Partners in Health Fall 2013 - St. Francis Regional Medical Center

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Saving health care dol Health care can be expensive. The amount we must pay depends on the state of our health, the services we use and our insurance coverage. There are many ways that you can save money while staying as healthy as possible. There are two big categories to focus on: prevention and healthy living to keep from getting sick, and smart ways of managing care when you need it. Prevention 1. Get your wellness exams “An annual checkup lets people assess where they are in terms of things like weight, cholesterol levels and diabetes screening,” said Wendy Bergeron, MD, a family medicine doctor at Park Nicollet Clinic — Shakopee and Prior Lake. “We try to meet people where they are and start with simple suggestions for things like exercising as a family.” 3. Exercise “If you do just one thing to help you stay healthy, exercise,” said Cindy Hagen, PTA, Rehabilitation Services at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. “Exercise can help with weight loss, stress management, blood pressure and diabetes, to name a few benefits.” Your own home or many malls and community centers offer free or discounted places to exercise. 2. Eat well “Start your day with a healthy breakfast so that you have good energy,” said Lynda Schaumburg, clinical dietitian at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. “At all meals, half your plate should be fruits and vegetables, a quarter whole grains, and a quarter lean protein with a small portion of low-fat dairy on the side.” She recommends that people “plan, purchase and prepare” most meals. “It does not cost more to eat healthy,” Schaumburg said. 4. Work with a health coach A well-trained, certified coach starts with a complete assessment of your health and wellness and can often complete the coaching process in three or four sessions, said Michelle Enderson, wellness coordinator at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. “We work with clients to discover their own unique paths to health,” Enderson said. “We bridge the gap from knowing to doing.” 8 partners in health
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to establish a relationship with a primary care doctor. To find a doctor, call 1-888-4ALLINA or visit allinahealth.org/doctors. lars … let us count the ways 6. Don’t wait to address mental health concerns “Mental health challenges are extremely common and treatable,” said Jennifer Service, MD, a psychiatrist at Allina Medical Clinic — Shakopee. If you and your loved ones suspect you have a mental illness, see a provider right away. Your odds of success are excellent if you know your diagnosis, know what treatment results you should expect and stick with the treatment, Service said. 7. Participate in decisions about your care Allina Health is developing processes and tools for shared decision making to help patients participate in decisions regarding their treatment or screening options. “When patients are facing serious, complex medical decisions or are undecided about preventive screening options, they can ask: ‘What are the evidence-based options’ and ‘What are the risks and benefits’” said Diana Robertson, manager and chaplain of Spiritual Care Services at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. Care management 5. Work with a care coordinator Both Allina Health and Park Nicollet clinics in the St. Francis area offer care coordination services to patients and families. Care coordinators work with patients and their clinicians to ensure that referrals are processed for continuing care. They also help locate community resources for patients. Their involvement can help patients save time and money by doing things like working with pharmacists to make sure people are on the right medications at the lowest possible cost. 8. Save on prescriptions Generic medicines are a great way to save on prescriptions. The law requires pharmacies to switch prescriptions to generics whenever they are available. Some additional suggestions: • If you need a brand-name medicine, look for online coupons. • Drug companies fund prescription assistance programs that you can use if you are uninsured. Allina Health assists its clinic patients with the paperwork. Fall 2013 stfrancis-shakopee.com 9
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Partners in Health Fall 2013 - St. Francis Regional Medical Center

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