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The first question you should ask your physician is: Is this the right medication? This question will be one that you will continue to ask along the medical process. Most patients are unaware of the many complications that can occur in between your doctor writing a prescription and the pharmacy providing it for you. YOU will have to be the one to double check along the process that you were prescribed the right medication. You may be wondering: How do I go about doing just that? Great question! The First Check – The Doctor’s Office The National Library of Medicine reports that an average doctor’s appointment is 15.9 minutes. In that amount of time, doctors spend around 23 seconds talking about your prescription(s) with you. That’s not enough time to truly understand the medication you are being prescribed. Don’t feel rushed and take the time to ask some clarifying questions: What is the name of the medicine? Why do I need to take it? Will this medication interact with my other prescriptions? What side effects might I experience from this medication? When and how should I take this medication? You won’t be intrusive by asking clarifying questions. It’s important to have knowledge and confidence in the medication that you are taking. If you are someone that speaks a different language than your provider, consider bringing or requesting a translator to be present at your appointment. You will want to make sure you can effectively let your provider know what your symptoms are so that you are prescribed the appropriate medication to treat your condition. Don’t let your language be a barrier to getting the appropriate care for your health. The Second Check – The Pharmacy Even if the doctor has prescribed the correct medication, the pharmacy could make a mistake when inputting or dispensing the prescription medication. The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) notes that the three most common dispensing errors are incorrect medication (dosage strength or dosage form) being dispensed; miscalculating a dose; and failing to identify drug interactions or contraindications. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported receiving 100,000 prescription or medical errors. Here’s some things to look for when you pick up prescriptions from the pharmacy: Check the pills: If you are picking up a prescription that you’ve had for a while, check for normal size, color, identifiable numbers, and shape. If it looks different than what you have previously taken, speak with a pharmacist. Check the label: The following are things to double check on your prescription label: Name spelt correctly Date of birth appears correct Correct drug name Correct drug dosage Check that the doctor is correct Make sure you understand the instructions and if you don’t, ask your pharmacist Read the medication information sheet provided by your pharmacists: These sheets are important to have as a reference while taking the medication. It’s a great reminder of how and when to take your medication. If you have a hard time hearing or seeing, ask the pharmacist or pharmacist assistant to help read off your medication. Don’t feel rushed when checking out because seeking clarity versus not seeking clarity could be the decision that will save your life. The Third Check – Yourself You have a vital role in making sure you are being prescribed and taking the correct medication. There are many complications that can occur when many people are handling your prescription. Remember that there is nothing wrong with taking the time to seek clarity about your medication. Take control of your health today! Tria Health Can Help 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 Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Resources Medication Errors | AMCP.org The importance of understanding your medications (parkview.com) How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov) Check Out Your Prescription: 4 Critical Things To Check Before Taking Medication - ReNue Rx How Much Time Does It Take to Prescribe a New Medication? - PMC (nih.gov)

It’s almost the 4th of July! This time of year is known for time with family and friends, vacations, and of course, good food. Are you still scrambling around trying to figure out what you will bring to your family’s barbeque? We have some healthy, yummy, and easy to make food items for you that will leave your family wanting more! BBQ Carrot Dogs Did you know that there will be over 150 million hot dogs consumed this 4th of July holiday? Try a healthy spin on the traditional beef hot dog! Shock your friends and family with this vegetarian dog that tastes like an actual hot dog. Marinated Grilled Vegetable Kebabs Use your favorite vegetable to create some tender, delicious kebabs marinated in a tangy sauce! Classic Hamburger Don’t mistake this hamburger with just any ‘ole plain burger. This hamburger recipe comes with a creamy special sauce recipe that is guaranteed to make your mouth water. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Need a quick side dish to bring this 4th of July cookout? Look no further! This delicious, healthy, and light pasta salad can be made in less than 30 minutes! Pulled Pork with Caramelized Onions Pulled pork has never been easier to make! Place pulled pork in a slow cooker and add chipotle chile to get that smokey flavor that you would get from a grill. Happy 4th of July! Happy Cooking! Have Any Questions for Us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Resources https://www.eatingwell.com/

Managing your foot care as a person with diabetes is not as commonly talked about, but very important to your health. Bad management of feet can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation, and foot deformities and infections. The CDC discusses common questions that people have about foot care and diabetes: 1) How often should I get my feet checked? You should be checking your feet every day, even if they feel fine. Also, you should have your doctor check your feet and reflexes at least once a year. 2) What healthy foot care habits can I start? - Always wear comfortable shoes and socks: - Cross your legs at your ankles, not your knees. - Protect your feet from hot and cold temperatures - Keep your blood flowing by putting your feet up when sitting and wiggling your toes occasionally 3) What are the warning signs of nerve damage? - Changes in the shape of your feet - Numbness, tingling, or pain in legs or feet - Open sores or ingrown toenails - Dry, cracked skin on your feet Nerve damage can put you at risk of developing a foot ulcer. So, if you are experiencing any of these signs, go see your doctor immediately and seek help. 4) How can I prevent foot complications? - Keep your blood sugar levels within target levels - Check feet daily for sores, cuts, and bruises - Talk to your doctor if you notice foot problems - Have your doctor check your feet at each doctor appointment Tria Health & Diabetes Management If you currently are diagnosed or have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, Tria Health can assist you in managing your medications and finding a treatment plan that works for you. Diabetes is a disease that can be managed and prevented if you know what to do. At Tria Health our pharmacists are certified diabetes educators (CDEs). They educate patients on medication management, diet, and exercise so patients with diabetes can live happy and active lives and reduce the risk of serious health complications. For employers that offer Tria Health’s Diabetes Management Program, Tria 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? Call the Tria Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: 1. Diabetes tests and checkups: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia 2. Diabetes and Your Feet | CDC

Mental health is a hot topic in our society. The CDC defines mental health as your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. However, it’s important to not confuse mental health with mental illness. What is the Difference? Mental Health Problems that are results from life stressors. These are less severe and of shorter duration than mental illnesses. If they continue to progress over a longer period, it could turn into a mental illness. Mental Illness The conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior. These can include anxiety, depression, personality disorders, PTSD, etc. The Correlation Between Mental Health and Well-Being Good well-being is what leads to good mental health. EveryMind describes well-being as the enjoyment of one’s life, having the ability to cope with and ‘bounce back’ from stress and sadness, being able to set and fulfill goals, and having the capability to build and maintain relationships with others. Questions you can use to evaluate how your well-being is: Do you constantly worry a lot about your work, relationships, and living situations? Is it hard for you to concentrate on one task when you are at work? Do you find it hard to make meaningful friendships? When was the last time you did something you enjoyed? Do you feel like you don’t have enough time in the day to get things done? It is important to take care of your well-being so that your mental health can also thrive. Here are a few steps you can start taking today to improve your well-being: Create space in your day to rest. When I say rest, I don’t just mean to take a nap (unless that’s what brings you quality rest). Rest refers to doing things that fill you up and set you at ease. This could include going to the lake, sitting on your porch, going for a walk, playing checkers, etc. Get involved in your community. Go to your city’s website and find opportunities to serve or get involved in local activities. This will bring you a sense of belonging and you will find more enjoyment and purpose being a part of something bigger than yourself. Be active and eat well. The better you feel physically, the higher your mental health. Have you heard the phrase, “You are what you eat”? What you put into your body is going to affect how you feel that day and potentially several days afterwards. Eat smart and stay active! Read more about the value of staying active in our blog “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy YOU”. Prioritize your sleep. When life gets busy, the amount of sleep we get at night is the first thing we compromise on. However, this can make a huge difference in your mental health. A helpful tip is to set an alarm on your phone that goes off at the same time every night to remind you to go to sleep. Refer to our blog over the 4 must know sleep practices for 2022. Find more tips on what you can do to improve your well-being here. Stop the Stigma Mental health continues to carry a stigma in our society. Because of the stigma, many do not speak up about their mental health and delay getting the proper care that they need. Don’t be afraid to speak up and talk to your healthcare provider about what you are going through and create a plan to help manage it. 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 Resources NIMH » Older Adults and Mental Health Understanding mental health and wellbeing | everymind - local Well-Being Concepts | HRQOL | CDC

We are now in the third year of the coronavirus pandemic. It may seem that COVID is over, and we can all just move on with our lives. However, it does not look like COVID-19 will be gone in the foreseeable future. Stats show a gradual decline in positive cases; however many have tested positive and not reported it due to the increase of at-home testing. It’s still important to take the proper precautions to protect you and those around you. JAMA Networks dives into how you can control the spread of COVID-19 through masking and vaccinations. How to Control the Spread of COVID-19 On March 3, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released a tool to help communities decide at what level risk their community was at for the virus and what prevention steps to take. These levels are based off the hospital bed utilization, hospital admissions, and total number of COVID-19 cases in a community. Initially, more than 90% of the US population was living in a location where their COVID-19 Community Level was considered low or medium. In these locations, indoor masking was not required. However, as of May 25, 2022, COVID-19 cases have been increasing drastically approaching 100,000 and about 9.2% of counties are in the high Community Level. With many counties having opposing regulations on masking, those that are still masking are wondering the effectiveness of one-way masking. One-way masking is still effective, but for the best protection you should wear a KN95 or N95 mask. Studies have shown that you are less likely to get COVID-19 if you are wearing a mask indoors, rather than not one at all. Vaccinations The goal of getting a vaccination is to protect against serious illness, being hospitalized, or dying. Vaccinating has shown to reduce the effects of long-term symptoms of COVID-19. This remains the recommended way to prevent the spread of the disease locally and globally. Now that the booster is available, it is important to stay up to date on all your COVID-19 shots. Read for more information on when you can get your next shot here. Tria Health Can Help Tria Health provides chronic condition management, many of our patients are at a higher risk for serious illness with COVID-19, our pharmacists have been actively educating engaged patients on risk factors and the importance of prevention techniques. For members that have not engaged with Tria Health, but are at high risk, Tria Health is providing additional communication and outreach to stress the importance of good health management and how our pharmacists can be a valuable resource. And, as always, our help desk is available to all members. We are committed to assisting members with any questions they may have about their medications, risk factors or ways they can mitigate their risk. 888.799.8742 Sources: 1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2793011 2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

Summertime usually comes with fun activities outside with family and friends. However, these activities may be hindered by the scorching heat that is crippling those with chronic conditions. Having a chronic condition could make heat-related illnesses more common and result in harsher side-effects. Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. The CDC provides signs and symptoms of these heat-related illnesses: Heat Stroke - High body temperature (103°F or higher) - Hot, red, dry, or damp skin - Fast, strong pulse - Headache - Dizziness - Nausea - Confusion - Losing consciousness (passing out) Heat Exhaustion - Heavy sweating - Cold, pale, and clammy skin - Fast, weak pulse - Nausea or vomiting - Muscle cramps - Tiredness or weakness - Dizziness - Headache - Fainting (passing out) Heat Cramps - Heavy sweating during intense exercise - Muscle pain or spasms Sun Burn - Painful, red, and warm skin - Blisters on the skin Heat Rash - Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin (usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases Find more information here on what to do if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms. How to Prepare for the Heat and Prevent a Heat-Related Illness: Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Medications Certain medications can worsen the effects of heat and lead to heat-related illnesses. Ask your doctor if you are on any of these medications and if so, how you can manage them this summer. Drink Lots of Water Stay hydrated! Since excessive sweating is the body’s response to hot weather, you will want to drink lots of water to help regulate your body. Check In on Your Friends & Family Being over the age of 65 with a chronic condition can make it hard to enjoy normal summer activities when it’s hot outside. Be sure to check in with your friends and family who have chronic conditions. Wear Sunscreen If you know that you will be spending a lot of time outside in the sun, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. A sun burn can make it hard for your body to cool down and increase your risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Advent Health has more tips here for you to stay safe during the hot weather. Having a chronic condition does not have to ruin your summer. You can enjoy outdoor activities and feel good while doing it, if you take these appropriate precautions. How Tria Health Can Help Tria Health provides one-on-one confidential counseling with a pharmacist for any of your medication related questions. In these consultations, they can review your medications with you to ensure that you are not taking any medications that your increase your risk of a health-related illness. If Tria Health is currently a part of your healthcare plan, call the Tria Health Help desk today for any of your questions. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Resources: 1. https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/how-manage-a-chronic-illness-summer-heat#:~:text=Chronic%20Illnesses%20and%20Heat,Multiple%20sclerosis 2. https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/2020/06/09/how-summer-weather-affects-chronic-health-conditions/ 3. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

National Senior Health & Fitness Day was created to highlight the importance of regular physical activity for senior adults. Everyone is different in the conditions they may have and other personal restrictions, so be sure to follow up with your provider on what the best exercise plan would be for you. A few things to remember when exercising is to not overdo it, listen to your body, and start off slow then build your way up. Exercising should give you energy and be a fun, stressless activity for you. If you are experiencing pain, shortness of breath, or chest pains, then you need to immediately stop and call your provider. Kayla Colgrove, Extension Educator at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, lists out some activities and benefits of exercising that older people should start using in their daily lives. Activities to Get Involved In - Aerobic Activities: Walking, yard work (raking or pushing a lawn mower), dancing, and swimming. - Strength Activities: Carrying groceries, gardening, squats, lunges, and using exercise bands. - Balance Activities: Walking heel-to-toe, standing on one leg, and walking backwards. Benefits of Regular Exercising - Less pain - Better mood - Lower risk of many diseases - Helps with daily life activities, such as keeping up with the grandkids and doing chores around the house. Start finding time in your day that you can be more active and strive for a better you through healthy living. Tria Health Can Help 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 Resources 1. https://www.fitnessday.com/how_to_host.html 2. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/exercise-and-fitness-as-you-age.htm 3. https://food.unl.edu/article/physical-activity-older-adults

May has been declared National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) due to it being peak season for people with these conditions. Studies show that people spend around 90% of their day indoors. You may think that staying indoors is a great way to get away from the from allergens in the outdoors air. However, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Therefore, it is important to take preventative steps at home that will help you avoid problems in your health. AAFA provides helpful tips for your home that can improve air quality and provide a safe and healthy environment for yourself and your loved ones. Some of these things may be common knowledge that you have always known and do already. Others may be completely new and things that you should start doing. Whatever the case, keep in mind that one change could be exactly what you need to feel better with your asthma and allergies. Tips for your basement: - Improve ventilation. Lack of ventilation can lead to mold growth. - Replace HVAC filters as recommended by manufacturer. Tips for your kitchen: - Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink or on the counter. - Clean your in-sink garbage disposal with baking soda and white vinegar weekly. - Wipe down the tops of your cabinets and vent hood often with warm, soapy water. These areas are often overlooked. Tips for your living room: - Instead of curtains, hang blinds you can wipe down weekly. If you choose fabric curtains, choose ones you can wash in 130° F hot water regularly. - Vacuum floors and furniture weekly. - Wash throw blankets weekly in 130° F hot water. Tips for your bedroom: - Wash bedding weekly in soapy, hot water (130°F). Dry on high heat. - Don’t eat in your bed. - Remove stuffed toys from the bedroom or store them in a plastic bin or container. These are a few of the many things you can start changing in your home today to help improve your indoor air quality. It’s time to take control of your health. 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: https://www.aafa.org/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality.aspx

What is Osteoporosis? Mayo Clinic describes Osteoporosis as a chronic condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making it easier for them to break. This most commonly occurs in the wrist, spine, or hip. Osteoporosis is also known as the “silent killer” because you can’t feel or see your bones getting thinner. You won’t know there is an issue until you break a bone. Therefore it is important to take preventative care seriously and go to your yearly physician check-ups. You may be at a higher risk if: - If you have low sex hormones, either from passing menopause or from treatments for prostate or breast cancer. - If you have too much thyroid hormone due to overactivity or taking too much thyroid hormone medication to treat an underactive thyroid. - If you have a lower calcium intake. - If you have an eating disorder and are underweight. - If you have had gastrointestinal surgery. - If you have a long-term use of medications associated with seizures, gastric reflux, cancer, or transplant rejection. - If you have any of the following diseases: o Celiac disease o Inflammatory bowel disease o Kidney or liver disease o Cancer o Multiple myeloma o Rheumatoid arthritis - If you have more than two alcoholic drinks a day. - If you use tobacco. - If you spend a lot of time sitting. How to Prevent Osteoporosis: The best solution to preventing Osteoporosis is to stay active and eat healthy! Here are just a few of the many things you can implement that will help with the prevention of having Osteoporosis. 1. Calcium – Your daily calcium intake for those between the ages of 18 and 50 should be 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. This amount will increase to 1,200 milligrams when women turn 50 and men turn 70. You can find calcium in low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, canned salmon, and many more items. If it is difficult to get the recommended amount of calcium in a day, consider taking calcium supplements to help reach the targeted amount. 2. Vitamin D – Vitamin D improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium and improves bone health. Most people are going to need at least 600 IU of vitamin D daily. Once you reach 70, the recommendation increases to 700 IU. You can receive Vitamin D through sunlight, cod liver oil, trout, salmon, many types of milk and cereal. 3. Exercise – Exercising can help build strong bones and slow down bone loss. You should combine strength training exercises with weight-bearing and balance exercises to get a full body strengthening of your bones. Some exercises that would help strengthen your bones are walking, jogging, tai chi, stair climbing, etc. Don’t let Osteoporosis sneak up on you. Get ahead of the problem and take control of your body to prevent yourself from having this chronic disease. Tria Health Helps Control Osteoporosis Tria Health offers Chronic Condition Management through our Pharmacy Advocate Program. Osteoporosis 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 Health’s Pharmacists can make recommendations that will help control their chronic conditions and help them feel better! Sources: 1.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968 2.https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2047/#:~:text=How%20common%20is%20osteoporosis%3F,osteoporosis%20or%20low%20bone%20mass

This month is Mental Health Awareness Month! This month we focus on fighting stigma, providing support, educating the public and advocating for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Mental Health America reports that 19.86% of adults in the U.S. are experiencing a mental illness. That is almost 50 million Americans! With the pandemic hitting the world in 2020, mental health has increasingly gotten worse. Anxiety disorders are at the top of the list for 2022. MentalHealth.gov provides extended information on anxiety disorders plus the several other common mental health illnesses. Here’s what they say about anxiety disorders: What is Anxiety Disorder? It is more than just the occasional anxiety attack before a public speech or difficult problem at work. An anxiety disorder occurs for a longer period and becomes worst over time. Having this type of disorder could interfere with normal daily activities, such as work and relationships. Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Panic Disorder A panic disorder is when you have panic attacks that are sudden feelings of terror for no reason. These attacks can occur anytime and anywhere. It is more common for women to deal with this than men. Also, it can start when someone is under a lot of stress. Some of the common symptoms are: - Fast heartbeat - Chest pain - Breathing difficulty - Dizziness Phobias A phobia is a strong, irrational fear of something that poses little to no actual danger to you. There are many different types of phobias ranging from claustrophobia (fear of closed-in places) to acrophobia (fear of heights). If a person cannot avoid their phobia, they may experience: - Panic and fear - Rapid heartbeat - Shortness of breath - Trembling - A strong desire to get away Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is another type of anxiety disorder. The word “obsessive” comes from having repeated, upsetting thoughts. Then “compulsive” comes from the action of doing the same thing over and over to try and make the thoughts go away. How to Manage Having Anxiety Disorder Mayo Clinic provides coping mechanisms that you can be implemented to help manage anxiety disorder. Here are just a few: - Stay physically active: Exercise can help with boosting your mood and health. It also serves as a great stress reducer. Start small with walking 30 minutes every day and work your way up from there. - Make sleep a priority: Ensuring you get the appropriate amount of sleep each night is beneficial to your health. Read more about best sleep practices for you here. - Identify triggers: Pay attention to the things/places that trigger your anxiety. Once you are aware of your triggers, you can be prepared with strategies of how to deal with your anxious feelings. Find more coping mechanisms here. If you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety disorder or any other mental health illness, reach out to your health care provider and get help. You don’t have to stay silent and manage this alone. 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 isn’t 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’re 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: 1. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/anxiety-disorders 2. https://www.mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-prevalence-dat

Who doesn’t love a good brunch in the springtime? We’ve listed some fresh and healthy dishes this spring that are sure to wow your friends at your next get together. Orange Buttermilk Pancakes Looking for fluffy, light, and easy pancakes? These orange pancakes are infused with the citrus flavor from orange juice. Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake Easy to make and healthy! Serve this scrumptious pound cake at your next spring brunch alongside a cup of coffee. Spring Green Frittata Ready in 25 minutes! This Frittata is stuffed with spring vegetables, tomatoes, and parmesan. Eggs-ellent! Breakfast Blueberry-Oatmeal Cakes Low calorie, gluten-free, and low sodium! Don’t miss out on this heart healthy grab and go oatmeal cake. Blueberry and Peach Granola Parfait Running short on time? This is a great addition to any brunch and quick to make! Enjoy! Have Any Questions for Us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: 1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/recipes-for-spring-brunch-4129107 2. https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19798/seasonal/spring/brunch/

It's National Walking Day! Walking is such an easy thing to do that you may be surprised by how many benefits it has. Going on a 30-to-60-minute walk per day can improve your health and help prevent ailments such as type II diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Fun Fact At Tria Health’s corporate office, we have a lot of stairs available. One of our employees took the time and put together an outline of the benefits! He concluded the following: 11 steps per flight, 22 steps per floor Two sets of an additional 5 stairs between the lower floors 0.05 calories burned per stair on descent (0.17 calories going up) Descent speed is roughly ~10 seconds per floor *Estimate based on incomplete data The average time to exit includes the time waiting for the elevator and walking to the exit. You would be saving 10 to 20 seconds by taking the elevator depending on what floor you are on. So, how do you get started on finding the motivation to walk more? Mayo Clinic outlines ways you can start to reap the benefits of walking. The first step is to set realistic goals for yourself. 1. Set Realistic Goals Use the SMART goals method to set realistic goals for yourself. Develop Good Habits provides an example of how to create a SMART goal for walking more. Let’s break down this example: To get more steps in over the next month, I will park two blocks away, walk for at least 30 minutes five times per week, and get off the bus three stops earlier. I will also take my dog for a walk for 10 minutes longer and take the stairs instead of the elevator. S – Specific: This goal is specific in that it provides ways you will get more steps in if you park farther away, walk the dog, etc. M – Measurable: To measure this goal, you can track your steps on the Lose It! App. A – Attainable: This goal is attainable because you are adding in small changes to your common lifestyle habits that will encourage you to walk more. R – Relevant: This goal is relevant to help you feel healthier and reach your fitness levels. T – Time: If you keep this plan for the month, you would have walked at least 30 minutes 5 times each week! 2. Use the Correct Technique Anyone can walk, but there’s a proper way to walk to get the best results out of your time: Hold your head up and look forward, not at the ground. Relax your neck, shoulders, and back. Swing your arms freely with a slight bent in your elbows. Keep your stomach muscles slightly tightened Keep your back straight. Do not arch your back forward or backward. Walk smoothly by rolling your foot from heel to toe. 3. Track Your Progress Tracking your distance and how many steps you take can be encouraging in your health journey. Try using your phone’s activity tracker, pedometer, or manually entering the information into the Lose It! App. 4. Stay Motivated Setting and achieving small goals add up over time! Don’t feel like you must set and achieve BIG goals when you’re trying to make progress. Once your small goals start to become a habit, try pushing yourself a little bit further. Example: After you have succeeded at walking 10 minutes after work every day, try going 20 minutes! Try a different setting if you start to get bored walking at the same place. Example: If you’ve been walking in your neighborhood, go to a nearby park trail or shopping mall. Don’t be discouraged if you miss a day. Remember that each day is a new start for a healthier, better you. Try, try again! The Benefits What are the benefits to all this hard work you are about to start putting in? Here are just a few of the many: Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat. Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes Improve cardiovascular disease Reduce stress and tension Strengthen immune system 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. 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: 1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261 2. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-walking-speed#:~:text=Speed%20walking%20is%20walking%20at,of%207%20to%2010%20mph 3. https://www.developgoodhabits.com/smart-goals-fitness/