Wellness program lists Internet health information The sheer volume of health information on the web makes it hard to find reliable sources. If you have a medical condition that can be treated in different ways, learning about your options can be even more confusing. But if you’re in that situation, don’t worry. MyHealthConnection makes it easy to get reliable information by offering you the Health Crossroads web site (www.thedialogcenter.com/bcbsnd). You can find this tool by clicking on the “Health Information” tab and then click on “Health Crossroads Web Modules”. For many medical conditions, research shows that more than one treatment option is acceptable. In fact, sometimes there is no proof that one treatment is better than another. The most common medical conditions that fit this description include: • Back pain; • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate; • Breast cancer; • Coronary artery disease; • Depression; • Osteoarthritis, usually affecting the hips or knees; • Prostate cancer; • Abnormal uterine bleeding; and • Uterine fibroids. People with these conditions usually have to make a treatment choice based on their personal preferences. But before they can decide what they prefer, they need to understand the trade- offs involved with each option. The Health Crossroads web site is designed with these people in mind. The Health Crossroads web site provides up-to-date, unbiased information to help you work with your doctor to make the decisions that are best for you. The site does not promote any one treatment approach over another. Instead, it describes the treatment choices and then explains what the research says about the pros and cons of each choice. Because your preferences are important in decision-making, this site also lists questions to help you think about your decision. Plus, the site offers you a glimpse into the lives of real people who have made these decisions and have agreed to share their experiences with you. The site also offers the “Getting the Right Healthcare” guide that teaches you how to get the best care possible. The guide explains how to develop a good working relationship with your doctor, how to evaluate medical information, and how to maintain your good health. If you would rather to speak to a real person than go online, call a health coach. Health coaches are specially trained healthcare professionals, such as nurses, dietitians, and respiratory therapists. They are available by phone, anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no charge to you. If appropriate, a health coach will send you a complimentary video about the decision you are facing. To talk to a health coach, call 1-800-658-2750. To visit the Health CrossroadsSM web site, go to www.thedialogcenter.com/bcbsnd. You can find this tool by clicking on the “Health Information” tab and then click on “Health Crossroads Web Modules”. -- Amanda Eickhoff, Wellness Program Assistant, Wellness Center, amandaeickhoff@mail.und.nodak.edu, 777-0210