Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | March 2014 - page 2

wellness
H
ave you ever said to your
doctor, “I have been
coughing for a few weeks
now; can I get some antibiotics?”
You may want to know that
antibiotics may do more harm than
good if you are taking them for a
virus, such as a cold, the u, most
coughs, bronchitis or a sore throat.
You can protect yourself and
your family by knowing when you
should use antibiotics and when
you should not.
Antibiotics only work against
infections caused by bacteria, for
example, pneumonia. Your doctor
will decide if antibiotics are best
for you. ey can give you advice
on how to make your symptoms
better while your body ghts o
the virus.
Antibiotics will not cure every
illness. When antibiotics are not
used the right way, bacteria may
become resistant. is means that
the antibiotics may no longer work
T
he Alliance Care
Management Program
works with members to
improve their health and quality
of life. e goal of the program
is to support our members and
to make sure that they receive
the services they need to stay
healthy. Our program includes case
management, care coordination,
health education and chronic
disease management.
Our team is made up of nurses,
social workers, health educators
and care coordinators. e team’s
main focus is to work with each
member and their doctors to
Antibiotics
What you should know
when they are needed. Do not stop
taking antibiotics once you feel
better. is can also cause bacteria
to become resistant. Antibiotics
may also cause side e ects such as
diarrhea, rash or feeling sick.
Prevent the spread of infection
by using good health habits:
Try not to come into close
contact with people that are sick,
and stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when
sneezing.
Wash your hands with soap and
water after using the restroom,
before and after eating, and after
changing your baby’s diaper or
your pet’s litter box.
Antibiotics can be helpful when
taken properly. Talk to your doctor
about when you should take
antibiotics.
Care Management Program
improve their health. is work
is done through health coaching,
teaching members how to follow
medication and treatment plans,
and linking members to services
and community resources. Our
team works with members as
follows:
e Care Management team
works with members who have
complex health issues and need
help to manage their illness.
e Care Coordination team
focuses on members with less
complex needs. We work with the
members to connect them to local
community resources.
e Health Education and
Chronic Disease Management
teams have many programs to
teach our members about their
health and how to stay healthy.
Our programs include prenatal
and postpartum care, weight
management, help quitting
smoking or chewing tobacco, and
asthma and diabetes care.
If you have any questions or
would like to learn more about our
Care Management Program, please
call
1-800-700-3874, ext. 5512
.
For questions about our Health
Education programs, please call
1-800-700-3874, ext. 5580
.
living
healthy
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