Protect them!

Immunize them!

Through immunization, you can protect your infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age 2.

“Getting your baby’s shots is very important.  See your baby’s provider to make sure your baby has all the shots needed to keep your baby healthy.”    Jason B. Dees, D.O. Chief Medical Director for Magnolia Health Plan

For more information on National Infant Immunization Week, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html 

• 113,692 people are waiting for an organ
• 18 people die each day waiting for an organ
• 1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives

“While the tragic loss of a loved one is never easy, organ donation allows something positive to come out of something tragic.  Please let your family know of your desire to be an organ donor. “  Jason B. Dees, D.O. Chief Medical Director for Magnolia Health Plan.

100 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE United States HAVE SIGNED UP TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR.

Sign up today and make it 100,000,001!

Distracted driving isn’t just keeping you safe – it’s about everyone on the road!  Don’t let you or your loved ones become another statistic.

“When you are driving, pay attention to the road and those around you.  It is best to not talk on the phone, but if you must, use a hands-free device.  Do not text and drive!”  Jason B. Dees, D.O. Chief Medical Director for Magnolia Health Plan

Scheduling regular checkups is important for managing your health.  Here are some questions to ask your provider the next time you have an appointment.

• What is my waist measurement?  A healthy number is 40 inches or below for men and under 35 for women.
• What is my blood pressure:  Less than 120/80 is ideal.
• Should I be screened for type 2 diabetes?  Maintain a schedule of being tested every 3 years after age 45 and ask your provider to explain the test results.  Also ask your provider to provide information on how to lower your numbers if need be.
• What is my cholesterol?  Total cholesterol should be less than 200.  LDL levels less than 100 and HDL levels more than 40 mgs for men and 50 mgs for women.
• What are some small steps I can take to be healthier and avoid type 2 diabetes?

“It is very important to have excellent control of your diabetes.  Diabetes left uncontrolled can cause blindness, kidney failure, loss of sensation in your feet, and increase your risk of heart disease.” Jason B. Dees, D.O. Chief Medical Director for Magnolia Health Plan.

10 Fun Facts about the Brain:

1. The weight of the human brain is about 3 pounds.
2. Your skin weighs twice as much as your brain.
3. The brain is made up of about 75% water.
4. The brain can feel no pain.
5. The human brain is 2% of total body weight.
6. Your brain stopped growing at age 18.
7. Your brain uses 20% of the total oxygen in your body.
8. Most people dream about 1-2 hours a night and have an average of 4-7 dreams each night.
9. If you are snoring, you are not dreaming.
10. Laughing requires activity in 5 different areas of the brain.

For more information on Brain Awareness Week, visit www.dana.org/brainweek.

HIV is transmitted through:

• Unprotected sex with an HIV-infected person.
• A  HIV-infected woman to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• Blood  from HIV-contaminated syringes, needles, or other sharp instruments. Also transfusion with HIV-contaminated blood.

HIV is not transmitted through casual contact or by other means.

For more information, visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad.

Below are some tips that should help you sleep:

• Don’t drink or eat caffeine four to six hours before bed.
• Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime or if you awake in the night.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before sleep.
• Get regular exercise.
• Avoid noise, light, and excessive hot and cold temperatures where you sleep.
• Develop a regular bed time and go to bed at the same time each night.

Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your bowl.  Try the following tips to “Get Your Plate in Shape”:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.   Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange vegetables plus beans and peas.  Add fruit to meals and snacks. 
• Make at least half your grains whole.  Choose 100% whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.  Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories.
• Vary your protein choices.  Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs.  Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean.
• Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars.  Drink water instead of sugary drinks.  Select fruits for dessert.  Choose 100% fruit juice instead of fruit-flavored drinks.  Compare salt (sodium) in foods and choose those with lower numbers. Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food.
• Enjoy your food but eat less.  Avoid oversized portion of food.  Use a smaller plate, bowl or glass. 
• Be physically active your way.  Pick activities that you like and start by doing what you can, at least 10 minutes at a time. 

Tooth decay affects many children.  Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems such as eating, speaking, playing and learning.

To ensure good oral health for your child:

• Encourage your child to eat regular nutritious meals and avoid frequent between-meal snacking.
• Have your child use a fluoride toothpaste.  If your child is less than 7 years old, put only a pea-sized amount on their toothbrush.
• Talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants.  They protect teeth from decay.

For more information, visit www.ada.org/5578.aspx.

You are at higher risk of heart disease if you are:

• A woman age 55 or older
• A man age 45 or older
• Or a person with a family history of early heart disease

To keep your heart healthy:

• Watch your weight
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Get active and eat healthy
• Manage stress

“It is very important to see your primary care provider.  If you have not seen your healthcare provider, do so during February.  Your heart is worth it.”  Jason B. Dees, D.O., FAAFP, Chief Medical Director for Magnolia Health Plan

For more information on heart disease, visit www.heart.org.