Winning Health | Gold Coast Health Plan | Issue 3 | Winter 2022

4 24-Hour Advice Nurse Line: 1-877-431-1700/TTY 711 When you get health care, you may want to talk to your doctor in the language you know best. Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) wants you to know you have the right to have an interpreter at your checkups at no cost to you. You can ask your clinic to arrange for one. Or you can call GCHP’s Member Services Department for help. Please ask for an interpreter at least a week before your visit. It may take time to schedule. Why not use a family member? It is best to use a qualified interpreter rather than a family member or friend. Qualified medical interpreters know how to get your doctor’s words just right. They can also help protect your privacy. Your doctor may need to ask you about sensitive issues. You may find it easier to talk about these things when it’s just you, your doctor, and your interpreter in the room. Getting your words across To make the most of an interpreter: ● Consider telling them ahead of time what you want to talk about. ● Speak directly to the doctor. The interpreter will help you understand each other. ● Use common terms when you can, rather than words from one region. ● If you don’t understand something, ask the doctor to repeat it. Do this as often as you need to. ● Let the doctor know if you would like the interpreter to leave the room for the exam part of your visit. We speak your language, too Would you prefer to get your health plan materials in your language? We can help! If you need an interpreter or free materials in your language, call Member Services at 1-888-301-1228 , Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., (excluding holidays). If you use a TTY, call 1-888-310-7347 . February is American Heart Month February is a yearly reminder to commit to taking care of your hear t. Here are some tips and facts: 1. Take your heart for a walk. ❱ Walking is free, simple to do, and there’s a low risk of injury. ❱ Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense activity, at least five days a week. If you’re shor t on time, you can break it up into three 10-minute workouts. ❱ Get a doctor’s OK before you star t a walking program if you have a chronic health problem like diabetes or high blood pressure or are over 40 years of age and haven’t been active in a while. 2. Feed your heart smart snacks: ❱ Whole-grain toast with peanut or almond butter. ❱ Cherry tomatoes dipped in hummus. ❱ Whole-grain crackers with canned tuna or salmon. ❱ A fruit or vegetable smoothie. ❱ Fat-free or low-fat popcorn. ❱ Fat-free or low-fat yogur t topped with berries. 3. Test your heart. ❱ High cholesterol usually doesn’t cause symptoms. That is why all adults 20 years of age and older need their cholesterol tested regularly. Need an interpreter? Just ask