Tis the season to be healthy

As the year draws to a close and our thoughts turn to rest and recuperation, it is important to remember that your health is as important at this time of year as ever.

Research has shown that in-hospital procedures show a marked decline in December, but conditions relating to stress and injuries due to road accidents are at their highest at this time.

Medical scheme members generally postpone elective medical treatment until the New Year to ensure their holiday time is not spoiled by the need to recuperate. Some postponements may be due to members’ medical savings running low.

“With Momentum Health, making sure that you have adequate savings for medical expenses is, however, possible, no matter what time of year it is”, says Damian McHugh, head of Marketing and Sales for Momentum Health.

Momentum’s HealthSaver is a Momentum product uniquely designed to meet members’ individual needs for out-of-hospital expenses. “You can tailor your amount of savings based on your actual needs and adjust the level of savings if you need to, without having to change your medical aid option too.”  

Ways to ensure that the holidays are a time to be merry rather than regretful are:

• Make sure you have your medical aid card with you.  “Members of Momentum Health can also access their medical aid details via their cell phones with our Mobisite”, McHugh points out.  “In fact, the Momentum Health Mobisite offers a provider search facility that makes finding a medical provider even easier, particularly if you are away from home.
• In case of emergency, remember to also make sure that the whole family knows where to find your medical aid details and those of your next of kin.
• If you are going away, make sure that you have stocked up on prescription medication.
• Don’t use your vacation as an excuse not to exercise.  Even a brisk walk every morning can help maintain your fitness level and prevent those unwanted kilo’s to pile on.
• For international travel, let your medical aid know your date of departure and return.

“The good news is that we can make a positive contribution to our own health over the holiday season by ensuring we maintain a healthy lifestyle, not consuming too much alcohol and staying active.” McHugh concludes: “We wish all our members a happy, fun-filled festive season and look forward to continue caring for your healthcare needs in 2012.”

 (Press release, Momentum Health, December 2011)