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Image Source: Canva Every year on the 7th of April, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes physical, mental and emotional well-being all over the world.1 2021 World Health Day Theme The World Health Organization highlights a theme every year for this day that is current in the wellness and medical world. The theme is highlighted in schools, seminars, workshops and discussion forums.1 This year, the new theme is ‘building a fairer, healthier world.’2 The WHO chose this slogan because some people have access to better health services than others. They would like to ensure that everyone has living and working conditions that are favorable to good health.2 How to Participate If you would like to get involved in World Health Day, there are a few ways that you can participate: Organize a conversation in your community: The World Health Organization offers free informational toolkits for organizers.1 Discover more here: World Health Day 2021 (who.int) Learn about past year’s themes: By reviewing past themes, you may find and learn something relevant.1 Some past themes include:3 2020: Support Nurses and Midwives 2019: Universal Health Coverage: everyone, everywhere 2017: Depression: Let’s talk 2016: Halt the rise: beat diabetes 2015: Food Safety Volunteer at your local charities and organizations.1 Give thanks to medical workers.4 Share important health topics on social media.4 Call to Action According to the World Health Organization’s website, they are calling on leaders to monitor health inequities and ensure that all people have access to quality health services. They want leaders to: Work together: The WHO believes that when governments and communities work together, we can address the root causes of health inequities.2 Collect reliable data: Through collecting timely health data that is broken down by gender, age, income, education and other characteristics, it is possible to see health inequities.2 Tackle inequities2 Act beyond borders: To strengthen national and international mechanisms as well as build community trust.2 Global Health by the Numbers You can act against these statistics by spreading awareness about global health issues:4 Roughly 5 million people die every year due to low-quality health care.4 A child dies from malaria every two minutes.4 100 million people around the world survive on $1.90 or less per day.4 10.2 million people in America suffer from mental health and addiction disorders.1 Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: World Health Day (nationaltoday.com) World Health Day 2021 (who.int) World Health Day 2021: Date, Theme, History And Significance | POPxo World Health Day 2021 | Public Holiday Guide #GlobalHealth #TriaHealth #WorldHealthDay

Image Source: Canva American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. This day is dedicated to spreading awareness of type 2 diabetes and encouraging people to take the ADA risk test.1 Understand Your Risk An important part of today is learning about the risk factors of diabetes. Being aware of your risk factors can help you take the right steps to improve your health. Take the American Diabetes Risk Test here: Risk Test | ADA (diabetes.org) This test asks questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for type 2 diabetes.2 Common risks include: Being over the age of 451 Having a family history of diabetes1 Not being physically active1 High blood pressure4 Abnormal cholesterol levels4 Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by implementing these lifestyle choices: Eating healthier: choose foods higher in fiber and lower in fat (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).5 Physical activity: aerobic activity such as swimming, running, or a fast walk for about 150 or more minutes a week.5 Weight loss: If you have prediabetes, losing 7-10% of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes.5 Stop Smoking Type 2 Diabetes Statistics Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. According to the CDC. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults.6 Other key facts about diabetes include: Diabetes affects about 34.2 million Americans.1 Nearly 1 in 5 adults living with diabetes, or 7.3 million Americans do not know that they have the disease.1 About 88 million people that are 18 years or older have prediabetes. Prediabetes happens when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.1 About 50% of women that have gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that women develop when pregnant, end up developing type 2 diabetes.1 Tria Health & Diabetes Management If you currently are diagnosed or have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Tria Health can assist you in managing your medications and finding a treatment plan that works for you. For select members, Tria Health also provides free diabetes testing supplies including a blood glucose meter, testing strips, and a mobile app designed to help you manage your diabetes better. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: Diabetes Alert Day | NIDDK (nih.gov) Stop Diabetes: American Diabetes Association Alert Day | A Complete Guide (lifeweknow.com) Understand Your Risk for Diabetes | American Heart Association Type 2 diabetes – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic Type 2 Diabetes Statistics and Facts (healthline.com) #Statistics #Diabetesmanagement #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay #Prevention #Diabetes #TriaHealth #Highcholesterol #ADARiskTest #HighBloodPressure

We have an excellent clinical team at Tria Health. This month, we would like to spotlight Austin Morgan! Specialty: Austin’s specialty as a clinical pharmacist is in chronic condition management. More specifically, he specializes in diabetes management. He loves working with people that have diabetes to help them understand their condition. He learns about his patients’ goals and helps to define them. Austin supports his patients by giving them the steps they need to manage their diabetes. These steps include self-management with lifestyle and monitoring to helping optimize medications and maximize outcomes. He watched his grandfather struggle with complications from type 2 diabetes and managing his medications growing up, so patient care holds a personal place in his heart. Favorite parts about working at Tria Health: Austin has many things he enjoys about working at Tria Health! To highlight a few, he likes to get to know his patients and work with them. Additionally, he enjoys the incredible team of clinicians and support staff. He appreciates being in an environment that encourages collaboration and learning to stay on the cutting edge of chronic condition management. Career Goals: He has been fortunate to check off a couple of bigger career goals by accomplishing his Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist as well as Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist credentials over the last couple of years. His next career goal is simply to continue growing as a compassionate, patient-centered clinical pharmacist to provide great care for his patients. Furthermore, he oversees our 4th year pharmacy students on their rotation at Tria Health, so he is focusing on further developing his precepting and teaching skills. Outside of work, Austin enjoys outdoor activities such as running, hiking, skiing and playing slow-pitch softball with his church’s team. Also, he loves spending time with his wife, travelling and experiencing new places, and playing with their 2 black labs. #Specialty #ClinicalTeam #Diabetesmanagement #CareerGoals #PharmacistSpotlight #ChronicCareManagement #TriaHealth

Image Source via Pexels by Pixabay An estimated 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese, a condition that raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.1 To learn more about the health effects of obesity read below. How is Obesity Defined? Obesity is defined as weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height.5 Obesity is now considered a chronic condition and puts people at risk for other chronic conditions.2 According to the CDC, medical costs for people with obesity are $1,429 higher than those that are not obese.3 The Health Effects of Obesity4 Obesity has an affect on so many parts of the body. People who have obesity are at an increased risk for serious diseases and health conditions such as: Nervous system: Being overweight greatly increases the risk of stroke and can also affect your mental health. Respiratory system: Breathing can become increasingly more difficult when fat is stored around the neck, making the airway too small. As a result, sleep apnea occurs. This is a sleep disorder where breathing may stop for short periods of time. Digestive system: Obesity increases the risk of developing gallstones, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, fat can build up around the liver and cause damage, scar tissue and even liver failure. Cardiovascular and endocrine system: The heart must pump harder for people that have obesity. This can lead to high blood pressure, the leading cause of stroke. Furthermore, obesity can make the body’s cells resistant to insulin. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Skeletal and muscular systems: Obesity can cause deteriorating bone density and muscle mass. It can also put pressure on joints making them still and painful. Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a screening tool for obesity. BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A higher BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness.5 To calculate your BMI, visit: Adult BMI Calculator | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC Obesity is subdivided into categories:5 Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35 Class 2: BMI of 35 to <40 Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. This class is sometimes categorized as “severe” obesity. How to Combat Obesity There are prescription medications for obesity. Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medications and are taking them as prescribed.6 Eating a healthy diet can help support immune function. A healthy diet prevents and aids in managing other chronic conditions like diabetes.7 Physical activity also supports immune function and helps with weight loss.7 Getting enough sleep is crucial as insufficient sleep has been linked to other chronic conditions and obesity.7 Coping with stress over time can lower BMI.7 Tria Health Can Help For select groups, Tria Health offers a weight management service called Choose to Lose. If this structured weight loss program is included through your benefits plan, you can receive help from a combination of registered dietitians, health coaches and pharmacists, along the best-in-class nutrition tracker app ‘LoseIt!’ and a Bluetooth scale. This program is great at helping tackle the risks associated with obesity. 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. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: ob_gdlns.pdf (nih.gov) Obesity Is Now Considered a Disease – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic Adult Obesity Facts | Overweight & Obesity | CDC The Effects of Obesity on Your Body (healthline.com) Defining Adult Overweight and Obesity | Overweight & Obesity | CDC Certain Medical Conditions and Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness | CDC Obesity, Race/Ethnicity, and COVID-19 | Overweight & Obesity | CDC #BodyMassIndex #HealthEffects #Obesity #TriaHealth

Image Source: Ella Olsson/Unsplash National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Key Goals for the Month2 Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day. Plan your meals each week. Learn skills to create tasty meals. Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to develop a healthy eating plan. How to Participate If you want to start eating healthier, there are many ways to get involved in National Nutrition Month. Find inspiration: If you are bored with your recipes, try out a new cookbook. Pinterest is also a great place to look to discover new healthy recipes.1 Add color: Put natural color on your plate such as bright greens from vegetables or reds from tangy fruit.1 Pack your lunch: According to Harvard Health Publishing, by packing your own lunch you can better control portion sizes.1 Meet with a Registered Dietician Nutritionist: They can provide you with a personalized meal plan that fits your lifestyle. 1 Physical activity: Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week. Keep it simple: Eating right does not have to be complicated.3 Select healthier options when eating away from home.3 Healthy Recipes When we eat nourishing foods, we feel better. To celebrate National Nutrition Month, check out these 10 delicious healthy recipes: 10 Healthy Recipes To Celebrate National Nutrition Month | HuffPost Canada (huffingtonpost.ca) Chronic Conditions and Nutrition If you have a chronic condition, a carefully planned diet can make a difference. With certain diseases, what you eat may reduce symptoms. In other cases, diet can improve health. Although your diet might differ depending on your condition and lifestyle, there are three keys to a healthy eating plan that will work for diabetes, heart health, cancer prevention and weight management: Eat meals and snacks regularly (at planned times). Eat about the same amount of food at each meal or snack. Choose healthful foods to support a healthy weight and heart. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH – March 2021 | National Today National Nutrition Month (eatright.org) National Nutrition Month Toolkit (eatright.org) #Nutrition #NationalNutritionMonth #TriaHealth #healthyrecipes #HealthyEating

Image Source: Canva Colorectal cancer or colon cancer for short, is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. With the pandemic, colorectal cancer screenings have dropped. The goal of this month is to gain awareness of the disease and encourage people to get early screenings. When discovered early, colon cancer is very treatable. Colorectal Cancer The colon is connected to the large intestine. Most colorectal cancer develop first as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous if not removed.3 Screening tests are used to find and remove polyps. The scientific medical community is always doing research to discover new findings.6 Screening Tests8 The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Screening tests are used to find polyps or colon cancer. A few of the tests are: Stool Tests: This test is used to detect blood in your stool. Stool samples are checked in a lab to determine the existence of blood. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: For this test, a doctor inserts a thin tube in your rectum to check for polyps or cancer in the rectum or the lower third of the colon. Colonoscopy: This is like the flexible sigmoidoscopy test, but your entire colon is checked for polyps. CT Colonography: Also known as a virtual colonoscopy, this test uses X-rays and computers to get images of your entire colon for examination. Symptoms4 Many times, colorectal cancer does not cause symptoms, which is why screenings are so important.7 Symptoms of colorectal cancer include: A change in bowel habits Persistent abdominal discomfort Feeling weak or tired Unexplained weight loss Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors:2 As you get older, your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases Having a family history of colorectal cancer Lack of physical activity A diet that lacks fruits or vegetables Obesity Alcohol consumption Tobacco use Facts & Statistics Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S3 It is the second leading cause of death in men and women combines in the U.S3 It is mostly found in people 50 years or older.3 The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women.5 What should you do? Talk to your doctor at your annual check up to see if a simple stool test at home is right for you. Beginning at the age of 50, those with no symptoms should consider getting a colonoscopy every 10 years. You can do your part to prevent colorectal cancer. Visit www.cancer.org for more information. Sources: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | Colorectal Cancer Alliance (ccalliance.org) What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? | CDC What is Colorectal Cancer? | Colorectal Cancer Alliance (ccalliance.org) ​What are the symptoms of Colon and Rectal Cancer? | Colorectal Cancer Alliance (ccalliance.org) Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer? NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – March 2021 | National Today Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need To Know (jacksonhealth.org) Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests | CDC #Statistics #Symptoms #ColorectalCancer #RiskFactors #ScreeningTests

Image Source: Canva Telehealth is becoming increasingly more popular. With the pandemic, telehealth has allowed people to get the health care they need while also allowing for safe social distancing. Are you taking advantage of what telehealth has to offer? What is Telehealth? Telehealth is the use of electronic communication technologies to access health care services remotely to manage your health. The goals of telehealth are to make health care more accessible, provide access to medical specialists and improve care coordination between members of health care teams and patients.2 With telehealth you can: Talk to your doctor live over the phone or video chat.1 Use remote patient monitoring.1 Send or receive secure messages to communicate with your doctor.1 Use an online portal to schedule appointments, request refills or email your doctor.2 Benefits of Telehealth Reduced exposure to pathogens: Telehealth keeps patients at home and away from COVID-19, the flu and other viruses.4 Convenience: You will not need to commute, take time off from work or get childcare for a health care appointment.3 Lower cost: Telehealth appointments typically cost less than in-person visits do.4 Medical access: People in rural and undeserved urban areas have a difficult time accessing medical care. This provides a way for people to see and meet their healthcare professional quickly.4 Easy access to specialists: Using telehealth tools can expand the range of access to specialists who live further away.1 Common Questions About Telehealth5 Does telehealth protect my privacy? Absolutely. Healthcare providers are HIPAA compliant. When you communicate using electronic communication technologies, your medical information is held to the same standards as a regular in-person visit. Is telehealth hard to use? If you are not tech savvy, do not worry! Your healthcare provider will be able to walk you through the process. If you would rather talk on the phone than use video conferencing, your healthcare provider should be able to accommodate you in most cases. Can I get a prescription during a telehealth visit? If your health issue does not require further testing, your healthcare provider can provide you with an electronic prescription. Are telehealth visits as effective as in-person ones? Yes, if your health concern does not require bloodwork, x-ray or lab tests, your healthcare provider can still physically examine you with video technology in most cases. Tria Health At Tria Health, our pharmacists provide telehealth services when outreaching to high-risk patients, improving patient health and helping them find ways to reduce costs. Tria Health is a no cost benefit available through select members’ health plans. Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private telephonic 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. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: What is telehealth? | Telehealth.HHS.gov Telehealth: Technology meets health care – Mayo Clinic Telemedicine benefits, disadvantages, and uses (medicalnewstoday.com) Telemedicine Benefits: 17 Advantages for Patients and Doctors (healthline.com) Telehealth: What Is It, How Does It Work, and How Much Does It Cost? – GoodRx #telehealth #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva Each February, the American Heart Association sponsors American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease.1 The purpose of this month is to raise awareness on the importance of heart health and what you can do to prevent heart disease in yourself and your loved ones. Heart Disease Heart disease is caused when plaque develops in the arteries that lead to the heart. Plaque accumulates overtime when the lining of an artery is damaged by high blood pressure, smoking or high cholesterol.3 When plaque clogs your arteries, oxygen and nutrients are unable to reach your heart. Risk Factors3 Common risk factors are: Smoking tobacco High blood pressure High cholesterol Having a high-sodium and high-carbohydrate diet Obesity Facts About Heart Health One in five heart attacks happen without the person even knowing that they had one.1 Women under the age of 50 are twice as likely to die of a heart attack than men under 50.1 Heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday mornings than other days of the week. 1 Diet soda raises heart attack risks. Drinking one or more diet sodas a day makes your chances of having a heart attack 43% higher than those that drink regular soda or none.1 Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Nearly 1 in 2 U.S. adults has hypertension, but only 1 in 4 have it under control. 2 Heart Healthy Lifestyle Choices The American Heart Association recommends that to live a healthy lifestyle, you must:4 Eat Smart: Make healthy, delicious choices wherever and whenever you eat. Add Color: Make life more colorful with fruits and vegetables. Move More: Infuse more movement into your life for optimal health. Be Well: Create balance, vitality and wellbeing through self-care. Heart disease can be prevented in a lot of cases. If you live a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can decrease your risk for heart disease. Tria Health Can Help This month and always, Tria Health can help you understand your risks of heart disease and what you can do to take better care of your heart. Tria Health offers Chronic Condition Management through our Pharmacy Advocate Program. Heart Disease is one of the many chronic conditions that Tria Health targets. Clinical Pharmacists provide one-on-one telephonic counseling for members and act as their personal advocate to help them navigate through the health care system. Through reviewing a member’s medications and lifestyle habits, Tria Pharmacists can make recommendations that will help control their chronic conditions and help them feel better! Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: AMERICAN HEART MONTH – February 2021 | National Today American Heart Month Toolkits 2021 | cdc.gov Heart Disease Causes and Risk Factors (healthline.com) Healthy for Good | American Heart Association #AmericanHeartMonth #TriaHealth #Highcholesterol #HeartDisease #HighBloodPressure

Did you know that 87% of all heart issues are believed to be preventable?2 Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement that advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. This day is crucial as it raises awareness, educates and brings about resources on women’s heart disease and stroke risks. Women & Heart Disease Facts7 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease or stroke. 80% of heart disease and stroke events can be prevented by education and lifestyle change. Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack. Only 54% of women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease & Stroke Cardiovascular disease is the number one health related killer in women as it causes 1 in 3 deaths in women every year.2 Cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise: A healthy diet and physical activity can reduce your chances of heart disease by as much as 80 percent.2 Know your risk: Factors like smoking, kidney disease and family history can increase your risk. If you are 40-75 years old, use Check. Change. Control. Calculator. (ccctracker.com) to evaluate your risk. It only takes five minutes.3 Stop smoking: It puts you at a higher risk. For help on quitting visit: 5 Steps to Quit Smoking and Vaping | American Heart Association Control alcohol use Know your cholesterol levels6 Reduce your blood sugar6 Manage blood pressure: If it is higher that 140 over 90, seek treatment. Recognize Stoke Symptoms The American Stoke Association has developed an acronym called F.A.S.T. to help patients recognize symptoms:4 F = Face drooping, is it drooping or numb? A = Arm weakness, when lifting your arms does one drape down? S = Speech, is it slurred? T = Time to call 9-1-1, if any of these symptoms occur. Knowing this acronym just might help you save a life. Additionally, there are stroke symptoms that are specific to women. These symptoms include:5 Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms These heart attack symptoms are also specific to women: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Tria Health Helps Control Heart Disease Tria Health offers Chronic Condition Management through our Pharmacy Advocate Program. Heart Disease and stroke are two of the many chronic conditions that Tria Health targets. Clinical Pharmacists provide one-on-one telephonic counseling for members and act as their personal advocate to help them navigate through the health care system. Through reviewing a member’s medications and lifestyle habits, Tria Pharmacists can make recommendations that will help control their chronic conditions and help them feel better! Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: National Wear Red Day® | NHLBI, NIH NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY – February 5, 2021 | National Today 8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke Infographic | American Heart Association American Stroke Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Warning Signs and Symptoms | Go Red for Women Risk Factors in Women | Go Red for Women Heart Disease Facts | cdc.gov #Stroke #HeartAttack #TriaHealth #HeartDisease #NationalWearRedDay

Image Source: Canva Nearly 40% of people who make a New Year’s resolution say they plan to lose weight.1 However, the pandemic is making it more difficult for Americans to keep weight off. Obesity rates are on the rise in the United States. This is concerning as people with obesity have died of COVID-19 at excessive rates.1 Obesity A body mass index (BMI) between 30 kg/m2 and <40 kg/m2 or severe obesity (BMI of 40 kg/m2 or above), increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.6 Obesity is now considered a chronic condition and puts people at risk for other chronic conditions.5 According to the CDC, medical costs for obese people are $1,429 higher than those that are not obese.3 Vaccinations and Obesity Vaccines that protect against seasonal flu, hepatitis B and rabis are less effective in obese populations compared to leaner ones.1 Researchers have found that having obesity increases one’s likelihood of hospitalization for COVID-19 by 113%.2 Facts About Obesity and COVID-19: Having obesity may triple the risk of hospitalizations due to a COVID-19 infection.7 Obesity is linked to impaired immune function.7 The risk of death from COVID-19 increases as BMI increases.7 Obesity decreases lung capacity which can make ventilation more difficult.7 Actions to Take to Combat Obesity There are prescription medications for obesity. Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medications and are taking them as prescribed.4 Eating a healthy diet can help support immune function. A healthy diet prevents and aids in managing other chronic conditions like diabetes, which also increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.7 Physical activity also supports immune function and helps with weight loss. Being active can help decrease a person’s chance of having severe illness from COVID-19.7 Getting enough sleep is crucial as insufficient sleep has been linked to other chronic conditions and obesity.7 Coping with stress over time can lower BMI.7 Tria Health Can Help Tria Health offers a weight management service called Choose To Lose. If this structured weight loss program is included through your benefits plan, you can receive help from a combination of registered dietitians, health coaches and pharmacists, along the best-in-class nutrition tracker app ‘LoseIt!’ and a Bluetooth scale. This program is great at helping tackle the risks associated with obesity. 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. Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: The Health 202: Obese Americans suffer disproportionately from the coronavirus – The Washington Post Why COVID-19 is more deadly in people with obesity—even if they’re young | Science | AAAS (sciencemag.org) Adult Obesity Facts | Overweight & Obesity | CDC Certain Medical Conditions and Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness | CDC Obesity Is Now Considered a Disease – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic Certain Medical Conditions and Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness | CDC Obesity, Race/Ethnicity, and COVID-19 | Overweight & Obesity | CDC #COVID19 #Obesity #TriaHealth #Vaccinations

We have such an awesome clinical team at Tria Health. This month, we would like to spotlight one of our pharmacists. Meet Sarah Ochs! About Sarah: Sarah is a proud military wife. Her husband is an officer in the US Navy, who recently returned home safely from a record deployment, 206 days at sea, with Carrier Strike Group TEN. They have two fantastic boys, ages two and four, who keep them laughing and enjoying life’s many adventures! Specialties: Sarah is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). She is also the FIRST pharmacist in the country to carry the designation of Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM). She is fascinated by the effect that weight gain/loss, physical activity, and food choices can complement medications to support her patient’s healthcare goals. Her next career goal is to be a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP). Favorite part of her job: THE PATIENTS! Patient care is Sarah’s passion as she genuinely enjoys her job and patient interactions. She learns about her patient’s health care goals and supports them as a whole person. Sarah takes into consideration busy life schedules, personal beliefs, medication preferences, prescription affordability, among many other factors, to help her patients achieve their goals. For Sarah, knowing that she is making a positive impact on her patient’s health and well-being is truly rewarding. Favorite part about working at Tria Health: THE TEAM! Her clinical team and work family is hands down her favorite part. She is confident in every pharmacist’s abilities and honored to be their coworker. Sarah feels supported by the clinical team’s fearless leader, Jason Grace, and empowered to ask questions and challenge one another. At Tria Health, Sarah feels accepted for who she is, sunshine and rainbows with a sprinkle of glitter hugs. 😊 Sarah feels truly blessed to be a part of this incredible company. Teamwork makes the dream work! #ClinicalTeam #PatientCare #Pharmacist #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva The butterfly shaped gland in your neck known as your thyroid, plays a crucial role in so many of the body’s systems. January is Thyroid Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to sharing information about thyroid health and how your thyroid functions in the body. About Your Thyroid The thyroid is the engine of the body’s metabolism. Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid impacts the function of many important organs such as the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. It secretes two hormones, triiodothyronine, commonly referred to as T3 and thyroxine, commonly referred to as T4. These hormones help regulate how the body uses and stores energy. When your body produces too much or not enough hormones, dysfunction occurs. There are two versions of thyroid disease, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of thyroid hormone, and hyperthyroidism is overproduction of the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is the most common form of the disease. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism happens when certain factors stop the thyroid gland from producing enough thyroid hormones. This disease develops slowly, and symptoms are difficult to notice, especially in the early stages. As thyroid hormone production continues to decrease, and the body’s metabolism slows, patients with hypothyroidism may experience these symptoms: Fatigue Drowsiness Forgetfulness Dry, brittle hair and nails Dry itchy skin Sore muscles Weight gain and fluid retention Heavy and/or irregular menstrual cycles Increased sensitivity to medications Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with blood tests. It can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which will alleviate symptoms, in most cases, within two weeks of starting therapy. Patients with severe symptoms may require several months of treatment before they fully recover. Hyperthyroidism When your thyroid keeps producing too much thyroid hormone and pushes your metabolism into overdrive, this is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid to be enlarged as it is trying to overproduce thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: Increased heart rate (greater than 100 beats per minute) Increased anxiety and irritability Trembling hands Weight loss despite eating the same amount or more than usual Heat intolerance Muscle weakness, especially in upper arms and thighs Smooth skin Change in menstrual pattern Increased risk for miscarriage Protrusion of the eyes, with or without double vision Irregular heart rhythm, especially at greater than 60 years of age Increased risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis If you experience symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, find an endocrinologist in your area: AACE Find An Endo | American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Questions to ask your Pharmacist What is the difference between a generic thyroid hormone pill and a brand name thyroid hormone pill?5 What time of day is best to take my thyroid hormone pill?5 Can I take my thyroid medication with food, other medications, vitamins or supplements?5 Can any of my other medications affect my thyroid?5 Statistics on Thyroid Disease More than 30 million Americans will develop some form of thyroid condition3 Up to 60% of people with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition3 Women are 5 times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism3 30-50% of people with thyroid disease have eye symptoms that may impair their vision3 Risk Factors There are a few common risk factors associated with thyroid disorders:3 Type 1 diabetes Family History Recent Pregnancy Past radiation treatment to the neck or head area Tria Health can help As with many chronic conditions, effectively managing your medication is extremely important in treating thyroid disease. Tria Health provides one-on-one confidential counseling with a pharmacist for any of your medication related questions. If Tria Health is currently a part of your healthcare plan, call the Tria Health Help desk today for any of your questions. Have any questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: THYROID AWARENESS MONTH – January 2021 | National Today Home Page | thyroidawareness.com AACE-Up to Here-Infographic (thyroidawareness.com) Thyroid Awareness Month | The Bariatric Experts Denton TX (expertsurgical.com) Ten Questions to Ask About Your Thyroid Health | thyroidawareness.com #hyperthyroidism #Hypothyroidism #thyroiddisease #TriaHealth