Heart Health Month: Fighting heart disease together

February is Heart Health Month. It’s a time to focus on keeping our hearts healthy. At Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, we’re committed to helping our members stay healthy and strong. Keep reading to learn more about heart health and ways we’re helping.

There are many different conditions that can affect your heart’s health. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when cholesterol and other materials start to collect in your arteries. This makes the heart work harder to do its job.

Tell your doctor if your family has any history of CAD. Our care management team will create a care program to help treat and prevent your CAD symptoms.

Your heart is a muscle, and just like any muscle, it needs care and attention to stay strong. Here are some simple things you can do:

• Eat heart-healthy foods: Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Cut back on sugary drinks and fried foods.
• Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Walking, dancing and even playing outside count as exercise.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking is one of the worst things for your heart. If you smoke, Aetna has programs to help you quit.
• Manage stress: Take time to relax and do things you enjoy. Deep breathing, yoga, or talking to a friend can help reduce stress.
• See your doctor: Make sure to visit your doctor for regular check-ups, even if you feel fine. Your doctor can help spot any issues early.

Here are some of the ways Aetna is working to support your heart health:

• Free health check-ups: Regular checkups are important for catching heart problems early. Aetna® Medicaid offers free health screenings to members to help keep an eye on blood pressure, cholesterol and other heart health markers.
• Wellness programs: Aetna provides programs to help people quit smoking, manage stress and lose weight — three big factors in heart health.
• Medications and support: For members who need medications to manage heart conditions, Aetna helps cover costs and offers advice on how to take medicine the right way.
• Education: We provide information and tips to help members make healthier choices every day, like eating better, staying active and managing stress.
• Community events: We partner with local organizations to host events where members can learn about heart health and get important screenings.

We know that big health changes don’t happen overnight. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. We can connect you to a doctor, help you quit smoking or teach you about healthy eating.

Let’s work together to keep your heart strong and your future bright.

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