Independence Blue Cross Expands Its Preventive Health Efforts With Focus on Heart Disease an...( PHILADELPHIA July 9 /- Prevention is ...),Health

PHILADELPHIA, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Prevention is receiving more attention nationwide as a successful strategy to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, care for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease account for 75 percent of medical care costs in the United States. Independence Blue Cross (IBC) launched two new programs in June to help members avoid, or better manage, two serious chronic conditions -- heart disease and diabetes.

The first program targets members who are at risk of developing cardiometabolic syndrome, a condition which may increase a person's chance of developing heart disease and diabetes. The second program targets members who are inconsistent with their medications for certain chronic conditions. These programs expand IBC's award-winning Connections(SM) Health Management Program, delivered in collaboration with Health Dialog.

"Chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are very costly, not only to those who have them, but to all of us," said Dr. Es Nash, senior medical director at IBC. "These diseases may be preventable and are treatable. We must encourage our members to receive proper treatment, and remain consistent with their medications in order to avoid complications or relapses of their condition. We strive to help our members get on the path to healthier lifestyles now, in the hopes that they will lessen their chance of developing, or worsening, serious and costly health conditions."

The Cardiometabolic Risk Management Program teaches members about their varying symptoms of heart disease and diabetes and the behavior and lifestyle changes that may help prevent these diseases and help them lead healthier lives. Cardiometabolic risk factors that increase a person's overall chance of developing heart disease and diabetes include: tobacco use, high body mass index, obesity,
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