healthy living

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Welcome to Healthy Living, MPCN Members!

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We are so excited to welcome Mississippi Physicians Care Network (MPCN) to our Healthy Living community. Members, you can easily reach us with questions or to enroll – we are ready to serve you and help make managing your diabetes supplies simple!

Mississippi Physicians Care Network includes thousands of doctors and specialists and was founded in 1994 by the Mississippi State Medical Association. Their core belief is that the cornerstone of health care is not managed care, but instead the doctor-patient relationship. Healthy Living is proud to partner with MPCN to give patients the best possible care and customer service experience.

We Love to Help.

  • 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!

Part 4: Shining a Light on SAD – 10 Ways to Give the Winter Blues the Boot

Rigorous scientific research has shown that winter’s shorter days, less intense sunlight, and later dawns are the main cause of the winter blues or SAD (seasonal affective disorder). The effects on individuals can be low energy, hypersensitivity, moodiness, and more. The great news is that there are some strategies for warding off and lessening the effects of a long winter.

10 Ways to Give the Winter Blues the Boot

1.     Light therapy. Try sitting or working near a light box to mimic sunlight and reset your body’s clock. A light box emitting full-spectrum light of 10,000 lux can decrease the duration of melatonin release in the brain while increasing serotonin and other positivity-boosting neurotransmitters. This allows the body’s regular rhythm of waking and sleeping to be restored. You might also experiment with using a ‘wake-up light’ alarm clock.

2.     Exercise. Exercise and other types of physical activity help relieve stress and anxiety and can energize your body and your mood by increasing dopamine.

3.     Medications. Some people with SAD benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. If SAD is recurrent, your doctor may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year (early- to mid-fall).

4.     Psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help with identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors, learning how to manage stress, and learning healthy ways to live well and cope with SAD.

5.     Food & supplements. Eating consciously can make a big difference in mood. Foods with lots of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, help the brain use serotonin more efficiently. An omega-3 supplement can help keep the brain in balance. Taking a Vitamin D supplement can offset decreased sun. Avoiding simple carbs and maintaining stable blood sugar can also help.

6.     Make your environment sunnier and brighter. Open your curtains and blinds, trim tree branches and bushes that block sunlight from coming in your house, and sit close to bright windows as often as you can.

7.     Go outside. Take a walk, play with your dog, eat lunch at a park, or just sit on a bench and soak up the sun. Bundle up – even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help.

8.     Mindfulness. Energizing yoga practices and conscious, meditative activities can help increase mental clarity during dark days.

9.     Sleep. “It’s important to keep in sync with nature’s rhythms,” says Henry Emmons, MD, an integrative psychiatrist who recommends getting up at the same time every day, ideally between 6 and 8 a.m. This way you’ll have more chance to enjoy the sunlight that is available during the darker months.

10.  Appreciate the wonders of winter. Big dramatic skies, bright snow blankets, cold moons, and the warmth and coziness of going home. Give yourself some time to look around and feel the beauty of this winter season…that soon will make spring possible.

This is the last blog of the ‘Shining a Light on SAD’ series. To view the earlier posts, visit myhlms.com/blog. To subscribe to the Healthy Living blog, sign up at myhlms.com/subscribe. 

And great news - here in Michigan, we're having a sunny week!

Resources:

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/emotional-health/beating-the-winter-blues/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047

https://experiencelife.com/article/beating-the-winter-blues/

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.

Part 3: Shining a Light on SAD – Observing Patterns

For seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other health complications, it can be hard to know what to watch for and how much to worry about symptoms as you try to figure out what is happening in your body. A good rule of thumb is to look for patterns in your feelings and behavior and notice how you are functioning over several days. Observe how your current behavior and feelings compare to your ‘normal’ or ‘summer self.’ If you feel down for days at a time and can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor.

Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD include:

·       Irritability

·       Tiredness or low energy

·       Trouble getting along with other people

·       Hypersensitivity

·       Heavy feeling in the arms or legs

·       Oversleeping

·       Weight gain

·       Appetite changes, especially cravings for high-carb foods

Watch for our next and final blog about SAD to learn about treatments that have been proven to alleviate symptoms and other adjustments in daily life that can be helpful to chase off the winter blues.

Resources:

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/emotional-health/beating-the-winter-blues/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047

https://experiencelife.com/article/beating-the-winter-blues/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047

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!

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.

 

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Food Choices Are Individual: What Not to Say to a Person with Diabetes

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It can be a joy to eat a meal with family or soak in a festive gathering with friends. But things can get complicated when it feels like your food or portion choices are being questioned or judged. Christel Oernum says that she has received hundreds of comments about what she eats. Christel is an accomplished fitness professional and has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since she was 19. She and her husband, Tobias, created TheFitBlog to help other people with diabetes live a fit, active, and healthy life.

Earlier this year, Christel posted about coming home after a party and feeling (once again) annoyed by people commenting about what she ate. She wrote a short list of things you should never say to a person with diabetes, or really anyone else.

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Person with Diabetes

1.      Should you be eating that?

2.      Can you eat that?

3.      Wow, you must be really hungry?

4.      You look so skinny/fit/healthy/good, eat some more.

5.      You can’t be writing a health blog since you are drinking that...

Read Christel’s original blog for her thoughts on why each of these comments just doesn’t work. Based on your experience, what comments or questions would you add to her list?

It’s impossible to completely know what another person is going through or what their body needs. Most people don’t want to be scrutinized, so keep Christel’s insights in mind.

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • 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.

 

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Living His Big Dream Every Day, Ernesto Prado Inspires Us All

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Ernesto Prado at Johnson Space Center

Ernesto Prado at Johnson Space Center

The enthusiasm of Ernesto Prado's dad for the space program rubbed off on him from an early age. Ernesto has been fascinated with air and space travel since he was young, when he began his dream of becoming an astronaut. Prado was featured in at least three diabetes publications and resources in 2016 because his story is so encouraging and inspiring. When he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager, he was told to slow down his recreational activities and sports, so Ernesto focused on learning and preparing for work with NASA. Even though people with diabetes cannot fill the role of an astronaut, Ernesto prepared to work in a job that would be as close as possible to his original goal.

Turning Point to Health

Ernesto went to college at UC Davis, double-majoring in Aeronautical Sciences & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, and he began working with NASA when he was 20 as part of a college co-op program. After graduation, and while working in the neutral buoyancy lab, Ernesto realized that he had lost focus on managing his diabetes and taking care of himself. This was a turning point when Ernesto came to understand that he needed to be healthy to do the things he was devoting his life to, and he reprioritized his health – eating 5 small meals a day, running, seeing a new, really good doctor, and beginning to use an insulin pump.

Catch More About Ernesto

Prado has continued employment and engagement with the NASA space program since. Recently featured on Stacey Simms’ Diabetes Connections podcast, you can hear the passion and excitement in Ernesto’s voice as he describes walking on the same ground as NASA astronauts.  Ernesto is now a Technical Projects Manager at the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

Learn more about Ernesto Prado, and be wowed by his motivation, determination, dedication, and positivity:

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • 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.

Reshaping Resolutions & Welcoming 2017

With 2017 right on the horizon, and a busy holiday season wrapping up, the transition into the New Year can be a time of reflection and refocusing. Setting resolutions, goals, and intentions for the year ahead has become a natural outpouring of this tradition.

While taking time for introspection and a break from dailyness can be helpful, the goals that can come out of this time can be ambitious and sometimes too demanding to maintain. Cheri Huber, a Zen student, teacher, and writer, explains that the way resolutions play out can depend on where they come from within ourselves:

Unfortunately, when it comes to resolutions, the inner critic is usually the first aspect of our personality on the conference call, and consequently, he or she ends up running the show – generally with poor results. What you really want for this process is your “inner coach” or “wise mentor” personality. This is the smart but mature and kind part of you – someone who is on your side, who is an advocate for enhancing what is right about you and building on your talents and strengths.

More resolution wisdom comes from Jane Alexander, a mind-body expert, who explains how seasonality can affect personal change and goal-setting:

People assume that if they’re going to make changes, they have to do it all at once starting January 1. My background in seasonal living tells me that’s all wrong. This really isn’t so much a season of action as a season of dreaming, imagining, examining and thinking. It’s a perfect time to curl up with books and journals, to explore options, to develop systems and lay the groundwork for changes we’ll embrace more fully in the spring.

Jane also offers encouragement to embrace individual processes:

You don’t have to follow the herd – you can make your own choices to change your life in positive ways when you want to. It’s an individual process: You might read this and think, “Well, actually, I do very well with New Year’s resolutions.” Fine, keep going. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! But if it’s not working for you, then give yourself permission to find something that does work. Invent your own ritual.

For those of you who are excited and ready to set resolutions for 2017, here are some strategies for success from Cheri Huber:

  • Make small resolutions.        
  • Celebrate little successes.
  • Enjoy the process.
  • Be accountable to someone.
  • Listen to yourself.
  • Go for positive change.
  • Cultivate self-kindness.

For more, read Rethinking Resolutions and Action Plan 2004: Resolutions Reconsidered in Experience Life online.

Learn about what works for you, and maybe even integrate some of these ideas. From Healthy Living Medical Supply, Happy New Year! Let’s welcome in 2017 with a spirit of hope.

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Considering an Insulin Pump? This May Be Your Moment

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Healthy Living is here and ready to help you maximize your insurance benefit and make the best decisions for your health. Thinking about going on an insulin pump? If your deductible has been satisfied for 2016, this could be the time to start on a pump for less out-of-pocket cost.

When you call our Insulin Pump Team (the amazing Crystal and George), they will help research your insurance coverage and choose a pump that’s right for you.
Dial (866)779-8512, extension 2, then extension 2 again!

Healthy Living offers pumps from these suppliers:

To learn more about the benefits of insulin pump therapy, visit www.myhlms.com/pump.

A sampling of insulin pumps!

A sampling of insulin pumps!

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our new 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.

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Happy Healthy Living Holidays!

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Thank you to Christina Hamilton, our guest blogger!

Thank you to Christina Hamilton, our guest blogger!

Focusing on What’s Important

With the holidays fast approaching, it becomes an even more challenging time for someone living with diabetes to find their balance while partaking in the traditions and festivities of the season.  We hope that the information provided in this blog post will allow you to focus on the more important things in life this Thanksgiving, like giving thanks for the ones you love.

Navigating the Holiday Feast with the American Diabetes Association

Read on - the American Diabetes Association helps us by giving strategies for eating wisely at Thanksgiving.

Turkey

•        Turkey is a high-protein food and has no carbohydrates. A portion is about 3-4 ounces, which is about the size of your palm.

•        Remove the skin on your turkey before eating it and choose white breast meat which is the leanest part of the bird.

•        Roast your turkey instead of deep-frying it. Roasting is a cooking method that requires little-to-no added fat. Be sure to add some seasonings.

Stuffing

•        The main ingredient in most stuffing recipes is bread, so it’s high in carbohydrates and will need to be counted in your meal plan.

•        One half cup of stuffing usually has about 15-30 grams of carbohydrate. Because it can vary, be sure to check the nutrition facts for your recipe.

•        Add extra non-starchy veggies like onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to your stuffing and use whole grain or 100% whole wheat bread.

Potatoes

•        From buttery mashed potatoes to sweet potato casserole – these dishes can really pack in the carbohydrates, saturated fat, and calories.

•        Keep portions small, especially if there is a lot of added cheese, butter, or cream. One-half cup of mashed potatoes usually has about 15 grams of carbohydrate.

•        At the table, there’s no need to add a lot of extra sour cream or butter to your potatoes. Simply season them with a bit of freshly ground pepper or some trans-free margarine. Instead of sour cream, try non-fat Greek yogurt which is a much healthier alternative.

•        Sweet potatoes are especially flavorful on their own – there’s no need for a lot of extra sugar or butter!

•        If you’re in charge of the potatoes this year, choose a “made-over” potato recipe that uses healthier ingredients. See the recipe at the end of this blog for ideas!

Green Bean Casserole & Vegetable Side Dishes

•        Fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Choose vegetable side dishes that include roasted or cooked vegetables without creamy sauces.

•        Offer to bring a delicious green salad for the occasion and serve the dressing on the side.

•        Season veggie side dishes with fresh herbs or onions and garlic. 

Cranberry sauce

•        This usually has a lot of added sugar and is dense in carbohydrates – just two tablespoons have almost 15 grams of carbohydrate.

•        If you absolutely cannot live without it, make sure you use just a tablespoon or two on top of your turkey. A little bit will go a long way!

Try Something New

Here is a recipe for herb and olive oil mashed potatoes to try this year from the Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook by Amy Riolo. You can follow the recipe closely or combine the recipe with your traditional family favorite to add flavor to your potatoes in a healthier way.

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our new 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.

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Save Your Money, Save Your Time – With the Healthy Living Online Store

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Try a new way to make your life easier by combining your usual order for insurance-covered diabetes supplies with a visit to the Healthy Living online store. Here’s the plan:

  1. Visit the Healthy Living online store at myhlms.com/shop. Place an order for over-the-counter medications, testing supplies, insulin pump accessories, or vitamins (and many more options!).
  2. We ship your online store order with your regular insurance-covered Healthy Living Medical Supply order with no shipping costs.
  3. You save time and money!
  4. Wait for delivery. Open your door, and find all of the products you need on your doorstep.

Keep it simple and use the Healthy Living Medical Supply one-stop-shop!

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our new 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.

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We're So Happy to Be in Our New Detroit Home!

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It's our kick-off morning. The sun is shining in Detroit, and we're all settling into our new spaces. And great news - the phones are ringing and our technology is set up for business! The biggest excitement is seeing our Healthy Living line-up on the Tigers scoreboard! 

This morning we walked in the Palms Building past a crowd of fans camping out to get tickets to their favorite concert at the Fox Theatre box office. There is definitely a lot of energy here and we are glad to join in! 

Here's a big welcome to Healthy Living from Comerica Park, our neighbors right across the street!

Here's a big welcome to Healthy Living from Comerica Park, our neighbors right across the street!

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We Appreciate Sherece, Our Healthy Living Player of the Week!

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Healthy Living Medical Supply continues to celebrate employee heroes this fall with our third Player of the Week.

Sherece was nominated to be Player of the Week by a Healthy Living team member who wrote: “Sherece always gives our customers high-quality care and does an excellent job of making sure our Brightree prescriptions for patients are up to date - this helps us ensure that customers never miss a delivery due to an expired script. Sherece has also helped out in our pharmacy over the past couple of weeks to help satisfy the increase in prescription enrollment for non-diabetes related medications.” 

WE’RE HERE 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 new 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.
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Welcome NovaNet Members!

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Healthy Living is officially in network with NovaNet, a national preferred provider organization (PPO), founded in 1994. NovaNet's mission is to provide an innovative healthcare delivery system to benefit and better fit the needs of today's employers and providers.

NovaNet provides coverage statewide in Georgia and Alabama, and in parts of Florida and Tennessee. The PPO has also developed an affiliation network delivery system that extends into all 50 states. 

At Healthy Living, our priority is always our members, including providing them with astounding service. NovaNet members – we look forward to serving you and assisting with your diabetes and healthcare needs in the days ahead!

welcome novanet image.png

We’re here to help!

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512.
  • 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 new 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.
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Get Inspired by John, Our Healthy Living Player of the Week!

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John was nominated to be Player of the Week by another Healthy Living teammate, who said: ‘John works hard without complaining and is always saying that it’s a ‘fast day’ today. He listens to others, no matter what they’re talking about, and always finds something positive or hopeful to say in return.’ Learn a little bit more about John, including how he feels about working at Healthy Living and what motivates him every day.

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Insulin Pump Technology Innovation from Medtronic and Tandem

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Why Insulin Pumps?

Because of insulin pumps, many people living with diabetes, young and old, have better control of their insulin delivery. Insulin pumps also allow for fewer injections and a more flexible lifestyle. The pump option is great for athletes and people on the go because of more precise insulin dosing that can lead to improved performance and energy levels. Improvements in technology continue to make it easier to manage diabetes. Every little tweak and new option on the market makes a difference.

Developing New Technology

There is plenty of buzz about the new insulin pumps to be released this year by Medtronic and Tandem, and for good reason. Both of these established companies are offering pumps with new features that will increase quality of life and ease of disease management for many people living with diabetes. Here are some of the most noteworthy features:

Medtronic Minimed 630G –  

·       Remote insulin dosing with wireless meter offers quick, easy delivery of a bolus

·       SmartGuard(TM) technology stops insulin delivery if a patient’s sensor glucose values go below a preset level with no response to alarms

·       Waterproof protection

·       Color screen

Tandem t:slim X2 –

·       Two-way Bluetooth connects with multiple external devices at one time (one day it will communicate with the Dexcom G5 and a patient’s smartphone at the same time)

·       Planned software upgrade to connect with Dexcom G5 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) will display data directly on the pump screen

·       Tandem will continue to upgrade the pump’s software, including a new smartphone app and predictive low glucose suspend

·       Color touch screen

More Options for Children & Parents

The convenience of a remote bolus dose will be easier for everyone, especially parents or caregivers helping children. Waterproof protection will also make baths, swimming lessons, and beach days a lot simpler. Research has shown that insulin pumps are an effective option in diabetes care for children. A large, long-term study of insulin pump use in children published in Diabetologia in 2013 demonstrated that pump therapy provides sustained improvement in glycemic control and reductions of severe hypoglycemia and hospitalization compared with a study group using only injections. Advancements in pumps are helping children living with diabetes stay healthier (and happier).

Curious about the Upgrade?

At Healthy Living, we are preparing for the transition by educating ourselves as much as possible on the features of the improved pumps, working closely with manufacturers on upgrade programs, and monitoring availability as new information is released. When I say ‘we,’ I am mainly talking about Crystal and George, our stellar Insulin Pump Therapy Team. They answered a few questions for me today:

1.     What should existing Healthy Living customers do if they want one of the new pump models?

The first thing to do is contact us. We can confirm if you are eligible for a new pump through insurance or from a manufacturer upgrade program. Call (866)779-8512 and choose prompt 2 to reach us.

2.     What should new customers do if they are interested in one of the new pumps?

Talk to us first - call (866)779-8512 and choose prompt 2. We’ll verify insurance and what you’re eligible for and start gathering documentation to process your pump, once they become available.

3.     What questions do people most often have about insulin pumps when they’re getting started, and what answers do you give?

According to George and Crystal, common questions include:

Q: Is the pump hard to operate?

A: Pumps are easy to operate and we can support you as you learn.

Q: Do you still have to check your blood sugar?

A: Yes, you still have to do regular daily glucose checks (4 on average), even if using the CGM.

Q: Does the pump have to be surgically inserted?

A: No!

We look forward to learning more about the soon-to-be-released Tandem and Medtronic pumps as information becomes available! In the meantime, we’re here to help!

·     Text us @ (248)577-9903 or call us @ (866)779-8512.

·     Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

·     Check out our new 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.

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Text me! The Benefits of Refill Reminders for Ease & Adherence

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We know that our members can’t remain adherent without having their prescribed supplies and medications in hand. A refill reminder system can make a difference for many people, helping them stay on top of their health and compliant with doctors’ orders. At Healthy Living, once a customer enrolls and signs up for reminders, a text or phone call recording is sent every 30 to 90 days, about three days before the necessary reorder date to keep the patient on track with necessary supplies and medications.

Response Rates Are Higher with Reminder Texts

The text reminder option has boosted adherence for Healthy Living customers. We have found that people reorder more readily and frequently via text. For every 100 outbound reminder texts, the Healthy Living customer service team hears back and ships orders for about 70 patients. In comparison, for customers receiving reminder phone calls, only about 30% of patients either confirm their reorder at the moment of the call or by calling back later. Text message reminders really help Healthy Living patients stay on top of their ongoing diabetes maintenance and health.

Sample text message refill reminder

Sample text message refill reminder

Adherence Isn’t Easy

In their Global Research Report, Vision & Reality (9th Edition) , Capgemini Consulting researched and found that patient adherence levels drop over the course of care, from 69% of patients filling their first prescription to 43% of patients continuing their treatment as prescribed after six months.

Capgemini defines ‘patient adherence’ as the extent to which a patient follows a prescribed treatment regimen, including taking a drug as prescribed and following physician advice. They identified these patient-related factors as setbacks to compliance:

·       Forgetfulness and attitude

·       Inadequate knowledge of disease and treatment

·       Perceptions of diagnosis and health risks associated with disease and treatment

·       Misunderstanding of instructions and follow-up routing

Can't Help but Love the Text Reminders

Healthy Living is using this study and similar information to help design processes to improve the entire patient experience. Here are some of the comments we have recently received from customers:

  • "Absolutely love that you text me when it’s time to order.  I'm a terrible procrastinator and have often run out of supplies in the past.  The text system is so easy I now always have my supplies. Thank you!"
  • “I love that Healthy Living texts me before I know that I need diabetic supplies for my daughter."
  • “Super friendly service. I've been better about taking care of myself since you've been sending me my supplies. Thank you.”
  • “I really like ordering via text message. I have nothing but positive things to say about Healthy Living. I am so glad to have found you.”

We are excited that we have found a new way to help Healthy Living Medical Supply customers stay healthier!

  • Text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Call us @ (866)779-8512.
  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Check out our new 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.
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Spotlight on Mira, Star Healthy Living Pharmacist

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Today, we are happy to introduce Mira, one of our pharmacists at Healthy Living Medical Supply. Mira has been a pharmacist since 2009, and it seems like she has worked in just about every setting a pharmacist could find: a hospital, a big chain store, an independent setting, and an ambulatory care setting. With all of this behind her, Mira has found that what really makes Healthy Living unique is that it’s an environment where she has time to focus on patients, dedicating more time to specific situations when needed, without so many distractions that she can’t work patiently with patients.

A big part of Mira’s job is keeping the lines of communication open between doctors, patients, and our pharmacy – ensuring consistent refills, understanding tapering orders, and monitoring dose changes. Communication is crucial, and Mira is constantly on the phone talking with patients or doctors’ offices. As Mira says so well, “You can’t put problems away. You have to be proactive, focus on communication, keep everyone informed – doing the job thoroughly, and doing it well.”

Mira’s pharmacy team supports each other and includes Joe (fellow pharmacist), Grace (pharmacy tech), and Bryan and Alex (inhalation medication experts). The team gets questions each day from patients about specific drugs and side effects, dosing, remaining refills, or what to expect if the drug looks different or it’s the first time they are taking it. The pharmacy team also help patients navigate their insurance questions.

We had a chance to ask Mira what she likes best about working at Healthy Living Medical Supply.  She loves the opportunity to collaborate with different departments within Healthy Living and within the medical community. Mira explained that in this environment, she can see the big picture to make smoother transitions for patients, do more thorough medication and supplies reconciliations, and also solve different challenges every day. She is also very grateful for the community of people she works with at Healthy Living, and we are surely thankful for her!

We’re here to help!

  • Contact our pharmacy at (866)779-8512, option 4.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Check out our new 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.