Take Care of Your Health — One Step at a Time
Staying healthy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few steps can help you feel better and live longer. Did you know as a Wellcare member you may be eligible to earn rewards for completing eligible health activities? Sign up for My Wellcare Rewards. Log in to your member portal to get started.
Here are some important things to know, especially as we get older.
If you have diabetes, it is important to keep these three things in check:
- Blood sugar (glucose)
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
Talk to your doctor about how to manage these. Taking medications, eating healthy, and staying active all help.
Learn more about Diabetes. You can also visit: WebMD.
Your heart works hard every day. Help it stay strong by:
- Managing blood pressure
- Keeping cholesterol at a healthy level
- Not smoking
- Staying active and eating heart-healthy foods
Heart disease can often be prevented or managed with simple changes and regular checkups.
Learn more about Heart Disease at WebMD.
Too much cholesterol in your blood can block your arteries and lead to heart attacks or strokes. You may not feel any symptoms, so it’s important to get your cholesterol checked regularly.
Good news: it's never too late to make changes! Eating well, moving more, and following your doctor’s advice can make a big difference.
Learn more about high cholesterol. You can also learn more about cholesterol at WebMD.
High blood pressure often doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s important to have it checked regularly.
When left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart problems. But with proper care, it can be managed.
Regular blood pressure checks at your provider’s office are an important way to stay on top of your health. Be sure to ask your provider to check it at every visit.
Learn more about high blood pressure. You can also learn more about high blood pressure at WebMD.
As we age, our eyesight can change. An annual eye exam can help detect problems early, including:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetic eye disease
- Age-related vision loss
Early treatment may help protect your vision and keep you independent.
Learn more about eye exams at WebMD.
Regular checkups and cancer screenings can catch problems early—when treatment can be most effective.
Be sure to ask your doctor about these important screenings:
- Breast cancer:
- Women ages 40 to 44 can choose to start getting a mammogram every year.*
- Women ages 45 to 54 should have a mammogram every year.*
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.*
- Follow-up After Mammogram
- Had a mammogram recently? Be sure to talk with your provider about your results. Early detection and timely follow-up are important for your breast health!
- Just so you know: Sometimes, a mammogram shows something that needs a closer look—but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Your provider may suggest follow-up tests, like a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, just to be sure. These tests help provide more information and peace of mind. Learn more mammograms at WebMD.
Learn more about breast cancer screenings at WebMD.
- Colon cancer: Adults age 45+ should get screened.** Learn more about colon cancer screenings at WebMD.
- Other cancer screenings: Your provider can help guide you. Learn more about screenings at WebMD.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health—no matter how long you’ve smoked. It helps your heart, lungs, blood pressure, and even improves your energy.
You don’t have to do it alone—there’s help available:
Learn more about quitting smoking at WebMD.
Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs—it’s the main cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. A COPD exacerbation (flare-up) is when symptoms suddenly get worse. This means more trouble breathing, more coughing, and more mucus. It can happen because of infections, air pollution, or other things that irritate your lungs. Each COPD flare-up can make your lungs more sensitive and increase the chance of having another one sooner. Effective management of COPD involves receiving and taking the right medications after a flare-up.
Had a recent COPD flare-up? Make sure you:
- Get your medications prescribed by your provider timely.
- Take or use as directed. Stopping treatment suddenly or not taking as prescribed can result in future flare-ups.
- Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about your medications.
Learn more about managing COPD
Managing Low Back Pain
Most cases of low back pain usually get better over time without tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. If there aren’t signs that something more serious might be going on, many providers suggest avoiding unnecessary imaging. Simple steps—like adjusting activities, physical therapy, over the counter medications and giving your body time to recover—can often help. Your healthcare provider can help you understand what’s best for you.
Learn more about managing lower back pain at WebMD
{Source: NIH Fact Sheet: Most acute low back pain is short-term and tends to resolve on its own with self-care measures. ninds.nih.gov}
Use Antibiotics Wisely – Protect Your Health and Future Generations Use Antibiotics Wisely – Protect Your Health and Future Generations
Antibiotics are powerful tools that can save lives, but they only work against certain bacterial infections—not viral illnesses like the common cold, flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Using them when they’re not needed can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
When you're feeling under the weather:
- Rest and hydrate to support your immune system.
- Use over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms.
- Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
For a sore throat:
- Get a strep test before considering antibiotics.
- Strep throat symptoms usually start quickly and are rarely accompanied by a cough or runny nose.
Remember:
- Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis), ear infections, and sore throats don't require antibiotics.
- Consult your healthcare provider before taking antibiotics.
- Trust your provider to know when antibiotics are necessary.
Learn more about antibiotics at: WebMD
{Sources:
Antibiotic Prescribing and Use
Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts
Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Facts, cdc.gov, cdc.gov, cdc.gov}
Stress can take a toll on your body and mind. It’s common to feel stressed, but there are ways to cope:
- Take walks
- Talk to friends or loved ones
- Try breathing exercises or quiet time
- Do something you enjoy each day
Learn more about stress and your health. You can also learn more about stress at WebMD.
Taking care of your health is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Schedule an annual preventive visit to talk with your provider. You can use this checklist to help guide your visit (PDF). Small changes today can make a big difference tomorrow.
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