February 2017 is Heart Health Month
You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:
- Watch your weight
** Members of the Point of Service health insurance plan have coverage for two nutritional counseling visits per 12 months at no cost. No diagnosis required (e.g. obesity) and the visits can be with an in-network registered dietitian. - Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
**The first two 90-day treatment regimens for certain medications are provided at no cost under the State of Maine Point of Service health insurance plan. Up to 8 tobacco cessation counseling visits per 12 months at no cost with an Aetna network provider. One lung cancer screening is provided per 12 months for eligible members* at no cost with an Aetna network provider. *Certain criteria must be met; contact your provider or Aetna Member Services for more information at 1-855-850-0039 - Control your cholesterol and blood pressure. Normal level is below 200
- Limit your fatty food intake
- Try baking, grilling or broiling foods instead of frying
- Add fiber; try adding beans, broccoli, apples or even popcorn to your diet
- Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables
- Reduce the number of eggs you eat
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week
- Know your numbers
WellStarME program information: on-line wellness program available to employees, retirees and spouses/domestic partners enrolled in the State of Maine Point of Service health insurance plan. WellStarME can help you keep track of your health numbers (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol), connect you with local, no-cost resources for help with pre-diabetes and tobacco cessation, or maintain an activity log. Contact wellstarme.org or 207-620-9202. - Get active
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and eat healthy
Resources
- Heart Healthy Recipes
- State of Maine gym membership reimbursement program
Employees are eligible for reimbursement of up to $40 per month at any qualifying gym. Members must be eligible for State of Maine paid benefits. Visit /maine.gov/deh/ for additional program information including attendance requirements, sample list of qualifying gyms and tax information. - State of Maine wellness centers:
- Augusta - Eastside Wellness Center 207-287-4278
- Bangor- Bangor Wellness Center 207-941-4419
Wellness center membership is available to State of Maine employees and retirees, with their spouses/domestic patners at no cost. Employee and retiree members must be eligible for State of Maine health insurance plan.