Start the New Year Right with These Five Healthcare Tips

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Dec 12, 2016
The New Year is almost here, and with it comes an opportunity to live a healthier life. While that means many people will dream up dozens of resolutions to forget in the coming months, this New Year we have a different idea: Take advantage of your Nevada health coverage. If you haven’t enrolled in health coverage, click here. If you already have insurance, you can get started with our New Year’s checklist now. Here are five things to keep in mind to start off the year with a bang.

  1. Start a dialogue with your doctor and schedule a physical

Having a conversation with your doctor can reveal a lot of things about your health. Not only will your doctor understand your current health circumstance more than most, he or she can recommend specific changes and treatments to keep you healthy throughout the year. If you’re not sure what sort of questions to ask your doctor, check out one of our older posts.

  1. Get your eyes checked

You can buy the latest and greatest television, but no amount of high definition will help you see better. So take a second in 2018 to have your eyes checked and make sure you’re seeing the world the way it was meant to be seen.

  1. Consider a mammogram for yourself or someone you love

John Hopkins Medical center has said that “forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. Establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” While a lump doesn’t always mean cancer, it can be an early warning sign.

On top of these self-exams, women should schedule clinical exams with a gynecologist. These exams should include a mammogram. Remember, early detection is key, so make sure you do everything you can to protect yourself and your family.

  1. Schedule a colonoscopy

While the word “colonoscopy” alone is enough to send many people running, the health benefits are undeniable. Not only can a colonoscopy detect cancer, it can improve digestive health and diagnose countless other harmful diseases. For a healthy year, it’s time to take a serious look at a colonoscopy.

  1. Have your teeth cleaned

For proper oral hygiene, you should schedule a teeth cleaning every six months. Not only will this help keep your smile shining white, but it will also ensure that you avoid unnecessary mouth complications and tooth pain.

In the end, a healthy year is comprised of more than just lofty resolutions. So, set some appointments with your health care provider today. If you currently don’t have health insurance, Nevada Health Link is here to help. As part of a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). In other words, certain life events or situations, such as job loss, income change, marriage/divorce or birth/adoption of a child, may allow you to enroll in an insurance plan through Nevada Health Link outside of the annual open enrollment period.

All of our health plans exist to reduce the costs of health insurance and make sure you are covered. We’re always to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.