TIPS For Families

Written by: Jeanne Murray
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension

You can stay healthy, live longer and delay or prevent many diseases by -

• exercising - do any physical activity you enjoy for 20-30 minutes 5 or 6 days a week
• eating well - eat a healthy diet of different foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein (meat, fish or beans)
• keeping a healthy weight - watch portion sizes and try to balance the calories you eat with the calories you burn by exercising
• not smoking - talk with your doctor about getting help to quit
• preventive services - these can delay or lessen the effects of diseases by getting shots to keep you from getting dangerous infections and screening test to find diseases early.

Help yourself or your family members by checking out Medicare’s 7 Part B Preventive Services.  After Jan. 1, 2005, Medicare will cover a one-time preventive physical exam within the first six months that you have Part B.

Medicare covers cardiovascular screenings that check your cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels.  High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.  After your first test, the doctor will determine how often to test.

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death for US women.  Every woman is at risk, and the risk increases with age.  Breast cancer can usually be successfully treated when found early.  Medicare covers screening mammograms and digital technologies once every 12 months.

Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic exams to check for cervical and vaginal cancers once every 24 months, unless less you are at a high risk, then screenings are more often.

Colorectal cancer is usually found in people age 50 or older, and the risk of getting it increases with age.  Medicare covers colorectal screening tests to help find pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.  After your first test, the doctor will determine how often to test.

Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood or performing a rectal exam.  Medicare covers both test so prostate cancer can be detected and treated early.  These tests are done every 12 months.

Medicare covers flu, pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B shots.

Medicare covers bone mass measurements to determine whether you are at risk for a fracture (broken bone) because of osteoporosis.  This test is covered once every 24 months, more often if necessary.

Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body doesn’7’t make enough insulin or has a reduced response to insulin and causes your blood sugar to be too high which is not good for your health.  Medicare covers certain supplies and self-management training to find and treat diabetes.

Glaucoma is an eye disease cause by high pressure in the eye and can cause you to gradually lose sight without warning or symptoms.  Persons who have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma and are African American over age 50 are at high risk for glaucoma and should have regular eye exams once every 12 months.

Medicare pays at different levels for these tests.  If the disease can be prevented, the cost of testing is cheaper than having the disease and all the related costs.

If this article helped you to be tested or have a family member tested, click the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page to tell us what you did and how it help

For more TIPS for Families, go to unlforfamilies.unl.edu. Let us know how you used this information by clicking on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.