Winter 2019-2020 Individual and Family Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the newest issue of Health Matters. We hope you’re staying warm this winter, surrounded by loved ones. In this issue of Health Matters, we, give tips on how to make and keep resolutions for the new year, and offer a recipe for turkey meatloaf.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, as well as Cervical Health Awareness Month. February is American Heart Month. As always, if you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact Member Services at 1-844-282-3025.

Nothing means more to us than knowing we’ve helped make our members’ lives better. We wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season ahead.

In good health,

Nancy Horstmann
Chief Executive Officer
CHRISTUS Health Plan

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HIX Winter Heart Women Awareness

Facts About Heart Disease in Women

Do you know what causes cardiovascular disease in women? What about the survival rate? Do women of all ethnicities share the same risk? The fact is: cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute! But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same in men. What’s more: These facts only begin to scratch the surface. There are several misconceptions about heart disease in women, and they could be putting you at risk. The American Heart Association advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health for this very reason. “It’s a man’s disease.” “Breast cancer is the real threat.” If you’ve heard or said this before, you’re not alone. The real fact is, relying on these false assumptions can cost you your life.

Myth: Heart disease doesn’t affect women who are fit.
Fact: Even if you’re a workout fiend, your risk for heart disease isn’t completely eliminated. Factors like cholesterol, eating habits and smoking can counterbalance your other healthy habits.

Myth: I don’t have any symptoms.
Fact: Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Because these symptoms vary greatly between men and women, they’re often misunderstood. In reality, women are somewhat more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Other symptoms include dizziness, feeling lightheaded or fainting, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen and extreme fatigue.

Myth:
Heart disease runs in my family, so there’s nothing I can do.
Fact: Although women with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, there’s plenty you can do to dramatically reduce it. Simply create an action plan to keep your heart healthy. Because of healthy choices and knowing the signs, more than 670,000 of women have been saved from heart disease.

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