Rocky Mountain Health Plans | Medicare | Winter 2020

4 • WINTER 2020 | RMHP.ORG Knowing key numbers — and working to keep them in a healthy range — can add up to better health. Here’s a look at target numbers for most adults. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Blood sugar Target: A fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg/dL. Body mass index (BMI) Target: 18.5 to 24.9. Blood pressure Target: Systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Why it matters: High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. What it is: The force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Why it matters: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, and certain cancers. What it is: A measure of body fat based on your height and weight. Why it matters: Diabetes occurs — or is poorly managed — when blood sugar levels are too high. What it is: The amount of glucose in your blood. Cholesterol Target: Talk with your doctor about what’s optimal for you. It depends on your overall risk factors. Why it matters: Unhealthy cholesterol levels raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. What it is: A waxy substance produced in the liver and released into the blood. Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Medicare National Coverage Determinations From time to time, Medicare makes decisions called Medicare National Coverage Determinations (NCDs). These decisions may add new covered services or change the coverage of items and services. RMHP wants to make sure our Members have the most current information regarding NCDs. Visit www.rmhp.org and select Our Plans > Medicare/DSNP . Then choose Helpful Resources > Other Important Information and scroll to the Medicare National Coverage Decisions section. Better Health By the Numbers Be Informed