Health Conditions

Unfortunately, they’re part of life. But allergies are nothing to sneeze at.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably anticipate a certain level of misery when spring is in the air. Maybe you believe the annual battle with pollen is lost before it even begins.

Allergies are more than a pesky inconvenience. Symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. The effects can be severe or even life threatening — especially if you live with asthma. While there isn’t a simple cure, there are a number of ways to make allergy season much more bearable.

Prevent allergy triggers

Allergens are everywhere. There are actually more allergy-causing pollutants indoors than outdoors! Luckily, there are simple ways to allergy-proof your house and reduce exposure to these allergens.

• Dust and vacuum often to reduce dust mites. If needed, wear a mask when cleaning and then leave for a few hours to avoid allergens in the air.
• Animals with fur or feathers can trigger allergic reactions. If you have pets you can’t part with, at least keep them out of the bedroom.
• When pollen is in the air, keep your doors and windows closed and change the filter for your air conditioner often. If possible, stay inside during the peak pollen time. This usually occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Take advantage of member discounts with National Allergy®,on allergy relief products, such as pillow and mattress encasings; air filtration products; anti-allergen carpet and furniture treatments; personal care products for sensitive skin; and nasal irrigation devices and saline solutions for sinus relief.

Don’t suffer through symptoms

There are many prescription and non-prescription medications to treat the symptoms of allergies. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that’s right for you.

• Antihistamines relieve rashes and hives, sneezing, itching and runny nose.
• Decongestants reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose.
• Eye drops provide temporary relief from burning or bloodshot eyes.
• Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and stop the spread of rashes.
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots) desensitize reactions to certain allergens over time by providing increasingly higher doses of allergen(s). They are not effective for all allergy types.

Allergies and asthma

Asthma is a serious, life-threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects quality of life for almost 25 million Americans, including an estimated 7 million children. Although there isn’t a known cure, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers.

During allergy season, the air is especially full of substances that can cause asthma symptoms and attacks. If you have asthma, work with your doctor to identify specific triggers and develop a treatment plan to reduce exposure.

*Statistics and information are accurate as of the time of publication and may change over time.

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Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are three different types:

1. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. With this type, the body doesn’t produce insulin.
2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. With Type 2, the body doesn’t use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. You can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes by eating a healthful diet, staying active and other healthy lifestyle choices.
3. Gestational diabetes may occur during pregnancy. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you had diabetes before pregnancy or that you’ll have it after giving birth.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to work with your doctor and other care providers to manage it.

Another condition called prediabetes is a pre-cursor to Type 2 diabetes. With prediabetes, your blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent or delay Type 2 from developing.

Symptoms

Not everyone with diabetes has noticeable symptoms. If you do, they may include:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry, even though you’re eating normally
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss, even though you are eating more (Type 1)
• Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet (Type 2)

Talk with your doctor if you notice these symptoms.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

If your doctor is concerned about your blood sugar levels, he or she may suggest blood sugar monitoring. There are two ways to measure your blood sugar. The first is a blood sugar check that you can do yourself. It shows your blood sugar level at the time of the test. The second is the A1C test, which is done in a lab or at your health care provider’s office.

Annual Eye Exams

People with diabetes have a higher risk of certain eye problems than people without it. That’s why regular eye exams are so important if you have diabetes. Experts recommend annual eye exams, with pupil dilation. You should also let your doctor know if you have any changes in your vision, including:

• Having blurry vision.
• Seeing black lines or spots.
• Seeing red spots or red fog.
• Seeing rings around lights or flashing lights.

Control Blood Pressure

About 70 percent of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or use prescription medications to lower high blood pressure. High blood pressure raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, eye problems and kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure, work with your provider to find a treatment plan for you. Treatment may include healthy lifestyle changes and medicine. Lifestyle changes may include eating a healthy diet, getting physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking.

*Statistics and information are accurate as of the time of publication and may change over time.

A New Lifeline

Call or text 988 suicide prevention hotline.

Suicide is a big health problem in the U.S. It was a top cause of death for Americans ages 10 to 64 in 2020. It led to nearly 46,000 deaths that year. Many things can raise a person’s risk for suicidal behavior. A sense of connection can help. Awareness of mental health issues is key, as well.

Remember the number

Most people know to dial 911 for help. Now, organizers hope 988 will become just as well known. The hotline started in July 2022 to connect callers to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It offers free, 24/7 support for people in distress. It offers resources for loved ones and professionals, too. People can also connect to the hotline through text or web chat. For details, visit 988Lifeline.org.

Depression awareness

About 1 in 6 people will have depression at some point. Depression is a sad mood that lasts a long time and affects daily life. Symptoms may include:

• Feelings of sadness or anxiety.
• Loss of interest in regular hobbies.
• Feelings of frustration or restlessness.
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns.

Help is available. Many people respond well to therapy or medicine. If you or a loved one has feelings of depression, talk to a doctor right away.

Anxiety

People with depression often have anxiety disorders. These are marked by strong feelings of fear or worry. For some people, these feelings can get in the way of daily life.

Types of anxiety include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Phobia-related disorders.

Therapy or medicine can help. Talk to your doctor.

Bullying

Awareness and connection are key tools in the fight against depression and suicide. The same is true for bullying. Bullying can lead to mental health problems for young people. Members of the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities or learning differences face an even greater risk.

Adult leaders must respond at once to bullying. This has been shown to prevent it over time. Increased awareness and dialogue can help to address bullying and create a strong sense of community.

Conversation and awareness help improve mental health and remove the stigma around it. If people feel a sense of community, they are more likely to ask for help when they need it. If you’re feeling alone, remember to dial 988.

*Statistics and information are accurate as of the time of publication and may change over time.

Know the Risks

When we think about substance abuse, we often picture a stereotype. Perhaps you imagine a disheveled person drinking from a bottle in a paper bag, for instance. But substance use disorder happens to people from all walks of life.

What is substance use disorder?

With substance use disorder, frequent or repeated use of alcohol or other drugs causes significant problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A person’s drinking or drug use may lead to health issues or disability. Or he or she may fail to keep up with responsibilities at home, work or school.

Substance abuse can also be fatal. Many people lose their lives to overdoses or accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be deadly not just for the impaired person, but for others as well. This is why penalties for drunk driving are so severe.

What you can do

The good news is you can get help. If you’re concerned that you or someone you love may have a substance use disorder, talk with a doctor or other health care provider.

You may even have access to programs, such as health coaching, through your health plan that can help. Log into My Benefits Manager to see what’s included in your plan.

Our bodies are designed to help us get the most out of each day. But we must do our part to give our joints nine lives. It’s never too late to make an extra effort to keep your joints healthy.

Exercise, a healthy diet and a tobacco-free lifestyle are essential to maintaining healthy joints and your overall health. The positive choices you’re already making can benefit your joint health for years to come.

Joint care

Physical fitness experts say we should combine aerobic activity, flexibility exercises and muscle strengthening to keep our joints healthy for life. Here are some examples:

• Cross-train by trying different activities each time you exercise.
• Try active stretching exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, to help maintain flexibility.
• Do low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming or bicycling.

No matter which exercise you choose, be sure to start with a brief warmup followed by some stretching exercises. Don’t forget to cool down and stretch after your workout, as well.

Experts say hydration is beneficial to joint health. Water makes up 70 to 80 percent of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions your joints. If you don’t stay hydrated, a lack of fluid in your cartilage could cause joint pain. Make sure you drink plenty of water each day.

Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for many aspects of your health, and it’s especially important for your joints. For example, each pound you lose can reduce the load on your knee joint by 4 pounds. Keep off extra weight to protect your joints.

Joint pain management

If you’re having joint pain that won’t go away, talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to help you choose an effective way to relieve your pain. Your options might include:

• Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• A topical cream.
• Steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy or prolotherapy.
• Physical therapy.
• Home remedies, such as use of a brace or wrap, rest, icing, compression, elevation or a heating pad.
• Alternative treatments, such as glucosamine or chondroitin supplements.

If your joint pain suddenly grows more severe or you become unable to use the joint at all, get medical help immediately.

Make an extra effort to protect your joints to keep them healthy long into the future.

Take charge of joint pain
Pain, stiffness and swelling around the joints — for those who are living with arthritis, these symptoms are all too familiar. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)*. They include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout

The disease is more common in older adults. But there’s even a type that affects children.

Are you at risk?

Experts aren’t sure what causes every type of arthritis. Genetics, lifestyle and environment may all play a role. Some risk factors for arthritis — such as age, gender and family history — are out of your control. But you do have some control over risk factors such as:

• Being overweight or obese
• Certain infections
• Joint injuries
• Occupational stress
• Smoking

If you have pain, swelling or stiffness, you should talk with your doctor.

What steps can you take to ease symptoms?

The CDC offers these tips for those who are living with arthritis:

• Learn self-management skills. Take an active role in your treatment plan. Develop strategies to manage your symptoms. And stay engaged in daily activities.
• Be active. Regular physical activity can help ease discomfort. It can also improve your range of motion and boost your mood.
• Work with your doctor. Follow your treatment plan. Stay on top of regular appointments. Ask questions, if you have them. And report any new symptoms.
• Manage your weight. Excess weight puts stress on your joints.
• Protect your joints. Don’t risk injuries that could make your arthritis worse.

*The CDC is an independent organization that offers health information that members of PAI may find helpful.

Knowledge is Power

Few health concerns are as worrisome as cancer. In fact, it can be tempting to just not think about it at all. But the more you know about cancer — and steps you can take to protect yourself from it — the more power you have over it.

What is cancer?

Cancer isn’t just a single disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)*, there are more than 100 types. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the body. It happens when abnormal cells develop and start to spread. Lung, prostate and breast cancer are among the most common types in the United States.

The good news is we’re learning more about cancer every day. Scientists continue to make strides in diagnosing and treating it. We’re getting better at preventing cancer, too. For example the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can help prevent several types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

*The CDC is an independent organization that offers health information that members of PAI may find helpful.

Take steps to keep your heart healthy

You may already know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)* estimates that 600,000 Americans die from it each year. That’s a scary statistic — but the good news is you can take steps to reduce your risk.

What is heart disease?

The term heart disease actually describes a number of conditions that affect the heart. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD). This is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. Too much buildup can cause a heart attack or other conditions.

Minimize your risk

You can’t control all of your risk factors for heart disease, such as your age or family history. But there are factors you can control, such as living a healthy lifestyle and managing conditions that may be linked to heart disease. The CDC recommends these tips:

• Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit processed foods, sugar and salt (sodium). Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol — and high in fiber.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess body weight increases your risk for heart disease. If you’re overweight or obese, work with your doctor to develop a healthy weight loss plan.
• Get enough physical activity. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, as well as lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-sugar levels — all risk factors for heart disease.
• Don't smoke. If you do use tobacco products, make a plan to quit.
• If you drink, do so only in moderation. That’s no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women.
• Keep your cholesterol in check. Have your blood cholesterol checked at least once every five years. If your levels are high, your doctor may recommend medication and lifestyle changes.
• Control blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be a silent, symptomless killer. Get your blood pressure checked regularly — at least once every couple of years. If yours is high, you may need to take medicine, limit sodium or make other changes.
• Manage diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor may recommend you monitor your blood sugar levels. Your treatment plan may also include medications and lifestyle changes.
• Take your medicine. Medications you take for other conditions are important for your heart health, too. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking them. Report any side effects. And don’t stop taking a medicine without talking with your health care provider first.
• Talk with your health care team. Make sure you understand your treatment plan and risks. This is especially important if you’ve already had a heart attack.

Take advantage of resources available to you

Many of our health plans include access to wellness programs that offer information and support to help you make healthy lifestyle choices and manage chronic conditions.

Read more about high blood pressure.

*The CDC is an independent organization that offers health information that members of PAI may find helpful.

*Statistics and information are accurate as of the time of publication and may change over time.

Sleep

Catch your zzz's and rejuvenate your body each day for a fresh start

A good night’s rest is something many of us might take for granted, but healthy sleep habits are central to our overall wellness.

The benefits of sleep

We all know we feel much better after a good night’s sleep. This resting period gives your body a chance to work on background processes that are important for a healthy brain. A lack of sleep can make it difficult for our brains to process and remember new information. Some researchers believe that, during sleep, our bodies more efficiently remove waste products from our brain cells.

Sleep has many other wellness benefits. Along with lowering your risk for some serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, adequate sleep can help you:

•  Avoid getting sick.
•  Maintain a healthy weight.
•  Experience lower stress levels.
•  Focus and make good decisions.
•  Get along well with others.
•  Avoid injuries and accidents.

How much sleep do you need?

The amount of sleep you need to stay healthy depends on your age, and you’ll need relatively less as you grow older. For instance, infants 4 to 12 months old need 12 to 16 hours daily, including naps. Teenagers should get between eight and 10 hours a night. For adults 18 and older, experts recommend at least seven hours per night.

Quality is just as important as quantity. If you get the recommended amount of sleep but don’t feel rested, you might need to take steps to improve your rest or talk to your doctor about whether you could have a sleep disorder.

Sleep well

You probably have daily routines that help you get regular exercise and eat right. Do you think about sleep routines in the same way? Experts say it’s important to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Here are some more steps you can take to improve the quality of your sleep:

• Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, with no TVs, computers or smartphones. Make sure your room is set to a comfortable temperature.
• Get exercise during the day. This can help you fall asleep at night.
• Don’t eat a large meal or drink caffeine or alcohol before bedtime.

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.

You Can Quit Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products is bad for your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)*, smoking increases risk for serious health conditions including:

• Numerous types of cancer
• Heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD
• Pregnancy complications and birth defects

Even just being around cigarette smoke can be dangerous. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are especially vulnerable.

The good news is you can quit.

Make a plan to quit

The CDC offers these tips:

• Pick a quit date. Put it on your calendar and stick to it.
• Let people know. Tell friends and family of your plans to quit. They can help support you and hold you accountable.
• Get rid of all of your smoking stuff. Ditch your cigarettes, lighters, matches and ashtrays. Freshen up your car and living space, so that not even the smell of cigarettes is there to tempt you.
• Write down the reasons you want to quit. In a moment of weakness, it can be helpful to review your own reasons for why this change is important.
• Beware of your smoking triggers. Maybe you are in the habit of having a cigarette with your morning coffee. Consider adjusting your routine — grab coffee in a café or on the go — and lighting up may seem less automatic.
• Make a plan for cravings. Some people may need to wean themselves off of nicotine with patches or gum. Or perhaps a brisk walk, video game or handful of jellybeans is enough of a distraction to get your through.
• Have a support system. Call or text a friend who can help distract you or talk you down from the urge to light up. There are quit lines and quit smoking apps that can help, too.
• Reward yourself. Quitting smoking is a big deal. So when you reach milestones, celebrate them.

What about e-cigarettes?

You may have heard about e-cigarettes, e-pens, e-pipes or vaporizers. These devices contain liquid cartridges that produce a vapor that users inhale — or “vape.”

Marketers have promoted these devices as a “safe” alternative to smoking. But most of these products do contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Scientists are still studying the long-term effects of these devices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them as a smoking cessation aid. For more information on electronic cigarettes, select the button below.

Take advantage of programs to help you quit smoking

You may have access to smoking cessation programs through your health insurance plan. To see what’s available to you, log into My Benefits Manager and look under Wellness.

*The CDC is an independent organization that offers health information that members of PAI may find helpful.