Eating an apple a day is a good habit … doing it to keep the doctor away is not.
Nearly half of adults only think about their health when they don’t feel well. In fact, 45%-50% of women say they skip annual preventive care. If you’ve fallen into this pattern, you’re not alone.
May is Women’s Health Month — the perfect time to focus on maintaining your health over the long term. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is here to support you with doctors you trust, coverage for preventive services and more. We make it easy to prioritize your health so you’re ready for anything.
This May, take control of your health by completing the three tasks below.
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Check in with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). If you can’t remember the last time you saw your doctor when you weren’t sick, you’re probably due for your annual exam.
Go to your exam with a list of the medications you take, the names of other doctors and providers you see, your family history and any questions or concerns you want to discuss. Ask your PCP which screenings, such as cholesterol and diabetes screenings, they recommend based on your age, history, lifestyle and risk factors.
If you don’t have a PCP, don’t worry! Log in to myBlueCross and select Find a Doctor to locate a doctor near you.
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Visit your OB/GYN. Seeing an OB/GYN once a year can help you understand, manage and screen for health conditions that only affect women. They can also provide contraceptive information and methods.
Tip: To find an OB/GYN, log in to myBlueCross and select Find a Doctor.
If you’re pregnant, congratulations! You’ll see your OB/GYN more often as your due date approaches. In the meantime, enroll in our Baby Yourself® maternity program, which gives you exclusive access to our popular app to track your baby’s growth and your journey to motherhood.
Tip: Enroll in the Baby Yourself® maternity program by 16 weeks, 6 days gestation and complete the program to earn a reward!
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Ask yourself: How do I feel? Take stock of how you feel now and how you’ve been feeling over the past several weeks. Mental health is a key part of overall wellness and can impact other aspects of your health, including your heart health, immune function, sleep quality and more. Nearly 1 in 4 women experience anxiety, and 1 in 10 experience depression each year.
Visit AlabamaBlue.com/MentalHealth for mental health and wellness resources. You’ll find information about common conditions, helpful articles and an easy way to find one-on-one support.