Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Winter 2019

6 Focus Your Health Why kids need a flu vaccine If you’re wondering if your child really needs a flu shot, consider these facts: Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu shots and nasal spray flu vaccines are both options for vaccination. The flu is MORE DANGEROUS to kids than the common co l d. Every year millions of kids get sick with the flu, THOUSANDS ARE HOSPITALIZED from it and some even die. Children younger than 5 years old and those with long-term health problems like asthma and diabetes are at high risk of flu-related complications. Those include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. When and how to vaccinate Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to prevent it. Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine every year. High blood pressure is a seri- ous health threat. If yours is too high, your doctor may suggest medicine to help lower it. And it’s really important to take it. But there are other changes you can make right now to help bring it down too: Cut down on salt. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams a day. Howmuch is that? There are 1,725 mg of sodium in teaspoon of table salt. Get active. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure. Ask your doctor how much is right for you. Limit alcohol. Health experts suggest no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. Don’t smoke. Smoking raises blood pressure, among its many other health risks. Your doctor can help you quit and you can call 1.800.NO.BUTTS to get connected to trained counselors to help you quit for FREE. Blood pressure: How to bring Here’s what else you can do to take control of your blood pressure: Know your numbers. For most people, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. Ask your doctor what your numbers should be. Check it regularly. Many pharmacies have machines that can take your blood pressure. Or you can buy a blood pressure monitor to use at home. If your blood pressure is often high, talk to your doctor. Keep a record. Write your blood pressure readings in a journal or keep track with your phone. You and your doctor can review patterns together. When you manage your blood pressure, you can also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute HealthReach 1909 ➜ If you still need to get to your given renal dialysis place and are not able to get transport to that dialysis place, please call 911 . HPSJ will prioritize support for members with: ● ● Oxygen-related or heart-lung aid devices ● ● Infusion/IV or feeding/nutrition supplement equipment ● ● Movement-aid equipment ● ● In-home dialysis equipment Tips for home dialysis patients Stay safe during fire season and —Continued from page 5