2 Steps to Save a Life

If someone doesn’t receive immediate CPR when experiencing cardiac arrest, they could die. Don’t be afraid to help. You can save a life by doing the following:

1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

Everyone should learn lifesaving CPR

• Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Everyone should know how to perform CPR in an emergency.
• Immediate, effective CPR could more than double a victim’s chance of survival.
• Push on the chest at a rate of at least 100 beats per minute.
• Push to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” and you could save a life.

• For more information on Hands-Only CPR.

 

Western Health Advantage Receives Healthiest Employer Award

Western Health Advantage won top honors Tuesday at the Sacramento Business Journal’s annual Healthiest Employers awards luncheon.

“Our WHAFIT program, short for Wellness, Health + Action FIT, has several goals—to encourage healthy eating, urge more physical activity, educate employees on benefits of better wellness, and inspire other elements of a healthy lifestyle,” said WHA Chief Medical Officer, Don Hufford, M.D.

Winners and 23 finalists were chosen based on results of a survey by Healthiest Employers LLC, an Indianapolis research firm that focuses on corporate wellness. Each was scored on factors such as culture and leadership commitment, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and intervention, and reporting and analysis.

Read the full article.

Five companies doing business in the capital region won top honors Tuesday at the Sacramento Business Journal’s annual Healthiest Employers awards luncheon. Here, representatives from the winning companies stand with their awards. From left, William Duncan of Sierra Community College, Laurie Rood of Benefits Done Right, Don Hufford of Western Health Advantage, Monique Renard of McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. and Chris Palkowski of Kaiser Permanente.
Photo by Dennis McCoy | Sacramento Business Journal

It’s National Infant Immunization Week

This annual observance highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States.

Vaccinations very safe and are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases. The most common side effects are typically very mild pain or swelling at the injection site.

The CDC recommends the following immunizations for infants 0-23 months:

Well-baby care such as immunizations are part of your health plan at NO additional cost to you. 

Visit the CDC’s website for a complete list of recommended immunizations based on your child’s birth date.

Disclaimer: Coverage for WHA services depends on eligibility at the time of the service.

Looking for a great aerobic workout outdoors?

Try riding a bike! Get the same aerobic workout as jogging, with less stress on your joints. Bike riding will give you a great boost of energy while strengthening your heart, lungs, and legs.

Just remember these simple bike safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet: It should fit snug and have the CPSC or Snell seal of approval.
• Throw away damaged helmets: Helmets that have hit a hard surface will not absorb shock as well.
• Proper attire: Use reflective tape and wear bright clothing. Make sure your pants are not too long or too loose.
• Foot gear: Wear shoes with good traction.
• Follow traffic laws: Always go with the flow of traffic – not against it. Use appropriate hand signals.
• Ride during daylight hours: Soak up the vitamin D. When it’s light out, you can see what’s coming your way and others can see you.

Remember to speak with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

These tips are courtesy of Healthyroads. WHA members can register online at mywha.org/healthyroads for 24/7 access to wellness tools, such as a personal health assessment, customized meal and exercise plans, health trackers, self-guided online coaching modules and much more.

National Walking Day is Wednesday, April 3

What is National Walking Day?
The American Heart Association has named the first Wednesday of each April, National Walking Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of physical activity.

Push your family, friends and coworkers to walk towards a healthier life!

Why start walking? It’s easy, it works and it pays!

• Heart disease is this country’s number one killer but by exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk.
• Studies show that for every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours.
• Walking is the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health

Check out the American Heart Association’s new Walking Paths app to create, find and track walking paths near you! Available for the Android, iPhone and iPad.

For more information visit www.startwalkingnow.org

Get moving today!

WHA Receives Top Ratings in CA For Patient Experience

The newest HMO Report Card, released today, by the California Office of the Patient Advocate gave Western Health Advantage the most stars of any health plan in California.

Patients rate their experience with WHA in the following categories:

• Rate Their HMO — 4 Stars
• Getting Care Easily –  2 Stars
• HMO Helps Members Get Answers– 3 Stars

HMO Provides Recommended Care — 3 Stars

Out of the 10 largest HMOs in California, WHA received 12 stars — more than any other health plan.

“The Office of the Patient Advocate’s HMO Report Card validates the commitment of our providers and employees to providing members with the highest quality care and customer service.” said Garry Maisel, President and Chief Executive Officer.

For the HMO Quality Ratings Summary 2013 Edition, please visit the State of California’s Office of the Patient Advocate website.

Help us help babies!

Join our team to help support March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year.

What: March for Babies
When: Saturday, April 27, 2013
Where: West Steps of the State Capitol

In celebration of March of Dimes’ 75th anniversary, we want to build a team of 750 people. Contact community@westernhealth.com to join our team!