New Mexico Health Connections | my connection | Spring 2019

2 { MY CONNECTION } W e all want to stay mentally sharp as we age. But that doesn’t have to be wishful thinking. Research suggests that certain habits can help your brain stay young as you grow older. Here’s a look at eight healthy brain habits. Break a sweat. Exercise benefits the brain just like it benefits muscles. In fact, exercise might both stave off mental decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This may be because workouts increase the flow of blood and oxygen to brain cells. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping on most days of the week. Butt out. Smoking raises the risk of cognitive decline as we age, but quit- ting can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have never lit up. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to quit in the past, ask your doctor for help. Feed your brain. By changing what you eat, you may be able to help keep your brain fit. For better brain health, make your diet heart-healthy—one that’s low in saturated fats and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Practice brain safety. A brain injury can hurt your ability to clearly think, learn and remember. Always buckle up with a seat belt when riding in any vehicle, and don’t forget a helmet when playing contact sports or biking. Guard against falls, too, especially as you age. Have your eyes and hearing regularly tested. Get enough shut-eye. Too little sleep can hamper your memory and thinking. You’re coming up short if you’re not getting seven to nine hours of ZZZs every night. To get the rest you need, wind down with a calming bedtime routine and stick to a sleep schedule by tucking in and getting up at the same time, even on weekends. Challenge your mind. Mental stimulation is a brain booster. Chal- lenge yourself by learning a new skill or hobby, or consider signing up for a course at a nearby college or community center. Stay social. Connecting with others helps improve brain health and your overall sense of well-being. Exercise with a neighbor, make a lunch date with an old friend, volunteer or invite a co-worker to dinner. Don’t ignore a TIA, or transient ischemic attack , also known as a mini- stroke. During a TIA, blood flow to the brain is blocked for often less than five minutes, and usually there’s no lasting damage, but about 15 percent of all major strokes are preceded by a TIA. Strokes and TIAs share these signs and symptoms: • Numbness or weakness in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body. • Trouble talking or understanding what others are saying. • Trouble seeing out of one or both of your eyes. • Loss of balance or coordination. • Severe headache for no known reason. Call 911 if you experience any of these signs or symptoms, no matter how fleeting. A TIA is a medical emergency. Sources: Alzheimer’s Association; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Heart Association; American Stroke Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HelpGuide; Mental Health America; National Institute on Aging Health literacy skills: What they are and why you need them Health literacy is the degree to which a person can find, understand, talk about and act upon basic health information. Having health literacy skills can help you: •   Fill out forms. •   Find a healthcare provider. •   Talk to a doctor about a health problem you’re having. •   Understand the instructions that come with your prescription. •   Take better care of yourself. •   Compare different health plans and choose the best plan for your needs. •   Avoid mistakes that could cost you money or even harm your health. In addition, health literacy will help you separate good information from bad when you are researching health topics online or in books and magazines. Health literacy resources As your health plan, we want to help you understand health insurance terms so you get the most out of your coverage. On mynmhc.org/about_us.aspx , under the “Commonly Used Health Insurance Terms” heading, you will find a glossary of health coverage terms. Also, look for the “Ask Me 3” article in this issue. We’ll cover more health literacy topics in our summer and fall issues. Speaking your language Another example of health literacy is the ability to receive health information in your primary language. If you or a family member needs a translator or interpreter for medical visits, you have the right to ask for such help from the provider. If you need health plan documents in another language or format, call Customer Service. Determining the cost of your medication New Mexico Health Connections members can easily determine the cost of their medications by registering for and using the OptumRx ® member portal, found at optumrx.com . To help get you started, a step-by-step guide to using the OptumRx member portal can be found on the NMHC Pharmacy/Formulary web page at mynmhc.org/formulary.aspx . This guide provides information about your order status, claims history, OptumRx member tools, how to search for low- cost medications and pharmacy locations. Make the most of your pharmacy benefits Because you are an NMHC member, OptumRx ® handles the pharmacy benefits for your plan. As of Jan. 1, 2019, OptumRx began a new program to help you manage your prescriptions online while saving you money. After your first prescription refill of 2019, you should have received, or will receive, a postcard in the mail from OptumRx with helpful information about its online services, including the option to determine your drug costs through its website and mobile app. Visit optumrx.com to get started. 8 ways to keep your brain healthy { W E L L N E S S }