Learn about common health topics, including how to manage certain conditions, and how regular screenings can lead to early detection and treatment of disease.
Regular preventive care is important for your health and well-being. Review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) check list to prepare for an annual preventive care visit.
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 to record your results.
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.
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:
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.
This test checks for early signs of kidney problems from diabetes that can be treated to help prevent future problems.
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.
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.
Protect yourself and others from common respiratory viruses and infections during cold and flu season.
It can be hard to predict or avoid some health problems. But there are many small things you can do to help you stay safe and healthy. Remember that you are protecting not only yourself but also those you care about. If you get hurt or sick, you may not be able to work or take care of your loved ones. They may have to take care of you.
Here are a few easy things you can do to keep from getting hurt at home, on the job, in the car, and when you are having fun.
This is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe. You are much more likely to avoid being hurt or killed in an accident if you are wearing a seat belt.
Use safety equipment. Both at work and when you are having fun, safety equipment can keep you from getting hurt and may even save your life. It only takes a moment to put on safety glasses, gloves, or other equipment. Always wear a hard hat or helmet when doing anything that could injure your head. Brain injuries can kill you or cause long-term damage.
This is called "ergonomics"—setting up your workstation so your work goes more smoothly, and you are less likely to get hurt. This is most important if you repeat certain tasks all day. Making simple changes to the way your work area is set up, or to the way you do tasks, can make a big difference.
Driving after drinking even a little alcohol can really slow down your reflexes. This makes it a lot more likely for you to get hurt—or hurt someone else—in an accident. If you are drinking, take a cab or bus or ride with a designated driver.
Studies show that even a hands-free model may distract you and make you more likely to have an accident.
Having regular checkups and getting screened for STIs is important. Some STIs have mild symptoms. Some STIs have no symptoms at all.
Your doctor can cure some STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis with antibiotics. Some STIs can be treated, but not cured, like Herpes and HIV. Keep yourself and your partner safe by getting screened regularly.
Your doctor can provide STI testing and treatment. Test results are confidential. Local clinics can also test for and treat STIs. If you need help finding a doctor or a clinic near you, visit mvpheathcare.com/FindADoctor. Sign In before you search so your results are personalized to your location, plan, and member details. Or call MVP Customer Care/Member Services at the number listed on the back of your MVP Member ID card.
Learn about HIV prevention, including access to PrEP and PEP, and how MVP Case Managers can help you if you are living with HIV.
Living with a chronic illness like HIV can affect your mental health. Having HIV can be stressful and isolating. Depression is common in people who have HIV. Some medicines for HIV increase the risk of depression. And having a mental health condition or substance use disorder may make it hard to take your medicine every day as directed, which is important for your long-term health.
Counseling can help you feel better. Working with a counselor, you can learn ways to cope with stress and stigma. It may help you improve relationships with loved ones. If you have a mental health condition or substance use disorder, counseling may help you stick with your treatment.
If you are living with HIV, our team of health care professionals can help. Let us match you with one of our free health management programs or connect you with other wellness resources that can help. Call MVP for help and support today at 1-866-942-7966
Finding a lump in your breast early increases your chances of a successful outcome. A mammogram can help find a lump in your breast up to two years before you or your doctor notice it. That’s why a routine mammogram is recommended every one-to-two years for women age 50 to 74.
Learn more about early detection and diagnosis from the American Cancer Society.
When cancer forms in the cervix, it is often slow-growing and does not show symptoms. However, with routine screenings, it can be found early, when it is most treatable. A Pap test is the type of screening used to find cervical cancer and is recommended for women starting at age 21. Talk to your doctor to see if you are due for a Pap test.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), so vaccination is recommended for everyone up to age 26. Catch-up vaccination to age 45 is available for people at risk. Learn More.
What You Need to Know about Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer Awareness Infographic: English | Spanish
From the early days of pregnancy to breastfeeding and beyond, learn tips for a healthy pregnancy and baby, as well as MVP programs that can support you along the way.
The first step that men should take in maintaining their health is scheduling an annual check-up with their primary care provider (PCP). By visiting the doctor when healthy and symptom free, you can work with your doctor to maintain their health or identify any problems early, when they are easier to treat.
You should discuss the following with your doctor:
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