Quarterly meeting
The Enrollee Advisory Council (EAC), made up of Hennepin Health members, met on May 19. Members discussed the following topics:
- Introduction of 2022-2023 members
- EAC charter, goals and expectations
- Overview of Hennepin Health presentation
- Overview of the Hennepin Health website, Facebook and LinkedIn pages and the member newsletter
- Grand re-opening of the Member Service Center
- Updates on COVID-19
Council members learned many things about Hennepin Health that they hadn’t previously known. They especially appreciated hearing about reward benefits and the Healthwise® Knowledgebase online resource. They shared multiple ideas for the website and gave compliments on their experiences with the Hennepin Health plan.
The EAC gives feedback on overall health care issues, new programs and changes in procedures. Group feedback reflects the priorities and interests of members.
Your teeth can last a lifetime if you practice basic dental care. Basic dental care is when you:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Visit your dentist and/or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings
The best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is to develop good dental health habits.
Brushing and flossing tips
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night.
- Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
- Brush your tongue from back to front. Some people put some toothpaste or mouthwash on their toothbrush when they do this. Brushing your tongue helps remove plaque, which can cause bad breath and help bacteria grow. Some toothbrushes now have a specific brush to use for your tongue.
- Floss at least once a day. The type of floss you use is not important. Choose the type and flavor you like best.
Read more about how to keep your teeth and mouth healthy on our Healthwise® Knowledgebase Mouth and Dental webpage.
Need to make a dental appointment?
We can help you find a dentist who is accepting new patients and schedule an appointment. Call Delta Dental 24/7 at 651-406-5907.
Call Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711 or 800-627-3529) if you need an interpreter or a ride to your dental appointment.
Summer is here and people are going outside for fun and activities. You can find us at these upcoming events.
- Juneteenth, June 19 – Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated remembrance of the ending of slavery in the United States. Today, the event honors African American freedom, education and achievement. You can reflect and rejoice, and celebrate with picnics and family gatherings. See what’s happening in Minneapolis for Juneteenth: minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/juneteenth.
- Twin Cities Pride Festival, June 25 – The 50th annual event at Loring Park features food, music and vendors. Twin Cities Pride Festival – Twin Cities Pride (tcpride.org)
- Somali Independence Day Celebration, July 2 – In 1776, the Somali people became the first African nation to formally recognize the independence of the United States of America. In 1960, the U.S. did the same when the new nation of Somalia was born. This year the event is back with musical performances, food, games, and something for everyone to enjoy. somaliweek.org
- Fresh Food Fridays at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, July 8 and 22 – Free produce and community resources will be available to everyone every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month through September. Fresh Food Fridays at NorthPoint | Hennepin Health
- Open Streets Franklin, July 10 – Open Streets Minneapolis brings together communities. The street will be completely open between Portland and 26th Avenue S for people to explore their communities in a uniquely connected way. Celebrate, play, learn, and connect. Open Streets Franklin | Seward Neighborhood Group (sng.org)
- Hmong Explore Your Parks Event, July 16 – The event explores opportunities for recreation, walking, biking, and healthy living to encourage the community to get outside and be active at their local parks. Hmong Community Explore Your Parks - Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (bikemn.org)
Are you in need of housing or rental assistance? There is help available.
Medicaid benefit for housing
A Medicaid benefit can help members find or keep housing. This benefit, called Housing Stabilization Services, is available to members with disabilities or who are most likely to experience homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
More than 100 providers now offer Housing Stabilization Services. Some Hennepin Health members may qualify for this program. Call Member Services at 612-596-1036 for more information.
Other community organizations that can help
It’s always time to think about preventive care.
Preventive care is important for a healthy you and a healthy family. Routine and follow-up health care helps to improve and protect you now and for the future.
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Annual/regular health care visits. Stay healthy by staying current with:
- Eye exams
- Mammograms
- Annual physicals
- Vaccinations
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Child and Teen Checkups. Checkups are free and can earn you rewards (org/members/rewards-programs). Children and teens should get health checks at these milestones:
- Between birth and 1 month
- At 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months
- Every year after age 3 through age 20
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Mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone’s mental health. Take action to help yourself or a loved one.
- Connect with the Hennepin County Mental Health Center for services over video or phone. For appointments, call 612-596-9438.
- Save Hennepin County COPE’s number in case of mental health emergencies: 612-596-1223. us/residents/emergencies/mental-health-emergencies.
- Visit NAMI MN for support groups, educational materials and other resources. https://namimn.org/
Use the Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase online tool (healthwise.net/hennepin) to find out more about preventive care.
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The Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase online health tool has lots of information to help you learn about health conditions and how to treat them. Topics that may interest you this summer include:
- Heat exhaustion – When temperatures heat up, it can take a toll on your body. Learn about the signs and symptoms for heatstroke, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
- Sunburn – Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Learn about sun protection and treatments for sunburn.
- Water safety – On a hot day, getting into a pool or lake feels refreshing. Learn about water safety, teaching safe swimming and preventing drowning.
Learn more in English or Spanish at www.healthwise.net/hennepin.
National Men’s Health Month is about encouraging the men in your life to take care of themselves. Encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices by eating right and exercising. Encourage them to make regular annual visits to the doctor for early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease and depression.
For more information, go to https://www.menshealthmonth.org.
The National Safety Council celebrates National Safety Month. This annual observance aims to help keep each other safe, in the workplace or any place. You can make a difference at home, work or in your community.
Although advances have been made in safety, preventable work-related deaths have increased. Most chance injury-related deaths happen at home or on vacation. In 2021, an estimated 46,020 people died in vehicle crashes.
The National Safety Council has tools, resources and safety courses to help you prevent injuries or death. www.nsc.org
Kids get arthritis. In the U.S., 300,000 children have arthritis. You can bring awareness and show your support by wearing gear or joining a run, walk or roll race during July.
Juvenile arthritis is different from a grandparent’s aches and pain. Children suffer from an autoimmune form of arthritis that attacks their joints. Because a child’s immune system is not fully developed until around age 18, this type of arthritis is especially aggressive in children.
Symptoms include swollen joints, stiffness and fever. These are symptoms that parents may think is the flu or a rash. If it is not treated, it can result in mobility loss, blindness and even death.
The Arthritis National Research Foundation promotes July as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. You can find more information and resources on their website: https://curearthritis.org/juvenile-arthritis-awareness-month.
Eligible Hennepin Health members can get a ride to and from health care appointments.
- For medical and dental appointments
- For physical therapy appointments
- For mental/behavioral health and chemical dependency appointments
- For occupational therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic appointments
- To pick up your prescription at a pharmacy
Call us at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711 or 800-627-3529), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call three days before you need transportation for best service.
For the latest news, stories and updates about keeping you healthy, go to facebook.com/hennepinhealth.
- Follow us
- Like your favorite posts
- Share with friends and family
DHS approved 5/4/2022 ID# MC-1308-MC
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