Got Health! - Articles and News

It Never Hurts to Take a Second Look

Need a second opinion on your medical diagnosis or treatment plan? Best Doctors is a free benefit that connects you with thousands of experts to make sure you are getting the care you need. Click here for more information.

10 Things to Know About United HealthCare

Are you getting the most out of your benefits? Here are 10 services from United HealthCare you need to know about.

Virtual Visits Available with United HealthCare

No one wants to leave the comfort of their couch when they're not feeling well. With United healthCare's Virtual Visits you won't have to! Click here to learn more about this convenient service.

10 Things To Know About Kaiser Permanente

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to choosing your healthcare provider. Here are 10 things you should know about Kaiser Permenente.

VEBA Website for monthly Wellness Newsletter

Can't get enough wellness? Visit VEBA Wellness Resources for more tips, challenges and healthy ideas!

Getting the Right Diagnosis: Focus on Fibromyalgia and Inflammatory Arthritis. Click here to learn more about finding the right doctor to ensure you get the care you need.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Basic Steps to Relieve It. Click here to learn how to help relieve symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Mind-Body Health

When you think of relaxing, what images come to mind? Sitting quietly? Reading? Meditating? Contemplating a sunset? For some people, thrilling stimulation relaxes them much more than sitting quietly. Playing a competitive game of basketball, driving a race car at high speed, or jumping out of an airplane can bring relaxation for some people.

Imagery is a type of relaxation in which you use the power of your imagination combined with relaxation techniques to produce calming, energizing, or healing responses in your body. If you have ever closed your eyes and pictured yourself lying on the beach as a way to relax yourself, you have used imagery techniques.

Whatever your method, relaxation and imagery are powerful medicine. They can help you:

  • reduce anxiety, fear, and panic

  • decrease chronic tension

  • decrease pain and the need for pain medications

  • reduce blood pressure in stress-related hypertension

  • decrease heart disease risk

  • improve comfort during medical, surgical, and dental procedures

  • reduce the length of labor and discomfort of childbirth

  • lessen the stress of infertility and improve the chances of conception

  • speed healing and recovery from surgery, injury, or skin problems (such as warts or psoriasis)

  • boost immune function

  • improve management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, lung, and heart disease

There are many more advantages to relaxation: you can do it on your own; you don't need any special equipment; it's free; and it can be done anywhere, at any time.

For more information visit the Kaiser Permanente website.

PLEDGE to Walk for Your Health!

People all across the country are jumping on board. Get on the path to good health today!

Regular walking helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression as well as boosts self-esteem and improves sleep. 30 minutes a day spent walking can lead to benefits like reduced body fat, lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure, increase energy, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Click here for more information.

Tips for a Healthier Heart

Looking for ways to reduce your risk for heart disease? Start with one of the most valuable: Manage your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure in check means your heart doesn't have to work harder than necessary.

Here are five ways you can benefit your cardiac health:

  1. Watch your diet. Avoid a lot of processed foods or pre-packaged snacks. Add more whole grains and fresh produce to your meals, and stick to small amounts of healthy fats like those found in nuts, fish, and olive oil.

  2. Learn your family history, and share it with your doctor. You can't control your genes, but your physician can work with you to manage risk factors.

  3. Aim to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. It doesn't have to be all at once — doing a few sessions of several minutes each is just as helpful.

  4. Find healthy ways to manage stress. Practice meditation or yoga. Schedule an activity with a friend. Take a brisk walk outside during the day.

  5. If you smoke, commit to quitting. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease.

Remember, you don't need to make all of these changes at once. Pick one or two to focus on.