selecthealth.org/asthma

Do Asthma Triggers Lurk in Your Home?Home, sweet home. It’s where you get to kick back and relax at the day’s end. But what if you find yourself sneezing, wheezing, or struggling to breath with ease?

It might be your home’s indoor air.

Some allergens and other irritants in a home can trigger asthma troubles, including a few you might not even realize. If you’re feeling sensitive, here are a few possible sources, plus tips to reduce exposure to them:

New carpets or mattresses. New materials or furniture sometimes emit gases, called VOCs, that can make it harder to breathe in the short term. Try airing them out in a room you spend less time in until they finish off-gassing.

Houseplants. Indoor plants can harbor mold if their soils stay too wet. Keep houseplants and watering to a minimum. Mold can thrive in other damp areas too—for instance, around bathtubs and leaky sinks and dishwashers. Fix any drips and remove any visible mold. Run a fan after showering.

Pharmacy Corner SelectHealth currently offers additional generic medications. Check with your provider to see if you could benefit from these cost savings!

PREFERRED PRODUCTS

Symbicort – preferred brand copay

Airduo generic – fluticasone/salmeterol

Advair generic (also called Wixela) – fluticasone/salmeterol

Cluttered surfaces. A cluttered home may collect more dust mite allergens. A few ways to mitigate mites include washing bedding weekly in hot water; vacuuming frequently (use a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum, and wear a dust mask); and using non-fabric furniture.

Uninvited pests. Cockroaches also live in many homes. To discourage roaches, don’t leave food out on counters and keep a lid on indoor trashcans. Set roach traps to remove any bugs that have moved in.

If you suspect something is aggravating your asthma, talk to your doctor. You may need an allergy test.

Sources: American Lung Association; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

P.O. Box 30192 Salt Lake City, Utah 84130

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSalt Lake City, UTPermit No. 4547

Health and wellness or prevention information

The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. The information that is contained in this newsletter does not guarantee benefits. Member discounts are not considered a plan benefit. If you have questions or want to confirm your benefits, call Member Services at 800-538-5038.

If you have a Medicare Advantage® plan, call us toll-free at 855-442-9900, weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. Outside of these hours of operation, please leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day. TTY users, please call 711. SelectHealth is an HMO plan sponsor with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SelectHealth Advantage depends on contract renewal.

© 2019 SelectHealth. All rights reserved. 16984809 06/19

© Coffey Communications 2019

PLANT A TREE WITH ONE CLICK.SIGN UP TO GO PAPERLESS!

5,800

That’s how many trees we planted at the Bibb County Preserve last year. We partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees for members who signed up to go paperless.

Sign up to go paperless and we’ll plant a tree to help restore another forest.

Here’s how: Visit selecthealth.org/trees and log in to My Health.

OV

ER

SOME SPECIAL RULES APPLY FOR KIDS WITH ASTHMA

Asthma shouldn’t keep kids from having fun. And as many kids will tell you, a fun day is a day at the pool or the beach.

Still, it’s up to parents to help keep asthma in check—even on carefree summer days that include swimming. And of course, all children, including those with asthma, need close supervision around water.

Here are some tips and reminders for successful asthma control and water safety:

Make sure your child doesn’t skip their medication. Your child may not be thinking about taking their medication during summer time fun, but it’s important, regardless of the fun or season, to keep taking any prescribed medications to reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

Before heading to the water, double-check your child has their rescue inhaler. Be sure your kiddo keeps their inhaler close at all times—and keep it free of sand and water so it works properly.

Be mindful of asthma triggers. For some kids, triggers might include plant pollen or smoky, polluted skies. Follow your child’s written asthma action plan to avoid things that make their asthma worse.

Does your child get asthma symptoms with exercise? Remind your child not to run and play too rough. (Besides this, horseplay at the pool is a good way to get hurt!) Also, consult your child’s doctor and action plan when it comes to exercise and activities, such as swimming.

Keep a close eye on your youngster. Never look away—not even for a moment. It only takes a few seconds for a child to get into danger around water.

Keep Kids Safe Around Water

In This Issue2 Transitions of Care; Let’s Chat

3 Asthma Control Test for Adults

4 Asthma Control Test for Children

5 Do Asthma Triggers Lurk in Your Home?; Pharmacy Corner

summer 2019

Managing Asthma is a trademark of SelectHealth.

managingasthma™

Swim in safe places. Always swim and play near a lifeguard at the beach or a public pool.

Watch the weather. If you hear thunder rumbling, get out of the water. Thunder often means lightning may be near.

Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Emergency Physicians

selecthealth.org/asthma

©2006 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. AD3483R0 May 2006 Permission granted by GlaxoSmithKline 11/06, for reprint by Intermountain Healthcare.

Childhood Asthma Control Test for children 4 to 11 years old. Know the score.This test will provide a score that may help your doctor determine if your child’s asthma treatment plan is working or if it might be time for a change.How to take the Childhood Asthma Control Test

Step 1 Let your child respond to the first four questions (1 to 4). If your child needs help reading or understanding the question, you may help, but let your child select the response. Complete the remaining three questions (5 to 7) on your own and without letting your child’s response influence your answers. There are no right or wrong answers.

Step 2 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.Step 3 Add up each score box for the total.Step 4 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your child’s total score.

If your child’s score is 19 or less, it may be a sign that your child’s asthma is not con-trolled as well as it could be. Bring this test to the doctor to talk about the results.

Have your child complete these questions.

TOTAL

0 1 2 3It’s a big problem, I can’t do what I want to do. It’s a problem and I don’t like it. It’s a little problem but it’s okay. It’s not a problem.

0 1 2 3Yes, all the time. Yes, most of the time. Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time.

0 1 2 3Yes, all the time. Yes, most of the time. Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time.

Not at all

4 31-3 days 4-10 days 11-18 days

2 1 019-24 days Everyday

Not at all 1-3 days 4-10 days 11-18 days

5 4 3 2 1 019-24 days Everyday

Not at all 1-3 days 4-10 days 11-18 days 19-24 days Everyday

Please complete the following questions on your own.

0 2 3Very bad Bad Good Very good

1

SCORE

4. Do you wake up during the night because of your asthma?

5

5 4 3 2 1 0

1. How is your asthma today?

2. How much of a problem is your asthma when you run, exercise or play sports?

3. Do you cough because of your asthma?

7. During the last 4 weeks, how many days did your child wake up during the night because of asthma?

5. During the last 4 weeks, how many days did your child have any daytime asthma symptoms?

6. During the last 4 weeks, how many days did your child wheeze during the day because of asthma?

19or less

*50017*Asth Asses 50017

If your score is 19 or less, your asthma may not be controlled as well as it could be. Talk to your doctor.

Take the Asthma Control Test TM (ACT) for people 12 years and older. Know your score. Share your results with your doctor.

Step 1 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.

Step 2 Add up each score box for your total.

Step 3 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your score.

©2006 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. AD3483R0 May 2006 Permission granted by GlaxoSmithKline 11/06, for reprint by Intermountain Healthcare.

19or less

The American Lung Association supports the Asthma Control TestTM and does not endorse products.

Copyright 2002, by QualityMetric Incorpo-rated. Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated.

1 2 3 4 5All of the time

Most of the time

Some of the time

A little of the time

None of the time

More than once a day

Once a day 3-6 times a week

Once or twice a week Not at all

4 or more nights a week

2 or 3 nights a week

Once a week

Once or twice Not at all

3 or more times per day

1 or 2 times per day

2 or 3 times a week

Once a week or less Not at all

Not controlled at all

Poorly controlled

Completelycontrolled

TOTAL

1. In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, school or home?

SCORE

Somewhat controlled

Well controlled

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

4. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol)?

2. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

3. During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

*50017*Asth Asses 50017

If your score is 19 or less, your asthma may not be controlled as well as it could be. Talk to your doctor.

Take the Asthma Control Test TM (ACT) for people 12 years and older. Know your score. Share your results with your doctor.

Step 1 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.

Step 2 Add up each score box for your total.

Step 3 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your score.

©2006 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. AD3483R0 May 2006 Permission granted by GlaxoSmithKline 11/06, for reprint by Intermountain Healthcare.

19or less

The American Lung Association supports the Asthma Control TestTM and does not endorse products.

Copyright 2002, by QualityMetric Incorpo-rated. Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated.

1 2 3 4 5All of the time

Most of the time

Some of the time

A little of the time

None of the time

More than once a day

Once a day 3-6 times a week

Once or twice a week Not at all

4 or more nights a week

2 or 3 nights a week

Once a week

Once or twice Not at all

3 or more times per day

1 or 2 times per day

2 or 3 times a week

Once a week or less Not at all

Not controlled at all

Poorly controlled

Completelycontrolled

TOTAL

1. In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, school or home?

SCORE

Somewhat controlled

Well controlled

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

4. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol)?

2. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

3. During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

*50017*Asth Asses 50017

If your score is 19 or less, your asthma may not be controlled as well as it could be. Talk to your doctor.

Take the Asthma Control Test TM (ACT) for people 12 years and older. Know your score. Share your results with your doctor.

Step 1 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.

Step 2 Add up each score box for your total.

Step 3 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your score.

©2006 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. AD3483R0 May 2006 Permission granted by GlaxoSmithKline 11/06, for reprint by Intermountain Healthcare.

19or less

The American Lung Association supports the Asthma Control TestTM and does not endorse products.

Copyright 2002, by QualityMetric Incorpo-rated. Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated.

1 2 3 4 5All of the time

Most of the time

Some of the time

A little of the time

None of the time

More than once a day

Once a day 3-6 times a week

Once or twice a week Not at all

4 or more nights a week

2 or 3 nights a week

Once a week

Once or twice Not at all

3 or more times per day

1 or 2 times per day

2 or 3 times a week

Once a week or less Not at all

Not controlled at all

Poorly controlled

Completelycontrolled

TOTAL

1. In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, school or home?

SCORE

Somewhat controlled

Well controlled

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

4. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol)?

2. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

3. During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

*50017*Asth Asses 50017

If your child’s score is 19 or less, it may be a sign that your child’s asthma is not controlled as well as it could be. Bring this test to the doctor to talk about the results.

Let’s ChatHELP YOUR TEEN MANAGE ASTHMA

When you’re in your teens, you want to feel like you fit in. You usually want to blend into the crowd—not stand out because you take medications or sometimes have trouble breathing.

Having asthma can be difficult for a teenager. They might want to skip a scheduled dose of medication instead of pulling out their inhaler in front of friends. If any friends smoke, your teen might think it’s better to suffer the consequences

of second-hand smoke in suffocating silence rather than ask friends to stop.

How can you help your teen with asthma cope with social pressures while taking care of their asthma?

Talk about it! Ask your teen if anything is getting in the way of their asthma control. Talk over different options for managing potentially awkward situations. Remember to emphasize how important it is to prevent asthma flare-ups by taking their medication and avoiding triggers. After all, a flare-up might be more embarrassing than an ounce of prevention!

Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Lung Association

If your score is 19 or less, your asthma may not be controlled as well as it could be. Talk to your doctor.

Take the Asthma Control Test TM (ACT) for people 12 years and older. Know your score. Share your results with your doctor.

Step 1 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.

Step 2 Add up each score box for your total.

Step 3 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your score.

©2006 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. AD3483R0 May 2006 Permission granted by GlaxoSmithKline 11/06, for reprint by Intermountain Healthcare.

19or less

The American Lung Association supports the Asthma Control TestTM and does not endorse products.

Copyright 2002, by QualityMetric Incorpo-rated. Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated.

1 2 3 4 5All of the time

Most of the time

Some of the time

A little of the time

None of the time

More than once a day

Once a day 3-6 times a week

Once or twice a week Not at all

4 or more nights a week

2 or 3 nights a week

Once a week

Once or twice Not at all

3 or more times per day

1 or 2 times per day

2 or 3 times a week

Once a week or less Not at all

Not controlled at all

Poorly controlled

Completelycontrolled

TOTAL

1. In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, school or home?

SCORE

Somewhat controlled

Well controlled

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

4. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol)?

2. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

3. During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

*50017*Asth Asses 50017©2006 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.

AD3483R0 May 2006 Permission granted by GlaxoSmithKline 11/06, for reprint by Intermountain Healthcare.

Childhood Asthma Control Test for children 4 to 11 years old. Know the score.This test will provide a score that may help your doctor determine if your child’s asthma treatment plan is working or if it might be time for a change.How to take the Childhood Asthma Control Test

Step 1 Let your child respond to the first four questions (1 to 4). If your child needs help reading or understanding the question, you may help, but let your child select the response. Complete the remaining three questions (5 to 7) on your own and without letting your child’s response influence your answers. There are no right or wrong answers.

Step 2 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.Step 3 Add up each score box for the total.Step 4 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your child’s total score.

If your child’s score is 19 or less, it may be a sign that your child’s asthma is not con-trolled as well as it could be. Bring this test to the doctor to talk about the results.

Have your child complete these questions.

TOTAL

0 1 2 3It’s a big problem, I can’t do what I want to do. It’s a problem and I don’t like it. It’s a little problem but it’s okay. It’s not a problem.

0 1 2 3Yes, all the time. Yes, most of the time. Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time.

0 1 2 3Yes, all the time. Yes, most of the time. Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time.

Not at all

4 31-3 days 4-10 days 11-18 days

2 1 019-24 days Everyday

Not at all 1-3 days 4-10 days 11-18 days

5 4 3 2 1 019-24 days Everyday

Not at all 1-3 days 4-10 days 11-18 days 19-24 days Everyday

Please complete the following questions on your own.

0 2 3Very bad Bad Good Very good

1

SCORE

4. Do you wake up during the night because of your asthma?

5

5 4 3 2 1 0

1. How is your asthma today?

2. How much of a problem is your asthma when you run, exercise or play sports?

3. Do you cough because of your asthma?

7. During the last 4 weeks, how many days did your child wake up during the night because of asthma?

5. During the last 4 weeks, how many days did your child have any daytime asthma symptoms?

6. During the last 4 weeks, how many days did your child wheeze during the day because of asthma?

19or less

*50017*Asth Asses 50017

Transitions of CareThere are many transitions as we progress through life. One of these transitions is the time we move from seeing a pediatrician or pediatric specialist to an adult primary care doctor or specialist. Changing doctors can be a difficult decision but SelectHealth is here to help. Our Advocates can assist in finding a doctor that is the best fit.

If you or your child is 18-21 and still going to a pediatrician or pediatric specialist for healthcare needs, transitioning to an adult primary care doctor or specialist may be the right choice. Talk to your current doctor and see if this change is needed then give the SelectHealth Advocates a call at 801-442-4993, Toll Free 800-515-2220.