Posts Tagged ‘Indiana Medicaid’

As part of a year-long celebration recognizing 15 years of meeting the healthcare needs of Indiana Hoosier Healthwise program participants, Managed Health Services is embarking on a new, statewide initiative that encourages Hoosiers to follow 15 basic healthy-living tips to improve their personal health.

The “15 Ways to Live a Healthy Life” initiative focuses on these 15 basic healthy-living recommendations:

1. Get regular physical and dental check ups.
2. Make sure immunizations are current for yourself and your entire family.
3. Eat well-balanced meals with whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
4. Get plenty of exercise, at least 30 minutes a day five days a week.
5. Get an annual flu shot.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Wear a seat belt when driving and as a passenger in a car.
8. Use sunscreen when out in the sun.
9. Manage stress and take time to laugh.
10. Create a home safety and exit plan in the event disaster strikes.
11. Learn CPR and First Aid.
12. Secure guns and bullets in a locked, safe place to keep them away from minors.
13. Wear a bicycle helmet when riding no matter what age you are.
14. Get fresh air daily, even in the cold winter months.
15. Limit fat, sugar and extra calories in your diet.

“This new campaign carries a very critical message, which is by following these 15 basic health-related recommendations, one can immediately improve their state of health and encourage their families and friends to do the same,” said MHS President and CEO Patrick Rooney. “These live-healthy tips are relevant in the lives of men, women and children of all ages throughout our state. By utilizing our staff, network of physicians, community partners and members themselves, MHS looks forward to sharing these important tips and helping Hoosiers live healthier lives during our 15-year celebration and beyond.”

The “15 Ways to Live a Healthy Life” recommendations will be communicated to MHS members and the community at-large through community events, on the MHS Web site, and by billboards encouraging healthy lifestyle activities such as playing soccer and baseball.

MHS is headquartered in Indianapolis in the Landmark Center at 1099 N. Meridian St. MHS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of St. Louis-based Centene Corp., a leading, multi-line healthcare enterprise that offers both core Medicaid and specialty services.

“Thumbs Up Johnnie” is a lovable cartoon character who owns The Longhorn Diner, where all the cowboys and cowgirls in Happy, Texas, gather for the best flapjacks around. He always has his hands full, flipping flapjacks, pouring milk and coffee and catering to his customers – things he couldn’t do if he weren’t physically active and mindful about his own good personal health.

Surrounded by a lively band of characters, including Lillian Pinky, Buddy, Banker Bill, Dimestore Sam and Hi Five Handy, Thumbs Up Johnnie is the creation of author Michelle Bain. Her quest to create a world where children can learn through humor and by example of virtue has been her primary motivator. Bain’s writing expression, illustration and character development encourages children to embody various virtues in their daily life.

“As a child, reading fueled my imagination and gave me an appetite for writing as an art,” said Bain, who created Thumbs Up Johnnie in 2002. “My stories are purposely structured with multi-layered humor, double entendres and idiosyncratic characters to make story lines interesting to many different types of readers.”

As part of Managed Health Services’ statewide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of childhood obesity, a nationally known cartoon character will bring a very special message to students in Gary on Monday, one that warns them about the dangers of not living an active and healthy life. 

Bain (left) will read her latest book, “Super CENTEAM 5: The Adventures of Thumbs Up Johnnie,” written to help fight childhood obesity, to students at Longfellow Elementary in Gary on Monday beginning at 9 a.m. CST. Longfellow Elementary is located at 4500 Calhoun St.

Thumbs Up Johnnie will make a personal appearance at the school. Students will receive autographed copies of Bain’s book, character-themed bracelets and will take part in a pre- and a post-presentation test that will be issued by their classroom teachers.

Bain’s appearance Monday is part of the “Adopt a School” program sponsored nationally by Centene Corp. and in Indiana by Centene-owned Managed Health Services (MHS), one of the state’s healthcare providers for Hoosiers on Medicaid.