February is American Heart Month, which is held to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? The American Foreign Service Protective Association (AFSPA) is honoring American Heart Month by educating our members on preventative care and how their family’s history of heart disease can affect them.
Many people don’t realize that family history plays a key role in heart health risk. It is one of the most important and overlooked factors in heart health. A family history of heart disease means one or more close relatives have been diagnosed with conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, or coronary artery. A close relative includes a parent, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Some people can have a stronger family history than others. This occurs when someone has had a parent or sibling who has experienced a heart attack or heart disease diagnosis.
While conversations with your family about their heart health history may feel uncomfortable at first, they can play an important role in prevention and early detection. Helpful questions may include:
Once you’ve gathered information about your family’s health history, share it with your health care provider. Knowing your family’s history can give your health care provider better insight to help guide preventative care decisions.
Preventative Care
Preventive care helps identify potential heart health concerns before symptoms appear. It is one of the most important ways to protect your heart health. Regular check-ups and screenings can help identify potential concerns early, often before symptoms appear.
Preventative care may include monitoring blood pressure, checking cholesterol levels, and screening for diabetes. These measures help healthcare providers assess your overall cardiovascular risk and recommend appropriate next steps if needed. Maintaining wellness and reducing the likelihood of future complications are key. During your recommended screenings and appointments, individuals can better understand their risk and take informed steps to support long-term heart health.
Improving Heart Health
While family history can influence heart health risk, it is important to make healthy lifestyle changes to support heart health risks. Meaningful, consistent habits can make a difference over time. Physical activity regularly can help strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Each week, try to participate in physical activities such as walking, biking, and any other activities you enjoy.
Nutrition also plays a part in having a healthy heart. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Limiting excess sodium, added sugars, and highly processed foods can benefit heart health. Additionally, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco use are other ways to protect your heart. Combining healthy heart habits, preventative care, and awareness of family history can help reduce long-term risk.
This American Heart Month, don’t just wear red, take the time to learn about your risks and talk with your healthcare provider about your family history and prevention. The knowledge that you gain today can help protect your heart in the future.
How AFSPA Can Help
Preventive Care
Members of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) are eligible for an annual physical exam, which is fully covered at 100% when conducted by an in-network provider within the U.S. or Guam, or by any healthcare provider outside the 50 United States. During this comprehensive check-up, your doctor will measure vital signs such as blood pressure, assess your overall health, and may order laboratory tests, including cholesterol screenings, to evaluate your heart health and detect any potential risks early. This proactive approach helps maintain your heart health and prevent future issues.
Wellness Rewards
FSBP offers wellness rewards after completing preventive and healthy action items like taking your annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA) and getting an annual physical exam & biometric screening. Just by getting these done, FSBP members age 18+ can earn $175 in wellness rewards. Learn more about other healthy action items where you can earn more wellness rewards (up to $400).
Simple Step to Living Well Together Program
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, FSBP will reach out to members with high blood pressure and provide a form for your provider to complete. Your provider must document two controlled blood pressure readings below 140/90 on separate visits during the current calendar year to earn a $75.00 Wellness incentive.
Livongo-Remote Hypertension Monitoring Program
The Livongo-Remote Hypertension Monitoring Program is a health benefit that combines advanced technology with personalized coaching to help you easily manage high blood pressure. This program is offered at no cost to eligible FSBP members. Eligible candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the Program. Participation is voluntary.
The program provides:
Note: The Livongo mobile app is available only on the U.S. Apple Store or U.S. Google Play Store.
For more information contact 800-945-4355 or visit Livongo’s website at get.livongo.com/FSBP.
Digital Coach Programs
These include nine base programs for weight management, smoking cessation, stress management, nutrition, physical activity, cholesterol management, blood pressure, depression management, and sleep improvement. Programs are prioritized based on a member’s health risk assessment to help create a personalized plan for successful behavior change. Members can engage and participate through personalized messaging with tools and resources to help track their progress and stay on the path to wellness.
How do I sign up?
Completion of the digital coaching program can earn you up to $150 in Healthy Action Incentives in FSBP‘s Simple Steps to Living Well Together Program. Reach level 3 to earn $75 and level 4 to earn an additional $75.
Lifestyle and Condition Health Coaching
Our Lifestyle and Condition Coaching (LCC) Program uses a holistic approach to help you and your covered dependents achieve your best health. Our LCC Health Coach will provide guidance, support, and resources for over 40 lifestyle and medical conditions to help you overcome obstacles that may be keeping you from realizing optimal health. You can talk to a Health Coach about the following health-related matters including general health education, prehypertension, prediabetes, physical activity, and more.
To enroll in a program, contact a LCC Health Coach at 1-866-533-1410. LCC Coaches are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.myactivehealth.com/FSBP. Participation in this program is voluntary and is available at no cost to members.
