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Can smoking cause chest pain?

by WellbeingWellness

If you’re a smoker, it’s important to know how it affects your body. Here’s what to know.  

If you smoke, you increase your risk of disease, plain and simple. That includes heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and even certain eye diseases. In some cases, smoking can also cause chest pain.

Chest pain from smoking usually doesn’t come directly from your lungs. “Your lungs don’t have any pain fibers in them,” says Neil Schachter, M.D. He’s a lung specialist at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “When somebody tells you their lungs hurt, it’s usually something else.”

For instance, it might be inflammation in the membrane that separates your lungs from your inner chest wall. And cigarette smoking, along with other facts, may provide clues to the underlying causes of this condition.

So, here’s a closer look at how cigarettes may cause chest pain — plus what to do about it.

Looking for an insurance plan? Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113 to discuss what’s available, or browse your options online today.

Why a smoker might experience chest pain

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you don’t know what that “something” is, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

If you’re a smoker, the discomfort you feel could be one of the following.

Strained chest muscles
If you smoke, you’re probably familiar with the classic “smoker’s cough,” which is due to irritation and inflammation in your airways.

“Sometimes, if you cough, you can move your chest muscles so violently that you strain them,” says Dr. Schachter. “If you’re older, you may also have started to develop arthritis, or inflammation of your chest cartilage, which can cause pain.”

Heart disease
Heart disease causes 1 in 5 smoking-related deaths, according to the American Heart Association.

This is because cigarettes increase the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. (Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol deposits.) When that happens, it can cause chest pain. It also raises the risk that you’ll have an actual heart attack.

If you have pain in the center or left side of your chest, it could be a symptom of a heart attack. You’ll want to call 911 right away — or have someone take you to the emergency room.

Blood clots
Nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of arteries and hardens arterial walls, increasing the likelihood that blood clots will form. (Nicotine is the highly addictive substance found in tobacco products.) When one of these clots occurs in your lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism. It can cause chest pain that worsens when you breathe in.

Asthma
Cigarette smoke is a known trigger for asthma, which can lead to wheezing, breathlessness, coughing and chest tightness.

Pneumonia
Smoking does not directly cause pneumonia. But if you smoke, your pneumonia risk increases. The hallmark symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain while coughing or breathing.

If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy, call (818) 8057113 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Or you can browse your options online.

Not sure which plan is best for you?

Speak to a licensed insurance agent

Call (818) 8057113

How to get rid of chest pain from smoking

The best way to get rid of chest pain from smoking is to quit smoking. The CDC and Smokefree.gov reports that when you quit smoking:

  • The nicotine level in your blood drops to zero in 24 hours.
  • The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops within a few days.
  • Your risk of a heart attack drops dramatically in 1 to 2 years.

One of the first things that start to regrow and function normally are the tiny hairlike structures in your lungs called cilia. This helps move mucus out of your lungs and reduces the risk of infection. As the months go by, you should experience decreased coughing and shortness of breath.

After 15 years without smoking, your risk of heart disease is close to that of a nonsmoker.

Of course, quitting can be difficult. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your provider may be able to assist you. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that people who combine behavioral treatments and medications have higher success rates than those who don’t.

Behavioral treatments include therapy, meditation and smoking-cessation telephone hotlines. And the common medications include:

  • Over-the-counter nicotine replacement products such as skin patches, gum, lozenges, and prescription inhalers and nasal sprays.
  • Varenicline (Chantix), a prescription medication that works in your brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin), an antidepressant that is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help with quitting smoking.

Remember, if there’s a chance your chest pain may be a heart attack, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. And whether you’re experiencing an emergency or not, you should make a plan to stop smoking.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for a new health plan, let us help. You can speak with a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113, or you can browse your options online today.

Uninsured? We can help.

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Asthma vs. COPD: How can you tell the difference?

by WellbeingWellness

Have you found that you’re short of breath more often than normal? Maybe when doing simple things such climbing the stairs or walking from your car to the supermarket?

You might have one of 2 common lung conditions: asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They’re both conditions that affect how well your lungs function (more on each below).

Specifically, you might be asking yourself, “What causes asthma and COPD? And what are the symptoms I should know about?”

While asthma and COPD have a lot in common, there are some important differences, says Neil Schachter, M.D. He’s a lung specialist at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Here’s what to know.

Get coverage for the care you need with the right health insurance plan. Call a licensed insurance agent at (833) 340-1222, or compare plans online today.

What are asthma and COPD, exactly?

Both asthma and COPD are chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the lungs.

Asthma is slightly more common than COPD. Nearly 8% of Americans have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can develop it at any age, but it most often starts in childhood.

One telltale sign of asthma is that it’s often triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites, says Dr. Schacter. Additional triggers include:

  • Cold air
  • Emotional stress
  • Exercise
  • Mold
  • Pet dander (dead skin cells)
  • Viral infections

As a result, people with asthma may notice that their breathing is more difficult during certain activities or at certain times of year.

COPD, on the other hand, is a broad term for a group of conditions that damage your airways. It affects roughly 6% of Americans, according to the CDC.

The 2 main types of COPD are:

  • Emphysema, where there’s damage to the walls between the air sacs in your lungs
  • Chronic bronchitis, where there’s constant airway irritation and inflammation

Unlike asthma, which often comes on quickly due to triggers, COPD symptoms start mild and progress over time.

“The typical COPD patient is someone over the age of 50 who begins to experience shortness of breath that worsens slowly,” explains Dr. Schachter. “Asthmatics, on the other hand, have symptoms that get dramatically worse frequently and are usually related to triggers like allergies. Their symptoms frequently (but not always) begin at an early age.”

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What are the symptoms of asthma and COPD?

The symptoms of asthma and COPD are very easy to confuse. Both asthma and COPD cause shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightening and wheezing. But there are a few specific signs to look for:

  • A daily morning cough that produces phlegm is more common with COPD. This is likely to indicate chronic bronchitis.
  • Wheezing and chest tightness that worsen at night are more common with asthma.
  • People with allergies such as hay fever or eczema (a skin rash) are more likely to have asthma.

If your doctor thinks you have asthma or COPD, they’ll likely give you a lung-function test known as spirometry. This measures how much air your lungs can physically breathe out after a deep breath and how fast that air can be exhaled. This test is repeated several times in order to select your best effort.

After the first test, you maybe be given a bronchodilator, which is an inhaled medication that relaxes the muscles in your airways. Then you’ll test again. “People with COPD tend to be less responsive to the bronchodilator than people who have asthma,” says Dr. Schachter. Other lung function testing may also be done to characterize your illness.

In addition to these tests, your doctor will also take a thorough medical history. This frequently involves questioning whether your symptoms worsen with specific triggers, whether there is a family history of lung disease, whether you smoke (or have smoked) cigarettes, and what occupational or environmental exposures you have had. All of this will help your doctor make a diagnosis.

In some cases, people have features of both conditions. “About a quarter of COPD patients also have features of asthma,” says Dr. Schachter. “This is sometimes referred to as asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. These tend to be people who have a history of both smoking and allergies.”

Having health insurance can help you pay for treatment for chronic conditions. Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113, or compare plans online today.

How are asthma and COPD treated?

Doctors often use the same drugs to treat both conditions, but “the way they are applied is often very different,” says Dr. Schachter. The 2 main types of medication are:

  • Bronchodilators. These relax the muscles around your airways, opening them up to make breathing easier. Short-acting bronchodilators last about 4 to 6 hours, and long-acting ones last for up to 24 hours.
    “Both groups of patients respond well to bronchodilators,” says Dr. Schachter. “But COPD patients tend to respond best to certain types, like long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) or long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) or a combination of both. Short-acting bronchodilators are often used as rescue medications when symptoms suddenly increase.
  • Steroids. These are medications that reduce airway inflammation. “For people with asthma, inhaled steroids are usually the bedrock of treatment, and then we add on a bronchodilator if their symptoms aren’t well controlled or get worse,” says Dr. Schachter. “On the other hand, we tend to reserve steroids for severe cases of COPD,” he adds — or for asthma-COPD overlap or in the case of COPD exacerbations, where they are usually given in pill or injected form.

There are also other treatments your doctor may recommend to help you treat your COPD. These include:

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a supervised program where you’ll learn breathing techniques and exercises to help keep your lungs strong.
  • Oxygen therapy. This is a treatment that delivers oxygen for you to breathe. You usually get it from tubes that rest in your nose, a face mask, or a tube placed in your trachea (windpipe).
  • Surgery. Traditionally, this has been reserved for patients with very severe COPD, but it’s being used more frequently. It includes lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation, as well as valve surgery, where valves are placed in your airways to help you breathe better.
    More recently, airway valves have been used, which involves placing small valves in the airways with a bronchoscope to help improve your lung function so that you can breathe better. “Some people have localized, overexpanded areas in their lungs from COPD damage, and the one-way valves help to deflate these overinflated areas,” says Dr. Schachter.

How do you manage asthma and COPD?

If necessary, your doctor will work with you to pinpoint triggers and figure out a plan to avoid them. You’ll also receive the appropriate medication and counseling on lung health.

With both asthma and COPD, you may become more vulnerable to lung infections. So, you’ll want to stay up to date with yearly flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.

If you smoke, it’s critical that you quit. You’ll also want to avoid secondhand smoke. While smoking itself doesn’t cause asthma, it can make symptoms worse. And smoking does cause — and can intensify — symptoms of COPD. If you need help quitting, reach out to your doctor or visit smokefree.gov.

Get coverage for the care you may need with the right health insurance plan. Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113, or compare plans online today.

Uninsured? We can help.

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Heat stroke and heat exhaustion: Hot-weather tips to stay safe

by WellbeingWellness

Warm-summer days, lots of sun, and outdoor activities can be fun. But when the temperature rises, so do cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

A day at the beach, working outside, or confined indoors without a fan or air conditioning on a hot day could be dangerous.

  • An estimated 9,200 people a year are hospitalized for heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and another 67,500 are treated in emergency room departments.1
  • About 702 deaths per year are caused by heat-related illnesses.1

Ever experienced heat stroke and heat exhaustion, or know someone who has?

In the beginning, it might not seem like a big deal. But what happens when “just cool off,” “drink some water,” or “sit in the shade,” isn’t enough or too little too late?

That carefree summer day could change in an instant, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Why? Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are largely preventable.

In this article, you will learn:

  • How to spot the warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
  • The difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
  • Tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.
  • How to treat heat stroke and heat exhaustion. (Sometimes it’s a health problem that starts suddenly and needs care right away.)

Ready to enjoy summer with a little extra info about how to prevent and treat heat-related illnesses to stay safe?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is heat exhaustion?2

Heat exhaustion occurs when you’re exposed to high temperatures. The first sign is usually excessive sweating, then salt and water levels drop dangerously low. Without a way to cool off, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Not sure which plan is best for you?

Speak to a licensed insurance agent

Call (818) 8057113

Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion

Playing sports or working outside on a hot day? Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and those around you.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Cramping
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Heavy sweating
  • Pale or cold skin
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Elevated body temperature

5 tips to treat heat exhaustion

Taking action to treat heat exhaustion as soon as possible is important. Why? Symptoms could get worse and lead to heat stroke. Don’t let that happen.

Follow these five tips to treat heat exhaustion:3

1. Get out of the heat 

  • If you suspect heat exhaustion, get out of the heat. An air-conditioned area is ideal. A fan can help. If those aren’t at hand, look for a shady spot under a tree or next to a building.

2. Remove any needless clothing…

  • Such as shoes, socks, hats or extra layers.

3. Try to lower body temperature

  • Use a fan. Douse the face and head with cool water from a hose or water bottles. Use a cool compress, or take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

4. Hydrate

  • Drink water, sports drinks, or other fluids, the colder, the better. Stay away from alcohol or caffeine.

5. Seek medical attention

  • If symptoms get worse or don’t improve, seek medical attention.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke comes in two forms.4

  • Classical heat stroke. You’re in hot weather. Your body temperature keeps rising. You’re sweating a lot, but it’s still not enough to lower your body temperature.
  • Exertional heat stroke. It’s similar to classical heat stroke. But it’s triggered by exercise or strenuous physical activity in hot weather. Research shows this type of heat stroke most commonly affects student athletes during hot-weather. It’s also among the top three causes of athlete deaths.5

Sweating is a natural response your body uses to regulate body temperature. But in hot conditions, sweating may not be enough, and it could lead to heat stroke.

The danger zone

When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 104°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or disability if emergency care is not given.6

Know the warning signs of heat stroke

How can you tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

  • Their symptoms can overlap.
  • While heat exhaustion typically occurs before a heat stroke, heat stroke can also happen without warning.

Signs of heatstroke include:6

  • Body temperature of 104°F or higher
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or changes in behavior
  • Racing heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Drop in sweat production
  • Flushed skin
  • Headache

Act fast: heat stroke is a medical emergency

With heat exhaustion, you’ve got time on your side to cool off with a fan, air conditioning, ice, cold water and shade.

  • Heat stroke is a medical emergency. You need to act fast to prevent damage to the body and brain and even death.6

Follow these steps to treat heat stroke:7

  • Call 911 for emergency medical care as soon as possible.
  • Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive.
  • Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
  • Cool the person as soon as possible with cold water or ice bath if possible. You could also wet the skin, place cold wet cloths on the skin or soak clothing in cool water.
  • Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling.
  • Place cold wet cloths or ice on head, neck, armpits and groin. Or soak the clothing with cool water.

Note: In extreme cases:8

  • Watch for signs of vomiting to prevent choking.
  • If the person has a seizure, help move them lower to the ground and clear the area to avoid injuries.
  • If the person stops breathing, begin Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).9

5 tests for heat-related illnesses

Visual signs are the most common method used to identify heat stroke and heat exhaustion. But there are tests a doctor may recommend to confirm a diagnosis or measure potential organ damage caused by heat stroke. These include:10

  1. Rectal temperature. It’s the most accurate way to measure core body temperature.
  2. Blood test. A blood test can show low levels of sodium or potassium and other biomarkers of damage to the body.
  3. Urine test. It’s an effective way to measure kidney function, which can be affected by heat-related illnesses.
  4. Muscle function tests. These tests check for muscle function and tissue damage caused by heat stroke.
  5. X-rays and imaging tests.  These tests can check the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and brain for damage caused by heat stroke.

Risk factors for heat stroke & heat exhaustion

Watch out for hot weather to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion. That makes sense, right? Here are a few more things to know that could raise your chance for heat-related illnesses:11

  • A heat index of 91°F or higher means you should take precautions to stay cool.12 The heat index is a measure of humidity and temperature. When both are high, so are the risks for heat-related illnesses.
  • Sudden heat waves or traveling to a warmer area than you’re used to will raise the chance of heat-related illness.
  • People over the age of 65 and children under 4 have a higher chance of suffering heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
  • Medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, beta blockers, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics may inhibit your body’s ability to stay hydrated and regulate its temperature.
  • Certain illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can raise the body’s core temperature.
  • Alcohol consumption can add to dehydration and temperature regulation problems.
  • Engaging in strenuous activity when it’s hot outside is a major risk factor.
  • Wearing too much clothing, or tight-fitting clothing, can inhibit sweat evaporation and body temperature regulation.

How to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are largely preventable. Want to enjoy a cooler, carefree summer?

Here are some things to keep in mind during hot weather:13

  • Pay attention to the weather. On hot days, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Stay inside where it’s cooler with the help of air conditioning or a fan. If you’re outside, stay in the shade as much as you can.
  • Limit strenuous activity when it’s hot. If you can’t, take plenty of breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Drink extra fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol or other recreational drugs that can inhibit body temperature regulation.
  • Talk to your doctor about medications if you take them. Ask specifically whether hot weather will affect you.
  • Wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun. Sunburn can make it difficult for your body to cool down when it needs to.
  • Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when spending time in the heat.
  • If there is a sudden spike in temperature or you travel to a warmer climate, let your body get acclimated to the heat before spending too much time in it.

If you keep these things in mind, you can enjoy hot-summer days, lots of sun, and outdoor activities, and do it safely.

Uninsured? We can help.

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Be a good patient: 10 tips to avoid repeat hospital ER visits

by HealthWellness

Wondering how to be a good patient after getting discharged from the emergency room? Do everything you can to avoid another ER visit.

While not every repeat ER visit is preventable, many are. In this article, you’ll learn 10 ways to be a good patient after you’re discharged.

5 facts about repeat hospital ER visits

  1. Repeat ER visit rate. An estimated 13.9% of people who are hospitalized end up heading back for another ER visit within 30 days of getting discharged.
  2. Cost per repeat ER visit. About 3.8 million people make a repeat ER visit every month, and the average cost per visit is $15,200.
  3. Leading cause of repeat ER visits. Repeat hospital ER visits are highest among people with chronic diseases, including: heart disease, lung disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease.
  4. Annual cost for repeat ER visits. Over $54.2 billion is spent each year on repeat ER visits for patients previously treated for a condition within 30 days.
  5. Median ER visit wait times. The median wait time for a hospital ER visit in the U.S. is 2 hours, 42 minutes.

Not sure which plan is best for you?

Speak to a licensed insurance agent

Call (818) 8057113

26 signs it’s time for a hospital ER visit

When you need sudden medical care, think first about how serious the problem is and determine if the appropriate action is:

  • Calling 911
  • Calling your family doctor
  • Visiting an urgent care clinic, or…
  • Getting to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible

Not sure if it’s time for a hospital ER visit?

Here are 26 signs it’s go time.5

  1. If a person or unborn child is facing death or permanent disability, go to the emergency room.
  2. If you cannot wait to be seen, call 911 for immediate assistance. Cases when it’s necessary to take quick action include:
  3. A person has stopped breathing or is choking
  4. A head injury along with loss of consciousness, confusion, fainting or severe allergic reaction
  5. A neck or spine injury, especially if mobility and sensation are affected
  6. An electric shock or lightning strike
  7. A second-degree burn larger than three inches or third-degree burn
  8. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, is followed by another seizure, or has an out-of-the-ordinary recovery (pain, trouble breathing)
  9. Trouble breathing
  10. Loss of consciousness or the ability to see, speak, walk, or move
  11. Severe pain or pressure in the chest
  12. Arm or jaw pain
  13. Abnormally bad headache, especially with quick onset
  14. Weakness or drooping that appears on one side of the body
  15. Persistent dizziness or weakness
  16. Smoke or poisonous fume inhalation
  17. Sudden confusion
  18. Any deep wound or injury that causes heavy bleeding
  19. A suspected broken bone that causes loss of movement, especially if the bone is visible outside the skin
  20. Coughing or vomit that contains blood
  21. Any severe pain
  22. Allergic reaction that includes hives, swelling, or trouble breathing
  23. A high fever accompanied by a headache and stiff neck, or high fever that over-the-counter medicine does not reduce
  24. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  25. Ingestion of poison or an overdose of drug or alcohol
  26. Suicidal thoughts

10 tips to avoid repeat hospital ER visits

After experiencing an emergency and seeking care at the hospital, it’s essential to take proactive steps to avoid going back. “Although in most cases readmissions are necessary, a significant portion may be preventable,” according to research published in the journal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.1

Want to know how to be a good patient after a hospital ER visit to avoid going back?

Here are 10 things you can do:

1. Follow discharge instructions

Before you leave the hospital, your healthcare team may give you instructions about: 6

  • Medications
  • Dietary restrictions
  • Activity limitations
  • Follow-up appointments

Make sure you understand your discharge instructions. Or ask a family member, friend or caregiver to get this information when you leave your ER visit.

2. Monitor your symptoms

Pay attention to any new symptoms or changes in your condition following an ER visit.

  • Note any new or worsening symptoms.
  • Report them promptly to your primary care physician or the healthcare provider who treated you.7
  • Some healthcare providers allow you to text, email, call and even send photos for health-related concerns, potentially preventing the need for another ER visit.

3. Take prescribed medications

Make sure you take any prescribed medications exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • Read the label for dosage information, frequency, and potential side effects
  • Do not skip doses or alter the dosage without consulting your doctor.
  • One recent study found that 21% of repeat hospital ER visits were medication-related, but 69% of those visits were potentially preventable.8

4. Rest & recover

Allow yourself adequate time to rest and recover from the emergency.

  • Avoid strenuous activities.
  • Follow any recommendations for rest and relaxation provided by your healthcare provider.
  • Research suggests some light physical activity as part of your recovery may help reduce hospital readmissions within 30 days by up to 10%.9

5. Drink plenty of water

Stay hydrated, especially if dehydration was a factor in your emergency.

  • Proper hydration is essential for overall health.
  • It can also help prevent certain medical issues from recurring, such as kidney stones.
  • How much water should you drink? It depends. On average, most adults should drink 72 to 100+ ounces of water per day.10 More if you live in a hot climate, exercise a lot, or have a physically-demanding job.

6. Avoid triggers

If your ER visit was related to a specific trigger or activity, take steps to avoid it in the future. For example, you may need to avoid:

  • Certain foods
  • Environmental factors
  • Certain activities

Neglecting discharge instructions or doing anything related to the reason you were hospitalized in the first place could compromise your health and lead to a hospital readmission.

Some of the most common reasons for hospital readmissions due to complications include:11

  • Heart disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Digestive issues
  • Breathing problems
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Behavioral and mental health disorders
  • Complications associated with musculoskeletal or connective tissue injuries

7. Schedule follow-up care

After a hospital ER visit, there’s usually a follow-up visit with your primary care doctor or a specialist.

  • Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your primary care physician or specialist as soon as possible.
  • These appointments are crucial for monitoring your condition, adjusting treatment plans if necessary, and addressing any lingering concerns.
  • Scheduling a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician and showing up after going to the hospital may reduce hospital readmissions by up to 70%.12

8. Communicate with healthcare providers

Keep open lines of communication with your healthcare providers.13

  • If you have questions or concerns about your health or treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification or guidance.
  • Many healthcare providers and plans include 24-hour medical help lines and telehealth services.
  • Some healthcare providers allow you to text, email, call and even send photos for health-related concerns, potentially preventing the need for another ER visit.

9. Review your lifestyle habits

When you get home from a hospital ER visit, take a minute to review your lifestyle habits.

  • The most common causes for repeat hospital visits are linked to preventable diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
  • Make any necessary lifestyle changes to promote better health.
  • This may include improving your diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, or reducing stress.

10. Be prepared for an emergency

Take steps to prepare for any future emergencies. This may include:15

  • Updating your emergency contact information
  • Creating or updating a medical history
  • Creating a list of your medications
  • Ensuring you have necessary supplies on hand in case of another emergency.

By taking these proactive measures, you can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing another emergency and avoid a repeat hospital ER visit in the near future.

Preventive care: Find a plan to keep you healthy

While you can’t prevent every hospital ER visit, living a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference. Preventive care like regular check-ups, regular exercise, and healthy habits to maintain your overall well-being can keep you out of the ER.

Looking for a health plan with preventive care benefits?

We can help. Contact a licensed health insurance agent in your area or give us a call at (818) 8057113 for more information.

Uninsured? We can help.

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