United for Better Health
Airing the first Wednesday of every month at 9:30 AM
“United for Better Health” airs every first and third Wednesday at 10:30am. It is a half hour program that features health care professionals in and around Westchester County. The show’s guests discuss a wide range of health care topics and offer meaningful suggestions and solutions for better health, a better health care experience and better control of your health care costs.
As the health care system continues to evolve with new technologies, programs and treatments the opportunities to help people live healthier lives have never been greater. “United for Better Health” aims to help WVOX listeners become actively engaged in their own health and health care so that they better understand their health plan benefits, know more about the latest trends in disease management and better understand the value of an effective, sustainable health care system.
Dr. Ivan Herstik, podiatrist with WESTMED Medical Group joined me in the studio on April 4th to help announce UnitedHealthcare’s national sweepstakes designed to encourage everyone to walk more. The sweepstakes includes an online map that provides 10,000-step walking routes nationwide, including routes in Westchester County. You can access the walking maps and sign the pledge to walk more and win prizes by going to www.uhcwalkingmaps.com. Dr. Herstick shared tips on how to best take care of your feet, plan your walking routine, choose the best walking shoes and much more!
MaryAnn Carr, councilmember for the town of Bedford (Bedford Hills, Bedford Village and Katonah) joined me to talk about what Bedford is doing to build and sustain a healthy community. Some of the community organizations that Councilmember Carr highlighted as great contributors to the health and wellness of the Bedford community were Antioch Baptist Church, under the direction of Pastor Merle McJunkin, the Katonah United Methodist Church, under the direction of Pastor Melissa Boyer, the Community Center of Northern Westchester and the Bedford Hills Community House.
Dr. Adam Aponte, regional medical director for UnitedHealthcare’s Community Plan in New York joined me to talk about the America’s Health Ranking Report. For more information about the report and details about New York’s strengths and challenges when it comes to overall health, visit www.AmericasHealthRankings.org
Dr. Michael Silver, cardiologist with WESTMED Medical Group spoke with us about the new blood pressure guidelines. People with blood pressure readings of 130 as the top number or 80 as the bottom number are now considered to have an elevated or high blood pressure level. High blood pressure used to be defined as 140/90.
If you missed this show you will absolutely want to take a listen by clicking on the 12/6/17 show link below. For additional information UnitedHealthcare’s Understanding Your Blood Pressure podcast is a great place to start.
JoJo Wallace, market leader for UnitedHealthcare in Westchester County shared with us some exciting news about the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans or D-SNP which offers enhanced health benefits based on an individual’s medical, social, behavioral and financial needs. Jojo highlighted a number of key benefits of this new health plan including free gym membership, delivered meals following post acute care and a debit card that can be used for prescriptions and other health related items. For more information about this health plan and to find out if you are eligible go to www.uhccommunityplan.com, visit the United Health care health benefits store at 328 S. Broadway,Yonkers, NY or call 877-629-3617.
Chuck Cerniglia, vice president of sales for UnitedHealthcare suggested the following to get the most out of your health insurance plan:
Do your research – if you have a scheduled medical procedure review your plan to be sure doctors are in-network and that you’ve chosen based on quality and affordability
Use transparency tools available to you – All UnitedHealthcare and Oxford health plans have access to a really cool and effective transparency tool called Health4Me. The recently upgraded Health4Me app for iPhone and Android devices automatically tells you when it’s time for preventive medical care.
Preventive care – preventive care is included in most plans at 100% coverage level and typically includes annual physical exams, colonoscopy, mammogram, basic blood tests, gynecological exam and cervical cancer screen. Even if you are in the best shape of your life, a serious condition with no signs or symptoms may put your health at risk. At www.uhcpreventivecare.com you can identify your age and gender-specific preventive care recommendations that can help you and your doctor make health decisions that meet your lifestyle and daily habits and help you live a healthier life.
Know and use the wellness tools made available to you– UnitedHealthcare offers many tools to help people improve their health or maintain a healthy lifestyle they already have in place. Rally, Real Appeal, Motion and Sweat-Equity are three examples
Know and use the savings tools available to you – like the health savings account (HSA). Recently released reports from Employee Benefit Research Institute and Morningstar found that many people don’t take full advantage of their health savings accounts (HSAs). For more information on HSA accounts go to www.hsacenter.com to become better informed. The HSA Center includes video clips, interactive calculators, an extensive FAQ, and a list of qualified medical expenses.
Ann Marie O’Brien, national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare, offers employers and employees tips on getting the most from their wellness plan. Click here for great health and wellness tips on nutrition, weight management and heart health.
Ariel Batista, market leader for UnitedHealthcare in Westchester County walked us through Medicaid 101; a lesson that was not to be missed. He explained, in simple layperson terms, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Plan and the Essential Plan. If you missed it, you’ll want to take a listen to this conversation on demand.
I invite you to listen on demand to any of the programs you missed or visit us at http://www.uhc.com for more information about how UnitedHealthcare is helping people live healthier lives and helping to make the health care system work better for everyone.
Thank you for listening, to United for Better Health!