Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico | Blue for Your Health | Summer 2021

8 Blue for Your Health Summer 2021 Asthma: Have an action plan If you have asthma, you should have a plan of action for manag- ing your condition. And it should be in writing. An asthma action plan out- lines the steps you should take to treat your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. It also says when you should call your health care provider or go to the Emergency Department. If you don’t have a plan in place, work with your health care provider to create one. An asthma action plan should include: ■ Triggers. These are things that make your asthma worse. Examples may be dust mites, mold, pollen, or tobacco smoke. By listing your triggers, you know what you need to avoid as much as possible. ■ Medications. Include both your long-term control and quick-relief medications. For each, include its name, how much to take, and when you should take it. ■ Common symptoms. These could mean you’re headed for a flare. Learn to recognize them and know what to do to prevent them from becoming a serious threat. ■ Contact information. This should include phone numbers for your health care provider and the closest hospital. Keep them handy for an emergency. Bring your action plan to your health care provider visits. That way you and your health care provider can update it as needed. Schedule an appointment with a provider who is in the Blue Cross Community Centennial network. If you need help locating a provider, please contact Blue Cross Community Centennial Member Services at 866-689-1523 . If you need a ride to your provider appointment, call ModivCare ® (at least three working days before your visit) at 866-913-4342 . Centennial Rewards are available. To learn more, visit centennialrewards.com or call 877-806-8964 . Please call 711 for TTY service if you are speech- or hearing-impaired. References to health care providers, including your PCP, are to providers who are inde- pendently contracted with BCBSNM to participate in the Blue Cross Community Centennial SM network. This communication does not constitute medical advice or care and is in no way in- tended to substitute for clinical judgment in individual cases. Always talk to your provider about any health questions or concerns. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Lung Association Green is where you want to be. You don’t have symp- toms, and you feel good. List your long-term control medicines here, because you want to take them even if you feel well. They’ll help keep you feeling good. Yellow is for when you’re starting to experience symp- toms. Proceed with caution. Include quick-relief medica- tion here. Know how and when to take it to prevent symptoms from getting worse. Red is for when you’re having severe symptoms. It will spell out when and how to get immediate help. Three zones of an action plan Divide your action plan into three zones—green, yellow, and red: