Health & Wellness Quick Reference Guide PDF

Health & Wellness Quick Reference Guide Definitions of health and wellness: Health is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of dis...

Health & Wellness Quick Reference Guide Definitions of health and wellness: Health is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease, or infirmity. Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence. Aspects of who we are as individuals: Social, Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual, Occupational Social: relationships, community interactions, relating to others, communication Emotional: feelings, emotions, reactions, cognition, coping skills Intellectual: critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, lifelong learner, Physical: body, nutrition, healthy habits, making healthy decisions Spiritual: meaning, values, establishing peace and harmony, ability to discover purpose in life Occupational: skills, finances, balance between work and leisure, satisfaction, accomplishment The path to health and wellbeing is linked to engagement in meaningful, daily occupations (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015) Information retrieved from: http://www.nationalwellness.org/?page=Six_Dimensions & http://nccc.georgetown.edu/body_mind_spirit/definitions_health_sickness.html & http://www.aota.org/- /media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/HW/Facts/FactSheet_HealthPromotion.pdf  Basic Understands the risks of drug (including nicotine) and alcohol abuse 1. Health Issues: Sexually transmitted diseases, Physiological: including HIV/AIDS Depression Unwanted pregnancy Hallucinations Adverse effects from withdrawal Impaired safety and judgment 2. Legal problems Physical: Memory loss 3. Impaired state of being/ danger to self Violent behavior, aggressive acts, and others and angry feelings Impairs ability to drive safely Headaches Nausea and/or Addiction vomiting Muscle weakness 4. Physical danger: A drug tolerance Financial Liver, lung, and kidney problems Interpersonal Brain damage Employment Tremors Damage to relationships/ social Convulsions Poor academic performance Hyperactivity or sluggish Impact on future career prospects behavior Impact of hygiene Unwanted sexual activity (i.e. date rape) Information retrieved from: https://www.american.ed u/ocl/studentguide/uploa d/health-risks-associated- with-alcohol-and- drugs.pdfDRUGS.pdf  Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking & Vaping Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States Smoking causes 90% of all lung cancer deaths Smoking increases your risk of a stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and every type of cancer Smoking can damage both male and female reproductive systems Vaping can cause a chronic cough and bloody sores Harmful chemicals can be found in the metal of a vape or an e-cigarette https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/concerns-explode-over-new-health-risks-vaping https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm  Can recognize and describe the symptoms of a cold, flu, and other health related problems Cold: Headache, runny nose, cough, congestion, tired, weak Flu: Similar to cold, but also aches & pains, high fever, chills Indigestion: Bloating Belching and gas Nausea and vomiting An acidic taste in your mouth Fullness during or after a meal Growling stomach Burning in your stomach or upper body Stomach pain Stomach virus: Diarrhea Cramps Nausea & Vomiting Low grade fever Chills Information retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract- infection/basics/symptoms/con-20037892  Knows how and where to get emergency health care What is an emergency? An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment. Most emergencies require urgent intervention to prevent a worsening of the situation. It is an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action In Case of a True and Urgent Emergency Dial 911 Be prepared to state Name, Location, and Type of Emergency  Local urgent care locations: St. Francis: Hartford New England Urgent Care: North Main St and Blue Back Sq AFC Urgent Care: West Hartford Urgent Care at Bloomfield UConn Health: Farmington The Charter Oak Mobile Medical Hartford Heath Care Van: Visits sites all over Hartford, call 860-550-7500 Go Health Urgent Care: Bishops Corner Malta House of Care – Mobile Medical Clinic For more information about Hartford Emergency Services visit http://www.hartford.gov/emergency-services  Knows how to use basic items in a first aid kit First aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and/or promote recovery Gloves should always be used for protection when providing first aid to someone else First Aid Kit Antiseptic cream or ointment: helps disinfect the infection to prevent bacterial growth Band-Aids: to stop bleeding Gauze pads and bandages: used to cover the cut area Rubbing alcohol: disinfectant to kill bacteria Scissors: used to cut adhesive tape White tape: adhesive used to keep gauge pads in place Cotton balls: used to blot the blood Aspirin: used for minor headaches or pain Tweezers: used to remove splinters Oral thermometer: used to test for a fever Mask: protect self from breathing in germs Gloves: worn for protection from germs and bodily fluids Ice pack: apply to bruise or abrasion to decrease the swelling Adhesive tape: holds gauze in place on cuts and scrapes Elastic (Ace) bandage: used for a sprain/strain to wrap and keep it supported  Can select a doctor, dentist or clinic for regular healthcare Choosing a doctor is important because they help you stay healthy with preventative services, screenings, tests, treating and understanding health diagnoses, and helps refer you to a specialist if need be Ways to find a primary care doctor or dentist: Internet search 211 Ask a friend or family member Community center Choosing a doctor- Quick tips They should be close to where you live so that they are easy to access They should have a good reputation Clean facility Accepts your certain type of insurance Reliable and available appointments Treats you with respect and listens to your questions and concerns Make sure that they consider and respect your personal and cultural needs/beliefs (ex. If you would like a same-gender doctor) Call the offices and ask questions that can help you to make your decision Information retrieved from: https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/regular-check- ups/choosing-a-doctor-quick-tips  Knows how to obtain their medical insurance information Ask your case manager/conservator/entitlement specialist/former school or someone you trust who might know If you have a medical insurance card, call the number on the back to request your medical information. A sample provided below shows the identifying information and plan number on the front of the card, as well as the phone numbers on the back of the card to call for more information regarding your plan and benefits. The dates on the front of the card also display whether your insurance plan is active, or if it has expired. A benefits and entitlements specialist for the facility you receive services at will be able to help you find out details about your coverage and costs The Husky Health website contains a large quantity of information regarding benefits and who to contact for specific issues: www.huskyhealthct.org If you would like to speak to a Husky Health representative about your insurance plan, you can call their member services number: 1-800-859-9889 If you receive medical insurance through Medicare or Medicaid, a representative can be contacted by calling: 1-800-633-4227  Intermediate Knows how to obtain a copy of personal immunization records and medical history The records that exist are the ones you or your parents were given when the vaccines were administered and the ones in the medical record of the doctor or clinic where the vaccines were given. Who to ask: Current doctor Childhood physician School Parents Previous residential settings, a care provider, or the Department of Children and Families If you need official copies of vaccination records, or if you need to update your personal records, there are several places you can look: Ask parents or other caregivers if they have records of your childhood immunizations Check with your school health services for dates of any immunizations Check with your doctor or public health clinic What To Do If You Can't Find Your Records If you can’t find your personal records or records from the doctor, you may need to get some of the vaccines again. It is safe to repeat vaccines. The doctor can also sometimes do blood tests to see if you are immune to certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Tools to Record Your Vaccinations Finding old immunization information can be difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, it is critical that you keep an accurate and up-to-date record of the vaccinations you have received. Keeping an immunization record and store it with other important documents. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or other vaccine provider for an immunization record form. Bring this record with you to health visits, and ask your vaccine provider to sign and date the form for each vaccine you receive. Information retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/vaccination-records.html  Understands diagnoses, allergies and any special medical/mental health care needs with associated prognosis and treatment If you have a special medical/mental health care need, your doctor may provide you with a diagnosis after they examine you. A diagnosis is an explanation of what condition you have, such as asthma or depression. A prognosis can come along with a diagnosis, and that can tell you what to expect or how much time you should plan to have that condition. For example, if a doctor diagnoses you with the flu, they may tell you that you will have symptoms for 1-2 weeks. If you have allergies to food, medication, or pollen, for example, it is important to know what they are and how your body reacts. You should tell any medical provider about your allergies so that they can keep you safe. Helpful tip: Keep a small sheet with all of your important medical information in your wallet. You can give this to any medical provider and this will make the process easier for both of you. Things to include: Name Date of birth Allergies and what happens if you come into contact with them Hospitalizations Surgeries Medical conditions Medications that you are currently taking If you are not feeling well or are nervous, it can be very helpful to bring along a trusted person to your medical appointments. They can help you explain how you are feeling, and they can take note of the doctor’s advice to remind you in the future. Ask for a copy of the doctor’s recommendations before you leave so you don’t forget what to do!  Knows what to do for a cold, flu, or minor illness Difference between the cold and flu: The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. Treating a cold: Expect to be sick for one to two weeks Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas. Rest. Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8- ounce glass of warm water- can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy. Combat stuffiness. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion. Relieve pain. Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea, or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow Add moisture to the air. A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. For adults and children older than 5, OTC decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. Treating a flu: Stay home and rest Drink fluids Take medicines for fever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen Cover your coughs and sneezes Call your health care provider within 48 hours for advice about what to do next Antiviral medicines may reduce flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of your first symptoms Treating a stomach bug: Drink clear fluids Stay hydrated Try to eat bland foods (crackers, toast, etc.) Drink ginger ale Information retrieved from: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/flu/treatment/index.asp & http://www.mayoclinic.org/cold-remedies/art-20046403  Knows how to care for own minor injuries Many minor injuries, such as a cut, splinter, nosebleed or minor burn can be treated at home with basic first aid materials How to treat a minor burn: Remove yourself from the source of the burn (stove, iron, etc.) Remove any clothing and jewelry from the burn Run cool (not cold, or ice) water over the burn for at least 3-5 minutes Apply aloe gel or cream to the area, and keep it clean and covered (sterile bandage or gauze) if the burn is the size of a quarter or smaller until healed Take Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin (acetaminophen) as needed to help control the pain If the burn is large or serious, call for emergency medical care! How to treat a minor cut: Rinse the wound completely with water to clean out any dirt and debris Wash the area with mild soap Cover the cut with sterile gauze or a bandage Change the bandage as it becomes wet, and remove after a scab forms over the cut Call the doctor if it becomes red, warm, swollen, or starts draining pus! How to treat a splinter: Wash your hands Clean a pair of tweezers and a needle with rubbing alcohol Attempt to pull the splinter out in the same direction and angle that it entered the skin with the tweezers Once the splinter it out, clean the area and apply a bandage If you can’t get the splinter out, seek medical attention to prevent an infection (urgent care) How to treat a nosebleed: DO NOT lean your head back! This may cause coughing, choking, or vomiting Sit up and tilt your head slightly forward Gently pinch the soft part of the nose with a tissue or clean cloth Keep pressure on the nose for about 10 minutes Seek medical help if: o The bleeding will not stop after 2 attempts o If the bleeding is heavy o If the person is dizzy or weak  Knows how to make and keep appointments with health care professionals Making appointments: Obtains needed phone numbers Has insurance card Chooses a reasonable appointment day and time Keeping appointments: Has reliable transportation Doesn’t have conflicting scheduled appointments Rescheduling if you need to cancel (make sure you give them enough time, don’t wait until the day before/day of if at all possible) If you miss appointments and do not call to tell them or reschedule, they may charge you a fee or refuse to provide you with care in the future Keep track of appointments by: Cell phone reminders Phone app Wall or desk calendar Planner Keeping the appointment dates and times in a place where you will always see them (mirror, next to s light switch)  Understands confidentiality, HIPAA and consents Confidentiality is one of the core duties of medical practice. It requires health care providers to keep a patient's personal health information private unless consent to release the information is provided by the patient. Patients routinely share personal information with health care providers. HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Passed by Congress in 1996 HIPAA does the following: Makes sure that only the required people have access to your health care information Ensures your privacy by allowing you to decide who your information is shared with Keeps your financial information secure Verbal and written consent: gives permission for something to happen You must sign a document giving a provider permission to share your information with the people that you choose Ask for the document to be in your primary language so that you can fully understand what you are signing You have the right to keep your health information private Information retrieved from: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/laws/hipaa/Pages/1.00WhatisHIPAA.aspx Understands the importance of sleep in relation to daily functioning Recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night for an adult Sleep plays a vital role in good health and wellbeing throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. Ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems. It also can affect how well you think, react, work, learn, and get along with others. Sleep promotes: Brain function so that you can remember and process things as best as you can Physical health by restoring you for the next day Emotional well-being Healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels A good balance of all the chemicals and hormones in your body Your ability to fight off sickness Important to not use electronics right before bed: Studies have shown that the light from a phone or computer can make it difficult for you to fall and stay asleep. Make sure that you take some time to unplug and relax before bed to get the best night’s sleep How to get the best sleep: Don’t do anything in your bed besides sleep (eat, do work) Create a calm environment free from stress and clutter Follow a routine each night so your body knows it’s time for sleep (washing face, shower, putting on pajamas, reading, etc.) Don’t eat a big meal right before bed If you need to, listen to some calming music Information retrieved from: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd/why & https://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/electronics-the-bedroom  Understands what medical insurance is and why it is important Medical insurance Covers part of the cost when a person is ill Type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses such as physical therapy, a blood test, emergency care, or a planned surgery Health insurance can reimburse the insured for expenses incurred from illness or injury, or pay the care provider directly. You may have a deductible with your insurance plan. A deductible is an amount of money that you have to pay yourself for healthcare before your insurance company will start paying the rest. You also may have a copay with your insurance plan. A copay is a fixed amount ($20, for example) that you have to pay every time you go to a doctor’s appointment. This information can be found on your insurance card. If you are a citizen of the United States, you must have health insurance Insurance protects you and gives you better access to care when you need it. If you have a job, you might have to take some of your salary out for health insurance. This will be worth it when you or your family need it the most. Information retrieved from: http://www.urban.org/research/publication/why-health-insurance-important Can determine when to go to an emergency room and when to make an appointment with the doctor or walk in clinic Whenever an illness or injury occurs, you need to decide how serious it is and how soon to get medical care. Determine whether you should: Call your doctor Go to an urgent care clinic Go to an emergency department right away How quickly do you need care? If a person could die or be permanently disabled, it is an emergency. Call 911 to have the emergency team come to you right away: Choking Stopped breathing Head injury with passing out, fainting, or confusion Injury to neck or spine, especially if there is loss of feeling or inability to move Electric shock or lightning strike Severe burn Severe chest pain or pressure Seizure that lasted 3 to 5 minutes Go to an emergency department or call 911 for help for problems such as: Trouble breathing Passing out, fainting Pain in the arm or jaw Unusual or bad headache, especially if it started suddenly Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk, or move Suddenly weak or drooping on one side of the body Dizziness or weakness that does not go away Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes Sudden confusion Heavy bleeding Possible broken bone, loss of movement, especially if the bone is pushing through the skin Deep wound Serious burn Coughing or throwing up blood Severe pain anywhere on the body Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling, hives High fever with headache and stiff neck High fever that does not get better with medicine Throwing up or loose stools that does not stop Poisoning or overdose of drug or alcohol Suicidal thoughts Seizures  When to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic If your problem is not life threatening or risking disability, but you are concerned and you cannot see your doctor soon enough, go to an urgent care clinic. The kinds of problems an urgent care clinic can deal with include: Colds Flu Earaches Sore throats Migraines Low-grade fever Limited rashes Minor injuries Back pain Minor cuts and burns Minor eye injuries Painful urination Diarrhea UTI If You Are Not Sure, Talk to Someone If you are not sure what to do, and you don't have one of the serious conditions listed above, call your doctor. Describe your symptoms to the doctor who answers your call, and find out what you should do. Your doctor or health insurance company may also offer a nurse telephone advice hotline. When to make an appointment with your doctor: Routine check ups Physicals Immunizations Screenings and tests Routine blood work Information retrieved from: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000593.htm  Advanced Understands patient rights and knows how to advocate for self on health care issues with medical professionals and behavioral health care providers Must be able to discuss with provider: Questions Concerns Clarify any issues If unable to do so by self- Contact an Advocate who can help supply services like: Accompany you to medical appointments or stay by your bedside in the hospital Help you learn more about your medical condition and treatment options Help you make difficult medical decisions Review your prescriptions and medications to be sure there are no conflicts Help you maintain a healthy pregnancy and raise healthy babies by working with a midwife, doula or lactation specialist Help you develop your end-of-life planning and paperwork like living wills Navigate insurance File health insurance claims, dispute denials, and manage or reduce your hospital and medical bills Find legal assistance after a medical error Track paperwork and records Information retrieved from: http://www.aphadvocates.org/profession-overview/  Use and understand an Advance Directive so you can be in control of what happens to you if you cannot communicate or make your own decisions The Connecticut Legal Rights Project has created a workbook where you can get all your thoughts and decisions down Things that are involved in an Advance Directive: Deciding who can make decisions for you Specifying which hospitals you would prefer to be taken to Which doctors you want and do not want to treat you Medications that you prefer and do not want Strategies that you want people to know will help if you’re having a hard time (time alone, listening to music, etc.) Who you want notified if you are hospitalized End of life decisions, such as whether you want to be on life support or not  Knows who should be contacted in the event of an emergency (emergency contact information) In Case of a True and Urgent Emergency Dial 911 Be prepared to state Name, Location, and Type of Emergency Have someone in mind (who you trust) who could be contacted in case you experience a medical emergency! It may be helpful to have this person’s contact information written down and stored somewhere, like inside of your wallet Family member Foster parent Health care worker Conservator Close friend  Understands how diet and exercise impact health Eating right: A healthy diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to perform physically, maintain wellness, and fight disease. Americans whose dietary patterns include fresh, whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, and fish have a lower incidence of major chronic disease and especially of diet-related diseases. Food acts as medicine to maintain health, as well as prevent and treat disease. Nourishing yourself engages every aspect of your being—physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Unhealthy diets: Diseases associated with obesity include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and certain cancers, including breast cancer in women. Often, processed and easy fast food is not good for your body It is recommended to cook as much at home as you can, but if you’re eating out try to get something fresh like fruits, vegetables, or chicken Packaged snacks are often high in salt, sugar, and chemicals that aren’t good for you Try to avoid sugary drinks like soda, and swap it out for water instead Grilled foods are usually healthier than fried foods Eating too much or too little: Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder, are also on the rise. These disorders are significant threats to health and are often chronic. Healthy Eating Strategies: Smaller portion sizes Eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full Incorporate fruit, vegetables, protein and healthy fats into your diet Drink plenty of water  Exercise: Recommended: 30 minutes at least 5 days a week Improves both mental and physical health Regular physical activity can relieve tension, anxiety, depression and anger Physical activity improves physical wellness Becoming more active can help lower your blood pressure and also boost your levels of good cholesterol Physical activity prolongs your optimal health- without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function well. Improves blood circulation, which reduces the risk of heart disease Keeps weight under control Helps in the battle to quit smoking Prevents and manages high blood pressure Prevents bone loss Boosts energy level Helps manage stress Promotes enthusiasm and optimism Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly Improves self-image Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends Reduced risk of stroke Helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains quality of life and independence Information retrieved from: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/health/diet-nutrition/how-does-diet-impact-health & http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/StartWalking/Physical-activity-improves-quality-of- life_UCM_307977_Article.jsp#.V3xoIq4yfGs  Knows healthy methods for reducing stress and anxiety Unhealthy ways: Smoking Drinking Binging on junk food Excessive sleep Excessive TV watching Using substances Lashing out on others Healthy ways: Exercise Yoga Meditation Taking walks Deep breathing Talking to someone Journals Hobbies Tai chi Use scents Listen to music Laugh Drink tea Guided visualization Join a religious community Chew gum Get a massage Take a nap Hug something Scream into a pillow Go for a drive Art Pet an animal Eat a well balanced meal Get the sleep you need Count to 10s lowly Step outside Information retrieved from: http://www.adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress Understands the benefits from engaging in healthy leisure activities Opportunity for socialization Promoting exercise Stress reduction Depression reduction Improving self esteem Sense of accomplishment Productive use of free time Things to do to help yourself feel good Psychological engagement Improves quality of life Improves body functioning and cognition Leisure Activities: Listen to music Dance Take a walk Go for a run Biking Hiking Read a book Play sports Self-defense classes (Taekwondo, boxing, martial arts) TV and video game (in moderation) Knitting Drawing Painting Writing Cooking and baking Gardening  Has and knows how to obtain or maintain active enrollment in healthcare insurance Health Care Benefits: The health care items or services covered under a health insurance plan Ex: doctor office visits, emergency room, and walk-in clinic visits Covered benefits and excluded services are defined in the health insurance plan's coverage documents Receive assistance in paying the cost of a service Ways to access health care insurance: Social Security Office Access CT Website Provider network You can get a list of all of the doctors and health care professionals that your insurance covers This is the network of all health care providers who are contracted to provide health care services to plan members. Using an out of network provider may result in out of pocket expenses. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/benefits/