11 ways our website works for you

The Internet is a great tool for improving your health. If you're looking for a reliable online health resource, look no further than priorityheath.com. You'll find everything from diet and health assessments powered by WebMD to preventive health care guidelines to advice for managing health conditions. Here are just 11 of the many healthy living tools available to you.

1. Strategies for heading off heart disease

   Most people believe heart attacks are sudden and intense, but they usually begin with mild symptoms. To prevent heart disease, try to keep your blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg and your cholesterol lower than 200 mg/dl. Visit priorityhealth.com to learn more about heart disease risk factors — including metabolic syndrome — and preventive lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, exercising and quitting smoking.
   Search keywords: heart disease

2. Advice for keeping asthma in check

   If you have asthma, developing an asthma action plan with your doctor can help you recognize early warning signs of an attack. It can also help you know when to adjust your medicines and when to call your doctor or go to the ER. (If you visit the ER, be sure to follow up with your doctor.) For asthma control, take your long-term-control medicines even when you feel better. Take your quick-relief medicines only as needed. Note: Always clean inhalers weekly with warm water to prevent clogging. Search priorityhealth.com to learn more.
   Search keyword: asthma

3. Mammography locations

   You can get breast cancer even if you don't have a family history of it. Mammography can detect changes in your breasts long before you can see or feel them. Visit priorityhealth.com to find mammography locations near you. You also can learn more about reducing breast cancer risk, available tests and treatment options. Search keywords: breast cancer

4. Pap testing guidelines

   The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently published new guidelines for when and how often women need Pap tests. Check out our Preventive Health Care Guidelines for recommended Pap test frequency. You also can learn more about cervical cancer risk factors, screenings and treatment.
   Search keywords: preventive, cervical cancer

5. Facts about colorectal or colon cancer

   People older than age 50 are most likely to get colon cancer — 75% won't have symptoms. Start screening at age 50, or when directed by your doctor. When colon cancer is treated early, the survival rate is 90%. Learn more about prevention and treatment at priorityhealth.com.
   Search keywords: colorectal cancer

6. Family planning tools

   Have you set personal goals for having children? Time spent planning a pregnancy can be very beneficial for you and your child. Visit priorityhealth.com to get ideas on how you will achieve your reproductive life plan goals and questions to ask yourself.
   Search keyword: maternity

7. Prebaby care for women

   Staying healthy between ages 15 and 44 is important for all women, but it's especially important for those who may become pregnant. Check out information on staying healthy and preventing birth defects and premature or low birth-weight babies.
   Search keyword: pregnancy

8. Pregnancy guide for moms-to-be

   At priorityhealth.com, new moms can find information from our HealthyEncounters^SM Maternity program to help them understand what to expect and how to stay healthy during the next nine months. It's important to see your doctor during the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy so that you can be enrolled in the program. You will receive an educational packet with information on:
   • Pregnancy
   • Labor and delivery
   • Postpartum checkup (four to six weeks after delivery)
   • Details about adding your baby to your health insurance
   • Well-child visits for your baby
   • Many more topics for new mothers
   You may also receive care at home from a registered nurse after your baby is born if you choose the minimum overnight stay at the hospital.
   Search keyword: maternity

9. Common postpartum depression signs

   Learn the importance of a postpartum checkup four to six weeks after delivery and how to watch for signs of postpartum depression. You can also call our Behavioral Health department at 800 673-8043 for additional postpartum depression information. All calls are confidential.
   Search keywords: postpartum depression

10. Children's checkup schedules

    Children need regular well-child visits with their doctor to help monitor their growth and development:
    • Babies should have well-child appointments between the first and second month and at ages 4, 6, 9 and 12 to 15 months.
    • Young children should see the doctor at least once a year when they are ages 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • Older children should have a checkup at least once at age 11.
    Online you’ll find essential guidelines for well-child visits and details about important immunizations and screenings.
    Search keyword: preventive

11. Chlamydia screening recommendations

    It's important to know the facts about this common sexually transmitted infection. Visit priorityhealth.com to learn:
    • Why it's important for sexually active women ages 16 to 25 to be tested
    • Why parents need to be prepared to talk with their teens about chlamydia
    • Information about testing
    Search keyword: chlamydia

Topics: Health disease, Asthma, Womens health, Preventive care, Pregnancy, Depression, Children's health