Blue & You - Spring 2010

Spring 10
A publication for the policyholders of the
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
family of companies
• Save money through preventive
care, Page 14
• Become a fan of fitness, Page 15
• New online national doctor and
hospital directories, Page 21
Baptist Health Medical Center’s latest
Blue Distinction ® Centers of Excellence
featured on Page 8.

Charlie and Shirley Rule participate
in the SilverSneakers yoga class at
Fitness Unlimited in Benton.
on Page 22
5 Personal Health Statements
are here
18 Cleaning out your
medicine cabinet
INSIDE
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Out of the Blue
A noteworthy response to the Haitian disaster
Personal Health Statements are here
Certain drugs may increase bleeding in heart
attack patients
Bone-building drugs may lower risk of breast cancer
Chemical in plastics risky?
Three of a Kind: Baptist Health Medical Center
recognized for three Blue Distinction ® Centers
of Excellence
Does eating at night cause weight gain?
Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!
Are “comfort foods” really comforting?
What are comfort foods?
Cost Matters: Save money through preventive care
Become a fan of fitness!
Why do resistance exercises?
Lifelong Health with Dr. David
From the Pharmacist —
Spring cleaning: Your medicine cabinet is calling
The Doctor’s Corner
A Good Investment: The Bank of Lake Village
New online national doctor and hospital directories
Do you cringe at the memory of your teenage years?
Healthy Habits through SilverSneakers ®
Customer Service telephone numbers
Good for you
Cover photo: Baptist Health surgeon, Herbert Hahn, M.D.,
reviews an X-ray before a joint replacement procedure.
Spring 10
is published four times a year by
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for
the company’s members, health-care
professionals and other persons
interested in health care and wellness.
Editor: Kelly Whitehorn — BNYou-Ed@arkbluecross.com
Assistant Editor: Jennifer Gordon
Designer: Gio Bruno Photographer: Chip Bayer
Contributors: Chip Bayer, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming,
Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Ryan Kravitz, Kathy Luzietti and Mark
Morehead
Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley

Out of the
Blue
A message from our
CEO and President,
Mark White
What’s next for health care reform
As I write this editorial in late February, President Barack
Obama is asking both Democrats and Republicans
to join together for a televised “health-care summit” to
begin another conversation about the future of health
care reform. The President’s agenda for this summit
includes discussion on four topics: insurance reforms,
cost containment, expanding coverage and the impact
health reform legislation will have on deficit reduction.
The President has asked for this new starting point
because the election of a Republican to the Senate took
away the Democrats’ supermajority and put health care
reform almost back to square one. Together, everyone
involved in the health-care industry must develop a balanced
and meaningful approach — an improved healthcare
system that builds on the positive aspects of our
current system.
Our stance on health care reform has not changed.
We support meaningful reform that improves access,
controls costs and improves quality. The rate of growth
in health-care cost is not sustainable in the long term.
We will support responsible changes even if it means
that we, as a health insurance company, must significantly
change the way we do business.
We support the idea that all Americans should have
access to high-quality, affordable health care. Any
reforms should address the issue of the uninsured by
offering financial assistance to those who cannot afford
insurance on their own. For those who have coverage,
we must find ways to effectively control the cost
of medical care and enhance the quality of the care
received.
Without a doubt, increasing cost is the most significant
issue facing health care. It is the primary issue,
and it must be addressed. Cost is the reason why many
Americans do not have health coverage. Cost is why
our current system is unsustainable. True reform must
first address cost. The cost of health-care services
directly impacts your health insurance cost — not the
other way around. In order to slow the growth in costs
our industry must work with consumers, employers,
physicians and hospitals to improve the system.
We must change how we pay health-care providers.
Currently, doctors and hospitals are paid for each
service they provide. We need a system in which doctors
and hospitals are paid to treat a patient’s “medical
episode” rather than each medical service provided.
Expanding health information technology (IT) in the
health-care delivery system will create a more efficient
system (and it is already included in many reform
3
Blue & You Spring 2010

proposals). We need a system that links the health plan,
the doctor, the hospital and the patient together so that
everyone has access to the information they need to
provide the best treatment for each patient and to get
their claims paid as well.
As the state’s leading health insurance provider, we
will be doing our part to improve the system in Arkansas
and make reform meaningful for everyone, regardless
of what happens in Washington, D.C. We know
that many Americans are satisfied with their insurance
and with the health care they receive, so it makes
sense to build on the system we have, not tear it down
and start again.
Like all of you, we don’t know what will happen with
health care reform. We only know that we work for you
and, on a daily basis, are thinking about what is best
for you … our members. We know that when it comes
to reform, everyone has a role to play … the public and
the private sectors need to work together along with
your input to find solutions that work for everyone.
And most importantly, we know the best way for
reform to be successful and meaningful is if we all take
responsibility for our own health. We should all invest in
our own wellness by committing to healthier lifestyles
so we can all prosper no matter what happens in the
future of health care reform.
4
A noteworthy response to the Haitian disaster
More than $34,000 — that’s how
much the employees of Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield raised for
the American Red Cross International
Response Fund (Haiti). Although the
amount may seem quite astonishing to
some, I’m not surprised.
In response to the devastating earthquake
in Haiti, our employees organized
a week-long fund-raising campaign.
They donated food, material items and
talent to raise money through activities
that included bake sales, silent auctions,
benefit luncheons, breakfasts and more.
To boost participation, the employees requested and
received donations including pizza, box lunches, breakfast
bowls, gifts, cosmetics, jewelry, movie tickets,
gift cards and other valuable items from many local
businesses.
I am continually amazed by our employees’ generosity.
Anytime there is a need or an opportunity to do
something of value for the community — whether it’s
Arkansas Blue Cross employees have a bake sale to raise funds for Haiti survivors.
just down the street or halfway around the world —
they are ‘all in.’ And, their results are always inspiring.
Raising this money took a whole lot of effort, a whole
lot of energy and a whole lot of heart. It is a privilege to
work with such an incredible team.
To honor their work, Arkansas Blue Cross donated
an additional $10,000 in matching funds, for a total of
$44,433 going to the fund.
— Mark White, CEO and president of
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Blue & You Spring 2010

Personal Health Statements
are here!
The wait is over — Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield members began
receiving the new Personal Health Statements
(PHS) in March. The PHS replaces
the traditional Explanation of Benefits
(EOB) health-care benefit statement,
which was generated every time your doctor
or hospital filed a claim.
The PHS is more comprehensive than
the EOB and designed to make claims
processing easier to understand. With the
PHS, industry terms have been rewritten
into everyday language, claims are more
clearly explained, and members will know
exactly where they are with their out-ofpocket
costs (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance
and more). The PHS also gives more information about
health benefits.
“Our members told us through focus groups that
they want to know first and foremost ‘what do I owe?’”
said Karen Raley, vice president of Communications
and Product Development. “So we’ve put this information
in red on the first page.”
In addition, a ‘Benefits at a Glance’ section has been
added so members are reminded of their health benefits.
Charts and graphs should make the information
displayed easier to understand as well.
The PHS also features:
• A better description of the discounts members
receive on their health-care services.
• Information on how to get in touch with us.
• A quick understanding of how much members
owe and to whom.
• Help in understanding the benefits members have
and how they work.
The ‘Benefits at a Glance’ section also shows members
their personal health benefits and tracks where
they are in meeting deductibles and annual coinsurance
maximums. Pharmacy information has been added, including
generic medication recommendations. Another
new feature on the PHS will be personal health messages
and reminders to get health screenings.
Members still have the option to confidentially view
their PHS electronically by signing up for a notification
e-mail through the My Blueprint member self-service
center. Then, when a new PHS is generated, members
will receive an e-mail.
The new PHS will be issued twice a month instead of
every time a claim is filed. If a member only has pharmacy
claims during a month, the PHS will be issued
quarterly.
The new PHS now is available to all Arkansas Blue
Cross members and will be available later in the year for
Health Advantage members. “We love to hear from our
members,” said Raley. “Feedback always is welcome on
how the PHS can be improved.”
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Blue & You Spring 2010

4 In t h e Ne w s 3
6
Certain drugs may increase
bleeding in heart attack patients
Heart attack patients are treated
with a wide combination of antithrombotic
(blood clot-preventing)
drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel
and those that reduce the action of
vitamin K. However, there has not
been much research on the safety
of these drug combinations. A new
article suggests that there may be
an increase in bleeding for patients
taking these combinations of drugs.
The medical journal, The Lancet,
states that the study, conducted
by Rikke Sorensen M.D., and colleagues,
suggests that in patients
with heart attacks, risk of hospital
admission for bleeding increased
with the number of these drugs
used. Researchers suggest that
treatment with the aforementioned
drug combinations only be used
after a complete individual risk assessment
has been conducted.
Sources: Medical News Today, The
Lancet
Bone-building drugs
may lower risk of
breast cancer
Women taking bone-building
drugs (bisphosphonates), such as
Boniva or Actonel, may be getting
an added bonus. Two recent studies
suggest that bisphosphonates may
reduce the risks of breast cancer by
one-third.
But don’t run out and ask for a
prescription just yet. Experts say
that these studies are not definitive
and additional research will need
to be done. Eric P. Winer M.D.,
a breast cancer specialist at the
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in
Boston says, “I don’t think these
studies should be used as a reason
to take a bisphosphonate to prevent
cancer.” He did say, however, “If in
fact you have osteoporosis and you
are taking these drugs, it’s possible
there is an added benefit.”
Sources: The New York Times and
medicinenet.com
Blue & You Spring 2010

4 In t h e Ne w s 3
Chemical in plastics
risky?
The chemical Bisphenol A (or BPA) is present in many hard plastic bottles
and metal-based food and beverage cans. It has been present since the
1960s, but you may have never even heard of it.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National
Institutes of Health have “some concern” about the possible effects
of BPA on unborn children, infants and young children. For
example, scratched baby bottles and cups should be thrown
away, as they can release BPA if it is present.
Currently, the FDA is continuing in-depth studies to answer
key questions and clarify the uncertainties around the
risks of BPA. In the interim, the FDA is taking reasonable
steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food
supply.
These steps include:
• Supporting the industry’s steps to stop producing
BPA-containing baby bottles and infant feeding cups
for the U.S. market.
• Facilitating the development of alternatives to BPA
for the linings of infant formula cans.
• Supporting efforts to replace or minimize BPA levels
in other food can linings.
The FDA does not recommend that families change
the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a
stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential
risk from BPA exposure.
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Blue & You Spring 2010

When a hospital is recognized
as a Blue Distinction ® Center
of Excellence for a specific medical
specialty, it is worth noting. When
a hospital gains three such distinc-
8
Three of
a Kind
Baptist Health
Medical Center
recognized for
three Blue
Distinction
Centers of
Excellence
tions, like Baptist Health Medical
Center in Little Rock, it is worth
stopping and taking a closer look.
Baptist Health has been a Blue
Distinction Center for Cardiac Care
for more than a year, but it also is
now a Blue Distinction Center for
spine surgery and for hip and knee
replacement. Just what is going on
at Baptist Health Medical Center to
promote such excellent care?
“I think our success here at
Baptist Health is due to a combination
of things,” said Doug Weeks,
senior vice-president and administrator
of Baptist Health Medical
Center in Little Rock. “Our excellent
doctors and our compassionate
caregivers combined with the
latest technology and surgical approaches
have helped us remain as
Arkansas’ most preferred healthcare
provider.”
What is a Blue Distinction
Center?
Blue Distinction Centers of
Excellence must meet high quality
standards established by an expert
Jason Tullis, M.D., a
spine neurosurgeon
with Baptist Health
Medical Center.
panel of physicians, surgeons and
other health-care professionals.
When a hospital has been desig-
Blue & You Spring 2010

nated a Blue Distinction Center, you know they have he was walking, with the help of a walker, down the
expertise in that specialty, that they focus on quality hall! How was that possible?
and that they have a history of patients with positive Dr. Hahn explained that the team of Baptist Health
outcomes. Hospitals provide care differently, and the and OrthoArkansas has worked for years together in
Blue Cross system has created a process where hospitals
can demonstrate their expertise.
entire program from admissions to discharge, allow-
refining joint replacement protocols and integrating the
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recognized ing the staff to provide efficient, optimum care. “What
Baptist Health’s cardiac care program in its spring 2009 makes this work is the people,” Dr. Hahn said. “Baptist
issue of Blue & You. Let’s take a look at the newly has attracted quality people across the spectrum
recognized areas of hip and knee replacement and of care.”
spine surgery.
There are potential serious complications with joint
replacements, particularly blood clots in the deep veins
Hip/Knee Replacement
of the legs or pelvis (thrombosis) and blocked artery in
Rocky Hodges knows a thing or two about surgery.
the lungs caused by a blood clot (pulmonary emboli). To
Not only is he a registered nurse, he’s been the director
of peri-operative services at Baptist Health Medical
avoid complications, Dr. Hahn said the hip/knee team is
aggressive at getting a patient up and moving as soon
Center in Little Rock for 11 years, overseeing everything
as possible after surgery. The movement keeps blood
from pre-op to recovery. So when it was his turn to be a
clots from forming, and it gives the patient a “sense of
patient, he wanted everything to go perfectly. He could
self, so they don’t think of themselves as crippled.” In
have chosen any hospital, but knowing the quality of
order to keep the pain to a minimum, the surgery site
care he saw day to day, “I wouldn’t have had this done
is bathed in a long-acting anesthetic. Dr. Hahn said that
anywhere else.”
allows the patient to wake up and become active and
In February 2009, Rocky, 56, started to have
trouble with his right hip, a real problem for
someone in such a fast-paced work environment.
By June, he was in constant pain and it
was obvious he needed medical intervention.
Through OrthoArkansas, Rocky was diagnosed
with a cartilage tear and arthritis in the hip joint.
More conservative types of treatment were
tried and exhausted, but by December Rocky
was still limping and an X-ray proved what he
already suspected — he needed a total joint
replacement.
Rocky chose Herbert Hahn, M.D., to do the
surgery on Jan. 6, 2010. The surgery began at 7:30 a.m.
and by 10 a.m. he was in his hospital room. By 3 p.m.
Herbert Hahn, M.D., and Jason Tullis, M.D.
allows the medical team to stay “ahead of the pain.”
“It didn’t hold any fear for me,” Rocky said thinking
back on it, adding that “Dr. Hahn is excellent and my
9
Blue & You Spring 2010

10
Rocky Hodges works
with his therapist,
Melissa Harklay.
staff is the best.” He has been working with a therapist
at home, working to remove the limp that has affected
his gait for more than a year. When it came to being
a patient, Rocky said he knew he wouldn’t get preferential
treatment at
“Dr. Hahn is excellent and
Baptist, though the
my staff is the best,” said
conversations were
Rocky Hodges.
a bit different. However,
being an employee does have its perks — he got
a copy of his X-ray on his smart phone!
Spine Surgery
Cindy Mahan loves technology. As a mathematics
and physical science teacher at Riverview High School
in Searcy, she is always looking for new tools in order
to present information to her students. So when her
back pain became intolerable, she was delighted to
receive the latest technology through Baptist Health
Medical Center.
For at least 30 years, Cindy suffered with back pain
without knowing why. She went to several doctors
without diagnosis. By February 2008, at 57 years old,
she was still teaching, but her legs were going numb
and she had to sit as she taught her classes. She was
slowly losing the ability to do the work she loved.
Cindy’s primary care physician suggested she visit
with Jason Tullis, M.D., a spine neurosurgeon with
Baptist Health Medical Center who had begun doing
consultations in Searcy. “The first tests he did … he
didn’t find a lot,” Cindy said of Dr. Tullis, “but that’s what
makes him different. He was extremely compassionate
and realized there was more to this problem.”
Finally, an MRI and CT scan picked up what years of
X-rays had not. Cindy had a vertebra that was repeatedly
fracturing and healing. Cindy and Dr. Tullis discussed
the situation and determined that she needed surgery
to finally give her lower back the support it needed.
Cindy was concerned that the surgery would be
intrusive and take a long time to heal, taking her away
from the classroom, but Dr. Tullis put her mind at ease.
Using the latest technology and years of experience,
he was able to adapt techniques to create a surgical
plan just for Cindy. “Every surgery is modified to each
patient. Everyone is different,” he said.
Dr. Tullis said the Neurosurgical Spine Center at
Baptist Health recognizes that not only is the spine the
basis of support for the entire body, it also is a conduit
that sends information throughout the body. He said
that while some surgeons may sub-specialize, he has a
holistic view of how the spine functions and works on
Blue & You Spring 2010

issues varying from structural issues, to damage to the school year when her activity loosened a screw that
spinal tissue to tumors, from the base of the spine all had to be removed. “My husband said his hardest job
the way up into the head.
was stopping me from doing too much.”
Dr. Tullis said spine neurosurgeons
have to be dedicated to solving problems
and must have honest conversations
with their patients, balancing the
treatment options and risks with the
intensity of the disease. While some
people may heal over time from back
injuries, others may lose their careers
or risk nerve damage by letting a
condition continue. The Neurosurgical
Spine Center at Baptist Health
Cindy Mahan instructs
one of her mathematics
students, Tevin Larry, at
combines the latest technology with a
Riverview High School
team of dedicated surgeons and support
staff, making it a Blue Distinction
in Searcy.
Cindy’s surgery was scheduled a few days after Center of Excellence.
school let out for the summer. She said Dr. Tullis made
Find your Blue Distinction Center of
two, two-inch incisions to support her spine with rods
Excellence
and screws. By moving “[Dr. Tullis]
For Rocky and Cindy, Baptist Health has renewed
the muscle instead of was extremely
their lives and livelihoods. If you are looking for a hospital
with a Blue Distinction designation, go to our Web
cutting, he reduced her
compassionate and
pain and healing. While
realized there was more sites and visit our “Members” section. We do the work
in surgery, Dr. Tullis discovered
another cause
to this problem,” said for you, so you can be assured you are receiving the
Cindy Mahan. best care possible.
of Cindy’s back issues
— a vertebra had not formed properly at birth, creating
weakness. “Three days later I was comfortably walking
down the hall at the hospital and they let me go home,”
she said.
Cindy said she was determined to be
ready to teach when school started again. Go to Blue & You Online on our Arkansas
She had to go to a teaching in-service six Blue Cross and Health Advantage Web sites
weeks after the surgery and was fine.
for more on our Blue Distinction Centers.
She did suffer a small setback during the
11
Blue & You Spring 2010

12
Does eating at night cause
weight gain?
Is it really true that a midnight snack will pile up around your middle
more quickly than if you had eaten it hours earlier?
The reasoning behind this belief is this: All those calories enter your
system right before you go to bed. While sleeping, those calories build
into fat instead of burning off because you are not being active. And,
while that seems to make sense, the truth is that this belief is largely
a myth.
The fact is your body burns fat even while you sleep. The secret to
avoiding weight gain is a simple matter of mathematics. Burn the calories
you consume. If you take in more calories than you burn off you
will gain weight, regardless of when you take in those calories.
Or, to put it simply, eat less, exercise more and do it for the rest of
your life.
Lose
weight
The Healthy
Weigh!
The Healthy Weigh! Education
Program is free for members of
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield,
Health Advantage (except state and
public school employees*), Blue Cross
and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan
(Federal Employee Program), Medi-Pak
Advantage (PFFS) and eligible members
of BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas.
To enroll, complete the attached
enrollment form and return it in the
self-addressed, postage-paid envelope
included in this magazine. The program
starts when you enroll.
After enrollment, you will begin to
receive information through the mail,
which you can read in the privacy of
your own home and at your own pace.
The program is completely voluntary,
and you may leave the program at any
time. If you have further questions
about the program, call the Health
Education Program’s toll-free number
at 1-800-686-2609.
* Our state and public school members can
access the “Nourish” program through
Life Synch.
Simply complete, sign and return the
attached enrollment form in the selfaddressed,
postage-paid envelope.
Blue & You Spring 2010

Are “comfort foods” really
comforting?
When you are
a little stressed,
do you long for
your mom’s
homemade
pancakes dripping
with maple syrup?
Or, maybe just two,
three or a dozen of your grandma’s homemade chocolate
chip cookies? If you believe what you have read for
years, you probably think you are prone to reach for the
familiar — however, that is not as likely as you might
believe.
A new study from the University of South Carolina recently
tested the “comfort food” theory and you might
be surprised at what they found. During the course
of the study, the research showed that as stress and
change increased — individuals tended to pick often
unfamiliar, even healthier foods and lifestyle options.
More research is needed to explain why the comfort
food theory may be a fallacy. However, the research
upends the notion that people turn to the familiar when
their lives are undergoing transformation such as the
loss of a job, getting a new job, a relocation or the birth
of a child. Maybe, these are the times in people’s lives
when they are more open to change.
Source: Journal of Consumer Research,
September 2009
13
What are
comfort foods?
Comfort foods are simple foods that remind us of our
childhood. Surveys list the following as many of our
favorite comfort foods: peanut butter and jelly, grilled
cheese sandwiches, meatloaf and mashed potatoes,
macaroni and cheese, beef stew and apple pie just to
name a few!
Remember, if you think you need comforting
from some comfort foods — try something a
little different. Look for low-fat substitutes or healthier
options. There are lots of healthy recipe options on the Internet
— just visit the American Heart Association’s recipe Web
site, deliciousdecisions.org.
Blue & You Spring 2010

14
Living with a chronic illness can be devastating to
your livelihood, your family and your pocketbook. While
some illnesses give you little warning, many are the
result of years of poor lifestyle choices.
Preventive care is one way you can avoid costly illnesses.
By getting tested regularly for conditions like
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar
and getting regular immunizations for illnesses like the
flu, you can stay ahead of many illnesses before they
lead to costly medications and procedures.
The most important things you can
do to stay healthy are:
• Get recommended
screening tests.
• Be tobacco free.
• Be physically active.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Take preventive medicines if
you need them.
The following are some preventive screening tests
recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services
Task Force.
Men and Women
Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated
regularly if you are overweight.
Cholesterol: Men should have their cholesterol
checked regularly starting at age 35; women by age 45.
Have it checked at a younger age if:
• You have diabetes.
• You have high blood pressure.
• Heart disease runs in your family.
• You smoke.
Cost Matters:
Save money through
preventive care
Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at
least every two years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or
higher.
Colorectal cancer: Have a test for colorectal cancer
starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide
which test is right for you. If you have a family history
of colorectal cancer, you may need to be tested earlier.
Diabetes: Have a test for diabetes if you have high
blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Depression: If you have felt sad, or hopeless over the
last two weeks or have little interest in doing things,
you may be depressed. Talk to your doctor about being
screened for depression.
Sexually transmitted diseases: Talk to your doctor
to see whether you should be tested for sexually
transmitted diseases.
Men Only
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: If you are between
the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked (100 or
more cigarettes during your lifetime), you need to be
screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm, which
is an abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in your
abdomen.
Women Only
Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every one to two
years starting at age 40.
Cervical cancer: Have a Pap smear every one to three
years from the ages of 21 and 65.
Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones): Have a
bone density test beginning at age 65 to screen for
osteoporosis.
Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Blue & You Spring 2010

TM
Become a fan of fitness!
The Blue & You Fitness Challenge is hyped to announce
that it’s now on Facebook ® and Twitter! Fan us
on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest Fitness
Challenge updates, reminders, events, photos, etc.
(Find us by searching for Blue & You Fitness Challenge.)
We are excited to join the world of social media and
look forward to building relationships with our participants
and potential fans. Our page on Facebook allows
us to share daily exercise tips and reminders with our
fans. This page also provides a forum for you to share
questions, comments and experiences regarding health
and fitness. Through this page, we hope to keep our
Challenge participants (and anyone else who is interested)
motivated to start and continue a fitness routine
and/or enhance an existing routine. When you follow us
on Twitter (@BYFitChallenge), you also will receive daily
Resistance (weight)
training isn’t just for men.
Research has shown that
there are benefits associated
with resistance
training for everyone
including the elderly.
A new review, which
compiles data from more
than 100 clinical trials,
concludes that progressive
resistance training
can help older people in daily activities, such as climbing
stairs and fixing dinner.
Resistance or weight training is any exercise where
muscles contract against an external resistance to
increase strength, tone, mass and/or muscular endurance.
Here are just some of the added benefits:
exercise tips and BYFitChallenge
reminders.
The Blue & You
Fitness Challenge
is a physical activity
contest during which
participants engage in eligible
cardiovascular exercises for a
three-month time period. The contest
is a way to launch exercise activity
and encourage wellness activities
throughout the year in the workplace
and community. For more
information about the Challenge
visit blueandyoufitnesschallengeark.com.
Why do resistance exercises?
• Resistance exercise can slow down or even reverse
the decline or loss of muscle fibers that occur as we
age by building muscle mass and strength.
• Resistance training builds bone, which is important
for women who are prone to, or have, osteoporosis.
• Research also shows that resistance exercise can
build bone even in the elderly, and more strength
can lead to fewer falls.
• Some evidence suggests that resistance training
may help lower moderately high blood pressure.
• It can raise metabolic rate, which helps you maintain
a proper body weight.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start
resistance training and reap the benefits. But, please
consult your physician before beginning any new exercise
regimen.
Sources: webmd.com and medicinenet.com
®
Facebook is a registered
trademark of Facebook, Inc.
15
Blue & You Spring 2010

Lifelong Health
with Dr. David
David A. Lipschitz, M.D., Ph.D.
1. Medications are beneficial in relieving
symptoms and curing disease, but all
medications come with side effects.
While side effects vary from very common to very
rare, they always happen. In each case, the benefit of
the drug must outweigh the risks for the medication
to be taken. Consult with your doctor and your pharmacist
to make sure the benefits and risks are fully
understood.
16
2. Do not refuse to take a medication because
you are concerned about side effects.
A patient may say, “I hate to take medications,” or “I
am very sensitive to medications,” or “I always experience
side effects.” It is a mistake to refuse to take a
medication that may be beneficial because you are
concerned about side effects.
10 simple steps for
using your medications
appropriately
The number may surprise you, but an estimated 26
percent of all hospital admissions are due to complications
from prescription drug therapy. Because this
problem is so widespread, we must all take time to
understand how to take the medication for a particular
condition, its intended benefits and possible side effects.
Here are 10 steps that may help:
3. Try to begin one new medication at
a time.
If two or three drugs are started simultaneously and
an adverse reaction occurs, it is often impossible to
identify which of the new drugs is causing the problem.
The only course of action is to discontinue the medications,
leading to insufficient care and more confusion.
Sometimes the nature of the illness is such that a doctor
is forced to prescribe a number of new drugs at a
time. On other occasions, it may not be necessary, so
talk to your physician if he or she prescribes multiple
medications.
4. Consider generic medications first.
Often, patients and physicians use the newest and
most expensive medication. And yet, for almost every
disease, there is a generic drug available that has
proven benefits.
Blue & You Spring 2010

Editor’s Note: David A. Lipschitz, M.D, Ph.D., is nationally
recognized as a leader in the field of geriatrics.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is honored to have
him as a contributor to Blue & You magazine.
5. The more drugs you take, the greater the
risk of side effects.
Side effects increase dramatically if six different pills
are taken per day. If 11 or more pills are taken daily, you
have a 100 percent chance of experiencing adverse side
effects. All pills count when it comes to the risk of side
effects including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal
remedies or dietary supplements.
6. Identify one physician who knows all the
medications you are taking.
Patients with multiple chronic diseases often go
to multiple specialists who focus exclusively on one
particular problem. One physician starts a medication,
and other physicians are reluctant to stop or change
treatment initiated by another physician. Work with
a primary care physician that you respect,
8. Take a complete list of medications to
every doctor’s appointment.
If medications are changed or discontinued by one
doctor, make sure all your other physicians are aware of
the changes.
9. If a medication does not work, tell your
physician and ask if it can be discontinued.
If you are taking a medication that does not appear to
be helping, the only way to find out is for your physician
to stop the drug. If symptoms worsen, the drug always
can be restarted.
10. Compulsively take medications as
prescribed.
One of the single most critical reasons for medication
problems is non-compliance. Always take your
medications as prescribed, and talk to your
and ask that he or she become responsible
for prescribing and monitoring all
medications taken.
7. Use the same pharmacist
whenever possible.
There are so many different medications
on the market today that it is
Always take your
medications as
prescribed, and talk
to your physician
immediately if you are
experiencing a
problem.
physician immediately if you are experiencing
a problem.
Taking multiple drugs leads to
confusion, which can adversely affect
your care. Take this advice and use
it to make sure you get the optimum
benefit from the drugs you have been
impossible for a physician to be fully aware
prescribed.
of all the potential adverse effects, whether the
prescribed drug is ideal, and if one medication is exerting
either a positive or a negative effect on another
medication taken. Fortunately, a pharmacist has access
to a computer-based program that provides a clear list
of all the potential problems of each drug, the possibilities
of interactions with other drugs, and can identify
obvious mistakes (such as prescribing the same drug
twice or prescribing an incorrect medication).
17
Blue & You Spring 2010

18
Spring cleaning:
Your medicine cabinet is calling
Did you know that medications
have expiration dates on them?
Medications used beyond their
expiration dates can be less effective
or even harmful. This date is
based on experiments to determine
the safety and efficacy of your
medicine. That is why you should
include your medicine cabinet in
your springtime cleaning ritual. You
might be surprised how many of
your medications (prescription and
over-the-counter) have expired.
Checking the expiration date on
medication is easy. Prescriptions
will have expiration dates on the
container; over-the-counter products
have expiration dates on the package,
bottle or container. If the date
has passed, or you can’t read the
date, throw it out. Make a note of
any medications that are close to
their expiration date.
According to the Office of National
Drug Control Policy, you
should not flush prescription drugs
down the toilet unless told to do so
Actiq
Methadose
Avinza
Morphine Sulfate
Daytrana
MS Contin
Demerol
Onsolis
Diastat
Opana
Dilaudid
Opana ER
Dolophine
Oramorph SR
Duragesic
Oxycontin
Embeda
Percocet
Fentora
Percodan
Kadian
Xyrem
Methadone Hydrochloride
Some communities have drug
take-back programs through their
household trash and recycling
service. Ask your pharmacist if she/
he knows of any, or call your trash
and recycling service. If there are
no drug take-back programs in your
area, you still can discard your
by your doctor or in the prescription medications safely in your
information. Most medications can household trash.
be thrown away. There are, however,
some medications that could be cations in your household trash by
You can safely dispose of medi-
harmful or fatal if used by anyone using the following approach:
other than the intended patient. The 1. Remove all medications from
U.S. Food and Drug Administration their containers.
(FDA), recommends flushing the following
medications:
desirable substances (cat
2. Mix the medications with un-
litter,
used coffee grounds).
3. Put the mixture in a container.
4. Seal the container and put it in
the trash.
5. Remove your name and prescription
numbers from the old
prescription containers before
throwing them out.
Remember to add your medicine
cabinet to your spring cleaning
list. It’s one more step to keeping
yourself and your loved ones (pets
included) safe.
From the
Pharmacist
by Brandon Griffin, Pharm D.,
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Blue & You Spring 2010

The
Doctor’s
Corner
to develop multiple sclerosis (MS)
than nonsmokers. People who quit
smoking improve their chances of
by Ray Bredfeldt, M.D.,
Regional Medical Director
Northwest Region, Fayetteville
not developing MS, but they remain
at a higher risk than those who have
never smoked.
was from an increase in heart attacks
and many types of cancer.
Should ovaries be routinely
Can aspirin help those with
colon cancer?
According to a recent study,
people who have colon cancer and
regularly take aspirin are less likely
to die from their cancer than people
who do not. During this 12-year
study, those whose cancer had not
initially spread to other areas of
the body were almost 30 percent
less likely to die if they took aspirin
on a regular basis. The study also
showed that people who took one
regular aspirin per day did somewhat
better than those who took
less that one per day. However,
aspirin does have risks, so patients
also should consult their doctor before
taking it on a regular basis.
Another reason to quit
smoking!
Researchers have found that
smokers are 60 percent more likely
removed during a
hysterectomy? More
evidence says maybe not …
Surgeons often routinely remove
the ovaries during a hysterectomy
because the surgery eliminates
the future risk of ovarian cancer.
Evidence is mounting, however,
that shows this practice does more
harm than good.
A new study reviewed
the outcomes
of 30,000 women
who had a hysterectomy
— half of whom
had their ovaries removed.
The women
who had their ovaries
removed were 12
percent more likely to
die during the next 24
years than those whose
ovaries were left in place.
The increased death rate
Combination of drugs
proves helpful for
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary
facial paralysis resulting from
damage or trauma to one of the two
facial nerves. According to a recent
study with 2,786 patients with Bell’s
palsy, they are significantly more
likely to have better outcomes if
they are treated with corticosteroids
(such as prednisone and prednisolone).
And, when an antiviral agent
(such as acyclovir) was added, outcomes
were even better.
19
Blue & You Spring 2010

20
A Good Investment
The Bank of Lake Village has remained with Arkansas Blue Cross since 1958
In 1958, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president of
the United States, a first class postage stamp cost
4 cents, and The Bank of Lake Village, Ark., hired Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield to provide health
insurance coverage for its employees. A lot of things
have changed since 1958, but one thing hasn’t: The
Bank of Lake Village is still with Arkansas Blue Cross.
“Providing health insurance is one of the largest, if
not the largest, benefit we give our employees,” said
Terry Alpe, president of The Bank of Lake Village. “So
it’s a major factor in contributing to the overall cost of
our employee base. It’s reviewed once a year or any
time there are changes regarding increases or decreases
in costs and coverage,” said Alpe.
The bank provides health insurance for about 40
employees from four entities: The Bank of Lake Village,
Jefferson Bank in Mississippi, the Southeast
Arkansas Holding Company and the board of directors.
And, according to Alpe, during the past 50-plus
years Arkansas Blue Cross has consistently provided
the best combination of savings and service. Having
a regional office just up the highway in Pine Bluff has
helped, too.
Said Alpe, “I think the representation that has
been provided out of the Pine Bluff office has been
very good.”
“With Judy, especially,” added Rita Chandler, the
bank’s senior vice president, referring to Judy Stephens
who works at the Southeast Regional Office
in Pine Bluff. “She’s been really helpful. She stays in
touch with us.”
The long-term relationship is something that is appreciated
by the employees of the regional office, too.
“We value all of our relationships with our customers,”
said Dwayne Pierce, regional executive for the
Southeast Regional Office, “but when you’ve had a
relationship with a customer for more than 50 years,
it’s more like taking care of family. I take great comfort
in knowing Judy is working with The Bank of Lake
Village and taking care of our family.”
“My experience has been when our people go to
doctors, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, there has
been a comfort level knowing that they’ve got a good
insurance provider. That they take with them a coverage
that’s readily accepted and well-known is comforting,”
said Alpe. “There are credentials that come
with having Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.”
Bank of Lake Village employees
are (front row, left to right) Rita
Chandler, Amanda Murdaugh
and Kim Buckner. (Back row,
left to right) Terry Alpe and
Leslie Shipman.
Blue & You Spring 2010

New online
national doctor and hospital directories
Finding a doctor or hospital in another state is as
easy as going to the new online directories on the Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Association Web site, bcbs.com.
The new National Doctor and Hospital Finder and the
Federal Employee Program online directory provide Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield members with easy
access to the medical care they need, whether they are
searching their own state or across the nation.
Here are just a few features that make searching for
doctors and hospitals easier:
• Simplified searches with fast results by selecting
“Find a Doctor or Hospital” at bcbs.com.
• New “type-ahead” technology that helps spell city
and specialty names.
• Upfront filtering that eliminates searching for provider
data such as affiliations, recognitions and board
certifications.
• Ability to search for individuals and groups/facilities
simultaneously.
• Mobile access through handheld devices.
“The new doctor and hospital finder will make it
much more convenient for members to locate the appropriate
medical attention they need — and not just in
Arkansas, but nationwide,” said Jim Bailey, senior vice
president of National Business and Inter-Plan Relations.
“It’s just one more way the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association is working to improve health care for all
its members.”
Do you cringe at
the memory of
your teenage
years?
21
New research suggests that the social standings of
teenagers has long-term health consequences.
In a study, known as the Stockholm Birth Cohort
Study, researchers noted that the students who reported
lower levels of social acceptance as young teens
tended to have a higher risk of serious health issues as
adults; the same was true for males and females.
Specifically, the study found that children who were
the least popular and powerful at school had more
health problems as adults.
• They were more than four times as likely to require
hospital treatment for hormonal, nutritional and
metabolic diseases as their most popular and powerful
classmates.
• They were more than twice as likely to develop mental
health and behavioral problems, including suicide
attempts and self-harm.
• They also were significantly more likely to develop
drug and alcohol dependency problems, and nine
times more likely to develop heart disease.
Researchers theorize that lower peer status and less
social support results in more negative self-image and
less self-confidence, which in turn could influence the
child’s future ambitions, expectations and choices.
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community
Health, September 2009
Blue & You Spring 2010

22
Healthy Habits
through
SilverSneakers
When you’ve been married for 59 years, you develop
a lot of the same habits.
For Charlie and Shirley Rule, those habits include
fitness, fun and friendship through the SilverSneakers ®
program at Fitness Unlimited in Benton, Ark.
The Rules started participating in the SilverSneakers
program about three years ago when Shirley found a
notice about it in the mail. “I figured Charlie wouldn’t
want to go, but he said he wanted to try it.” The two
have been
Enrollment in
fixtures in the
SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers is a
program ever benefit of Medi-Pak and
since. Membership
in Silver-
Medi-Pak Advantage
(PFFS) coverage.
Sneakers is a
benefit of Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS)
coverage.
The Rules try to go to SilverSneakers classes as
often as four times a week. Charlie provides entertainment
by printing out jokes and funny stories for Barbara
Kane, their instructor, to read out loud at the beginning
of class.
Shirley said she
and Charlie have
both had their
share of surgeries
and medical
problems, and
Charlie (left) sometimes aren’t
and Shirley
Rule (below) confident in their
participate in
stability, but the
the Silver-
Sneakers SilverSneakers
yoga class
at Fitness classes allow
Unlimited in
participants to
Benton.
use a chair to stay
balanced. If they
feel comfortable,
the participants
can stand, but when they are unsure, they can sit. Yoga
movements have been modified to stretch muscles
from a seated position and Shirley said the cardio program
is quite a workout even using a chair.
Barbara said she has seen the improvements her
participants have made by adding exercise to their lives.
Blue & You Spring 2010

“Everyone says it improves their flexibility and gives
them more energy to do things they want to do in life,”
she said. She said the exercises to loosen the neck
muscles are extremely important for the participants
who still are driving because it keeps them safe on the
road. “Many of them tell me, ‘I almost fell but was able
to catch myself.’”
For Charlie, who retired from the railroad and serviced
both aluminum plants in the area, going to Silver-
Sneakers is a chance to catch up with many friends and
neighbors, “and find out what is going on in the community.”
Shirley said she has tried exercising at home,
but can’t stay motivated. “I like to walk and visit with
people,” she said.
Barbara said the group extends beyond the classroom
and has gotten together for meals and movies
on occasion. For those who have lost their husband or
wife, it may be the only time they get hugs during the
week. “This is a great group,” Barbara said.
For Charlie and Shirley, SilverSneakers is a habit they
will stick with for the fun, fitness and friendship. As
Charlie said, “We hate to miss a class!”
To enroll in SilverSneakers, Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak
Advantage members can go to a participating fitness
center near them and show their ID card. Fitness center
staff will assist with enrollment and provide tours of
the locations. Because new fitness centers are being
added to the program regularly, members can go online
to silversneakers.com to find all participating locations
in Arkansas. You also can call customer service to find a
participating location near you.
Go to Blue & You Online on our Arkansas
Blue Cross and Health Advantage Web sites for
more on SilverSneakers.
SilverSneakers ® is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc. The
SilverSneakers Fitness Program is provided by Healthways, Inc.,
which is an independent company that operates separately from
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
We love to hear from you!
May we help? For customer service, please call:
Little Rock Toll-free
Number (501) Number
Medi-Pak members 378-3062 1-800-338-2312
Medi-Pak Advantage members 1-877-233-7022
Medi-Pak Rx members 1-866-390-3369
Arkansas Blue Cross members 378-2010 1-800-238-8379
Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5561
Specialty Rx Pharmacy questions 1-866-295-2779
Health Advantage members 378-2363 1-800-843-1329
Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5567
BlueAdvantage members 378-3600 1-888-872-2531
Pharmacy questions 1-888-293-3748
State and Public School members 378-2364 1-800-482-8416
Federal Employee members 378-2531 1-800-482-6655
Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!
For individuals, families
and those age 65 or older 378-2937 1-800-392-2583
For employer groups 378-3070 1-800-421-1112
(Arkansas Blue Cross Group Services, which includes
Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas)
Prefer to speak with someone close to home? Call or visit one
of our regional offices:
Pine Bluff/Southeast Region 1-800-236-0369
1800 West 73rd St.
Jonesboro/Northeast Region 1-800-299-4124
707 East Matthews Ave.
Hot Springs/South Central Region 1-800-588-5733
100 Greenwood Ave., Suite C
Texarkana/Southwest Region 1-800-470-9621
1710 Arkansas Boulevard
Fayetteville/Northwest Region 1-800-817-7726
516 East Milsap Rd., Suite 103
Fort Smith/West Central Region 1-866-254-9117
3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite 5
Little Rock/Central Region 1-800-421-1112
320 West Capitol Ave., Suite 900
You can contact customer service through our Web sites:
arkansasbluecross.com
healthadvantage-hmo.com
blueadvantagearkansas.com
Related Web sites:
blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org
blueannewe-ark.com
23
Blue & You Spring 2010

24
At Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield, we are
always looking for new
ways to be "Good for You."
Here are some of our
latest accomplishments.
See BlueAdvantage’s new Web site
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas has a
new Web site! The new design makes it easy to
navigate and puts the tools you need right at your
fingertips. The “Plans & Products” section is designed
with employer groups in mind to help find
the right health-care coverage for your company.
Links under each tab for Members, Employers and
Providers make finding what you need a snap!
Get claims information online
You can receive e-mails to notify you when your
Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) or Personal Health
Statements (PHSs) are available online behind
My Blueprint, our member self-service center. It’s
convenient, fast and easy! To sign up, you must be
registered for My Blueprint. If you haven’t already,
go online and follow the easy registration instructions
from the home page of our Web sites.
Do you have a Personal Health Record?
A Personal Health Record (PHR) is a secure, Webbased,
electronic medical record that combines
information provided by you, your doctor and your
insurance company. To set up your PHR, log in to
My Blueprint, our member self-service center, and
select “Personal Health Record.” Your PHR already
includes your medical history, current medications,
medical tests, a summary of your visits to your
doctor and more. You can add to the information by
including your personal medical history, family medical
history and social history.
A PHR can be extremely helpful in emergency
situations when you may need a doctor to have
access to your medical history and current medications
in a hurry. Or, by using the Health Trackers,
you can provide your doctors a day-to-day glimpse
at your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and other
vital health statistics.
Blue & You Spring 2010