FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com november 5, 2015 • HEALTH • The Queens Courier 7 Care is best when it’s close to your home. If you live in Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Westchester County or Long Island, CenterLight Healthcare is there for you. 17 CenterLight Healthcare facilities means care is close to you Our services include medical care, social activities and rehabilitation at neighborhood settings where the focus is on you. Our health care teams give you the care you need, when you need it and where you need it. Even if it’s in your home. Find a local center or schedule a home visit. 1-877-226-8500 (TTY711) 8am to 8pm EST, 7 days week Find a local center or schedule a home visit. 1-877-226-8500 (TTY711) 8am to 8pm EST, 7 days week CenterLightHealthcare.org MKT 03012015 15 Your Path to Lifelong Health and Well-being By Dr. Lisa Blondin, Humana When it comes to health care, prevention is key. It’s always better to keep you from getting sick than to have to treat a disease. That’s why obtaining an annual exam and regular health screenings from your primary care physician are so important. As a physician, I strongly encourage all Medicare members to take advantage of the annual wellness visit offered through their health plans at no additional cost. This benefit provides you with services and resources to keep your health on track. Importantly, your annual health exam is the perfect opportunity for your doctor to make sure all preventive screenings for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and various forms of cancer, are up-to-date. Here are several you should consider, and most are covered at no or low cost by Medicare. • Bone density screenings: These are important because they help identify osteoporosis, or weak bones. In general, the lower your bone density, the higher your risk of fracture. • Glaucoma screenings: Glaucoma, an eye disease caused by extra fluid pressure in your eye, can cause gradual sight loss, often without symptoms. However, a simple test may catch it before you lose your vision. • Blood pressure and cholesterol: Watching your blood pressure and cholesterol may help reduce your chances for a heart attack. • Blood sugar: The risk of diabetes increases with age, and high blood sugar levels can lead to heart problems, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve disease and other serious problems. • Mammograms: Women should get regular mammograms. • Colon cancer screening: The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable of cancers if it is found in its early stages. However, the early stages typically do not cause any symptoms, which is why regular screenings are necessary by age 50 and at age 40 if you are at high risk. • Flu shots: Get one every year, especially if you’re a senior, since the flu is particularly dangerous for seniors, who often have pre-existing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Although there are several ways to reduce the risk of catching the flu virus, such as washing your hands often, controlling your chronic illnesses and eating healthy, an annual flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu and reduce the risk of complications. A common misconception is that you can actually get sick with the flu from the vaccine. This is simply untrue. Flu vaccines are safe, effective and have been used for more than 60 years. Fortunately, there are free and low-cost options for New York City residents to receive flu shots. For example, Medicare Advantage plans cover annual vaccines for members at no additional coverage. Take action today to help keep your health on track. Schedule that check up with your primary care doctor and review the preventive measures that will help keep you on a path to lifelong health and well-being. Lisa Blondin, M.D., is a board certified primary care physician and a Chief Medical Officer for Humana. NYHJEVFEN
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