It’s likely you or a person you know is living with a chronic health condition, like heart disease or diabetes. In fact, 6 in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic condition, like certain cancers, stroke, hypertension or high cholesterol.
Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
These conditions have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional health and well-being. At the workplace, chronic conditions keep employees from performing their best and result in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and more.
Various factors contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases, including lifestyle choices and genetics. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
- Approximately 1 in 9 Kansas adults (ages 18 and older) has been diagnosed with diabetes. It is linked to many serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney failure, neuropathy and amputations.
- Approximately 1 in 3 Kansas adults has been diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure. People with hypertension are at higher risk for heart attack, stroke, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.
- Approximately 2 in 5 Kansas adults have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, which puts them at twice the risk for developing heart disease.
- Approximately 1 in 25 Kansas adults has been diagnosed with heart disease. Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, the most common being coronary artery disease, which causes heart attacks, angina and heart failure. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kansas.
Some risk factors for heart disease and diabetes are beyond an individual’s control. But most chronic diseases can be prevented or managed by eating well, being physically active and avoiding alcohol and excessive drinking. Regular health screenings are also important.
Try the Plate Method
Eating healthy may be the most important — and most challenging — place to start. One strategy to try is the Plate Method, a method endorsed by the American Diabetes Association but useful to anyone who is trying to eat healthier. It’s a simple, stress-free way to plan portions without counting, measuring or calculating. Using a nine-inch plate at mealtime:
- Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, salad greens, carrots or cauliflower.
- Fill one-quarter of your plate with high-protein foods, such as fish, chicken or meats, or plant-based proteins, such as beans, hummus or lentils.
- Fill the last quarter of your plate with carbohydrate foods, such as starchy vegetables (like potatoes) and fruits.
The goal of this method is to have vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans make up most of each meal.
When it comes to fats, focus on adding healthy fats (like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart. Healthy fats can be found in foods like olive oil, nuts, avocados, some types of fish and many other foods.
Disease Management Programs Provide Personalized Support
Disease and wellness management programs play a crucial role in helping people manage chronic conditions and improve the quality of their lives. These types of programs may be available as part of your health insurance plan.
With a disease management program, a registered nurse is assigned to the patient and contacts the individual via phone. Typically, phone calls are 30 minutes or less and are scheduled monthly for 12-15 months.
Disease management programs can be life-changing, providing accountability and motivation to people with chronic diseases and helping them manage their condition by:
- Empowering them to learn about and guide their own health.
- Allowing them time to share their health journey.
- Supporting without judgment.
- Building confidence by setting small but impactful goals.
- Finding and addressing gaps in care.
- Providing medication guidance.
- Helping the patient track labs and collaborate with providers.
- Celebrating wins.
Patients who are enrolled in disease management programs are not obligated to continue and can opt-out at any time.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas members have access to disease and wellness management programs to help them live better with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure and high cholesterol. We also have programs to guide you through pregnancy, tobacco cessation, weight management and stress management.
Let us help. Our registered nurses offer individualized support, coaching and education. For more information, contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas representative today. To enroll in a disease management program, call (800) 520-3137 or visit www.bcbsks.com/behealthy to learn more.
These programs are available to members who have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as their primary carrier. Ages vary by program.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Diabetes.org
