11083M_VillageCareMa X_Sp22.indd.pdf

## VillageCareMAX Health Focus - Spring 2022

Key Highlights:

Water: Essential for Good Health

- Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily is crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, waste removal, weight management, preventing dehydration, regulating body temperature, cushioning joints, and protecting the spinal cord.
- Tips for staying hydrated include using a reusable water bottle, chilling water for cold preference, drinking water throughout the day before thirst kicks in, choosing water over sugary drinks, and adding lemon or lime for flavor.

Colon Cancer Screening: New Guidelines

- Screenings are recommended for individuals aged 45 and older with average risk for colon cancer; those with increased risk may need to start earlier.
- Options include various tests like colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and stool testing. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best test and screening schedule for you.

Distinguishing Allergies, Colds, Flu, & COVID-19:

- While colds, flu, allergies, and COVID-19 share some symptoms (coughing, runny nose, headaches), each has unique characteristics:
- Allergies: Itchy eyes/nose/throat, sneezing, pressure in cheeks/nose. Lasts several weeks.
- Cold: Mild symptoms developing gradually, lasting 7-10 days.
- Flu: Sudden onset of fever, chills, fatigue, body aches. Symptoms last less than two weeks.
- COVID-19: Symptoms may include fever, chills, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, headache, and more.

COVID-19 Boosters:

- The CDC recommends a booster shot for everyone aged 12 and older, regardless of their initial vaccine type (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson).
- Get your booster at least five months after your second Pfizer/Moderna dose or two months after your Johnson & Johnson dose.

Free At-Home COVID Tests:

- Each U.S. household can now receive four free at-home COVID tests directly by visiting COVIDtests.gov.

Member Services:

- For help scheduling a health checkup, call Member Services at 1.800.469.6292 (TTY: 711).
- Share your feedback and questions with VillageCareMAX via email ([email protected]) or by calling Member Services.