up of two medicines that work to help increase the quantity and function of CFTR protein in certain people with CF. The FDA approval of SYMDEKO was based on results from two global Phase 3 trials in approximately 750 patients, which demonstrated the safety and efficacy of SYMDEKO in people with CF ages 12 and older who had certain mutations in the CFTR gene.

“I’m excited about new discoveries and research in cystic fibrosis, because they have a very real impact on my life and the lives of others with cystic fibrosis,” said Taylor.

Indication and Important Safety Information for SYMDEKO tablets (tezacaftor 100 mg/ivacaftor 150 mg and ivacaftor 150 mg)

It is not known if SYMDEKO is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

Important Safety Information

Talk to your doctor before taking SYMDEKO if you take any of the medicines or herbal supplements listed above.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, because the dose of SYMDEKO may need to be adjusted when taken with certain medicines.

2018-02-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – For most of us, a little evening downtime is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. After a hectic day of work, commutes, kids and dinner prep, we deserve to take a moment to slow down and enjoy some hard-earned “me time.”

Instead of using this time to stream your favorite show or scroll through social media, try a gentle and relaxing activity that puts your focus on the present moment and makes this time truly enjoyable.

“For a relaxing end-of-day activity, there’s nothing quite like preparing and savoring the perfect cup of herbal tea,” says Stephen Twining, whose family founded the world-famous tea brand, Twinings of London, in 1706.

The steps we take to prepare and enjoy our perfect cup of tea can help us unwind and feel refreshed, Twining says. Tea releases pleasing scents, the warm brew makes comforting sensations as we wrap our fingers around the mug and take sips, and there’s the deep and satisfying flavors of the tea itself.

Of course, when we’re engaged in a mindful activity, it’s that much easier to let go of daily stress and transition into a more relaxed state. Follow these five tips from Twining to brew your favorite cup of herbal tea, and try making this a part of your end-of-day ritual.

1. Start fresh: The perfect cup of tea starts with a clean mug and a clean kettle of fresh, cold water. Never reuse water that’s already been boiled, because that can weaken the tea’s flavor, Twining says.

2. Don’t over-boil: As soon as the water reaches a boil, it’s time to remove the kettle from the heat source.

“I never let the water over-boil because in doing so, you will cause the oxygen in the water to be reduced, making the tea taste ‘flat,’” Twining says. For that reason, he recommends not using a microwave to boil the water.

3. Savor the moment: Set the tea bag in the mug before you add hot water, pouring it directly onto the tea bag. Just then, it starts releasing its herbal scent, so make sure you take a moment to inhale and relax while enjoying the aroma. Twinings offers a range of herbal teas each expertly blended to provide the perfect balance of taste, flavor and aroma. For example, Buttermint has a refreshing blend of peppermint leaves combined with the creamy flavor of vanilla for a smooth taste and rich aroma, perfect for helping you unwind.

4. Wait for the perfect flavor: Many people make the mistake of thinking that once the brew darkens, it’s ready to drink. However, Twining says color merely washes off the tea leaves early in the process, so don’t let the appearance mislead you. To make sure the flavors fully develop, know how much time your tea needs to brew, and keep an eye on the clock. Herbal teas should steep for a full four minutes.

5. Customize and enjoy: Hopefully, you will find your perfectly brewed cup of herbal tea needs no embellishment because the expertly blended herbs and flowers will provide all the flavor you need. But as Twining says, “The best cup of tea is the one you like the most,” so feel free to make adjustments. The recommended add-ins for herbal teas are honey, sugar or a squeeze of lemon — do not add milk or cream. For a deeper flavor, let the tea steep a minute or two longer.

After a long day, you definitely earned this moment, so make sure you take time to enjoy it. If you’re interested in exploring Twinings’ complete line of herbal teas, visit twiningsusa.com.

2018-02-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Every day your heart beats an estimated 100,000 times to move 2,000 gallons of blood through your body. That equates to more than 2.5 billion beats in your lifetime! It’s no surprise heart health is a priority for many people, especially considering that heart disease is so common.

One in four deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease. More than 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You know you need to eat a nutritious diet, exercise and avoid smoking. However, there’s a lot more you need to know to protect yourself and your family. Consider these five surprising things your doctor may not have told you about heart disease.

Heart disease can be caused by a genetic disorder

You may never heard of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a common, but inherited genetic disorder that causes heart disease. FH affects approximately one in 250 people worldwide, but currently 90 percent of people born with this genetic condition are not diagnosed. Individuals with FH have a high amount of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in their blood from birth. This lifelong burden of cholesterol is a major reason why FH leads to very early and severe heart disease. The good news is that FH is manageable if detected and treated early in life. If high cholesterol and early heart disease runs in your family, learn more at thefhfoundation.org.

Many heart attacks occur outside the hospital

About 47 percent of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital, according to the CDC. This suggests that many people with heart disease don’t recognize or act on early warning signs.

Heart attacks have several major warning signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweats.

Know the signs. Trust yourself. If you have any of these symptoms or sense something is just not right, call 911.

Heart disease affects young people

Many people think heart disease occurs in old age, but it can affect people of all ages. Even if you or your family members are 30 years old or younger, you could be affected, especially if you have risk factors like high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. Keep in mind, each child with a family member with FH has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disorder, which is present since birth. Untreated individuals with FH have up to a 20 times increased lifetime risk of early heart disease, yet 90 percent of people with FH are undiagnosed, according to the FH Foundation.

Children (even infants) can have high cholesterol

Many adults are regularly screened for high cholesterol, but it’s not as common for children to be screened, although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children between the ages of 9 to 11 be screened for high cholesterol. These guidelines also recommend screening for FH as early as age 2 years if there is a family history of high cholesterol, early heart disease or known FH. Talk to your children’s doctor about screening. FH is characterized by an LDL-C level of over 190 mg/dL in adults, or over 160 mg/dL in children. FH may also be confirmed with a genetic test, although this is not necessary for diagnosis.

You can maintain a healthy heart at any age

Being diagnosed with high cholesterol, heart disease or even FH is not a death sentence. Every person’s health considerations are unique, but by working with your doctor, you can come up with a plan to help manage your health and maintain the strongest heart possible. This could include lifestyle changes and medications to manage the LDL cholesterol level in the blood. The key is to keep asking questions, learn about your specific health needs and stay dedicated to your heart health plan.

2018-02-02T12:17:00

(BPT) – Managing finances can seem like a daunting task, and many have a hard time deciphering between necessities and luxuries, such as vacations. People might even take some of these necessities for granted and not consider healthcare costs as part of that. However, a chronic health condition like diabetes can add an extra layer to managing a budget.

With medical costs for people with diabetes two times higher than for people without diabetes¹, it’s not surprising that in a recent survey of 500 U.S. adults, ages 26-64, with diabetes and 500 U.S. adults, ages 26-64, without diabetes, more than half with diabetes report the costs associated with their condition have negatively impacted their finances. In fact, of those surveyed, more than two-thirds of employed participants with diabetes are concerned they’ll have to delay retirement specifically because of healthcare costs, and 62 percent of employed participants living with diabetes are concerned health issues will force them to retire before they have the financial resources to do so.²

With managing personal finances often top of mind, it is important for those living with diabetes to have tools and resources to help with budgeting. Roche Diabetes Care Inc. collaborated with Alexa von Tobel*, Founder and CEO of LearnVest.com, a company redefining America’s approach to personal finance, to help give people living with diabetes the ability to focus on their health, not the costs. In a video on Accu-Chek.com, von Tobel shares her advice and tips on budgeting, specifically for adults living with diabetes, which include:

• Creating a budget, mapping out all of the expenses in your life, and dedicating a credit or debit card to diabetes-related expenses to make tracking what you spend even easier
• Dedicating 50 percent or less of total income toward necessities, like groceries, diabetes-related expenses, rent, and transportation
• Putting away 20 percent for the future so you are left with 30 percent for personal expenses

Another tool for those living with diabetes to help with managing budgets is the Accu-Check^® Guide SimplePay program.³ With the program, people with diabetes can have a savings solution that maintains a low cost for test strips to help them focus on what is best for their health, not what it costs. The Accu-Chek^® Guide SimplePay program is designed to help make managing diabetes more affordable for the millions of Americans living with diabetes by guaranteeing a low price for test strips every day. To utilize the SimplePay program, patients can sign up by answering a few short questions at www.Accu-Chek.com, and hand the SimplePay card to their pharmacist, along with their test strip prescription to start saving.

To learn more about budgeting tips from Alexa von Tobel, check out her video on www.accu-chek.com. While there, you can also learn more about the Accu-Chek^® Guide SimplePay program and download the free SimplePay card.

___________________________________

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/library/socialmedia/diabetes-infographic.pdf

² The Roche Diabetes Care Survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research among U.S. adults ages 26-64, 500 of whom are currently being treated for diabetes and 500 who aren’t, between Nov. 21 and Dec. 1, 2017. The margin of error was +/- 4.4% for each audience.

³ The card is not insurance; it is a cash discount program and cannot be combined with any form of health insurance. Those insured by any government healthcare program, such as Medicare, Medicaid, the military or VA, are NOT eligible for this offer. Insurers may offer a lower cost option. 30- or 90-day Accu-Chek Guide test strip prescription required. Limit 12 vials per refill.

Refills cannot be dispensed before 75% of previous days’ supply have elapsed. Program may be changed or discontinued at any time.

*Alexa von Tobel is a paid spokesperson for Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. and Accu-Chek^®.

**Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. is not providing financial, investment or tax advice. You should consult with your professional financial adviser to determine what is best for you.

Accu-Chek^®, Accu-Chek^® GUIDE and Accu-Chek^® GUIDE SIMPLEPAY are trademarks of Roche.

2018-02-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – Enrolling in Medicare for the first time or starting coverage under a new plan? It might bring you back to that first day starting a new job. You knew some of the basics, but you also knew there was a lot more to learn. More than likely, you got help from colleagues who have been around for a while and helped show you the ropes.

Don’t worry. With Medicare, you have the same kind of knowledgeable support. You’ve got a team on your side that can help make navigating the health care system easier. Goodbye hassles, hello helpers.

Here are five allies in your corner:

1. Your Primary Care Physician. This physician is the “go-to” doctor who provides guidance on your health care needs, taking the time to really get to know you, your medical history and your health goals. Think of your Primary Care Physician as the “quarterback” of your medical team — someone who can take charge of knowing the ins and outs of your health status and help drive decisions to get you on the right track and keep you there.

2. A caregiver. Perhaps the “unsung hero” of your health care team, caregivers are the ones you know you can count on — the ones you know are there to offer support and care for you, whenever you need it. Whether a family member, neighbor, friend or professional assistant, these are the people in your life who help you along the way. Their assistance can span everything from bringing you to appointments or getting prescriptions filled to making meals or offering emotional support.

3. Your pharmacist. This team member keeps an eye on the medications you take — prescription and over-the-counter — to make sure they work safely together. Your pharmacist is a great person to talk with about how medications are making you feel and answer any questions you have on topics including what side effects to expect, what to do if you miss a dose, or how to store your meds.

4. An insurance agent. Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement. Part D. Medicare Advantage. There are many options and decisions to make when it comes to your Medicare coverage, and a licensed insurance agent can help you find the right plan, or plans, for you. Once you’ve selected a plan, you can also always call your agent to ask questions if your health or coverage needs change or if your plan changes from year to year.

5. Your insurance company. Within your insurance company, there are more people than you likely realize who are working hard on your behalf to ensure you get the medical care and support you need. Insurers can offer tools, resources and support that can help you live a healthier life.

For more information to help you navigate Medicare, visit MedicareMadeClear.com.

2018-02-15T14:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to maintaining and/or improving your heart health, it’s the little things you do day after day that can have a big impact on your immediate and long-term health.

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are naturally the first things you think of when looking at ways to support your body’s most important muscle, but to really make your heart health initiatives as effective as possible, you need long-term solutions, not quick fixes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has long been at the forefront of heart healthy initiatives, and this year’s Life is Why We Give (TM) campaign is drawing support from people and companies — like Pilot Flying J — all across the nation. In order to help you live a healthier life in 2018, follow these seven heart-healthy tips today.

1. Be careful of what you snack on between meals. High-fat and high-sugar snacks are popular, but ultimately unhealthy. Opt for fresh instead of processed and choose fresh fruits and vegetables for your snacks between meals.

2. Don’t just drink the drink. Your beverage choices could add unnecessary fats and sugar to your diet, so choose low-sugar and no-sugar alternatives as well as low-fat milk or cream for your coffee. This way you’ll avoid drinking empty calories.

3. Avoid ordering before-the-meal extras. Cocktails, appetizers, even bread and butter are all sources of extra fat, sodium and calories. Cut them out and your calorie intake will drop — and so will your bill.

4. On the side, please. Ask for butter, cream cheese, salad dressings, sauces and gravies to be served on the side when you dine out. This allows you to better control the quantity you consume.

5. Explore your options. When ordering fish or chicken, avoid fried whenever possible. Choose boiled, baked or grilled options instead for a healthier alternative.

6. Think small. Cutting back on portion sizes is a great place to start eating healthier, so don’t be afraid to ask for a smaller serving when you dine out. If smaller portions aren’t available, ask for a to-go box when you order and place the rest of your entrée in the box to eat later.

7. Make a healthy substitution. Often a healthier choice is available for nearly any dish. For example, if you order an item that naturally comes with French fries or onion rings, ask whether you can get a side of fruit or vegetables instead. It may cost you more, but the switch is certainly worth it.

To find answers to your health questions and to receive health services support in your area, stop by one of the Urgent Care Travel (UCT) medical clinics available at select Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers.

2018-02-15T06:01:01

(BPT) – Despite our best intentions, 80 percent of us have given up on our New Year’s resolutions by mid-February. Determined to make this year different? If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you might be surprised to learn that your benefits could give you an edge in your quest to stay motivated and on track to attaining your goals for the year ahead.

Read on to learn how maximizing your Medicare benefits could help you achieve some of the most common New Year’s resolutions.

Resolution No. 1: Lose weight and get fit.

Exercise is a key part of the equation if you want to finally get out of those elastic-waist pants and back into your jeans. Only problem is, most of us can come up with a whole host of excuses for not making exercise part of our daily routine, with the expense of a gym membership one that’s frequently cited by people living on a fixed income.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement plan, you might not be able to use that excuse anymore. Many plans include a gym membership as part of their plan benefits, giving their members access to fitness centers in their area at either no extra cost or a discounted rate.

“Regular exercise can help you lose some weight after over-indulging during the holiday season, but it’s important all year round to help improve your well-being and maintain your independence,” said Efrem Castillo, M.D., chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “Taking advantage of your plan’s fitness benefits could have you well on your way to a trimmer and more energized you by spring.”

Resolution No. 2: Make 2018 your healthiest year yet.

Medicare is designed to make it as affordable as possible to get the preventive care you need. And that can make a huge difference to your health and well-being by catching health issues early, when they’re usually easier to treat.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers an annual wellness visit as well as some preventive screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Your annual wellness visit is a good opportunity to sit down with your doctor and develop a plan to help you achieve your best health in the year ahead. In addition to services covered under Original Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, such as a full annual physical as well as dental, hearing and vision coverage.

Resolution No. 3: Save more money/Get out of debt.

All those gifts you bought over the holidays may have left your credit card statements extra-lengthy. And life can get expensive any time of year, particularly as our health care costs creep up as we get older. Fortunately most people can save money on health care in a variety of ways.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, keep the following tips in mind:

* Take advantage of cost savings on prescription drugs. Many plans offer home delivery pharmacy benefits that can be a great way to save money — not to mention trips to the pharmacy. And if your doctor prescribes a high-cost medication, ask if a cheaper alternative is available that could work just as well, such as a generic or a drug on a lower tier of your plan’s formulary (the list of covered drugs).

* Choose doctors and hospitals that have a relationship with your plan. Staying in-network when you need care is one of the best things you can do to manage your health care costs.

* Look for extra plan discounts on everyday health care items and services such as vitamins, hearing aids and alternative medicine services like acupuncture.

Resolution No. 4: Less stress. More happiness.

More and more Medicare Advantage plans are taking a keen interest in helping their members manage their emotional well-being given the direct correlation between our mental health and our physical health. Check to see if your plan offers any resources to help members manage their stress.

Resolution No. 5: Kick the habit.

If you smoke, you know you should quit. Make 2018 your year! Medicare covers up to eight face-to-face visits per year with a doctor or other health care practitioner who can provide counseling to help you make cigarette and other tobacco use part of your past. That personalized, one-on-one attention can make a big difference. So if you’ve tried to quit on your own in the past but struggled, consider taking advantage of these free counseling sessions.

The secret to sticking to your New Year’s resolutions may just lie in your Medicare benefits. So rather than rely on sheer willpower alone, put those benefits to use to help you stay on track toward your goals. When you close out 2018 as a thinner, happier and healthier version of yourself, you’ll probably wonder why you waited so long to make Medicare your secret weapon in conquering your resolutions once and for all.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

2018-02-14T16:21:00

(BPT) – Yoga mats, kale salads, fitness trackers, standing desks and gym memberships. It seems like everywhere you look, people are taking strides to get healthier. And with good reason.

In the U.S., 37.9 percent of adults aged 20 and older suffer from obesity, and heart disease accounts for one out of every four deaths. Despite these harrowing numbers, many people have difficulty embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to food.

Part of the reason for this is that too often people think that eating right involves a list of what you cannot eat.

It’s easier to focus on all the things you can eat.

As February is American Heart Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to consider how easy and delicious it is to stick to a heart-healthy diet.

Embrace convenience

Sometimes, at the end of the day you just want a quick meal. Unfortunately, most fast food options and restaurants don’t offer heart-healthy options.

Fortunately, Sun Basket, a rapidly growing healthy meal kit service, has developed a recipe each week that meets the American Heart Association’s(R) Heart-Check guidelines for a heart-healthy diet, and conveniently delivers them right to your door.

Sun Basket’s Heart-Check certified recipes have undergone meticulous evaluation to ensure each recipe meets the American Heart Association’s(R) strict nutrition guidelines for a main dish, with each serving having:

* No more than 500 calories

* No more than ≤ 3.5 grams of saturated fat

* No more than 600 mg of sodium

* A serving from at least two of the following food groups: Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs or nuts; fruits and vegetables; milk, yogurt or cheese; bread, cereal or pasta

* No added sugar and no trans fats

Eat deliciously

There’s a widespread misconception that a heart-healthy diet involves giving up all meat and snacks and only eating kale and whole grains.

That’s far from the truth. Many of the best cuts of meat are also ideal for a heart-healthy diet and can satisfy the most ardent carnivore. Pork tenderloin, skinless chicken and turkey breasts are naturally lean, while fatty fish, like salmon, trout and tuna, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.

As far as snacks go, it’s really just a matter of embracing things like fresh fruit with low-fat yogurt, vegetables and hummus, or a savory mix of nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios.

The list goes on, but the point is that a heart-healthy diet doesn’t have to be limiting; rather, it’s full of delicious food.

Shopping is easy

So how do you know if something meets the nutritional standards you need to maintain a healthy heart? You don’t need to be a nutritionist for this. Simply look for the American Heart Association’s(R) iconic Heart-Check mark on food packages when you ship, and you’ll instantly know it meets the Association’s recommendations to be part of a healthy eating pattern.

Try it and see

Still not convinced about how delicious and easy it is to follow a heart-healthy diet? Check out this recipe for Sun Basket’s Tandoori-style chicken with Bombay curried potatoes.

In your box you’ll receive:

2 to 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Tandoori spice blend

1 onion

Potatoes

4 sprigs of fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

2/3 cup peas

1 1/2 ounces baby greens

1. Prep and cook the chicken

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt, pepper and the tandoori spice blend.

Place the chicken on a pan lined with foil and roast at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, turn it over.

2. Prep the Bombay potatoes

Chop 3/4 cup of onions.

Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch pieces.

Coarsely chop the cilantro for garnish.

3. Cook the Bombay potatoes

In a large frying pan warm 2 to 3 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until starting to soften. Stir in the curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the potatoes, vegetable broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce to a vigorous simmer, cover and cook between five and seven minutes.

Uncover and cook until the liquid has thickened and the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the peas and cook for about two minutes.

Stir in the greens and cook until just wilted.

Transfer the chicken and Bombay potatoes to individual plates, garnish with the cilantro.

Serve and enjoy.

Eating right shouldn’t be a chore. With Sun Basket’s Heart-Check certified recipes, it’s never been easier to enjoy a heart-healthy meal.