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My BlueMEDICARE

Exercise is for every body

Shoo away the flu — New vaccines provide better protection

It’s time for your mammogram reality check

A magazine for Medicare Plus BlueSM PPO and Prescription BlueSM PDP members

Fall 2016

2 My Blue Medicare

Daniel J. LoeppPresident and CEO

Julie SmithVice President, Senior Business Division

Janita GaulzettiManager, Medicare Market Communications

Barbara GillisEditor, Medicare Market Communications

Feature writerLaura Hipshire

Editorial board Jeff Coulter; Amy Howard; Mary Jane Johnson; Laurrie Knight, M.D.; Kerri L. Larkin; Catherine McIntosh; Kim Moon, PharmD; Tiffany Moss; Maria Nair; Adrienne Savage; Randy Smith; Diane Sypien, R.N., M.S.H.A., PMP; Carolyn Willemsen

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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FALL 2016We welcome your letters. Some articles may be reprinted with permission. Please send your comments and requests for additional copies and reprints to:

Editor, MyBlue Medicare — Mail Code 0210 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 600 E. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226-2998

MyBlue Medicare is meant to complement the advice of health care professionals and is not intended to take the place of professional medical care. Our recommendations are based on best medical practice. Your specific contract may not cover the cost of every procedure or treatment recommended. MyBlue Medicare is mailed to our Medicare Plus Blue PPO and Prescription Blue PDP subscribers. Our mailing list is confidential; we do not share it with anyone.

Our website is www.bcbsm.com/medicare. While website addresses for other organizations are provided throughout this publication for members to use for additional information, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan does not control these sites and is not responsible for their content.

Fall 2016 3

4 Woman’s bond with horses spans nearly 80 years

6 Exercise is for every body

8 Lighten up your favorite recipes

9 Healthy recipes

10 The Doctor’s Office: Shoo away the flu — New vaccines provide better protection

11 The Corner Pharmacy: ‘Do I need to take a statin?’

12 It’s time for your mammogram reality check

14 There’s help for depression

16 Get the right care in the right place

17 Aim low for healthy blood pressure

18 Don’t let diabetes steal your sight

19 New scam targets your medical identity

Back cover Crossword puzzle

contents

6

12 1814

Test detectors before changing your clocksIf you’re like many people, you’re concerned about safety at home. You likely have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. But when was the last time you checked to see whether these detectors work?

November marks the end of daylight saving time. As you reset your clocks this year, take time to check your detectors.

Push the “test” button to see whether they’re working. Make sure to replace batteries or buy new detectors. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you don’t have these lifesavers in your home, make it a point to buy and install them.

Make sure you have smoke detectors on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Install carbon monoxide detectors, which alert you to the deadly gas that you can’t see or smell, in the hallway outside bedrooms and away from heating vents, furniture or draperies.

Experts recommend checking these detectors twice a year. So when the time changes, get in the habit of checking your detectors.

Sources include: American Red Cross; National Fire Protection Association; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

YEARS8 SPANS NEARLYWOMAN’S BOND WITH HORSES

When member Alvine (pronounced Al-veen) Cooper was 8 years old, her brother dragged her with him on a

horseback riding date.“He and his date rode off and left me. He

put me on this ancient horse and told me what to do. When he came back, I was riding and steering. We were independent back then,” says Alvine, who lives in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

You might say that’s the day she caught “equine fever,” because Alvine, now 87, has been riding and caring for horses ever since.

“My dad kept it going,” Alvine says. “He took me out to a stable, and he’d rent a horse and watch me ride.”

At 14, she saved up from her job at Peter’s Sporting Goods in Detroit and bought her first horse, named Colonel, for $100.

“He was an Army reject,” says Alvine with a chuckle.

Scout’s honorMost of Alvine’s six children (four daughters and two sons) like to ride horses, but her boys prefer fast cars.

When her daughters were in high school,

Alvine led a mounted Girl Scout troop, not a common thing at the time.

“All the girls rode,” Alvine says. “We had scheduled lessons and they’d start from beginners up to jumping. We also had ‘work weekends’ where we housed over 100 scouts and gave them lessons and kept the barns clean. It was very good for confidence and learning to be a leader. When we were done working, we’d go for a night ride.”

Three horses later …In addition to Colonel, Alvine has owned Brandwynne (Brandy), Scout’s Arrow (Scotty) and Splash Dance, her current horse. She’s had Splash Dance, a purebred Appaloosa, for more than 20 years.

“We just call him Splash or ‘Get off my foot,’” Alvine says with a laugh.

“He was very difficult to train, but when he was 10, he started to mellow out. He’s part of the family now.”

Alvine is partial to Appaloosas because of their intelligence and strength. With the exception of Colonel, all of her horses have been Appaloosas.

And although he’s about the equivalent of a

4 My Blue Medicare

Fall 2016 5

man in his 70s, Splash moves well and is happy and healthy, says Alvine. She describes his personality as “sassy, loving and intelligent.”

Double the birthday wishesThis past April, Alvine and Splash celebrated their birthdays together.

“His birthday is on April 25 and mine is April 27,” she says.

Alvine says Splash enjoys eating carrots, apples, grapes and cookies but dislikes sugar cubes.

On any given week, you can find Alvine at Big Lake Farm in Davisburg, Michigan, caring for and riding Splash, as well as helping around the stables. She also volunteers at the Yankee Air Museum archives library in Belleville, Michigan, and is a caregiver for seniors in her community. Always active, Alvine participated in the record-setting

“Rosie the Riveter” gathering at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in 2015, where she dressed up as one of 2,096 Rosies.

“It was so much fun,” Alvine says.

Horses breed harmonyFor Alvine, horses are a part of her family.

“They’re beautiful and sensitive animals,” she says. “When I’m out at the barn all by myself, I love the peace and silence, and warmth of the animals. I always leave the barn in a better mood.”

Alvine says she wishes more people would give horseback riding a try, noting horses communicate mostly by body movement.

“If you’re not looking into someone’s eyes, you won’t understand them,” Alvine said. “It would be nice if everyone would put away their devices and start ‘feeling’ again.”

6 My Blue Medicare

Exercise is foreverybody

If you have a disability, you may think exercise isn’t possible for you. Think

again. No matter your age or ability, nearly any activity is possible if you adapt it to your needs. And the many benefits of exercise extend to all people, including those with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Whether you have limited eyesight, can’t move like you used to or use a wheelchair, you can get your body moving and reap the rewards.

HELPFUL HINTS • If you have low vision, exercise with a partner who can check your form.• If you’re frail, start your strength-training program without weights and add light

ones only when you’re ready.• If you have low mobility or balance issues, ask your doctor to suggest exercises that

will improve your balance.

Fall 2016 7

The benefits of exerciseRegular physical activity can bolster your health in many ways. Exercise can lower your risk for:• Early death• Heart disease• Stroke• High blood pressure• Diabetes

• Colon and breast cancer

• Weight gain• Falls• Depression

Research also suggests that exercise keeps your mind sharp and bones strong. Physical activity can help you sleep better, too. And for people with disabilities, the benefits include improved ability to do daily tasks.

What’s stopping you?Some people avoid being active because they worry that they’ll hurt themselves. But studies have shown you can safely exercise when the physical activity matches your abilities. For example, if you have osteoarthritis, you might worry that being active will make it worse. But research shows that when done safely, regular physical activity actually improves pain, physical function, quality of life and mental health in people with the condition.

How much should you do?Experts suggest that older adults and those with disabilities try to do at least 2.5 hours per week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or golfing. Adults should also aim to do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

But don’t fret if you can’t do this much. Create a regular fitness routine based on what you can do. The more active you are, the bigger the benefits — but some activity is better than none.

Check with your doctorTalk with your doctor about how much and what kinds of exercise are right for you. Your doctor also may be able to refer you to a fitness consultant who has experience modifying activities for people with disabilities.

Getting active is one of the best things you can do for yourself. With the right fitness plan, people of all ages and abilities can move their way to better health.

Sources include: National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability; National Institutes of Health; Office of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Easy exercises to do at homeYou don’t have to go to the gym to get fit. Here are three exercises you can do at home. For more ideas, visit go4life.nia.nih.gov.

Do two sets (repeat 10 to 15 times) of these exercises while sitting in a sturdy, armless chair.

1. Side arm raises — Hold hand weights straight down at your sides with palms facing inward. Raise both arms straight up to shoulder height. Slowly lower your arms to starting position.

2. Elbow extensions — Hold a hand weight in one hand with palm facing inward. Raise that arm toward the ceiling. Slowly bend the raised arm at the elbow and bring the weight toward

your shoulder. Slowly straighten your arm over your head. Then repeat with your other arm.

3. Leg strengthening exercises — Sit with your back supported by the chair. Only the balls of your feet and your toes should rest on the floor. Put a rolled towel at the edge of the chair under your thighs for support. Slowly extend one leg in front of you as straight as possible, but don’t lock your knee. Flex your foot to point your toes toward the ceiling. Slowly lower your leg back down. Then repeat with your other leg.

Here’s a dash of nutrition knowledge for you: Eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite meals.

Making some changes to lighten up your go-to recipes can make a big difference for your health. You’ll trim calories and fat while keeping that delicious flavor you love. Here’s how:

Ü Go for low-fat dairy. Making a cheese-based casserole? Select lower-fat dairy options, such as nonfat milk or light cream cheese, and use about half the usual amount of butter. When whipping up your favorite dips, replace mayonnaise with plain nonfat Greek yogurt.

Ü Add veggies. Sneak some veggies into your dishes. For example, when cooking macaroni and cheese, add some tomatoes and spinach. If you’re having lasagna, throw in shredded carrots, zucchini and spinach in place of some of the ground meat. When making sandwiches, top

them with additional vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato and cucumbers, instead of piling on more meat and cheese. Skip the pepperoni and top your favorite pizza with vegetables.

Ü Season smartly. Lightening up your recipes also means easing up on how much salt you use. Try using half the usual amount of salt or adding none at all while cooking. Instead of reaching for salt, season foods with herbs, spices, garlic and lemon or lime juice.

Ü Choose trimmer cuts of meat. Whether you’re making burgers, a roast or chili, select lean cuts of beef and pork. The words “loin” or “round” mean they’re lower in fat. If you’re cooking chicken or turkey, remove the skin to slash the amount of saturated fat and calories.

With these small changes, you’ll cook up healthier dishes your whole family will enjoy.

8 My Blue Medicare

Lighten up

your favorite recipes

Sources include: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Servings: 61 medium sweet potato, peeled 2 carrots2 cups Hubbard squash, peeled1 cup parsnips2 cloves garlic1 red bell pepper 1 cup onions, peeled and cut into

½-inch wedges2 cups low-sodium, low-fat

vegetable broth1 cup puréed tomato2 tbsp. fresh lime juice¼ tsp. cayenne (to taste)1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas¼ tsp. salt1/8 tsp. black pepper1 stalk thinly sliced green onion

1. Peel sweet potato, carrots, squash and parsnips; cut into ¾-inch pieces.

Servings: 42 cups pitted sweet black

cherries¼ cup dried, unsweetened

coconut1 tsp. pure vanilla extract12 oz. plain fat-free Greek-style

yogurt

Winter Vegetable Stew

Cherry Swirl ‘Pudding’

2. Peel and mince or press garlic. Cut bell pepper into ½-inch strips.

3. Cook onions, sweet potato, carrots, squash, parsnips, garlic and 1 cup of broth in a covered pan for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a few tablespoons of water if mixture begins sticking to pan.

4. Add 1 more cup of broth, along with the bell pepper, puréed tomato, lime juice and cayenne. Return to a boil; reduce heat.

5. Simmer covered until vegetables are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. If stew sticks to pan, add more broth.

6. Add peas and stir occasionally until hot, about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

7. Ladle into soup bowls, and garnish with sliced green onions.

1. Cut the cherries in half. Mix the cherries, coconut and vanilla extract into the yogurt.

2. Spoon into stemmed cocktail glasses. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Fall 2016 9

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nutritional information per serving: 143 calories, less than 1 g total fat, less than 1 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 352 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrates, 8 g fiber, 13 g sugar, 5 g protein

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories, 4 g total fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 30 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 10 g protein

Healthy recipes

10 My Blue Medicare

The Doctor’s Office

Laurrie Knight, M.D., is associate medical director of the Senior Business Division at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

When the cooler air arrives and the days grow shorter, it’s time to think about protecting yourself from the flu and

pneumonia. Although these illnesses are common, they can be severe and even deadly — especially for people 65 and older. The good news is that newer vaccines are providing seniors better protection than ever. Here’s how:

1Stronger flu shotAs you age, your immune system becomes

weaker, putting you at greater risk for severe flu. What’s more, aging also lowers your body’s immune response after getting the flu shot. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new, stronger flu shot designed for people 65 and older. This high-dose vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen, which is the part of the vaccine that protects you from flu. Clinical trials showed that the stronger shot was 24 percent better than the standard vaccine at preventing flu in seniors.

2Egg-free vaccineNow there’s a vaccine that is 100 percent

egg-free. Until recently, all flu vaccines contained a small amount of egg protein. But scientists have created a new flu shot using a technique that contains no eggs. Although recent studies have

Shoo away the flu — New vaccines provide better protection

shown that people who are allergic to eggs can safely receive vaccines with egg protein, this newer vaccine offers them another option.

3Better pneumonia protectionScientists have improved a vaccine for

pneumonia, too. Recommendations used to call for seniors to receive the Pneumovax 23® vaccine that protects against 23 strains of pneumonia. New recommendations call for adults ages 65 and older to get the Pneumovax 23 vaccine, as well as a new vaccine, Prevnar 13®, that protects against 13 additional strains. If you received the Pneumovax 23 vaccine before you turned 65 and more than five years have passed, you may need to get it again, in addition to Prevnar 13.

Don’t delay getting your shotsFlu outbreaks can start as early as October and it takes about two weeks for you to be fully protected by the flu shot. You’ll need a flu shot every year because flu viruses always change, but the pneumonia vaccines provide longer protection. Check with your doctor to see which vaccines are right for you.

Sources include: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fall 2016 11

The Corner Pharmacy

If you need help in the fight to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke, statins are a powerful ally. These drugs control LDL cholesterol, or “bad”

cholesterol. By doing so, they decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

For years, doctors had to decide whether to prescribe statins based largely on a person’s LDL level. Today, they consider many things beyond just this single number. For example, the American Diabetes Association now says that everyone older than 40 with diabetes should consider a statin, regardless of LDL level.

Should you take a statin? The answer depends on your overall risk factors and health history.

Get the factsMost of the cholesterol in your body does not come from food; it’s actually made by your liver and other cells. LDL cholesterol may gradually build up inside your arteries and narrow them. Eventually, this could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Statins block an enzyme required by the liver to make cholesterol. They also help lower LDL levels in the blood.

Latest recommendationsYou and your doctor should discuss statin therapy if you fall into one of these groups:• Very high LDL level of 190 mg/dL or above• History of cardiovascular problems such as a past

heart attack or stroke• Diabetes• LDL level of 70 to 189 mg/dL and 7.5 percent

or higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years

‘Do I need to take a statin?’

Kim Moon, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist for Medicare Pharmacy Services at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Sources include: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Your doctor calculates your 10-year risk using a formula based on your age, sex, race, cholesterol, blood pressure, if you have diabetes and if you’re a smoker.

If you need a statinArmed with this information, you and your doctor can decide whether taking a statin is right for you. If you do start a statin, keep taking it as prescribed.

Tell your doctor about any side effects, such as muscle pain, new memory problems or increased blood sugar levels (if you check them for diabetes). Your doctor may change your dose, try a different statin or switch you to another type of drug.

It’s normal to make excuses for things we don’t want to do. But if you’ve been putting off an overdue mammogram, research shows your

excuses may have run out. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 30 percent of eligible women don’t get regular breast cancer screening exams. Here is some self-talk that could put your health at risk:

“I won’t get breast cancer. It doesn’t run in my family.”Reality check: Factors that can increase your risk for breast cancer include: • Age. Your risk increases after age 55.• Weight gain, especially after menopause.• Your menstrual history. Your risk may

increase if you had your first period before age 12 or went through menopause after age 55.

• Your pregnancy history. Not having children or having your first child after age 30 may increase your risk.

It’s time for your mammogram

reality check

“ Not today.”

“ I just don’t feel like it.”

“Maybe next month.”

12 My Blue Medicare

Sources include: American Cancer Society; JAMA; National Cancer Institute; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

It’s true that family history can play a role. If you’ve inherited the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you’re at a higher risk for the disease.

“I’m older than 65, so I don’t need a mammogram anymore.” Reality check: According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the benefits of mammography increase with age. In fact, the task force says that women between the ages of 50 and 74 see the greatest benefit and should get a mammogram every two years. Women at higher risk, including those who have a personal history of breast cancer or those with the risk factors listed on the previous page, may want to get a screening more often.

“I can’t get a mammogram — I have breast implants.” Reality check: This isn’t the case. Women with implants simply need a few more images taken during their mammograms to get a better view of the breast tissue. Otherwise, the recommendations for screening are the same for women with implants as they are for those who don’t have them. Just make sure you notify the technologist that you have implants before your mammogram.

“I don’t want to get a mammogram — it hurts.”Reality check: Breast compression during a mammogram can be uncomfortable for some women. But remember that this pressure helps produce a high-quality image, and it only lasts a few seconds. The good news is that some mammography centers have soft foam pads to help make the procedure more tolerable. If you’re worried about pain, ask the mammography center whether it uses foam pads or other devices to make your mammogram more comfortable.

“I don’t have time.”Reality check: A mammogram appointment takes just 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Many mammography centers offer evening and weekend hours to accommodate hectic schedules.

Think pink! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to schedule a mammogram. If you’re due for a screening, or if you aren’t sure, talk with your doctor.

“I’m scared to find out I have cancer.”Reality check: Most mammograms are normal. Even if the mammogram finds a tumor, it’s likely not cancer. If a screening mammogram shows anything that looks suspicious, you’ll have more tests to rule out or diagnose cancer. Fewer than 10 percent of women called back for more tests find out that they have breast cancer.

Remember: Mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, when it’s most treatable. Don’t let an excuse or busy schedule get in the way of a screening that saves thousands of lives each year.

Fall 2016 13

14 My Blue Medicare

T he holidays are a time for joy and celebration for many people. But the

holidays may leave you feeling depressed.

Usually, holiday depression is mild and temporary. You may find relief by simply talking with a friend or loved one or getting enough rest. Exercising and eating a produce-rich diet can also help.

But symptoms of clinical depression are different. With clinical depression, these symptoms generally linger for two weeks or longer.

Identify symptoms of depressionYou may have depression if you experience: • Feelings of hopelessness• Sadness or frequent crying• Irritability• Loss of interest in activities• Loss of pleasure in activities

you used to enjoy • Anxiety• Changes in sleeping habits

and appetite• Trouble concentrating or

making decisions• Thoughts of death or suicideThankfully, treatment can help.

Sources include: American Geriatrics Society; American Psychological Association; National Institute of Mental Health

Don’t wait to get helpIf you think you may be dealing with depression, you’re not alone. Depression is common and there are several types of treatment available — including medication or therapy.

The first step is to talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. He or she will ask about your symptoms and create a treatment plan that works best for you.

If you or someone you know has considered harming yourself or others, get help quickly. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 or the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Help a loved one If someone you love is experiencing depression around the holidays, you can offer support by:• Helping out with cooking,

shopping, cleaning and other holiday preparations

• Listening and being supportive• Inviting him or her to holiday

get-togethers• Encouraging him or her to seek

help or talk with a doctor

If you or a loved one is hesitant about seeking treatment, remember: Depression is a medical illness and nothing to be ashamed of. Treatment is available.

There’s help for depression

Fall 2016 15DP-07282016

Medicare Plus BlueSM is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Medicare Plus Blue depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Healthways and SilverSneakers are registered trademarks of Healthways, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2016 Healthways, Inc. All rights reserved. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan contracts with Healthways to offer the SilverSneakers fitness program benefit. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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A complete package for your health and wellness.

• Flexible plans, competitive monthly premiums• Prescription drug, vision, preventive dental and hearing benefits

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16 My Blue Medicare

Get the right care in the right placego to the ER if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms: • Difficulty breathing• Fainting or sudden dizziness• Chest pain or pressure lasting

two minutes or more• Uncontrolled bleeding• Coughing or vomiting blood• Sudden or severe pain• Changes in vision• Confusion or changes in

mental status or ability to speak

Call 911 if you think a health problem is life-threatening. Examples include chest pain or severe bleeding that won’t stop with direct pressure.

The next time you see your primary care doctor, talk with him or her about where you should go in certain situations based on your health and symptoms. Your doctor may have specific instructions for you.

Emergency departments usually are busy places. They don’t care for patients

on a “first-come, first-served” basis; they handle the most severe problems first. Using the emergency room only when you have a true emergency can help you avoid long, unnecessary waits.

Here are some tips to help you know when to go to the ER — or when other care will do just fine.

Checking in with your primary care doctorWhenever possible, make your primary care doctor your first choice, especially when you need treatment for chronic conditions or preventive care, like immunizations and checkups. This helps you build a relationship with your doctor, which can lead to more personalized care on future visits. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, visit

Sources include: Advance Data; American College of Emergency Physicians; American Journal of Managed Care; BMC Health Services Research; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.bcbsm.com/medicare and click on Find a Doctor.

Understanding urgent careIf your doctor’s office is closed or if you can’t get an appointment, consider visiting an urgent care center. Urgent care centers can treat problems such as:• Minor cuts that require stitches• Animal bites• Nausea• Rashes • Flu

Urgent care centers usually are open nights and weekends. Ask your doctor to recommend a clinic near you.

When timing is everything: Emergency careSome symptoms can’t wait; they need immediate care. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, you should

Fall 2016 17

dosage or change prescriptions. However, never stop taking your medications without first talking with your doctor.

Remember, your doctor is there to help. Follow his or her advice to lower your blood pressure and reach your treatment goals.

Set your sights high. Reach for the sky. Words of encouragement such as

these typically tell you to aim higher or think bigger. But when it comes to your blood pressure, lower is better.

For your target blood pressure, it’s important to aim low — ideally below 139/89 mmHg. When blood pressure readings are consistently higher than 140/90 mmHg, you could be at risk for serious health problems, such as stroke, kidney disease and heart failure.

Medication combinationsLifestyle changes or prescription medication can keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. A variety of medications are available to help slow or stop some of your body’s functions that cause high blood pressure.

Because these medicines target different processes in the body, you may need a combination of medications to manage your condition. It may take time to find the right combination of drugs with the fewest side effects. It’s important to monitor any medication side effects for three to four weeks after your doctor makes any medication adjustments and report these side effects to your doctor. Never stop taking your medications without

Sources include: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Puzzle Answer (See puzzle on Back Cover.)

Aim low for healthy blood pressure

first talking to your doctor. It’s important to be patient

while your doctor works to find the combination of medications that’s right for you. The goal is to ensure your blood pressure is well-managed.

Team up with your doctorSticking to your medication regimen can be a challenge, especially when using multiple drugs. You may have to get used to a new routine. But it’s important to take these medications every day and follow your doctor’s directions. Even if you feel better and your blood pressure readings are now normal, continue taking your blood pressure medication. You usually need to take these medications for the rest of your life. If you have questions, ask your doctor.

You may also want to buy a home blood pressure monitor and take it to your doctor’s appointment. You can get tips on correctly using your home monitor and see whether its readings are accurate.

Experiencing side effects from your meds? Tell your doctor. He or she can adjust your

18 My Blue Medicare

Don’t let diabetes steal your sightIf you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk for complications

such as heart disease and stroke. But did you also know that diabetes can rob you of your vision?As you navigate the sometimes-stormy seas of diabetes,

know that there are strategies you can use to lower your risk for diabetes-related eye disease.

Know the ropesPeople with diabetes are at increased risk for three major eye conditions: cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions develop gradually, often without signs and symptoms. By the time you start to notice vision changes, the damage has already begun.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. This condition affects the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye and converts light into images. Many small blood vessels nourish the retina. High blood sugar levels can damage these blood vessels. You can’t always prevent diabetic retinopathy. However, regular eye exams, good control of your blood sugar and blood pressure, and early help for vision problems can help prevent severe vision loss.

Keep your eyes in shipshape conditionHere are things you can do to stay on course and lower your risk for vision loss:

1See an eye care professional every year for a dilated eye

exam. During the exam, an ophthalmologist looks at the interior structures of the eye for

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTORIf you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor right away:• Blurry, double or cloudy vision• Pain or pressure in one or both eyes• Trouble with peripheral vision

• Floating or flashing lights• Dark spots• Difficulty seeing at night

Fall 2016 19

signs of damage. Early detection allows for early treatment and can significantly reduce your risk for vision loss.

2Maintain good control of your blood sugar and keep a daily

log. Avoid spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels by balancing your medication, food intake and activity. Check your blood sugar every day or according to your doctor’s instructions and record the measurements. At least twice a year, schedule an A1c blood test to get an overview of your average blood glucose level over the past few months. Maintain an A1c score of 7 or below, or the set number established by your doctor.

3Keep your blood vessels healthy. Make sure your blood pressure and

cholesterol levels are within the target ranges determined by your doctor. Follow a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly and if you smoke, stop.

4Bring in the professionals — all hands on deck. Diabetes is a

complex condition to manage. Take a diabetes education class or meet with a diabetes educator to learn how to live a healthy life with diabetes. Make sure to keep your doctor in the loop about any diabetes services you receive.

Your vision is precious. Set your sights on charting a course to eye health and leave diabetes-related eye disease in your wake.

New scam targets your medical identityGenetic tests must be ordered by your doctor to be covered by Medicare

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently issued a warning about fraudulent genetic testing screenings at local senior health care events.

We want to alert you to this situation that many seniors have encountered so you can protect yourself from Medicare fraud:

A booth at a local health fair, senior housing or community center or a home health agency offers free health screenings, including genetic testing. The representative falsely promises that Medicare will pay for the test and asks for a cheek swab, personal ID, Medicare information and a doctor’s name to send test results. With this information, the representative fraudulently bills Medicare under your doctor’s name for tests your doctor didn’t order. He or she also has your personal genetic information.

Here’s what you should doBefore you agree to genetic testing, be sure:• The test is ordered by your doctor• The genetic test is medically necessary and

covered by your health plan

To report suspected fraud, call our Anti-Fraud Hotline toll-free at 1-888-650-8136, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. TTY users call 711. You can leave a message after hours.

To discuss benefits, claims payments or other concerns, call the Customer Service number listed on the back of your ID card. TTY users call 711.

For questions about Medicare or for more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or go to www.medicare.gov.

Sources include: American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Diabetes Association; Diabetes Advocacy Alliance; National Institutes of Health; World Journal of Diabetes

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Blue Shield of MichiganMyBlue Medicare — Mail Code 0210

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan600 E. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226-2998

CB 11369 OCT 16 H9572 S5584_O_MyBlueFall16 FVNR 1016 10373M Developed by StayWell

ACROSS1. Regular ____ can bolster your

health in many ways, no matter your ability level.

3. As you reset your clock to mark the end of daylight saving time, check your ___ and carbon monoxide detectors.

5. Roughly 30 percent of eligible women don’t get regular ____ ____ screening exams.

7. ____ can help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, when it’s most treatable.

10. Select lower-fat ___ options to lighten up your favorite recipes.

12. Help relieve ____ depression by talking with a loved one or getting enough rest.

14. If your doctor’s office is closed or if you can’t get an appointment, visiting an ____ ___ center may be an option.

DOWN2. ____ extensions are exercises

you can do while sitting in a sturdy, armless chair.

3. ___ are drugs that control LDL (bad) cholesterol.

4. An updated ____ vaccine now protects against 13 strains of this bacterium.

6. If you are having difficulty breathing, you should go to the _____ department.

8. To protect your medical identity, don’t share your ____ or health plan member numbers.

9. For your target blood ____, it’s important to aim low — ideally below 139/89 mmHg.

11. If you have diabetes, protect your vision by getting a ___ eye exam every year.

13. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new, stronger ___ shot designed for people 65 and older.

See Page 17 for answers.

Crossword puzzleThe words in the puzzle appear in articles throughout this issue of MyBlue Medicare. How many of them do you know?