Newsletter | NH Medicare Advantage | Fall 2025

Cold weather and icy sidewalks can make it harder to stay active during the winter, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit still. Indoor exercise can help you maintain strength, balance and energy through the colder months while lifting your mood and supporting heart health. The key is to find simple, low-impact routines that you can do safely at home.

Chair exercises, light stretching and indoor walking are all great options. Videos for activities like Zumba, yoga or Pilates for all ability levels are easily found online and can be a fun way to get your body moving. You can even get extra fitness minutes by marching in place while watching TV or by just taking the stairs a few extra times a day.

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The flu shot can’t give you the flu, but it can cause mild side effects like a sore arm or being tired. These are normal and won’t last very long.

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Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu or spread it to others who are more likely to get very sick. Annual flu shots protect you and as well as others.

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While not 100% effective at preventing the flu, vaccines do significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

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The flu causes thousands of deaths and hospital stays every year. Flu is most dangerous for seniors, young children and people with other health conditions.

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Flu vaccines are safe and recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Older adults are more likely to get severely sick from the flu, so it’s especially important for them and those close to them to get the shot.

Early cancer detection saves lives

Staying up to date with cancer screenings is an important part of your healthcare. Many types of cancer become more common later in life, but with regular screenings, they can often be found early when they’re most treatable.

For example, screening for breast cancer with mammograms is advised every two years for women 65 and older, and colorectal cancer screening is recommended through age 75 for most adults. People 76 to 85 should talk with their healthcare provider to decide whether continuing screening makes sense based on their health and personal preferences. Men should also discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider.

Recommended cancer screenings are fully covered by your WellSense Medicare Advantage plan, so there’s no cost to you. Schedule a conversation with your primary care provider to review your screening needs. Learn more about early detection and what screenings may be right for you.

Face drooping

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

Arm weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech difficulty

Is the person's speech slurred?

Time to call 911

Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appeared.

Managing expectations is key. If you find your holiday plans getting out of hand, let go of the pressure to do things the way they’ve always been done. It’s okay to simplify holiday plans, ask for help with shopping or meal prep or attend fewer gatherings.
Maintaining routines, including times for meals and sleep, and making time for physical activities like walking or stretching can also help you feel grounded.
If you’re feeling isolated or down during the holidays, know you’re not alone. Reaching out to a friend to talk it out can help. If your stress is significantly impacting your daily life or you’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, use your WellSense benefits to reach out to a mental health professional at 855-834-5655 (TTY: 711).
Remember, the holidays don’t have to be perfect. Staying flexible while focusing on gratitude and connection can ease stress and help you make meaningful memories.

Keep your identity safe from fraudsters

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your permission. Scammers may try to get this information from you over the phone. That’s why it’s important to know that we’ll never call you to ask for your financial information or pay for something over the phone.

To learn more about identity theft or what to do if you think your identity has been stolen, visit usa.gov/identity-theft. You can also contact WellSense Member Service at 855-833-8128 (TTY: 711) to request a new ID number if you feel that your information has been compromised.

Identify theft isn’t the only scam that happens in healthcare. Learn more about how to identify, prevent and report fraud, waste or abuse.

New Hampshire Medicare Advantage
Fall 2025

In this issue

Stay active indoors this winter

Get the facts on common flu vaccine myths

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Early cancer detection saves lives

Know the signs of stroke