Be a “Wise” Healthcare Consumer All Year Long

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hauppauge, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) February 21, 2011 -- Health insurance, prescription drugs, doctors’ office visits, trips to the hospital emergency room, surgery, deductibles and other medical expenses result in a significant annual investment in healthcare.

By practicing prevention, maintaining health and wellness, living a healthy, active lifestyle and being aware of healthcare costs, people will reduce their healthcare expenses, and improve their probability of living a long, active, healthy life.

February is National Wise Health Consumer Month, and the Nurse Practitioner Association of Long Island (NPALI) joins with the American Institute of Preventive Medicine (AIPM) to urge all Long Islanders to be wise health consumers and are get the most healthcare for their money.

The key to being a wise health consumer is knowing and understanding treatment options; staying involved in your health; being an informed healthcare consumer, and paying attention to the care that is prescribed.

“People should educate themselves about the illnesses they have, medications and treatments that are prescribed, and health promotion and illness prevention measures to achieve their highest level of health,” said Diane Bartscherer, DNP, NP, President of the NPALI.

The NPALI and AIPM advise that there are several steps that wise health consumer should follow:

1) Understand your healthcare coverage: Take the time to read your health insurance policy. Make sure that you understand what it covers, including premiums, co–payments, deductibles, maximum covered amounts and participating providers.

2) Select healthcare providers with great care: Get recommendations from your friends and family and confirm that the provider accepts your insurance.

3) Get appropriate health screenings: Get routine diagnostic tests, examinations, and screenings. When — and how often — to have these examinations depends on age, gender, family history, lifestyle and health status. The examinations make it possible to diagnose a disease or illness in its earliest stage, which increases the potential to cure or manage the disease, reducing the impact that it has on quality of life.

4) Practice self–management: Practicing self–management means taking responsibility and doing what is necessary to effectively manage an illness. Keep healthcare information organized and maintain a medical history, which includes doctor visits, immunizations, test dates, results, medications with doses and allergies.

5) Use medicines safely: The best way to use medicines safely and appropriately is to follow the prescription instructions and understand the reason for taking the medication, how and when to take it and the possible side effects. If you do not understand something, don’t be afraid to ask. Never walk out of the healthcare provider’s office confused; ask for clarification. Your pharmacist is an excellent resource for medication information as well.

6) Maintain a healthy lifestyle: The following lifestyle choices promote good health:
Quit smoking (or do not start)
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Limit alcohol consumption
Manage your stress

7) Take care of your mental health: Mental health can have an effect on physical health. Daily, persistent stress can lead to physical symptoms including:
Sleep disturbances
Stomachache or diarrhea
Tension or migraine headaches
Greater susceptibility to colds and other infections
Fatigue

High blood pressure
Skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis)

“A wise healthcare consumer knows how to work with all members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants,, pharmacists, insurance companies, hospitals and more,” said Dr. Bartscherer. “There are many consumer health resources available to help make smart choices.”

doctor     drugs     health insurance     healthcare     np     nurse     practitioner     prescription     prevention