BETTER HEALTH THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING: April is #NationalMinorityHealthMonth

Minorities, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American people, are up to two times more likely than white people to develop long-term health conditions. While not always clear as to why this is the case, as with all of us, it’s likely that genetic, lifestyle, and social factors all play a role.

When you know your health risks, you can take action to reduce them. Talk with your doctor about your family background and health history and get preventive care services that can detect issues at an early stage, when they are best treated.

  • Diabetes: African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, and Alaska Native people are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Asthma: Black people are more likely to have an emergency room visit because of asthma. The most-used asthma inhaler, albuterol, doesn’t work as well for Black or Puerto Rican children.
  • High Blood Pressure: Close to half of Black adults have high blood pressure, and it is more likely to show up at an earlier age for Black people and lead to serious complications.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Non-Hispanic Black adults are more likely to die from heart disease and have a much higher chance of having a stroke.
  • Kidney Disease: This affects Black people more than any other group. Hispanic and American Indian people also have an increased risk.

The SD-1 Trust supports Kaiser Permanente’s and Providence’s efforts to improve health equity by working to eliminate preventable health disparities and overcome economic, social, and other obstacles to health care services.

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MANAGE STRESS: Before Stress Manages You

Stressful events are a fact of life. While stress is a natural reaction to a short-term challenge or demand, if it goes on for weeks or months it can harm your health and lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression or anxiety.

About 33% of people report feeling extreme, ongoing stress—and 3 out of 4 of them say it affects their physical or mental health.

Although you may not be able to change the situation that causes stress…you CAN take steps to manage the impact stress has on you. Here’s how:

  • Be healthy. Eat well, exercise regularly and sleep 7-9 hours per night.
  • Keep calm. Learn relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.
  • Enjoy life. Make time for the hobbies and activities you like to do.
  • Stay connected. Prioritize spending time with friends and family.
  • Laugh. Watch funny movies and comedy videos and share jokes with friends.
  • Volunteer. Serving provides a sense of meaning and appreciation, for yourself and others.
  • Say no. Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many commitments.
  • Talk to a counselor. A few sessions can help you develop strategies to manage stress. Your benefits give you options, including virtual visits, in-person visits, and self-help resources.

The rewards for learning to manage stress include peace of mind, less anxiety, improved health, stronger self-control and focus, and better relationships. And it might even lead to a longer, healthier life.

Resources

CHOOSING A DOCTOR: How to Find an In-Network Provider

Your Health Plan may require you to use an in-network provider. For other plans, it’s an option that will save you money and help your care team work together efficiently.

Here are some tips when searching for an in-network provider.

  • Choose a doctor that’s right for you. For example, internal medicine providers typically work with adults; family practitioners see patients of all ages, OB/GYN providers specialize in women’s health, and pediatricians work with children.
  • Think about your preferences. Consider the office location, appointment hours, gender of the provider, and languages spoken—include those that matter to you in your search criteria.
  • Is telehealth important to you? If so, be sure to search for a provider that offers telehealth services as an option, in addition to in-office visits.

To find a provider in your network, register and sign in on your Plan carrier’s website, then search for a doctor.

Alternatively, go to sdtrust.com. Click on “current Plan Year information,” choose your bargaining group and status, then click on your carrier’s website.

Providence (formerly Cigna) participants

  • The In-Network Only Plan does NOT pay any benefits for services received from out-of-network providers; you must use providers in the Providence PPS/SD-1 Trust network as of April 1.
  • The PPO Plan charges higher rates for services received from out-of-network providers. You will have lower costs if you use providers in the Providence PPS/SD-1 Trust network as of April 1.

Please note: The SD-1 Trust website is now updated with Providence details for current Plan Year information; infographics and videos will be updated in the coming months.

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