Health Break

Health Break

A podcast for UPMC Health Plan members, Health Break is your quick guide to caring for your mental and physical health, prioritizing wellness, and making the most of your health insurance plan. We’ve connected with experts across health care and health insurance to bring information you need—plus tips and ideas—to each episode. Find show notes and more information at upmchealthplan.com/podcast

Episodes

August 12, 2025 10 mins
Dr. Ellen Beckjord takes a Health Break to shed light on the importance of managing diabetes and the tools and resources offered by UPMC Health Plan to help members through their personal health journey. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP61
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Too much screen time can hurt your mental, physical, and social well-being. What happens when we cut back? In this episode of “Health Break,” we explore the benefits of reducing screen time—like better sleep, improved focus, and stronger relationships. Plus, learn simple strategies to help you unplug and create healthier screen habits. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP60
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July 29, 2025 5 mins
Your care team includes more than just your doctor! Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are highly trained professionals who can diagnose, treat, and care for patients just like doctors do. Even better? Seeing an NP or PA can often mean getting an appointment sooner. In this episode, we break down what it can look like to receive care from an NP or PA. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthB...
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Weight loss medications can help people lose significant weight, but long-term success comes from more than just medication. In this episode, we break down why nutrition, exercise, and hydration are key to feeling your best while on weight loss medication—and how to maintain weight loss over time. Plus, learn how UPMC Health Plan health coaches can help you build lasting healthy habits. Find show notes and more information at upmc...
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Education opens doors to better opportunities and a healthier future. In this episode of “Health Break,” we’re exploring the partnership between the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center and Literacy Pittsburgh, two organizations working together to bring education, job training, and essential support services to the community. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP57
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Looking for a therapist, psychiatrist, or behavioral health provider? In this episode, we discuss the steps for finding the right professional, what to consider when choosing a provider, and how UPMC Health Plan can help members access the care they need. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP56
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Nicotine pouches are growing in popularity among teens and young adults—but are they really a safer alternative to smoking and vaping? In this episode of “Health Break,” we explore what nicotine pouches are, the health risks they pose, and why addiction experts are raising concerns. Plus, we’ll share practical tips for parents, educators, and young people on recognizing the risks and where to get support for quitting. Find show n...
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Depression is more than just feeling sad—it’s a medical condition that requires support and treatment. Tune in to this episode of “Health Break” to learn the signs of depression, how to support a loved one, and the different treatment options available to help individuals manage their mental health. Find show notes and additional information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP54
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It’s one thing to set a health goal—it’s another thing to stick with it long enough to see results. In this episode, we talk about the real reasons people struggle to maintain healthy habits, how UPMC Health Plan’s free coaching programs help members stay the course, and why sustainable change is more effective than quick fixes. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP53
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Cada vez se habla más del virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS). Sintonice para aprender cómo se puede sentir y cómo puede proteger a su familia de enfermarse. Usted escuchará sobre todo, desde los síntomas hasta las vacunas.
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Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has been making the news lately. Tune in to learn what it can feel like and how you can protect your family from getting sick. You’ll hear about everything from symptoms to vaccines. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP52 for show notes and additional information.
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Do you know what to do when you get hurt or sick? Who should you ask when your doctor’s office is closed? Listen in to learn how UPMC nurses can help you decide the right level of care for your symptoms. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP51 for show notes and additional information.
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Skin issues can be more than a pain. And finding time to get them checked can be a challenge. Learn how, why, and when to use eDermatology as a quick and easy way to help with certain skin problems. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP50 for show notes and additional information.
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The LGBTQIA+ community can face challenges in their health care journey. In this “Health Break,” we’ll discuss the resources and services UPMC Health Plan members can use to help them meet their health care needs in a welcoming space. Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP49
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Knowing your network is key when it comes to using your health insurance. Listen in to learn why it’s good to stay in-network when you get care—and tools that can help you do it. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP48 for show notes and additional information.
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July 15, 2024 8 mins
Keeping asthma in check can feel daunting if you or a loved one has it. Understanding asthma, its triggers, and how to treat and manage it can help you breathe easier. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP47 for show notes and additional information.
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Learn what you can check off your health insurance to-do list as you get ready for your parenting journey. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP46 for show notes and additional information.
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Many people think that statins are used only to lower cholesterol. This class of medications can do much more. Learn how statins work and who can benefit from them. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP45 for show notes and additional information.
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Brush up on everything you need to do to take care of your mouth and teeth as an adult. Learn about oral health basics and beyond. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP44 for show notes and additional information.
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Get a complete overview of osteoporosis so you can take action. Tune in to learn about this condition, from causes and risks to diagnosis and treatment. Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP43 for show notes and additional information.
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