Have Fun in the Sun

It’s that time of year when school is let out, there are celebrations galore, and vacations are planned. One of the best parts of summer is the ability to spend more time outdoors.. June celebrates National Great Outdoors Month.  Exploring the great outdoors is not only a great learning experience where you can discover different aspects of nature across the country, but it also presents benefits physically, and emotionally.

We constantly implore people to engage in physical activities. Part of the wonder with venturing into natural surroundings, is that can be enjoyable for all people. Men and women of all ages are sure to find something they gravitate towards during these adventures, and that’s a bonus to the existing physical, social, emotional, and intellectual benefits that ensue. HealthyLiving and LiveStrong highlighted these four benefits:

  1. Physical Benefits
    • Lower blood pressure
    • Reduced arthritic pain
    • Weight loss
    • Lowered risk of: diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases
    • Fulfills the CDC recommendation of 75 minutes of intense activity per week
  1. Social Benefits
    • Provides children and adults opportunities to socialize and develop new relationships with others
    • Social settings of outdoor spaces are often associated with positive experiences
    • Introduced to like-minded people who share passion for outdoor recreation 
  1. Emotional Benefits
    • Helps reduce stress and may prevent cases of depression
    • Leads to a better, deeper sleep, which may result in better concentration 
  1. Intellectual Benefits
    • Increased confidence, creativity, and better self-esteem
    • Nature settings rejuvenate and bring peace to the mind, improves outlook and increases positivity

There are also a few scientific factors that may lead to spending more time exploring the great outdoors. Business Insider shared some great content on how the outdoors boosts your mental and physical well-being:

  • Improved short term memory
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Better vision (especially for children)
  • Immune system boost
  • Reduced risk of early death 

Whether you’re out kayaking with family and friends, or exploring a new hiking trail, it’s great to explore the outdoors and take in all the beauty and health benefits it encompasses. As always, whenever you plan on engaging in vigorous activity, it’s good to reach out to your R-Health doctor to make sure your body is healthy and suitable for the added outdoor activity.

 

R-Health Announces Funding from Reinvestment Fund

$2 Million Loan to Support Further Direct Primary Care Expansion in New Jersey

R-Health, a leader in innovative primary care solutions, today announced the company has closed on a $2 million loan from Reinvestment Fund. The funding will support R-Health’s continued expansion of Direct Primary Care practices throughout the State of New Jersey.

R-Health’s expansion in New Jersey is focused on the State’s program to provide a no cost membership to an R-Health Direct Primary Care practice to public sector employees and their family members enrolled in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). R-Health currently has four practices in Ewing, Haddonfield, Moorestown, and Washington Crossing, providing exceptional relationship-based primary care to members of the SHBP and SEHBP.

The goal of the New Jersey Direct Primary Care program is to transform primary care from the legacy model that is episodic, transactional, and focused on treating illnesses and maximizing billing volume, to a refreshing new model that is continuous, relationship-based, and focused on helping patients achieve optimum health. Reinvestment Fund’s loan will support R-Health’s launch of multiple new locations across New Jersey including Cherry Hill, Hamilton, New Brunswick, and Voorhees, among others.

“We are thrilled to announce the support of Reinvestment Fund in R-Health’s continued growth and our goal to improve access to high-quality primary care for public sector workers across New Jersey,” said Mason Reiner, R-Health CEO. “It is critical to have the support of a renowned mission-driven lender that understands the positive social impact that can be achieved with better access to superior primary care.”

“R-Health has the opportunity to demonstrate how improved access and availability to personalized primary care can improve health outcomes and reduce costs for public sector workers and tax payers in New Jersey,” said Bridget Wiedeman, Senior Director for Health Services at Reinvestment Fund. “Reducing overall healthcare costs in New Jersey through improved primary care will also free up public funds for investment in other high-priority social services.”

R-Health’s approach to Direct Primary Care in New Jersey is focused on removing all barriers to high quality primary care. This includes a membership covered 100% by the NJ SHBP / SEHBP, no co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs for patients, 24/7 access to a personal primary care doctor, a patient panel that is less than half of a traditional primary care physician, and absolutely no fee-for-service billing. R-Health primary care doctors offer longer appointments, same-day and next-day appointments, little to no wait to see the doctor, and onsite lab draws. R-Health doctors also dispense medications for acute conditions and administer immunizations onsite, creating a one-stop-shop for comprehensive primary care.

More information can be found at www.r-health.md/nj.

About R-Health: R-Health delivers more effective care and a better patient experience – all at a lower cost. We partner with employers, unions, insurance companies and TPAs to offer primary care that’s truly collaborative. This is accomplished through the traditional core values of convenient, personal primary care; our innovative data analytics and patient engagement platforms that streamline care, delivering better outcomes, lower costs and a refreshing patient experience; and the proactive management of chronic conditions. For more information, visit www.R-Health.md.

About Reinvestment Fund: Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in low-income communities. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, we bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives. Learn more at reinvestment.com.

A Focus on Men’s Health

June marks Men’s Health Month, a time specifically geared towards encouraging men to take control of their health outcomes by staying aware of preventable health problems, while taking initiative to seek medical advice and treatments for injuries and/or disease.

Men’s health is very important, not only for the individual, but for the lives of the family and friends involved. It’s important to take the proper measures, not only this month, but all year long, to ensure that health is a top priority. The first step towards taking care of your health, is knowing what you could be facing.

WedMD published a story on the top health threats facing men. These are oftentimes common and preventable, yet negligence and masked productivity may inevitably lead some men to experience these threats such as:

Cardiovascular disease (The leading threat to men’s health)

  • Heart disease and stroke are the first and second leading causes of death for men
  • Men’s arteries develop atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup) faster than women and this could lead to heart attacks or strokes due to unstable blood clots

Lung Cancer

  • Fortunately, as the smoking rate declines, so do the cases of men dying of lung cancer
  • However, lung cancer is very aggressive and spreads very quickly, that when diagnosed it’s often at an advanced stage, and less than 50% of men survive a year later

Prostate Cancer

  • The leading cancer for men, with 1 of 6 men who will be diagnosed
  • Prostates are prone to develop quandaries as men age, making it extremely important to go through the preventative screening test(s)

Depression and Suicide

  • Research shows that men with signs of depression are more likely to develop heart disease
  • Men are less likely to seek help for depression. While women attempt suicide more often, men are more successful at completing it, which is why it is the eighth leading cause of death among men

Diabetes

  • Boys born in 2000 or later have a shocking 1/3 chance of developing diabetes

Erectile Dysfunction

  • Although not life threatening, it may still be a sign for other health problems
  • ED can be caused by atherosclerosis, which affects blood vessels

 Don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. There are many actions you can take to make sure you live a rich, healthy life every day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the top ways to improve male health:

  • Get Good Sleep
    • Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep, but insufficient sleep can result in developing many chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and depression
  • Say No to Tobacco
    • Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke not only improves your overall health, but lowers your risks of lung disease, cancer, and other illnesses
  • Move More
    • Adults should have around 2.5 hours of moderate-intense activity at least 2x a week, every week.
  • Eat Healthy
    • Eating a variety of natural foods and try to avoid or lessen your intake of highly processed foods, sugars, added fats, and/or alcohol
  • Tame Stress
    • Stress is very important as it can lead to depression and suicide. Find your best methods to tame stress and reach out to others for support. Avoid drugs and alcohol
  • Stay on Top of Your Game
    • Pay attention to your signs and symptoms, keep track of your numbers (blood pressure levels, cholesterol, weight, etc), but most importantly, see your doctor.

The last point may be the most central. Fellas, it’s important to visit your doctor instead of putting it off. Get your routine checkups and any preventative screenings you may need. Certain conditions may not have symptoms so checkups can be very important in determining the outlook of your health. And with the flexibility of your R-Health doctor’s hours, it’s imperative you take advantage, especially on this month.

Turn the Safety On

Whether you’re grilling, or off basking in the sun, safety is always important. Through leadership, research, education, and advocacy, the National Safety Council Mission (NSC) has been at the forefront for promoting safety at home, work, and the road, especially during the month of June, which is recognized as National Safety Month.

Staying safe is just as much our job as it is staying healthy. There are many risks in all facets of life and it’s a duty to keep yourself and those around you safe, as best you can. Since this is National Safety Month, we’ll share tips on how to stay safe in three of the NSC’s key areas: home, work, and road.

When it comes to the home, familiarity may be the greatest counter to fear and insecurity. You know where everything is, how everything works, therefore you’re very comfortable. However, there are times spent alone in the home that can be anxious, thus Safewise reported a few ways to feel safe in the home, and we’ll discuss the following:

  • Get to know your neighbors – Not only is it great to meet and make new friends in your community, but friendly neighbors keep an eye out and alert you of any problems.
  • Lock the door – Seems like a no brainer, but despite how safe you believe your community is, locking the door makes it difficult for strangers to enter your home. Dead bolts are ideal.
  • Have an emergency plan – In case of a fire or extreme weather conditions, know the safest and quickest way out of your house.
  • Get an alarm system – Security systems these days are advances that you can monitor them from your work computer to your phone to keep watch on your home at all times.
  • Don’t leave a spare key outside – Give your spare to a trusted neighbor or family member. Keeping it hidden outside may make it easier for any intruders to enter.
  • Have a check-in plan – This is important especially when living alone. It’s good to let a trusted person know your basic schedule, so if you plan on heading out of town, they can account for any anomalies.

Now as you leave your safe home and on the way to work, typically the average person drives. But even if you’re not driving to work, there are many occasions behind the wheel. Per Injury Facts 2016, the three biggest casualties on the road are alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving. Fortunately, Lifehack shared tips on how to stay safe on the road, and we’ll discuss them below:

  • Allow enough time – Plan your trips accordingly. It’s best to plan to have a little extra time, to avoid rushing and henceforth speeding on the road.
  • Don’t drive distracted – IT CAN WAIT. Texting and driving result in accidents that injure more than 330,000 people a year. It’s best to keep the phone away until you arrive at your destination.
  • Check the weather – Can help in predicting delays and getting your car ready in case of severe storms
  • Keep regular maintenance – Keep your car in good shape. Every 3,000 miles you should get an oil change
  • Don’t drive sleepy – If you’re planning on driving for long stretches, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep. You should also take food and rest breaks every few hours to keep your energy steady

After the commute from home to work, the goal of safety doesn’t end there. It’s important to stay safe at work to reduce your risks of injury and illnesses. BetterHealth offered their best tips for work safety, regardless of occupation:

  • Understand the risks – Knowledge of hazards in the workplace can reduce your risk of injury or illness
  • Reduce workplace stress – May be caused by heavy workloads, long hours, job insecurity, etc. and can lead toward depression and sleep deprivation
  • Take regular breaks – Staying fresh and attentive can keep you from burnout and help you with your most difficult tasks
  • Avoid stooping or twisting – rearrange your workspace so everything is within reach when you need it
  • Talk over any concerns – Reach out to your HR manager to ensure a safe working environment

As you can see, there are many different methods to stay safe in these three areas. Moreover, feeling safe in all areas of life is great for your mental health. If you’d like to learn more safety tips, you can always reach out to your R-Health doctor and receive great insight.