When it comes to healthcare, it is all about the individual, not their condition. Healthcare organizations endeavor to help patients achieve better health, and this goes beyond reducing symptoms and healing injuries.

Behavioral economics—a science that was founded on the idea that “humans are irrational beings, but in highly predictable ways”—is empowering individuals to live healthier lives through programs that guide better decision making and create long-term healthy habits with the following three key principles:

Principle One: Understanding the human element of healthcare with the intent-behavior gap

Have you ever set your alarm to get up early, and then pressed the snooze button… multiple times… missing your morning workout?

If so, you know that achieving better health is easier said than done.

The disconnect between the healthy choices we want to make, and the instantly-gratifying choices we actually make, is called the intent-behavior gap, and it’s one of the key principles driving the science of behavioral economics.

Recognizing that we do not always follow through with our intentions, behavioral economics works to effect change through healthy habit formation. As the right choices become routine habits, it gets easier to match intentions with behaviors for better long-term health.

Principle Two: Overcoming present bias through financial incentives

Behavioral economics explains that we are all subject to present bias, the instant, tangible gratification that often drives basic human motivation. This bias leads us to prioritize immediate desires over things that will be best for us in the long run. As such, present bias is what causes us to order that dessert when we eat out with friends or lures us to stay seated on the couch, binge-watching a sub-standard reality television show when we told ourselves we were going to read.

Because what we want now often overshadows our ultimate goals, offering immediate rewards for making long-term healthy choices can motivate individuals in overcoming present bias and do what is required to be healthy, whether that’s checking glucometer readings regularly, exercising, or taking medication as prescribed.

Principle Three: Leveraging loss aversion to maximize results

If you have ever owned stocks or investments, chances are you are familiar with loss aversion, even if the term sounds unfamiliar. Imagine, your investment portfolio shows significant 15-20% growth across investments over the past year, but one of your investments dropped 10%. Are you focused on all the money you made, or walking away wondering when you could have sold that last stock to avoid a loss?

Loss aversion describes the human tendency to prefer avoiding loss, rather than gaining an equivalent amount. In other words—losing $100 feels worse than gaining $100 feels good. This means that, while traditionally structured incentives programs can be effective in changing patient behavior, they leave significant room for improvement.

Combining these three key principles of behavioral economics, with expert clinical pharmacy solutions, we can support and empower patients to better health, resulting in positive, lasting impacts and outcomes.

Taking your medications exactly as prescribed (improving medication adherence) is one of the most important things you can do to enhance your health and prevent medical complications.

For many Americans, medication adherence can be difficult to maintain. There are a number of barriers that we face every day, from social determinants of health (like medication cost, the ability to get your medication, etc.) to simply remembering when and how often to take your prescription.

As part of your pharmacy care team, we are dedicated to helping you manage your medications so you can live a healthy life. Here are 5 tips for improving medication adherence:

1. Set a reminder: Forgetfulness is the leading cause of non-adherence. Set an alarm on your phone or use a weekly pill organizer to remember when to take your medication, and include a note on how to take your medication (on an empty stomach, with water, with food, etc.)
2. Understand your medication: Understand how your medication works and why it is important to take it as prescribed. Ask your physician or pharmacist follow-up questions about anything you don’t understand. The more you know, the more likely you are to stay on track.
3. Know what happens if you miss a dose: What happens when you don’t take your medication as prescribed? Sometimes it sets back your treatment or can cause adverse effects or symptoms. If you do miss a dose, reach out to your pharmacist! Follow up with them as soon as you remember to minimize negative effects and get back on track.
4. Know your options: We understand that medication can be expensive, but there are things you can do to help reduce the cost to you. Call your health plan to make sure you are using a preferred pharmacy or to find out what medication alternatives are covered and available. If applicable, talk to your pharmacist about filling a 90-day supply, sometimes this can cost less than a monthly refill.
5. Plan ahead for refills:Get into the habit of checking your bottle for the number of remaining refills. Most pharmacies will call your doctor for you when refills run out, but it’s always a good idea for you to know when your prescription is coming to an end.

Anxiety is a normal response to a constant barrage of bad news. Headlines and notifications related to recent events are taking their toll on mental health in what some call “headline stress disorder.”

While this is not a medical diagnosis, the continued anxiety or stress from headlines may cause things like heart palpitations and chest tightness or insomnia. Further progression may lead to physical and mental conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, endocrine disorders or hypertension.¹ The combination of civil unrest, political instability and COVID-19, and the resulting economic uncertainty, has led to an increase in stress and anxiety in society. Both adults and children may struggle to process their feelings and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Here are some tips to help you understand and manage your fears, how to help children deal with traumatic events and how to know when you or someone close might need help.

Understanding the emotional and physical reactions to traumatic events

Emotional reactions

When the initial shock of a traumatic event subsides, normal emotional responses in the hours and days that follow may come in waves and at unpredictable times. These responses include:

• Fear and anxiety
• Sadness and depression
• Guilt, shame or despair
• Anger and irritability
• Emotional numbness
• Feelings of separation from others

Physical reactions

Physical reactions are the result of stress hormones flooding the nervous system. Common physical symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Headache, abdominal pain or other physical pain
• Racing heart
• Dizziness or fainting
• Change of appetite

How to help yourself

• Take care of yourself first. Eat healthy foods, get enough rest and exercise regularly. Physical activity can reduce anxiety and promote well-being.
• Talk to people you trust about your concerns. A supportive network is important for emotional health.
• Take time for hobbies and fun activities or find interesting volunteer activities. This can be a healthy distraction from everyday stress.
• Limit your exposure to disruptive TV, radio and social media coverage.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.

How to help children cope with traumatic events

• Be aware of your own reactions to the event and manage your own stress. Stay calm and offer hugs and reassurance to restore your child’s sense of safety and security.
• Share information about the event and answer your child’s questions honestly. Listen to your child’s fears and let them know that it is okay to share their feelings at any time.
• Restrict or prevent contact with disturbing news and social media coverage of the event. Children who see graphic images or hear disturbing news can be re-traumatized.
• Maintain as many stable routines as possible, including regular meals, bedtimes and exercise.
• Engage in fun activities to help the children relax and get the feeling that life is back to normal.
• Watch for signs of trauma, even after weeks have passed. Children, like adults, cope with trauma in different ways, and may show signs of sadness, anxiety or disruptive behavior weeks or months after the event.

Know when to get help

• Common signs that you or your child may need professional help can include: excessive worrying or fear, extreme mood swings, avoidance of friends, difficulty understanding or relating to other people, changes in eating and sleeping habits and inability to engage in daily activities or deal with daily problems and stress.
• If you are suffering from stress reactions that affect your ability to lead a normal life for six weeks or more, you may need help from a mental health professional. While everyone is different and heals at their own pace, some people develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event.
• Signs of PTSD include: disturbing memories, nightmares or flashbacks, suicidal thoughts or feelings, disconnection from others, and trouble functioning at home and work. It is important to seek help if you think you might have symptoms of PTSD.

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7104635/

As the new COVID-19 vaccine is being administered across the country, many people are feeling a mix of emotions. There is hope that the vaccine will normalize life and relief that the vaccine will save lives.  There is also anxiety about its potential side effects, long-term effectiveness and availability. For some, the stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic are being exacerbated by vaccine concerns.

Vaccine safety

Although the two vaccines currently available were rapidly developed, they meet the safety and efficacy standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The data from the manufacturers and research from large clinical trials show that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks of side effects and coronavirus infection. There are also other COVID-19 vaccines in development that must meet stringent safety standards before they can be released.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and FDA have expanded safety monitoring systems to continue to track possible side effects of vaccines. A new easy-to-use, smartphone-based tool called V-safe enables vaccinated individuals to notify the CDC about any side effects. V-safe also texts reminders to get the second vaccine dose.

Anxiety about the COVID-19 vaccine

Anxiety can stem from fears about the vaccine’s safety, getting a shot or not having control over when it will be available.

Here are tips to help manage it:

• Stay informed and research credible sources. There is a lot of misinformation online about vaccinations in general. Follow credible news and information sources. Up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions, are available on the CDC website.
• Follow recommended guidelines to keep yourself safe. It will likely take months for the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to anyone who wants it. In the meantime, take precautions to protect yourself and your family by wearing masks, maintaining social distance and washing your hands frequently. Minimize your risk of contracting the virus by following CDC guidelines on travel, gatherings and other activities that can spread the virus.
• Make self-care a priority and consistently practice ways to cope with stress. Anxiety can result from a feeling of lack of control and uncertainty, and the pandemic was the perfect storm of both. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise and take time every day for an activity you enjoy.

Finally, remember that feelings of stress and anxiety during difficult times are normal and will pass. If you find that anxiety continually affects your quality of life and you feel overwhelmed, consider talking to a mental health professional.

To learn more about Magellan Healthcare’s mental and behavioral health resources, click here. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How we can comfort and support each other when grieving

Grieving the loss of a family member, friend or colleague is difficult. The pandemic has made it even harder for many people to cope. Those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 or other illnesses may face additional grief and sadness. Infection control restrictions have left them unable to visit or say goodbye. Moreover, traditional wakes and funeral services have been modified or eliminated due to social distancing and limits on the size of gatherings, changing the way people can comfort and support each other.

Many people have experienced multiple losses. For example, the loss of a loved one at the same time as unemployment and social isolation.  The resulting grief may be prolonged and complicated with delays in the ability to heal and move forward.

Common Grief Reactions

Pain associated with grief is a normal response to loss and can be felt on emotional, physical and spiritual levels. Common reactions to grief are:

• Initial feelings of shock, denial, and disbelief, which can be heightened when the death is sudden and unexpected
• Feelings of worry, fear, frustration, anger or guilt
• Physical reactions such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, pain and other stress-related symptoms
• Spiritual expressions of grief, such as questioning the meaning and purpose of life, pain and suffering

There is no normal and expected time for mourning to end. Depending on the relationship with the individual and the circumstances of the loss, grief can last for weeks to years. Grief can ebb and flow at unexpected times, triggered by memories of the deceased person, holidays and anniversaries of loss.

Coping with Loss

It is important to find ways to express grief.

• Connect with other people, such as friends, relatives, support groups, and faith-based organizations if applicable, even if the contact must be virtual or by phone. Sharing your feelings with people who understand what you are going through is comforting and eases loneliness.
• Participate in an activity, such as planting a tree or creating a memory book, to honor the person you lost. Ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.
• Take good care of yourself. Maintain a balanced diet, moderate exercise and adequate sleep. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a massage or a walk in nature.
• Avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to escape emotional pain.
• Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Allow other people to assume some of your responsibilities when you are feeling overwhelmed.

When time has passed, if you are still having difficulty functioning, seek support through grief counseling, your EAP, support groups or hotlines. As writer Vicki Harrison said, “Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it’s overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”

Find ways to deal with negative emotions

There is no question that the pandemic has affected the mental and emotional health of Americans of all ages. We have experienced months of social isolation, job changes and unemployment, school closures, and other disruptions. This has led to a surge in the number of people reporting high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Given the uncertainty of when life will return to normal, finding ways to manage negative emotions and strengthen your mental health is important.

Building and exercising resilience skills can help protect your mental and emotional health. Try these tips:

• Stay in touch with positive and supportive people, even if you can’t see them in person. Strong social connections can reduce stress and help you feel happier and more energetic. If you haven’t already, learn to use video platforms like FaceTime and Zoom to stay in touch with friends and family.
• Practice ways to manage everyday stress. For some people, a daily walk eases the pressure of the day. Try meditation, reading, yoga, working on a hobby, listening to music or any other activity that you enjoy. Practice finding something you can be grateful for every day. You will feel more positive and recharged.
• Find what motivates you. Research shows that people who feel they have a purpose in life tend to be happier and live longer. For some, being creative, helping other people or devoting their time and energy to a cause can be the best motivators.
• Make self-care a priority. Physical and mental health are closely intertwined. In difficult times, it is important to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise. Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to cope with negative emotions; they can make sadness, depression and anxiety worse.
• Limit the amount of time you spend on social media and the news. If you are constantly frustrated and upset over what you see in the news or on social media, limit or take a break from both.
• Maintain your sense of humor and practice reframing negative thoughts. If you become aware that negative thoughts and images are invading your mind, draw your attention to your surroundings. Being present in the moment, or mindful, is one way to break a pattern of negative thinking. Humor is another way to defuse negative emotions.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt. Everyone is affected by the pandemic in one way or another, and others’ emotions may not be obvious. Be kind in any interaction with others.

If you find that your mental health symptoms are negatively impacting your quality of life, consider talking to a professional.

To learn more about Magellan Healthcare’s behavioral health resources, click here.

With the hope of a vaccine on the horizon, it is important to keep in mind that the global pandemic is still prevalent. It will take time for these vaccines to reach the general population, and the first recipients will be front-line medical workers and at-risk populations. Although the introduction of a vaccine is great news, we must stay vigilant in our efforts to end COVID-19 and that’s where social responsibility comes in. Social responsibility is the obligation of everyone in a community to make decisions that benefit society at large. It is important to remember that your actions can protect you, the ones you love and the community.

Here are five key ways to be socially responsible while we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Stay home, if possible – remaining at home to keep yourself and others safe is important, but can also cause severe loneliness. Remember that physical distance does not have to mean complete isolation. Keep in touch with loved ones through phone or video calls, spend time searching for meaningful gifts or messages you can send them, or even get together and enjoy a physically distanced outdoor meal.
2. Practice good hygiene – remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to keep germs at bay. Make sure to do this before you eat, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing. If you cannot wash with soap and water, hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Avoid touching your face, and regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas.
3. Wear a mask — masks help slow the spread of coronavirus and protect both the person wearing the mask and those around you. Find a comfortable, fun mask that suits you!
4. Perform acts of kindness – support those who are most vulnerable in your community. There are many acts of kindness you can do during this time – run errands for an elderly neighbor, send handwritten cards to a nursing home, donate food to your local food bank. Helping others will put a smile on your face, too!
5. Show gratitude – many front-line workers have been working diligently since the pandemic began. Be grateful for those who serve our community, such as healthcare workers, childcare professionals, teachers, and other essential workers. You can even make a difference by offering to help provide childcare for essential workers, or making homemade masks or meals to give out.

We have come a long way in this pandemic and need to work together to bring it to an end. Do your part to stay healthy and be socially responsible.

Normal holiday stressors can be compounded when we miss someone we have lost or are impacted by other hardships. This year, the sense of loss – of a loved one, financial security and a sense of “normal” – has touched many of us due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we’re making plans to celebrate the holidays in unprecedented times, let’s take a break with Magellan’s Dr. Shareh Ghani as he discusses ways to address feelings of loss, practice self-care and make the most of this holiday season.

Magellan: Dr. Ghani, thank you so much for being here with us to share your many years of expertise in helping patients with behavioral health needs. Our first question: Is it possible to enjoy the holidays when we are experiencing the pain of losing a loved one to COVID-19 or something else?

Dr. Ghani: Thank you for having me. The pandemic has taken a toll on our community as we have lost loved ones prematurely, and we continue to experience sustained emotional pressure as COVID continues to spread. It is vitally important that we celebrate the holidays, exchange gifts and cards, gather virtually, and celebrate life. Spreading love and joy in these trying times will bring much-needed respite to the brain and body and boost our immune systems.

Magellan: How can we overcome feelings of worry and anxiety due to a job loss or other financial insecurity during this holiday season?

Dr. Ghani: Losing a job obviously leads to worry, anxiety and even questioning one’s own competence. The pandemic has helped many people shift focus to the “must haves” and not worry about the “nice-to-have” luxuries in life. Some are paying more attention to their health and fitness, minimizing spend, and planning for the future. Having a good strategy will help reduce the anxiety of uncertainty. If need be, talk to a therapist.

Magellan: Do you have any tips for people experiencing distress over not being able to celebrate the holidays in the way they may have in the past?

Dr. Ghani: One needs to evaluate the reason why we are changing our lifestyle. Social distancing helps stop the spread of the virus. Those who take this threat to our lives lightly may experience distress. Understanding the gravity of the situation alleviates it. We are celebrating in smaller groups so we can defeat the virus and return to our old ways of celebrating holidays safely. Think of it as a form of delaying gratification for better outcomes.

Magellan: What is your general advice for anyone who is experiencing loss to feel better and be able to experience joy this holiday season?

Dr. Ghani: Losing loved ones is a part of our life cycle. Human beings are resilient beings. Remember – those that we have lost would have wanted us to be happy. We should think about the happy moments we shared with those that are not here today and celebrate life.

Magellan: Why is it important to practice self-care and be an advocate for one’s own mental health?

Dr. Ghani: Good eating habits and physical exercise are key to physical and emotional wellness. Sleeping at least eight hours a day, hydrating well and experiencing joy and happiness are also important. All these things help with mental health. Relationships, family, helping others and being grateful add to a joyous life experience.