This program is available for all members who need help to manage their asthma. Highmark Wholecare Case Managers can help you better understand your medications, triggers and support your treatment plan to help you keep your asthma under control.
Below are some tips to help you control your asthma.
Know your triggers and avoid them
Triggers like allergens and irritants can make your asthma symptoms worse by irritating your airways. The best way to control your asthma is to know what your asthma triggers are and how to avoid them.
Take your asthma medication as prescribed by your doctor
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, even when you don't feel symptoms. You have to manage your asthma every day, not just on days when you feel symptoms.
Have an Asthma Action Plan
Everyone with asthma should have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is a written plan that you develop with your doctor to help control your asthma. It can help you remember what medicine is needed every day, what steps to take for an asthma attack, and when you should call your doctor or seek emergency treatment.
If you or your child do not have an asthma action plan, please download and print one out below. Bring it to your next medical appointment, so that you and your doctor can fill out the plan together.
Use your inhaler properly
Your doctor can show you how to use your inhaler properly so that your medicine reaches the airways. Some people especially children may need to use a spacer or a mask to get the medication to the lungs.
See your doctor regularly
You need to visit your doctor at least twice a year. Your doctor needs to see you to make sure your asthma is under control. When your asthma is under control you can do more of the things you like to do!
Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
Do not smoke. If you need help to quit smoking or using tobacco, call the toll-free Quitline at 800-784-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Do not be around tobacco smoke. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside
Diabetes Management is for members with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The program can help you understand how to manage your diabetes and decrease the chance of developing long-term complications.
Here are some tips to help manage your diabetes:
- Have your A1C checked at least once a year
- Monitor your blood sugar at home like your doctor recommends. Write it down and bring it with you to your appointments
- Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Also what to do if it happens
- Have healthy eating habits
- Get moving! Being physically active can help keep your blood sugar in target range
To help prevent complications like heart disease, blindness or amputations from happening, take care of your overall health too!
Heart Health
- Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. Talk with your doctor what you can do to manage high blood pressure
- Have your cholesterol checked at least once a year. Talk with your doctor if a statin medication can help you manage your cholesterol
Eye Health
- Have a special exam called a retinal eye exam to check to see if there has been damage to blood vessels at least once a year
Kidney Health
- Long-term diabetes can damage kidneys. Have a urine microalbumin test or blood work to check how your kidneys are functioning at least once a year
Foot Health
- Check the bottoms and tops of your feet every day for any injuries or sores that are not healing. Do not forget to check in between your toes too! Have a healthcare provider thoroughly exam your feet at least once a year
Do not smoke. If you need help to quit smoking or using tobacco, call the toll free line 1-800-748-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.Do not be around tobacco smoke. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema,
chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. COPD effects as many as 30,000,000 people in the U.S.
and most often occurs in people 40 years of age and older who have a history of smoking. But, exposure to fumes, chemicals and dust found in
many work environments are contributing factors for many other individuals.
The PTLM COPD Program is a comprehensive, population-based program of chronic respiratory management for Highmark Wholecare members.
Our team of professionals will asses your needs and provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your COPD. These tools may include:
- COPD education materials
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Interactive educational phone calls
- Help with appointment scheduling, transportation and community resources
- Ongoing care management and care plan development
- Pill boxes
- Risk assessment
- Home health care (if needed)
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated one in three American adults have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
- 15,500,000 people in the U.S. are affected by coronary heart disease
- 7,600,000 more experience Myocardial infarctions
- 5,700,000 people experience heart failure
Not only are these chronic conditions life-threatening, they are also one of the largest causes of financial burden for Medicare recipients.
The PTLM Cardiac Program emphasizes patient empowerment, self-management, provider education and support to promote wellness for our members.
Our team of professionals will asses your needs and provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your heart condition. These tools may include:
- Cardiac education materials
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Interactive educational phone calls
- Help with appointment scheduling, transportation and community resources
- Ongoing care management and care plan development
- Pill boxes
- Scales are available for members with heart failure
- Home health care (if needed)
Healthy Weight Management assists members who are overweight, obese or otherwise interested in maintaining a healthy weight.
Excess weight increases the risk for diseases and health conditions like:
■ type 2 diabetes
■ high blood pressure
■ heart disease
■ some types of cancer like colon and kidney
■ mental health like anxiety and depression
■ body pain
Weight status is measured using height and weight. Adults with the same weight but different height may not have the same Body Mass Index (BMI). Children and teen weight status is figured out in another way. A child or teen’s age and gender is included when assessing BMI.
Calculate BMI using these calculators from the CDC:
■ Adults 20 and over: Adult BMI Calculator
Here are some tips:
■ Build healthy meals using the plate method
■ Get moving! Find ways to add extra movement and steps throughout the day
■ Get a good night’s sleep
■ Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight that is right for you
Participation in the Lifestyle Management Programs is voluntary. If at any time you’d like to stop, please call 1-800-685-5209 (TTY 711). We’re available to help you Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.