The new year is a great time to rethink your lifestyle choices. Aetna Better Health® of Illinois is here to provide support in that journey. As our member, we’ve added new benefits this year just for you.
- Free baby essentials: Eligible members can get either a car seat, a highchair, or play yard, plus a diaper bag and $45 each month to spend on diapers.
- Free educational support: Eligible members ages 18 and older can get career training, skill building and GED support.
- Free meal delivery: Eligible members ages 18 and older with a qualifying diagnosis can get meal delivery services with personal nutrition support.
Visit our website for info on qualifying for these extra benefits.
The new year is also a time to plan. Take a moment to set goals. Maybe your new year’s resolution is to be more active? Maybe your goal is to get more sleep? Or perhaps you’d like to eat better. Planning is key to achieving your goals and sticking with them. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for a healthier you this year.
- Sleep more: People lose sleep for many reasons. Work, responsibilities or staying up late are all factors to losing sleep. Loss of sleep is normal every now and then. However, that should not happen all the time. Not getting enough sleep could raise your chances of illnesses like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and mental health issues. Adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep. Start with a routine to help you achieve your sleep goals. Set an alarm to get ready for bed. You can also track sleep on many mobile devices now, too.
- Plan your meals: Planning meals to prepare at home is a good way to eat healthier. It also helps avoid less healthy options like drive-through meals and snacking. Snacking can impact your health if you don’t choose healthy options. Avoid unhealthy snacks and opt for healthier options like fruit and vegetables. Our meal delivery benefit also offers healthier options and nutrition support.
- Exercise: Get active! Adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity a day. Children should be active for at least 60 minutes a day. Following these steps can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer or diabetes. People who stay active usually live longer, too! Active people have a lower chance of facing major health issues like obesity and certain cancers. Even for those with long-term health problems, being active can help control their conditions. Start small. Take a stroll around your neighborhood. Small steps go a long way.
- Drink more water: Staying hydrated is key. Drinking enough water every day is very important for staying healthy. It helps prevent dehydration, which causes your body to overheat and triggers headaches. It can also lead to other problems like constipation and kidney stones. You can start with small changes. Replace sugary drinks and caffeine for water. Buy a bottle to help track how much water you drink. Small steps like these can help you prevent diseases like diabetes.
There are several easy steps you can take to become a better you this year. Use these tips as a guide. And remember to review your coverage options. There are many benefits you can take advantage of throughout the year. For more info on your coverage, visit the What’s Covered page on our website or call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711).