An annual wellness visit is a great time for you and your primary care physician (PCP) to go over your health goals. You can take steps to make sure you stay in the best health possible. In addition, you can earn $20 in rewards when you complete an annual well visit.

Preventive healthcare

Preventive care means taking the right steps to make sure that you stay healthy so you don’t get sick in the first place. We know that life gets busy. It is often easy to forget to go to the doctor when you are well. Sometimes you might put it off to focus on other things. But well visits are the key to keeping you healthy. Your Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida^® coverage includes well visits. There is no cost to you. By keeping up to date on necessary tests and vaccines, you may be able to avoid serious illnesses.

Annual wellness visits can help:

• Avoid preventable diseases
• Find and treat health problems before they become serious
• Manage ongoing conditions
• Prevent hospitalizations

During an annual wellness visit, your provider can:

• Check your weight and blood pressure
• Review your medical and family history
• Schedule needed health screenings, vaccines and other care
• Review your prescriptions and supplements and change them if necessary
• Give advice on nutrition and lifestyle
• And more!

An annual wellness visit can help you have more healthy days and peace of mind.

Your PCP is the doctor you will see for your next well visit. If you don’t have a PCP, or want to pick a new one, use our online Find A Doctor service.

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It can cause repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Your doctor can help you learn how to manage your asthma.

Asthma in adults

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. In most cases, we don’t know what causes asthma, or how to cure it. But, if you have asthma, there are some ways to control it^:

• Knowing the warning signs of an attack
• Staying away from things that trigger an attack
• Following your doctor’s advice about your asthma

Asthma in children

Asthma is one of the most common long-term childhood diseases. A child who has asthma may not experience symptoms. A child only will have an asthma attack when something bothers his or her lungs.

If you think your child has asthma, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an inhaler for your child to use when he or she has an asthma attack.

Learn how to use an inhaler

Your doctor also can help you learn to identify and manage your child’s asthma triggers.

If you or your child has asthma, our Community Management Department can connect you with resources in your community. Call us at 813-392-5303 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Eastern time.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention. They also might struggle to control their behavior and act without thinking about results. Often, they are overly active.

Types of ADHD

Doctors have identified three types of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation—This person may have problems:
  • Organizing or finishing tasks
  • Paying attention to details
  • Following instructions or conversations
  • Focusing
  • Remembering details of daily routines
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation—This person might:
  • Fidget and talk a lot
  • Have trouble sitting still for long
  • Constantly run, jump, or climb
  • Feel restless
  • Struggle with impulsivity
• Combined Presentation—Some people may have symptoms of both of the above two types.

Symptoms may change over time. Talk to your child’s doctor if you’re concerned about your child’s behavior.

Signs and symptoms

Most children, from time to time, have trouble focusing and behaving. Children with ADHD do not grow out of these behaviors, according to the CDC.

Children with ADHD may:

• Daydream a lot
• Forget or lose things a lot
• Have a hard time resisting temptation
• Have difficulty at school, at home, or with friends
• Have severe symptoms
• Have trouble taking turns
• Make careless mistakes
• Squirm or fidget
• Take unnecessary risks
• Talk too much

Adults with ADHD

ADHD also affects adults. Some adults have ADHD and do not know it. Symptoms can cause difficulty:

• At home
• At work
• With relationships

Symptoms:

• May look different for adults than for children
• Can become more severe as the demands of adulthood increase

If you have concerns about your behavior, talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis

No one test can diagnose ADHD in a child. ADHD has much in common with symptoms of other health problems, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning disabilities
• Sleep problems

Diagnosing ADHD in a child can include:

• A checklist for rating ADHD symptoms
• A medical exam, including hearing and vision tests
• Taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child

Managing symptoms

Managing ADHD symptoms is important. A child’s health and well-being can affect how severe symptoms are. Being healthy is important for all children. But, it can especially be important for children with ADHD

Behavioral therapy and medication can help children manage ADHD symptoms, as can healthy behaviors, including:

• Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and choosing lean protein sources
• Participating in daily physical activity
• Limiting daily screen time from TVs, computers, phones, and other electronics
• Getting restful sleep each night

Your doctor can talk to you about how to help manage ADHD symptoms.

More information

National resource center on ADHD

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Our Community Management Department can connect you with resources in your community. Call us at 813-392-5303 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Eastern time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.” Some people with ASD need a lot of help. Some people with ASD need just a little help.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Children with ASD look just like children who don’t have ASD. Children with ASD may:

• Have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things
• Have problems with communication, emotional, and social skills
• Not want change in their daily activities
• Repeat certain behaviors

How a child with ASD learns, solves problems, and thinks can range from gifted to severely challenged.

Signs and symptoms

Signs of ASD begin during early childhood, and typically last throughout a person’s life. These symptoms can include:

• Appearing to be unaware when people talk to them, but responding to other sounds
• Avoiding eye contact
• Being very interested in people, but not knowing how to talk, play, or relate to them
• Having trouble adapting when a routine changes
• Having trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• Having trouble relating to others
• Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Having unusual reactions to the way things feel, look, smell, sound, and/or taste
• Losing skills they once had (e.g., no longer saying words they were using)
• Not having an interest in other people
• Not looking at objects when another person points at them
• Not playing “pretend” games (for example, not pretending to “feed” a doll)
• Not pointing at objects to show interest (for example, not pointing at an airplane flying over)
• Preferring not to be held or cuddled, or cuddling only when they want to
• Repeating actions over and over again
• Repeating or echoing words or phrases said to them, or repeating words or phrases in place of normal language
• Wanting to be alone

Diagnosis

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult. A doctor looks at a child’s behavior and development. There is no medical test to diagnose ASD.

Children with ASD:

• Can be diagnosed at 18 months or younger
• Often do not get a final diagnosis until much older
• May not get the help they need, if not diagnosed at a young age

Treatment

ASD currently has no cure. Early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development, according to the CDC. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills, such as:

• Interacting with others
• Talking
• Walking

Talk to your child’s doctor as soon as you think your child has ASD or other developmental problems.

Causes and risk factors

Scientists have identified many causes for ASD, including:

• Biologic factors
• Environmental factors
• Genetic factors
• How old a child’s parents are when the child is born
• The prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide, if taken during pregnancy

Scientists do not know all causes of ASD. Scientists are certain that vaccines do not cause ASD.²

Teenagers and adults with ASD

According to the CDC, as children with ASD age, they have a higher risk of:

• Being unemployed or underemployed
• Going to college
• Moving away from their families or relatives
• Spending little to no time with friends or participating in community or social activities

Individuals with ASD, during adolescence and young adulthood:

• May experience changes in their ASD symptoms, behaviors, and co-occurring health conditions
• May have trouble functioning and participating in the community

If you are concerned about your child’s behavior—or if you are concerned about your behavior—talk to your doctor.

Childhood Obesity

Obesity can pose a serious health risk no matter your age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States. It puts children and adolescents at risk for poor health.

What is obesity?

About 18.5% (13.7 million) of children and adolescents in the United States are obese, according to a 2017 report issued by the CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Childhood obesity occurs when a child is “well above the normal or healthy weight for his or her age and height.” A child’s weight can depend on:

• Behavior
• Genetics
• Community

The Florida Department of Public Health has information about childhood obesity in each county and provides access to educational materials:

• Healthy Kids, Healthy Future
• Shape America

If you feel your child is overweight or obese, our Community Management Department can connect you with resources in your community. Call us at 813-392-5303 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Eastern time.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal (or colon) cancer is cancer that occurs in your colon or rectum. The treatment and survival rate for colon cancer have continually improved over the last few decades. According to the American Cancer Society, this is thanks to regular screenings.

Colorectal cancer risk factors

Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you age. About 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old and older.  Risk factors other than age include:

• A genetic syndrome
• Alcohol consumption
• Diet-related issues, including
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • A low-fiber, high-fat diet
  • A diet high in processed meats
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Personal or family history of colorectal cancer polyps
• Tobacco use
• Weight

Reduce your risk

To reduce your risk of developing colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer:

• Don’t smoke, vape, or chew tobacco
• Eat a diet low in animal fats and high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
• Increase physical activity
• Limit alcohol consumption

Symptoms

Sometimes, colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer do not cause symptoms. Sometimes they do. Symptoms can include:

• Abdominal ache, cramp, or pain that doesn’t go away
• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool
• Constipation, diarrhea, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
• Weight loss that you cannot explain

Regular screenings for colorectal cancer are important. If you have any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Screenings

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45 either through:

• A sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), OR
• An exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam)

After age 45, the American Cancer Society recommends ongoing screenings as follows:

• People in good health with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.
• People aged 75-85, decide to be screened on personal preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history

After age 85, the American Cancer Society recommends no further colorectal cancer screenings are needed.

Living well with diabetes

If you have diabetes, you're not alone. More than 100 million U. S. adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Diabetes is a serious condition. It can lead to big health problems when it isn't well-managed. But when you take charge, you can help yourself live a much healthier life.

Diabetes complications

The buildup of glucose in your blood can cause diabetes-related complications, and:

• Cause plaque (fatty material) to narrow your blood vessels
• Damage the lining of your blood vessels
• Keep blood from freely moving through your blood vessels
• Slow blood flow to vital tissues and organs

To reduce your risk of these diabetes-related complications, your doctor should, at least once a year, give you a:

• Cholesterol profile test, to measure cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood
• Dental exam, every six to 12 months
• Flu shot
• HbA1c test, to measure your blood sugar over a three-month period
• Kidney (blood) test, to check your glomerular filtration rate, which tells how well your kidneys filter
• Kidney (urine) test, to check for a protein called Albumin, which can help detect kidney disease or nephropathy
• Pneumonia shot, if suggested by your healthcare provider
• Retinal or dilated eye exam, to help find glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions

If you have diabetes, you should:

• Ask questions about your treatment plan
• Avoid or quit smoking
• Check, monitor, and record your blood sugar levels at home
• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and fewer animal products, refined carbohydrates, and sweets
• Get the right amount of sleep
• Limit salt and alcohol intake
• Manage stress
• Reach and/or keep a healthy body weight
• See your healthcare provider, who will check your blood pressure, weight, and feet
• Share your blood sugar level records with your healthcare provider
• Stay active
• Take medications (such as an oral medication or insulin) as prescribed

More information

Mayo Clinic

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

For more information, call our Disease Management Team at 800-229-9880 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Eastern time.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost everyone age 6 months and up should get a flu vaccine, especially:

• Children younger than 5
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with a weakened immune system or chronic condition (like COPD or congestive heart failure)

Ask your doctor or your child’s doctor, for the flu vaccine today.

What you need to know about the flu and flu vaccine

There is a lot of misinformation out there about the flu. Did you know?:

• As a Humana Healthy Horizons® in Florida member, your yearly flu vaccine is free
• Egg-free flu vaccines are available. If you’re allergic to eggs, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if the egg-free alternative is right for you
• Even “healthy” people should get the vaccine
• Flu “season” starts in September and last through the end of winter
• Flu vaccination by nasal spray is sometimes available
• Flu virus strains change and vaccine protection declines over time, so last year’s vaccine may not protect you from getting sick
• Get your flu vaccine every year
• “Healthy” people, without showing symptoms, still can get sick, carry the flu virus, or spread the flu to someone else
• You can’t get the flu from getting the flu vaccine

Learn about how to fight flu this and every year

Think you already have the flu?

See your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care clinic right away

You may be prescribed an antiviral drug to help reduce the severity and duration of the flu

To find a doctor:

• Use our Find a Doctor service
• Call us at 800-477-6931 (TTY: 711)

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, known as HPV, is a common virus that can cause cancer. Vaccination at ages 11 and 12 can help protect children from getting cancer later in life.

Understanding HPV

More than 42 million Americans are currently infected with HPV types that cause disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 million Americans, become infected with HPV each year.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having this type of contact with someone who has the virus even if they don’t have signs or symptoms.

About 90% of HPV infections go away by themselves within two years. Sometimes, HPV infections last longer and can cause some cancers. In the United States, each year, 36,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed.

Early vaccination works best to protect against HPV

HPV vaccination is safe and effective. Children as young as nine are eligible for HPV vaccination. Typically, the first of two doses is given when a child is around 11 or 12. A second dose is given between 6 and 12 months later.

Three doses are required for people who get a first dose after age 15.

The CDC recommends vaccination for anyone between nine and 26. The HPV vaccine is not generally recommended for people older than age 26.

Talk to your doctor about when to get the HPV vaccine and how it lowers your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Vaccination is covered for Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida® members under the age of 18. Children get the vaccine from their pediatrician.

High blood pressure, or hypertension

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is very common. Almost half of all Americans have it. Often there are no symptoms, so you may have high blood pressure and not know it.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When the pressure in your vessels stays high too long, your doctor might say you have hypertension. Over time, hypertension can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and even death.

How does blood pressure get high?

The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known. As we approach middle age, high blood pressure becomes more common. Lifestyle factors, eating habits, and family medical history can play a part in your risk for developing high blood pressure.

Well visits are a great time to get tested

Getting your blood pressure measured is the only way to find out if it is high. Your doctor usually will test your blood pressure during a well visit.

Systolic and diastolic pressure

When your doctor talks to you about your blood pressure, they will tell you it’s one number over another number. Those two numbers are your systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.

The systolic is the pressure on your blood vessels when your heart pumps out blood.

The diastolic is the pressure between beats, when the heart rests. Blood fills the heart and pressure in the vessels drops.

By the numbers:

• “Normal” blood pressure is 120/80 or under
• Stage 1 hypertension is blood pressure at or above 130/80
• Stage 2 is blood pressure at or above 140/904

Risk factors

Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure.

Risk factors you can control:

• Your diet and/or your weight
• How much you exercise
• How much you drink alcohol and/or smoke

Risk factors you cannot control:

• Age
• Ethnicity
• Family history
• Genetics
• Race

Having diabetes can also raise your risk for developing hypertension.

If you think you have some of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about your blood pressure.

In some cases, making some lifestyle changes is enough. Your doctor may suggest you take medicine to control your blood pressure.  Talk to your doctor about how to control high blood pressure.

Having your blood pressure under control will help you have more healthy days and avoid other health issues.

Sickle Cell Disease

Though rare, Sickle Cell Disease can be treated and managed. We can help you learn how to live well with sickle cell disease.

Living well with Sickle Cell Disease

Affecting an estimated 90,000 – 100,000 people in the United States, Sickle Cell Disease:

• Is an inherited red blood cell disorder that can block the flow of blood and oxygen to organs in the body
• Can cause repeated episodes of sudden mild or severe pain, organ damage, serious infections, or even stroke
• Can cause hands and feet to swell (called Hand-Foot Syndrome), long-term eye damage, and acute chest syndrome, which is similar to pneumonia
• Can result in flu, meningitis, and hepatitis, especially in infants and children

For people with Sickle Cell Disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following management steps:

Annual comprehensive exams

• Retinal or dilated eye exam, to detect problems of the eye before they lead to loss of vision
• Transcranial Doppler ultrasound screening, to identify higher risk for stroke
• Blood tests, to check for other health problems, such as anemia or organ damage
• Urine testing, to detect early kidney problems or infections
• Dental exam, every six to 12 months
• Immunizations, per your doctor’s recommendation
• Flu shot, yearly for everyone six months and older

Prevent infections

To prevent infections, people with Sickle Cell Disease should:

• Wash hands often – Use soap and clean water, or gel hand cleaners with alcohol in them, often during the day
• Practice good food safety – Stay safe when cooking and eating (e.g., wash hands, surfaces and utensils often; wash fruit and vegetables before eating; cook meat until done; do not eat raw or undercooked eggs; and do not eat raw or unpasteurized milk or other dairy products, like cheese)
• Avoid reptiles – Stay away from turtles, snakes, and lizards to decrease your risk of coming into contact with bacteria (salmonella)
• Take penicillin – Take penicillin (or other antibiotic your doctor prescribes) until at least 5 years of age

Treatment

Doctors treating Sickle Cell Disease aim to relieve pain and to prevent infections. Treatment options are different for each person, and can include:

• Drinking between 8 and 10 glasses of water every day
• Getting IV (intravenous) therapy and medicine to help with pain
• Blood transfusions
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplant
• When to get care

Go to an emergency room or urgent-care facility right away for:

• Abdominal (belly) swelling
• Chest pain
• Difficult breathing
• Fever above 101 °F
• Painful erection that lasts longer than four hours
• Seizure
• Severe headache
• Sudden weakness or loss of feeling and movement

Call your doctor if you have:

• Pain anywhere in your body that will not go away with treatment at home
• Any sudden vision problems

Action Plan

To help you manage and control your Sickle Cell Disease, your doctor will help you create an action plan that will include information about:

• What can trigger pain crises or other symptoms, healthy behaviors, and the importance of self-care and stress management
• When to call your doctor or other healthcare provider
• When to seek care (e.g., urgent care center, via telemedicine, or at an emergency room)

Learn more about Sickle Cell Disease

Humana Healthy Horizons™ in Florida members with Sickle Cell Disease:

Can get additional services and care through our Care Management program

Can speak with a Care Manager or enroll in our Care Management Program by calling 1-800-229-9880 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Eastern time