Can you unclog your arteries?

What you can do to keep your blood moving free and clear.

Arteries are a major part of your circulatory system, similar to a highway that keeps life moving. Just like traffic flows smoothly on clear roads, your blood needs open pathways to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body.

When those highways get clogged with unwanted debris — like cholesterol, fats and other substances — it’s as if a silent traffic jam is building up in your blood vessels. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and over time, it can narrow your arteries, making it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body.

With the right combination of medications, a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise and more, you have the power to partially reverse and prevent further buildup of plaque in clogged arteries.

Here’s what you need to know:

Take your medication – If your doctor prescribes medications to manage your blood pressure or lower your cholesterol, make sure to take them as prescribed.

Eat healthy – Research shows eating certain foods, and avoiding others, can help prevent artery clogging. Limit processed foods that are high in trans and saturated fats and sodium. Instead, try eating more whole foods like nuts, grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

Move more – Staying physically active can improve your cardiovascular health. The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activities, like yoga, handheld weights and exercise bands. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a new activity or exercise routine.

Don’t smoke – Smoking contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and also affects the aorta, the main artery in your body. Sharp Health Plan’s Best Health^® program offers free smoking cessation support.

Manage stress – Chronic stress can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Take time to relax each day or consider seeking support from a professional. Learn more about your behavioral health benefits.

Source: Healthline

Only three refills a year with 100-day supply

Wave goodbye to the standard 90-day refills and welcome the new 100-day medication supply for certain maintenance medications. That's only three refills a year!

Why make the switch?

It's convenient – A 100-day supply ensures you always have the medicine you need on hand. This is especially important for medicines you take every day to manage conditions like cholesterol or high blood pressure.
It's effective – When you take your maintenance medication as prescribed for chronic or long-term conditions, you can better manage your care.
It's affordable – You pay the same copay for a 100-day supply as a 90-day supply.^* You may even qualify for pharmaceutical assistance if you need help paying for your prescriptions.

How do I change from a 90-day supply to a 100-day supply?

Simply ask your prescriber to write your next prescription or refill for a 100-day supply. Or, you can ask your local pharmacist to request a 100-day supply from your prescriber. Contact our Medicare prescription helpline at 1-855-222-3183 with any questions.

* The same copay applies when members are in the initial coverage phase of the prescription benefit.

Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.

H5386_2025_Medicare Website_Rev 1

Page Last Updated: 11/11/2024