1. Schedule a mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer is important. It is the #2 cancer killer of women. But, when diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate is 98%.Doctors need information as soon as possible to treat any problems and help you live a long life. Sadly, many women still avoid getting a mammogram. Take 15 minutes to get a mammogram!

2. Talk to your doctor about osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder in which bones weaken and risk of fracture is increased. Hip fractures are of greatest concern because they can lead to an increased risk of death in the first 12 months after the fracture.Women over 60 with certain risk factors, like a history of smoking or a slender frame, should get a bone density screening. Women age 65 and over should get bone density testing, even if they have no other risk factors for the disease.

3. Get screened for Cervical Cancer.Early on, cervical cancer may not show signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get screened. Women ages 21-64 should get a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer every three years.When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with long survival rates.

4. Know the facts about Chlamydia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. Many people who have the disease don’t know it since it often has no symptoms.Left untreated, Chlamydia can impact a woman’s ability to have children. Sexually active women ages 16-24 should be screened for Chlamydia every year.

5. Tell a friend. Show you care by telling your loved ones get screened for breast cancer, cervical cancer, Chlamydia and osteoporosis. Your conversation could save a life!

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Texas.

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that people with colorectal cancer who are active have a better chance at living longer . The study looked at age, diet, lifestyle, and how far the cancer had advanced. Even small amounts of exercise, like gardening or walking, can improve the chance of living.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Growths called polyps form on the
surface of the colon or rectum. Some of those growths could become cancerous.

The best defense against colorectal cancer is regular screenings.

“Colorectal cancer screenings are a way to find colon cancer early on,” said Dr. Luis Armstrong,
Gastroenterologist in Corpus Christi. “A screening can find polyps and cancer so that they can be
removed before they can turn into advanced cancer. Screenings save lives.”

Who can get colorectal cancer?
|
Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all races and cultures. People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop colon cancer. Some of those risk factors include:

Over age 50: colon cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. More than 90 percent of
people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50.

Colon polyps: Finding and removing polyps may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Family history of colon cancer: Close family members of a person who has had colon cancer are
more likely to get this disease.

Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC): HNPCC is a type of inherited colon cancer. It is caused by changes in a gene called HNPCC. This change makes it more likely to develop cancer at a younger age, around 44 years old.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): FAP is a rare condition. It is caused by a change in a
gene called APC. The change causes hundreds of polyps to form in the colon and rectum. These
may become cancerous.

Family members of people who have HNPCC or FAP can have testing to check for these changes
in their genes. Doctors can then give ideas on reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Personal history of cancer: A person who has already had colorectal cancer may develop it again. Also, women who have had cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast are at a higher risk.

Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: A person who has had ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease is more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Diet and Lifestyle: Diets high in red meat and fat may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Cutting back on red meat and fat to reduce risk. Also, eating more fruits and vegetables can help.

Obesity is also risk factor for colon cancer. Exercising, even for short periods of time, can help.It can reduce the chances of getting colorectal cancer by 50 percent.

Smoking: A person who smokes may be more likely to develop polyps and colorectal cancer.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms. It is important not to wait for symptoms before getting screened.

A person with the following symptoms should call their doctor:

• Change in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Stomach cramps, pain, gas, or feeling full or bloated
• Weight loss
• Weakness or exhaustion
• Nausea or vomiting

Talk with a doctor about when to begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines say that screenings should begin at age 50. However, many doctors may suggest getting screened earlier or more often if other risk factors are present.

—–Feb 4, 2013 @12:31p.m.—–

We are currently working to resolve performance issues with the Online Provider Directory search function. Please refer to PDF directories that can be found here http://www.superiorhealthplan.com/for-members/find-a-doctor/, or check back again soon.
Thank you for your patience.

 Who should get a flu vaccine?

Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated. This is especially important for high risk people who may run into other health problems if they get the flu. These people include:

• Children (ages 6 months and older).
• Adults 50 years or older.
• Pregnant women.
• People with chronic health conditions.

How do I protect myself from the flu?

The flu can be very dangerous and can cause serious illness or even death. How do you protect yourself from the flu? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Get your flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. If you are unable to make an appointment with your doctor, members 9 years and older can go to a local CVS or Walgreens.  Remember to bring your Superior Member ID card.
2. Keep your hands clean! Wash your hands with soap and water often.
3. Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of germs.  Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid contact with others when they or you are sick.

Reading level is 4.3 when proper names and numbers are removed, as they are not replaceable.

• Glucose monitors
• Insulin Syringes (1 cc or less) and needles
• Blood glucose Test Strips

Please call Member Services at 1-800-783-5386 to learn more.

Reading level is 4.4 with the removal of phone numbers, proper nouns and medical terms.

Please call DentaQuest at 888-308-4766 with any questions about dental services.