Did you know that Gateway has programs to help you with certain health needs? The following describes four of these programs.
Asthma Help Is Here at Gateway
Gateway has a program for members between the ages of 2 and 56 with asthma called “AIR” Gateway®. This program has care managers available by phone who can help you manage your asthma. They will teach you the difference between your long-term control medicine and rescue medicine. You will also receive information about asthma in the mail.
Here are a few tips for managing your asthma:
* If you have asthma symptoms, like coughing and wheezing more than twice a week, or your asthma wakes you from your sleep more than once a month, your asthma may be out of control. A long-term asthma control medication such as Advair, Flovent, Pulmicort or Asmanex can help you feel better and keep you out of the hospital.
* Your long-term control medicine needs to be taken every day as your doctor tells you, even when you feel good.
* Visit your doctor at least twice a year. Your doctor needs to see you to make sure your asthma is in control so you can do the things you like to do.
* If you need help to quit smoking, you can call Pennsylvania’s Quitline at 1-800-784-8669. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
If you would like more information on “AIR” Gateway®, call 1-800-642-3550, Option 3. The asthma care managers are available to help you Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Help Your Heart Cardiac Program
If you are a Gateway member age 21 or older who has congestive heart failure, had a heart attack, had stents put into your heart or had heart bypass surgery, you are invited to join the Help Your Heart Program. This program has care managers available by phone who can help you understand how best to take care of your heart. They will teach you about eating healthy, getting exercise and taking your medicines. They will also help you recognize the warning signs that mean you might be headed for more trouble with your heart.
If you have questions or would like to join the Help Your Heart Program, call Gateway at 1-800-642-3550, Option 3. The care managers are available Monday through Friday between 8:30a.m. and 4:30p.m..
Help manage your heart problems by following these tips:
* Take your medicines the way your doctor ordered. If you cannot take them for some reason, call the doctor’s office and tell them. Wait to hear from the office before you stop taking your pills.
* Some heart medicines have to be stopped over several days. Do not just stop taking a pill. You can have serious complications if you do.
* Most heart and blood pressure medicines must be taken for life. Before you run out of refills, call your doctor for another prescription.
* Make sure you visit your doctor at least twice a year for a checkup. If you are admitted to the hospital, make an appointment to see your doctor within 2 weeks of getting out of the hospital.
* Ask your doctor which lab tests you need to have done to monitor your heart disease.
* If you need help to quit smoking you can call Pennsylvania’s Quitline at 1-800-784-8669. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
Healthy Returns Diabetes Program
If you are a Gateway member with diabetes, you are invited to join the Healthy Returns Diabetes Program. Diabetes is a sneaky disease. It can cause problems for your heart, eyes, kidneys and circulation even though you may feel ok. Diabetes causes heart disease, blindness and kidney problems that can put you on dialysis. It can also cause circulation problems that could require amputations of your toes, feet, or legs.
The Healthy Returns Diabetes program teaches you the symptoms to look for to prevent complications from diabetes. Nurses are available by phone to teach you about the simple blood and urine tests you should have at least every year that can catch some of the problems before you even know there is a problem.
* Nurses are available all day long, seven days a week for this program.
* Dieticians and pharmacists are also available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to talk to you about your diet and medicines.
If you would like to learn more about how to care for your diabetes, please call the Gateway Healthy Returns Diabetes Program 24 hours a day at 1-866-366-9415.
You can help manage your diabetes. Follow these tips:
* Take your blood sugar readings the way your doctor told you to.
* Ask your doctor which lab tests you need to have done to check if your diabetes is under control.
Make sure you get the following tests at least every year and more often if the doctor tells you to. They will help to check if your diabetes is under control and for heart or kidney problems early.
* HbA1c
* LDL-c
* Urine test.
* Go to your eye doctor and tell them you are a diabetic. You need a retinal eye exam at least every year.
Your doctor can tell if diabetes is damaging your eyes during this test. Glasses cannot fix all of the eye problems caused by diabetes.
* If you need help to quit smoking, you can call Pennsylvania’s Quitline at 1-800-784-8669. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
MOM Matters® Maternity Program
Gateway has a special program for pregnant women called MOM Matters®. This program provides education and support to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Care managers with special training can answer your questions about your pregnancy. They will teach you signs of preterm labor and those of a normal pregnancy. The care managers will also help with community service referrals and, if needed, arrange for a home visit from a nurse before or after your baby is born. You will also receive information on pregnancy and baby care in the mail.
If you would like more information about the MOM Matters® Program, call 1-800-642-3550, Option 2. The care managers are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m..
Here are some helpful tips for your pregnancy:
* Keep all of your prenatal appointments. If you miss an appointment, call your doctor to reschedule. Do not wait until your next visit.
* Take the prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor.
* Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and smoking. Second-hand smoke can also harm you and your unborn child. Get help to quit smoking by calling Pennsylvania’s Quitline at 1-800-784-8669. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
* Never take any medicines without checking with your doctor first. This includes prescription medications and over-the-counter medications like aspirin, Tylenol and cough syrup.
* Eat at least 3 meals a day and choose healthy foods like fruits, meats, milk, vegetables, breads and cereals.
* Avoid unhealthy foods like coffee, pop, fast foods, candy and doughnuts.
* Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Juice and milk are also healthy choices.
* Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing and flossing daily. Gum infections can increase the risk of preterm labor.
* Wear your lap and shoulder belts when you are in the car. The lap portion should be low under the belly and touching your thighs.