February 2021: Celebrating American Heart Month
Welcome to the second monthly update of 2021! This month, we’re thinking about Hearts. And not because of Valentine’s day (it’s the 14th if you haven’t thought of getting your significant other anything yet), but it’s also American Heart Month! Below you’ll learn about American Heart Month and keeping your heart healthy.
American Heart Month
February is the month for love and hearts! When you think of heart, arteries and blood, what comes to mind?
We Think About High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number (systolic) measures the pressure in your arteries for each heartbeat. The second number (diastolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between beats. If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80,” or write, “120/80 mmHg.”
Normal blood pressure should be 120 over 80 (120/80). High blood pressure numbers more than 120/80 mm Hg are a red flag. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Recognizing The Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
You can have high blood pressure without noticing or showing any warning signs or symptoms, and measuring it is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity or having certain conditions such as diabetes and obesity can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure cannot be cured but it can be managed effectively if you choose to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How to treat High Blood Pressure
Many people with high blood pressure can help lower it in a healthy way by making lifestyle changes. Talk with your Nice Healthcare team about:
Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week (about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
Not smoking
Eating a healthy diet, including limiting sodium (salt) and alcohol
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing stress
Prescription Medication
The easiest way to consult with a Nice provider is to go onto the Nice Healthcare app and schedule an appointment.
Nice Service: Complimentary Medications
The new year brings with it new benefits, including 550+ free medications. This means over 100 medications for acute conditions like sore throats, ear infections and flus. It also means over 400 medications for chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and thyroid issues.
Let us reiterate that these medications are free to patients, since they’re included in your company’s contract. So, once prescribed by your clinician, all you have to do is pick them up. That’s right, after a consultation with one of our amazing clinicians, if they determine it’s appropriate, they’ll prescribe you one of these medications and send the prescription straight to your pharmacy* so it's there when you get there. They can even prescribe you medications that aren’t on our list, though you’ll have to pay for those with your insurance or in cash.
But wait, there’s more!
For certain chronic medications, we offer mail-order delivery and even cover the shipping costs.
Think about all the time this will save you. No more spending 20 minutes comparing the 50 kinds of flu medications that all look the same. You don’t even have to get out of your car (if there’s a drive-thru or curbside pick-up). Welcome to the future of primary care!
*Walgreens pharmacies are not included in Nice’s network of over 60,000 pharmacies.
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