In this Issue: Ann Fraggos YOU AT YOUR BEST AVOID HEART DISEASE: ENTIRE HEALTHCARE TEAM HAVE PHARMACY GET YOUR FLU SHOT ANSWERS BACK ARE YOU AT RISK?

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1 In this Issue: CHECK ADVANTAGES OFF THESE OF THE ACTIVITIES ANNUAL WELLNESS TO KEEP VISIT YOU AT YOUR BEST AVOID HEART DISEASE: A1C INTER AND VALLEY ASPIRIN OFFERS AN ENTIRE HEALTHCARE TEAM HAVE PHARMACY QUESTIONS? NO EXCUSES WE HAVE ANSWERS GET YOUR FLU SHOT HEART TIPS TO FAILURE: AVOID GOING BACK ARE YOU AT RISK? AFTER PREVENT/DELAY YOUR HOSPITAL STAY DIABETES WITH OUR FREE PROGRAM 15-year Inter Valley Member Member Ann Fraggos Graduates It s Never too with Late to honors Pursue Your in Sociology Goals

2 Learning & 2 Friends of Ann Fraggos would describe the 69-year-old Claremont resident as someone with an unrelenting passion for helping others and a dedication to lifelong learning. Throughout her life, she has always sought out opportunities to be of service. While working in corporate real estate, Ann spent a significant portion of her time volunteering at City of Hope, the renowned cancer research and treatment center in Duarte, sometimes up to 30 hours in a week. She soon was hired to work on the administration team supporting the Doctors and nurses in the Hematology Department as they prepared patients for their bone marrow transplants. Ann s serene and calm manner was ideal for talking with anxious transplant patients who were dealing with the challenges of this procedure. Redirecting Passion After turning 50, Ann became interested in other ways she could help others. She decided to become a certified holistic health practitioner through the Southern California School of Massage in Riverside. Her desire to give back led her to become a full-time massage therapist at a local retirement community, providing therapeutic massages to the residents there. I was passionate about working with the older population, Ann says. I believed that massage therapy offered a special touch; that invisible thread woven in compassion that intimately binds us together in mind, body, and spirit for a brief moment in time. This touch allows one human to connect with another in total trust and safety. In this space, emotions and physical wounds can begin to heal. Being a therapeutic massage therapist was a very rewarding experience. I gained a better perspective on the aging process and realized although we grow old, each one of us is unique in this journey. While working as a massage therapist with older adults and the frail elderly, Ann observed various stages of the aging process. To gain insight on how to better communicate with her clients, their families, and caregivers, she began taking courses in Gerontology the study of aging. She completed Chaffey College s Gerontology Certificate with honors, gaining insight into the needs of her massage clients, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer s.

3 Serving with Passion Another reason Ann enjoyed working with older adults is hearing their stories. Everyone has a story to share, she says. If we take the time to ask and listen, older adults are more than happy to share with us their life experiences. It s Never too Late After 16 years, Ann was forced to retire from massage therapy due to tendonitis caused by the repetitive movements. It was very difficult to accept that I can t do this anymore, because it was something I enjoyed so much, she says. We want to retire when we re ready, not when we re forced to. Retirement can mean a loss of identity, we have to redefine ourselves in order to be happy. Finally, she was able to channel her newfound free time into completing a degree she had started many years ago. A true believer that it s never too late to pursue your goals, she graduated with her B.A. in sociology from California State University, San Bernardino this past June. Her studies in sociology were yet another extension of her passion for serving others. After overcoming a bit of selfdoubt, I finally got through those Algebra classes, Ann says, laughing and shaking her head. As evidence of her passion for learning, Ann was inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta, an international honor society for sociology. I had a great (college) experience, Ann says. I appreciated the encouragement from friends and family. I am especially thankful for my husband. He was my cheerleader. Cultivating Creativity After dedicating so much time to school, Ann is ready to start the next chapter in her life. She wants to focus on exploring new aspects of herself and new ways to benefit others especially avenues in which she can unleash her creativity. Because I was always in school or working, I never had an opportunity to explore my creative side. I want to discover another area of my life that I can share with people. Ann recently started taking quilting classes, a hobby she started years ago but had to set aside because of her busy schedule. In addition to taking classes, she also enjoys the social aspects of quilting with a group from her church and another group of quilters. The techniques have changed over the years, and she enjoys the creative process of choosing the quilt patterns, fabrics, and colors. Many of her fellow quilters are people like herself who are retired and are exploring their creativity, and Ann is making new friends along the way. When she s not quilting, Ann loves to read, work in her garden, and write. She has recently taken a few creative writing classes, and plans to take more this fall at her local senior center. continued on page 4 3

4 Learning & Serving continued Caring for the Mind and Body Another important aspect of Ann s life is meditation. I ve been meditating for over 20 years, she says. She first began meditating when she worked at City of Hope, as a way to relieve stress. She attended a demonstration of transcendental meditation and felt an immediate connection. I ve been doing it ever since. Meditation opens the mind; it s very relaxing. She meditates twice a day, every day, for 20 minutes a practice clearly contributes to her tranquil demeanor. To stay physically active, Ann takes yoga classes and visits the gym almost every morning to lift weights and complete a cardio workout on the treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike. Staying active has always been an important part of her life. During the 1980 s Ann ran in many 5K races, often placing in her division, and she had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch in The Surprising Benefits of Meditation 4 Sometimes life can get overwhelming. Stresses pile up and make us anxious and tense, which can affect our mental and physical health. If you have ever felt this way, consider trying meditation. Even a few minutes of meditation can bring calm and a sense of well-being to both body and mind. Meditation has some extraordinary benefits, it can help you: Reduce inflammation. In a study of older adults (between the ages of 55 and 85), participation in an eight-week meditation program led to reductions in inflammation, as measured by C-reactive protein levels. Improve insomnia. A study performed by the University of Minnesota found that meditation improved sleep just as well as prescription medications did. Lower blood pressure. Researchers believe that meditation can produce positive biochemical changes in the body, and regular meditation has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels. Fight infections. In adults older than 50, meditation can reduce respiratory infections and ease chronic pain associated with such infections. Live longer. There is mounting evidence that individuals who practice meditation have improved longevity, as it can slow or prevent cellular aging. Slow Alzheimer s. By protecting the brain against anxiety and stress, which can worsen Alzheimer s symptoms, meditation and breathing exercises may slow the progression of Alzheimer s disease. Feel better. Meditation activates the prefrontal cortex, which can help relieve depression and anxiety and improve overall mood. It s never too late to learn to practice meditation. Mindfulness meditation and related techniques in senior communities can help improve health and feelings of connectedness. Call your local senior center to see if they offer any mindfulness or meditation classes, or even head to the library and pick up one of the numerous books on the subject. Your body and mind will thank you.

5 Learning & Serving continued She eventually hung up her running shoes and started taking aerobic classes which is where she met her husband. Twenty-eight years later we re still exercising together, we motivate each other, she says. Looking to the Future Ann s passion for serving others and learning continues. She currently stays busy volunteering at the VNA Hospice & Palliative Care of Southern California, and also helps prepare and serve meals to the hungry and homeless. As she looks to the future, with her gerontology certificate and sociology degree in hand, she knows she will continue finding avenues for serving others and learning. The Human Touch: Massage & Your Health Our bodies can carry a lifetime of stress. Poor posture, straining of back and neck muscles, and sitting too much in a car or at work all take a toll on the body, creating tension that can become chronic pain, affecting both body and mood. Therapuetic massage, so much more than the indulgence it is often presented as, can interrupt this cycle of stress, helping the body to regain its natural balance. Therapuetic massage can be particularly beneficial for older adults. Geriatric massage practitioners often focus on the hands and feet, especially if a client has limited mobility or loss of function in the hands. A hand or foot massage can enhance sensation and circulation in an aging body. Massage can also be used to treat many conditions associated with age, such as stiff muscles, arthritis, skin discoloration, bone deterioration, tendonitis, bursitis, and respiratory issues such as asthma and emphysema. The benefits of massage include: Improved circulation and decreased muscle stiffness Decreased joint inflammation Decreased anxiety and depression Relief from back and headache pain Improved sleep and lowered stress levels Furthermore, the human touch and company that comes with massage can reduce emotional stress and loneliness. Massage not only provides relief from different ailments or symptoms, it can help older adults live fuller and more vital lives. If you are interested in exploring the healing benefits of massage therapy, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist today. 5

6 Preventive Activities to Keep Preventive medicine has come a long way with screenings and activities that enable us to stay healthy. We encourage you to be proactive with your health by taking advantage of the following necessary tools and action plans. Preventative Screenings & Vaccines Preventive Screenings and immunizations can prevent or detect disease early. Examples include: Diabetic Nephropathy Screening Breast Cancer Screening Colorectal Cancer Screening Diabetic Eye Exam Blood Pressure Test Flu Vaccine Physical Activity Physical activity is good for you. It can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis as well as prevent heart disease and stroke. Other benefits from regular exercise and physical activity include: Weight control Improves mental health Boosts energy Helps prevent falls Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Strengthens bones & muscles Healthy Eating Eating well is important at any age, but especially for older adults as their sense of taste and nutritional needs change. Ensuring adequate nutrition is necessary for health, quality of life and vitality. The following tips can help you get the nutrition you need: Eat Fatty fish Eat enough protein Eat Raw Nuts Use herbs & spices Use extra virgin olive oil Minimize sugar & salt Avoid refined Drink lots of Water carbohydrates Good Mental Health Good mental health is an important part of enjoying life. Mental health issues are more common for older adults due to the emotional concerns with aging, loss of status, reduced physical and mental activities, chronic disease and illness. Early signs of mental health issues include: Fatigue & decreased energy Irritability, restlessness, insomnia Feelings of hopelessness or paranoia Loss of interest in activities, hobbies and socializing Alcohol or substance abuse Suicidal thoughts or actions Having support and working with your doctor are key in taking charge of your mental health. To maintain good mental health: Allow yourself to make changes, grow, make decisions, and even make mistakes. Freely express your feelings and emotions to someone you trust. Join a support group 6

7 You at Your Best Reduce Risk of Falling Most fractures in older adults are the result of falls. Talk to your doctor about anything that could affect your balance like prescribed medication(s), diabetes, feet or blood vessels. If you have already experienced a fall that resulted in a fracture ask your doctor about having a Bone Density Test. Reduce your risk of falls by: Having an annual eye exam and hearing test Getting enough sleep Staying physically active Wearing rubber-sole and low-heeled shoes Not walking around in socks Keeping your home well lit and using night lights Clearing your floor of clutter Limiting alcohol consumption Using a cane/walker for balance Consulting your doctor about medication(s) that can cause dizziness or unsteadiness Diabetes Diabetes is the body s inability to produce any or enough insulin and can lead to other health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. You can manage diabetes and prevent a major health problem by doing the following: Monitoring glucose levels (before or after meals) Making healthy food choices Getting enough rest Engaging in regular physical activity (consult your doctor for a plan) Keeping a journal of your progress Taking prescribed medication High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because many people don t know they have it. Health conditions, lifestyle and family history can increase your risk of high blood pressure. These steps can be taken to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range: Stress management Take prescribed medication Not smoking Increase physical activity Reduce sodium intake Reduce alcohol intake Maintain a healthy diet & weight (consult your doctor) Access to Additional Help Personal Care Advocates provide you with additional support to get the most from your coverage. Do you need help? A PCA may be assigned to help you as needed. Please contact us for help with: Scheduling lab work, x-rays, and other tests. Making appointments with physicians/specialists. Making sure lab results get to your doctor. Facilitating the transfer of medical records between doctors and specialists. Clarifing your doctor s instructions & follow-up care. Sorting through information from doctors and other health care professionals. Navigating through the health care system. Obtaining authorizations & referrals. 7

8 Inter Valley Offers an Entire Health Care Team Your Personal Care Team Phone Numbers MEMBER CARE SPECIALISTS, SOCIAL CARE MANAGER & CARE MANAGERS: DENTAL HEALTH CARE SPECIALISTS: PERSONAL CARE ADVOCATE (PCA): PHARMACY TEAM: Pharmacists & Representatives Technicians We want to ensure you have access to the benefits and services we offer. Sometimes navigating these services is complicated or you just don t feel well enough to do it yourself. We have a skilled team of specialists that will assist you. Personal Care Team Members have access to a team consisting of a Member Care Specialist, Dental Care Specialist, Personal Care Advocate (PCA), Social Care Manager, Nurse Care Managers and Pharmacy Technicians. Member Care Specialist This trained professional can explain your health benefits and how to navigate through all the extra benefits we offer, including vision, dental and gym/fitness benefits. If you want to change doctors or need to find a specialist, call one of our skilled team members. Dental Care Specialists They give you information about your treatment plans as well as the differences between a polish and a deep-cleaning procedure. Personal Care Advocates (PCAs) When you experience complex care needs and need help accessing those services the PCAs are available to help. For example, if you need assistance getting needed care or tests, we want to ensure that you do not get frustrated accessing services. A PCA will act as your personal guide through the health care system. Social Care Manager Inter Valley s Social Care Managers look for ways to lessen the impact of illness by ensuring your basic needs are met like housing, transportation, meals and other community resources. They are there to compliment your medical care. Nurse Care Manager This is the person to answer your medical questions and explain treatment plans as well as follow-up on your care after you have been hospitalized. Pharmacy Team The Pharmacy Team is made up of specialists who are ready to help you with your pharmacy concerns. Pharmacy Representatives can help with drug copayments, authorization requests, alternate medications, pharmacy locations, review your Explanation of Benefits and more. Our Pharmacy Technicians will assist you to file an appeal regarding your drug coverage and our Pharmacists can review medications with you and answer any clinical medication questions. Our team is available from 7:30 am to 8 pm. Because our staff lives and works in your community, you will have a specialist that knows the area. 8

9 No More Excuses Get your Flu shot If you re like a lot of us, you might be making excuses for not getting a flu shot. The problem is, the most common excuses are based on misconceptions. Do any of these six excuses sound familiar? Excuse #1: The flu isn t severe I don t have to worry about it. Fact: Nationwide, influenza directly or indirectly kills 20,000 people annually. Those of us over 65 or with chronic health conditions are at increased risk for serious complications, hospitalization, and death. Excuse #2: The flu shot will give me the flu. Fact: Some flu vaccines contain no viruses, while others contain inactivated viruses. While there s a small chance of mild, short-term side effects, the vaccine won t give you the flu. Excuse #3: I don t need the flu vaccine this year, I got it last year. Fact: Each year, new strains of flu circulate the world, so you need to be vaccinated for the current year s strains. Excuse #4: Flu shots don t work. Fact: Research clearly shows that flu vaccines reduce the risk; vaccination was associated with a 77% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults over 50. Excuse #5: People who have egg allergies can t get flu shots. Fact: There is a vaccine that doesn t contain egg proteins, but even those that do contain them can be safely given to most people with egg allergies. Excuse #6: If you haven t gotten a flu shot by November, don t bother. Fact: Getting it at any time during flu season (October through May) will reduce your risk. HOW TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT: As an Inter Valley Health Plan member, your flu shot is a covered benefit. Call your doctor s office to make an appointment for a flu shot. If your doctor doesn t have the flu vaccine available, you can go to any Walgreen s Pharmacy in our service area. You must bring your valid Inter Valley member ID card with you to get a free flu shot. To find a Walgreen s near you visit the website at walgreens.com. Don t make excuses based on myths! Protect yourself this flu season. 9

10 Heart Failure: Are You at Risk? Early Diagnosis Can Help You Stay Healthy While heart failure (HF) may sound like a specific event, it s actually an ongoing illness in which your heart doesn t pump blood effectively. As a result, your entire body doesn t get the oxygen-rich blood it needs, which affects the functioning of your heart, kidneys, and other organs leading to further complications. Since heart failure is a chronic condition (meaning, it doesn t go away), it s important to know that certain health conditions increase your chances of developing heart failure, such as: Coronary artery disease Diabetes Previous heart attack Obesity High blood pressure The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or manage your heart failure condition and lengthen your life. Talk to your doctor If you have any of the risk factors above, talk to your doctor to see if you should be checked for heart failure. Also, ask your doctor how you can reduce your risk. Manage your health conditions Take care of your overall health, for example: Take your medications as prescribed to manage your other conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes. Eat a healthy diet, avoid excessive sodium and get moving (talk with your doctor first about what type of exercise is right for you). Know the warning signs and symptoms Be on the lookout for these symptoms of heart failure: Swelling of your feet, ankles, and/or legs Increasing fatigue Weight gain of two or three pounds in a short period of time If you re at risk for heart failure and notice any one of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Also, call your doctor immediately if you experience these very serious symptoms: Shortness of breath and/or chest or arm pain For more information contact Ray Whitt, RN, at ext

11 Inter Valley s Pre-Diabetes Program Helps Prevent or Delay Type-2 Diabetes I nter Valley Health Plan offers the I m In Control II program. This is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Based on the CDC- approved curriculum, our I m In Control II program features an approach that is proven to prevent or delay type-2 diabetes and includes: A trained lifestyle coach 16 weeks of group-support meetings The program is available to members at no charge. Please call Sylvia Rosales for more information, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, , ext 448. Decisions that Save Lives: Organ Donations Have you considered signing up as an organ donor, but just haven t gotten around to it? Recent statistics show that more than 57,000 people are on the waiting lists for organ transplants. Organ donation is not limited by age, anyone can sign up. Your decision to donate organs could save lives. For more information on how to become an organ donor or how to obtain a donor card, go to the website organdonor. gov or call your local California State Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also contact the Southern California Organ Procurement Center. Southern California Organ Procurement Center Womens Health and Cancer Rights Act Did you know that your Plan, as required by the Women s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, provides benefits for mastectomy-related services including reconstruction and surgery to achieve symmetry between the breast, prosthesis, and complications resulting from a mastectomy (including lymphedema). Contact the Plan s Member Services Department for more information. 11

12 Health care coordination One out of four people over age 65 have multiple chronic medical conditions. These patients with multiple chronic conditions can see more than five physicians who may prescribe up to ten or more medications that further complicate managing chronic conditions. Managing chronic medical conditions requires a strong partnership with patients and families to coordinate their care and services among the multiple physicians involved. Being prepared prior to your office visit is one of the best ways of communicating your needs. Know your symptoms and the main reason why you are seeing the physician or specialists make a journal and write down when the symptoms started, for how long and actions you have taken to relieve your symptoms. Ask your doctor s office if there are any laboratory tests or procedures (like an x-ray) that need to be performed before your actual doctor appointment. Bring a list of your prescription medications and OTC drugs to every doctor appointment. Ask your doctor what your medications are for and what side-effects to report. During your visit, ask your doctor about your test results and write them down on your journal. Ask for a copy of the test results for your own file. If you need to see a specialist, ask your doctor whether it is urgent or a regular visit. Ask if any tests or procedures need to be done prior to seeing the specialist. Talk to your doctor about any preventive health tests or services you need to have such as immunizations, colonoscopy and others. 12

13 Vitality Investing In the of Our Members and the Community From Inter Valley Health Plan CHINO Medicare Information & Vitality Center Superior Grocery Store (inside) Central Ave Wednesday, November 10 am Benefits of a Massage Monday, December 12 pm Holiday Gift Wednesday, December 10 am Holiday Bingo CLAREMONT Medicare Information & Vitality Center Pomona Valley Health Center Building 1601 Monte Vista, Suite 275, Claremont Thursday, November 10 am Diabetes & You Thursday, November 10 am Towel Creations Wednesday, November 1 pm Afternoon Movie: The Intern Monday, December 1 pm BEE BRAINY: Closing Party Wednesday, January 10 am Organ Donation BANNING Medicare Information & Vitality Center Sun Lakes Village Center (Suite 10-J) 300 S. Highland Springs Ave, Banning Tuesday, November 10 am Craft Class: Towel Creations Friday, November 11 am Morning Movie: The Intern Tuesday, December 10 am Tour To Cuba Thursday, December 11 am Holiday Bingo HEMET Medicare Information & Vitality Center Stater Brothers Shopping Center 214 E. Stetson Ave (at State St), Hemet Tuesday, November 2 pm Craft Class: Towel Creations Wednesday, November 1 pm Afternoon Movie: The Intern RSVPs a must to all Classes & , ext. 625 or forhealthandliving.com. Class Information may change be sure to check when you RSVP. 13

14 Vitality Investing In the of Our Members and the Community PALM SPRINGS From Inter Valley Health Plan Medicare Information & Vitality Center Plaza at Sunrise, 555 South Sunrise Way, Ste 105 Thursday, November 10, 17 & December 1, 8 & 11 am Zumba Gold Wednesday, November 16, 23, 30, December 7 & 10 am Senior Fitness Friday, November 11, 18, December 2, 9 & 10 am Meditative Yoga Monday, November 14, 2, 21, 28, December 5 & 10 am Tai Chi Monday, November 14 & December 1:30 pm Smartphones & Tablets (Android Only) Tuesday, November 15, 22, 29, December 6 & 10 am Chair Yoga Thursday, November 1 pm Water Color Painting All supplies provided RANCHO CUCAMONGA Medicare Information & Vitality Center James L. Brulte Senior Central Park, Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga Wednesday, November 2:30 pm Benefits of Coloring for Adults Wednesday, December 2:30 pm Holiday Bingo RIVERSIDE Medicare Information & Vitality Center Lincoln Plaza Shopping Center 2995 Van Buren Blvd, Suite A-13, Riverside Friday, November 11 am Morning Movie: The Intern Thursday, November 1 pm Craft Class: Towel Creations Tuesday, December 2 pm Armchair Travel Tour To Cuba Friday, December 11 am Holiday Bingo VICTORVILLE Medicare Information & Vitality Center Victor Valley Town Center Hesperia Rd, Suite E, Victorville Friday, November 10 am Craft Class: Towel Creations Thursday, December 1 pm BEE BRAINY: Closing Party Tuesday, December 1 pm Holiday Bingo Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 10 am Diabetes & You Series (3 parts) Thursday, January 10 am Organ Donation 14 RSVPs a must to all Classes & , ext. 625 or forhealthandliving.com. Class Information may change be sure to check when you RSVP.

15 ENTER TO WIN A FREE TURKEY GIFT CERTIFICATE! We celebrate this time of year by giving thanks with friends and family around a holiday table loaded with our favorite traditional dishes. For some people that holiday tradition includes a turkey. Inter Valley Health Plan is offering our members the opportunity to win a FREE Gift Certificate for a turkey by entering the contest drawing. If you re a member of Inter Valley Health Plan, and answer the contest questions correctly, you re eligible to win. If there is more than one member per household, a photocopied entry is acceptable. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, November 18. Send your entry to: Inter Valley Health Plan, Attention: Communications Department, PO Box 6002, Pomona, CA While failure (HF) may sound like a event, it s actually an illness in which your doesn t pump effectively. As a result, your body doesn t get the - blood it needs. 2. Since congestive heart failure is a condition (meaning, it go away), it s important to know that certain health conditions your of developing, such as: coronary disease, diabetes, a previous, blood pressure and/or. 3. Know the warning signs and symptoms of Heart Failure: of your feet, ankles, and/or legs; increasing ; or weight of two or three pounds in a period of. Winners from last issue: Mark Neely, Hesperia, Janet Klabbers, Palm Springs and Robert Isenberg, Palm Springs * By entering this contest, you give Inter Valley Health Plan permission to publish your name and city in this magazine, should you win. 15

16 INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN 300 South Park Avenue PO Box 6002 Pomona CA Health/Wellness/Prevention Information Address Service Requested PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #41 San Dimas CA Cyndie M. O Brien, Editor Marion Schmid, Editor For article information, or additional copies, please call the Editor at Inter Valley Health Plan is a not-for-profit HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Inter Valley Health Plan depends on contract renewal.inter Valley Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al (TTY: 711). 注意 : 如果您使用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 請致電 (TTY 711) INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN S COMPANY OBSERVED HOLIDAYS Our offices will be closed: Thanksgiving Day...Thursday, November 24, 2015 Day after Thanksgiving...Friday, November 25, 2015 Christmas Eve (observed)...friday, December 22, 2015 Christmas Day...Monday, December 25, 2015 New Year s Eve...Saturday, December 31, 2015 New Year s Day (observed)...monday, January 2, 2016 To become a member of any of our Plan programs and receive all our benefits, including this magazine call or TTY 711 for hearing impaired. Have you moved? Please contact Member Services if you have recently moved. It is important that we have your correct address on file. We are here for you! If you have questions, concerns or any problems getting access to your health care needs, we want to hear from you. Call Member Services at or TTY 711 for hearing impaired. Our hours of operation are 7:30 am to 8 pm seven days a week. This publication is printed with soy based ink.