34 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • MARCH 1, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
health
Improve your heart health in 2018 with these tips
When it comes to maintaining and/or
improving your heart health, it’s the little
things you do day aft er day that can have
a big impact on your immediate and longterm
health.
A healthy diet and plenty of exercise
are naturally the fi rst 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
eff ective as possible, you need long-term
solutions, not quick fi xes.
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 hearthealthy
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 coff ee. Th is
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. Th is allows you to better control
the quantity you consume.
5. Explore your options. When ordering
fi sh or chicken, avoid fried whenever
possible. Choose boiled, baked or grilled
options instead for a healthier alternative.
6. Th ink 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. Oft en
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 fi nd even more helpful tips to enjoy
a healthier diet, or to receive a free blood
pressure check during the month of
February, stop by one of the Urgent Care
Travel (UCT) medical clinics available at
select Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers.
You can also support the AHA through
in-store initiatives at your local Pilot and
Flying J Travel Center.
Courtesy BPT
Navigating Medicare: 5 allies who can help
Enrolling in Medicare for the fi rst time
or starting coverage under a new plan?
It might bring you back to that fi rst 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 fi ve allies
in your corner:
1. Your Primary Care Physician. Th is
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. Th ink 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 off er 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. Th eir assistance can span everything
from bringing you to appointments
or getting prescriptions fi lled to making
meals or off ering emotional support.
3. Your pharmacist. Th is 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 eff ects
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. Th ere are many
options and decisions to make when it
comes to your Medicare coverage, and
a licensed insurance agent can help you
fi nd 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 off er tools, resources
and support that can help you live a
healthier life.
For more information to help you navigate
Medicare, visit MedicareMadeClear.
com.
Courtesy BPT