In this Issue:
CHECK
OFF THESE
ADVANTAGES
OF THE
ACTIVITIES
TO KEEP VISIT
ANNUAL WELLNESS
YOU AT YOUR BEST
AVOID HEART DISEASE:
INTER
VALLEY
OFFERS AN
A1C
AND
ASPIRIN
ENTIRE HEALTHCARE TEAM
HAVE PHARMACY
NO EXCUSES –WE HAVE
QUESTIONS?
GET YOUR FLU SHOT
ANSWERS
HEART
FAILURE:
TIPS TO
AVOID GOING
ARE YOU AT RISK?
BACK
AFTER
YOUR HOSPITAL
PREVENT/DELAY
STAY
DIABETES WITH
OUR FREE PROGRAM
Inter
Valley
Member
15-year
Member
Ann
Ann Fraggos
Fraggos
It’s
Never too
Graduates
withLate to
Pursue
Goals
honors Your
in Sociology
Learning
F
riends 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
2
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.
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
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 1984.
The Surprising Benefits of Meditation
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.
4
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.
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
Preventive Activities to Keep
P
reventive 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
A
void 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
F eelings of hopelessness or paranoia
L oss of interest in activities, hobbies and socializing
A
lcohol or substance abuse
S uicidal thoughts or actions
Having support and working with your doctor are key
in taking charge of your mental health. To maintain
good mental health:
A
llow yourself to make changes, grow, make
decisions, and even make mistakes.
F reely express your feelings and emotions to
someone you trust.
Join a support group
6
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
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.
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
7
Inter Valley Offers an Entire Health Care Team
Your Personal
Care Team
Phone Numbers
MEMBER CARE
SPECIALISTS, SOCIAL
CARE MANAGER
& CARE MANAGERS:
800-251-8191
DENTAL HEALTH
CARE SPECIALISTS:
844-237-2228
PERSONAL CARE
ADVOCATE (PCA):
800-578-7526
PHARMACY TEAM:
Pharmacists &
Representatives
866-632-7890
Technicians
800-251-8191
W
e 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
No More Excuses — Get your Flu shot
I
f 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.
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.
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.
Don’t make excuses based on myths!
Protect yourself this flu season.
9
Heart Failure: Are You at Risk?
Early Diagnosis Can
Help You Stay Healthy
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
W
hile “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
10
eight gain of two or three pounds in a
W
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 800-251-8191 ext 485.
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, 800-251-8191, ext 448.
Decisions that Save
Lives: Organ Donations
H
ave 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 800-786-4077.
Womens’ Health and
Cancer Rights Act
D
id 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
Health care coordination
O
ne 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.
12
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.
Vitality
Investing In the
of
Our Members and the Community
From Inter Valley Health Plan
CHINO
Medicare Information & Vitality Center
Superior Grocery Store (inside) 12375 Central Ave
Wednesday, November 16 @ 10 am
Benefits of a Massage
Monday, December 5 @ 12 pm Holiday Gift
Wednesday, December 14 @ 10 am Holiday Bingo
CLAREMONT
Medicare Information & Vitality Center
Pomona Valley Health Center Building
1601 Monte Vista, Suite 275, Claremont
Thursday, November 10
@ 10 am Diabetes & You
Thursday, November 17
@ 10 am Towel Creations
Wednesday, November 30
@ 1 pm Afternoon
Movie: The Intern
Monday, December 5
@ 1 pm BEE BRAINY:
Closing Party
Wednesday, January 18
@ 10 am Organ Donation
BANNING
Medicare Information & Vitality Center
Sun Lakes Village Center (Suite 10-J)
300 S. Highland Springs Ave, Banning
Tuesday, November 15 @ 10 am
Craft Class: Towel Creations
Friday, November 18 @ 11 am
Morning Movie: The Intern
Tuesday, December 6 @ 10 am Tour To Cuba
HEMET
Medicare Information
& Vitality Center
Stater Brothers Shopping Center
214 E. Stetson Ave
(at State St), Hemet
Tuesday, November 15 @ 2 pm
Craft Class: Towel Creations
Wednesday, November 16 @ 1 pm
Afternoon Movie: The Intern
Thursday, December 8 @ 11 am Holiday Bingo
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.
13
Vitality
Investing In the
of
Our Members and the Community
From Inter Valley Health Plan
PALM SPRINGS
Medicare Information & Vitality Center
Plaza at Sunrise, 555 South Sunrise Way, Ste 105
Thursday, November 10, 17 & December 1, 8
& 15 @ 11 am Zumba Gold
Wednesday, November 16, 23, 30, December 7
& 14 @ 10 am Senior Fitness
Friday, November 11, 18, December 2, 9 & 16 @
10 am Meditative Yoga
Monday, November 14, 2, 21, 28, December 5 &
12 @ 10 am Tai Chi
Monday, November 14 & December 12 @ 1:30
pm Smartphones & Tablets (Android Only)
Tuesday, November 15, 22, 29, December 6 & 13
@ 10 am Chair Yoga
Thursday, November 17 @ 1 pm Water Color
Painting All supplies provided
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
Medicare Information & Vitality Center
James L. Brulte Senior Center @ Central Park,
11200 Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga
Wednesday, November 16 @ 2:30 pm
Benefits of Coloring for Adults
Wednesday, December 14 @ 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 @ 11 am
Morning Movie: The Intern
Thursday, November 17 @ 1 pm
Craft Class: Towel Creations
Tuesday, December 6 @ 2 pm
Armchair Travel Tour To Cuba
Friday, December 9 @ 11 am Holiday Bingo
VICTORVILLE
Medicare Information & Vitality Center
Victor Valley Town Center
12209 Hesperia Rd, Suite E, Victorville
Friday, November 11 @ 10 am
Craft Class: Towel Creations
Thursday, December 1 @ 1 pm
BEE BRAINY: Closing Party
Tuesday, December 13 @ 1 pm Holiday Bingo
Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24 @ 10 am
Diabetes & You Series (3 parts)
Thursday, January 19 @ 10 am Organ Donation
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.
14
ENTER TO
WIN A FREE
TURKEY GIFT
CERTIFICATE!
W
e 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 91769-6002
1. W
hile “_________ 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. S ince 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
INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN
300 South Park Avenue
PO Box 6002
Pomona CA 91769-6002
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #41
San Dimas CA
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.
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
800-500-7018 or TTY 711 for hearing impaired.
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)
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.