This article originally appeared in Healthy Communities, a publication of Fallon Health
My name is Katie. I’m a member of Fallon Community Health Plan, as well as an employee. I’m also actively trying to live a healthy life, with the help of my family, friends and Fallon Community Health Plan. And with my “insider’s view,” I can definitely say that FCHP is here for its members every step of the way, helping us to live healthy lives.
See, I decided three years ago that I was going to lose a few pounds—and I ended up gaining a new perspective on my life and health. And out of that, my fundamental beliefs—my credo—were born. Sounds so official, right? Well, it’s much less formal in action, and I don’t always follow through. I wouldn’t be human if I did. But it’s a start.
I believe that I’m the boss of me. The truth is, I’m the only one responsible for my body (thighs and all). But honestly, that thought of ultimate responsibility is a little scary. How much easier would life be if I had a little sidekick to tell me all the answers to being healthy, fit and happy? However, having the discounts and programs that are available to me as an FCHP member definitely helps out.
I believe in thinking about health as a journey, not a destination. The first step on my journey was joining Weight Watchers three years ago. As an FCHP member, I took advantage of the It Fits! program and received 12 weeks of Weight Watchers for free. (“Free” has always been a big motivator for me! Free bagels, free cookies … but I digress.) With the support of my family, I gradually lost 30 pounds and celebrated with a new wardrobe. Maybe I celebrated too much because since then, my pants are a little tighter and my weight fluctuates—10 pounds up, five pounds down, and so on. But I’m learning to be okay with that by thinking of my life and my health as the clichéd “journey.” To love myself through all the ups and downs. To set reasonable goals. To just keep going along for the ride. And I always know that FCHP will be here for me with practical ways to support my lifestyle.
I believe in adding broccoli to my baked potato. And a banana to my cereal and extra veggies into the spaghetti sauce my husband and I eat for dinner. (I’m watching out for his health, too.) In other words, I try to add extra vegetables and fruits anywhere I can, mainly because when I want a snack, my first choice isn’t usually an orange or a bag of carrots. I’d rather crackers, chips or better yet, chocolate. So if I can get part of my “five a-day” hidden under the cheese of a baked potato, I’m all for it.
I believe in taking the stairs. As in hoofing it up five flights of stairs to my office instead of taking the elevator. Also, my husband and I signed up for a gym membership, and got a discount just by being FCHP members. Since we want to workout together, the best time to go is at 5:30 a.m., three times a week. That hour of the day (when most birds are still sleeping) is not the easiest for us to get moving, so sometimes we don’t make it. On those days, I try to do other little exercises—like taking the stairs and walking our dog Charley around the block— to make up for missing our gym date. (And taking Charley for a jaunt around the neighborhood is actually a fun way to get exercise—for him, too!)
I believe in moderation. Ah, if this was only as easy as it sounds. I tend to think in terms of “all or nothing”—either I avoid chocolate chip cookies or I eat a dozen. I’m not sure why I think this way, but I know I’m not alone. Weight Watchers has taught me the basics of moderation, but it’s something that I need to be constantly reminded of.
I believe in singing in the car. As well as doing any other healthy activity else that relieves stress. For me, it’s singing in the car, writing in my journal, having a great laugh with my girlfriends and doing yoga. And it definitely helps my stress level to get a reimbursement on my yoga classes from FCHP!
I believe in a holistic approach to my health care. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. To me, it’s all connected when it comes to my health. That’s why I’ve checked out acupuncturists with whom I can get discounts through FCHP’s Naturally Well program. I haven’t been yet because I’m doing my homework about acupuncture, learning all I can about it before I get it myself.
I believe in getting my annual physical. And why not, since there’s no copayment for me and my husband as FCHP members to see our primary care physicians for our routine check-ups! My doctor is my guide. I may be the boss of my body, but Doc knows how to identify signs and symptoms of illnesses and can give me tips on how to keep myself healthy.
I believe in asking questions. How else can you get answers about your health if you don’t ask questions? Now, you can ask a nurse on FCHP’s new Nurse Connect line, 24 hours a day, seven days. Or, you can get answers to thousands of questions on the Healthwise® Knowledgebase, available at www.fchp.org. The Healthwise® Knowledgebase has been a great resource for me and my family. Last year, my sister and I both had colds that lasted for what seemed to be months—miserable months at that. We looked up our symptoms in the online library, which suggested that we contact our doctors. Good thing we checked—I had bronchitis. (My sister, lucky girl, just had a lingering cold.) Now, with FCHP’s new Nurse Connect program, I can talk with a nurse, 24/seven.
I believe that Fallon Community Health Plan is here for me, every day. They’re here for me with It Fits! reimbursements for Weight Watchers and my yoga classes or gym memberships. They’ll be here for me when I have a baby. (The Oh Baby! program is a must for new parents!) They’ll be here for my uncle—who’s been a smoker for as long as I can remember and who I’d love to have quit—with FCHP’s Tobacco Treatment Program. And they’re here for you and your family, too, in so many ways beyond health insurance.