Take Action | The California Chronic Care CoalitionThe California Chronic Care Coalition

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Did you know?

The definition for a chronic illness is one lasting 3 months or more. Seventy-five percent (75%) of our health care spending is on people with chronic conditions.

Chronic disease affects more than 16 million Californians
Almost half of all people with chronic conditions have multiple chronic conditions
25% of people with a chronic condition have some type of activity limitation

Chronic disease is the public health challenge of the 21st century. “Reforming California’s health care system will require a paradigm shift from ‘crisis centered care’ to ‘prevention centered care.”

Liz Helm, President & CEO, – CA Chronic Care Coalition

The Power of Prevention and Wellness – keeping YOU healthier longer.

Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly of all health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Chronic disease prevention encourages healthy living which can limit the initial onset of chronic disease. Early detection efforts, including screenings and coordination the management of existing chronic conditions or diseases can reduce multiple conditions and related complications.

Taking control of your health

Where do I begin?

The Advocate in YOU!

Build your care team: This can include your doctor, specialist, pharmacist, nutritionist, physical therapist, caregiver, or other provider. As a patient, you should feel empowered to take charge of your health and ask questions. You should work together with your care team to become an active participant in your care.

Your Health Plan

Questions for your health plan:

Can I see/keep my doctor if my plan or employer changes?
What is my prescription co-pay deductible, co-insurance?
What does out of pocket expense mean? What out of pocket expenses should I expect?
Does my plan cover prevention?
How do I file a complaint or fight a denial?
Visit MyPatientRights.org to learn more including:
- Common barriers
- Know your rights
- Choose smart checklist
- How to file a complaint.

Your Doctor/Provider

Get Screened – Ask your doctor about any preventive screenings that may be right for you.

Ask your doctor about your vaccine record and any vaccinations you should get up-to-date on.
Heart disease is one of the most common chronic diseases and a leading cause of death. Focus on prevention = here are some examples of what to consider when asking about your heart health:
- What is my blood pressure? What should my blood pressure be? What does the top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic) stand for? What does that mean for me? What is cholesterol? How does it affect my heart? What is a healthy cholesterol number? Bad (LDL) Good (HDL)? What is my blood sugar level? What should it be to keep my healthy? What should I do if it is too high? Am I at risk of getting diabetes? What does Body Mass Index (BMI) mean? When am I considered obese?

Your Pharmacist

Make your pharmacist a part of your healthcare team. Your pharmacist is a medication expert, with years of advanced training about how medications can work to improve your health. Ask your pharmacist about:

GoodRx – A resource to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions.
MedicineAssistanceTool.org – A search engine for your prescriptions that matches patients with resources and cost-sharing programs that may help lower your out-of-pocket costs, whether or not you have insurance.

Diet and Exercise

Get moving and make sensible food choices. California is experiencing an obesity epidemic for which there is no single cause or simple cure. Maintaining a healthy weight is all about balancing the number of calories you take in with the number you burn off through exercise.

The California Chronic Care Coalition is leading the way to secure a healthy California. Join us – it all begins with YOU.

To find out more call 916.444.1985