Medical Health

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. 

Tests and Exams

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

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.

Always wear your seat belt.

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.

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.

Organize your work area.

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.

Never drink and drive.

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.

Avoid texting or talking on your cell phone while you drive.

Studies show that even a hands-free model may distract you and make you more likely to have an accident.

Preventing and Treating Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

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.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks your immune system. This makes it hard for your body to fight infection and disease. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). But having HIV doesn't mean that you have AIDS. AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection, and with treatment, you can avoid it.

Medicines called antiretrovirals are the main treatment for HIV. By fighting the virus, these medicines can help your immune system stay healthy and can prevent AIDS. And they can help you live about as long as someone without HIV.

HIV often causes flu-like symptoms soon after a person gets infected. These early symptoms go away in a few weeks. After that, you may not have signs of illness for many years.

But the virus is still in your body. If you don't get treated, symptoms come back and then remain. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth sores. If HIV progresses to AIDS, your symptoms get worse, and your body is less and less able to fight infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Counseling for People Who Have 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