Prevention

Preventive care is an important part to staying healthy. Getting screening tests and immunizations helps prevent disease and managing health. Mountain-Pacific works in collaboration with state agencies, health care providers and other quality health stakeholders to improve population health by encouraging immunizations for the flu and pneumonia and screen tests for common and deadly cancers, like breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women over the age of 65. Mountain-Pacific Quality Health works with primary care providers to help improve and spread best preventive practices to help patients control blood pressure, manage their lipids, learn about aspirin therapy and quit smoking. These preventive measures go a long way in battling heart disease and improving cardiovascular health.

'Tis the Season to Prevent the Flu

A weakening immune system makes seniors -- adults 65 years and older -- more susceptible to the flu. For seniors, the seasonal flu can be very serious, and even deadly. Seniors have two options for vaccination: a regular or high-dose flu shot.

Video: Why does being older than 65 put me at higher risk for the flu?

People with health conditions, including arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes or heart disease may be at a higher risk for flu-related complications.


Other helpful links:
Information on Flu and Medicare's Coverage of Flu Shots
Adult Immunization Information and Resources
2012-2013 Flu Season Information
Key Facts about Influenza and the Flu Vaccine
Vaccine Information Statement: Seasonal Shot
Vaccine Information Statement: Seasonal Nasal Spray

---

Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives

You can help yourself stay healthy one hand wash at a time.

Infectious diseases commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, influenza (flu) and several gastrointestinal disorders. Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, like salmonelle and E. coli.

Handwashing is by far the best way to prevent the spread of germs and to keep you from getting sick.

Follow the four Principles of Hand Awareness, endorsed by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Acadmey of Family Physicians (AAFP), to fight the spread of infectious diseases:

1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating.
2. Do not cough into your hands.
3. Do not sneeze into your hands.
4. Above all, do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth.

For more information on the importance of handwashing, click here.

Other helpful resources:
A Patient's Guide to Hand Hygiene
Stop Germs! Stay Healthy! Wash Your Hands
Video: CDC's "Hand Hygiene Saves Lives"

---