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| Did You Know? |
Almost 10% of All People ages 20 and
over have diabetes2
Coronary heart disease caused One of Every Five Deaths in the U.S. in 20043
One in Three U.S. Adults has high blood pressure4
Ten million Adults have asthma5
About One in Four Americans ages 18
and older suffer from diagnosable mental disorders such
as depression each year6
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| 2 |
Total Prevalence of Diabetes
& Pre-Diabetes, American Diabetes Association,
2006 |
| 3 |
“Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2008 Update.” Circulation Journal of the American Heart Association, p. 3 |
| 4 |
Ibid, p.53 |
| 5 |
About Asthma, www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/asthma/about/ (Aug. 2008) |
| 6 |
The Numbers Count: Mental
Disorders in America, National Institutes
of Mental Health, February 2006 |
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Conquering the
Common Chronics |
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Here’s
a “Top Five” list that’s no joke:
diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, asthma and depression.
These are the five most common chronic conditions in
the United States – debilitating conditions that
consume almost half of all U.S. health care dollars
spent.1 Are you at risk
for one of these diseases? Did you know that for those
who suffer from these conditions, there are ways they
could improve both their health and finances. This issue
of Driver’s Seat covers how to conquer
the common chronics by taking charge of your care.
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| 1 |
National Center for Policy
Analysis statement by John C. Goodman, June 2006 |
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The Rewards of Routine |
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If you have
a chronic condition, you know the drill – your
treatments usually require the same procedures, visits
and medications week after week, year after year. However,
this routine can be your key to both health and financial
rewards – because cost-saving discoveries keep
paying off. For example, diabetic patients might significantly
reduce the costs of their monthly medications by comparing
drug prices, buying a 90-day (bulk) supply, purchasing
via mail order, or switching to a generic brand.
Look up your prescription benefits by signing in to
MyGreatWest.com and clicking on
the Pharmacy tab.
There you can check out medication costs, 90-day mail-order
and retail-order options, generic alternatives and more. |
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Knowledge Is |
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Do you know the risk
factors for common chronic conditions? Are you in a
high risk group? Many
disorders have silent symptoms that go unnoticed until
a sudden illness or attack. Take action now to help
prevent the onset of a chronic condition. Sign in to
MyGreatWest.com
and take the Health Assessment.
This quick evaluation will give you a customized report
on various areas of your overall health. Armed with
this knowledge, you and your doctor can discuss risk
factors and address any areas of concern.
If you or a family member have already been diagnosed
with a chronic condition and your employer is a participant
in our Disease Management program,
you may be eligible to enroll. This employer-sponsored
program can provide you with personalized care plans,
information and 24/7 NurseLine support. It also includes the Great-West Healthcare Great BeginningsSM maternity
program, aimed at helping moms have healthier babies.
Call the member services number on the back of your
insurance card to find out if your company is a participant
and how you can enroll. |
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