Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information CC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE Avoiding holiday weight gain 3 Buying healthy groceries 6 Your Winter 2023 En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-5200 o al 1-888-977-2333. Winter can be a hard time to stay active. Colder weather, fewer hours of daylight, and possible slippery conditions can make it hard to stick to your exercise plan. It doesn’t mean you need to give up your exercise routine, however! Staying active, even if it’s cold outside, helps boost your mood and your immunity. This is helpful during cold and flu season. Here are some ideas on how to stay active during the cold winter months. Check the forecast and plan ahead. If there are a few sunny, more mild days ahead in the forecast, use those days to get out and about. While conditions might not be good for running or biking, a brisk walk to enjoy the cold, crisp air is a great option. Use daylight hours when you can. While the days are shorter, it can be hard to find a good time to exercise when the sun is up. Try planning to exercise during your lunch break if you can. If you have to exercise in low light conditions, such as first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, take precautions. Wear reflective material on your clothing so you can be seen and be safe. Wear layers. If you exercise outside, it’s helpful to have layers you can remove or add as you warm up and cool down. Several lightweight layers are better than one heavy coat, and don’t forget your hat! Layers that wick away moisture are ideal. Make sure to choose a wind- and waterproof outer layer that’s easy to take off and put on. Staying active in the winter Make sure to stay hydrated. It’s easy to remember to drink water during the summertime when temperatures are hot. It’s also important to stay hydrated during the winter. You might not feel — Continued on page 2
2 as thirsty, but drinking water before, during, and after a workout will help you stay hydrated. Try something different. If you want to exercise outdoors, try ice-skating, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. These are all great ways to switch up your exercise plan and enjoy what the season has to offer. Consider indoor exercise options. The winter might also be a great time to explore the options your local gym has to offer. Look for locations that have many different classes that can give you lots of choices. You can often find yoga, stretch, and tone classes; weight training; and even water aerobics. Winter weather doesn’t mean you need to quit exercising. In fact, the colder weather months may provide you new chances to enjoy other types of exercise. You might even want to continue them once the weather turns warm again. Staying active in the winter — Continued from front page Presbyterian Health Plan is invested in supporting your overall health and well-being. We have partnered with NeuroFlow to deliver a digital tool to help track, assess, and manage your overall wellness. With this tool, you can take action to improve your health. Below are some things it can help you with. • Get health content on topics such as stress, loneliness, anxiety, and more • Manage your overall health with customized wellness journeys • Track your progress and health patterns • Reach your goals and feel your best through daily tools and activities Get started today! Visit NeuroFlow.com and follow the instructions to create an account. You’ll then gain access to health info, self-care activities, and added support services through Presbyterian. To sign up for NeuroFlow, visit neuroflow.app .link/PHP123 or scan the QR code with your mobile device’s camera. For help signing up or if you have any questions, please email NeuroFlow at support@neuroflow.com, or call 1-855-296-7711. Improve your health with NeuroFlow Available early 2024
www.phs.org/centennialcare 3 It’s easy to put on extra pounds during the holidays, but you don’t have to. Small tricks that make a big difference Here are some simple strategies to enjoy the holidays without weight gain: SIMPLE STRATEGIES for skipping holiday weight gain Path for Wellness Prevention Program Want to learn more ways to build healthy habits? Do you want to lose or manage weight and feel your best? You may be eligible for the Path for Wellness Prevention Program. The program is offered at no additional cost to eligible members who want to: • Lose or manage weight • Get more active • Reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes It’s easy and fun to participate — the program is all by phone or online. The classes are also available in Spanish. Find out if the Path for Wellness Prevention Program is right for you: Visit PHS.org/preventionprogram or Call 1-855-249-8587. Put your food on a smaller plate, such as a salad or dessert plate. You will enjoy smaller portions without missing out. Bring a healthy appetizer or side dish to holiday events. You may be surprised by how many other people want to eat this way, too. Track your foods and drinks. Use a journal or app to log your food and drinks to see how much you are consuming. Choose your splurges wisely. Enjoy your favorite special holiday treats, but skip treats available year-round, such as grocery store cookies. Move away from the food at parties after you eat. You will be less tempted if you don’t see it. Do more physical activity than usual. Even an extra walk for 15 minutes a day helps! Being active also helps reduce stress. Plan socializing that doesn’t involve food. If you usually meet a friend for a meal at holiday time, change your tradition. Go for a walk or a yoga or dance class, do a holiday craft project together, or volunteer for an organization that is important to both of you.
4 Is it forgetfulness or dementia? When you misplace things or forget a word you want to use in a sentence, you’re experiencing normal forgetfulness. If you find routine tasks difficult, like using a phone, driving, or cooking, you may be going through dementia. That’s also true if you have trouble holding a conversation. Some common signs that you should see your provider: • Asking the same questions or repeating yourself • Getting lost in places you visit often • Having trouble following directions • Feeling increased confusion about what time it is • Not paying attention to simple tasks, like bathing Many people believe that dementia is a normal part of aging. It isn’t. If you or a loved one has memory loss that affects your day-to-day life, you should see your primary care provider (PCP). Minor forgetfulness, on the other hand, is a normal part of life. These tips can help you spot the difference. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging What can you do? While there is no standard treatment or cure for dementia, studies show that a healthy lifestyle may prevent or delay many cases. You may lower your risk by staying physically active, keeping a healthy weight, and getting plenty of sleep. If you are concerned, contact your provider for an exam. Could it be something else? As we age, some of us will experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI are usually able to take part in routine activities. But MCI can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Talk to your provider if you: • Start losing things more often • Forget appointments or important events, like loved ones’ birthdays • Find it hard to complete thoughts Memory loss: Is this normal? Know when to seek help
www.phs.org/centennialcare 5 Stopping your blood pressure from climbing too high is one of the healthiest things you can do for many reasons. It may help lower your risk for having a stroke or developing dementia. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain. This makes it more likely that they will: • Become narrowed and clogged, which reduces the flow of oxygenrich blood to the brain • Rupture or burst Both of these changes to the blood vessels can lead to stroke. Many people who have stroke for the first time have high blood pressure. Some people also develop what’s called vascular dementia or vascular cognitive impairment. This can cause memory and thinking problems after a stroke. Keep your blood pressure down Start by getting regular blood pressure checks by your primary care provider (PCP). High blood pressure has no symptoms. So regular testing is the only way to know where you stand. Ask your PCP if you should also check your blood pressure at home. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers: a top (systolic) number and a bottom (diastolic) number. (See chart at right.) Do your brain a favor Keeping blood pressure under control may help prevent dementia and stroke Blood pressure Top number Bottom number Normal Less than 120 And less than 80 Elevated 120 to 129 And less than 80 Stage 1 high blood pressure 130 to 139 Or 80 to 89 Stage 2 140 or higher 90 or higher Hypertensive crisis (call your doctor right away) Higher than 180 Higher than 120 If your blood pressure is not in a healthy range, you may be able to bring it down (and possibly help protect your brain) by: Making lifestyle changes. For instance: • Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products • Cut back on salt and sodium by comparing food labels • Keep moving: Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity, like brisk walking, each week • Watch your weight: Eating healthy and exercising regularly can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight Taking medications. If your PCP prescribes blood pressure medicines, take them exactly as directed. Sources: Alzheimer’s Association; American Heart Association; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
6 You make important choices in grocery store aisles — choices that can affect your energy levels and your health. So it’s wise to have a game plan for how to fill your cart. These tips can help you. Grab the good stuff on
www.phs.org/centennialcare 7 your next grocery run Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; International Food Information Council; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Stock up on healthy snacks. Fresh fruit or cut-up veggies (with hummus for dipping) can make for healthy snacks. The same goes for apple sauce, trail mix, and low-fat string cheese. Grab some whole grains. For example, look for 100% whole-wheat instead of white sandwich bread, whole-wheat tortillas and pasta, and brown rice instead of white. To verify a product is truly whole grain, make sure a whole grain is the first listed ingredient. Cut the dairy fat. Do you usually buy whole-fat dairy products? Try low-fat or fat-free versions. Reel in the benefits of fish. An exception to the lean-protein rule is eating fatty fish, like salmon, which have hearthealthy omega-3 fatty oils. Go lean with protein. Choose lean or extra lean meats, loin or round cuts, skinless poultry, and plant proteins such as beans and peanut butter. Pump up the produce. Speaking of produce, fill your cart with fruits and vegetables. Choose different colors for different nutrients. Think juicy red and green apples; crunchy, orange carrots; crisp, dark lettuce; and tender, tasty zucchini. Look for in-season produce, which is usually tastier and more affordable. And remember: Canned or frozen produce is also nutritious if you choose brands that use less sodium and sugar. Shop the perimeter first. The outer aisles of grocery stores contain some of the most nutritious choices, like fresh produce. Make a list. Pick a day on the weekend to plan meals for the week. Check your fridge and pantry to identify ingredients you need for meals and snacks. More eat-right advice If you want to learn more ways to make healthier choices when you shop, ask your primary care provider or a nutrition expert.
8 Centennial Home Visiting Program: Supporting New Mexico families With the recent rise in prices, New Mexico families can feel limited in other areas of their lives. They can struggle to get basic needs to live a healthy life. This includes healthcare for expecting parents, children, and people with special needs. To help families get the care they need, New Mexico offers the Centennial Home Visiting (CHV) Program. The program offers services in a home setting to babies, toddlers, children with special healthcare needs, and to the parents(s)/primary caregiver(s). The CHV Program can help moms and babies be healthier, feel safe, and be better prepared for school. Families in the program are more self-sufficient. The goal of the program is to: •Help pregnant moms and new parents •Promote infant and child health • Increase educational development and school readiness •Help prevent family trauma How to enroll The CHV Program is offered at no cost to members. If you would like more details or want to take part in the program, please email CHVMailbox@phs.org. Be sure to ask about services in your area. Life can get very busy, and things like vaccinations can be missed. If your child has missed any recommended vaccines, winter break might be a good time to catch up. Scheduling an appointment during a school break means your child won’t have to miss school. Vaccinations can also help keep other students healthy when they go back to class. Below is a list of vaccinations that your child should have by age group. Kids ages 2 to 3: • COVID-19 • Flu Kids ages 4 to 6: • COVID-19 • Flu • DTaP • Polio • MMR • Chickenpox Kids ages 7 to 10: • COVID-19 • Flu Kids ages 11 to 12: • COVID-19 • Flu • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine • HPV • Tdap Kids ages 13 to 18: • COVID-19 • Flu • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine Keeping track of your child’s vaccine status can be tough at times. You can always call your provider to ensure that your child is up to date on all their vaccines. Do your children have all their vaccines?
www.phs.org/centennialcare 9 Prenatal and postpartum care We want to make sure our members get the best prenatal and postpartum care possible. We encourage members to learn about the importance of regular prenatal care visits. These visits help members to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. At least one prenatal visit is needed in the first trimester or first 14 weeks of pregnancy. At least 10 visits are suggested during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. After the birth of the baby, it is critical to have a postpartum visit within one to 12 weeks (seven to 84 days). New Mexico has expanded Medicaid coverage for postpartum care. Medicaid coverage now lasts a full year, rather than 60 days, after the member has given birth. The PHP Quality Improvement Department encourages members to attend their prenatal and postpartum checkups by providing the Pregnancy Passport Program, formerly the Baby Benefits Program. The program provides incentives to members for going to these visits. If you do not have a provider for your prenatal and postpartum care, we can help. Call the number on the back of your Presbyterian insurance ID card, and we can help find a provider in your area. Speak with a Presbyterian nurse at any time You have access to PresRN, a nurse advice line, 24hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays. PresRN is an easy way to speak with a Presbyterian nurse if you are not feeling well and need advice. A PresRN nurse will help you and your family, whether you require a trip to the emergency room or self-care at home. Presbyterian nurses are happy to answer any questions. Please call even if you are healthy but need some advice. As part of your Presbyterian Healthcare Team, we let your provider, care coordinator, and health coach know of your health concern so that you will have continued care and follow-up. We are here when you need answers! Call PresRN at (505) 923-5677 (Albuquerque) or 1-888-730-2300 toll-free. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911. If you have any questions, please contact the Performance Improvement Department at (505) 923-5017 (voicemail only) or by email at PerformanceImp@phs.org. You can learn more about the Pregnancy Passport Program by going to www.phs.org/health-plans/centennial-care-medicaid/ presbyterian-pregnancy-passport.
10 In partnership with you and the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), we have some important news to share about your extended Centennial Care (Medicaid) benefits. Everyone enrolled in Medicaid must renew their benefits. You will receive a turquoise envelope from HSD when it’s time to renew your Medicaid benefits. If you have signed up for HSD electronic notices, watch for email or text updates. When you are notified, log in at www.yes.state.nm.us. Click the “Renew My Benefits” button to complete your renewal application. If HSD requests more information, please provide it right away. You must complete your renewal application to check if you are still eligible to keep your benefits. Why do I need to renew? During the COVID-19 public health emergency, your Medicaid and SNAP benefits were automatically renewed. This has changed. Now, everyone will need to renew their Medicaid and/or SNAP benefits when notified. If you do not renew, your coverage will end. What if I am no longer eligible for Medicaid? If you are notified that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you can find low- or no-cost coverage through beWellnm. Check out all your choices online at www.beWellnm.com or by calling 1-833-862-3935. We’re here for you! Presbyterian Health Plan wants to help you through this change. We want to give you the support you need during this change so that you can continue your healthcare journey with us. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you have. Call the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at the number on your member ID card: (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977-2333. Be on the lookout for your benefit renewal application Keep these numbers handy The Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is available for members Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977-2333, TTY: 711 Navajo/Diné members: (505) 923-5157 or 1-888-806-8793, TTY: 711 Other important numbers PresRN: (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300, TTY: 711 Routine transportation (for nonemergency medical transportation): 1-855-774-7737 New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7): 988 or 1-800-273-8255 Presbyterian Centennial Care Ombudsman: Phone: (505) 923-5780 Email: ombudsman@phs.org
www.phs.org/centennialcare 11 Presbyterian’s Translation and Interpretation Services Communication is important to you and to us. That’s why we offer translation services if you need them. We want to make sure you have the information in the language or format you use so you can take charge of your own healthcare. We have bilingual staff and certified translator services if you want to use these services. These services are available to help you talk with providers, nurses, and caregivers; learn about your health plan; and much more. Our translation and interpreter services include: • Language translation • Written materials translation •Telephonic interpreters •In-person interpreters •American Sign Language interpreters •Video remote interpreters It’s easy to request these services. Call the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at the number on your member ID card. has a new look and features myPRES is one of the best tools we offer to you. myPRES serves as a onestop shop for your most important resources. We are happy to share that we made improvements to the platform that make navigation and use easier so you can take full advantage of your benefits. One of the biggest improvements we made is access to your ID card. You can now access your ID card on the homepage of your myPRES account. Some other improvements include: • Easier access to your Healthcare Team, including your primary care provider • Simpler ways to schedule appointments using Get Care • Streamlined access to Centennial Rewards In addition, your Health and Wellness Resources are all at your fingertips. This includes transportation, PHP Video Visits, and Value Added Services. We hope that you find the new myPRES platform helpful in managing your care. To get the full benefit of myPRES, visit www.phs.org/myPRES. The new myPRES app The myPRES app is a great way for you to stay connected to your resources and access all the information regarding your health. To download the app, go to the Apple App store or Google Play store on your mobile device and search for “myPRES.” myPRES
Yourstory Your Story is published for members of Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc., and Presbyterian Insurance Company, Inc. P.O. Box 27489, Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Managing editor: fluentqc@phs.org Information in Your Story comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Such services are funded in part with the State of New Mexico. Presbyterian complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (505) 923-5420, 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711). Díí baa akó nínízin: Díí saad bee yáníłti’go Diné Bizaad, saad bee áká’ánída’áwo’d66’, t’áá jiik’eh, éí ná hól=, koj8’ hódíílnih (505) 923-5420, 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711). Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/PresHealth 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MPC092305 Centennial Care #6073 Makes 6 servings. Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded, diced 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 cup frozen corn 1 can (14.5 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes 6 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon oregano 1⁄ 4 teaspoon cumin 3 m edium limes, 2 cut in half, 1 cut into 6 wedges for garnish 1⁄ 2 bunch cilantro, rinsed, chopped 1 medium avocado, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Directions • In soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, celery, jalapeño, and garlic for 6 minutes or until tender. Add whole chicken breast, corn, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, and cumin to pot. Stir to mix ingredients. • Over high heat, bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 55 minutes. • Remove chicken breast to large platter and shred using two forks. Return chicken to soup. • Over strainer to catch seeds, squeeze juice of 2 limes into soup. Add cilantro and gently stir. • Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with avocado, garnish with lime wedge, and serve. Nutrition information Serving size: 1⁄ 6 of recipe. Amount per serving: 280 calories, 12g total fat (2.5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 20g carbohydrates, 26g protein, 5g dietary fiber, 450mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research Lime and chicken soup with avocado
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