Watch this new video on heart health by Dr. George Adesina, a board-certified cardiologist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Houston. If you haven’t already scheduled or completed your annual preventive checkups, contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP). If you need help finding a PCP, call Jeanne’ Johnson, your Aetna onsite representative, at 281-627-7489.

Preventive medicine is one of our top goals this year at HISD. Have you had your annual physical? Scheduled your biannual dental checkup or had any cancer screenings? It’s important to get these checkups on a regular basis, as they reduce the risk of getting sick and can detect life-threatening health conditions early, when they are easily treatable. Family history plays an important role in your checkup schedule, so talk with your doctor, discuss your family history, and ask questions. Early detection is most critical if you are at risk for stroke or cardiovascular disease. You may also visit Preventive Health Care in the Benefits Wellness Corner for additional screenings to consider as part of your prevention plan.

Covered preventive services – If you are enrolled in an HISD medical, dental, or vision plan, these preventive services are covered at no cost through your plan when you see physicians or providers in your plan’s network. Coverage includes routine screenings and checkups, as well as some counseling to prevent illness, disease, and other health problems. You won’t have to pay out of pocket for these preventive visits when they are provided in-network. They include regular checkups for adults, routine gynecological exams for women, and wellness exams for children. Screenings, services and other covered preventive services can vary by age, gender and other factors, so talk with your doctor about which services are right for you. Note that services are generally not preventive if you get them as part of a visit to diagnose, monitor, or treat an illness or injury. In these cases, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may apply.

Protect your skin – Summertime is coming, and it’s time to think about protecting your skin when you are outdoors. Use sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF or higher. Wear protective clothing when you are on a boat or at the beach to protect your skin from harmful rays. Remember, your skin protects your body, so take care of it. Drink plenty of fluids and make sunscreen part of your daily routine. See these four videos on how to protect your skin and prevent skin cancer by Dr. Christine Wan of the HISD Health and Medical Centers.

Telehealth – Telehealth is a great benefit of your medical plan. Instead of a long wait in an emergency room, urgent care center, or doctor’s office, use telehealth to take care of minor needs. Memorial Hermann members and Texas Medical Neighborhood members can access CareAccess Live for their telehealth needs. Visit the CareAccess Live page on the Benefits website and download the app before you need it. This benefit uses a chat feature that is user-friendly and convenient – you can talk with a doctor and get immediate answers.
Kelsey-Seybold members have telehealth benefits through the MyChart app on a smartphone or online via www.Kelsey-Seybold.com. Get connected quickly to take care of your needs over the phone by using the video option. Appointments are generally available with your designated physician or other physicians on staff who can help you.