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In this issue

Being SMART about your health in 2026

Each year about 40% of Americans make getting healthier one of their New Year’s resolutions. Being SMART about it increases your chance of success. As part of your resolution, set specific, health-related goals, the first one being to schedule your annual check-up with your personal doctor in the next two weeks. What makes that SMART is:

S Specific The specific task is to schedule your annual check-up with your personal doctor.
M Measurable You can check the box when you’re done.
A Achievable Scheduling your annual check-up is something achievable with a quick phone call.
R Relevant Your annual check-up is relevant as meeting with your doctor helps identify things you need to do as you aim to get healthier.
T Time-bound Giving yourself a deadline to schedule the appointment helps you stick to your plan.
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Other goals to help you and your family get healthier this year should include:

  • Completing any follow-up care your personal doctor recommends
  • Asking your child’s doctor about lead screenings
  • Making sure children get all recommended vaccines, including the HPV vaccine for adolescents
  • Scheduling your child’s dentist check-up and fluoride treatment
  • If your child takes attention deficit disorder (ADD) or antipsychotic medications, checking with their doctor about other recommended screenings

If you need help finding a personal doctor, visit our Find a Provider page or call Member Service.

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Planning for a baby in the new year?

Sunny Start helps moms and babies get the care they need during and after pregnancy. We can help with scheduling appointments and making the most of your benefits so you have the right support before and after the baby comes. 

Call 855-833-8119 or click here to learn more.

Managing a chronic illness: Map the journey

Managing a chronic illness, like diabetes or hypertension, is a journey. The start of a new year is a great time to make a plan for what mile markers you’ll want to reach along the way. Heart, lung and blood sugar issues can quickly detour your route, so plan for regular testing and follow-up to keep you on the road to better health.

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Diabetes mile markers
  • Annual check-up 
  • A1c test at least twice per year
  • Annual retinal eye exam
  • Kidney function blood test

Get help managing your diabetes

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Heart-related mile markers
  • Blood pressure check at least twice per year* 
  • Annual cholesterol test 

*If you take your blood pressure at home, be sure to call your doctor with the results so those can be added to your chart.

Tips for managing your blood pressure

The good thing about being a WellSense member is that you don’t have to take the journey of managing a chronic illness alone. We’re here to help. Visit our Your Health page for more information about our disease management programs.

Safely managing chronic pain

Chronic pain is a very real issue. So is managing it safely. When used as prescribed by your doctor, opioids can be safe and effective, but there are important things to consider.

  1. There is a risk of developing an opioid use disorder from pain management. People who use opioids for pain management for 30 days have a 30% chance they will still be using them a year later.
  2. Be cautious about getting opioid prescriptions from different doctors or filling them at different pharmacies. This can make it difficult to keep track of your medications. The safest way to fill opioid prescriptions is to get them from one doctor and fill them at one pharmacy.
  3. Try alternative methods for managing chronic pain, such as heat and ice, rest or exercise. Talk with your doctor about what options they recommend.
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  • Preventive services
  • Fluoride treatments for members of all ages
  •  Dental sealants for members younger than 21
  • Pain relief and treatment of infections 
  • Fillings and crowns
  • Root canal treatment