Medical health

If you are living with high blood pressure (also called hypertension), the best thing you can do for yourself is to try to lower it. You can do this by making changes to your diet, getting more exercise, and losing weight if you need to. A heart-healthy lifestyle is always important, even if you take blood pressure medicines too. 

Learn about ways you can keep your heart healthy, with MVP’s virtual education series, The Heart of the Matter. 

 

Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home 

A home blood pressure monitor makes it easy to keep track of your blood pressure. When taking your blood pressure at home, be sure to write down the date and your results so that you can share your numbers with your doctor. Use our Blood Pressure Tracking Sheet (PDF) to record your results. 

Watch the video below to get more helpful tips and instructions for checking your blood pressure.

Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum. Because early-stage cancers usually do not cause symptoms, you could have polyps or even colorectal cancer and not know it. That’s why having a screening test is so important. Before they have a chance to become cancerous, polyps can be found with a screening test and removed early, when treatment works best.

Regular screening beginning at age 50 is recommended for everyone to help prevent colon cancer. There are several different types of colorectal cancer screenings. Talk to your doctor about which type and frequency are right for you. 

Review colorectal cancer screening options (PDF).
 
Learn more about colorectal cancer (PDF).

MVP’s Diabetes Education Webinar Series 

Our Diabetes Education Webinar series offers guidance on diabetes, from diagnosis and management to avoiding health complications. Watch the series.
 

Tests and Exams

There are certain tests and exams that people living with diabetes should have at least yearly. Talk to your doctor about your results so you can understand what they mean to you. 
 

Retinal Eye Exam 

You should have a yearly retinal exam by an eye doctor because, over time, diabetes can affect your eyes. You should have this exam yearly even if your medical doctor has examined your eyes and even if your vision seems fine. 

 

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 

You should have this test every three to 12 months. It shows your average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months. The higher the levels, the greater your risk of developing complications, including: 

• Blindness 
• Circulation problems 
• Kidney damage 
• Nerve damage 

A result of less than 7% can reduce your risk of these complications. Your doctor will tell you how often you need the test based on your treatment goals. 
 

Urine Protein 

This test checks for early signs of kidney problems from diabetes that can be treated to help prevent future problems. 
 

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Level 

Sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, LDL contributes to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Most people with diabetes need to be on cholesterol lowering medication to help reduce LDL cholesterol. 
 

Complete Foot Exam 

People living with diabetes are prone to poor circulation, nerve damage, foot ulcers, and infections, which can lead to serious foot problems. Therefore, you should have a complete medical foot examination each year. 

For extra support with managing diabetes, learn more about our Diabetes Care Program through our case managers. 

It is important for people living with CHF to monitor the health of their heart and for people living with diabetes and CHF to track their weight. Use the sheets below to track measurements taken at home with a pulse oximeter, blood pressure, and weight scale. 

• Blood Pressure Tracking Sheet (PDF)
• Pulse Oximeter Tracking Sheet (PDF)
• Weight Tracking Sheet

Many doctors say that having the flu and COVID-19 (coronavirus) at the same time could be very dangerous, even for healthy adults. That’s why getting your flu shot is more important than ever. 

Learn more about flu shots, including benefits, common myths, and convenient ways to get yours this year. 

Learn how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.