Six of every 10 Americans are living with at least one chronic condition, including diabetes and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic diseases can significantly impact ones ability to lead a full life and are among the leading driver of health care costs.
What if you had access to a personalized tool that empowered you to improve your health, conquer your chronic disease, and increase the health, wellness and happiness in your life? What if that assistance came at no cost?
Welcome to Omada, a health care solution offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, and for which coverage begins July 1. Omada understands the challenges people face in their efforts to get healthy, and harnesses the power of accountability, support, tools and insights. This is designed to help people overcome the barriers that can inhibit their ability to become the healthiest versions of themselves.
Lifestyle Matters
Many chronic diseases are the result of the cumulative effect of poor decisions. These conditions are frequently influenced by what you eat or dont eat, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and failing to undergo regular health screenings such as colonoscopies and mammograms.
Thats where Omada comes in. Its a unique and effective solution that:
Its common for people to tackle various aspects of their health conditions as separate activities. In contrast, Omada provides a single solution that combines behavioral and data science to tackle multiple conditions. This efficiency sets participants up for success.
Participants have averaged 4.7% weight loss in the first year and 4.2% weight loss in the second. Statistics like this are impressive because they morph into even bigger health gains. If a person can achieve a 5% to 7% loss in weight, they will reduce their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%. Focusing on lasting lifestyle changes is a key to sustaining healthyweight loss and significantly decreasing long-term health care-related expenses.
How it Works
Omada will reach out to employees, spouses and eligible dependents on the Gratiot Isabella health plan and who are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
If you qualify, you will receive a wireless scale that is already linked to your account. If applicable, you may also receive a blood pressure monitor or glucose meter. Its not just your equipment thats connected; users are linked to one-on-one guidance from an Omada health coach who will keep you on track and offer support.
This personal connection is crucial. Dr. Carolyn Bradner Jasik, chief medical officer with Omada Health, writes in her Omada blog entry that, Decades of research in behavioral science is clear building the confidence to make and sustain changes requires consistent human support from real people with whom an individual has a relationship and to whom they feel accountable. Tech solutions try to mirror this with AI-based bot coaching, automated reminders or human coaching by a pool of staff. But when it comes to delivering outcomes, there is just no substitute for an ongoing, one-on-one connection.
There are several other features that help keep you motivated and focused on your success, including weekly interactive lessons on topics such as eating, exercising, sleeping and stress management. Youll find topics on everything from meditation to medication.
Omada also provides insights into attaining health goals by utilizing real-time data and personalized coach feedback, so you can find encouragement during each step of your progress.
This is an online community of like-minded peers that provide group motivation and even a little friendly competition. Interacting with others who are facing similar challenges adds another dimension of human support from real people.
Just as chronic lifestyle-influenced diseases stem from personal choices, so does the alternative: opting to make a change and be healthier moving forward. With the Omada program, you have the power to take that first step on a journey to better health and a better you.
Read the rest here:
Diabetes Prevention and Health Weight Loss | Just For You - Cedar Valley Daily Times
