Cancer affects 1 in 3 people in the United States. Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by cancer. You are made of trillions of cells that grow and divide to produce new cells. When cells are abnormal or get old, they usually die. Cancer starts when something goes wrong in this process and your cells keep making new cells, but the old or abnormal ones don’t die when they should. Cancer is a complex disease, and there are many types of cancer. Cancer can develop in any part of the body and is named for the body part where it started. For example, cancer that begins in the breast is known as breast cancer, even if it spreads to other parts of the body.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in individuals assigned female at birth, right after skin cancer. It is a condition in which the cells in the breast start to grow out of control. This can cause the cancer cells to take up space that would normally be filled by healthy cells, which can make it hard for your body to work the way it should. With the advances in medical science, many people with cancer can now be treated successfully and go on to lead full, healthy lives afterward.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Age and gender are the main factors that influence your risk for breast cancer. Most breast cancers are also found in people who are older than 50. Other risk factor includes a personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast disease or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Breast Cancer Screenings and Exams
Breast cancer screening is a way to find the disease before someone has symptoms. While some women may experience symptoms, many women with breast cancer show no signs of the disease, so it's important to get screened regularly. While breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find the disease early, which can improve the chances of successful treatment. There are a few different exams that can be done to check for breast cancers:
- Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and chest. It may find tumors that are too small to feel. For many people, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.
- Clinical breast and chest exam is an exam of the breast by a doctor or other health professional. They will feel the chest and underarms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
- Breast and chest self-exams are a step-by-step approach a person can use to look at and feel their breasts or chest to check for anything abnormal.
Cancer affects 1 in 3 people in the United States. Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by cancer. You are made of trillions of cells that grow and divide to produce new cells. When cells are abnormal or get old, they usually die. Cancer starts when something goes wrong in this process and your cells keep making new cells, but the old or abnormal ones don’t die when they should. Cancer is a complex disease, and there are many types of cancer. Cancer can develop in any part of the body and is named for the body part where it started. For example, cancer that begins in the breast is known as breast cancer, even if it spreads to other parts of the body.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in all genders. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States after lung cancer. In the United States, colorectal cancer is most common in adults aged 65 to 74. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be called colon or rectal cancer, depending on where they begin. Colon and rectal cancer are often grouped because they have many features in common. Colorectal cancer is a condition in which the cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control, forming a malignant tumor. Many cancers begin as growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, called polyps. While some types of polyps can evolve into cancer over time, not all polyps are cancerous.
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
There are many factors that influence your risk, including a strong personal or family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps. Talk to your doctor to learn about other risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings and Exam Types
Screening exams for colorectal cancer are important in detecting polyps before they turn into cancer and identifying colorectal cancer at its early stages when treatment is most successful. According to the American Cancer Society, individuals at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening before the age of 45, be screened more often, and receive specific exams. Those who are not considered high-risk should begin regular screening at age 45. There are a few different tests that can be done to check for polyps and colorectal cancers:
- Stool test which looks for tiny amounts of blood in feces that can't be seen visually.
- Sigmoidoscopy is where a flexible, lighted tube with a lens is used to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon and remove tissue if needed.
- Colonoscopy is like the sigmoidoscopy exam, but it examines the entire colon and remove tissue if needed.
- Virtual colonoscopy uses a special x-ray machine to take pictures of the colon and rectum from outside the body.
Screening for breast and colorectal cancer saves lives. Call your doctor’s office to schedule an appointment or to learn more about cancer screening exams.
Why is Important to Have Your Child Vaccinated
The health and well-being of our children is something we all care about. One of the most effective ways to protect them from serious sickness and disease is through vaccines.
Vaccines protect infants and young children.
Vaccines protect children from sickness that can cause long-term health problems. These health problems can include blindness, hearing loss, brain damage and even death. It is especially easy for infants and young children to get very sick from certain diseases, even from the flu. Getting very sick can cause health issues in the future. Children under 5 years of age who get the flu are much more likely than adults to have to go to the hospital.
Vaccines protect children when they need it.
There is a vaccine schedule that maps out which vaccine your child needs and when. The schedule is based on how your child’s immune system responds to vaccines at different ages. It is also based on how likely your child will be exposed to a certain disease. Getting your child vaccinated at the right time helps reduce the risk of severe illness.
Vaccines also protect others.
Children who are not vaccinated can spread diseases to others, like newborns, older adults and people with chronic health issues. Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date protects your child and those around them.
Vaccines can prevent lost wages from being sick.
When a child gets sick, parents and guardians may have to take time off work to care for them. Time off work can lead to lost income and added stress on the family. Older children may miss out on school, sports and other activities because they can’t be around other people.
Talk to your child’s doctor about what vaccines your child needs. Keeping your child up to date with vaccines adds protection as they grow and helps them be healthy.
By age two, your baby should be up to date with immunizations to protect them from the following diseases:
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Rotavirus (RV)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal Disease (PCV)
- Polio (IPV)
- COVID-19
- Influenza (Flu)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
At Valley Health Plan, our focus is the “well-being of our members.” That starts with helping our members have the information and access to care they need to be the healthiest they can be.
To download a copy of CDC’s, recommend child vaccine schedule or to learn more about each vaccine and how it protects your child, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines or Valley Health Plan's (VHP) member health and wellness website. If you have any questions, please email the VHPs Health Education Department at [email protected] or call us at 1 (669) 220-5235.
High Blood Pressure What is it and What Can I do?
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measure consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. It is recommended that everyone, with high blood pressure or not, maintain blood pressure below 120/80. Speak to your doctor to learn your personal blood pressure goal.
High Blood Pressure Signs and Symptoms
High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it, the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed at the doctor’s office. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more at risk you are for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
High Blood Pressure Causes and Problems
The most common cause of high blood pressure is unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as lack of regular physical activity, high salt in diet, smoking, and alcohol use. High blood pressure can develop over time. High blood pressure can damage your health in many ways. It can seriously hurt important organs like your heart, brain, kidney, and eyes.
How to Control Your Blood Pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss will help reduce your blood pressure.
- Eat healthier. Eat lots of fruit, veggies and low-fat dairy and less saturated and total fat.
- Reduce sodium. Ideally, stay under 1,500 mg a day, but aim for at least a 1,000 mg per day reduction.
- Get active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, such as taking a walk.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Drink no more than one to two drinks a day (one for most women, two for most men).
Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
Home blood pressure monitoring may be especially useful for anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure, individuals with risk factor for high blood pressure and/or condition related to high blood pressure, pregnant women experiencing pregnancy -induced hypertension and/or preeclampsia. Talk to your doctor to learn more about home blood pressure monitoring.
High Blood Pressure and Smoking
Smoking raises your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels. If you quit smoking, you’ll lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, diseases affecting your nerve, kidney, and mouth. Valley Health Plan (VHP) is committed to supporting members who want to stop smoking and/or using tobacco products. Members can join VHP’s Tabacco Cessation Support Program where members can learn how to manage and cope when trying to quit. The program is led by VHP Education Specialists virtually and in-person. To learn about VHP's Health and Wellness programs or if you have any questions, please reach out to VHPs Health Education Department by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1(669) 220-5235.
Talk with Your Doctor
Staying healthy is important, and VHP, along with your doctor, is here to support you. Schedule your yearly health exam and remember to ask about your blood pressure. Understanding your results is important in controlling high blood pressure. And remember to be patient and flexible, as it may take some time to reach your blood pressure goal.
Many health problems, if caught early, can be reversed through lifestyle changes. When you learn more about your health, you are more equipped to make better health choices.
Lead poisoning
Lead is a natural occurring metal that can cause negative health effects. People are exposed to lead by eating lead paint chips, ingesting contaminated food or water, and/or by breathing in lead dust. Lead may be still found in and around older homes and buildings, in some consumer products, remedies, and foods.
Even in small amounts, lead has harmful effect on the body, which may lead to lifelong learning, behavioral, reproductive, cardiovascular, and other health problems.
Lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental illnesses in California but is completely preventable.
Lead poisoning in children
Children younger than 6 years are more likely to be exposed to lead due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Many children ingest lead dust by putting objects such as toys and dirt in their mouths. Lead can harm your child, making it hard for your child to learn, pay attention, and behave. Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick.
Some potential lead sources that may put your child at risk for lead exposure include:
- Lead pain inside or outside the home that is chipped, peeling, or damaged in any way. If your home was built before 1978, it may have lead paint.
- Some imported dishes, pots, water crocks, or older dishware, especially if worn, chipped, or cracked.
- Imported food such as chapulines (fried grasshoppers).
- Brightly colored spices from other countries, such as chili powder, imported tamarind candy, turmeric, and khmeli suneli (dried spice blend).
Protect your child from lead
Some of the things you can do to protect your child include:
- Do not let your child chew on painted surfaces or eat paint chips.
- Wash your child’s hand and toys often. Lead dust and dirt can stick to hands and toys that children put in their mouths.
- Avoid giving your child sweets. Some candies from outside the USA have lead in them.
Keep your home clean and dust-free. This keeps lead in dust and dirt from spreading in the house.
Lead screening for children
Children in publicly supported programs* at 1 and 2 years old and all children at risk for lead exposure, should get tested. Also, children at age 24 months to 6 years in publicly supported programs* who were not tested at 24 months or later. * Examples of publicly supported programs include Medi-Cal, CHDP, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
If you think your child might be at risk of lead exposure, ask your child’s doctor for a blood lead test. The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is to get a blood test for lead.
The cost of lead screening for children is covered by Valley Health Plan for all lines of business.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common, treatable, sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Chlamydia infections in women usually do not have signs or symptoms, and it can cause damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
How is chlamydia spread?
You can get chlamydia by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia, A pregnant person with chlamydia can give the infection to their baby during childbirth.
How to reduce your risk of getting chlamydia?
The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, the following things can lower your chances of getting chlamydia:
Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have chlamydia: and
Using condoms every time you have sex.
Chlamydia screening for women
Chlamydia screening is recommended for sexually active women, including pregnant persons, without signs and symptoms of chlamydia if they are:
24 years or younger
25 years or older who are at increased risk for infection.
Women 25 years or older are at increased risk if they have:
A previous or existing STI
A new or more than 1 sex partner
A sex partner having sex with other partners at the same time.
A sex partner with an STI
Inconsistent condoms use when not in a mutually monogamous relationship.
A history of exchanging sex for money or drugs
A history of incarceration
Chlamydia during pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should be tested for Chlamydia and other STIs as a part of your medical care during pregnancy. The results of an STI can be more serious, even life-threatening, for you and your baby if you become infected while pregnant. It is recommended screening during their first prenatal visit and again during their third trimester.
Ask your doctor about getting tested for all STIs.
Smoking & tobacco use
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Smoking and use of tobacco products including e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, or other nicotine containing product cause or worsen numerous diseases and conditions.
Health impacts of tobacco use
The health risk associate with tobacco use include cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
Smoking affects every part of your body: ears, nose, lungs, stomach, blood, brain, eyes, mouth, heart, and bones. If you smoke, you are 10 times more likely to get cancer than a person who never smoke.
Health benefits of quitting smoking
Quitting smoking will improve your health and can add up to 10 years to your life. As soon as you quit smoking, your body begins to repair the damage caused by smoking and continues to repair itself for many years. (see table below)
Valley Health Plan (VHP): Tobacco Cessation Program
Valley Health Plan’s Health Education Department offers a certified Tobacco Cessation program to help VHP Commercial, individual & Family Plan, and Covered CA members quit smoking and/or using tobacco products.
This program helps identify and address individual triggers, reviews various Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) options, and how to safely use NRT. The goal for this program is to teach participants how to successfully quit smoking even if they have attempted to quit in the past. This program is available to VHP members at no cost.
VHP’s Tobacco Cessation Program consists of two individual sessions. Currently, this program is offered virtually, but these can also be arranged in person upon member’s request. A certificate of completion will be presented to members who attend both sessions.
Tobacco-certified VHP Health Education Specialists provide direct support to VHP members on:
Understanding their smoking history and routine.
Learning the benefits of quitting and different strategies to quit.
Managing withdrawal symptoms and smoking “triggers”.
Understanding options for NRT to discuss with their primary care provider.
Recognizing the importance of selecting a “quit date”.
To learn more about VHP’s Health and Wellness programs and how VHP members can enroll, visit our website at Health and wellness | Valley Health Plan | VHP .
If you have any questions, please reach out to VHP’s Health Education Department at [email protected] or call us at 1.669.220.5235, option 1.