In this Issue: KICK THIS BAD HABIT: SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKING PREPARATION PAYS OFF: GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DOCTOR VISIT UNDERSTANDING YOUR DENTAL COVERAGE PRE-DIABETIC? YOU CAN PREVENT OR DELAY DIABETES Inter Valley Member Curt Morris A Call to Serve
A Call to 20 year Mayor of San Dimas, Curt Morris oversees San Dimas public works to improve his city. The city of San Dimas has been the stomping grounds for Curt Morris for the last 73 years. No matter where life has taken him, he has always returned to San Dimas, and it s only fitting that he has also been the town s mayor for more than two decades. This has been my home, he says. He currently lives in San Dimas with Glenda, his wife of 49 years, whom he calls his partner in everything. In addition to his long history as mayor of San Dimas, Morris also has a long history with Inter serve Valley Health Plan. I ve been involved with Inter Valley since its inception, he says, beginning as a member of the Pomona Valley Hospital and Medical Center s Board when Inter Valley was created. He is now a member of Inter Valley s Board of Directors and has been a Plan member for the last 15 years. The Letter of the Law After graduating from Stanford University with a degree in history, Morris served three years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Once his naval service ended, Morris attended law school at Loyola Marymount. He has been a practicing lawyer for 47 years currently with Lamb, Morris, and Lobello, LLP and he has no plans of retiring. A Passion for Public Service Public service is a large and integral part of Morris life. In 1980, he was approached by several community members and asked to run for San Dimas city council. Morris had a reputation for being even-handed and for working well with people. At that time, I had no great 2
I can assure you, public service is a stimulating, proud and lively enterprise. It is not just a way of life, it is a way to live fully Lee H. Hamilton, American Politician interest in local government, he remembers. Little did he know that agreeing to run for city council would lead him on a path to more than 30 years of civil service. I thought I would do this for four years and then move on. Morris soon realized that he liked and was well-suited for public service, and he continued to serve on the city council until, in 1996, he was elected by his fellow council members to serve as mayor of San Dimas. In 1997, he ran in the general election and won. He has run for mayor every two years since and has won each time. He ll be up for re-election again in 2017. ( Nobody is running against me, so I will probably win, he jokes.) I like being able to have an influence on the town I ve lived in my whole life, being able to have a voice, and having people understand that I represent their point of view, Morris says. In one of his more lighthearted duties as mayor, he oversaw the installation of a large clock tower in downtown San Dimas. People jokingly refer to it as my clock, he says. The clock tower, which is about 17 feet tall is a big monster, he says. As if being a practicing lawyer and mayor aren t enough, Morris serves as president of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, is involved with contracting of the Police and Sheriff Departments in Los Angeles County, is Chairman of the Board for Mt. San Antonio Gardens (a continuing care residential community), has been on the board of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for more than 40 years, and serves on a regional policy board of the American Hospital Association. He also teaches a course for new city council members called the Newly Elected Officials Academy on how to maintain relationships with other members of the governing board so that the system can run smoothly. Finding Creative Outlets Morris has always been interested in photography. I like to mess around taking pictures, he says. He bought his first camera, which he still has today, when he was in high school. He refers to it as the most expensive camera I have ever owned, remembering that it cost $56 at a time when he was only earning $0.75 an hour. These days, he mainly takes pictures with a digital camera and sometimes even with his iphone. He likes taking pictures of people, particularly if he can catch them in candid moments. Another favorite subject is the flowers and landscaping in his own yard. It changes so much from day to day and year to year. continued on page 4 3
A Call to Serve continued He also likes to draw and paint, although he self-deprecatingly says that he as no talent. He has taken a few art classes through the San Dimas recreation department and notes that if he had more time, he would like to spend it painting. In his limited spare time, Morris enjoys reading on his Kindle, particularly books about American history. He has read many memoirs by Civil War generals and books about Abraham Lincoln. Although he may not have as much leisure time as some 80 year olds, Morris is not complain ing. Being able to contribute is a good thing, and I have really been blessed to have the opportunity to do so. Not everyone gets that opportunity. Margie Green, Historical Society volunteer, and Mayor Morris talk about the citrus industry artifacts housed in the Citrus Room exhibit. THE WALKER HOUSE: SAN DIMAS CROWN JEWEL Built in 1887 as a railroad hotel, The Walker House is home to the San Dimas Historical Society, the San Dimas Festival of Arts, and Luca Bella Fine Foods restaurant. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and purchase in 2000 by the City of San Dimas Redevelopment Agency to restore and renovate. A restaurant with historically accurate carpeting, paint and furniture takes up the entire first floor. The second floor includes five rooms that house specific themes of San Dimas history. The Citrus Room features the strong community ties to the Citrus industry that affected the population explosion in San Dimas. On display are local Citrus fruit crate labels unique to San Dimas. Smudge pots and photos of San Dimas in the early days. Admission is free. Docent-led tours are available by reservation. To find out more about this piece of local history, please visit https://www.sandimashistorical.org/home.html, or to schedule a tour call 909-592-1190. 4
Your Inter Valley health Plan Dental Coverage: Make sure your procedure is covered Make the most of your dental benefits without any costly surprises. In addition to medical coverage, Inter Valley Health Plan also provides dental coverage. As with any insurance plan, it s important to understand what s covered and what s not covered for your dental benefits. Below are a few pointers to help you maximize your dental coverage through Inter Valley and avoid out-of-pocket expenses. Make sure your dentist is contracted with Dental Health Services (DHS). This is critical! Bring your Inter Valley Health Plan Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document to your appoint ments; that way, you and the office staff can review your coverage to ensure the services you re getting are covered, and that you re receiving all your benefits. Dental procedures on this document are identified by ADA codes a standardized code for dental services outlined by the American Dental Association. Know your copays and make sure the dentist s office charges you correctly. The Evidence of Coverage document includes a schedule explaining the copayments for each covered dental procedure. Some procedures have extra charges for specialized materials, like upgraded metals. Also, remember that one tooth can require multiple treatments, and each treatment for the tooth would have its own copayment. Beware of upgrades and extras. The dentist or staff may try to up-sell you on upgraded or additional services that might not be covered. Be sure to check your Evidence of Coverage to find out whether the service is covered; if it s not covered, you re responsible for payment. Don t agree to any treatment you feel unsure about. Don t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need of the dentist and staff to fully understand the recommended treatment plan. Find out more if you re unsure. You re welcome to discuss any questions about your benefits and suggested dental treatments with a Dental Member Services Specialist before agreeing to the treatment plan. We are here to help. Questions? Concerns? Call to speak to an Inter Valley Dental Member Care Specialist at 1-844-237-2228 or TTY 711 for hearing impaired. Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. 5
Living with Heart Failure (HF): When people hear that they have the diagnosis of heart failure, they misinterpret this to mean that their heart is truly failing and that it may stop. Although the diagnosis of heart failure is a serious issue, it by no means indicates that your heart is about to completely fail or stop. Rather, it means that you must make adjustments in your lifestyle (as well as taking medication and seeing a doctor regularly) in order to manage your heart condition. Two of the lifestyle adjustments that patients often overlook are the simplest to manage: Self-management of weight and sodium (salt) restriction. Weight manage ment involves weighing yourself daily to determine if you are gaining weight (specifically weight caused by fluid accumulation). You can do this as part of your daily routine by weighing yourself on the same scale every morning and recording your weight to the tenth of a pound (e.g., 165.3 pounds). Small fluctuations in your weight are not a cause for alarm. However, larger gains in weight (e.g., 2-3 pounds) or a consis tently rising weight over several days or weeks, could mean trouble. That s why a daily weight measure can help you discover fluid accumulation early, and DEFINITIONS OF LOW SODIUM FOODS: Sodium free: Less than 5 mg per serving (very low sodium content). Very low sodium: 35 mg per serving. Low-sodium: 140 mg per serving. Reduced sodium: Sodium content is 25% less than the standard product. Unsalted: No salt added. REMEMBER: Weigh yourself daily and record the results. Have no more than 2,000 mg of sodium each day or as prescribed by your doctor. In general, avoid foods that have more than 300 mg of sodium per serving. allow you to seek medical care and prevent further complications. Sodium restriction is a simple concept, however, it is not always easy to do. Limiting salt intake is difficult, because of the fact that much of the sodium that we consume every day is hidden in our foods. Although, you may be able to stop adding salt 6
Manage Your Weight & Salt Intake by avoiding the salt shaker, sodium is more difficult to avoid when your favorite foods are prepared with it. For example, a common source of dietary sodium is cured meats (e.g., ham, processed turkey, sausage, etc.). Other foods high in sodium include cheeses, soups, salad dressings, and pickled food (including pickles and olives). When dining out, it is good to ask about and avoid foods prepared with monosodium glutamate (MSG). When shopping at the grocery store, be sure to check the nutritional facts label for the sodium content and choose foods that are labeled as containing less sodium. Some foods are actually labeled as containing less sodium, but not all low sodium foods are created equal (See definitions at left). Inter Valley s FREE Pre-Diabetes Program can prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes Inter Valley Health Plan offers a pre-diabetes management class FREE to our members. The I m In Control! program is based on an approved curriculum through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program consists of a weekly one-hour meeting where members receive the guidance of a trained lifestyle coach, informative materials, and group support for a period of 22 weeks. The class will be held at Inter Valley s Medicare Information & Vitality Centers in Claremont, Riverside and Pomona. A Spanish language class will be offered at the Chino location. To sign up or for more information, please call Sylvia Rosales, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm at 800-251-8191 ext 448. 7
Sitting: Is the New Smoking Are there some days you find yourself sitting for hours, and not exercising? If so, you re not alone. If you need more motivation to get moving: sitting for long periods is a destructive habit that has been labeled the new smoking. Reasons to Be Active Staying active will keep you living longer and healthier. It gets your heart pumping and improves oxygen levels in your blood. We have good scientific evidence that exercise can improve your health and well-being in many ways, including: Improving & maintaining balance, which is one of the keys to preventing falls that could result in injuries. Losing weight, if needed, or maintaining a healthy weight. Lowering or maintaining blood pressure at a healthy level. Improving brain health, helping reduce your risk of dementia, including Alzheimer s disease, or delaying its onset. Strengthening bone structure, which could help reduce the risk of broken bones. Improving blood sugar control, helping reduce your risk for diabetes or helping manage your diabetes. The Right Exercise Weight-bearing exercises are particularly useful, especially for bone health; these include any exercises that force you to work against gravity, like strength training and climbing stairs. Even if you are in a wheelchair or otherwise unable to perform weightbearing exercise, you can still exercise! You can get another person to help if needed. Strength training exercises, such as basic weight lifting or using resistance bands that force you to work your muscles, can get your heart pumping and benefit you in almost all cases. 8
Squeeze It In Another new discovery is that if you can t do a whole 30-minute workout, doing shorter sessions of 5-10 minutes multiple times dur ing the day can allow you to achieve the same results. Guidelines from the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommend that older adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise. However, a little exercise is always better than none. Ask your doctor what exercise is right for you based on your health and medical conditions, and ask how you can make sure your exercise regimen is safe. Walking, strength training, and participating in exercise classes at adult community centers are great options for many 55+ adults. Bottom line: If you know you spend too much time sitting, it s time to kick the habit! We Need Your Feedback: Your Opinion Matters During the months of March and April, you may be part of a select group of members who receive a survey from Medicare asking about your health plan experience. Why is your feedback important? Your opinion influences Inter Valley Health Plan s Five-Star Quality Rating and how the health plan is viewed by other Medicare beneficiaries. It also impacts how Inter Valley Health Plan identifies areas for quality improvement. So let your voice be heard. If you don t want to wait for a survey, then don t hesitate to let us know how we can help improve your member experience. Please call and ask for the Member Care Team at 800-251-8191, or TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. We are also available any time via email at info@ ivhp.com. We want to know how we can better serve you. 9
Get the Most out of Your Doctor Have you ever left your doctor s office with more questions than you had to begin with? Or maybe there are aspects of your health that you haven t talked with your doctor about, even though it would be helpful. If so, you re not alone. The key to getting better care is to be informed, know what questions to ask your doctor, and bring a list of your questions to your doctor s appointments. Get Clear Discussions with your doctor can sometimes be confusing; here are some examples of questions and comments for steering the conversation: Can you explain why you re recommending this treatment? You ve given me a lot of information about what I need to do; can you also provide written instructions so that I don t forget? Plan Ahead When you talk with doctors, it s important that they listen to you which is sometimes hard when they re busy and distracted. Here are some tips for making sure they listen: Ask the office staff to schedule your appointments for times when the office is least busy Do research before your visit so that you re able to ask better questions. You can visit www.ivhp. com/healthwellness to access our Health & Prescription Library. Plan in advance what you need to say or ask, have it written down, and get to the point quickly. Ask About Prescription Medications It s important to talk with your doctor about any medication you re being prescribed, as well as any you re currently taking. Ask your doctor: What are the side effects I should expect from this drug? Can you give me an informational pamphlet? Are there alternatives to medication, like lifestyle changes? 10
Visits: Being Prepared Pays Off Ask About Exercise Many of us don t get enough physical activity as we get older. Ask your doctor: What type of exercise is right for me? Ask About Preventing Falls Because a fall can be life-altering, ask your doctor for prevention tips: What can I do to reduce my risk of falling? Are there exercises you recommend that can improve my balance, like tai chi? Also: If any of your medications cause drowsiness or dizziness, share this information with your doctor. Get Your Lab Tests Getting the lab tests you need is an important part of your care. Here are some tips: If your doctor has ordered lab work, make sure you go to the lab to get your tests done before your next doctor s appointment; Do you know how to get your lab results without waiting for your doctor to receive them? Ask the lab. Make sure you have copies of all your lab results for your personal records. Questions? If you have any questions about how to get your lab work, or have trouble getting a specialist appointment, or have other concerns about your healthcare that Inter Valley can help with, call Member Services at 800-251-8191 or TTY 711, seven days a week, 7:30 am to 8 pm. Do You Have Questions about Prescription or OTC Coverage? Visit us online for the most up-to-date list of medications covered for 2017 at ivhp.com/prescriptiondrugsearch, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or call our Pharmacy Team department at 866-632-7890, Monday through Friday. 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. 11
Investing In thevitality of our AZUSA Medicare Information & Vitality Center Valleydale Park 5525 N. Lark Ellen Ave Tuesday, February 14 @ 12:30 pm Focus on Your Heart Tuesday, February 21 & March 7 @ 12:30 pm Medicare Step by Step Tuesday, March 14 @ 12:30 pm What You Need to Know about Strokes Tuesday, April 11 @ 12:30 pm Focus on Diabetes BANNING Medicare Information & Vitality Center Sun Lakes Village Center (Suite 10-J) 300 S. Highland Springs Ave, Banning Thursday, February 23 @ 11 am Water Coloring Friday, February 24 @ 10 am Focus on Your Heart Thursday, March 2 @ 10 am Healthy Eating with Diabetes Thursday, March 9 @ 10 am 25 Documents You Should Have in Place Tuesday, April 4 @ 10 am Acid Reflux Thursday, April 6 @ 10 am The Importance of Exercise with Diabetes Friday, April 14 @ 10 am Remain Independent in Your Own Home CHINO Medicare Information & Vitality Center Superior Grocery Store (inside) 12375 Central Ave Friday, February 24 @ 10 am Towel Creations Friday, March 3 @ 11 am Healthy Eating with Diabetes Friday, April 7 @ 11 am The Importance of Exercise with Diabetes CLAREMONT Medicare Information & Vitality Center Pomona Valley Health Center Building 1601 Monte Vista, Suite 275, Claremont Wednesday, February 15 @ 10 am Heart Health: Hands Only CPR Wednesday, March 8 @ 10 am Preventing Falls Thursday, March 16 @ 10 am Nutrition & Label Reading Tuesday, April 11 @ 10 am Introduction to the Symphony Wednesday, April 19 @ 10 am Armchair Travel to Ghana Sunday, April 30 @ 2 pm Claremont Symphony Concert 12 RSVPs a must to all Classes & Events @ 800-251-8191, ext. 625 or forhealthandliving.com.
Members and the Community HEMET From Inter Valley Health Plan Medicare Information & Vitality Center Stater Brothers Shopping Center 214 E. Stetson Ave (at State St), Hemet Thursdays, February 16 & 23 @ 9:30 am Riverside Transit Agency VA Services Saturday, March 11 @ 10 am Caregiver Workshop: Plan Ahead Saturday, March 11 @ 1 pm Master Gardeners: Developing Great Soil Tuesday, March 28 @ 10 am Wills & Trusts Saturday, April 8 @ 10 am Helping Parents Remain Independent in their Home Thursday, April 13 & 20 @ 9:30 am Riverside Transit Agency Community Rides Friday, April 21 @ 10 am Armchair Travel to Ghana PALM SPRINGS Medicare Information & Vitality Center Plaza at Sunrise, 555 South Sunrise Way, Ste 105 Wednesdays, February 15 & 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 @ 10 am Senior Fitness Thursdays, February 16 & 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 11 am Zumba Gold Fridays, February 17 & 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, April 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 10 am Meditative Yoga Mondays, March 6 & April 3 @ 1:30 pm Smartphones & Tablets (iphone only) Mondays, March 13 & April 10 @ 1:30 pm Smartphones & Tablets (Android only) RANCHO CUCAMONGA Medicare Information & Vitality Center James L. Brulte Senior Center @ Central Park, 11200 Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga Wednesday, March 8 @ 2:30 pm Healthy Eating with Diabetes Wednesday, April 12 @ 2:30 pm The Importance of Exercise with Diabetes Class Information may change be sure to check when you RSVP. 13
Vitality Investing In the of Our Members and the Community From Inter Valley Health Plan RIVERSIDE Medicare Information & Vitality Center Lincoln Plaza Shopping Center 2995 Van Buren Blvd, Suite A-13, Riverside Friday, February 24 @ 2 pm Focus on Your Heart Thursday, March 2 @ 2 pm Healthy Eating with Diabetes Friday, March 17 @ 11 am St. Patrick s Day Bingo Thursday, March 23 @ 2 pm 25 Documents you Should have in Place Thursday, April 6 @ 2 pm The Importance of Exercise with Diabetes VICTORVILLE Medicare Information & Vitality Center Victor Valley Town Center 12209 Hesperia Rd, Suite E, Victorville Friday, February 17 @ 2 pm Vision Bucket Tuesday, February 28 @ 2 pm Armchair Travel to New Orleans Thursday, March 2 @ 2 pm Real People with Multiple Sclerosis Tuesday, March 7 @ 10 am Preventing Falls Wednesday, March 15 @ 10 am Armchair Travel to Cuba FIVE WISHES MY WISH FOR: 1 2 3 4 5 The Person I Want to Make Care Decisions for Me When I Can t The Kind of Medical Treatment I Want or Don t Want How comfortable I Want to Be How I Want People to Treat Me What I Want My Love Ones to Know Thursday, March 16 @ 2 pm Nutrition & Label Reading Wednesday, April 5 @ 10 am National Road Map Day Celebration Wednesday, April 12 @ 10 am Armchair Travel to Ghana Tuesday, April 18 @ 10 am 5 Wishes Check out upcoming events at forhealthandliving.com 5TH ANNUAL WOMEN S CHANGING AGING ROLES Saturday, June 10 @ Hillcrest 2705 Mountain View Dr, La Verne. Call Marcie Lerner for more information, 909-623-6333, ext 626. PATIENT ADVOCATE & CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS For members and their families. Topics discussed: Characteristics of an effective advocate, navigation of the healthcare system, documentation and internet resources. WEST COVINA Medicare Information & Vitality Center West Covina Senior Center, 2501 East Cortez St Wednesday, March 8 @ 10 am Reading Labels for Weight Loss Wednesday, April 12 @ 10 am Remain Independent in Your Own Home 14 RSVPs a must to all Classes & Events @ 800-251-8191, ext. 625 or forhealthandliving.com. Class Information may change be sure to check when you RSVP.
A NEW YEAR A NEW YOU WIN AN EASY TO USE EXERCISE KIT You can make a big impact on your overall health and fitness with only a few changes in your lifestyle. Answer the questions below and you will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win our free work out package that includes a stretch band, a pedometer and hand weights (exercise ball not included). 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, March 10, 2017. Send your entry to: Inter Valley Health Plan Attention: Communications Dept PO Box 6002, Pomona, CA 91769-6002 1. Weight-bearing are particularly useful, especially for health; these include any exercises that force you to against, like training and climbing. 2. If you can t do a whole 30-minute workout, doing sessions of 5-10 minutes times during the day can allow you to achieve the results. 3. Exercise can help and maintain your, which is one of the keys to falls that could result in. 4. Ask your what exercise is right for you based on your and, and ask how you can make sure your is safe. Winners from last issue: Linda Tucker, Chino, Harriet Kane, West Covina and Margaret Stearns, La Quinta * By entering this contest, you give Inter Valley Health Plan permission to publish your name and city in this magazine, should you win. 15
INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN 300 South Park Avenue PO Box 6002 Pomona CA 91769-6002 Health/Wellness/Prevention Information Address Service Requested INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN S COMPANY OBSERVED HOLIDAYS Cyndie M. O Brien, Editor Marion Schmid, Editor For article information, or additional copies, please call the Editor at 909-623-6333. 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 1-800-251-8191 (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 1-800-251-8191 (TTY 711) Our offices will be closed: President s Day...Monday, February 20, 2017 Memorial Day...Monday, May 29, 2017 To become a member of any of our Plan programs and receive all our benefits, including this magazine call 800-500-7018 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 800-251-8191 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.