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SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 1

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A Newsletter for South Country MembersMEMBER

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SOUTH COUNTRY

HEALTH ALLIANCE

Today’s health care environment is awash in change and challenges. State and Federal funding concerns put increasing pressure on all aspects of the health care system, including hospitals, clinics, specialty providers, counties, and managed care organizations like South Country.

Despite the change and challenges we face, what is impressive to me is the fact that our core values continue to resonate. The heart of South Country Health Alliance includes our belief that connections within our local communities will help our members achieve the best health and social outcomes possible.

South Country does this by working hard to partner with our local county public health and social service agencies and health care providers to deliver social and public health services with timely and effective health care. Building good partnerships is hard work on the part of South Country, providers, and our county partners. If we get it right, everyone benefits, particularly our members. In tight financial times, the need for this kind of cooperation is even more important.

One example of a win-win partnership is our effort to reduce emergency room visits through better coordination of health services with community mental health resources. South Country, a member county, a local clinic and hospital, and a local non-profit mental health provider have partnered to place a mental health social worker in the ER. The result is reduced hospitalizations and re-admissions, better care delivery, healthier members, and lower health care expenses.

We hope to learn from this program, and plan similar efforts in other counties.

As a part of our work to serve rural communities, it is important to remember that solutions are rarely “one size fits all.” Programs need to be tailored to meet the needs and abilities of each community and get the most out of

provider, community, and county resources. With its local connections, South Country is well suited to the task.

The path forward is likely to require even more collaboration to hold down costs and effectively serve members. Health Care Home programs in primary care clinics and Accountable Care Organization proposals are just a couple examples

of what is sure to be ongoing reform efforts.

No one knows what the health care system of the future is going to look like. To be a part of the solution, however, we need to stay true to our core values, while recognizing the need

to be innovative and flexible enough to adapt to new ideas and trends that

reduce costs and improve outcomes.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEOby Brian Nasi, South Country Health Alliance Chief Executive Officer

Member Interview

Member Services Update

Transition with Care

NOT Falling for you

Advance Directives

Overview: Disease Management

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6

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Brian NasiSouth Country CEO

Bringing Wellness Home

M E M B E R Connection

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 2

MEMBER INTERVIEW: MavisBy Susan Branstad, RN, Disease Management Coordinator

I recently had the privilege of meeting one of our Disease Management Program members, Mavis. If you are a member in the SCHA Disease Management Program, you know the interaction you have with the nurse is over the phone and through the mail. Mavis agreed to tell me about her experience with the Disease Management Program, and we both were able to “put a face with a voice.”

Mavis participates in the heart failure and diabetes programs. She said the program has made her become more aware of her conditions. At the beginning, she was not able to list any signs or symptoms of when her heart failure was worsening. By the end of the program, she could list many signs, such as: difficulty breathing—especially when lying down, more swelling of her feet/ankles and an overnight weight gain. “I always looked forward to the calls,” she stated.

One day in March, 2009, I contacted Mavis for our monthly phone call. She was ill with “what everybody else had in town.” She had not called her doctor about her illness. From the symptoms she was describing to me, I knew she should be seen by the doctor, and I encouraged her to call him right away. Mavis called me a few weeks later. She had immediately called her doctor and spent 6 days in St. Mary’s Hospital. “I wouldn’t have called him if it wasn’t for you. I did not know I was that sick.”

Mavis has completed the phone portion of the Disease Management Program and is now in the “mail only” portion of the program, where she receives our quarterly Disease Management newsletters. At any time, Mavis can call and talk with a nurse; and if an event occurs, such as a hospitalization, a nurse will call and begin more frequent phone contact, if needed.

Mavis is very pleased with her South Country Health Insurance and also with her participation in the Disease Management Programs. If you have heart failure, diabetes and/or asthma, you, too, could be a part of the Disease Management Program.

SOUTH COUNTRY SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Brian Nasi Chief Executive Officer

Brian V. HicksChief Financial Officer

Leota LindChief Operations Officer

John WhitingtonChief Information Officer

Alice LaineDirector of Quality and Compliance

Cea GrassDirector of County Integration

Linda ChapeauDirector of Health Services

Mark WardDirector of Provider Network Management

Dr. Patrick IrvineMedical Director

SOUTH COUNTRY JOINT POWERS BOARD

Tom Shea, Steele County Chair

Bill Stearns, Wadena CountyVice Chair

Ted Seifert, Goodhue County

David Erickson, Dodge County

Kathi Ellis, Kanabec County

Andrew Lochner, Brown County

Harold Pettis, Sibley County

Jim Demgen, Cass County

Gary Kniesel, Todd County

Glen Mathiason, Freeborn County

Don Meyer, Morrison County

Paul Thiede, Crow Wing County

Jim Peterson, Waseca County

Merl Norman, Wabasha County

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 3

M E M B E R Connection

MEMBER SERVICES UpdateBy Adele Miller, Member Services Supervisor

On June 1, 2009 the Member Services Department at South Country extended our on-call availability from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for all programs.

During the last several months we have asked our members to take an after-call survey to find out how we are doing as a team and to make sure member needs are being met, at a personal level and at the health plan level.

The questions being asked are:

• What assistance did you receive today?

• Was your call answered in a timely manner?

• Were you treated with respect?

• How satisfied are you with Member Services and South Country Health Alliance as a Health Plan?

On January 1st, 2010, Member Services began making “Welcome to the Plan” calls to members who have not been enrolled with South Country within the last consecutive 6 months. Our goal is to make sure new members have re-ceived all of the plan information, including their member ID cards, and that the information on the ID card is correct. During the call, we ask six short gen-eral health questions.

Each year Member Services has thresholds we need to meet for Medicare and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. We are proud to say Member Services has met these thresholds each year since 2007. These thresholds are:

• 80% of calls answered in 30 seconds or less; and,

• 5% abandonment rate or less.

Our Member Services cares about you and your family’s health. We strive to help meet the needs for you and your family to ensure a good and healthy life.

Please give Member Services a call at 1-866-567-7242 (toll free).

A TTY/TDD line is also available for the hearing impaired at 1-877-824-5611.

Copyright ©2010 by South Country Health Alliance.

Member Connection is an annual publication of South Country Health Alliance.

For submission information, or reprint permission, contact:

• SCHA, 110 West Fremont St., Owatonna, MN 55060, USA

• E-mail: elewis@mnscha.org • Web site: www.mnscha.org

General health information in the Member Connection is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider.

South Country Health Alliance is a county-based purchasing health plan providing coverage for Minnesota Health Care programs in these counties: Brown, Cass, Crow Wing, Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Kanabec, Morrison, Sibley, Steele, Todd, Wabasha, Wadena & Waseca.

YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!Our members are the most important part of South Country. By joining the Member Advisory Committee (MAC), you can participate as an active part of the team. MAC provides a place for our members to share their unique perspectives and experiences as members, family caregivers, and advocates. The mission of the MAC committee is to help South Country Health Alliance respond to the needs of its members.

Now is a great time to join! The committee is looking for members to represent all our counties. Don’t let your county go unrepresented! We need your input!

For details regarding MAC or to join, call Member Services toll free at 1-866-567-7242.

Be informed! Be involved! Make a difference in your health care!

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 4

M E M B E R Connection

BE Buckled™

Children enrolled with South Country who are 7 years old or younger and need a car seat can get one from South Country for free. In addition, parents will receive safety tips and education on how to install and use the seat. Call your county public health department to find out if your child qualifies and to schedule an appoint-ment to get a seat. Or, call South Country’s Member Services line for more details at 1-866-567-7242 or for the hearing impaired, 1-877-824-5611.

Keep your child safe!

By law, all children ages 7 and younger (or less than 57 inches) must be fastened in a car seat. Infants must face backward in the car until they are at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds. Longer is fine!

Get a car seat before your baby is born so baby has a safe ride home from the hos-pital. Pregnant women can get a seat from South Country during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Talk with your public health nurse.

Four out of five seats are used incorrectly. Follow the instructions carefully from the car seat manufacturer and your car owner’s manual. Still unsure? Ask your public health department to check it out.

Even if they look fine, car seats can be unsafe and not work properly if they have been involved in an accident. Do not use a car seat that has been involved in an ac-cident, or if you do not know the history of the car seat.

If your child’s car seat is more than 6 years old, throw it away. It might look fine, but over time the parts can start to fail.

Think ahead. If your child grows out of the infant carrier seat, the next one to buy is a “convertible” seat. These seats will face backward, and then convert to forward-facing when the child weighs enough and is ready to face forward.

Use a car seat every time your child is in the car. It’s the law.

Watching how much sodium (or salt) you eat isn’t always easy. Sodium hides in almost every piece of food on your plate. In fact, over 75% of our sodium intake comes from salt that is already in prepared or processed foods. Sprinkle a little more on from your salt shaker, and you’re probably getting too much!

Our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to stay healthy. It helps main-tain the right amount of fluids in the body, and helps our nerves and mus-cles work properly. Too much sodium, though, accumulates in the blood and holds water. This causes the heart to work harder and can lead to problems with high blood pressure.

Most doctors recommend eating be-tween 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. People who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kid-ney disease should aim for the lower end of that range. Talk with your doc-tor about how much sodium is best for you.

Tips for cutting back on the amount of sodium you eat:

• Look for foods that say “low-sodium” on the label.

• Remember that many foods naturally contain sodium, but do not taste very salty.

• Eat more fresh or frozen vegetables. Salt is often added to canned foods, especially veggies.

• When recipes call for salt, use herbs or spices instead.

• Limit your dipping; even ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings are loaded with salt.

SODIUM Shake DOWN

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 5

M E M B E R Connection

Regular exercise is an important habit for good health. People who don’t get enough exercise are much more likely to have health problems. Most people should aim for 30–60 minutes of exer-cise every day. Moderate-intensity activ-ities include walking, jogging, dancing, biking, and swimming. Other activities that can count as exercise include clean-ing the house, gardening, and climbing stairs. The type of exercise you can do mainly depends on whether you have any health issues. Talk with your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you!

How can exercise help me stay healthy?Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar level. It will lower your risk of heart disease by help-ing to keep your blood pressure and cho-lesterol in check. Exercise can also boost your energy, help you deal with stress, and help you feel better about yourself.

How do I get moving?If you are new to exercising, first talk with your doctor. Ask what activities are safe for you. Ask how hard and how of-ten you should exercise. Have your doc-tor help you determine your goals.

Find an activity you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Start slowly, and increase the intensity and length of your workout as you get more fit. You can also break up your routine by exer-

cising 10 or 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. It counts, and it adds up fast.

The “talk test” is a simple way to figure out if you’re working hard enough to benefit your heart. When you’re walking or doing other moderate-intensity activ-ities, you should still be able to comfort-ably talk with a friend.

Remember that if you have pain or se-vere breathing problems when you ex-ercise, stop exercising. Call your doctor right away. Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward to help avoid injuries. Be sure to stay hydrated all day with water.

I have diabetes. Is it still safe to exercise?People with diabetes (and other health conditions) should still exercise. It’s just important to have an exercise plan in place with your doctor first. Here are some tips:

• Talk to your doctor about the right kind of exercise for you.

• Check your blood sugar level before and after exercising.

• Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising.

• Wear the proper shoes and socks.• Have a snack handy in case your blood

sugar drops too low.Sources: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, familydoctor.org

Exercise HEALTHY BASICS

• Decrease your sodium intake slowly and your taste buds will adjust. In just a few weeks, life with less salt will taste much better – and so will your food.

Source: Mayo Clinic http://www.mayo-clinic.com/health/sodium/nu00284

CHICKEN SALADSource: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

3-1/4 cups chicken breast, cooked, cubed, and skinless

1/4 cup celery, chopped

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp salt*

3 Tbsp mayonnaise, low-fat

1. Bake chicken, cut into cubes, and refrigerate.

2. In a large bowl combine rest of ingredients, add chilled chicken and mix well.

Makes 5 servingsServing Size: 3/4 cupPer Serving: Calories 176Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrate 2 g

Saturated Fat 2 g Calcium 16 mg

Cholesterol 77 mg Magnesium 25 mg

Sodium 179 mg Potassium 236 mg

Protein 27 g Fiber 0 g

* To reduce sodium, omit the 1/8 tsp of added salt. New sodium content for each serving is 120 mg.

DID YOU KNOW?One teaspoon of table salt has 2,325 mg of sodium—more than most people need in one day!

M E M B E R Connection

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 6

CHECKING for LeadDo you have a child between 9 and 30 months of age? If so, ask your child’s doctor or public health nurse about doing a blood lead test.

Lead is a metal that has been used for a long time to make many products. It can be found in the air, in old paint, on toys, in water, and even on clothes of adults who are exposed to lead at work. Lead gets into a child’s body each time they breathe in the fumes or dust or swallow something that has lead in it. Too much lead builds up in the body, and children have a much harder time getting rid of it compared to adults. Over time, lead can cause problems with learning, decreased coordination, short attention spans, and aggressive behavior.

The only way you can tell if your child has been exposed to lead is by a simple blood test. This finger prick is quick, easy, and worth the check. Ask your child’s doctor or public health nurse for more information.

Get tested and be rewarded!

Children 9–30 months of age who are enrolled with South Country at the time of their blood lead test are eligible for a $25 gift card reward. Earn a gift card for being tested between 9–18 months of age, and a second one for a second test between 19–30 months of age! Ask your public health nurse, call our Member Services line, or go to our website for a copy of the voucher that needs to be completed at the time of the test.

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

Care Transition Service is available for members enrolled in SeniorCare Complete and AbilityCare!

Older adults and adults with disabilities moving between healthcare settings are particularly open to broken up care due to lack of follow up or primary care physician and specialist not communicating or unsafe care due to changes in medication routine or lack of medications. Care Coordinators are the key to preventing problems during transitions.

Transition of care services will be provided for a member enrolled in SeniorCare Complete (MSHO) and AbilityCare (SNBC) when they move from one setting to another due to a change in their health. The goal is to reduce incidents related to broken up or unsafe care and to reduce readmissions for the same condition. This service is provided by the county care coordinator/case manager.

The service includes communication with the member’s primary care provider and the facility(s) where the member is receiving care. Communicating with the receiving provider helps them to make aware of any special health concerns of the member and any services/providers that the member is receiving. The service also includes a check–in with the member about items discussed during discharge such as making sure the member’s medication is filled and accurate; any services needed at the home are in place and a follow up appointment is made with the member’s doctor.

This service is a result of the efforts of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) 2008.

TRANSITION with Care

Ask your provider or county case manager for a copy of this voucher, or call Member Services at 1-866-567-7242 and ask for one to be sent to you.

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 7

M E M B E R Connection

Falls don’t just happen to young children, older people or those who have trouble with balance or walking. Anyone can fall and have broken bones and other injures. There are some things that can increase the chance of falling. Some things you may not have much control over, but there are some things you can do to avoid falls.

More common risk factors of falling:

AGE. Young children and older adults are at the greatest risk of falling.

MEDICATIONS. Some medications can make a person feel dizzy or light-headed. Others can affect balance or perception.

ALCOHOL USE. Alcohol can interfere with balance and perception.

PRIOR FALLS.

Health conditions that can increase the risk of falls include:

• Pregnancy weight changes can throw off your balance, and your growing belly can make it harder to see things in front of and below you.

• Poor vision. Cataracts, macular degen-eration and glaucoma and can affect perception.

• Gait (walking style) and balance prob-lems.

• Weakness or being out of shape.

• Heart problems such as heart failure and heart irregularities.

• Lung disease such as emphysema.

• Leg and foot problems such as arthritis, muscle weakness, and nerve damage.

• Bladder conditions such as inconti-nence or frequent urination.

• Seizures.

• Depression, anxiety or dementia.

Home and lifestyle choices can also in-crease your risk of falling. An inactive life-style may put you at risk for a fall due to muscle weakness and less coordination. Cluttered floors, stairs, and hallways can increase chances of tripping. Poor light-ing can also lead to tripping over things or create confusing shadows. Long or bulky clothing around feet and legs and non-supportive footwear can also cause tripping and falling.

How can I reduce my risk of falls?

Have regular hearing and vision checks and regular physical exams.

Learn about your medications and use them as directed.

Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor about exercise for you.

Avoid alcohol.

Get up slowly.

Maintain balance and footing. Use a cane or walker if needed. Wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles.

NOT FALLING FOR YOU

Continued on Pg. 8

COMMUNITY Education

Did you know South Country pays up to $15 of the registration fees for most Community Education classes?

Through Community Education, you have easy access to a variety of classes that promote health and safety and tap into community resources. Community Education classes are often offered by local school districts and are available to eager learners of all ages! This is your chance to learn a new hobby, brush up on some old skills, try a new exercise class, and socialize with other people like you.

Through this scholarship program, South Country members have taken refresher driving courses and classes about parenting topics, healthy cooking, dancing, yoga, gymnastics, swimming lessons, martial arts, and summer sports camps. Contact your local school district or South Country’s Member Services line for more details!

Did you know that annual screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a covered benefit for South Country members? Call Member Services toll free at 1-866-567-7242 for specific benefit information.

If you are at risk, be safe! Get Tested!

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 8

M E M B E R Connection

ADVANCE DirectivesWhat kind of medical care would you want if you were ill or too hurt to tell some-one your wishes? South Country wants you to be prepared for a future time when because of a serious illness or accident, you may no longer be able to make or com-municate your healthcare decision.

An “advance directive” is a way for you to specify your wishes about health care treatment options. It is a way of making your voice heard when you no longer can speak. An advance directive provides a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later on. They allow you to appoint a person called an “agent” in writing who then communicates your health care wishes if you can’t because of illness or injury. Health care deci-sions could include:• The use of breathing machines • If you want to be resuscitated if breathing or heartbeat stops • Tube feeding • Organ or tissue donation • Pain medications and other comfort treatments

Advance directives are not just for the elderly. People of all ages who want to direct their medical care for the future should complete an advance directive.

Before you prepare or revise your advance directive, you should discuss your health care wishes with your doctor and/or other health care providers. Make sure your agent, family and friends know where your advance directives are kept. Keep your originals in a safe place, but keep one copy where it is easy to find. It is your job – not your doctor’s – to have a copy ready whenever it is needed. Take a copy with you when you go into a hospital or nursing home.

A suggested health care directive form is available on the internet at: http://www.mnaging.org/.

For more information, visit: Minnesota Board of Aging Senior Linkage Line® at http://www.mnaging.org/pdf/MSS103-F.pdf or call 1-800-333-2433 toll free (TTY Minnesota Relay Service 1-877-627-3848).

Choose clothing that doesn’t cause you to trip.

Home tips include:

• Removing things that can cause trip-ping such as doorway thresholds, cords, rugs and loose carpet.

• Furniture should be easy to get out of and arranged to be easy to walk around.

• Plug in night-lights or use flashlights to get around better in the dark.

• Form a clear path to the light switch.

• Avoid using wax on floors or use non-skid wax.

• Use cordless phones and voice mail to prevent hurrying to answer the phone.

• Close closet doors and drawers to pre-vent tripping.

• Put grab bars, nonslip bathroom mats, shower benches, and elevated toilet seats in your bathroom.

• Decrease clutter; keep items easy to reach; clean up spills.

• Make sure your stairs have sturdy handrails, that steps are in good shape and gates are on the stairs for infants and toddlers.

• Keep sidewalks and driveway clutter free, ice and snow free and free of cracks and unevenness.

• Always use hand rails on public trans-portation, be careful getting on and off buses, watch for curbs and chang-es in the level of sidewalks.

Falls can happen to anyone. The fear of a fall causes some people to limit their activities unnecessarily. Staying active, taking care of your health and making some changes around your home can help prevent falls and injuries from falls.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org

NOT FALLING FOR YOU continued

M E M B E R Connection

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 9

SeniorCare Complete is a Minnesota Senior Health Options

(MSHO) program for people age 65 or older who are eligible for Medical

Assistance and Medicare Parts A & B.

AbilityCare is a Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC)

program for people with disabilities who are eligible for Medical Assistance

with or without Medicare Parts A & B.

Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)

is health care coverage for people 65 or older who are eligible

for Medical Assistance.

Medical Assistance (MA)is health care coverage for families and

children that meet income and asset limits determined by the State.

MinnesotaCare (MnCare) is health care coverage for people of

any age. There is a monthly premium that is based on family size and income.

Applications can be sent to the State MnCare office or certain counties.

South Country Health Alliance provides coverage for these Minnesota Health Care programs

The Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey (CAHPS) is performed annually to measure members’ satis-faction with health plan performance, quality of care issues, and overall satis-faction with physicians and the health plan. The survey was given from January to April 2009 to Minnesota Health Plan members 18 years and older on Medi-cal Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Minne-sota Senior Care Plus (MSC+), SeniorCare Complete (MSHO) or AbilityCare (SNBC).

South Country Health Alliance was the top performing Minnesota health plan in Medical Assistance members’ rating of their Health Plan, their Personal Doctor, and in How Well Doctors Communicate.

South Country was rated as one of the top 3 performing health plans for MSHO and MSC+ in the composite scores and the overall rating questions. South Country was top performer for MSHO members rating their Personal Doctor and their Specialist Seen Most Often; top performer for MSC+ members for their Health Plan and How Well Doc-tors Communicate. For MinnesotaCare, South Country was rated second highest performer in Customer Service.

2009 was the first year the CAHPS survey was done for MinnesotaCare and SNBC programs.

South Country is always striving to do better, so we want your comments! If we do something well, let us know! Your feedback is important to help us improve our service—please tell us what you think, good or bad.

You can give us your feedback by calling Member Services, calling your Commu-nity Care Connector, or by emailing us at marketing@mnscha.org.

A Measure ofSATISFACTION

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 10

M E M B E R Connection

OVERVIEW Disease ManagementBy Dee Ann Frodl, RN, Disease Management Coordinator

• Asthma triggers• Asthma symptoms• Asthma action plans• Medications• Smoking cessation/avoidance of

smoke • Flu, pneumonia, and shingles vac-

cines

Call our Disease Management staff with any questions!

Toll Free 1-866-722-7770Susan 507-431-6065Dee Ann 507-431-6063

South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) offers a Disease Management (DM) Pro-gram to help members who have heart failure, diabetes or asthma. The goal is to support members so they can live as functional and healthy lives as possible. Participation in the programs is volun-tary. South Country has two Registered Nurse Disease Management Coordina-tors, Susan Branstad and Dee Ann Frodl.

Members are identified for the DM pro-gram by medical claims and referrals. Members may refer themselves by call-ing one of the numbers listed at the end of this article. About 465 members have been involved with the DM program at this time. Education is done by phone and through the mail. The DM nurses work closely with county and SCHA staff to provide continuous care. The phone calls and educational materials support knowledge and self care of the mem-ber’s health condition. Participants are encouraged to be aware of and follow the plan of care that they have with their doctor.

The DM Heart Failure Program mem-bers must be ages 18 and older. This DM program reviews and has educa-tional mailings about such things as:

• Symptoms of heart failure

• Medications• Following the doctor’s treatment

plan if symptoms develop• Monitoring sodium in the diet• Smoking cessation• Flu, pneumonia and shingles vac-

cines

The DM Diabetes Program members must be ages 18 and older. Younger members are enrolled on a case-by-case basis. This DM program reviews and has educational mailings about such things as:

• Lab tests including A1C, blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function

• Blood pressure goals and heart health

• Medications• Foot Care• Eye, dental, and foot exams• Healthy eating, weight and exercise• Blood glucose monitoring• Smoking cessation• Flu, pneumonia, and shingles vac-

cines

The DM Asthma Program members are children ages 5–17 and adults ages 18–64. Other members are enrolled on a case by case basis. This DM program reviews and has educational mailings about such things as:

In 2009, the DM program sent out 608 newsletters

to members and distributed 332 educational

health materials, in addition to

attending several community

events.

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 11

M E M B E R Connection

Do you have a child between the ages of 11 and 19?

Many people think adolescents be-tween the ages of 11 and 19 are done with their vaccinations. They think vac-cinations are for little kids. But the fact is there are many young people between the ages of 11 and 19 who still need vaccinations. Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job.

Below is a list of vaccines they may need.

• Hepatitis B (HepB)

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap, Td)

• Polio

• Varicella (Var) (chickenpox shot)

• Hepatitis A (HepA)

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Influenza shot

• Pneumonia shot

• Meningococcal disease

Some of these vaccines are not re-quired at this time but are highly rec-ommended. An example would be the Meningococcal Vaccine (protection against Meningitis) which is required for entry to college or even for many child camps.

Given the chance, most children will say “no” to an immunization. So as a parent, be sure and encourage vac-cines.

As always make sure you and your teen’s doctor discuss appropriate im-munizations and that your child’s im-munizations are up to date.

This information has been reviewed and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

IMMUNIZATIONS It’s a teen thing too

PREVENTIVE CARE VisitsSouth Country wants you to be healthy and to stay healthy. A good way to stay on top of your health is to have a preventive care visit every year with your doctor. Preventive care visits are different from the usual sick visits, and give your doctor the chance to see you when you are healthy.

Make the most of your preventive care visit by doing the following:

• Be open about your concerns and complaints

• Describe any symptoms you may have

• Bring a list of any allergies you have to medication and food

• Bring a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter pills, supplements, herbs, and inhalers

• Tell your doctor about the stress in your life

• Ask your doctor to calculate your body mass index (BMI) for another perspec-tive on your health

Before you leave, make sure you know what you should do next. Ask the following questions:

• What routine screenings are coming up next?

• When are you due back for another health care visit?

• Will someone call you with results of your tests or do you need to call?

Call us if you have questions, need help finding a doctor, or need help scheduling an appointment. We are your partner in health!

SOUTH COUNTRY MEMBER • 12

Bringing Wellness Home

SOUTH COUNTRY

HEALTH ALLIANCE110 West Fremont Street

Owatonna, MN 55060

S O U T H C O U N T R YEVENTS Calendar

LOOK FOR US AT AN EVENT NEAR YOU

10/3/10 Family Health & Safety Jamboree, Wabasha

10/21/10 Operation Community Connect, Mora

10/26/10 CARE Giver & Senior Expo, Springfield

11/8/10 Trinity Health Fair, Owatonna

We’ve included this handy thermometer on a magnet for your refrigerator or medicine

cabinet as our gift to you!

This information is available in other forms to people with disabilities by calling 1-866-567-7242 (toll free) or 1-877-824-5611 (TTY for the hearing impaired), or 711, or through the Minnesota Relay at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY, Voice, ASCII, Hearing Carry Over), or 1-877-627-3848 (speech to speech relay service).

South Country Health Alliance Member Services1-866-567-7242 • 1-877-824-5611 (TTY for the hearing impaired)

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., M-F • All calls are toll free