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Good health is not just about doctor visits or taking medicine. Where you live, work, and spend time can play a big part in how healthy you feel each day. These life factors are called social determinants of health. They include your job, your neighborhood, your school, and the people around you.
What Are the Social Determinants of Health?
Your daily life shapes your health in many ways. Below are some of the social factors that influence health.
Economic Stability
A steady job and enough money make it easier to pay for food, housing, and doctor visits. Without money, people might skip meals or avoid medical care. Research shows that living in poverty or close to it (below 200% of the federal poverty level) can lower life expectancy by about eight years compared to people with higher incomes.
Education Access and Quality
Education gives you the tools to make healthy choices and find better jobs. Kids who go to good schools and finish high school are more likely to stay healthy as adults. People with more education often live longer and feel better because they understand how to take care of their health.
Healthcare Access and Quality
Having a trusted doctor and being able to get check-ups can help detect health issues before they become serious. According to the CDC, inadequate healthcare is a main reason for higher rates of heart disease and other long-term illnesses.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Your neighborhood shapes how easy it is to move your body and eat healthy foods. Safe parks and sidewalks make it easier to walk or exercise outside, while stores with fresh fruits and vegetables help you cook healthy meals at home.
Living in an area without safe places to play can make people feel worried about crime or traffic, so they stay inside more and feel trapped. Not having good grocery stores nearby forces families to eat more processed foods and can cause stress about how to find healthy options.
Social and Community Context
Strong connections with family and friends can help you handle stress and stay motivated to care for your health. Feeling supported can lower your risk of depression and help you live longer. A caring community makes it easier to stay on track with your health goals.
Reasons to Address Social Determinants of Health
The following are some of the reasons why supporting these areas of your life can help you stay healthy and feel your best.
- Improve overall health: Meeting your basic needs helps you feel strong and lowers your chances of getting sick.
- Improve mental health: Feeling safe, having enough food, and having people you trust can keep your mind calm and happy.
- Reduce the risk of chronic diseases: Good food choices and safe places to move lower your chances of getting serious diseases like heart problems or diabetes.
- Better management of existing conditions: When your daily needs are met, it is easier to take your medicine, get to appointments, and follow care plans.
- Reduce healthcare costs: Staying healthy can help you avoid emergency visits and save money on medical bills.
- Increase life expectancy: Meeting your social needs can help you live a longer and fuller life.
What Is a Social Determinants of Health Screening Tool?
Doctors and health groups use social determinants of health screening tools to learn about things that might be making it harder for you to stay healthy.
At Jai Medical Systems, we have a simple survey that asks about your needs with food, housing, and transportation. Your answers help us connect you to helpful local programs, like food support or ride services.
If you want help with any of these areas, reach out to us today. We are here to support you and help you live your healthiest life.
You might feel fine, but small steps each day can help you stay healthy for years to come. Healthy living involves building good habits you can stick with. When you take care of your body, you feel stronger, sleep better, and avoid many common health problems.
Why Healthy Habits Matter
When you stick to healthy living habits, you give your body the tools it needs to fight sickness. People who eat well, stay active, and go to the doctor on time are less likely to get serious health issues like diabetes, heart issues, or high blood pressure. These good habits also help lower stress, boost mood, and save money by avoiding long hospital visits or extra medicine.
Even one healthy habit can make a big change. According to the NHS, people who eat five fruits and vegetables each day can lower their chances of early death.
Tip #1: Try Simple Healthy Eating Swaps
Eating well does not mean you have to give up your favorite meals. You can start small and still make a big difference. Try these easy food swaps:
- Pick brown rice instead of white
- Eat whole wheat bread over white bread
- Add one fruit or veggie to every meal
- Drink water or tea instead of soda or sugary drinks
Healthy eating helps your body stay strong, gives you energy, and can even improve your sleep. Remember, you do not have to change your whole diet overnight. Start with one change and build from there.
Tip #2: Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Even if you feel okay, it is still important to see your doctor at least once a year. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, talk with you about your health, and help you stay up to date with vaccines. Catching problems early makes them easier to treat. These visits can also help you manage medicine or health conditions.
Tip #3: Get Moving Every Day
Moving your body each day is one of the best things you can do for your health. You do not need a gym or fancy equipment. Walking, stretching, dancing, and even cleaning the house all count. Aim for 30 minutes a day of movement.
Tip #4: Start Small and Keep Going
One reason people stop healthy habits is that they try to change too much at once. Instead, start small. Here is one idea:
- Week 1: Walk 10 minutes each morning
- Week 2: Add a glass of water before lunch
- Week 3: Swap a snack for a piece of fruit
Track your progress on paper or in a notebook. If you miss a day, just start again the next day. Building habits takes time, but every small step counts.
Tip #5: Get Rewarded for Taking Care of Yourself
Did you know that Jai Medical Systems gives you a $25 Target Gift Card just for going to your yearly checkup? It is part of the Healthy Rewards Program, and all members are automatically included. Here’s how to claim it:
- Visit your doctor for a checkup in 2025
- Fill out and send in the Healthy Rewards Form, or complete it online!
Keep Moving Toward a Healthier You
Starting healthy habits can feel hard at first, but small steps make a big difference. You can eat better, move more, and visit your doctor to stay ahead of health problems. With support from your doctor and help from Jai Medical Systems, healthy living becomes easier and more rewarding.
Call us at 1-888-JAI-1999 or visit Jai Medical Systems to learn more about your benefits and how to earn your Healthy Rewards today.
Your body and your mind work together. When one feels off, the other often does, too. That is why caring for your mental health is just as important as eating right or going to the doctor.
If you feel sad, worried, or stressed all the time, it does more than affect your mood. It can also hurt your body in ways you might not notice right away.
Ways Mental Health Directly Affects Physical Health
Feeling down for a long time can make your body tired. You might have trouble sleeping, get more headaches, or feel sick to your stomach. These signs are your body’s way of saying something is not right.
Studies show that people with depression are more likely to get sick with things like heart problems, diabetes, and asthma. In fact, 50% to 80% of people with mental health conditions also have sleep problems, compared to only 10% to 18% of the general population.
Poor mental health can also make it harder to fight off illness. When your brain feels low, it can slow down your immune system, the part of your body that keeps you healthy.
Indirect Connections Between Mental and Physical
Your actions matter, too. When you feel stressed or sad, you may stop taking care of yourself. You might skip meals, sleep less, or stop being active. These habits can lead to more health problems.
Some people try to feel better by smoking or drinking. While it may seem like a quick fix, these habits make things worse over time. Studies show that people with depression or anxiety are twice as likely to smoke. That puts more strain on your heart and lungs.
Being alone too much is another issue. Loneliness can make you feel down, and it can also raise your risk of getting sick.
Mental Health Screenings and More—Manage and Monitor These Issues
The good news is, there are simple ways to feel better and stay healthy. Small changes every day can make a big difference.
Try to move your body. You do not need a gym. A short walk around the block or dancing in your living room helps your brain feel good. Exercise helps your body, too. It boosts your energy, lifts your mood, and lowers your risk of getting sick.
Eat fresh food when you can. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help both your mind and body. Try to cut back on sugary snacks or fried foods when possible.
Sleep matters, too. Aim for 7 to 9 hours each night. When you sleep well, you think better and feel stronger.
You can also talk to your doctor about a mental health screening. This is a simple check-up for your mind. Your primary care provider can ask you a few questions to see how you are feeling. If something seems off, they can help you find support. Getting help early can stop small problems from turning into big ones.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help—Here’s How
You do not have to feel bad to ask for help. If your thoughts or feelings are getting in the way of daily life, it is time to act. Every part of your health matters.
If you are covered by Medicaid and live in Baltimore, Jai Medical Systems can help you find a doctor who offers mental health screening and other support services. Contact us today to get started. Your body and mind deserve care, and you deserve to feel your best.
You might feel fine, but your body could be hiding a problem. A yearly physical gives your doctor a chance to check your whole body, even before you feel sick. These visits can help catch small issues before they turn into big ones. In many cases, a simple annual check-up can even save your life.
Getting your annual physical is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and avoid surprise health problems.
1. An Annual Physical Finds Problems Early
A yearly physical helps your doctor find health problems early before they get serious. For example, high blood pressure might not cause pain, but it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A quick blood pressure check during your visit can catch it early. The same is true for diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Catching these problems early means easier treatment and a better chance of staying healthy.
2. An Annual Physical Gives You Important Screenings
During your annual physical, your doctor may give you tests called screenings. These include checking your blood, your weight, and your blood pressure. Depending on your age, your doctor may also suggest tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, or colon cancer.
These screenings are done to help find diseases early, even if you feel okay. For women, pap smears or mammograms are common. For men, it might include a prostate check or blood test. These tests are quick, and they give your doctor important clues about your health.
3. An Annual Physical Helps You Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
Vaccines help protect you from diseases that can make you very sick. At your annual check-up, your doctor will look at your vaccine history. You might get a flu shot, COVID-19 booster or Tdap
If you are over 50, your doctor may offer vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. If you have diabetes or another health condition, you may need extra protection with the hepatitis B shot.
4. An Annual Physical Keeps Track of Changes in Your Health
Even small changes in your weight, blood sugar, or blood pressure can make a big difference. That is why your yearly physical is so helpful. Your doctor will look at how your health has changed since your last visit.
This is your time to talk about any new pain, questions, or changes. Maybe you started a new medicine or had a new symptom. Your doctor can help you figure out what it means and what to do next.
5. An Annual Physical Helps Build a Strong Relationship With Your Doctor
A good relationship with your doctor makes it easier to talk about your health. During a yearly physical, you get more time to ask questions and share your concerns. Your doctor gets to know you better, too. That way, if something changes later, they have a full picture of your health.
You can talk about your sleep, mood, diet, or anything else that is on your mind. This visit is for you, not just for your test results.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
A yearly physical is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy. It gives you a fresh start each year. If you have not had your annual check-up yet, now is the time to schedule it.
At Jai Medical Systems, we care about your health. We are here to help you get the care you need, when you need it. If you have questions about your coverage or need help finding a doctor, please contact us today at 1-888-524-1999.
Doctors use a mammogram to check for problems in your breasts. They can find out if you have breast cancer. That is why it is so important to have a mammogram done every other year if you’re over 40 years old. Mammograms help doctors find problems so treatment can start and improve your chances of getting better.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 300,000 women will get breast cancer this year. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer women get. That’s why it is so important to have a mammogram. If doctors find cancer, they can start treating it right away.
Types of Mammograms
There are different types of mammograms, which are listed below:
- Screening Mammograms: This is a routine check when you have no signs of breast cancer.
- Diagnostic Mammograms: These are performed if something shows up in the screening mammogram.
- 3D Mammograms: This is used for dense breast tissue because it can help doctors see through the tissue more easily.
The First Mammogram
If you have never had a mammogram before, don’t worry! The test is easy and usually takes between 10–20 minutes. Don’t wear lotion, deodorant, or perfume on the day of the test because it can mess up the pictures.
Here’s what to expect during your mammogram:
- Getting Ready: You will need to undress and put on a special gown.
- Getting Into Position: A technician will gently position both of your breasts between two plates on the mammogram machine.
- Compression: The machine will press down gently on your breasts to get clear pictures.
- Imaging: The technician will take several pictures from different angles.
- Duration: From start to finish, it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
- Discomfort: Some patients have mild discomfort, but you can ask the technician if it’s too much, and they can adjust the machine.
Important Things to Know About Breast Cancer Detection
You can do a few things to spot cancer early. Get regular screenings from your doctor, do self-exams, and talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Here are some tips:
- Regular Screenings: Schedule your check-ups and mammograms with your doctor. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about changes in your breasts.
- Breast Self-Awareness: Get to know how your breasts look and feel. Check for lumps, changes in size, or skin changes. Do this every month and be sure to let your doctor know if you find something unusual.
- Other Factors to Consider: Eating healthy, exercising, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can all help to lower your risk of getting breast cancer.
You need to see a doctor and have a mammogram, particularly if you’ve never had one and you’re over the age of 40. If you want to know more about breast cancer screenings, please reach out to us today at 1-888-524-1999.
Do you know what your blood pressure is? Most people don’t. Why is it important? If your blood pressure is high, it might mean something is wrong and needs treatment. While many people don’t think about their blood pressure until it becomes a problem, it’s important to monitor it, especially if your family has a history of high blood pressure. If it isn’t treated, it can lead to hypertension, heart attack, and heart failure.
The Most Common Signs
- Headaches: If you experience headaches, especially after physical activity, you could have high blood pressure.
- Shortness of breath: If you are short of breath after walking short distances, it could indicate you have an issue with your blood pressure.
- Dizziness: Being lightheaded and dizzy when standing up or climbing stairs can be another indicator.
- Blurred vision: If your vision seems blurred or you are seeing double, it could be another sign you have high blood pressure.
- Heart racing: If your heart rate begins to beat very fast for no reason, it could be another sign that you should check your blood pressure.
Patients with high blood pressure have also experienced vomiting, nosebleeds, and numbness. If you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, it’s vital to visit your Primary Care Provider and check your blood pressure.
Treatment Options
You have a lot of options available for treatment. The three biggest options are listed below:
- Lifestyle changes
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- Exercise regularly
- Eat a low-salt diet
- Stop smoking
- Lower caffeine in your diet
- Lower the amount of alcohol you drink
- Maintain a healthy weight
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- Stress Management
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- Use relaxation techniques like meditation
- Talk to a counselor
- Use anger-management methods
- Get massages regularly
- Medication:
- Beta blockers widen blood vessels and help the heart not work so hard
- Water pills help the body get rid of high salt levels and excess water
- Alpha blockers help relax blood vessels to help blood flow
Your Primary Care Provider will choose the appropriate medication for you according to American Medical Association guidelines.
Why Is It Important to See Your Primary Care Provider Regularly?
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. You could have high blood pressure and not know it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always have symptoms. This means it could be damaging your kidneys, heart, and even your brain without you even knowing it. When it isn’t properly treated, high blood pressure can cause heart disease and stroke.
Visit Your Primary Care Provider
The only way to be sure you don’t have high blood pressure is to have it checked. See your Primary Care Provider so they can check and offer treatment options to help you maintain a healthy blood pressure.
If you don’t have a Primary Care Provider or need help getting Medicaid coverage so you can see one, reach out to us today. At Jai Medical Systems, we are always here to help you with your medical benefits.
Lead is a toxic metal that originates in the earth’s crust. It is found in many products, including toys, paint, and some foods.
Exposure to lead can affect your children’s mental and physical development. But lead screenings can help you determine whether your kids have been exposed to lead, and if treatment is necessary.
Why Are Infants at Risk for Lead Poisoning?
Babies and children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults. This is for several reasons, including:
- Kids frequently do hand-mouth behaviors.
- Kids spend more time on the floor and ground.
- Kids can absorb lead from their intestines more easily than adults.
- Kids brains are still developing and are more vulnerable to lead damage.
- Kids’ liver detox systems are still developing.
- Kids’ immune systems are still developing.
Lead is commonly found in homes built before 1978. Kids who spend time in older homes may be at high risk for lead poisoning. They may also be at risk if their parents spend lots of time around lead. For these reasons, Maryland began to require kids to be tested for lead poisoning at 1 and 2 years of age in 2016.
What Is Lead Testing for Infants and Children?
Lead screenings are an important part of infant healthcare. This blood test can help you determine if your kids have been exposed to lead.
There are three lead testing methods: finger prick, heel prick, and venous draw.
The finger- and heel-prick tests can produce results within a few minutes. However, results may be less accurate if lead is on the skin.
The venous draw method is more accurate than the other tests. Results usually come back within a few days. Your provider can help you choose the best testing method for your children.
What Are the Benefits of Lead Screenings?
Lead poisoning doesn’t always produce symptoms. Your kids could have lead poisoning and not know it. Screening can confirm whether or not your children have lead in their systems.
Other benefits of this child healthcare screening:
- It can help you find out if lead exposure is ongoing.
- It can make you aware of lead exposure in your home.
- Early detection of lead poisoning, before a child may develop symptoms, allows for early intervention and treatment.
- It can reduce the risk of serious related health problems. Lead exposure can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Exposure to high levels may also cause seizures or death.
Most importantly, lead screenings can help your kids stay happy, healthy, and active.
Finding the source of lead exposure is the first step in treating lead poisoning. Then, you can take steps to remove lead from your children’s environment.
Severe cases of lead poisoning may be treated with medication. Your provider can talk to you more about the benefits of lead screenings for children.
If you think your child has been exposed to lead, JMS can connect you with a provider offering lead testing. Please Contact JMS today at 1-888-524-1999 for more information.
If you qualify for Medicaid, you can enroll at any time. In Maryland, all Medicaid plans are managed by HealthChoice.
What exactly is Medicaid and HealthChoice? Here’s more about these programs and how to enroll in Maryland Medicaid.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to people with limited income. Each state has its own Medicaid program and benefits.
Services included in most Medicaid plans:
- Family planning
- Doctor’s services
- Hospital services
- Home health aides
- Lab and X-ray services
In Maryland, Medicaid is managed by the Maryland Department of Health.
What Is HealthChoice, and How Is It Related to Medicaid?
HealthChoice is the name of Maryland’s managed health care system for Medicaid. It provides comprehensive health benefits and services to qualifying children and adults. .
With HealthChoice, healthcare coverage is available through one of nine Managed Care Organizations (MCO). If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can choose your own MCO. In Maryland, you can choose from several MCOs.
Here are some tips to consider when selecting your managed care organization: :
- Make sure the MCO provides service in your area.
- Make sure the MCO’s provider network includes the doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies you want to use.
- Consider the quality and other ratings of the Health Plan by checking out the MCO Consumer Report Card (link to PDF document)
- Make sure the MCO provides the services you want. For example, you may want an MCO with a more comprehensive vision benefit.
How to Get Covered With HealthChoice
Getting started with HealthChoice is relatively easy. Here’s what to do:
- Apply for benefits. Visit the Maryland Health Connection (MHC) website. This is where you can fill out an application. You can also use the MHC app on Apple or Android, or call 1-855-642-8572.
- Review plan options. Use a HealthChoice guide to compare MCOs and find a good plan.
- Submit your documents. If you qualify for Medicaid, you must show that you are eligible. Your income level and identity are examples of documents you may need to show.
- Choose your doctor and MCO. You may use this MCO search tool to find a doctor or hospital.
Jai Medical Systems is proud to be a Managed Care Organization participating in the HealthChoice program. We aim to provide Maryland residents with high-quality healthcare benefits and services. Contact our team at JMS today at 1-888-524-1999 to learn more.
It can be easy to forget about a yearly physical during the holidays. If you haven’t had an annual physical this year, it’s not too late! Getting one now could help keep you safe and healthy, especially during cold and flu season.
Here are reasons to schedule a yearly exam today.
What Are the Benefits of a Yearly Physical?
A yearly exam can help your doctor find and treat problems early on. Other benefits of an annual exam include:
- Lab Screenings . Your doctor can order lab tests to get a baseline of your health. .
- Ask questions. You can share any health-related questions or concerns.
- Gain useful health tips. Learn new ways to stay healthy and manage long-term conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Discuss healthy behaviors. Exercise and nutrition are good behaviors that can help you avoid illness. Your doctor may also talk about sleep and mental health.
- Get vaccinated. You can get the latest vaccines or boosters during an annual checkup. This includes a yearly flu shot.
- Review your medications. Find out whether you should stop or start new drugs.
- See your doctor free of charge. Yearly exams are covered by your health insurance coverage.
- Improve the patient-doctor relationship. A yearly exam can strengthen the relationship between you and your doctor. This can lead to better health outcomes.
Lastly, as a member of Jai Medical Systems, when you receive your annual physical, you will earn a Healthy Reward gift card!
Will an Annual Checkup Lead to a Better Health Outcome?
Yes, annual checkups can lead to better health for everyone!
They can reduce your risk for disease. They support early diagnosis and treatment. JAMA says they can also lead to better control of risk factors and improved health outcomes.
Even healthy people can benefit from an annual checkup. Your doctor can mention health issues to look out for in the future. Annual checkups can also give you peace of mind regarding your health concerns.
A yearly exam is one of the best ways to manage your general health. It may lead to fewer doctor appointments every year. It can also help you save on costs related to treatments and missed work.
Don’t hold off any longer! Skipping your yearly physical is like giving up a free health consultation. Make an appointment today and have a healthy and happy holiday season.
Do you need help finding a provider that offers a yearly physical? Jai Medical Systems can help. Contact us at 1-888-524-1999 to learn more about our benefits and services.
Flu season runs between December and March. Getting a yearly flu shot can reduce your risk for the flu. It can also help you stay healthy all year long, even during flu season.
Here’s more about the benefits of annual flu shots.
What Is a Yearly Flu Shot?
A yearly flu shot is a vaccine that can reduce your risk for the flu. The flu virus changes every year. This means you can get infected with a new virus every flu season.
Every year, scientists develop a new vaccine. The new vaccine is designed to protect against the new strains of flu viruses.
What Do Flu Shots Protect Against?
Flu shots can protect you from influenza, or the “flu” for short. The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause symptoms including fever, cough, and headache.
Many people who get the flu can treat it at home. But some people can get severe symptoms that could land them in the hospital. The CDC says the flu caused 100,000 to 710,000 people to go to the hospital from 2010 to 2023.
Flu shots do not offer 100% protection against the flu, but they can certainly help. Annual flu shots can prevent you from having severe symptoms.
People at high risk of getting really sick from the flu are strongly encouraged to get flu shots. This includes children as young as 6 months old, older adults, and women who are pregnant. The flu shot is for anyone who wants to avoid illness during flu season and spreading it to others.
How Annual Flu Shots Can Prevent Illness and Save Lives
The flu can cause serious illness but can also be severe enough to cause death. Yearly flu shots can save lots of lives, as they can help everyone stay protected. A flu shot can help you protect others, even if you rarely get the flu.
Some people cannot get the flu shot and remain unprotected all year long. Children under six months old cannot get the flu shot. Neither can people who are allergic to the ingredients in flu shots.
Getting the flu shot can protect these individuals and you as well.
When Should You Get a Yearly Flu Shot?
The best time to get a flu shot is before winter. The CDC says everyone should get vaccinated before the end of October. A flu shot could help you enjoy the holiday season even more, especially if it helps you and your loved ones avoid illness.
If you forget about the yearly flu shot, it’s never too late to get one. Many providers will remind you about the flu shot again in December. This is when National Influenza Vaccination Week takes place.
Ask your doctor about when you should get your yearly flu shot. Flu vaccines are available at many pharmacies and urgent care centers. It’s possible your school or workplace could also offer the flu vaccine.
A flu vaccine can provide protection even if you get sick. Do you need help finding a clinic that offers flu shots? Jai Medical Systems can help you find a flu shot provider in your area. Contact us at 1-888-524-1999 and learn more about our benefits and services.