Health Resources

Are you on the right track with your health? Take these interactive tools to find out! You can take quizzes and learn tips on what you can do to stay healthy.

Interactive Self-Management Tools

• Smoking Cessation
• Physical Activity
• Healthy Eating
• Managing Stress
• Avoiding At-Risk Drinking
• Identifying Depressive Symptoms
• Healthy Weight

Additional Resources

• Self-Management Tool Booklet - This booklet covers information on the topics above. If you would like to request a printed copy of the Self-Management Tools Booklet, please call IEHP Health Education Department at 1-866-224-IEHP (4347) or 1-800-718-4347 for TTY users.
• Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) – for adults 20 years old and older
• Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) – for children ages 2 through 19 years old

Watch the video below to learn how to register for Health Education classes on the IEHP website. 

 

Watch the video below to learn how to register for Health Education classes on the Member Portal. 

 

Health Screenings Can Save Your Life 

Protect yourself today for a healthy tomorrow.

We’ve all heard how eating right and being active are the secrets to a long, healthy life. These are important. But there’s more you can do to stop disease. Finding health problems early gives you more treatment choices or a cure. That’s where health screenings come in. 

Health screenings are vital for all people, from newborns to seniors. These tests are designed to look for signs that you may be at risk for certain conditions. They help spot health problems at an early stage, even if you do not have symptoms. 

Types of cancer screenings

Breast Cancer

A mammogram is a breast X-ray. It can spot breast cancer early when it’s most treatable and when your chance of a cure is much higher. Both women and men can get breast cancer and should get screened every two years, starting at age 50. Those who are at high risk or would like to start screening at an earlier age can talk to their Doctor about starting screening at age 40.

Cervical Cancer (Pap Smear) 

The Pap test also known as a pap smear, can detect not normal cells on your cervix early enough so they can be treated before cancer has a chance to grow. The screening is recommended for woman ages 21-65 every 3-5 years, depending on the risk and type of screening. To schedule a screening, talk to your Doctor. 

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects the colon and the rectum. Screening can find and remove growths in these areas before they turn into cancer. Everyone ages 45-75 should get screened for colorectal cancer every 1-10 years, depending on risk and type of test used. Talk with your Doctor about which test is the best for you.

Lung Cancer

Screening for lung cancer with imaging (CT scan) in people who smoke or who have quit within the past 15 years, can help find cancer at an early stage. Catching it early keeps you healthy. A yearly screening is recommended for anyone ages 50-80 who smokes cigarettes or has quit smoking in the last 15 years. 

If you’re due for a screening, call your Doctor today to schedule your appointment. Don’t wait. Take charge of your health!

For help, call IEHP Member Services at 1-800-440-4347, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Protect yourself against the flu!

All IEHP Members qualify for a FREE flu shot.

Make sure you do what you can to protect yourself from the flu virus. Everyone should get the flu shot. Members who are especially high risk for complications are:

• 65 years of age or older.
• Pregnant.
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
• Children, 6 months or older.

Remember, in many cases, the flu shot can prevent the flu, lessen the symptoms if you get the flu and reduce spreading it to others.

Common myths about the flu shot

Myth 1: I can get the flu from the flu shot.
False. The flu shot is made from a virus that is not active, so it doesn’t cause infection.

Myth 2: I’m healthy; I don’t need the flu shot.
False. Healthy people can get sick, too. Very sick. The flu shot can help lower your chances of getting sick.

Myth 3: I got a flu shot last year. I don’t need a shot this year.
False. The flu virus changes every year and so does the flu shot. You need a flu shot every year to fight this year's flu. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I get the flu shot?

A: Your Doctor’s office (for adults and children), certain network pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens (for adults only).

Q: What are ways I can avoid getting the flu?

A: To avoid getting the flu, you should:  

• Get the flu shot.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wear something to cover your mouth and nose when in public.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don't have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Eat healthy.
• Drink lots of fluids, especially water. 
• Get plenty of rest.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces around you.

Q: What should I do if I get the flu?
A: If you get the flu, be sure to:

• Stay home and rest.
• Avoid others. 
• Drink lots of fluids, like water and juice.
• See your Doctor if symptoms do not improve.

If you have the flu but can’t reach your Doctor, call the IEHP 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at 1-888-244-IEHP (4347) or 711 for TTY users. Our nurses can connect you with a Board-Certified Doctor by telephone or virtual visit via video chat.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus called monkeypox, which is in the same family of viruses that cause smallpox.

Is monkeypox very dangerous? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that most of those infected recover from monkeypox in two to four weeks. Those who caught the virus said the rash (that looks like pimples or blisters) can be painful.   

Those with weakened immune systems, children under age 8, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with a history of eczema may be more likely to get seriously ill or pass away. 

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are: 

• Fever and headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion and chills
• Sore throat, stuffy nose or cough
• Rash (i.e., pimples or blisters that show up on the face, inside the mouth and on other body parts)

If you have monkeypox symptoms, please call your Doctor’s office.

How does monkeypox spread?

It is spread through direct contact with someone who has an infected rash, scabs or body fluids. It could also spread through face-to-face contact. Or it can be spread by touching items that had been touched by those with the infection. People who don’t have monkeypox symptoms can’t spread this virus to others.

How can I protect myself and my family?

Take these precautions: 

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. This rash can look like small blisters or pimples and may be itchy or painful.
• Avoid contact with surfaces or materials that a person with monkeypox has used or touched.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Is there a monkey pox vaccine?

JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against monkeypox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose. Consult with your health care provider if you are at high risk of exposure or if you were in contact with a person who has monkeypox within the last 2 weeks. 

Antiviral drugs used for treatment of smallpox may be considered some instances to treat monkeypox viral infections. Consult with your health care provider for more information. 

Who should get this vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it for those who have been in close contact with those with monkeypox. While anyone exposed to this monkeypox can become infected, 98% of current infections have been found in men who have sex with men. Talk with your Doctor if you believe you have been exposed to monkeypox.

If you have monkeypox symptoms, please call your Doctor’s office. Click here to learn more. 

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The most common side effects are pain, redness, and itching at the spot where the vaccine is given. You may also experience fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, chills, and muscle aches; however, these are signs that the vaccine is working, not getting sick. These side effects may last for several weeks.

Is the vaccine safe?

The vaccine is safe to get. However, you should not get the vaccine if you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after getting your first dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Make sure to let your health care provider know if you have a severe allergic reaction from any vaccinations.

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?

Monkeypox vaccines are FREE. Your health care provider must give you the vaccine regardless of your ability to pay the administration fee. 

IEHP Smoking Cessation

Learn about quitting strategies, risks of smoking and second-hand smoke, the right medicine to help you quit, and stress management. Below are resources that will assist you in quitting smoking.  By clicking on the links below you will be leaving the IEHP website.

Community Resources

Kick it California

Ready to take the next steps to quit smoking, chewing, or vaping now? The CA Smokers’ Helpline has all you need to reach your goal! They have many free services such as phone counseling, texting, and referrals to other local programs. They can also give step-by-step help on making a quit plan, tips on dealing with triggers, and support to help you stay quit. Call 1-800-300-8086 and give promo code 84 to get started! Or visit their website at https://kickitca.org/

Websites

By clicking on the links below you will be leaving the IEHP website.

American Heart Association 
A step-by-step guide to smoke-free living, knowing the benefits, making a plan, dealing with urges, and staying quit. 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Featuring all you need to set up a quit plan, this site also links you to social media for ongoing support through the quitting process. Plus, you’ll be able to view videos of past smokers, hear their stories and learn through their experiences. 

Smokefree.gov
Support and tools to help you or someone you love to quit. You can also opt for versions geared to veterans, women, seniors, and teens. 

Mobile Apps

Interactive Tool

Stop Smoking