Author: St. Joseph Mercy Health System

Easy make ahead breakfasts are very important to many people who do not have time to prepare a healthy breakfast every morning. With these easy and healthy overnight oats you to can plan your breakfast for the week. Whether you prefer Blueberry Overnight Oats, Chocolate & Banana Overnight Oats or Tropical flavors like Pina Colada Overnight Oats, here you will find your favorite flavors.

Blueberry Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
• 1/2 cup (45g) blueberries
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
• 1-2 teaspoons Maple syrup
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
• slivered almonds and blueberries for topping

Chocolate & Banana Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
• 1-2 teaspoons Maple syrup, optional
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
• 1/2 Banana
• Chocolate shavings and banana slices for topping

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
• 1/2 Apple, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons Honey/maple syrup, optional
• Walnuts 

Pina Colada Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
• 2oz (60g) Pineapple
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
• 1-2 teaspoons Honey/Maple syrup *optional
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Coconut milk or any milk of your choice
• 1 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Pineapple chunks and desiccated coconut for topping

Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
• 2 tablespoons Natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons Fruit jam of your choice
• Crushed peanuts and natural peanut butter for topping

DIRECTIONS

1. Place all ingredients into a large glass container/bowl and mix until combined.

2. Transfer to a jar or a glass. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Top with fresh fruits/nuts/seeds and serve.

Source: theCookingFoodie.com

Including a Glossary of Helpful Terms

Taking time to schedule an annual visit with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) could be life-changing because prevention is often the key to living longer, healthier lives.

Q: Does Medicare require patients to visit their PCP annually?

A: Medicare does not require patients to visit their PCP annually. However, they do encourage patients to schedule an Initial Preventive Physical Examination (“Welcome to Medicare Visit”) within the first 12 months of part B enrollment to review medical and social health histories as well as preventive services education.

Medicare also encourages an “Annual Wellness Visit” every 12 months to develop or update a personalized plan for prevention of illness and perform a health risk assessment. During an Annual Wellness Visit, vitals are obtained, but a complete physical exam is not performed.

Q: Are “annual physicals” covered by insurance providers, including Medicare?

A: Medicare covers the Welcome to Medicare Visit and the Annual Wellness Visit, with no co-pay or deductible, but Medicare does not cover routine annual physicals during which more detailed exams are performed and which often include routine lab and screening tests.

Some supplemental insurance plans may cover routine annual physicals, with applicable co-pays and deductibles. Medicare will cover services for specific diagnoses with necessary labs/testing, but co-pays and deductibles will apply.

Q: What tests are typically part of an annual physical?

A: Tests are determined based on a patient’s age, medical history, family history, risk factors and presenting complaints. Often, labs are ordered to monitor blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney and liver function, blood counts, cholesterol, and thyroid function. Screening for osteoporosis, breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer are also discussed and ordered as appropriate.

Q: Are these tests usually covered by insurance?

A: Many preventive services are covered by health insurance plans; however, patients are encouraged to check with their insurance companies before completing any lab or testing to see if it is covered, and how much out-of-pocket cost there will be.

Q: For people who are looking for a PCP, is there a trusted online resource for checking to see how a physician is rated?

A: There is a lot of information available online, but the most reliable, trustworthy resources would be a patient’s insurance company review or local hospital websites. These sources have firsthand information about physicians who have gone through rigorous credentialing processes and are highly recommended.

A Glossary of Helpful Terms Regarding Medicare and Checkups

Annual Physical An annual physical exam is an assessment of your body’s overall health. The primary purpose is to look for health problems.

During the exam, your doctor uses his or her senses to evaluate how your body is performing. Based on the evaluation, your doctor may ask you to have tests to determine or rule out possible health problems.

 The list below shows some actions your physician may take during a physical exam.

• Visually check your body for signs of existing health issues
• Look into your eyes, ears, nose, and throat for potential problems
• Listen to your heart and lungs to detect irregular sounds
• Touch parts of your body to feel for abnormalities
• Test your motor function and reflexes
• Complete pelvic and rectal exams
• Measure your height, weight, and blood pressure

Medicare does not cover an annual physical. The exam and any tests your doctor orders are separate services, and you may have expenses related to these depending on your Medicare plan.

Annual Wellness Visit A Medicare Wellness Visit is an overall evaluation of your health and well-being. The primary purpose is prevention and involves either creating or updating your individual prevention plan. Medicare covers a Wellness Visit once every 12 months (11 full months must have passed since your last Wellness visit), and you are eligible for this benefit after having Medicare Part B for at least 12 months.

During the exam, your primary care provider combines information from the visit with your medical record to assess your risk for common preventable health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Based on the evaluation, your doctor creates your individual prevention plan with a checklist of screenings you need to have.

The list below shows actions your provider may perform during a wellness exam.

• Review your health risk assessment (questions you answer about your health)
• Confirm your medical and family history
• Document your current prescriptions and providers
• Measure and document your height, weight, and blood pressure
• Look for signs of memory loss, dementia, or frailty
• Record your health risk factors and treatment options
• Provide personalized health advice
• Develop a schedule for the preventive services recommended for you

Medicare Part B covers an annual wellness exam and several preventive screenings with no copay or deductible. However, you may have to pay a portion of the cost for some recommended tests or services.

Copay An amount you are required to pay as your share of the cost for a medical service or supply, like a doctor’s visit, hospital outpatient visit, or prescription medication. This is generally a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage.

Coinsurance An amount you are required to pay as your share of the cost for services after you pay any deductibles and is usually a percentage.

Deductible The amount you are required to pay for health care or prescriptions before Medicare, your prescription drug plan, or any other insurance will pay.

Preventive Services Health care to prevent or detect illness at an early stage. Preventive services include pap tests, certain vaccines, and screening mammograms.

Routine Labs and Screenings Testing or services recommended by a health care provider that allow potential health problems to be prevented or addressed early enough for a better overall outcome of a patient’s health.

Supplemental Insurance Plan (also known as Medigap) refers to numerous private health insurance plans used to supplement Medicare. Medigap insurance provides coverage for many of the co-pays and some of the co-insurance related to Medicare covered services

————————————————————–

Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) A waiver that a physician or supplier should give a Medicare beneficiary when providing an item or service for which Medicare is expected to deny payment.

If you do not receive an ABN before you get the service from your physician or supplier, and Medicare does not pay for it, then you probably do not have to pay for it (unless it is a statutory exclusion).

If the physician or supplier does provide you an ABN that you sign prior to receiving the service, and Medicare does not pay for it, then you will have to pay your physician or supplier for it.

ABNs only apply if you have Traditional Medicare. They are not applicable if you are in a Medicare Managed Care Plan or Private Fee-for-Service Plan.

Coordination of Benefits (COB) Method for determining the responsibilities of two or more health plans that have some financial responsibility for a medical claim.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statement from your health insurance detailing what costs will be covered for medical care or services received. This generally will include the total cost of the care received as well as any out-of-pocket expenses that the patient may incur.

Statutory Exclusion Services or supplies never covered by Medicare. Some examples are dental services, routine foot care, and cosmetic surgery.

Schedule an annual visit with your primary care physician today

Looking for a Doctor?

Find a St. Joe’s doctor near you and take control of your health.

It can be hard to stick to a fitness routine during the holidays. Here are some tips to keep you healthy during a busy time typically filled with sweet treats.

• Stay hydrated and drink lots of water. There are large canteens and apps that can help remind you.
• Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast. If you eat a balanced diet throughout the day, you won’t be so tempted to eat extra sweets.
• Be active – take a walk or simply move around your house or take the stairs.
• Get a good night’s rest and avoid stress
• Enjoy yourself and unleash your inner child. If you want treats, try smaller portions.

There you go – a few simple tips to keep you fit and having a great time with family and loved ones. Have a happy and safe holiday!

P.S. If you’re concerned about your health or staying healthy during the holidays, talk to your primary care physician. Don’t have primary care physician? Find one today .

---

As health care professionals, we have a responsibility to be public health leaders in our communities. An important way to fulfill that responsibility is by respectfully sharing accurate and science-based information about the vaccine—especially with those who might be hesitant.

Public discourse around COVID-19 vaccines has become highly charged, with widespread misinformation creating confusion and fear. To make your conversations on vaccines productive, it is helpful to remain empathetic and non-judgmental, and to listen to people’s concerns. You can also guide people to trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control or their primary care physicians.

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions you can share with the people in your life:

Information about the vaccine is changing all the time. Why should I trust it?

As a novel virus, the COVID-19 virus was one we hadn’t encountered before. We’re learning more about it as time goes on, and it would be irresponsible to not update recommendations as new findings come to light. In addition, developments such as the COVID-19 Delta variant can cause recommendations to change, as the situation itself evolves. What has remained consistent since vaccines were first approved for use is that they:

• Are safe and effective, especially against serious illness, hospitalization, and death
• Can help prevent long-term complications of COVID-19

Why should I get the vaccine instead of relying on immunity from COVID-19 infection?

While COVID-19 infection provides some antibodies, immunity from COVID-19 vaccines is two to three times higher than natural immunity and can greatly lower your risk of reinfection. The vaccines also provide additional protection against virus variants.

If you have not yet had COVID-19, the vaccine can help prevent you from getting infected or seriously ill in the first place, lowering your risk of long-term complications.

My vaccination status doesn’t impact anyone else. Why is it anyone’s business?

In a pandemic, especially one with a virus as easily transmissible as COVID-19, our vaccine status does impact others. Vaccination does more than protect us from infection or serious illness; it makes us less likely to spread the virus to others. This layer of protection is especially important for those who are immunocompromised or who are unable to be vaccinated.

In addition, being vaccinated against COVID-19 lowers the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous stress on health care systems, pushing resources and staffing to new limits. The vaccine lowers the chances we will need to use precious resources.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 serves the greater good, allowing us to protect ourselves and those around us, and to help bring an end to the pandemic through broad-scale immunity.

How do we know the vaccines are safe when they were developed so quickly?

The COVID-19 vaccines went through all the same safety studies and protocols as other vaccines. However, due to the urgency of the situation and unprecedented global funding, steps that may have been delayed for years were able to occur in rapid succession or simultaneously, greatly speeding up the process. In addition, COVID-19’s broad spread around the world allowed data on the vaccines’ effectiveness to be gathered quickly, as the protective impact of vaccines was rapidly apparent.

I’m currently expecting, and the vaccines make me nervous. Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant. In fact, the American Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly recommends that pregnant people be vaccinated against COVID-19, as the risks of COVID-19 infection while pregnant are so high. Pregnant people who are unvaccinated face much higher rates of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 infection also increases the risk of preterm delivery and stillbirth, making vaccination important for the baby’s health as well.

The COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe while pregnant, with no associated increase in miscarriages or other pregnancy complications. Getting vaccinated while pregnant can also pass antibodies to the baby, providing protection after they are born. For those who are already vaccinated, ACOG recommends a booster vaccine dose once they are eligible to bolster their protection, as immunity from the initial vaccine series can wane over time.

I’m confused by the new recommendations on booster vaccine doses. Why would I need a booster, and should I get the same vaccine as before?

Booster doses can strengthen your immunity to COVID-19, as the vaccine’s effectiveness naturally decreases over time. This is like many other vaccines, which are given in a series to build more robust immunity. Booster doses are recommended for certain populations, which varies based on the vaccine originally received. A quick guide to booster dose eligibility is available here.

The CDC also approved the mixing of booster doses. For instance, if a person originally received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, they may elect to receive one of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) for a booster dose, as the mRNA vaccines have generally been more effective against COVID-19. People can also choose to receive the same vaccine for a booster as their original series.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists and medical experts–including those at Trinity Health–have continued to learn more about the COVID-19 virus, acting quickly to respond to new evidence and stop surges throughout the country. Science is a process of learning and making the best decisions we can with the information we have at the time to protect as many lives as possible.

In addition to sharing the information above, please encourage everyone you know to educate themselves about the vaccine’s safety and efficacy by directing them to the COVID-19 vaccine information page on the Trinity Health website, and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state vaccine information pages.

Celebrate Holidays Safely
We wish you and your loved ones safe, happy holidays. Follow the CDC’s recommendations on safer ways to celebrate them.