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Web Chat Is Like Siri for Your Supplies

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Check out the web chat box in the bottom right corner!

Check out the web chat box in the bottom right corner!

Meet Healthy Living web chat, your human-powered Siri. Ask us any question you might have!

  • What’s the tracking info on my order?
  • When is my next order scheduled?
  • When does my prescription expire?
  • What’s Healthy Living’s favorite lunch spot in the D?

When you chat with us, you will get one of our website chat channel monitors – Adam, Tyler, or David – they’re friendly guys. :) This is just another convenient way you can interact with your Healthy Living team so we can give you the help and service you need.

You can access website chat by visiting myhlms.com, either through your computer or via your mobile device. It will show right up on the bottom of the screen. We’re available from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. You can also use chat to leave us a message after hours - an agent will get in touch with you early the next day after your message is left.

Chat with you soon!

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How Communication with Your Insurance Company Just Smoothed Out

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Michelle, our insurance verification expert.

Michelle, our insurance verification expert.

Do you ever get overwhelmed navigating calls and questions with your insurance company? Here’s something wonderful – when you order diabetes supplies, insulin pumps, or prescriptions from Healthy Living, we will do the work for you.

Our insurance verification process helps patients because we not only find out what will be covered, but we also help them get the most out of their benefits. We are ready and willing to contact patients’ insurance companies for them with any questions. And we have an expert to head up this process.

Michelle is officially a pro with insurance verification. She has been verifying insurance for medical supply customers for more than 16 years. Her experience goes a long way – she is very familiar with different insurance companies and what they do and don’t cover. How does she work her magic?

For orders that need insurance verification, Michelle starts at each customer’s insurance company website to find the details of the individual’s coverage.

  • Is there a deductible and have they met it?
  • What is the copay?
  • Does the patient have a secondary insurance that needs to be factored in as well?

Through this information, Michelle can estimate what a patient will need to pay out-of-pocket for an order. She is also prepared to call insurance companies for clarification or with questions whenever needed.

After Michelle gathers this info, the Healthy Living Customer Care Team or Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team calls patients to let them know about the details of their coverage, equipped to answer further questions or continue with the order.

This is just one step in the eligibility process that the Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team helps patients complete. In addition, Healthy Living Pharmacy has their own insurance verification team to assist customers and help them maximize their benefits, working closely with their insurance companies and their doctors.

Let us help you find smooth sailing with your health insurance company for medical supply orders. Reach us…

  • Via phone @ 866.779.8512
  • Via text @ 248.577.9903
  • Via chat @ myhlms.com
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Detroit Ranks Third in LinkedIn’s “5 Surprising Cities Rapidly Attracting Millennial Job Seekers”

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Spring in Corktown

Spring in Corktown

Detroit made the list! LinkedIn recently released an article based on the job search behaviors of millennials in the U.S. on LinkedIn (which make up 44% of all job searches on their network). Where is this influential group looking to work and live?

Cities with the highest annual growth in job interest among millennials:

  1. Austin, TX
  2. Raleigh-Durham, NC
  3. Detroit, MI
  4. Cleveland/Akron, OH
  5. Charlotte, NC

Over the past year, interest in mid-size cities among millennials has grown 25% faster than large cities. LinkedIn notes that these aren’t (yet) the top cities where millennials have been moving to (over the past year these cities have been Seattle, Portland, and Denver).

LinkedIn sums up this millennial trend: “As the job market has evolved, millennials have continued to thrive and adjust, and as our findings show they are not shy of changing jobs or advancing their careers in less urban cities.”

As for us, there is no surprise that more millennials are looking to join us in Detroit. It’s an exciting place to be!

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V-Go Rules Out Multiple Daily Injections & Controls Blood Glucose for Type 2 Diabetes

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What is V-Go?

V-Go is a wearable insulin delivery device for adults with Type 2 diabetes who take long-acting insulin, want to reduce their need for injections, and are working to improve glycemic control.

How V-Go Works

The main job of insulin is to control sugar in your bloodstream and keep it within a normal range. However, if you have Type 2 diabetes, your body may not release enough insulin during the day or at mealtimes, which can result in your blood sugar being too high. V-Go provides a steady rate of insulin 24 hours a day (basal) and allows you to give yourself a dose of insulin during snacks and mealtimes (bolus).

V-Go ‘CliffsNotes’

In a short summary, the V-Go:

  • Is wearable & disposable
  • Provides insulin at a steady rate, 24 hours a day
  • Gives supplemental insulin delivery at meal and snack times when the patient clicks their device
  • Eliminates the need for multiple daily injections
  • Needs to be replaced every 24 hours with a new, insulin-filled, V-Go device
  • Uses rapid-onset insulin, either Humalog of Novolog, which the user loads into the device

V-Go from Healthy Living

Although the V-Go is not widely used yet, it can be a positive alternative to multiple daily injections, and Healthy Living can verify your insurance and provide these devices. If you are an adult with type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor and see if V-Go could be a good fit for you. It’s another good option for managing your diabetes!

Overview of Simple Steps for Using V-Go

  1. Fill with insulin
  2. Apply to body (can be in a discreet place)
  3. Start steady-stream insulin delivery to continue throughout wear-time
  4. Click the V-Go to administer more insulin at snack and mealtimes
  5. Shower and sleep in your V-Go
  6. After 24 hours, dispose of your V-Go and start using a new one
  7. Apply it to a new site and have a great day!

See the official Patient Start Guide from V-Go for more detailed information for set-up and use.

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A Switch to Healthy Living Pharmacy Will Help You Live Better: Learn Why

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Have you found the best pharmacy for you?

Does your current pharmacy provide these services? Consider these questions and learn how Healthy Living Pharmacy can help in every situation:

  • Can you easily consult with your pharmacist and ask questions about medications?

How we help: Healthy Living pharmacists have knowledge, expertise, and time to listen to understand your situation and answer your questions thoroughly.

  • Do you have to wait in line for your prescriptions?

How we help: Healthy Living Pharmacy provides home delivery at no cost so you can avoid lines and stop making multiple trips to the store, which is especially advantageous for people who are extra busy (most people these days) or for those who have limited ability to leave home safely.

  • Are you looking for pharmacists and pharmacy techs who know your name and understand your individual needs?

How we help: The Healthy Living Pharmacy team is made up of three women – Mira, Grace, and Rickelle – who create connections with patients and become familiar and friendly voices to give you personal attention. 

  • Is it difficult for you to contact your physician for prescription refills and other concerns?

How we help: Healthy Living pharmacists will contact your physician’s office or insurance company for you when there are questions about your prescription, your coverage, or you need a refill.

  • Do you have a chronic condition that requires monthly medication refills?

How we help: Healthy Living Pharmacy offers automatic refills at the customer’s request and is always ready and flexible to make changes to the order when needed.

How Independent Pharmacies Stack Up

In a Consumer Reports survey of more than 33,000 consumers, independent pharmacies outranked all national retail pharmacy chains and mass merchandisers in terms of:

  • Overall satisfaction
  • Speed and accuracy
  • Courtesy and helpfulness
  • Pharmacist’s knowledge

We think you will feel the same way when you try Healthy Living. Learn more at our pharmacy webpage or call us today at (866)779-8512 (Option 4) to meet our pharmacists and learn about what makes Healthy Living Pharmacy different.

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The Top 11 Questions about CGM & What You Need to Know

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If you are living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) can help you make more informed treatment decisions that can lead to better glycemic control. 

Top 11 Questions about CGM

1. What information will I get from Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

CGM measures glucose in the tissue fluid throughout the day and night, about every five minutes, and sends the collected data to a receiver, phone, or insulin pump. This information can tell you how your glucose levels are trending, so you can make better decisions about your insulin dosing.

2. Can I set a ‘safe range’ for my blood glucose readings?

You can set thresholds for high and low numbers, and the CGM will alert you when it senses your glucose levels have moved out of the range you set.

3. Do I still have to test my blood sugar when I am using CGM?

With CGM, to calibrate the sensor, you will still have to test your blood sugar 2-4 times per day, depending on the CGM system you have.

4. What parts make up a CGM system?

A CGM system consists of three parts:

  • A small under-the-skin sensor that measures glucose levels
  • A transmitter that attaches to the sensor and transmits data
  • A receiver that displays real-time glucose information

5. Do I need an insulin pump to use CGM?

No – although some CGM systems can tie in with a pump, CGM can be used independently.

6. What types of CGM systems are available right now?

Medtronic and Dexcom both offer CGM systems with different features.

7. How long can I wear CGM sensors before I need to change them?

You can wear sensors for 5-7 days, depending on which CGM system you are using.

8. Can I use the same insertion site for my insulin pump and CGM sensors?

No, CGM and an insulin pump require two different sites.

9. Can parents and other care team members access a patient’s CGM data?

Yes, certain models of CGM systems are compatible with the iPhone to allow care team members to remotely monitor CGM data via text alerts and/or an iPhone app. This can be especially helpful to parents who have children with diabetes, as they can monitor their blood sugar levels from afar (for example, the daughter is at school and her dad is at work).

10. Can I view CGM data on a smartwatch?

Yes, Dexcom G5 will display CGM on an Apple Watch. Visit Dexcom's Apple Watch page to learn more.

11. Is CGM covered by insurance?

Yes, CGM is covered by many insurance plans. Our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team can help you obtain a prescription from your doctor, navigate the insurance verification process, and place your CGM system order. They also help customers with CGM supply refills.

You can reach George and Crystal on the Healthy Living Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team at (866)779-8512 (Option 2) and learn more about CGM and the systems we offer at myhlms.com/cgm.

The Healthy Living Promise: Delivering World-Class Customer Service

It is that time of year again when Healthy Living participates in the Net Promoter Score survey to collect feedback from our customers. This feedback helps ensure we are delivering on our promise of providing world-class customer service. What does this promise mean for our customers? It means that each and every time you call, text, or email, you will find that:

1.     Our agents are friendly. Was the agent polite and welcoming?

2.     Our agents are knowledgeable. We pride ourselves on a deep level of product expertise and understanding of diabetes. Was the agent insightful about the products you inquired about? Did the agent show empathy in their interaction with you?

3.     Our agents are helpful. Did the agent actually help you solve your problem or answer your questions?

If the answer to any of these questions is ever a “No,” we want to know about it immediately. You can always call us at (866)779-8512 and ask to speak with our Director of Customer Care, George A., or you may write an email to managers@myhlms.com with a description of your concern. You can be assured that we will do everything possible to make the situation right for you.

We know that living with a chronic disease such as diabetes can be a challenge. And while insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring technology provide a tremendous benefit to our customers, we also know that having the correct supplies delivered in a timely manner is critical to patient success. It is our goal to make sure that working with us is easy and that we’re delivering world-class customer service.

Please take a moment to visit our website, myhlms.com, and complete the 30-second survey that pops up from the bottom of the page – and please leave a comment if you have specific praise or feedback for improvement. Thank you for helping us to continuously improve and serve our customers better and better, every day.

-Matt Montagne, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation

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Over-the-Counter Offerings Set the Healthy Living Supply Store Apart from Our Insurance-Based Services

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New Website Platform for Easier Browsing & Ordering

To make things simpler for our customers, Healthy Living’s online medical supply store has improved its website! Find us at store.myhlms.com. For the sake of your convenience, if you add an item from the online store to your Healthy Living Medical Supply insurance-based order, shipping is free. Our featured products are updated regularly and can be found here.

How Are the Healthy Living Supply Store and Healthy Living Medical Supply Different?

Healthy Living Supply Store: Our store has a unique product offering, focused on helping people who are living with diabetes. Healthy Living’s online supply store provides products like over-the-counter medications, testing supplies, accessories, insulin pump supplies, vitamins, and more. With the exceptions of CGM sensors and insulin pump supplies, everything in our online store is over-the-counter and doesn’t require a prescription.

Healthy Living Medical Supply: Orders from Healthy Living Medical Supply require a prescription from the customer’s physician before we can ship them out. These items are billed through a member’s insurance. The items we offer include diabetes testing supplies, insulin, and insulin pumps and supplies. We also have a home delivery pharmacy that is known for its high level of customer support.

Coordinating the Healthy Living Supply Store

George is leading Healthy Living in keeping the store running smoothly. Learn more! 

 

Check out the Healthy Living Supply Store today!

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
  • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
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Healthy Living Speaker Series with Briana Greenlee – Fight Inflammation: The Root of Disease – a Recap

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Learning about the Benefits of an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle

Ongoing research has been making it more and more clear that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many illnesses, including heart disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer’s. On Saturday, April 8, Healthy Living was honored to welcome Briana Greenlee, Registered Dietitian and Food Scientist, to speak with a group of employees and guests about the benefits of living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Our Healthy Living Speaker Series event finished with a dinner prepared with an anti-inflammatory focus.

Why Is Chronic Inflammation Harmful?

Learn more about the mechanics of the inflammation process and what to do about whole-body inflammation, as explained by Dr. Andrew Weil.

    Dietary Choices 

    Your daily food and drink selections are a couple of the most important elements for keeping inflammation down in your body. What is an anti-inflammatory diet? As a broad answer, Briana recommended following the Mediterranean Diet. She also spoke about and prepared a handout with the more specific information below.

    13 Fundamentals of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

    1.     Boost consumption of fruits and vegetables. Aim to eat (4-5) servings each of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose produce with deep green, orange, yellow, and purple, as these have the greatest nutritional value.

    2.     Get at least (30) grams of fiber per day. Fiber keeps your GI tract moving.

    3.     (4ea) – half cup servings of alliums and crucifers per week. Alliums include garlic, onions, scallions, and leeks. Crucifers include cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts. These vegetables support your detoxification pathways.

    4.     Cook with unrefined oil. Olive oil is your champion when it comes to cooking. Make sure the oil is first cold-pressed, unrefined, and non-GMO. Oil extracted by chemical solvents and/or heat has the potential to go rancid and increase inflammation. Stay away from vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower, safflower, etc. [Check out How to Choose a Quality Olive Oil.]

    5.     Snack on whole foods. Processed foods may be tasty in the moment, but you’ll be hungry soon after. Snacking on fruits, vegetables, nuts, protein will tide you over until the next meal.

    6.     If you eat grains, make sure they are whole. White, refined grains have been stripped of their nutritional value and will spike your blood sugar.

    7.     Eliminate sugary foods and drinks. Sugar spikes your blood sugar and causes energy highs and lows, mental fog, irritability, sleepiness, weight gain, and cravings. Incorporate fruit as your dessert and try adding small amounts of cider, fruit juice, drinking vinegar, or citrus wedges to water to enhance the flavor.

    8.     Always pair carbohydrate-dense food with protein and/or fat. Protein and fat take longer to digest and keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day (ex. apple with peanut butter).

    9.     Eat organic eggs, dairy, whole-cut meat. Organic animal products have a lesser chance of contamination with pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, sewer sludge. Contaminants disrupt hormone balance that could factor in chronic disease.

    10.  Only buy foods in which you can pronounce the ingredients. If you don’t know what it is, then your body will not either. Put the box back on the shelf.

    11.  Eat fatty fish such as salmon, or walnuts, flax, chia seed (2-3) times per week (unless pregnant) to get more omega-3 fatty acids as they directly counteract inflammation.

    12.  Eat fewer fast foods. Reserve fast food for a special treat once in a blue moon.

    13.  Munch on pineapple. Fresh pineapple is high in Vitamin C and contains the enzyme bromelain which helps digestion and reduces inflammation in the joints.

    Keeping Chronic Inflammation at Bay

    We learned that overall, you can maintain an anti-inflammatory lifestyle by:

    • Focusing on a whole food diet
    • Optimizing blood sugar
    • Exercising consistently
    • Sitting less
    • Keeping a healthy weight
    • Having an outlet for stress

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

     

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    A Pharmacy 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name'

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    In the 80’s and early 90’s, the TV show Cheers became known for their tagline and theme song ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name.’ People were at home and comfortable when they made it to the Cheers bar. Healthy Living Pharmacy is far from a bar, but we think the Cheers tagline fits us awfully well.

    Our Small Pharmacy Team Knows Our Patients

    When patients call Healthy Living Pharmacy, they won’t get one of a running list of pharmacists that regularly turn over like large chain drug stores. Only Mira, Grace, and Rickelle are there, always ready to help. They know many patients very well, and some patients specifically request each of them by name.

    Getting to Know Healthy Living Pharmacy

    Learn about what drives our team members.

    Mira, Pharmacist - Check out this blog about Mira!

    Grace, Pharmacy Tech – On why she loves to create connections with customers:

    "What drives me is that I really enjoy helping people.  I truly get a warm and happy feeling after I help someone.  After I help them on the phone, I try to tell the person I am talking to “have a great day.”  I have noticed that after I say that the person on the other end usually gives me a nice response.  It seems like they know I care about them and it makes a connection that tells them they aren't just another phone call.  Sometimes I say enjoy the rest of your day and I hear them sigh like a weight has been lifted.  People just need to know that someone is listening to them and that they matter.  I have had customers like [Emily] who told me that she likes to talk to me and I know her by name and I take extra care with her.  I had a customer last week named [Matt] who called me several times with multiple questions.  He asked me if we are being recorded and then he said I deserved a raise and an extra week’s vacation!  He was great.  It helps to make a connection and recognize their names.  It does improve my customer service because I know they trust that I will follow through and help them out."

    Rickelle, Pharmacy Tech – On why it matters to provide excellent customer service:

    "Doing my job to ensure that every patient’s medical needs are met to the best of my ability, along with teamwork from co-workers in the pharmacy and different departments – if everyone puts the same amount of effort into it then we will succeed as a company/business and the most important: our customers will be supplied and happy."

    Like Your Favorite Corner Pharmacy

    Healthy Living offers a neighborhood pharmacy feel, with prescriptions delivered right to your door. Learn more about us at myhlms.com/pharmacy or by calling (866)779-8512 (Option 4).

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

     

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    The Top 12 Reasons to Choose Home Delivery

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    Whether you are ordering diabetes testing supplies, an insulin pump, insulin pump supplies, CGM, insulin, or other prescriptions, Healthy Living Medical Supply offers reliable, no-cost delivery, direct to your door.

    Healthy Living’s Top 12 Reasons to
    Prefer Home Delivery

    1. Convenience – You can save time by bypassing busy stores and lengthy lines, stay at home if you aren’t very mobile, and avoid long drives if you live far from town.
    2. Reorder reminders – Supplies are shipped on a regular schedule, with auto-refills on prescriptions and the opportunity to approve diabetes supply refills via text or phone.
    3. Concierge service – Healthy Living has a small team that provides consistent, trustworthy results, and we take care of the paperwork for you, working with your doctor and insurance provider.
    4. Quick ship time – Receive your order in 1-3 business days, with most orders arriving within 1-2 business days if they are placed Monday thru Thursday.
    5. Careful packaging – Supplies and prescriptions are packaged for accuracy, quality, and privacy, and insulin is cold-packed for shipping.
    6. Dependable service – We know our customers count on having their supplies to manage their diabetes – Healthy Living’s dependable home delivery service ensures you always have what you need.
    7. Diabetes specialty – Healthy Living has focused on providing diabetes supplies for over a decade, and our customer care team has the knowledge to give excellent service.
    8. Private consultations – Discuss and receive your supplies and prescriptions in private, instead of in a store, surrounded by other customers.
    9. Personalized review – Our team can help you determine insurance options and copays and offers ongoing individual support.
    10. Multiple product lines – Since Healthy Living offers a wide selection of products, you can find the best supply combination for managing your condition.
    11. Insurance verification – Our insurance verification team helps you maximize benefits and minimize expenses.
    12. Flexibility – If you are traveling for an extended time or wintering in a warmer climate, we can temporarily ship your order to a different address.

    Remember you can also combine shipments for diabetes supplies, prescriptions, and orders from Healthy Living’s online store. Try Healthy Living Medical Supply & Pharmacy for the ease of home delivery. We help you spend more time where you want to be – healthy at home.

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
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    Manage Your Diabetes in the Workplace Better than Ever

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    You Know What They Say – Be Prepared

    A passionate diabetes advocate, Kelly Kunik wrote the very thoughtful post ‘Taking Your Diabetes to Work’ on the Mango Health blog this February. She talks about the importance of being ready for anything and makes great suggestions, like doing blood sugar checks before you hit the road to and from work. Kelly also gives tips about some of the best ways to communicate (addressing who, when, and how?) about living with diabetes with coworkers and supervisors.

    Some other subjects that Kelly covers include:

    ·       Understanding your rights in the workplace

    ·       Prepping for meetings and presentations

    ·       Having a designated “d drawer” with snacks and go-tos for times of low blood sugar

    ·       Preparing for commutes

    About the Author

    Kelly Kunik has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was eight years old. Her greatest perceived weakness (a busted pancreas) has become her greatest strength and biggest passion. Kelly is a diabetes advocate that authors the blog, Diabetesaliciousness. She’s also a writer, speaker, consultant, and creator of the #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes initiative. You can find Kelly on Twitter @diabetesalish.

    (excerpt from Mango Health)

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

     

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    Telling the Truth about 8 Insulin Pump Therapy Myths

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    The Healthy Living Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team receives all kinds of questions every day. I sat down with them to learn more about what ‘myths’ or misconceptions people have about insulin pumps. Then, we figured out the best way to explain the truth of the situation!

    #1

    Myth: An insulin pump is implanted in the body and requires surgery to get started.

    Fact: Insulin pumps are worn outside of the body as devices and are attached to a removable site that the patient changes every three days.

    #2

    Myth: Insulin pumps are big and bulky.

    Fact: An insulin pump is about the same size as a small flip phone or a pager (and about half the size of a regular cell phone).

    #3

    Myth: Pumps are permanent.

    Fact: Insulin pumps are removable and can be taken off for showering or swimming, but back-up insulin (shots) must be used.

    #4

    Myth: With an insulin pump, there is no longer a need to test blood sugar.

    Fact: When using an insulin pump, patients still need to test their blood and count carbs. It is recommended to test blood sugars at least four times daily.

    #5

    Myth: Someone needs to be ‘tech savvy’ to figure out how to use an insulin pump.

    Fact: If you can operate a cell phone or remote control, you should be able to work with an insulin pump. Thankfully, pump manufacturers offer great customer support and training.

    #6

    Myth: Using an insulin pump is more painful than multiple daily injections.

    Fact: Inserting an insulin pump site hurts about the same as one shot, but the site only must be changed every three days. The frequency works out to well over 1,000 shots a year with multiple daily injections (MDI), with a little over 100 insertions a year with an insulin pump.

    #7

    Myth: Pumps are only used for people with Type 1 Diabetes.

    Fact: Many insurances cover insulin pumps for people with Type 2 Diabetes, and insulin pump therapy can be a great contribution to the work of managing T2D.

    #8

    Myth: Insurance won’t cover insulin pumps.

    Fact: Our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team can work with customers, their doctors, and their insurance companies to help people with diabetes obtain insurance-covered pumps. Call Crystal and George at (866)779-8512 (Option 2) to check out your options.

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
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    Hello Georgia! Welcome Amerigroup Georgia Members!

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    We’re Prepared to Serve You!

    At Healthy Living, we are excited to be your new diabetes supply provider. Diabetes is our specialty. We have experience, understand your needs, and are completely ready to serve you.

    One thing that you will love about Healthy Living is that you can approve your refills via text, phone, or email. Our company’s greatest focus is on customer service, and we look forward to helping you manage your diabetes supplies!

    Amerigroup Georgia

    Amerigroup has served Georgia members since 2006 and extended its services across the entire state of Georgia in 2012. Amerigroup Georgia has a website full of resources. We’re especially excited about their Useful Apps page where they have some amazing Apple and Android apps available for download, like:

    ·        Glucose Buddy – Lets you log and keep track of your blood sugar.

    ·        MediSafe – Tells you when it’s time to take your medicine.

    ·        State of the Air – Lets you check the air quality wherever you are.

    ·        CaringBridge – Helps you stay connected with loved ones during tough times.

    ·        First Aid by ABC – Provides step-by-step first aid tips whenever you need them.

    We’re looking forward to working with you, Amerigroup Georgia members!

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
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    Healthy Living Pharmacy Grows to Provide Inhalation Medications

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    Taking Care of Your Inhalation Prescriptions

    Great news! Did you know that Healthy Living Pharmacy has broadened its services to include inhalation medications? The main reason that inhalation medications are prescribed is to address symptoms of COPD, a disease characterized by increasing breathlessness. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.

    Our Goals

    Healthy Living Pharmacy does things differently to give customers the best possible experience. Unlike most retail pharmacies, Healthy Living has an insurance verification team who can help maximize your insurance benefits. We work with your insurance plans on your behalf to help you get the best possible cost savings for your inhalation prescriptions.

    The Healthy Living Pharmacy team is focused on helping you stay compliant with the plan of care that you and your doctor have created and specialized for you. To help ensure you never run out of your medications, Healthy Living will call or text you with refill reminders, and we accurately deliver your prescriptions to your door in a timely manner.

    Signs & Symptoms of COPD

    COPD affects an estimated 30 million individuals in the U.S., and over half of them have symptoms of COPD and do not know it. Major signs include:

    ·        Increased breathlessness

    ·        Frequent coughing (with and without sputum)

    ·        Wheezing

    ·        Tightness in the chest

    Risks & Causes of COPD

    COPD most often occurs in people 40 years of age and older who have a history of smoking. These individuals may be current or former smokers. While not everybody who smokes gets COPD, most of the individuals who have COPD (about 90% of them) have smoked. Primary risk factors and causes include:

    ·       Inhaling pollutants, including smoking (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc.) and second-hand smoke.

    ·       Being exposed to fumes, chemicals, and dust found in many work environments.

    ·       Having certain genetics, even if the person has never smoked or has never been exposed to strong lung irritants in the workplace.

    Early screening can identify COPD before major loss of lung function occurs. Go to drive4copd.org to take a five-question screening test to see if you may be at risk for COPD. More importantly, talk to your doctor to be screened and understand your risks more fully.

    We’re Here to Help

    Contact Healthy Living Pharmacy at (866)779-8512 (Option 4) for help with managing your inhalation medications and making the most of your insurance benefits.

    Resources:

    http://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-is-COPD.aspx

    http://www.drive4copd.org/

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
    ,

    Beyond Type 1’s Weekly Roundup Is Sure to Bring You Hope

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    “READ THIS”

    Yesterday morning, I received an email from Beyond Type 1 with the subject “READ THIS.” It turns out, this is a new weekly roundup email that the community can subscribe to receive. This week, the content is awesome:

    ·        The BFF Guide to Type 1 Diabetes – a guide FOR kids, BY kids.

    ·        Yoga for People with Diabetes – three surprising ways YOGA can change your T1D management.

    ·        Losing Will Hauver – shedding light on how illness and T1D can be a surprisingly dangerous combination.

    ·        WWII Hero Saves Lives with Home-brew Insulin – an inspiring story about how Eva Saxl made her own insulin to treat herself and keep around 400 people alive in her community when conventional insulin was unavailable.

    Sign up for READ THIS.

    About Beyond Type 1 – In Their Own Words

    By educating the global community about this chronic, autoimmune disease, as well as providing resources and support for those living with Type 1, Beyond Type 1 bridges the gap from diagnosis to cure, empowering people to both live well today and to fund a better tomorrow. 100% of every dollar raised directly supports the most promising global efforts and programs working to educate, advocate and cure Type 1 diabetes.

    Beyond Type 1 Resources

    While offering interviews, stories, and other resources, Beyond Type 1 includes a very inclusive T1D lifestyle section on their website. Subjects include:

    ·        Active

    ·        Food

    ·        Mental Health

    ·        Parenthood

    ·        Recipes

    ·        Sex, Drugs + Rock&Roll

    ·        School

    ·        Travel

    ·        Wellness

    At Healthy Living Medical Supply, we highly recommend this resource – it’s a great collection of information and a fun way to plug into the Type 1 Diabetes community.

    WE LOVE TO HELP.

    • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
    • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
    • Check out our online store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
    • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

    WE MAKE MANAGING YOUR DIABETES SUPPLIES EASY.

    • We work with many insurance plan partners.
    • You can approve your refills via text or phone.
    • Our company’s focus is excellence in customer service.
    • In addition to providing supplies, we also have a home delivery pharmacy.
    • Diabetes is our specialty, and we’re prepared to help!
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    Try CGM for More Insights & Tighter Diabetes Monitoring

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    Dexcom & Medtronic CGM

    Why is CGM so helpful?

    Maybe you have heard of ‘CGM’ – this refers to Continuous Glucose Monitoring, a system that helps patients with diabetes make more informed treatment decisions that can lead to better glycemic control.

    CGM delivers fast and reliable glucose readings every five minutes or so to a receiver, a phone, or an insulin pump - logging hundreds of readings a day. A finger-prick blood glucose check gives only one reading at a time, in the moment it is taken. With only this piece of information, it's hard to know if blood glucose is staying steady, rising, or falling.

    With CGM, patients can also set thresholds for high and low numbers, and the CGM alerts them when it senses their glucose levels are moving out of the safe range they set. 

    How does CGM work?

    A continuous glucose monitor is a small, wearable device system that tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night, notifying patients of highs and lows so they can take action when needed. A CGM system consists of three parts:

    ·      A small, under-the-skin sensor that measures glucose levels

    ·      A transmitter that attaches to the sensor and transmits data

    ·      A receiver that displays real-time glucose information

    How do insulin pumps and CGM work together?

    Right now, there are only two manufacturers of CGM – Medtronic and Dexcom – and their products have different strengths and features:

    ·        Dexcom CGM can be used with any pump, or without a pump.

    ·        The Dexcom G5 CGM can use the iPhone as receiver, which is great for caregivers of young kids with diabetes (for example, they can see the data when they’re at work and their child is at school).

    ·        The Tandem t:slim G4 insulin pump pairs with the Dexcom G4 CGM to allow users to view their CGM data directly on the color touchscreen pump.

    ·        Medtronic has integrated systems where their insulin pumps and CGM work together – the MiniMed® 530G with Enlite CGM and the MiniMed® 630G with the Guardian CGM.

    ·        Medtronic’s CGM, integrated with their pumps, provides Threshold Suspend, which suspends insulin delivery if it detects that a patient’s glucose levels are dropping below the safe range.

    Learn more about the unique features of Dexcom and Medtronic CGM. 

    Who can benefit from CGM?

    Many different kinds of people use and benefit from CGM, including people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, from kids to older adults. This is a good step toward using an insulin pump and getting used to the regimen of having an infusion site to change. For Dexcom CGM, patients change the site every seven days, and for Medtronic CGM, patients need to change the site every six days.

    How does Healthy Living help you get started with CGM?

    Healthy Living can help with enrollment for CGM and ongoing, monthly supply refills. The enrollment process is very similar to insulin pump enrollment. Many Healthy Living patients use CGM, because it gives them the opportunity for tighter monitoring and better diabetes management.

    Is there any new CGM technology on the horizon?

    The Abbott Freestyle Libre Glucose Monitor is in use in Europe and has been receiving glowing reviews. With these features, this meter is especially exciting:

    ·        Very tiny glucose sensor (0.2 inches in length, about the thickness of a hair) with a simple insertion process

    ·        Water resistant, plastic, on-body patch the size of a one-dollar coin

    ·        Sensor that remains inserted for 14 days and does not require finger-stick calibrations

    ·        One-hour startup time

    This CGM is currently under review in the U.S. by the FDA. It looks like it will be an effective option for patients to gain better insight into their blood sugar levels while coming in at a very competitive price point. Check out this article to learn more.

    We are monitoring the FDA approval process for the Abbott CGM and should be able to provide this exciting new product to our customers when it becomes available.

    Ready to learn more about CGM?

    When you are ready to consider putting this beneficial CGM technology to use for your own diabetes management, call Crystal and George - our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team - at (866)779-8512.

      WE LOVE TO HELP.

      • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
      • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
      • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
      • Check out our online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
      • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

      WE MAKE MANAGING YOUR DIABETES SUPPLIES EASY.

      • We work with many insurance plan partners.
      • You can approve your refills via text or phone.
      • Our company’s focus is excellence in customer service.
      • In addition to providing supplies, we also have a mail-order pharmacy.
      • Diabetes is our specialty, and we’re prepared to help!

       

       

       

      ,

      Keep Learning - A Visual Guide to Type 2 Diabetes

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      Sometimes conditions like Type 2 Diabetes can be hard to understand, and hard to explain to others. WebMD offers a great overview of Type 2 Diabetes in Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Type 2 Diabetes.

      Go at your own pace to learn about Type 2 Diabetes, or use this slideshow as a tool to educate your friends and family members. The presentation has interesting and clear images and photos, and simple, easy-to-understand descriptions and explanations. Its value is in its simplicity and clean presentation.

      The slideshow teaches about these areas of Type 2 Diabetes:

      ·        Prevention

      ·        Symptoms

      ·        Diagnosis

      ·        Treatment

      ·        Details of the condition

      ·        Risk factors

      ·        Long-term effects

      Keep learning and empowering yourself with knowledge about diabetes!

      ,

      Mothers of T1D Kids Are Superheroes

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      Among the greatest Superheroes is the mother of a Type 1 Diabetic child. #HappyMothersDay Morph Pillow LLC donates 5% of all profits towards a grant assistance program to help Type 1 Diabetic families who can't cover their medical expenses. For more information visit: http://www.morphpillow.com/t1d-grant.html

      Check out this video to get a glimpse into the lives of Type 1 Diabetes families and witness the gratitude children with diabetes feel for the care they receive. Five thoughtful kids reflect on what their moms do every day to help manage their Type 1 Diabetes and keep them healthy and safe. They talk about all of the love their moms give them.

      One of the questions they were asked is, ‘What is your message to all moms of T1D kids?’ Here are their five responses:

      ·        “Don’t be scared. I’ll always be there for you.”

      ·        “Let’s help each other, and we’ll get through it together.”

      ·        “It’s okay. You don’t have to worry about it.”

      ·        “Their kids really appreciate them and they love them and are grateful for them to be their mom.”

      ·        “I think the moms do a really good job of taking care of us all…”

      The Healthy Living team watched a video like this at a company meeting last year and then reflected on what impacted us the most.  Many employees were truly humbled by what the moms and kids go through each day with dosing, carb counting, managing their insulin pumps, testing blood sugar levels at all hours of the day, and everything else involved in being successful with diabetes.

      ,

      Starting Insulin Pump Therapy Is Easy When Healthy Living Handles the Details

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      The Healthy Living Insulin Pump Therapy Team: George and Crystal collectively have 24 years of experience serving people with diabetes.

      The Healthy Living Insulin Pump Therapy Team: George and Crystal collectively have 24 years of experience serving people with diabetes.

      If someone with diabetes is interested in beginning to use an insulin pump, the best thing they can to do is call the Healthy Living Insulin Pump Therapy Team (meet the stellar lineup of George and Crystal). They make what can be a very complicated enrollment process very easy.

      9 Steps to Collaborating with Healthy Living for a New Insulin Pump

      When a member, let’s call him ‘Hank,’ is interested in getting started with insulin pump therapy, our Insulin Pump Therapy Team sets the process in motion by:

      1.     Finding out if Hank has talked to his doctor about the pump request.

      2.     Verifying Hank’s insurance and finding out what kinds of pumps he qualifies for and the associated copays.

      3.     Explaining to Hank what insulin pumps are covered and their basic differences.

      4.     Encouraging him to personally research his options on pump manufacturer websites and talk to his doctor for a recommendation.

      5.     Facilitating the prior authorization process (required by some health plans), by gathering documents demonstrating medical necessity:

      ·       Blood sugar logs for the prior 60 days

      ·       Clinical notes from last two office visits

      ·       Proof of diabetes education

      ·       Qualifying lab results (A1c, fasting glucose, and C-peptide)

      6.     Confirming order details with Hank and shipping out his insulin pump, once approved by his insurance company.

      7.     Telling Hank about pump training, which is normally scheduled by the pump manufacturers.

      8.     Setting Hank up to get recurring orders for pump supplies, with refill reminders available via phone, text, or email. Members going on a pump also often like to get their test strips, glucometer, and pharmacy medications through Healthy Living so that everything comes in one box.

      9.     And down the road…obtaining prescriptions for refills on pump supplies for members as needed.

      Communication with the Doctor’s Office & Insurance Company Is Covered

      There are a lot of minutia to put together to obtain and start using an insulin pump, and the details require patience and lots of communication. Healthy Living collaborates directly with the doctor’s office and the insurance company for members. We take care of all documentation and information gathering, and request everything that is needed from the doctor.

      A Team Prepared to Serve by Years of Experience

      Healthy Living and our dedicated Insulin Pump Therapy Team has years (24 years collectively, between Crystal and George) of experience working with people with diabetes. Our company fosters empathy in employees, through the weeklong Wear-a-Pump Challenges and other ongoing education. Healthy Living works with all major insulin pump manufacturers, including OmniPod, Tandem Diabetes Care and Medtronic. We are fully prepared to help customers understand their options and enroll to start receiving the benefits of insulin pump therapy, making the process as smooth and effortless as possible!