In the fall of 2004 the Leon County School District completed the first-ever study of body mass indexes (BMI) in grades K, 1 and 3-8. The results showed 36.2% of the children were either overweight (18.9%) or at-risk for overweight (17.4%).

Capital Health Plan recognized that the future health of our community depends on the lifestyle choices offered to our children today. In partnership with Leon County Schools, Titus Sports Academy, the Chamber of Commerce’s World Class Schools and Capital Health Plan, the CHP Champions program was launched.

Four years later, CHP Champions is in every elementary school and middle school in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson and Wakulla County. Participation has increased from 1,151 children in its first year to over 8,800 participates last school year. Working with the FSU Medical School to implement a K-2nd grade program in 12 elementary schools, CHP Champions has a target goal this school year of 12,600 participants.

The focus of the program is to provide students with developmental physical activity by incorporating the basic level of sports performance training principles. Initially offered as an after-school program, it is now offered before school and during the day in a large portion of schools. CHP Champions is currently working to incorporate program lessons into the standard physical education curriculum.

A key element of this initiative is a well-designed set of evaluations. Each student is given a pre-test and post-test each semester to track their progress. The test gathers data including BMI, hip-to-waist ratio, and performance in a number of physical fitness activities.

An independent analysis conducted by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst found significant correlation in students’ participation in the CHP CHAMPIONS program and their overall improvement in health and fitness. An indication of this correlation is the downward shift of CHP Champions pre-BMI compared to CHP Champions post-BMI. The study looked at data collected from the 2006/2007 school year including weight, BMI, and improvement in the following performance tests: 40 Yard Dash, Pro Agility, Broad Jump, and 300 Yard Shuttle Run.

*Includes 242 participants with at least 40% participation Rate who were enrolled in both Fall 2006 and Spring 200.

If you would like more information on the CHP Champions Program please email info@mychampions.com or visit the website at www.mychampions.com.

Capital Health Plan’s Medicare Advantage (HMO) plans offer wellness benefits that go above and beyond what you’d expect from Original Medicare. We know that preventive services are important to you as Capital Health Plan members, and your wellness is a top priority to us too. That is why we are proud to offer an extensive list of preventive services—some of which are no cost to you.

Although Original Medicare covers one physical when you first become eligible for Medicare, Capital Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans provide you with coverage for one physical exam
year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease is avoidable through known prevention measures. Key measures include practicing a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco use) and the use of early detection practices (e.g., screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, diabetes and its complications, and depression).” Capital Health Plan is pleased to offer our members colorectal screening exams, mammograms (annual screening), prostate cancer screening exams, and bone mass measurements.

Capital Health Plan also offers health and wellness education benefits including written health education materials, nutritional training, a 24-hour nursing hotline, and a health club membership/fitness class reimbursement up to $150 per year. At Capital Health Plan, we strive to provide you with the tools necessary to Live Well!

Sources: Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. May 29, 2009. Healthy Aging for Older Adults. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/aging.

When I retired I did not think I could afford a Capital Health Plan (CHP) Medicare Advantage plan. I had seen other Medicare plans with lower or no monthly premiums. I decided to try one of these other plans. Soon after making the switch, I needed to be transported by ambulance from my doctor’s office to the hospital. This ambulance ride cost me $890 out of my own pocket. Then I found out that my heart doctor didn’t take this Medicare plan, even though I had been told I could go to any doctor. I had to wait almost a year until the next election period to rejoin CHP. Emmaline says with joy, “I switched back to CHP and I’ll never leave CHP again!”

CHP among “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10,” top health plan in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fl. - Capital Health Plan (CHP) has once again received national acknowledgement. CHP is ranked 5th in the nation for both Commercial and Medicare health plans. In the 2009-10 America’s Best Health Insurance Plans rankings published by U.S.News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), CHP is also the top-ranked plan in Florida. This is the highest combined ranking CHP has ever achieved.

“We are very pleased with this recognition which reflects a lot of outstanding work by our staff and this medical community. This also would not be possible without great support year after year from our members and area employers,” said John Hogan, CEO of Capital Health Plan. “This type of feedback is great news for Tallahassee and only furthers CHP’s dedication to delivering high quality, affordable health care and service to our community.”

As part of its commitment to excellence, CHP continues to focus on three primary strategic initiatives:

• Improving the health of the population
• Enhancing the patient experience of care (including quality, access, and reliability)
• Controlling trends in the per capita cost of care

John Hogan reflects, “We have a lot to accomplish in all three areas as does our nation, but Tallahassee definitely stands out in these efforts.”

NCQA’s Quality Compass database also reported high ratings for Capital Health Plan. The scores of commercial health plans are voluntarily reported NCQA using data from HEDIS® and CAHPS® measures in categories related to access to care, overall satisfaction, prevention and treatment. These scores reflect the results of consumer surveys and success in preventing and treating illness compared to other plans.

Commercial Ratings:

• CHP members rated their satisfaction with their personal doctor (rating of 9 or 10) as the highest in the state.
• CHP members once again scored the Plan the highest in the state and the South Atlantic Region when asked “how satisfied are you with your health plan?”
• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Spirometry Testing for COPD.

Medicare Ratings:

• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Diabetic eye exams.
• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Colorectal cancer screenings for the 5th year in a row.
• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Spirometry Testing for COPD.

The 2009-10 “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans” rankings are published online at www.usnews.com/healthplans, and will be featured in the December 2009 issue of U.S. News, which will be on newsstands Tuesday, December 1.

“America’s Best Health Insurance Plans” is a trademark of U.S. News & World Report. HEDIS® stands for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set and is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

The source for data contained in this publication is Quality Compass® 2009 and is used with the permission of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Quality Compass 2009 includes certain CAHPS data. Any data display, analysis, interpretation, or conclusion based on these data is solely that of the authors, and NCQA specifically disclaims responsibility for any such display, analysis, interpretation, or conclusion. Quality Compass is a registered trademark of NCQA. CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

What a wonderful time of year! The weather begins to cool down; we begin to think about the holidays; maybe we anticipate vacation from work and school. And ugh…the time of year when many people get sick! You have probably heard a few good tips for keeping your defenses against flu and other germs, but you may not have thought of one of your best defenses. Something you probably do at least three times a day. Yes - what you eat!

Most of us realize that our diet impacts our long term health. But we may not know how it impacts our ability to fight off germs. The more healthy nutrients you take in the better your immune system can fight germs and keep you from getting sick. Remember, that drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly also helps keep the body’s resistance up. So go for a walk, take your water bottle along, and come home to cook a healthy recipe! (See recipe for Turkey Cranberry Soup for an idea of what to make.)

Turkey Cranberry Soup

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, cut into bite-size pieces
1 rib celery, cut into thin slices
1 parsnip, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces (optional)
1 medium sweet potato or yam, peeled and cut in half, then into bite-size pieces
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups non-fat, reduced-sodium turkey or chicken stock, divided
1 sweet, juicy apple, peeled, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup frozen (and defrosted) cranberries or canned whole cranberries, rinsed and drained
3 cups diced cooked turkey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste*

• In a deep pan or skillet, heat the oil over MEDIUM-HIGH heat.
• Sauté the onion until it softens, about 4 minutes.
• Add the carrot, celery, parsnip (if using) and sweet potato.
• Lower heat to MEDIUM and, stirring frequently, sauté until the vegetables become lightly browned.
• Add the bay leaf, thyme and 1 cup of stock.
• Lower heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are almost tender, about 10 minutes or less.
• Stir in the apple and cranberries, if using the frozen kind.
• If the mixture seems dry, add enough additional stock to cook the fruit.
• Gently simmer until the apple has softened and the cranberries are tender, about 5 minutes.
• If using canned cranberries, add them after the apple has softened, along with the turkey.
• Heat through for a few more minutes, until the turkey is hot.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve as is or over cooked brown rice or whole-grain pasta, if desired.

Credit: Recipe courtesy American Institute for Cancer Research. This recipe meets Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.

Nutritional Information per Serving

Capital Health Plan Ranked Among The Nation’s Top 5 Commercial and Medicare Health Plans By U.S. News & World Report

CHP among “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10,” top health plan in Florida

Capital Health Plan (CHP) has once again received national acknowledgement. CHP is ranked 5th in the nation for both Commercial and Medicare health plans. In the 2009-10 America’s Best Health Insurance Plans rankings published by U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), CHP is also the top-ranked plan in Florida. This is the highest combined ranking CHP has ever achieved.

“We are very pleased with this recognition which reflects a lot of outstanding work by our staff and this medical community. This also would not be possible without great support year after year from our members and area employers,” said John Hogan, CEO of Capital Health Plan. “This type of feedback is great news for Tallahassee and only furthers CHP’s dedication to delivering high quality, affordable health care and service to our community.”

CHP also received good news from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for its Medicare Advantage health plan. CHP is the only Medicare Advantage plan in Florida, and one of only three in the nation, to receive 5 stars for the summary rating of health plan quality from CMS.

Star ratings show how well each plan performs in a particular category. Star ratings range from 1 star meaning "poor" quality to 5 stars meaning "excellent" quality.

“These rankings are based on clinical performance, member satisfaction and accreditation information. CHP is always finding ways to improve the quality of the health care services we provide, and we are honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said CHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nancy Van Vessem. “It is a reflection of the commitment of our physicians and clinical staff to consistently deliver quality service.”

As part of its commitment to excellence, CHP continues to focus on three primary strategic initiatives:

• Improving the health of the population
• Enhancing the patient experience of care (including quality, access, and reliability)
• Controlling trends in the per capita cost of care

John Hogan reflects, “We have a lot to accomplish in all three areas as does our nation, but Tallahassee definitely stands out in these efforts.”

NCQA’s Quality Compass database also reported high ratings for Capital Health Plan. The scores of commercial health plans are voluntarily reported NCQA using data from HEDIS® and CAHPS® measures in categories related to access to care, overall satisfaction, prevention and treatment. These scores reflect the results of consumer surveys and success in preventing and treating illness compared to other plans.

Commercial Ratings:

• CHP members rated their satisfaction with their personal doctor (rating of 9 or 10) as the highest in the state.
• CHP members once again scored the Plan the highest in the state and the South Atlantic Region when asked “how satisfied are you with your health plan?”
• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Spirometry Testing for COPD.

Medicare Ratings:

• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Diabetic eye exams.
• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Colorectal cancer screenings.
• CHP scored the very highest in the nation for Spirometry Testing for COPD.

The 2009-10 “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans” rankings are published online at www.usnews.com/healthplans, and will be featured in the December 2009 issue of U.S. News, which will be on newsstands Tuesday, December 1.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the 2010 health plan star ratings for health plans at www.medicare.gov on the Health Plan Finder.

“America’s Best Health Insurance Plans” is a trademark of U.S. News & World Report. HEDIS® stands for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set and is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

The source for data contained in this publication is Quality Compass® 2009 and is used with the permission of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Quality Compass 2009 includes certain CAHPS data. Any data display, analysis, interpretation, or conclusion based on these data is solely that of the authors, and NCQA specifically disclaims responsibility for any such display, analysis, interpretation, or conclusion. Quality Compass is a registered trademark of NCQA. CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Lab Results Are Now Available On CHPConnect

The wait is over! Capital Health Plan is now offering a new online tool. Access to some of your lab results can be found on CHPConnecteasily and securely.

Using CHPConnect, you will be able to check laboratory results, such as the tests on the left, online. You will be able to compare your results to a range considered normal or accepted. Additional information about each test is also available. Look for the beaker icon ( ) to review lab results. Just click on the Procedures link on the left-hand tool bar.

New test results will be uploaded to CHPConnect on a monthly basis. Please note that we can only provide lab results of tests performed by our network provider – Labcorp. If you have had lab work done elsewhere, you will need to contact your ordering physician to access those results. To learn more, please read Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions about lab results available on CHPConnect.

If you have not already activated your CHPConnect account, please contact Member Services at 383-3311 for assistance.

I’m worried about Swine Flu. What do I need to know?

Nancy Van Vessem, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Novel H1N1 flu (previously called Swine flu) is in our community now and has been percolating across the country all summer long, passing from infected people to non-infected people. It can range from a mild to a severe illness. The concern is that the number of cases will increase dramatically when the children return to school and start sharing their secretions. Other concerns are that cooler weather is the preferred environment for all influenza viruses and mutations may occur which can make the virus more dangerous and resistant to treatment. New information is coming quickly so refer to the Florida Department of Health’s web site at http://www.myflusafety.com or the Center for Disease Control’s web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

The best defense will be to avoid the spread of flu from infected people to non-infected people through control of droplet spread. Infected people cough, sneeze and spread the virus to other people directly. Indirect spread occurs when infected secretions land or are placed by hands on surfaces which are then transferred to others when handled. Here’s an example: an infected person transfers the virus to a handrail and the uninfected person holds onto the handrail, gets the virus on their hand, touches their nose, mouth or eyes, and ends up with the flu. These modes of transmission are true for any flu and most other respiratory infections so taking precautions protects you from more than novel H1N1.

(Please see information regarding seasonal influenza vaccine in this Healthline. The recommendations for who should get this vaccine have been expanded. This is obtained from your Primary Care Physician’s office.)

People who are sneezing or coughing should cough into their arm or a tissue (then throw the tissue away). Everyone should wash their hands frequently. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective. The CDC recommends that anyone with flu-like symptoms stay at home as long as they are ill since they can be contagious as long as they are symptomatic. The latest recommendation is for the infected person to stay home from work and/or school as long as he/she has a fever >100 degrees. The body temperature should be less than 100 degrees for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before returning to school/work. Remember that anyone younger than age 18 should not be given any aspirin containing products because of a rare, but potentially awful, complication called Reye’s syndrome.

What about testing and treatment? The CDC does not recommend testing for the novel H1N1 unless the person is seriously ill or to establish the cause of an outbreak. If the person has the symptoms of flu, assume flu. Those symptoms are fever, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches, chills and fatigue. Treatment with antivirals is also not recommended for everyone, rather it is recommended for patients who are severely ill, those at high risk for complications from the flu, health care workers with significant exposure and pregnant women. Close contacts of people who are at high risk for complications should be offered prophylaxis. Overuse of antivirals will increase the likelihood of resistance meaning that people who really need treatment may end up with no treatment options as the season progresses and if the virus mutates.

What about a vaccine for novel H1N1? The government has contracted with multiple vaccine manufacturers for H1N1 vaccine and the hope is that it will be available in October. It will be distributed through the Departments of Health in each state and county to the highest risk groups. The targeted groups for the vaccine are: children/young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, people who work with children and in health care and people under age 65 with a condition, such as diabetes, that makes them more susceptible to catching the flu and having complications. Just how the vaccine will be distributed through the Health Department is being worked out in advance of its arrival.

Complications from the flu include other infections that take advantage of the person’s weakened immunity like pneumonia. People who are in the age ranges to have the pneumococcal vaccine should make sure they are up to date. The pneumococcal vaccine recommendations are also included in this Healthline.

There has been a tremendous effort by the U.S. public health agencies to reduce the health impact from novel H1N1 ever since it made its appearance earlier this year. We all should do our part to follow recommendations not only because it will help us protect ourselves and our families, but also because we can all participate in the efforts to reduce illness in our community.

Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, MD Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Nancy Van Vessem is board certified in internal medicine. She has developed innovative disease management and quality improvement programs promoting the use of best evidence medicine and propelling CHP to national recognition for quality of care.

Now Available on Podcast

Are you one of our Savvy Seniors? If so, I know you are interested in keeping up with the latest in health care, wellness and prevention. You may have attended one of our monthly Savvy Senior programs. If you have been unable to attend a Savvy Senior program in person, you can now view and hear the presentation through a Podcast on capitalhealth.com. Check out what you have missed at www.capitalhealth.com/Members/Live-Healthy/Savvy-Senior-Podcast.

The Savvy Senior programs are health related and geared toward older adults. Each program is thoughtfully prepared and presented by a CHP physician or other health care professional. The programs are held monthly in each county of our four-county service area – Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla. For upcoming programs, visit the Community Events Calendar on our Web site or call Member Services at 850-523-7441. We can give you the time, location and topic of our next program and add you to our mailing list. Or just go to capitalhealth.com, and view the Podcast in the comfort of your home.

RECENT PROGRAMS:

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Communicating Effectively with your Physician by Mary Goble, RN, BSN

Depression and Older Adults by Dr. Esaias Lee

Get Smart: How to Improve Your Brain Health as You Age by Dr. Nancy Van Vessem