February is American Heart Month. This is a cause that’s close to my heart because my father passed away from heart disease.

I’m not shy about sharing that, because my father’s story could help save a life. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, according to the CDC. Approximately 659,000 Americans die annually from heart disease—that’s one in every four deaths. And every year, 805,000 people in the U.S. suffer a heart attack. Despite these statistics, coronary artery disease is manageable and preventable by adopting healthy habits such as exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and seeing a doctor for regular checkups. Left untreated, however, this condition can lead to a heart attack.

Nonetheless, you can help your employees stave off heart disease and stay healthy. Encourage them to get regular, preventive checkups every year, including physicals and lab tests such as cholesterol screenings. These routine checkups are important for the early detection of possible health issues, or to monitor existing conditions. And if a doctor determines preventive screenings are necessary due to age or other risk factors, most Premera health plans cover them at no extra cost. In addition to cholesterol screenings at certain ages or for those at higher risk, a doctor may recommend the following tests:

• Blood pressure screenings
• Diabetes screening (type 2)
• Obesity screening and weight loss counseling

Keep in mind, though, that tests used to diagnose or monitor conditions are not considered preventive, and may be subject to copays and deductibles.

In addition to routine preventive care and regular screenings, remind employees that aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep per night is ideal. Good sleep is important for heart health; poor sleep habits and quality have been linked to high blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for heart disease. 

Available under the WTIA Association Health Plan (AHP), Premera also offers Personal Health Coaches who can help you and your employees stay on track when it comes to maintaining heart health. These coaches are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (all times Pacific Standard Time) by calling 888-742-1479.

The Wellspring Employee Assistant Program (EAP) also offers a wide variety of benefits, resources, and tools to help employees manage chronic stress and other mental health concerns that can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other potentially life-threatening health conditions. Learn more about EAP resources and benefits by reading our recent blog post, or by visiting https://www.washingtontechnology.org/services/medical/. 

In 2021, the annual American Fitness Index from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Anthem Foundation ranked Seattle third among the nation’s fittest cities. This indicates Seattle has plenty of ways for its residents to stay active. To be sure, Seattle and all of Washington state are home to many hiking, biking, and walking trails and many other outdoor adventures, from kayaking to skiing. Consider pointing your employees to Actively Northwest, a great website that lists all kinds of local, healthy activities and heart-healthy recipes to encourage fitness and overall well-being. 

For more information about how you can make the most of your company’s health benefits with WTIA to help your employees optimize their heart health, contact your broker, or the WTIA Benefits Team at hrbenefits@watech.org.