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Tips to Navigate the Annual Enrollment Process |
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Annual Enrollment is under way and will continue until June 8,  2011. If you are unsure whether you need to take part in the enrollment process, the following tips will help you determine what, if anything, you need to do.
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Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers |
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 You've heard the phrase, "120 over 80." But just what do those blood pressure numbers mean? Blood pressure (BP) is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. "Systolic" (the first or top number) refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. "Diastolic" (the second or bottom number) refers to BP when the heart is at rest between beats.
About 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high BP. If BP rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. The condition itself usually has no symptoms. People can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, high BP can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. If BP numbers stay above normal most of the time, it could be a risk for health problems. BP tends to rise with age. Following a healthy lifestyle helps some people delay or prevent this rise in BP.
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Easy Ways to Comparison Shop for Medications | |
 Have you ever thought there has to be a simpler way to compare medication costs? One solution is the prescription savings program available online at medco.com called My Rx Choices®. With My Rx Choices, State Health Plan members are able to shop for medications by comparing costs for:
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Alcohol and Blood Pressure - What's the Connection? | |
 Does drinking alcohol affect your blood pressure?
The short answer is, yes. Adults who consume more than three alcoholic beverages in one sitting will see a slight increase in their blood pressure. This effect is temporary if you enjoy alcohol in moderation. But for adults considered heavy drinkers, the effects can have a lasting impact on your blood pressure. Recommended alcohol consumption that is considered low risk is:
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Lower the Threat of High Blood Pressure | |
 Is the "silent killer" stalking you? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the silent killer, because you can have it and feel just fine. But in this case, what you don't know can hurt you. May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, a perfect time to learn more about this disease and take steps to protect yourself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 74.5 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, our nation's first and third leading causes of death. It's estimated that high blood pressure cost the nation $76.6 billion in direct and indirect costs in 2010. Some facts from the CDC:
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