For Immediate Release
Cheyenne, Wyoming
February 21, 2006

February Is Heart Month

APS Healthcare And EqualityCare Committed To Preventing Heart Disease

More than 70 million Americans live with some form of heart disease, and it remains the leading cause of death in the United States.  The marvels of modern medicine offer optimism to those affected by heart disease, yet there are also simple measures the people of Wyoming can take to help prevent the disease. During the month of February, APS Healthcare and EqualityCare (Medicaid) are reinforcing their commitment to all Wyoming citizens to reduce the risk of heart disease by promoting awareness about risks, causes, and ways to reduce the chance of developing the deadly illness.

Steps to a healthy heart include preventing and controlling factors that can lead to heart disease--smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes. By avoiding tobacco, limiting consumption of alcohol, eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly the citizens of Wyoming can substantially reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

APS Healthcare and EqualityCare are working to make an impact on the alarming number of heart disease patients by helping Medicaid clients and their families understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease. In addition, the group hopes to enroll those clients diagnosed with heart disease into the Healthy Together programs for Congestive Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease.

Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease are part of the Healthy Together Congestive health management programs that provide EqualityCare clients a nurse with whom to talk on a regular basis about their conditions. Nurses (known as Health Coaches) assess clients’ severity of symptoms and needs for resources, providing referrals to support groups and private counseling. In addition, they assess clients’ compliance with the treatment prescribed by their health care provider (medication and exercise regimen) and any signs of additional health problems accompanying their heart disease. Nurses work closely with providers during the course of the program and contact them immediately if they notice signs the clients are in need of a physician.

APS Healthcare and EqualityCare urge citizens to get routine preventative screenings and consult with their doctors. Through these common sense steps, we can save many of the lives we might otherwise lose each year to heart disease.  As a result of the Medicare Modernization Act, more choices are available to prevent, diagnose, and treat potential problems before they become worse. Medicare now covers preventive screenings, a "Welcome to Medicare" physical for new beneficiaries, and innovative programs to help citizens fight chronic threats.  By continuing to raise public awareness about this deadly disease, we can help all Wyoming citizens lead healthier lives.  Although heart disease is often associated with men, it is also the leading cause of death for American women.

Beyond providing regular telephonic support to clients, APS teaches parents and families to recognize signs of heart disease and other related illnesses; distributes educational materials, including health screenings, newsletters and web-based resources; and offers a 24-hour/7-day toll-free health support line available to all those in the EqualityCare program.

APS’ Healthy Together health management is built upon the belief that a person’s health status is a direct manifestation of their ability to be actively involved in making decisions and taking appropriate advantage of medical services. All APS’ programs are free to EqualityCare clients.

For more information on the Healthy Together program, or to refer a EqualityCare client who would benefit from the service, please contact APS Healthcare at 1.888.545.1710

About APS
APS Healthcare, headquartered in Silver Spring, Md., is a leading provider of specialty healthcare solutions that cover more than 20 million members in the United States and Puerto Rico. APS offers customized, integrated healthcare solutions across three major healthcare product lines – health management services, behavioral health services and quality improvement programs. APS operates under the belief that managing healthcare for the mind and body improves overall health and reduces total healthcare spending.

APS is committed to “Helping People Lead Healthier Lives” through the implementation of customized programs that meet each customer’s unique needs.