Holidays are an important time to talk about your family’s health
Daniel J. Loepp
| 3 min read
Daniel J. Loepp is President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
For many people, the holiday period is a special time to gather with family and friends and reconnect over the dinner table. It’s also a rare opportunity to have extended and more personal conversations with the people we love. As the CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, I always make sure to talk to my family about their health over the holidays, starting with a few simple things that I know to be important. First, this is a good time to ask your loved ones about the care they are receiving and ensure that they have selected a primary care doctor. Here are some reasons why: It’s a primary care physician’s job to personally know his or her patients and to coordinate all their care. Primary care doctors are in the best position to spot health problems or trends, track medications, and connect all the dots so that you and your family members get the quality care you need. Encourage your loved ones to have a primary care doctor that works for them and their well-being. The holidays are also an important time to talk to your family about their mental health and make sure they are managing their stress, such as through exercise, meditation or other relaxation techniques. I would also encourage you to be on the lookout for warning signs that a family member may be struggling and consider ways to get them help, if needed. With the opioid addiction crisis devastating communities nationwide, we should all be aware of the dangers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even have a candid discussion about the risks of opioids. Your candid conversation could save the life of someone you love. Finally, health care can sometimes seem confusing, but experts are on hand to walk you and your family through coverage choices. At Blue Cross, we’re proud to offer quality, affordable health care options to meet every need and help people make the best health plan decisions. It’s currently the 2019 annual enrollment period for the individual marketplace and Medicare Advantage. Now, is a great time to talk to your family members about their options to make sure they have coverage that’s tailored to them. We all know that talking about health is personal, and some of these conversations can be difficult. But before we know it, time will speed up again. The kids will go back to school. Relatives will drive or fly back to hometowns. Work projects will accelerate. Another year will be in full swing. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect with your loved ones on their well-being and prepare them for a healthy 2019. __________________________________ To learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan individual plans, call 877-4MY-BLUE
. For seniors, representatives are on hand at 888-563-3307
. Photo credit: Foxys_forest_manufacture
