AmeriHealth Caritas

Regardless of the COVID-19 new case rate or positive test rate in your area, the pandemic’s behavioral health effects remain constant. Stress, depression, loneliness, and substance use disorder are just some of the behavioral health challenges that have been exacerbated by the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling stressed or depressed. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also offers resources for individuals, providers, communities, and states here: https://www.samhsa.gov/coronavirus

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been told, among other things, to frequently wash or sanitize our hands, not touch our faces with unclean hands, and avoid large crowds. These tips, in recognition of International Infection Prevention Week (Oct. 18-24), can also prevent the spread of flu, common cold, and other infections. Learn more about protecting yourself from infections here: https://professionals.site.apic.org/infection-prevention-b/

Today marks the start of Healthcare Quality Week. Doctors, nurses, and other health care providers work very hard to help keep us healthy. Much of their training and the solutions they deploy are born out of research and analysis performed by health care quality professionals. Their work helps determine which approaches, treatments, and policies are most likely to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of care. Learn more about the work they do here: https://nahq.org/about/healthcare-quality-professional/ #HQW2020

The American Cancer Society estimates that 276,480 women in the U.S., as well as 2,620 men, will be diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer this year. Cancer, and the treatments for it, can weaken immune systems, leaving people at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 and other infections. If you are currently being treated for breast or any other cancer, it is important you speak to your doctor about what additional precautions you and your family should take during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this American Cancer Society resource for more: https://www.cancer.org//common-questions-about-the-new-cor

October is Healthy Lung Month. Breathing is something we often take for granted. But the COVID-19 pandemic, and the images of people depending on ventilators to breathe and live, are a reminder of how important our lungs are to our very existence. Regular exercise is just one activity we can do to strengthen our lungs. The American Lung Association provides additional things you can do to keep your lungs healthy here: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness

As the weather gets cooler, it’s more important than ever to stay aware of COVID-19 and the ways to prevent its spread. You should continue to avoid large crowds, stay at least six feet apart from those not in your household whenever possible, and wear a mask covering both your nose and mouth whenever social distancing may not be possible. If you’re a member of an AmeriHealth Caritas health plan, click here to find the website for your health plan and the resources they’re providing during the pandemic. https://www.amerihealthcaritas.com/find-health-plan.aspx

Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. While Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses on preventing the disease and diagnosing it early, it is important to support those whose cancer has metastasized, or spread to other organs. According to research published in JAMA Oncology, Black and other minority women are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has already spread) than other women. Click this link to learn more about metastatic breast cancer. http://mbcn.org/october-13-national-metastatic-breast-canc/

Today is World Arthritis Day, as well as the beginning of Bone and Joint Health National Action Week. According to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative, 54% of Americans over the age of 18 are affected by bone and joint conditions. These include arthritis, which affects 54 million U.S. adults. Get answers to some frequently asked questions about arthritis here: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm

Dental health is a key indicator of overall health. When we visit the dentist for a checkup, a dental hygienist usually does the initial examination and cleaning of our teeth. They also assist dentists in performing more advanced procedures. AmeriHealth Caritas salutes this country’s dental hygienists during National Dental Hygiene Month! https://www.ada.org///dental-team-careers/dental-hygienist

Today is National Depression Screening Day. While depression is primarily considered a mental health problem, it can also result in physical health problems. The American Heart Association has listed depression as a risk factor for poor prognosis after a heart attack. And physical health problems, especially those that cause inflammation within the body, can both worsen and be worsened by depression. Check out this Mental Health America resource on screening for depression here: https://www.mhanational.org/national-depression-screening-d

October is American Pharmacists Month. Pharmacists work collaboratively with doctors and other prescribers to determine which medications best meet each patient’s needs. We greatly appreciate all the work they do to help our members stay healthy. https://pharmacistsmonth.com/

September 15 October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout this month, AmeriHealth Caritas is recognizing Hispanic-American doctors who were pioneers in their field. This week, we recognize Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías, a Puerto Rican pediatrician and women’s rights activist. During her residency at San Juan’s University Hospital, she established Puerto Rico’s first center for the care of newborn babies, helping the hospital cut its newborn death rate by 50 percent within three years. In January 2001, less than a year before her death, Dr. Trías received the Presidential Citizen’s Medal. https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_273.html

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Any device connected to the internet is potentially vulnerable to hacking, and this includes smartphones using mobile phone data networks. If you connect it, protect it! Learn more and get involved by visiting cisa.gov/ncsam. #BeCyberSmart #Cybersecurity #NCSAM2020