CalCPA ProtectPlus

During this festive time of year many of us find it hard to resist all the delicious food that is in front of us while at work, at home and at social gatherings throughout the holidays. These situations can be very challenging for those with diabetes. Below you will find some useful information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how diabetics can enjoy the celebrations and stay healthy.

The following is from CDC.gov:

Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little work, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

The most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities is preparing. Know what you’ll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, and how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you’re all set to celebrate!

Feasts and Parties

Before you go, take these steps to make sure you stick to your healthy meal plan.

• Eat a healthy snack to avoid overeating at the party.
• Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your meal plan.
• Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.

You don’t have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods.

• If you’re at a buffet, fix your plate and move to another room away from the food, if possible.
• Choose smaller portions.
• Choose low-calorie drinks such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea or diet beverages. If you select an alcoholic beverage, limit it to one drink a day for women, two for men, and drink only with a meal.
• Watch out for heavy holiday favorites such as hams coated with a honey glaze, turkey swimming in gravy and side dishes loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese or mayonnaise. Instead, choose turkey without gravy and trim off the skin, or other lean meats.
• Look for side dishes and vegetables that are light on butter, dressing and other extra fats and sugars, such as marshmallows or fried vegetable toppings.
• Watch the salt. Some holiday favorites are made with prepared foods high in sodium. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables that are low in sodium.
• Select fruit instead of pies, cakes and other desserts high in fat, cholesterol and sugar.
• Focus on friends, family and activities instead of food. Take a walk after a meal, or join in the dancing at a party.

Traveling for the Holidays

Leaving home to visit friends and family means changing routines. Make sure you remember to take care of your diabetes while traveling. Check blood glucose (sugar) more often than usual, because a changing schedule can affect levels.

Remember Your Medication

• Pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies you expect to need, in case of travel delays.
• Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops. (continue reading…)

If you are vacationing just over the state line, across the country, or elsewhere in the world and experience a medical problem, you will be glad to know that ProtectPlus has you covered. The Anthem Blue Cross card that identifies you as a ProtectPlus subscriber is not only good for network coverage in California, it also represents your membership in BlueCard®, a national program through the BlueCross BlueShield Association that enables members of one Blue company to obtain healthcare services while traveling in another Blue company’s service area.

Boasting an impressive reach, this coverage extends to all 50 states and Puerto Rico, plus more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. So, you can enjoy your vacation at ease knowing that covered healthcare is within easy reach. Here are a few guidelines for making use of your coverage with the least hassle.

Always carry your ID card wherever you are traveling, and in any emergency go to the nearest hospital. If you don’t need emergency care but do need to see a doctor or visit a hospital before you return home, call the “Coverage while traveling” number on the back of your Anthem Blue Cross ID card for help in locating the provider nearest to you, or referral authorization. For travel in the US, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, you can also find participating provider information online (provider.bcbs.com).

Once at the hospital or doctor’s office, present your Anthem Blue Cross card. For services provided in the US, you shouldn’t have to complete claims forms or pay up-front for medical care other than your usual out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and copays. Anthem will send you a complete explanation of benefits.

If you are traveling out of the country and need emergency medical care, call, or have a family member or friend call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center collect (1-804-673-1177) as soon as you are admitted to a hospital. If you need nonemergency care, the service center will help you make an appointment with a doctor or facilitate your hospitalization at a network hospital. The center can help obtain cash-less access for inpatient care except for your usual out-of-pocket expenses. For outpatient care and/or services from a non-network hospital you may have to pay the provider and submit a claim form.

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