Some things just go well together…salt and pepper, hammer and nails, nuts and bolts and Laurel & Hardy. Robert Myers, Ph.D., a psychologist with Brand New Day, a Medicare Advantage prescription health plan available in 12 California counties, says that there are some handy combinations that are known for promoting mental health and well-being.
“In California, it’s not uncommon for folks to frequent the gym to get themselves in shape, which is a great habit to get into and one that also benefits our mental health. Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD and can relieve stress, improve memory, help you sleep better and boosts your overall mood,” said Myers.
In time for National Mental Health Awareness Month, Myers offers the following combinations for improving your mental health and well-being:

COFFEE & CHOCOLATE — Coff­ee drinking is linked to lower rates of depression and eating small amounts of dark chocolate every few days improves mental acuity because it contains flavonoids, caffeine and theobromine.
LAUGH & SMILE — Start laughing more by hanging out with a funny friend or watching your favorite comedy as it reduces anxiety and the mere act of smiling can help to lower your heart rate and calm you down.
HOT & COLD — Take a warm bath at least once each week to reduce stress and turn down the thermometer when you turn in for the night as doing so will help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a better night’s sleep.
SUNSHINE & NATURE — Enjoy 15 minutes of sunshine (use sunscreen of course) each day as it synthesizes vitamin D — a natural mood elevator. You can do so while walking through nature as doing so increases energy levels, reduces depression and boosts well-being.
NO HIGH & ALL LOW — Try going off the grid for a day — no emails, Facebook, iPhone or other technology to reduce your anxiety and, instead, pursue a low-tech passion of yours like writing, painting or engaging in any other creative expression as it promotes overall well-being.

Brand New Day offers the Harmony Plan for those with mental illness. The program addresses members with a wide range of conditions including major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and paranoid disorder. In addition, Brand New Day offers the Embrace Plan for those with heart disease, hypertension and/or diabetes, and Bridges for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Members with chronic illnesses are not only treated medically, but in a variety of other ways including:

· Education about the member’s chronic or ongoing medical conditions and avoidable risks
· Nutrition
· Exercise
· Self-testing and monitoring
· Medication adherence to doctor orders
· Preventive care planning
· Linkage to community support programs

For qualifying members, it covers transportation to and from medical appointments; vision, dental and acupuncture services; 24-hour/day nurse and physician line; and health and life coaches.
Brand New Day is the Medicare product name of Universal Care, Inc., a privately held California Knox-Keene Healthcare Service Plan licensed by the California Department of Managed Health Care and contracted with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as a Medicare Advantage contractor. Universal Care, Inc. is owned and operated by an experienced group of managed care executives and physicians. Universal Care, Inc. was founded in 1983. For more information, visit BNDHMO.com