Blog – Page 5 – Rittenhouse Women's Wellness Center

31/Jan/2022

It’s important to understand how your health plan covers different kinds of drugs so you won’t be surprised by unexpected costs at the pharmacy counter. Where you get your prescriptions filled can also affect how much you pay for drugs.

To get the highest level of prescription drug coverage, be sure the pharmacy you choose is in your plan network and your drugs are covered. Plans vary, so be sure to sign in to your member account to see your plan network and the list of drugs your plan covers.

What prescriptions do health plans cover?

Not all health plans cover the same prescription drugs. Your health plan has a list of all the drugs it covers, called a formulary. If you need a drug your plan doesn’t cover, you will have to pay more — possibly the full price — out of your own pocket.

You may also have to share the cost of some covered drugs with your plan. How much you pay depends on the type of drug and the tier the drug is in.

How to save on prescription drugs:

There’s no question that prescription drugs can be costly even when they’re covered by your health plan. Here’s how you can save money without putting your health at risk:

Start with generic. If your medication is available as a generic, try that first. In Pennsylvania, if a generic exists, the pharmacist will automatically dispense the generic unless “brand necessary or dispense as written” is noted on the prescription.

Check the plan formulary. If your drugs aren’t listed, ask your doctor/nurse practitioner for a similar drug your plan will cover. Formularies can change throughout the year. Be sure you’re looking at the most up-to-date formulary or contact your plan to find out if your medication is covered.

Find a pharmacy in your plan network. You’ll pay more for prescriptions you have filled at pharmacies that are not preferred or in your network. Check with your plan to find an in-network pharmacy near your home or work.

Use a mail order pharmacy for drugs you take on a regular basis. You may be able to save money when you use a mail order pharmacy for medications you take for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Your prescription drugs will be sent directly to you by mail.

Ask for 90-day prescriptions for chronic medications. If you are on a stable dose of a chronic medication, ask for a 90-day supply. Co-pays are often lower for 90-day supplies.

Talk with your doctor/nurse practitioner. If you find it difficult to manage the cost of your prescription drugs, ask about alternative medications that may cost less. We may be able to help with discount cards/ patient programs for brand medications

Take medicine as directed. Taking your drugs only half the time or taking just half the dose to save money can put your health at risk and lead to bigger bills down the road.

Making refills easier

Ask your pharmacist to put your medications on auto-refill and sign up for refill reminders. When your prescription is due for a refill, the pharmacist will automatically process the refill, and you will receive a reminder.

Note: Prescriptions for non-controlled drugs are generally valid for 1 year after the date it was written. Schedule III and IV controlled substances cannot be filled or refilled more than 5 times or more than 6 months after the date the prescription was issued, whichever occurs first. Schedule II prescriptions (stimulants and narcotics) cannot be refilled.

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

29/Dec/2021

The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. More than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.

During January, NCCC and its many local chapters across the country highlight issues related to cervical cancer, HPV disease and the importance of early detection. While NCCC chapters host events throughout the year, January is a month with a special focus as chapters celebrate Cervical Health Awareness Month and work to spread the word in their communities.

NCCC and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) also offer a range of resources (listed below) to educate the public and healthcare providers about cervical health, from fact sheets to episodes of ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast.

What Can You Do?

As someone who is interested in educating and advocating for increased knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV disease, you can do a lot. You can contact your local media to encourage coverage of Cervical Health Awareness Month, offering this ASHA/NCCC press release. You can also send this proclamation to your mayor, or local legislative office to publicly recognize Cervical Health Awareness Month.

You can also check out the resources on this page—download, display and distribute our cervical cancer awareness month posters and help NCCC and ASHA get the word out on social media.

Vaccination

HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from both high risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low risk types that cause genital warts. The CDC recommends all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 as the vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. The vaccine is available for all males and females through age 45 but, for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.

Testing

A Pap test can find cell changes to the cervix caused by HPV. HPV tests find the virus and help healthcare providers know which women are at highest risk for cervical cancer. Pap and HPV tests (either alone or in combination) are recommended for women over 30: each woman should ask her health care provider how often she should be screened and which tests are right for her.

Take Part in a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials for cervical and other cancers can be of tremendous value but how do you find one that’s right for you? Our page on research studies gets you up to speed and links you to opportunities.

Promote Cervical Health on Social Media

You can help NCCC promote the importance of cervical health and cervical cancer prevention by sharing prevention messages throughout the month that cervical cancer is preventable!

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Learn more, get involved, make a difference! http://ow.ly/g3RQ30760mz #CervicalHealthMonth
Free fact sheet download – Ten Things to Know About HPV http://ow.ly/VKdY307APzi #CervicalHealthMonth
Find free/low cost Pap tests in your area. http://ow.ly/9REq30760to #CervicalHealthMonth

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Visit NCCC to learn more. Get involved and make a difference! http://ow.ly/MdJb30760xc
During Cervical Health Month in January ASHA is offering a free download of the fact sheet Ten Things to Know About HPV. Get yours today. http://ow.ly/VKdY307APzi
During Cervical Health Month in January you can download free posters and more from NCCC. For more go to NCCC. Get involved, make a difference! http://ow.ly/jgj730760D4
Not one single woman ever needs to die from cervical cancer. We have the tools we need to prevent this disease so let’s use them. Get involved. Make a difference! Visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition online http://ow.ly/jgj730760D4

Visit this link for downloadable content: https://www.nccc-online.org/cervical-health-awareness-month/

Harvard Health Publishing

23/Nov/2021

Exercising in colder temperatures offers many advantages.

Even though the temperature has dropped, this doesn’t mean you have to bring your workouts indoors.

“When it gets into the 40s and 30s, you can still enjoy your regular outside routines, like walking, running, and even cycling,” says Dr. Adam Tenforde, an assistant professor of sports medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.

Watch out for hypothermia

Exercising in cold weather increases the risk of hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature). Seek emergency care right away if you develop symptoms such as intense shivering, extreme fatigue, slurred speech, or loss of coordination. Always let someone know when you are going outdoors and carry a fully charged cellphone.

Cold comfort

In some ways, winter can offer benefits you don’t get in summer. For instance, cold weather may actually improve endurance, says Dr. Tenforde. “In colder temperatures your heart doesn’t have to work as hard, you sweat less, and expend less energy, all of which means you can exercise more efficiently.”

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Studies also have shown that exercising in cold weather can transform white fat, specifically belly and thigh fat, into calorie-burning brown fat.

Plus, winter workouts help you get exposure to sunlight, which may help ward off seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that some people experience during the winter months. While cold-weather exercise is safe for most people, if you have certain conditions, such as asthma or heart problems, check with your doctor to review any special precautions you need to take based on your condition or medications.

Warming up to the cold

Cold muscles are at a greater risk for strains and injuries, so make sure to warm up before your cold-weather workout. “You want to avoid starting with static stretches, that is, not moving the body part while stretching, which can further increase your risk for injury,” says Dr. Adam Tenforde of Harvard’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. “More dynamic forms of stretching that keep body parts moving can loosen your joints, get your blood flowing, and warm up muscles and tissues.” Here is a pre-exercise routine you can try:

Arm circles: Hold your arms out to the sides, palms down, at shoulder height. Begin making small circles and gradually make them larger until you complete 20 circles. Then go from large to small circles until you complete another 20.

Arm swings: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and swing your arms in unison to the right and then to the left, twisting from the waist. Go back and forth until you complete 10 swings total (five toward each side).

High steps: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise your right knee high toward your chest (touch a wall for balance or place one or both hands around your knee, if needed). Hold for a second, then return to the starting position. Repeat the movement with your left knee. Go back and forth until you’ve lifted each knee five to 10 times.

Lunges: Stand with your feet together and step forward with your right leg, lowering your body by bending both knees to 90° angles. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement with your left leg forward. Repeat the sequence five to 10 times.

Get outside

You have to respect colder weather and make sure you’re properly prepared, just as you would with summer heat and humidity, says Dr. Tenforde. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy while you enjoy your cold-weather workouts.

Wear layers. Dress in clothing that you can easily take off and put back on as needed. Start with a thin layer of synthetic material, such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body.

Next, add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation. (Always avoid cotton, which absorbs sweat and can make you colder.) Top this with a waterproof, breathable outer layer. “You may need to experiment to find the right combination of clothing based on your exercise intensity and comfort level,” says Dr. Tenforde.

Protect your head, hands, and feet. When it’s cold, blood flow concentrates in your body’s core to help keep you warm, which leaves your head, hands, and feet vulnerable to the cold. Wear gloves lined with wool or fleece, or add a thin pair of glove liners made of a wicking material under a pair of heavier gloves. Also, wear heavy socks and a wool cap, and protect your eyes from wind and glare with dark glasses.

Apply sunscreen. It may not feel hot, but you can still get sunburned in winter. Your risk increases if you are surrounded by snow, which can reflect sunlight. Always wear a product that blocks both types of ultraviolet rays — UVA and UVB — with at least 30 SPF, and a lip balm with sunscreen.

Stay hydrated. You are more likely to get dehydrated in cold weather because cold air tamps down thirst. While you may not need the same fluid intake as during summer, you still need to maintain the same approach to hydration. “Drink water before, during, and after your workout and pay attention to being thirsty,” says Dr. Tenforde. If you need help, set a timer on your phone or fitness tracker to remind you to drink.

Choose a safe surface. Make sure your route offers good footing and is clear and safe to navigate. Wear shoes with good traction and invest in walking poles for support and to help avoid slips and falls. “Always remember to monitor how your body feels during cold-weather exercise,” says Dr. Tenforde. “Enjoying outdoor exercise safely remains the priority.”

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Bethany Fulton

28/Sep/2021

There are plenty of reasons to practice gratitude, including benefits to your overall mental health and well-being.

Practicing gratitude can mean different things to different people. From daily journaling to evening prayers, gratitude practice can take many forms.

Read on to find out the benefits of practicing gratitude every day and how to get started.

What does it mean to practice gratitude?

Gratitude is simply defined as the state of being grateful. It involves expressing thanks or appreciation for something, from a gift to life itself.

Gratitude involves recognition of the positive things in your life and how they affect you. This can range from acknowledging a beautiful flower you pass on the sidewalk to the feeling of thanks that comes from recovering from a serious illness.

You can practice gratitude in lots of different ways, like:

gratitude exercises, such as journaling
paying attention to the little things in life, like the birds in the trees
telling someone you’re grateful for them or for something they did, even if it was a long time ago
doing something kind for someone in your life to express your gratitude
meditating on the positive aspects of your life
giving thanks through prayer

Getting started practicing gratitude

If you’re looking to start practicing gratitude regularly, there are plenty of useful exercises to help you integrate it into your daily life.

Gratitude journaling

Gratitude journaling is a technique that involves keeping a diary of things you’re grateful for every day. This is one of the most popular ways to practice gratitude.

Some good starting points are to recount a favorite moment from the day, describe a special person in your life, or list five things you’re grateful for that day.

It doesn’t even have to be a physical journal. It can be as simple as a note in your phone. This makes it easier to quickly record something you feel grateful for in the moment.

Gratitude mapping

Gratitude mapping is perfect for visual learners. It involves creating a visual mood board of everything you’re grateful for. You then place this board somewhere in your home to remind yourself to be grateful every day.

Gratitude jars

Gratitude jars are a simple idea that’s easy to put into practice.

Whenever something good happens or you feel thankful for something, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in a jar. Next time you’re feeling down, give the jar a shake and pick out one slip of paper.

This technique will remind you of something good in your life that you can appreciate. It can help you recall simple pleasures that you might have otherwise forgotten.

Morning meditation

A morning meditation practice can also involve gratitude.

You can choose to meditate on things you’re grateful for, or you may find it easier to meditate on how you’ve gotten to where you are now.

To do this, remember the past, both good and bad. Reflect on how far you’ve come since then. This puts the present into context and allows you to clearly see it, helping you feel grateful for what brought you to this point.

The morning is often the best time to practice gratitude meditation, as it sets you up for the day with an optimistic outlook. It can also be beneficial to use your practice as a way to wind down before bed.

Prayer

Prayer is another way to practice gratitude. Whatever you believe in, prayer can be a helpful tool for generating feelings of gratitude. It’s also been linked to positive health outcomes.

Expressing gratitude to a higher power or simply to the universe can be a profound way to evoke a sense of awe and appreciation. As you pray, you can express gratitude for the world you live in, the air you breathe, and the body that carries you from point A to point B.

Prayer is a chance to marvel at life and the miracle of existence. It doesn’t have to involve a particular belief or tradition, but can simply be a way of giving thanks for being alive.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a practical way to practice gratitude. Helping those in need can inspire you tp reflect on your own circumstances and bring on a sense of compassion for humanity as a whole.

It’s also been shown to improve health and offer several other benefits.

Benefits of practicing gratitude

There are many benefits of practicing gratitude, both mental and physical. Regular practice has been shown to have measurable positive effects on health.

Boosts the immune system

Gratitude has been shown to help contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Stress lowers the immune response to potential bodily threats, whereas increased mental well-being can help your body fight off illness, according to a 2004 research review Trusted Source.

Practicing gratitude also has the ability to improve other aspects of physical health, with one early-stage 2017 study Trusted Source suggesting it can reduce the risks associated with heart failure.

Improves mental health

Gratitude is one of many factors that contributes to positive mental health outcomes.

One 2020 study showed that regularly practicing gratitude can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. An older study from 2003 noted that gratitude was linked to improved mood.

Practicing gratitude fosters positive feelings and can contribute to a sense of well-being when done regularly.

Improved relationships

Gratitude not only improves your physical and mental well-being; it may also improve your relationships.

Gratitude plays a key role in forming relationships, as well as in strengthening existing ones.

When it comes to romantic relationships, gratitude can help partners feel more satisfied with each other. One 2010 study showed that partners who demonstrated gratitude toward one another reported increased relationship satisfaction and improved happiness the following day.

Increased optimism

Being an optimistic person can have plenty of health benefits, including healthy aging, according to a 2019 study Trusted Source. If you’re not naturally optimistic, gratitude practice can help you cultivate an optimistic outlook, as suggested by a 2018 study.

In an older 2003 study, it took just 10 weeks of regular gratitude practice for participants to feel more optimistic and positive about their present lives and the future.

Takeaway

Practicing gratitude can be a beneficial daily habit both for physical and mental health. It also offers potential benefits for relationships.

To get started with a gratitude practice, you can try meditation, journaling, or simply paying attention to the little things in life that bring you joy. If practiced regularly, gratitude will likely provide positive long-term effects to your mental health and well-being.

Dr. Leslie Saltzman

01/Sep/2021

We are expecting flu vaccines to be available for patients in the office in early September.

As a reminder, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older with rare exceptions. Flu vaccines will be offered to all patients when you come in for routine appointments in the office or you may schedule an appointment. This year we are offering online scheduling during our flu vaccine days which are scheduled for the dates listed below.

You may schedule via the Healow app or portal, by going to our website, or by calling 215-735-7992. Please complete the influenza vaccination questionnaire prior to your appointment.

About the flu vaccine:

It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.
There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against the influenza viruses believed to be likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season.
Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.
Influenza vaccine does not cause flu.
Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Influenza vaccine can be administered at any time during pregnancy.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated.

COVID Vaccine and Other Vaccine Administration

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same visit. You no longer need to wait 14 days between vaccinations. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.

Walk-In Clinic Dates at RWWC

September 7th, 8AM-12PM

September 10th, 8AM-12PM

September 11th, 9AM-1PM

October 4th, 8AM-12PM

Dr. Leslie Saltzman

01/Jul/2021

BMI, or body mass index, has long been used as a way to assess body weight in the United States. The federal government uses the calculation to track obesity rates nationwide, and according to this scale, 42.4 percent of American adults age 20 and older are obese, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Adults can measure their BMI by taking their body weight in pounds, dividing that value by the square of their height in inches, and multiplying the result by 703, or using an online calculator. The numbers are then used to determine weight categories:

Below 18.5 is underweight
18.5 to 24.9 is normal
25 to 29.9 is overweight
30 and over is obese

If this formula seems complicated and somewhat arbitrary, that’s because it is. Body fat percentage, not BMI, is largely responsible for a person’s health. Too high a number can result in obesity related complications, including diabetes, heart disease and increase your risk for many cancers. By relying on a person’s overall weight, BMI may overestimate body fat in athletic, muscular individuals or those with large or tall frames, labeling them as overweight or having obesity when they are not at increased risk.

However, the reverse is also true, you can have a “normal” BMI but still have a high percentage of body fat—and the associated medical complications. More than half of U.S. adults currently considered to have a normal BMI actually have a high body fat percentage (more than 30 percent fat for women.)

The way in which fat is distributed in your body has major health implications, yet it’s not taken into account by the BMI calculation. Belly fat, or fat that accumulates around the waistline and abdominal organs, greatly heightens a person’s risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other obesity-related complications, as well as death. But a person could easily fall into the “normal” BMI category (18.5 to 24.9) and have a waist circumference that puts them in a risk health category.

Individuals with “normal,” or non-obese/non-overweight BMIs, but with a large waist circumference (known as central obesity) are much more likely to die prematurely compared with people who are deemed obese via BMI but don’t have a large circumference. For women, central obesity is defined as a waist circumference greater than 35 inches for women. Waist circumference should be measured at the smallest area of one’s waist, just above the belly button.

Waist-to-hip ratio can also be used to estimate risk. This number divides waist circumference by hip circumference (measured around the widest part of your buttocks). Anything below 0.9 is considered healthy. A ratio of 1.0 or above is correlated with a two to three times increased risk of dying. Someone with a larger waist than hips will have a waist-to-hip ratio of 1.0 or above.

Understanding Your Risk: Talk with your healthcare provider to come up with a plan to assess your risk- this may include your BMI, waist circumference, hip measurements, blood pressure and lab results.

Barbara Spanjers from the Center for Discovery, Eating Disorder Treatment

27/Jan/2021

The month of February brings us National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. For most of us, this is the first February that we will be spending in a pandemic.

If an eating disorder could choose its favorite environment, it could do no better than the stay-at-home orders issued in many states to combat the coronavirus. Fear over health? Check. Fear around food? Double-check. Social isolation? Triple-check. Combine all this with economic volatility and an international sense of dread, and eating disorder behaviors seem to have a big advantage over recovery. In short, coronavirus quarantine and eating disorders: it’s a perfect storm.

When life as we know it is suddenly upended, it is going to be difficult for most people. For those with eating disorders, who often tend toward greater rigidity rather than flexibility, it is especially challenging.

Food Availability: Both Too Little and Too Much

Empty Shelves and a Very Full Pantry

The current unpredictability of grocery store inventory can bring up the urge to both restrict and binge. When entire store shelves of pasta, eggs, and toilet paper are empty, it can trigger a deep sense of unease and a desire to hoard. Panic buying has been rampant, with many stores now limiting purchases of staple items. Scarce inventory leads to a scarcity mindset, which is not unlike the eating disorder voice or diet culture in general: “This food is hard to get, so get it all while you can!”

On the other hand, having a well-stocked kitchen can also ignite disordered eating thoughts. When food is the apparent enemy, being surrounded by it can feel threatening. It can set up a resolve to restrict eating in order to demonstrate control. It can create fears of bingeing and/or purging, due to easy access.

Foods Good for Sheltering in Place Are Often “Fear” Foods for Those with an Eating Disorder

When hunkering down at home for weeks at a time, shelf-stable foods like pasta, rice, peanut butter, and frozen entrees are standard. They are nutrient-dense and last in storage. However, these are often the types of foods that people with eating disorders may consider off-limits, or a “fear food.” While working with a therapist and dietitian helps broaden the list of tolerable foods, the process is usually done in an organized manner. Being suddenly faced with a pantry full of spaghetti and canned soups may be an unusual situation that can spike anxiety. However, it is important to remember that all foods fit into a nutritious diet. No food is “good” or “bad.”

Structure and Boundaries Help Break the Connection between Coronavirus Quarantine and Eating Disorders

Going from a busy schedule to long swaths of free time can open the door to eating disorder thoughts and behaviors. Working or completing school from home can provide structure for days that would otherwise blend into each other. Even if you have no current work or school responsibilities, there are some other ways to add structure to life under quarantine.

Eat regularly. Every single body deserves nourishment, even when less physically active than usual. You do not have to earn the right to eat. Also, for people with an eating disorder, hunger and fullness cues must be relearned. In times of stress, such as the current pandemic, those fledgling hunger and fullness cues may subside. Eating at regular intervals (like every 3 hours) helps ensure nutritional intake – as well as helps to regain awareness of body cues.
Sleep regularly. Regular rest helps us feel more energized, of course. Sleep also helps with emotion regulation, which is an important part of eating disorder recovery. Try to practice going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, and put away devices and bright screens about an hour before bedtime to help the mind prepare for sleep.
Carve out time for hobbies, reading, games, etc. But there’s no pressure to achieve here; it’s about relaxation and engagement. It is not necessary to learn a new language or find a new way to organize your closet during this time. Yes, there are many examples of people on social media baking 32 kinds of bread. You do not have to be one of them. If a nap sounds better one day than reading a chapter of Anna Karenina, go for it.
Set boundaries around media use. There is now 24/7 news coverage of the coronavirus. While keeping up on news is fine, it is easy to get pulled into hours of consumption. This is not good for our mental health! Skim the news or set a time limit. The same is true for social media. Even amidst this crisis, diet culture lurks, masquerading as health information. Be wary of supplements to “boost” the immune system, or people obsessing about potential weight gain while they are sheltering at home.

HUFFPOST

01/Dec/2020

Ever thought about what might happen if you were in a bad fall, car accident or other emergency situation that left you unable to communicate with responders?

Fortunately, most of today’s smartphones come with a feature that allows you to enter ICE (in case of emergency) data that’s accessible from your phone’s lock screen, including emergency contacts and important medical information.

How to set up an iPhone emergency contact

All iPhones come with the Health app, which, along with tracking your steps and other health data, allows you to set up a medical ID. This will display basic personal information, important medical information and emergency contact numbers when accessed from your lock screen. Additionally, your emergency contacts will be automatically contacted and updated on your current location if you make a call using the Emergency SOS feature.

Follow these steps to set it up:

Open the Health app on your phone.
Select the “Medical ID” tab.
Select “Edit” at the top of the screen.
Make sure that the “Show When Locked” slider is green.
Below, fill in the various fields. If there’s a section that isn’t relevant, such as “Medical Conditions” or “Allergies & Reactions,” it’s a good idea to write “N/A” or “None” instead of leaving it blank to avoid any confusion.
At the bottom is the “Emergency Contacts” section; tap “add emergency contact” to create a new contact. Note that you need to have this person’s name and number saved in your phone’s contacts list in order for the app to pull it in.
Once you’ve selected a contact, indicate their relationship to you.
You can add more than one emergency contact; continue repeating steps six and seve until all your emergency contacts are added.

To test that your Medical ID contains all the information you added, lock your phone and then wake it back up to reveal the Touch ID/passcode lock screen. Tap “Emergency” in the corner to bring up the SOS keypad ― you’ll see the “Medical ID” link in the bottom left. Press this to bring up your ICE info as well as emergency numbers that can be tapped and dialed directly from that screen.

How to set up an Android emergency contact

There are a couple of ways to set up ICE contact information on an Android phone. First, you can add your info to the emergency information feature:

Open the “Settings” app.
Tap “User & accounts,” then “Emergency information.”
To enter medical information, tap “Edit information” (you might have to tap “Info” first, depending on the version).
There’s a separate section where you can enter emergency contacts; tap “Add contact” to add a person from your contacts list (you might have to tap “Contacts” first)

Once you have set this up, anyone can find your ICE information by swiping up on the lock screen and tapping “Emergency,” then “Emergency information.”

Another option is to add your ICE info directly to the lock screen. Android lets you put any message you want on your lock screen:

Start by opening the “Settings” app
Tap “Security & location.”
Next to “Screen lock,” tap “Settings.”
Tap “Lock screen message.”
Enter the information you want displayed, such as your primary emergency contact and any medical conditions, and tap “Save.”

Some versions of Android may let you add emergency contacts and your medical information directly through the Contacts app. There, you can add contacts to your “ICE – emergency contacts” group and edit your own profile to include vital medical information.

The easy way to add ICE info to any smartphone

Other phones might have similar features for displaying ICE information on the lock screen. But even if yours doesn’t, there’s an easy workaround as long as you can set a custom lock screen image.

Open any note-taking or image app that allows text.
Type the ICE information you want displayed. Keep in mind you’ll need to account for other text that displays on the lock screen (like time and date) and ensure the text fits on one screen.
Take a screenshot of the message you created.
Set that image as your lock screen wallpaper.

Unlike with other emergency information apps built directly into the phone, your lock screen won’t allow emergency responders to dial directly. Even so, it’s better than having no information available at all, which could mean the difference between life and death.

Dr. Courtney Liggera

24/Nov/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people in a variety of ways, some of which we are still discovering. Virtually everyone has suffered some form of a hardship over the past nine months. These include physical hardships, as many have fallen ill themselves and/or have lost loved ones to COVID-19. These include work-related hardships, like losing one’s job, or adapting to working from home while balancing a frenzied home life with children being educated online.

But there are also the mental hardships, which can be more difficult to identify. As the pandemic continues, many are missing the normalcy of social interactions and other activities outside the home.

Mental health professionals warn about the psychological effect the pandemic is having on people’s mental health and well-being. Economic stress, anxiety and depression brought on by being home alone, and/or dealing with the loss of loved ones are all likely to have a significant impact on people. Mental health professionals also note that, as the pandemic rages on, the increase in mental health problems as a result of stress from social isolation and other COVID-19 related life changes is contributing to an increase in substance use and misuse.

Although turning to alcohol and/or drugs may temporarily help you feel better, use of these substances, especially in higher frequency / amount, will ultimately make you feel worse and could lead to addiction and other mental health issues. Using drugs or alcohol to cope with life circumstances can become a habit that leads to substance abuse or addiction. Additionally, many people who were already experiencing mental health issues prior to the pandemic may be using drugs or alcohol more in an attempt to self-medicate and cope with symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Therefore, it is imperative that people focus on developing and maintaining healthy habits and activities to help alleviate stress/anxiety/depression instead.

Here are some suggestions:

Set limits with work and school so they do not blend into other areas of your life.
Limit exposure to social media and watching news. If you must watch the news, then set a specific time and only a specific channel. Don’t inundate yourself information from a variety of sources as it will only add to the stress.
Get moving. Take a walk, go for a run or a bike ride, do an exercise video or yoga.
Maintain healthy eating habits. Plan and cook healthy recipes and maintain normal meal times.
Keep connected. Talk to friends and family via videoconferencing.
Start a hobby. This is a great time for creativity. This will help with stress relief and positive thinking.

Remember that everyone is going through some form of hardship right now as a result of the pandemic, so reaching out to loved ones and providing that much needed reminder that they aren’t alone and have support is also very helpful.

If you or someone you care about is starting or increasing use of alcohol or other substances during the pandemic, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss various options for treatment and support.

Dr. Leslie Saltzman

01/Oct/2020

We’d like to support our patients in making telehealth visits as easy and as valuable as possible. Please review the tips below in order to best prepare for your visit.

Choose your tech.

It is helpful to decide ahead of time what device you may use for your telemedicine visit. The easiest method that we suggest is using the texted link that you will receive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. The link will open the appointment directly in the browser of your smartphone without requiring you to download any additional apps or login to any accounts. If this method does not work for you, then you can use a computer, laptop, or tablet to sign into your patient portal either through our website, www.rwwc.com, or the app ‘healow’ to attend your appointment. Having a reliable internet connection is also important.

Set-up prior to your appointment.

Make sure you ask your provider’s office about any technology set up that may need to occur ahead of your telemedicine visit. This may include downloading an app or creating a new account. Neither of these are required for Rittenhouse Women’s Wellness Center, however if you are referred to a specialist, their setup may differ from ours. You should ask for a contact number in case there is a problem during your telemedicine visit. Doing this will reduce the stress of managing new technology during the actual telemedicine visit.

Choose a quiet, private place.

Find a place for your appointment that is quiet so you can hear your provider, and they in turn can hear you. This will reduce distractions and interruptions, making your appointment more productive.

Prepare your medical history.

Just as in an in-person visit, having accurate medical history available is helpful. If you have seen other providers, been to the ER or had a hospitalization- make sure to share the details with your providers.

Obtain vital signs.

If you are able to, it is helpful to obtain vital signs prior to your appointment. If you have an electronic blood pressure cuff, you can obtain blood pressure and heart rate. You can take your weight and temperature as well at home and report during your telemedicine visit. You can also take pictures of any rashes or skin lesions you have questions about.

Write down questions ahead of time.

The stress of a new type of visit can be a distraction when trying to remember all the things you may want to ask your physician. Writing down important questions you have for your physician ahead of time will help you remember them during your visit.

At the end of your telemedicine visit, set up a follow-up visit as necessary.

What prescriptions do health plans cover?

What Can You Do?

Vaccination

Testing

Take Part in a Clinical Trial

Promote Cervical Health on Social Media

Exercising in colder temperatures offers many advantages.

Watch out for hypothermia

Cold comfort

Find stability with a charitable gift annuity

Warming up to the cold

Get outside

Disclaimer:

What does it mean to practice gratitude?

Getting started practicing gratitude

Gratitude journaling

Gratitude mapping

Gratitude jars

Morning meditation

Prayer

Volunteering

Benefits of practicing gratitude

Boosts the immune system

Improves mental health

Improved relationships

Increased optimism

Takeaway

A Note from RWWC

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