Posts Tagged ‘MHS Indiana’

An Evansville pediatrics physician has received a national award for providing quality care and clinical excellence to Hoosier children and adults enrolled in Managed Health Services’ statewide health plan.

Dr. W. Michael Crecelius has received a 2010 Summit Award for Excellence in Care from MHS and parent company Centene Corp. The award honors Crecelius, a board-certified pediatrician with Deaconess Clinic in downtown Evansville, for demonstrating exemplary performance when following up with examinations and consultations after patients’ emergency room visits, providing routine preventive and well-care services for children and adults and establishing a medical home for new enrollees in the MHS statewide healthcare plan.

Crecelius graduated Indiana University’s School of Medicine and completed his pediatric internship and residency at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. He is a fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics and  member of both the Indiana State Medical Association and the Vanderburgh County Medical Society.

Crecelius is one of three Indiana physicians to receive the award. Sixteen awards were presented this year throughout the nation by Centene Corp.

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.