Prevention:  It’s Just Common Cents!

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

Whether it’s eating right, exercising, or just going to the doctor, I frequently hear the same concern – “I just don’t have the time.” This is what Dave, a Systems employee, said before he was diagnosed with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes in June 2007.

“I hadn’t been to the doctor in almost 10 years,” Dave said. “Then, I hurt my knee playing volleyball and decided I really didn’t have a choice. While at my appointment, they took my blood pressure and found out it was 208/111.”

The current blood pressure recommendations from the American Heart Association are a systolic number (top number) of less than 120 and diastolic (bottom number) less than 80. Some conditions, as well as some lifestyle factors, can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Dave continued,” Since I hadn’t been to see my doctor for so long, he did a blood draw and tested my cholesterol and blood sugar as well. A few days later he called to confirm that in addition to high blood pressure, I had type 2 diabetes.”

For the next 6 months Dave learned how to count carbs, watch caloric intake and make healthier choices. He began taking medication and now has his blood pressure under control. During this time Dave also lost 50 pounds.

“When people see me, they can tell that I’ve lost a lot of weight and ask me what my goal is,” Dave said. “I tell them, my goal is to keep my toes!”

Dave’s story is not unusual, but the good news is it’s not just treatable, it’s preventable. That’s one of the main goals of Live Well, Be Well – to help keep us healthier, and also to help prevent what might be serious problems down the road.

Prevention doesn’t just make sense, it also makes cents! Because remaining healthy can help us save on out-of-pocket medical expenses.

State Farm offers retirees a wide array of resources and tools to assist in preventative care efforts. Consider taking advantage of some of the following!

Consider lifestyle choices that help reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke

Prevent and control high blood cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Preventing and treating high blood cholesterol includes eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, keeping a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise. All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked once every five years. If yours is high, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help lower it. Cholesterol screening guidelines and recommended healthy ranges are available at the American Heart Association Web site.

Prevent and control diabetes

Research has shown that if you take action to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing.  If you have a family history of diabetes, good nutrition, weight management and regular physical activity will help decrease your risks.  Visit the American Diabetes Association Web site for screening guidelines, risk factors as well as signs and symptoms for pre-diabetes. 

Prevent and control high blood pressure

High blood pressure is the most important controllable risk factor for stroke. If your blood pressure is high, you can work with your doctor to treat it and bring it down to the normal range. We encourage you to visit your physician and have your blood pressure checked. For information on how to reduce your risks of stroke visit the American Stroke Association Web site.

Quit tobacco

Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Never smoking is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk. Quitting smoking will help lower your risk of heart disease.  State Farm is partnering with the American Cancer Society and their Quitline program as an enhancement to our current tobacco cessation benefit policy. Visit the Fight Cancer Web site for helpful resources on quitting tobacco. Click here for more information on the tobacco cessation benefit available to retirees.

Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight

Engage in moderate level physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Proper diet and regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight. Choose a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lowering or cutting out added salt or sodium, and eating less saturated fat and cholesterol.

Also consider signing up for the 50 Million Pound Challenge.

Preventative Care Coverage

State Farm Group Medical Plans offer coverage for preventative services. Contact the Human Resources Services Center (HRSC) at 1-877-272-1999 for more information on benefits.