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Image Source: Canva According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.9% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.1 June is National Men’s Health Month! The purpose of this month is to raise awareness of preventable health issues and encourage regular checkups and screenings to help maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. In honor of Men’s Health Month, here are a few important guidelines for staying on top of your health. Screenings & Checkups Blood Pressure Screening: Beginning at age 20, have your blood pressure checked every year. If you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, consider getting screened for diabetes. That screening may include a blood test and a urine test. Cholesterol Test: Most men should have their cholesterol checked every year starting at age 35. But you may need to have your cholesterol checked earlier if you use tobacco, are overweight or obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure, have a history of heart disease, or if a man in your family had a heart attack before the age of 50. Cancer Screenings: Men should have their first colonoscopy at age 50. If there is a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about having a colonoscopy at an earlier age. If you are 45 years or older, consider talking to your doctor about screenings for prostate cancer. Physical Exams: If you are 20-39, get a physical exam every three years. If you are 40-49, get a physical exam every two years. Beginning at age 50, get a physical exam every year. Men should get annual eye exams and visit the dentist twice a year. How to Observe National Men’s Health Month Diet: Cut back on alcohol and up your intake of healthy fermented foods.2 Set Goals: Set small attainable goals to get your health where you want it to be. Examples include eating more vegetables, losing weight or gaining muscle.2 Education: Read more about common health issues that are specific to men. For starters, check out the statistics listed below.2 Men’s Health by the Numbers Men are more likely to die from heart disease at earlier ages.3 Men have an increased risk of dying from diabetes.3 Only 30% of a man’s health is determined by his genetics. 70% is controllable through lifestyle.3 Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from depression than those who are active.3 Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health/index.html NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH MONTH – June 2021 | National Today Men’s Health Week – Male Health Infographics (menshealthweek.org.au) #health #Men039sHealthMonth #TriaHealth

Image Source: Pexels by Pixabay Vacation season is here! As travel restrictions are being lifted for fully vaccinated people, it is time for some fun in the sun! Packing for any vacation can be stressful, especially if you have a chronic condition. If you take multiple medications, here are a few tips and tricks for traveling with your prescriptions to ensure they are kept safe and organized. Tips & Tricks Plan ahead: Check your medication supply in advance. You will want to ensure you are bringing enough dosages to last your trip plus a few extra in case you are delayed. Give yourself enough time to refill your medications if you are running low. Your doctor should be able to work with your insurance company and pharmacy to get you the extra medications you need.1 Prepare a dosage schedule: time zone changes can impact when you take your medications. Before you travel, talk to your doctor about creating a dosage schedule.1 Documentation: To prove that your medications belong to you, it is recommended that you bring your prescriptions in their original containers.1 Medication Screening Process2 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. You can also bring any medically necessary liquids or creams, but they must be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts if it is screened. While TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, some states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication. It is recommended you place your medication in your carry-on in the event you need immediate access. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. Medication in liquid form will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. Tria Health is Here to Help Have any questions regarding your medications and traveling? If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist can answer any of your medication-related questions. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: Tips for Traveling With Prescription Drugs (tripsavvy.com) Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov) #medication #Traveling #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva World Blood Donor Day is an event to create public awareness about the need for safe blood products for transfusion.1 There is a need for voluntary, unpaid blood donors to keep the health industry with a stable supply of blood.2 Today is also used to thank donors for their service to save lives.2 “Give blood and keep the world beating” The slogan for this year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign is “Give blood and keep the world beating.” This slogan stresses the importance of blood donations to contribute to better health. This year, the World Health Organization is calling on young people to donate blood in their communities.1 Specific objectives for this year’s campaign are to: Promote giving blood during the COVID-19 pandemic.1 Thank blood donors and raise public awareness of the need for regular, unpaid blood donation.1 Encourage youth to donate blood and inspire others to do so as well.1 World Blood Donor Day is important because blood transfusions save lives, there is always a need for more blood donations and it is a global issue.2 Blood By the Numbers2 Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It takes around 10-15 minutes to donate blood. 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. 2% of people in America donate blood. The minimum necessary waiting period between whole blood donations is 56 days. Facts about Blood2 There are 8 blood types. People that have Type 0 blood are the universal donors. Blood is divided into four elements: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, all floating in plasma. Red blood cells can last up to 42 days. How to Donate Blood Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to receive more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. All blood types are accepted for donation—in fact, all blood types are needed, appreciated and could save multiple lives! Sources: World Blood Donor Day 2021 (who.int) WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY – June 14, 2021 | National Today #Blood #BloodDonors #TriaHealth #WorldBloodDonorDay

The World Health Organization places migraine as one of the 10 most disabling medical illnesses on Earth.2 June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising public knowledge, addressing stigma and building a stronger community of patient advocates.4 Migraine Overview A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.3 Some people experience a warning symptom known as an aura that occurs before or with the headache. An aura can cause visual disturbances, difficulty speaking or tingling on one side of the face.3 If untreated, a migraine attack can last from four to 72 hours. How often migraine attacks occur varies from person to person.3 After an attack, people report feeling elated and any sudden head movement may bring on pain again briefly. If you get migraines regularly, it is important to keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Having this information on hand will be beneficial if you make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches.3 Migraine Fast Facts2 Migraine impacts over 37 million men, women and children in the United States. It is estimated that up to 148 million people in the world suffer from chronic migraine. Migraine is 3x more common in women than men. Migraine affects over 30% of women over a lifetime. Fewer than 5% have been seen by a health care provider. Build a Support Network Migraine is a disabling disease that no one should have to go through alone. It’s essential to build a support network of understanding people who can not only check in on you during an attack but also empathize with your experience. While there are a multitude of online support groups, talk with your friends and family about your experience. They are an invaluable resource to help you get through migraine attacks.5 Common Symptoms Symptoms for headaches and migraines can differ but some of the most common are:1 Sensitivity to light and noise Eye pain Neck pain Vomiting Nausea Tria Health and Migraines Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure you are getting the intended outcomes from your medications. Over the years, Tria Health has continued to expand our services to include a multitude of chronic conditions, including migraines. Have any questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: Migraine Headache Symptoms, Medications, Treatment & Definition (medicinenet.com) The Facts About Migraine | American Migraine Foundation Migraine – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic Migraine & Headache Awareness Month – CHAMP (migraineheadacheawarenessmonth.org) Why You Need a Migraine Support Network | AMF (americanmigrainefoundation.org) #Headache #Migraine #NationalMigraineandHeadacheAwarenessMonth #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva Each May there is a national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Mental health is crucial to a person’s overall health. This month is dedicated to understanding the prevention and treatment of mental health problems. It is critical for organizations to provide support for mental health, not only for the overall well-being of their employees but also to help manage their overall health care cost. What is Mental Health? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines mental health as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.2 Depending on many factors, your mental health can change over time. Mental illness can increase the risk of chronic health conditions.2 Mental Health Facts & Figures3 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. Tips to Boost Your Mental Health Set up a getaway: Having something to look forward to can boost your overall happiness for up to 8 weeks!4 Utilize your strengths: Doing something that you are good at can help build self-confidence.4 Do something with friends and family: People are 12 times more likely to feel happy on days they spend 6-7 hours with friends and family.4 Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet: Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to decreased rates of depression among many other benefits.4 Mental Health Services Genetics, lifestyle, and environment are all factors that contribute to your mental health. The pandemic has had an impact on many people’s mental health in a negative way. If you or a loved one are struggling, check out these mental health screening tools:5 Take a Mental Health Test | MHA Screening (mhanational.org) offers a quick easy screening to see if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. The CDC offers this quiz: Quiz – Mental Health – CDC to help you understand the facts and myths surrounding mental health. Take an anonymous mental health screening here: https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/NEW Tria Health and Mental Health Many patients decide to take medications to effectively manage their mental health. There are a variety of mental health medications currently on the market, ranging from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to atypical antidepressants. Because there is not a test to measure to brain chemicals, it can be a trial-and-error process to identify the best treatment for a patient. If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one, private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. If you are interested in exploring medication treatments for mental health, Tria’s pharmacist will be able to provide you with recommendations. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Learn About Mental Health – Mental Health – CDC Mental Health Month 2021 – National Council for Mental Wellbeing « National Council (thenationalcouncil.org) 31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health | Mental Health America (mhanational.org) Mental Health Awareness Month 2021: What to Know – GoodRx #MentalHealth #TriaHealth

This month, we would like to shine the spotlight on another one of our amazing clinical pharmacists. Meet Erin McGruder! Specialty: Since 2019, Erin has been a Certified Diabetes Education Specialist (CDCES). In addition to talking with her patients, she collaborates directly with our in-house IT department. She works frequently with them to ensure our software program provides our clinical team the ability to stay up to date with the ever-changing guidelines and recommendations. Erin’s help allows our pharmacists to focus on providing the best possible experience for our patients. Favorite part about working at Tria Health: Erin’s favorite part about working at Tria Health is the impact she is able to have on her patient’s lives. She feels lucky to have been with some patients since she started at Tria Health over nine years ago. When she reflects on our inclusion as part of someone’s health care team, it is nothing short of humbling to her! Erin loves being a part of an incredible team and company. She is energized daily by Tria Health’s mission to put patients first. Career Goals: Erin plans on continuing to maintain her CDCES, which includes completing a required number of hours of continuing education. This will allow her to keep providing top-notch patient care and ensure that she is up to date with all the guidelines. Diabetes management is changing so rapidly, from the introduction of novel medications that carry additional benefits for high-risk patients to the expansion of technology to improve blood sugar control at the patient level. Additionally, she hopes to keep developing her role as a liaison between our software development team and the clinical team. Outside of work Erin is busy wrangling her three children (7-year-old boy, 3-year-old girl, and 8-month-old boy)! They are so much fun and keep life busy! Heading into the summer season they are excited to make memories at the lake!

Image Source: Canva The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released a new mask guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated from COVID-19. How to know if you are fully vaccinated? People are considered fully vaccinated if: It has been two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as in the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.1 It has been two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.1 It is important to note that if you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated.1 What you can begin to do after being fully vaccinated Go outside without a mask on except in certain crowded settings and venues.1 Have a small outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated friends or family.2 Going outside for some exercise with members of your own household while social distancing with others.2 You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart.1 If you travel in the United States, you do not have to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.1 Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic.3 What you should keep doing Wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings.1 Follow guidance issued by individual employers.1 Avoid large indoor gatherings.1 The infographic below, from the CDC, shows which activities the organization considers safe to do unmasked outside:2 Image Source: © Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The infographic below demonstrates the relative risks of doing activities indoors during the pandemic.2 Image Source: © Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For more information on choosing safer activities, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/participate-in-activities.html UPDATE as of May 13th, 2021: The CDC now states that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.3 Additionally, the CDC states that fully vaccinated people can refrain from testing following a known exposure unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter.3 Learn more about the updated guidelines here: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People | CDC How can Tria Health Help? Tria Health was founded on the belief that pharmacists play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients. With Tria, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins, supplements and lifestyle habits. Your pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. For more information of how the COVID-19 vaccine works, check out our blog post on the safety of vaccinations: https://triahealthblog.com/2021/01/04/safety-of-vaccinations/. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html The CDC’s new mask guidance explained in 2 handy charts – one for outdoors, one for indoors (msn.com) Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People | CDC #CDC #COVID19 #Mask #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Asthma Report, more than 339 million people suffer from asthma.1 World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. What is Asthma? The World Health Organization defines asthma as a disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. The severity and frequency of these attacks vary from person to person. This chronic respiratory disease inflames and narrows the airways so they become easily irritated.3 The most common symptoms of asthma are breathlessness, coughing, chest pains and wheezing. “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions” The theme of this year’s World Asthma Day is “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions.” The purpose is to address common myths and misconceptions concerning asthma.2 Common misconceptions surrounding asthma include:1 Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age. Asthma is infectious. Asthma sufferers should not exercise. Asthma is only controllable with high dose steroids. The Truth:1 Asthma can occur at any age (in children, adolescents, adults and the elderly). Asthma is not infectious. However, viral respiratory infections (such as the common cold and the flu) can cause asthma attacks. In children, asthma is frequently associated with allergy, but asthma which starts in adulthood is less often allergy-related. When asthma is well-controlled, asthma subjects can exercise and even perform in top sports. Asthma is most often controllable with low-dose inhaled steroids. How can you get involved in World Asthma Day? Organize a sponsored walk, run, or other activity to raise awareness for World Asthma Day.4 Organize debates about local issues affecting asthma control—e.g., pollution, smoking, access to asthma care & medication.5 Carry out a survey in your area to see how many people are affected by asthma.4 For more ideas visit: WAD Activities 2021 (ginasthma.org) Tria Health and Asthma Many patients decide to take medications to effectively manage their asthma. If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one, private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. If you are interested in exploring medication treatments for asthma, Tria’s pharmacist will be able to provide you with recommendations. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: World Asthma Day: 5 May 2021 (firsnet.org) World Asthma Day 2021 – Global Initiative for Asthma – GINA (ginasthma.org) WHO | Asthma: Definition World Asthma Day 2021 – Event Info and Resources (twinkl.com) WAD Activities 2021 (ginasthma.org) #Asthma #TriaHealth #WorldAsthmaDay

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a public health and safety issue. Too often unused and expired prescription medications get into the wrong hands. Disposing of medications safely can help protect your family from getting or using medications that are expired or out of date; prevent the illegal use of unused medications and minimize any potential negative impact on the environment. At the last Drug Take Back Day in October, the DEA collected a record-high amount of expired, unused medications, close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs were turned in.4 Over the 10-year span of Drug Take Back Day, the DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs.4 Why can’t I throw out my medications at home? Prescription medications left to expire in people’s homes are susceptible to misuse or abuse. Prescription drug abuse rates, overdose and accidental poisoning statistics are frighteningly high in the United States. During the pandemic, opioid overdose deaths have increased.4 Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, or from home medicine cabinets. Unfortunately, there are a lot of harmful myths floating around regarding medication disposal. Many people will try to flush their medications down the toilet or crush their medicines before throwing them in the trash. Flushing can end up polluting our waters and crushing medicines can put trash handlers at risk of exposure if the drug were to encounter their skin or if they were to breathe in the dust. Medicine take back programs are the best way to dispose of unwanted medicine. What You Should Know The DEA can ONLY accept pills or patches. The DEA CANNOT accept liquids, needles, or sharps. The DEA now advises against “usual methods” for disposing of unused medications. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (usdoj.gov). Where do I go? Visit the DEA’s website to find a collection site: https://takebackday.dea.gov/. Here you can input your zip code and find out where the closest drop off site is located. How can Tria Health Help? As a member of Tria Health, if you have multiple medications and are afraid, you will throw away the wrong medication, we can provide additional assistance in selecting the proper medications. Tria provides one-on-one consultations with a clinical pharmacist who assists you with your medication management. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: Take Back Day (dea.gov) dea national drug take back toolkit_final.pdf (memberclicks.net) 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables (samhsa.gov) DEA Announces 20th Take Back Day #DEA #DrugTakeBackDay #MedicationDisposal #TriaHealth

Meet Annie Barry! Annie is one of our talented clinical pharmacists and this month we would like to spotlight her. Specialty: Annie’s specialty as a clinical pharmacist is in chronic condition management. She is planning on specializing as a diabetes educator this year. Favorite parts about working at Tria Health: There are many things Annie enjoys about working at Tria Health. She loves being able to hear about a patient’s background and how they got to where they are now. History with medications and conditions make a major impact with medication therapy management and determining what is best for patients. Her favorite part of working at Tria Health is the comradery and teamwork between not just the clinical team, but all teams within the company! To her, Tria Health feels like a family. Career Goals: Annie’s long-term career goal is to become a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care pharmacist. This year, her goal is to become a certified diabetes educator. Outside of work, Annie enjoys traveling, food and working out. She likes trying new activities and loves spring and summer for outdoor activities. We are so thankful to have Annie on our team! #PharmacistSpotlight #TriaHealth

Managing chronic health conditions can be difficult when patients have low health literacy. Navigating and understanding a complex health care system is challenging. With the right training, health care professionals can communicate with patients more appropriately depending on their health literacy level.2 What is Health Literacy? The CDC has defined Health literacy as: Personal health literacy: the degree to which individuals can find, understand and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.1 Organizational health literacy: the degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.1 Health literacy is simply your ability to understand information about your body and health.5 Based on these definitions, people and organizations can use their health literacy skills to improve the health of their communities.1 Low Health Literacy Factors Low health literacy leads to communication barriers between patients and their healthcare providers. It also results in a variety of negative health outcomes for patients.4 A few factors that lead to low health literacy are: Education4 Age: on average, adults aged 65 and older have lower health literacy than adults under 65.4 Poverty4 Access to resources such as technology5 Language5 Culture5 Having a health condition that requires complex self-care.5 Why Health Literacy is Important Understanding health information and services affects your health outcomes. Your level of health literacy determines your ability to navigate through the healthcare system, utilize preventative services and share your personal information with healthcare providers.5 Furthermore, having good health literacy skills enables you to: Understand the choices you have about treatments, doctors and other items related to your condition.5 Stick to your treatment plan.5 Answer questions about your health conditions.5 Decide which services and options are best for you.5 Steps to Improve Your Health Literacy If you would like to improve your health literacy: Ask questions: Do not be afraid to ask your healthcare professional questions. Explain that you are having a hard time understanding, they will be happy to help.5 Ask for handouts: Handouts or other materials are helpful at explaining complicated information.5 Do not believe everything that you read on the internet: Not all medical information websites are reviewed by experts. A good way to check if a website is reputable is to make sure the information is reviewed, confirmed and supported by different organizations.5 Repeat what your doctor tells you in your own words: This will give you an opportunity to clarify anything that you misunderstood or discover anything you misheard.5 Tria Health & Health Literacy: Tria Health is a no cost benefit available through select members’ health plans. Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure the intended outcomes from your medications are being received. Tria Health is here to help patients navigate their way through the multifaceted process of attaining care and properly utilizing their benefits. Our pharmacists take the time to make sure patients understand their conditions and how to effectively manage them. Patient Success Story: Tria Triumph Data does not lie; the real challenge lies when patients do not understand their data. Health literacy is key in this Tria Triumph. A patient with diabetes had a consultation with one of our pharmacists. Her blood sugars were all over the place and she was feeling down. Our pharmacist uncovered that this patient was not taking her medications correctly and was also using an expired insulin pen. She did not completely understand her diagnosis, or the purpose of her medications. Our pharmacist took the time to educate her on what diabetes is and how it affects her body. Additionally, our pharmacist recommended she talk with her doctor about an easier medication regimen. Now this patient feels fantastic! Her doctor accepted the medication changes, and she is taking her medications as our pharmacist advised. Her blood sugar readings are excellent, and she feels better. Because of the Tria Health program, this patient understands her diagnosis, knows how to effectively manage it and has the confidence to discuss outcomes with her providers. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: What Is Health Literacy? | Health Literacy | CDC Health Literacy | Official web site of the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (hrsa.gov) Health Literacy | National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Literacy | Healthy People 2020 Health Literacy: Why it’s Important and How to Improve it (breastcancer.org) #ChronicConditionManagement #HealthLiteracy #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva Every April, the American Heart Association celebrates Move More Month to try and get people to improve their heart health through exercise.2 While the pandemic has disrupted many people’s exercise routines, there are still ways to stay active. Even small amounts of exercise can lead to significant health benefits. Exercising Tips The recommended amount of exercise a week is at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. 7 Here are some ways you can boost your activity level even with a busy schedule: Walk and talk: If you are occupied with work calls, make it a habit to walk while you talk.7 Park further away: By parking farther away, you can get in those extra steps while avoiding parking stress.7 Take the stairs: This is a simple way you can get your heart rate up. Even if it is just a floor or two, every step counts!7 Try this 10-Minute Workout: You can do each exercise for about 30 seconds with 30 seconds of cardio between exercises.7 Overtime, any amount of exercise starts adding up. Did you know that: 10 minutes of stretching is like walking the length of a football field.6 2.5 hours of walking every week for a year is like walking the state of Wyoming.6 Dancing for an hour each week is like walking from Chicago to Indianapolis.6 20 minutes of vacuuming is like walking a mile.6 Benefits of Exercising A government study estimates that nearly 80 percent of adult Americans do not get the recommended amounts of exercise each week, potentially setting themselves up for years of health problems.3 There are countless reasons why exercising on a regular basis improves your health. Some benefits of exercising include: Promotes better sleep Combats against health conditions and diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, arthritis and heart disease.5 Improves mood Increases your energy Improves blood flow (circulation) Boosts your levels of good cholesterol Check with Your Doctor & Get Started Today! Checking with your doctor before exercising is never a bad idea, depending on your condition(s) there could be some important precautions you need to take. They will also be able to provide recommendations with pain reduction and necessary dietary adjustments. If you feel nervous starting alone, you might want to consider a group exercise program. You might also find condition-specific programs at your local hospital or clinic. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://newsroom.heart.org/events/april-move-more-month Move More Month: Tips to stay active under quarantine | OSF HealthCare National Health Statistics Reports, Number 112, June 28, 2018 (cdc.gov) Move More Month: The Benefits of Moving and How to Get Going (sunshinebehavioralhealth.com) Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity – Mayo Clinic https://newsroom.heart.org/events/april-move-more-month No Time for Exercise? Here Are 7 Easy Ways to Move More! | American Heart Association #Exercise #MoveMoreMonth #TriaHealth