Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath.
It can be triggered by allergens, like ragweed or pet dander, chemicals in the air, like smoke, or even extreme weather.
Physical activity and illness can also trigger attacks. Asthma is the cause behind over 439,000 hospitalizations and 1.8 million
emergency room visits in the U.S. every year. Plus, almost half of the 3,600 asthma-related deaths per year are people who are 65 years old or older.
Luckily, if you're an asthma sufferer, the Gateway to Lifestyle Management (GTLM) Asthma Program is here to help.
Our team of professionals will asses your needs and provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your asthma. These tools may include:
- Asthma education materials
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Interactive educational phone calls
- Help with appointment scheduling, transportation and community resources
- Ongoing care management and care plan development
- Home health care (if needed)
Diabetes Management is for members with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The program can help you understand how to manage your diabetes and decrease the chance of developing long-term complications.
Here are some tips to help manage your diabetes:
- Have your A1C checked at least once a year
- Monitor your blood sugar at home like your doctor recommends. Write it down and bring it with you to your appointments
- Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Also what to do if it happens
- Have healthy eating habits
- Get moving! Being physically active can help keep your blood sugar in target range
To help prevent complications like heart disease, blindness or amputations from happening, take care of your overall health too!
Heart Health
- Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. Talk with your doctor what you can do to manage high blood pressure
- Have your cholesterol checked at least once a year. Talk with your doctor if a statin medication can help you manage your cholesterol
Eye Health
- Have a special exam called a retinal eye exam to check to see if there has been damage to blood vessels at least once a year
Kidney Health
- Long-term diabetes can damage kidneys. Have a urine microalbumin test or blood work to check how your kidneys are functioning at least once a year
Foot Health
- Check the bottoms and tops of your feet every day for any injuries or sores that are not healing. Do not forget to check in between your toes too! Have a healthcare provider thoroughly exam your feet at least once a year
Do not smoke. If you need help to quit smoking or using tobacco, call the toll free line 1-800-748-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.Do not be around tobacco smoke. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema,
chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. COPD effects as many as 30,000,000 people in the U.S.
and most often occurs in people 40 years of age and older who have a history of smoking. But, exposure to fumes, chemicals and dust found in
many work environments are contributing factors for many other individuals.
The GTLM COPD Program is a comprehensive, population-based program of chronic respiratory management for Gateway members.
Our team of professionals will asses your needs and provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your COPD. These tools may include:
- COPD education materials
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Interactive educational phone calls
- Help with appointment scheduling, transportation and community resources
- Ongoing care management and care plan development
- Pill boxes
- Risk assessment
- Home health care (if needed)
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated one in three American adults have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
- 15,500,000 people in the U.S. are affected by coronary heart disease
- 7,600,000 more experience Myocardial infarctions
- 5,700,000 people experience heart failure
Not only are these chronic conditions life-threatening, they are also one of the largest causes of financial burden for Medicare recipients.
The GTLM Cardiac Program emphasizes patient empowerment, self-management, provider education and support to promote wellness for our members.
Our team of professionals will asses your needs and provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your heart condition. These tools may include:
- Cardiac education materials
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Interactive educational phone calls
- Help with appointment scheduling, transportation and community resources
- Ongoing care management and care plan development
- Pill boxes
- Scales are available for members with heart failure
- Home health care (if needed)
We have a special program for pregnant women called MOM Matters®. This program gives you the education and support to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Our Maternity Team members are here to answer questions and help you every step of the way. They can help you:
- Find a doctor and set up your appointments for prenatal care. Call us as soon as you find out you are pregnant!
- Answer questions, direct you to community services, and guide you throughout your pregnancy.
- Arrange a home visit by a nurse when needed.
- Provide resources for transportation to and from important doctor appointments.
- Connect you to the smoking quit line at 1-800-784-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
- Earn rewards for going to all your prenatal and postpartum care doctor visits!
Healthy Weight Management assists members who are overweight, obese or otherwise interested in maintaining a healthy weight.
Excess weight increases the risk for diseases and health conditions like:
■ type 2 diabetes
■ high blood pressure
■ heart disease
■ some types of cancer like colon and kidney
■ mental health like anxiety and depression
■ body pain
Weight status is measured using height and weight. Adults with the same weight but different height may not have the same Body Mass Index (BMI). Children and teen weight status is figured out in another way. A child or teen’s age and gender is included when assessing BMI.
Calculate BMI using these calculators from the CDC:
■ Adults 20 and over: Adult BMI Calculator
Here are some tips:
■ Build healthy meals using the plate method
■ Get moving! Find ways to add extra movement and steps throughout the day
■ Get a good night’s sleep
■ Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight that is right for you