Winning Health | Gold Coast Health Plan | Issue 2 | Fall 2020

WINNING HEALTH 4 Three fast facts about your asthma medicines If you have asthma, it may be harder for you to do the things you enjoy. Luckily, there are medicines that can help you breathe better. People who have asthma take two kinds of medicines to help them breathe. One helps control your asthma every day and the other gives you quick relief when you are having an attack. Here are three things to know about these important medications: 1 Control medications help prevent flare-ups. That’s why you should take them every day–even when you feel fine. They help keep down swelling in your airways and let you breathe better. 2 Using quick-relief medications too often is a red flag. If you need them more than two days a week, your asthma might not be under control. Let your doctor know. You may need to change your treatment plan and update your asthma action plan. 3 Using your asthma medications could prevent missed days at work or school. Keeping asthma under control may help you maintain your normal schedule. If you have questions about how to use your medicines, your doctor is there to help. Don’t hesitate to call. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Tips for telehealth services Talking with a health care provider by phone or video is called telehealth. Many health care professionals are using telehealth services to connect with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. What are the benefits of telehealth? Telehealth makes it easy to talk to your health care provider about non-urgent conditions. There is no need to leave your home. Telehealth appointments: Can take place in the comfort of your home. Do not require travel or childcare. Are flexible–you can use a phone or a video device. Have short wait times. Are available in your preferred language. For a tip sheet on telehealth services, visit the GCHP website, goldcoasthealthplan.org , and look for the “COVID-19 Information” page for members. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Take your best shot at staying well. For more information, call Member Services at 1-888-301-1228 . If you use a TTY, call 1-888-310-7347 . FLU SEASON ALERT Influenza can be MISERABLE & DEADLY . Nearly EVERYONE 6 months or older should get a yearly flu vaccine. Vaccinate! Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. It takes 2 WEEKS for the flu vaccine to be fully effective.