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KanCare Protest Status (PDF)

 

HCBS Appendix K Member Unwinding Notice (PDF)

 

Prenatal Immunization Flyer (PDF)

 

Baby Talk

 

Baby Talk is a FREE prenatal education program that includes six 2-hour classes taught by labor and delivery nurses and other health care professionals. Virtual and in-person classes are available depending on the county of residence. Baby Talk is supported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Aetna Better Health of Kansas with curriculum developed in part by the March of Dimes.

Webinars

Noelle Tucker:                

 

[00:00:01]          Hi, my name is Noelle Tucker and I am a quality management nurse consultant with Aetna. Thank you for taking time to learn about ways to manage high blood pressure. Food is a tool that we can use to stay healthy. For people with high blood pressure, the food we eat can help to manage our blood pressure along with exercise and medication. At Aetna Better Health, we are here to help you each step of the way.

 

[00:00:34]          High blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, is when the force of the blood moving through your veins is too high. Let's talk more about high blood pressure and some of the things you can do to manage it. Managing high blood pressure can help to avoid other health problems, like problems with the heart, brain, kidneys, and even the eyes. If blood pressure stays too high for too long, it can even cause a heart attack or stroke. Many things can cause high blood pressure. Having diabetes can make you more likely to have high blood pressure. Eating too much salt, not getting enough exercise, and being overweight can add to high blood pressure. Also, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, stress, and family members having high blood pressure can all lead to high blood pressure.

 

[00:01:30]          If you have high blood pressure, you will need to check it often. Your doctor will check it at each time you are in the office for a visit. But you can also check it when you pick up your medicine at the store. You might also be asked to check your blood pressure at home. Normal blood pressure is 120 over 80. You should talk to your doctor to know when you should call the office or go to the hospital if your numbers get too high. Let's talk about food. It is good to know what foods are bad for high blood pressure. Foods that are high in salt and fat, such as table salt, butter, salad dressing, bacon, sandwich meats, salted nuts, canned foods, and soup, fried food, and fast food are all high in salt or fat, which can increase your blood pressure.

 

[00:02:22]          Many foods will not increase blood pressure like low-fat milk and yogurt, lean meat, turkey and chicken without the skin, fresh or frozen not canned fruits and vegetables, plain rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread are all great foods to eat. We cannot forget exercise. While exercise is great for keeping us healthy, it is also very good for managing stress and weight. So, let's get moving. Managing stress is also an important part of managing high blood pressure. Exercise, yoga, and meditation, not drinking too much caffeine, taking time to do things that you enjoy, and talking to a friend are all things you can do to help manage stress. Medicine can also help to take care of high blood pressure. If your doctor gives you a medicine, you will need to take it at the same time each day. Your doctor might also ask you to check blood pressures at home and write them down to share at your next visit.

 

[00:03:29]          Let's review. Check your blood pressure at office visits and even at home. Eat a healthy diet with less salt and less fat. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay active and manage stress. Do not use tobacco products like cigarettes and take your medicine at the same time each day. Thank you for your time. I hope you found the webinar helpful. Please, take a moment to answer a few questions by clicking the survey link below the webinar. If you have any questions, please contact Aetna using the phone number on the back of your card. Thanks again. Have a great day and remember that Aetna Better Health is with you every step of the way.

 

[00:04:16]          End of Tape.      

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CAPTION

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Hi, my name is Noelle Tucker

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and I am a Quality Management Nurse Consultant with Aetna.

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Thank you for joining me to discuss a bit about

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controlling diabetes through the food you eat.

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Food is a powerful tool we can use to be healthy.

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For people with diabetes, feeling your best comes in the food you eat.

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Today I'll be discussing the basics of diabetes and importance of eating well.

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Here at Aetna Better Health, we're here to help you each step of the way.

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Very simply, diabetes means you have too much sugar in your blood.

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Our bodies change much of the food we eat into a type of sugar called glucose.

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The body cells need glucose for energy.

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High blood sugar problems start when our body no longer makes enough insulin.

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Insulin moves sugar from your blood to the body's cells.

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Some people need shots of insulin;

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others can take pills to control their blood sugar.

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Too much sugar in your blood can lead to health problems

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with your eyes, your kidneys, and your feet.

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You can prevent problems with your health from diabetes.

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Healthy eating and exercise help your blood sugar

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from becoming too high or too low.

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Let's talk more about food and healthy eating.

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A good meal plan includes a balance of carbohydrates, protein,

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and good fats.

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Balance is the key!

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Carbs are the body's main source of energy.

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About half of the calories you eat each day will come from carbs.

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Carbs that are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals,

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and also low in added sugar, salt and unhealthy fats are the best.

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Examples of carbs:

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1 slice of bread

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½ cup of cooked beans or cereal

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¾ cup of unsweetened cereal

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½ hamburger or hot dog bun

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1 cup of milk

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½ medium potato

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1/3 cup of cooked pasta

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1 banana, apple, orange, or peach

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Aim for at least one serving of vegetables with each meal.

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A serving is ½ cup cooked or 1 cup of raw vegetables.

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Even better, fill half your plate with vegetables!

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Vegetables keep you feeling full longer

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and provide what your body needs without all the calories and carbs.

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Examples of vegetables are green beans, beets,

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carrots, salad greens, and tomatoes.

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Include protein as part of your food intake.

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The best amount is 8 to 12 ounces per day.

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Examples of protein:

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(serving size is 2-3 oz or about the size of the palm of your hand)

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Animal protein such as chicken, beef, pork, fish, or egg.

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1 egg is 1 oz. of protein

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Peanut or Almond butter – 2 tablespoons is 1 oz of protein

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Cheese – 1 oz

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Cottage cheese ¼ cup

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Tuna 1 oz

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1 oz of sandwich meat

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Beans, hummus, lentils and other plant-based proteins are great, too!

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Diabetics should have their blood sugar checked when they see their doctor.

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Your doctor will do an A1C test.

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It's used to monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working over time.

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Your doctor will tell you how often you need an A1C test, but usually,

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you'll have the test at least twice a year to check on how you're doing.

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Signs of low blood sugar are:

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irritable, sweaty, confused, hungry, dizzy, or shaky

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Eat regular meals.

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If you're not eating much, you may not need to take your diabetic medication.

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Skipping meals or taking too much medicine can cause low sugars,

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which require treatment.

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Talk with your doctor to make sure you understand what level is best for you.

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Ways to treat low blood sugar:

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Drink ½ cup of juice,

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3-4 pieces of small hard candy,

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3-4 glucose tablets if you have them.

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Take more if you don't feel better within a few minutes.

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These foods will raise blood sugar quickly.

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Foods that contain protein or fat, such as chocolate, candy bars,

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ice cream, and cookies don't raise your level quickly enough.

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After 15 minutes, check again.

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If your level is still low, eat another serving.

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Repeat until your level becomes normal.

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As you pick up your groceries, keep the following things in mind...

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Things to remember:

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Choose complex starches with lots of fiber,

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like beans, cereals, and brown rice.

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Look for products that say "whole grain.

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Avoid eating foods with lots of fat, like butter, cooking oil, or lard.

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Do not eat too many sweets like cakes, candy, cookies, or fruit juice.

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They will raise your blood sugar and cause weight gain.

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Be aware of portion sizes.

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Try not to skip meals.

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Be open to trying new foods.

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Ask friends and family for recipes using ingredients

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with which you may not be familiar.

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Host a healthy potluck and exchange recipes.

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Last, but not least, move a bit more.

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This is important for everyone, including those with diabetes.

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Exercise is important to include in your treatment.

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Becoming more active can help lower blood sugar.

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Try to avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.

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Drink as much water as you want.

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Thank you for spending time with me today.

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I hope you found the webinar helpful.

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Please take a moment to answer a few questions

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by clicking the survey link below the webinar.

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If you have any additional questions, please contact Aetna

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using the phone number on the back of your card.

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Thanks again, have a great day,

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and remember that Aetna Better Health is with you every step of the way.

Newsletters

Stay up to date with plan info:

2024

 

Spring 2024 newsletter — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

2023

 

Fall 2023 newsletter  — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

2022

 

Winter 2022 newsletter — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

 

2021

 

Fall 2021 newsletter — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Summer 2021 newsletter — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Spring 2021 newsletter — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

 

2020

 

Winter 2020 newsletter (PDF)

Summer 2020 newsletter (PDF)

Spring 2020 newsletter (PDF)

 

 

2019

 

Fall 2019 newsletter (PDF)

Summer 2019 newsletter — English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Spring 2019 newsletter — English (PDF) |  Spanish (PDF)

 

 

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