Wellness Connection

Take Care of Your Health — One Step at a Time

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few steps can help you feel better and live longer. Did you know as a Wellcare member you may be eligible to earn rewards for completing eligible health activities? Sign up for My Wellcare Rewards. Log in to your member portal to get started.

Here are some important things to know, especially as we get older:

Living Well with Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it is important to keep these three things in check:

  • Blood sugar (glucose)
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol

Talk to your doctor about how to manage these. Taking medications, eating healthy, and staying active all help. Learn more about Diabetes.

You can also visit: WebMD

Caring for Your Heart

Your heart works hard every day. Help it stay strong by:

  • Managing blood pressure
  • Keeping cholesterol at a healthy level
  • Not smoking
  • Staying active and eating heart-healthy foods

Heart disease can often be prevented or managed with simple changes and regular checkups.

Learn more about Heart Disease at WebMD.

Understanding High Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol in your blood can block your arteries and lead to heart attacks or strokes. You may not feel any symptoms, so it’s important to get your cholesterol checked regularly.

Good news: it's never too late to make changes! Eating well, moving more, and following your doctor’s advice can make a big difference. Learn more about high cholesterol.

You can also learn more about cholesterol at WebMD

Watch Out for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s important to have it checked regularly.

When left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart problems. But with proper care, it can be managed.

Regular blood pressure checks at your provider’s office are an important way to stay on top of your health. Be sure to ask your provider to check it at every visit. Learn more about high blood pressure.

You can also learn more about high blood pressure at WebMD

Don’t Skip Your Eye Exams

As we age, our eyesight can change. An annual eye exam can help detect problems early, including:

  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic eye disease
  • Age-related vision loss

Early treatment may help protect your vision and keep you independent.

Learn more about eye exams at WebMD

Screenings Save Lives

Regular checkups and cancer screenings can catch problems early—when treatment can be most effective.

Be sure to ask your doctor about these important screenings:

  • Breast cancer:
    • Women ages 40 to 44 can choose to start getting a mammogram every year.*
    • Women ages 45 to 54 should have a mammogram every year.*
    • Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.*
    • Follow-up After Mammogram
      • Had a mammogram recently? Be sure to talk with your provider about your results. Early detection and timely follow-up are important for your breast health!
      • Just so you know: Sometimes, a mammogram shows something that needs a closer look—but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Your provider may suggest follow-up tests, like a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, just to be sure. These tests help provide more information and peace of mind. Learn more mammograms at WebMD.
    • Learn more about breast cancer screenings at WebMD
  • Colon cancer: Adults age 45+ should get screened.** Learn more about colon cancer screenings at WebMD.
  • Other cancer screenings: Your provider can help guide you. Learn more about screenings at WebMD.

You Can Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health—no matter how long you’ve smoked. It helps your heart, lungs, blood pressure, and even improves your energy.

You don’t have to do it alone—there’s help available: Learn more about quitting smoking at WebMD

Managing Stress the Healthy Way

Stress can take a toll on your body and mind. It’s common to feel stressed, but there are ways to cope:

  • Take walks
  • Talk to friends or loved ones
  • Try breathing exercises or quiet time
  • Do something you enjoy each day

Learn more about stress and your health. You can also learn more about stress at WebMD.

You Are Not Alone

Taking care of your health is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Schedule an annual preventive visit to talk with your provider. You can use the Annual Preventive Visit Checklist (PDF) to help guide your visit. Small changes today can make a big difference tomorrow.

Annual Preventive Visit Checklist (PDF) - Coming Soon

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