Take Charge of Your Health

Getting StartedThis program contains information and tools to help you become an empowered patient, able to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your family. This program focuses on the following:EndFragment

• practicing self-care • improving communication with your health care team• making informed medical decisions• managing chronic conditions• living a healthy lifestyle• getting timely preventive screeningsEndFragment

What is Self-Care?• being aware of your own or your family’s health needs• knowing what actions to take to stay healthy• actively participating in your own health care• making informed health care decisions• knowing when you should seek medical treatment• developing healthy habits and making healthy lifestyle choicesEndFragment

Examples of Health Care DecisionsWho makes the majority of your health care decisions? It’s not your doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. In most cases, it’s you. Think about it. Every day, you make decisions about your health or your family’s health, without input from a medical professional. For example, in just one day, you decide if you and/or your family will: • eat healthy foods • exercise • wear a seat belt • get enough sleep EndFragment

More Health Care DecisionsThroughout the course of your life, you make decisions that impact your health and the health of your family, such as: • Getting recommended immunizations on time.• Scheduling regular preventive screenings (Pap tests, mammograms, colonoscopies).• Treating minor injuries and illnesses at home. • Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor. • Knowing when to call your doctor for an appointment.• Deciding if you should seek urgent care or go to the emergency room. EndFragment

Benefits of Practicing Self-CareMost people are practicing self-care daily and don’t even realize it. By combining your knowledge, awareness and experience, practicing self-care can provide the following benefits: • Build confidence and provide reassurance about making health care decisions.• Prevent illness and manage disease. • Improve your quality of life. EndFragment

Establish a Partnership with Your Health Care TeamFirst, let's identify who may be part of your health care team: • doctor • nurse • clinic staff • specialist • pharmacist EndFragment

As you can see, your health care team may include many different people, all working together to help you manage your health.EndFragment

Working With Your Health Care TeamThe following elements are important for having a good relationship with your health care team: • practicing good communication • having common goals • taking joint responsibility for your health careEndFragment

(17) Finding Trustworthy InformationEndFragment

(11) Common Goals EndFragment

(24) Healthy Lifestyle HabitsEndFragment

(8) Establish a PartnershipEndFragment

(4) What is Self CareEndFragment

(18) Definition of an EmergencyEndFragment

NAVIGATION

(16) Symptom CheckersEndFragment

(13) Joint ResponsibilityEndFragment

(25) Additional ResourcesEndFragment

(9) Working with Your TeamEndFragment

(5) Examples of Health Care DecisionsEndFragmentEndFragment

(19) Emergency OptionsEndFragment

(2) Getting StartedEndFragment

(26) Program ConclusionEndFragment

(10) Good CommunicationEndFragment

(22) Advance Care Directives EndFragment

(6) More Health Care DecisionsEndFragment

(20) Managing Chronic ConditionsEndFragment

(14) Being PreparedEndFragment

(3) Getting Started 2EndFragment

(27) CongratulationsEndFragment

(12) Common Goals 2EndFragment

(23) Healthy Lifestyle HabitsEndFragment

(7) Benefits of Practicing Self-CareEndFragment

(21) Actions for Chronic ConditionsEndFragment

(15) When to See a DoctorEndFragment

Getting StartedLet’s start with some basic instructions.Click the arrow buttons that appear in the upper right hand corner to move to the next or previous screens. There will be action statements throughout the program related to the content. You can pause the presentation and complete the corresponding Action Step, or you may complete all activities by going to the resources section after reviewing this presentation.EndFragment

Common GoalsYou and your doctor share the same goals when it comes to your health. EndFragment

You both want to: • Maintain or improve your health. • Prevent illness and disease. • Manage chronic conditions efficiently. • Determine the best treatment options.EndFragment

Good CommunicationIt is important to make the most of the time you spend with your doctor whether your visit is for a routine appointment or because you are sick. Good communication helps your doctor understand your health concerns, which can lead to a quick and proper diagnosis. Remember, YOU are also part of your health care team and your role in your health is very important.EndFragment

Action: Use this Communicating with Your Doctorhandout to learn ways to communicate effectively with your doctor or other health care team members to reach your best possible health.EndFragment

Common Goals (continued)The overall goal is for you to achieve and maintain the best health possible by: • Being involved.• Being proactive and action-oriented.• Getting a second opinion if needed.• Being your own advocate.• Taking responsibility for your own health.EndFragment

Joint ResponsibilityYou and your doctor have different roles when it comes to sharing responsibility in meeting your health goals. An understanding of both roles is an important component to build a successful partnership.EndFragment

Locate a TRICARE Provider hereEndFragment

Action: Use this Going to the Doctor Checklistto help you prepare for your appointments. Write down helpful information to share with your doctor, take notes or write down answers to questions you may have.EndFragment

Joint Responsibility–Being PreparedEndFragment

When to See a DoctorWhen you are sick or in pain, the first thing you might think to do is schedule an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room. However, there are other options to consider first, such as:• Using a symptom checker or self-care book.• Calling a nurse advice line.• Emailing your doctor about your symptoms to help determine your next step.EndFragment

Using these options will help you consider what could be causing your symptoms, if you can apply home treatment or if you should seek medical attention. Online symptom checkers and self-care books or health guides can be a good place to find trustworthy health information. EndFragment

There are many online symptom checkers you can use to help you make informed health decisions. Although we consider these organizations to be reliable and reputable, Health Net Federal Services does not specifically endorse the content found on their websitesEndFragment

Symptom CheckersThe following are examples of free, online symptom checkers that are available for you to use:American Academy of Family Physicians Symptom CheckerMayo Clinic Symptom CheckerFind more symptom checkers on the Program Resources page. Remember, symptom checkers and self-care guides are tools to help you make informed health decisions but should not take the place of any treatment advice given by your doctor. If you feel you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911.EndFragment

Finding Trustworthy InformationMaking an informed health decision starts with good judgment and knowing where to find dependable information. When seeking health information, check for the following: • Does the source providing the information have a medical background?• Is the content from an established resource/organization?• Is the information current, updated or reviewed frequently?EndFragment

TRICARE’s Definition of an EmergencyEmergency conditions are those that threaten life, limb or eyesight. Emergency conditions include medical, maternity or psychiatric problems that would lead a layperson to believe a situation exists that without medical help could lead to loss of life, limb or eyesight. An emergency may also include the need for immediate help to treat severe pain or relieve suffering. This includes situations where a person is in severe pain or is at immediate risk to self or others.EndFragment

Click here for information about urgent care. EndFragment

*Refer to your TRICARE Member Handbook for guidelines on coverage informationEndFragment

Emergency OptionsBefore you decide to go to an emergency room, consider the following:• Ask yourself, “Am I going to the emergency room because it’s necessary or because it’s convenient?” • If you are choosing the emergency room because it’s convenient, keep in mind the wait time and the out-of-pocket cost you may be required to pay. • Call your doctor or a nurse advice line for guidance on what you should do. TRICARE Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273), option 1.• Visit a walk-in or urgent care clinic.* EndFragment

Note: If you think you’re experiencing a true medical emergency, go to an emergency room or call 911.EndFragment

Managing a Chronic ConditionA chronic condition is a health condition or disease that can develop over time, oris persistent or long-lasting in its effects. The term chronic is often used when the course of the condition lasts for more than three months. Heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems. However, no matter what chronic condition you have, there are actions you can take to control and manage your health to improve your quality of life.EndFragment

Action: Visit our Chronic Care/Disease Management Education Center for more information about the following health conditions: anxiety, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, depression, and diabetes.EndFragment

Actions to Manage a Chronic ConditionIf you have a chronic medical condition, you can help yourself stay as healthy as possible when you:• See your doctor regularly. • Understand your condition. • Follow your treatment plan. • Reach out for support. • Monitor your condition. • Know the warning signs for possible complications.EndFragment

Advance Care Directives No matter your age or health status, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place that states your wishes for medical care in the event that you are not able to speak for yourself. Advance care planning can: • Allow you to communicate your wishes and make decisions while you are still healthy and have the energy to do so. • Remove the burden and stress of having to make important health-related decisions suddenly. • Give you time to have plenty of conversations to get your affairs in order. • Ensure your desires and concerns about care and treatment are expressed and respected. • Preserve your financial legacy. • Protect your minor children. Visit our Life Care Planning page for a variety of resources that will help you have conversations with your loved ones, andprepare a plan that works best for you. Learn what an Advance Care Directive includes, the benefits of having one and how to get started early. EndFragment

Healthy Lifestyle HabitsThe lifestyle you lead can affect your overall health now and in the future. Adopting and maintaining good health habits is easier than you think. Click on each link for tips, available programs and more information to help you start living a healthier lifestyle.EndFragment

Stay current with immunizations.Get preventive screenings.Maintain a healthy weight.Be tobacco free, or start on making a quit plan now. Manage stress.Prevent alcohol abuse.Prevent drug abuse. Practice self-care.EndFragment

Healthy Lifestyle HabitsEnjoy life and be good to yourself by living healthy.Balance your work and home life, include quiet time in your day, pay attention to your own needs, maintain healthy relationships, and laugh often. EndFragment

Additional ResourcesHealth Net Federal Services offers a variety of health and wellness programs and resources. Take the next step in managing your health by taking a program or class of interest to you.EndFragment

Healthy Living ResourcesTips for a Healthy BackTips for Better SleepTips for Cold and Flu PreventionTips for ExercisingTips for Healthy EatingTips for Healthy LivingTips for Stress Management Tips for Weight Management EndFragment

Other Helpful InformationChronic Care/Disease Management Behavioral HealthAccessing Health and Wellness ResourcesHealth and Wellness CenterOnline ProgramsAssessing Your Readiness for Change; Basics for Reaching a Healthy Weight; Healthy Weighs for Life; Time to Quit; The Basics of Asthma Management Telephone ClassesCoping with Financial Stress; Heart Healthy Living; Making Healthy Changes for Life; Preparing to Quit Tobacco; Stress Management in Times of Uncertainty; The Basics of Depression Management; The Essentials of Diabetes Management; What You Need to Know About Anxiety Choose Wisely with Choosing Wisely®EndFragment

Congratulations!Congratulations on completing this program!Your next steps:Review the handouts, links and tools in the Program Resources section if you haven’t already done so.Please take a moment to complete the program evaluation. Evaluations are anonymous. After you complete the evaluation, you will be routed to your Certificate of Completion.Thank you. We appreciate your feedback!EndFragment

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Press the “Play” button to start the audio for this slide if it isn’t already playing.EndFragment

As you now know, self-care has many components. The most important one is you. You have more control over your health and your health care than you might have originally thought.As a patient, you can control many aspects of your health care by:• asking questions• being proactive• making informed decisions• getting preventive screenings• following your doctor’s directions • living a healthy lifestyle EndFragment

We hope you feel more confident about making health care decisions for you and your family after taking this program.