Monday, November 2, 2015

Why I'm Giving My Health Insurance Company 5 Stars


My insurance company created a win-win scenario for themselves, employers, and at-risk people like me who are headed for costly health problems without some kind of intervention.  The 16-week program, named Prevent, includes one year of follow-up to help make the changes sustainable and permanent.  My health coach keeps in touch with our 18 member group weekly using Facebook-type group posts, private messaging and personal phone calls.  She receives daily tracking results from my Wi-fi digital scale provided at no charge by my insurance company.  I also post my daily steps using the free pedometer.  These tools helped me achieve dramatic measurable results in a short period of time.

Health care costs are spiraling out of control and I believe the only way we can get out of trouble is to prevent diseases like diabetes, heart attacks and strokes before we get sick.  I told my doctor and my health coach about an experiment I was asked to participate in, sponsored by my cousin, a doctor who is investigating why so many patients are getting sick from foods they eat.  He asked me to give up processed foods for 45 days.  Other foods on the do-not-eat list included anything that walks, flies or swims, grains and dairy products.  His ideas were the perfect complement to the prevent program and my physician agreed to allow a couple of blood tests during the experiment in order to have an accurate record of the results.  My blood pressure, cholesterol, body fat and weight all returned to the normal range without much effort.

If San Diego Padres broadcaster and Hall of Fame baseball player Jerry Coleman were still around,  Jerry would proudly yell out from the booth, "You can hang a star on that one, baby!"  This program deserves 5 stars.  And I would like to thank my cousin for simplifying my food program.  Some day I may graduate from my status as a food dummy and become food smart.  At least I don't have to read any labels.  It's all about the fruits, veggies and nuts.  It's more fun in a group setting like the one offered by my insurance company but these results can be achieved on your own if you're willing to give up processed foods for 45 days.  Give it a try.  Have a great day.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Health insurance companies should do everything possible to maintain communication with the people who need their services. This can help in the healing process as people would know that they have the support in recovery and have options for medical are if they are ever needed in the future instead of being afraid to get sick.

Jason Hayes @ DECORM

Modesto Culbertson said...

This is a great idea. Insurance companies should do more to improve the health of their members. When employers and insurance companies take an interest in their employees health, everyone wins. I have also been working on eating healthier with more fruits, vegetable, and nuts. Kudos to you and keep up the good work!

Modesto Culbertson @ DZ Law Group