Member News

Get the latest information about your health plan and member services along with topics that help you thrive.

Center for Adult Living career and resource fair

03/07/2023

March 16, 3-6 p.m. at 2015 E Lake Street

Covid-19 vaccine clinics

03/07/2023

Our Outreach team will be at the Covid-19 vaccine clinic on March 24 at CAPI IOC in Brooklyn Center. Additional dates are available to get the Covid-19 shot.

Community Health Fair

03/07/2023

Community Health Fair, March 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fridley.

March 2023 Outreach calendar

03/07/2023

Join our Outreach team at community events in March.

All Abilities Resource Fair

03/03/2023

Free open house for individuals with disabilities.

Emergency SNAP food benefits ending

03/03/2023

After almost three years, temporary emergency benefits that helped Minnesotans with low incomes buy food during the COVID-19 pandemic are ending.

Keep your contact information up to date

02/28/2023

Keep your address, phone number and email updated to avoid missing important health plan information.

The Family Partnership free community health clinics

02/23/2023

The Family Partnership on East Lake Street is offering free monthly clinics.

Topics in this issue are: Annual member satisfaction survey, Your Member Service Center, Metro Transit micro bus, Home energy assistance, Hennepin Health Healthwise® Knowledgebase – diabetes food list, Keep your contact information up to date, February is Children’s Dental Health Month, February is American Heart Month, March is National Colon Cancer Month, Follow us on Facebook.

NorthPoint Community Food Shelf is open

02/06/2023

Frost Fair

02/03/2023

26th Annual Frost Fest at Pearl Park on Friday, February 10 from 6-9 p.m.

Winter Warmer event

02/03/2023

Free event for the whole family! Come celebrate from noon – 3 p.m. at Lake Hiawatha Recreation Center, 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis.

Get a free mammogram

01/30/2023

Get a free mammogram at Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center on Thursday, February 2, 1 - 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Wellness meditation session

01/30/2023

Wellness meditation session, Thursday, February 2 from 3-5 p.m. in Brooklyn Center.

Free computers for eligible Minneapolis residents

01/12/2023

Free desktop and laptop computers are available for eligible Minneapolis residents through PCs for People. Sign up with CareerForce MN to select a desktop or laptop.

Metro Transit micro bus serves north Minneapolis

01/12/2023

Metro Transit micro serves the north Minneapolis community with easy-to-access bus rides. With Metro Transit micro, you can book a ride from wherever you are in the service area and a bus will come to you.

December member newsletter

12/23/2022

Topics in this issue are: New member ID cards coming in January, Dental care coordination available, SNBC Advisory Committee update, Enrollee Advisory Council update, Be prepared for winter weather, Population Health Management strategy, Keep your contact information up to date, Privacy notice, Advance health care directives, Follow us on Facebook.

October member newsletter

10/26/2022

Topics in this issue are: Annual health plan selection period; Member survey – be heard; Get your flu shot; COVID-19 booster and Monkeypox; Dental care for denture wearers; Enrollee Advisory Council update; Member Service Center Open House; Learn more with Healthwise® Knowledgebase; October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; October is SIDS/Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month; November is American Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease Month; November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month; November is COPD Awareness Month; Get a ride.

Get your flu shot

10/17/2022

Now is the time to get a flu shot for you and your family. Flu shots are safe and covered by us with zero cost to you.

Member survey - be heard

10/13/2022

We are gathering your feedback through a member survey. Members were recently sent an invitation via email to take the survey.

2022 SHAPE survey

09/26/2022

Take the Hennepin County 2022 SHAPE survey and help the county identify residents most important health needs.

Monkeypox testing and vaccination

09/25/2022

Hennepin County is offering monkeypox testing and vaccination at Red Door Clinic, 612-543-5555.

Hennepin Health sponsors the 2022 NAMIWalks

09/23/2022

Hennepin Health is again sponsoring the NAMIWalks Your Way event on Saturday, September 24 as part of our ongoing support of National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). Visit the our table at the NAMIWalks resource fair from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Member Service Center Open House

09/22/2022

Join us at the Member Service Center Open House on Wednesday, September 28, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Snacks and beverages, plus gift bags for the first 25 attending members.

Monkeypox vaccine

08/23/2022

Red Door Clinic has monkeypox vaccines.

Cedar-Riverside Health Fair

08/17/2022

Friday, August 19, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Minneapolis.

August member newsletter

08/16/2022

Topics in this issue are: Get ready for back to school; Free food resources; Mortgage assistance; Member Service Center reopens; Prepare for the annual health plan selection period; August is National Immunization Awareness Month; August is National Breastfeeding Month; August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month; NAMIWalks Minnesota; September is National Pain Awareness Month; September is National Cholesterol Education Month; September is National Prostate Health Month; Get a ride; Follow us on Facebook.

Community Health Fair event

08/03/2022

Saturday, August 13, 1-5 pm in Brooklyn Center

Community is Everything event

08/03/2022

Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Brooklyn Center. Get a backpack with school supplies while they last.

Free produce distribution event

08/03/2022

Multiple dates through October 4 in Golden Valley.

Fresh Food Fridays in Brooklyn Center

08/03/2022

Free produce on multiple dates.

Strong Families Community Resource Fair

08/03/2022

Thursday, August 25, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Minneapolis. This back to school event has backpacks, food and school supplies.

Unity in the Community event

08/03/2022

Friday, August 5, 4-7 pm in Richfield.

Urban League Family Day

08/03/2022

Thursday, August 25, noon - 7 p.m.

Hmong Community Explore Your Parks! event

07/12/2022

Hmong Community Explore Your Parks! event
Saturday, July 16, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center

June member newsletter

06/24/2022

Topics in this issue are: Enrollee Advisory Council update, Keep your teeth healthy - why it matters, Visit us at summer events, Find housing and rental assistance, Put preventive care on your list, Learn more with Healthwise Knowledgebase, June is National Men's Health Month, June is National Safety Month, July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, Get a ride, Follow us on Facebook.

Fresh Food Fridays at NorthPoint

06/01/2022

Free produce and community resources will be available to everyone every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month through September at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center,

April member newsletter

05/04/2022

Topics in this issue are: Enrollee Advisory Council update, Dental care for babies, COVID-19 at-home tests, April is National Autism Acceptance Month, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Learn more with Healthwise® Knowledgebase, Get a ride, Follow us on Facebook.

Minnesota American Indian Month Events – May 2022

05/02/2022

Minnesota American Indian events in May.

Cash and food assistance whenever, wherever 

05/02/2022

Connect with Hennepin County online or by phone if you need help paying for groceries or basic needs.

2022-2023 Enrollee Advisory Council members announced

04/15/2022

The 2022-2023 Enrollee Advisory Council election ended March 28. Hennepin Health members elected 26 candidates to the council.

Minnesota seeking interviews with MA participants who access services via phone

04/04/2022

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking individuals who are Minnesota Health Care Program enrollees and only access services via phone to participate in a one-on-one interview to learn more about their experiences and needs when they access services. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for doing the interview.

Health equity fair at Midtown Global Market

03/28/2022

Health equity fair on Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Midtown Global Market.

Update on COVID-19 at-home tests for members

03/15/2022

Learn how to get free COVID tests.

February member newsletter

03/02/2022

Topics in this issue are: Annual member satisfaction survey, Home energy assistance, Your dental benefits now include deep cleaning, February is Children’s Dental Health Month, Get a COVID-19 test delivered to your home, February is American Heart Month, March is National Colon Cancer Month, Follow us on Facebook.

Black History Month event

02/01/2022

Participate in an online event, Black in the Media featuring Georgia Fort.

December member newsletter

12/29/2021

Topics in this issue are: New member ID cards coming in January, COVID-19 updates, New health club membership for MNCare members, Be prepared for winter weather, Catch up on childhood immunizations, Flu shots protect you and your family, Advance health care directives, Follow us on Facebook.

Catch up on childhood immunizations

12/06/2021

Childhood immunizations protect kids from serious diseases and protect other vulnerable family members. Get children caught up on immunizations before your family comes together for the holidays.

Prepare for winter weather

12/06/2021

Prepare for Minnesota winter's cold, snow and ice. Create an emergency winter weather kit and dress safely.

Hennepin County COVID vaccine events for kids

11/16/2021

Hennepin County hosts two COVID vaccine events for kids ages 5-11 on November 21 and November 30.

COVID vaccine event for kids at NorthPoint

11/15/2021

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is hosting a vaccine event for kids ages 5-11 on Saturday, November 20

COVID-19 vaccine for kids

11/08/2021

Children 5 years and older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID booster shots

11/08/2021

You may need a COVID-19 booster shot. Read more about who should get one.

Federal Child Tax Credit sign-up

11/08/2021

The deadline to sign up is November 15.

November member newsletter

11/05/2021

Topics in this issue are: Annual health plan selection period, Get your flu shot, Stay safe during COVID-19, Introducing Dr. Nathaniel Scott, Enrollee Advisory Council update, Learn more with Healthwise® Knowledgebase, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is SIDS/Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, November is American Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease Month, November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, November is COPD Awareness Month, Get a ride.

Get support to prevent foreclosure

11/01/2021

Apply for the Hennepin Homeownership Preservation Program.

State launches more COVID incentives

10/22/2021

Minnesota has launched ‘Kids Deserve a Shot,’ a vaccine incentives program rewarding Minnesotans 12-17 years old for completing their COVID-19 vaccine series.

State expands energy assistance program and cold weather rule

10/22/2021

This year, Minnesotans can get greater financial assistance and protections to keep their homes warm and lights on through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program and Minnesota’s cold weather rule.

August member newsletter

08/20/2021

Topics in this issue are: Get ready for back to school, Reward vouchers now available in Somali and Spanish, Help stop the spread of COVID-19, Enrollee Advisory Committee update, Energy assistance plan, Prepare for the annual health plan selection period, August is National Immunization Awareness Month, August is National Breastfeeding Month, August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, NAMIWalks Minnesota, September is National Pain Awareness Month, September is National Cholesterol Education Month, September is National Prostate Health Month.

Hennepin County continues COVID vaccine incentives

08/19/2021

Hennepin County is offering a $50 Visa gift card as supplies last for a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at any Hennepin County vaccine event.

Face coverings required again inside county buildings

08/09/2021

Face coverings are required again inside Hennepin County buildings (this policy was reinstated Wednesday, August 4) due to the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading in the community. This applies to all employees, volunteers and visitors ages five and up, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings will be available to those who don’t have one.

Eviction moratorium ended, apply for rent help now

08/04/2021

The State of Minnesota announced an end to the eviction moratorium. You will still be protected from eviction for past due rent if you have applied for COVID-19 rent assistance.

Hmong Community Celebrate Your Parks Day

07/30/2021

Enjoy and explore opportunities for outdoor recreation. Come to the Hmong Community Celebrate Your Parks Day on Sunday, July 31 from 1 – 4 p.m at Centennial Park at 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway in Brooklyn Center.

Hennepin Health recognized in national award

07/09/2021

Hennepin Health recognized for our hospital readmission reduction initiative in a national award along with partner Hennepin Healthcare.

Hennepin County offering COVID-19 vaccine incentives

07/01/2021

Hennepin County is offering COVID-19 vaccine incentives to help make it a little easier for people to take the shot. In offering these incentives, Hennepin County hopes to raise the overall vaccination rate in the county and the state, while closing the vaccination gap within communities and neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19.

Reward vouchers now available in Somali and Spanish

06/29/2021

Members can now fill out reward vouchers in Somali and Spanish.

Survey on Medicaid managed care programs

06/22/2021

The Minnesota Department of Health is gathering input from participants of Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) program. If you are an SNBC plan member, we encourage you to complete the survey by Wednesday, June 30.

June member newsletter

06/17/2021

Topics in this issue are: Enrollee Advisory Committee update, Get the COVID-19 vaccine, Find housing and rental assistance, Put preventive care on your list, Learn more with Healthwise® Knowledgebase, June is National Men’s Health Month, June is National Safety Month, Plan some summer activities, July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, Get a ride, Follow us on Facebook.

Get rewarded for getting the COVID-19 vaccine

06/07/2021

Protect your community and get rewarded for it. Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota are both offering incentives for those who get a COVID-19 vaccine soon.

Hennepin County cooling sites

06/07/2021

Hennepin County has an interactive map of places you can go to get relief from the summer heat.

Northside Family COVID Vaccine Fair

05/27/2021

The Northside Family COVID Vaccine Fair is Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 2100 Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis.

Hennepin County offering Pfizer vaccine on select days

05/25/2021

The Pfizer vaccines will be available at the Earle Browne Heritage Center on Thursday, June 3, and Thursday, June 10 by appointment.

Hennepin County keeps families in shelter healthy and safe during COVID-19

05/13/2021

Families living in Hennepin County shelters can feel healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the steps Hennepin County has taken.

Emergency Broadband Benefit helps families afford internet service during COVID-19

05/13/2021

A new temporary federal program, called the Emergency Broadband Benefit, helps families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service.

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center provides COVID vaccines to all adults 18 and over

05/11/2021

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center provides COVID vaccines to all adults 18 and over. Appointments and walk-in are available.

Hennepin County has immediate COVID-19 vaccine appointments or walk-ins

05/10/2021

Hennepin County is offering immediate vaccine appointments and walk-ins at its semi-permanent vaccine clinics at the Earle Brown Heritage Center and Robbinsdale Middle School

Call the Hennepin County COVID-19 Navigator Line

04/30/2021

Call the COVID-19 navigator line with questions or for help registering for a vaccine appointment. (In English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish)

Free COVID-19 vaccinations at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds through June 9

04/29/2021

You can get a free COVID-19 vaccination at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds through June 9 if you are age 16 and older and live in certain zip codes in Hennepin County. A free Metro Transit pass for the day of your appointment is provided.

Hennepin County launches COVID-19 navigator line

04/19/2021

Use the Hennepin County navigator line to get your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine answered in English, Hmong, Somali or Spanish.

April member newsletter

04/16/2021

Topics in this issue are: COVID-19 updates, Did you know? Members can earn rewards, Get a ride, National Autism Acceptance Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Learn more with Healthwise Knowledgebase, Follow us on Facebook, Notice of privacy practices

Hennepin County new vaccine registration

03/24/2021

Hennepin County has launched a new online vaccine registration.

COVID-19 vaccine

03/17/2021

The COVID-19 vaccination rollout is underway. This information can help answer your questions about who can get the vaccine, where to get it and why you should get it. Also, read about how you can avoid vaccine scams.

February member newsletter

02/25/2021

Topics in this issue are: February is American Heart Month, Medicaid benefit for housing, Opioid epidemic worsens during COVID-19, February is Children's Dental Health Month, Annual member satisfaction survey, Vaccinate your children, Enrollee Advisory Committee update, March is National Colon Cancer Month, Learn more with Healthwise Knowledgebase, COVID-19 updates, Find us on Facebook.

February is American Heart Month

02/10/2021

Every February, the National Institutes of Health’s American Heart Month raises awareness about heart health and urges action to prevent heart disease. Learn how you can live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Medicaid benefit for housing

02/04/2021

A Medicaid benefit can help members find or keep housing. This benefit, called Housing Stabilization Services, is available to members with disabilities or who are most likely to experience homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Some members may qualify for this program.

Opioid epidemic worsens during COVID-19

02/04/2021

The opioid epidemic has gotten worse in Hennepin County during COVID-19. However, opioid addiction help is available. All essential health services are still in operation, including naloxone distribution and needle exchange.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

01/28/2021

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Right now, there are as many as 40 million people around the world who aren’t yet aware that glaucoma is silently stealing their sight. Early detection and treatment can protect your precious sight. Read more.

COVID updates from Hennepin County

01/11/2021

Read about county vaccination information and the quarantine and isolation calculator.

December member newsletter

12/21/2020

Topics in this issue are: Find us on Facebook, Get a ride, Preventive care for a healthy you, COVID-19 resources

Time for a flu shot

12/11/2020

Flu shots protect you, your family and the people around you. Flu shots are free with your health-care coverage. Find a location near you.

Food giveaway

11/17/2020

NorthPoint is giving food to needy families on Saturday, November 21 beginning at 10 am.

Saliva tests - at home or on-site

11/17/2020

The Minnesota Department of Health is now offering on-site and at home saliva testing for COVID-19.

Vaping guide for parents

11/03/2020

Watch a new 9-minute video, called “A parent’s guide to vaping” to learn about vaping by youth and to open up a conversation with your child.

Free COVID testing

10/30/2020

Free COVID testing on Sunday, November 1.

Lower your holiday infection risk

10/30/2020

The Minnesota Department of Health has great tips for celebrating the upcoming holidays during the pandemic.

Saliva testing sites open in Brooklyn Park and St. Paul

10/30/2020

Semi-permanent saliva test sites for COVID opened in Brooklyn Park and St. Paul. Saliva testing is free and open to all Minnesotans.

Stay on track with Child & Teen checkups

10/27/2020

Regular Child & Teen Checkups help keep your child healthy. And you can earn rewards.

October member newsletter

10/23/2020

Topics in this quarterly issue are: Rides to appointments or the pharmacy, Annual health plan selection for 2021, Website refresh, Stay on track with preventive care; Infant Safe Sleep Week, COVID-19 updates, Hennepin Health is now on Facebook, Healthwise® Knowledgebase for healthy eating.

World Health Day is Saturday, October 10

10/08/2020

Your mental health matters. There are local resources that can help you.

Public flu shot events

10/07/2020

Get a flu shot at an upcoming public event near you.

Free COVID testing

10/02/2020

Upcoming COVID testing events in Hennepin County.

County helpline and rent/housing help

09/23/2020

The county helpline hours have changed. You can apply for help with rent and housing costs at Hennepin.us/housing-help.

Free COVID testing

09/23/2020

Get tested for COVID-19 at upcoming community events.

School attendance guidelines for COVID

09/23/2020

When should your child attend school or child care and when should they stay home? The Minnesota Department of Health has set guidelines.

Free COVID testing

09/16/2020

Free COVID testing on September 19 and September 26

Free COVID testing and flu shots

09/10/2020

Free COVID-19 testing and flu shots this weekend.

Metro Transit service adjustments begin Saturday, September 12

09/10/2020

Changes to many routes start Saturday, September 12.

2020 August member newsletter

08/20/2020

Topics in this quarterly newsletter issue are: Take care of your health, Mental health matters, Online health tool for members, Member voices make us strong, Prepare for annual health plan selection period and COVID-19 updates.

Free fresh food Fridays

08/20/2020

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is offering free fresh food on upcoming Fridays.

Cash and food programs update

07/30/2020

Sign up by Friday, July 31, for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer federal food assistance for school children. People who have cash and food programs that expire in September will receive a renewal notice from DHS.

COVID-19 public health emergency extended

07/30/2020

What the extension means for members.

Metro Transit gives away free face coverings

07/30/2020

Metro Transit will distribute free face coverings at local transit stations, July 30 – August 13.

Minnesota Department of Human Services launches COVID-19 webpage

07/07/2020

Minnesota Department of Human Services launches a COVID-19 webpage for individuals in need of health care services related to COVID-19.

Hennepin County board declares racism a public health crisis

07/06/2020

The Hennepin County board voted to declare racism a public health crisis in the county.

Hennepin Health given national health award

06/30/2020

Hennepin Health received a national award in the health category from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award was for a program that helped get housing, transportation, help with food and other services for Hennepin Health members who use HCMC.

Local pharmacy closures

06/15/2020

Your health is our priority and we want to make sure you can continue to get your medicine. Some pharmacies are currently closed which means you will need to move your prescription to another network location. Member Services can help you find a new drug store.

2020 May member newsletter - COVID

05/21/2020

This issue of the quarterly newsletter focuses on information and resources about COVID-19 for members.

May is National Mental Health Month

05/04/2020

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are several resources you can reach out to for support.

COVID-19 member cost share waivers

04/17/2020

Hennepin Health will cover COVID-19 care for all members. Members will not have to pay any cost share for COVID-19 care visits, testing or treatment until this national public health emergency is over. Read about COVID-19 cost share waivers for members and other temporary health care changes.

Bus pass service for members

04/03/2020

Members can reload their current card, get a new bus card or get instructions on lost cards by calling Member Services at 612-596-1036, TTY 1-800-627-3529.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update for members

03/26/2020

If you think someone in your family has been exposed to COVID-19, stay home and contact your health care provider for next steps. Read more information about Hennepin Health plan services.

Coronavirus COVID-19 information for members

03/19/2020

If you think someone in your family has been exposed to COVID-19, stay home and contact your health care provider for next steps.

Hennepin Health gets national award

03/13/2020

Hennepin Health got first place in the 2020 Innovator Awards Program by Healthcare Innovation, a national magazine. The award was for a program that found housing for Hennepin Health members who use HCMC.

Hennepin Health has a new online resource that can help members make better health decisions!

08/19/2019

The new Health Information and Resources page was designed to provide members with easy access to current and clear information about a variety of medical-related topics. Also available to members through this page is a new online search tool that allows users to look up information or watch videos about medical conditions, symptoms, and potential treatments.

Hennepin Health Information Flier

01/03/2019

Find an overview of services and contact information for Hennepin Health.

Taking Antidepressants

05/22/2018

Have questions about taking antidepressant medication? Learn more about side effects and additional treatment options, along with tips for remembering to take your medicine.

Bus Pass Renewal Just Got Easier!

10/23/2017

Members who qualify for a monthly bus pass now have the option to have their bus pass reloaded over the telephone.

Quit Smoking and Improve Your Quality of Life!

03/20/2017

Did you know that your body will begin to repair itself just a mere 20 minutes after you quit smoking? Within months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath should decrease, and after a year of not smoking, your risk of heart disease will decrease.

What Exactly Are Dental X-rays?

12/03/2016

Getting X-rays taken when you visit the dentist is normal. X-rays are black and white “pictures” that your dentist looks at to check for problems in places that aren’t easily visible.

Your First Dental Visit

11/03/2016

At your first dental visit, the dentist and/or care staff will ask you about your medical and dental history, examine your teeth, take X-rays and look for any potential issues.

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

10/03/2016

Even if you follow a diligent home care routine, regular checkups with a dental professional are still a must. When you visit a dentist, you'll receive a professional cleaning to get rid of tartar that can build up on your teeth in hard-to-reach places. Your dentist looks for early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems, and also determines whether potential oral issues could indicate other diseases in the body.