Wellness Support Helps Daniel Enjoy Healthier Lifestyle

As a leading cause of preventable death, cigarette smoking is responsible for more the 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. It may be hard to quit smoking, but doing so can lower risk of cancer heart attack, stroke and lung disease. It can also reduce risk of nursing home admission in older individuals.

A Navy veteran and retired construction worker, Daniel said, “I’ve smoked all my life—starting when I joined the Navy at 17 years of age. I always used to say I could quit but never really wanted to.” He had tried several times to quit smoking over the past 50 years. But this time was different. “I decided I didn’t want to be sick, and I want to be around for my grandkids.”

Daniel enrolled in the smoking cessation program through Humana Wellness Coaching* available through his Humana Group Medicare Advantage plan. He began working with Cathy Leicht, senior wellness coach, and each month they continue to meet by phone to set monthly goals and plan action steps.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there is sufficient evidence to determine that tobacco cessation treatments are effective across a wide population of smokers, including those with significant mental and physical comorbidity.

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of healthy aging. An elevated body mass index (BMI) can increase risk of developing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or stroke. Having a low BMI can increase risk of osteoporosis and anemia.

In 2023, the Humana Wellness Coaching program completed 708 one-on-one coaching sessions, helping 131 unique Group Medicare Advantage members. Weight management and tobacco cessation are the top two areas of focus for members. Last year wellness coaches helped 63 MA members with weight management and 46 MA members with smoking cessation.

During their meetings, Daniel and Cathy talk through potential challenges and brainstorm practical solutions. Their work together has helped Daniel in ways beyond quitting smoking.

“Daniel is more than 3.5 years smoke-free,” said Cathy. “He feels better about his health—no coughing, able to walk further, and has a more positive outlook. His success with quitting smoking gave him the confidence to continue making healthy choices in other areas of his health.”

“Now I’ve been working on losing weight, and in the past six months, I’ve lost almost 50 pounds. I’m wearing clothes that I’ve had stored away and even those are big on me now,” said Daniel. “My coach has been one of the biggest parts of my life. Cathy cares and listens. She makes me proud of the things I’m doing for myself. Coaching has changed my life!"

Learn more about how Humana offers whole person care to retirees with an approach that focuses on healthcare needs while also addressing the physical, behavioral, cognitive, social and financial needs.

*Humana Wellness Coaching is an interactive telephonic program for Medicare participants who elect to participate, for wellness improvement, including weight management, nutrition, exercise, back care, blood pressure management and blood sugar management. Wellness Coaching may not be available with all plans. Check your Summary of Benefits for coverage details.

Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions Daniel did. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise program.