1241383545_23_Evernorth Care Group December 2023 Patient Newsletter

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Your Health Connection

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHTS

PRACTICE AREA:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

LOCATION:

Internal Medicine

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

PRACTICE AREA:

Dermatology

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

LOCATION:

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We’ll be sharing provider and staff spotlights, patient testimonials, health tips, center updates, and even job openings. Be sure to connect with us so you don’t miss a thing.

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No snow to shovel.

Anything where I can work out with my dogs and hang out with my kids.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

The sunsets.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA

START A HEALTHY CONVERSATION

Have a wellness visit or dermatology exam coming up?

LEARN MORE

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.”

LEIGH HUNT

HEALTHY REMINDERS

RECIPES

GET RECIPE

Grilled Steak Tacos with Chimichurri

GET RECIPE

Easy Grilled Chicken Shawarma

GET RECIPE

CONNECT WITH US

Recommended questions from Nida Raja, DO:

How does my personal and family history affect my risk for certain diseases?

What screenings and preventive services are recommended for me based on my risk factors?

Are there lifestyle changes I could make to improve my health?

Recommended questions from Kathrina Ridley, NP:

Your Health Connection

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHTS

Internal Medicine

PRACTICE AREA:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

LOCATION:

“Do something that will make you happy!”

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

EvernorthCareGroup.com

Am I getting enough protection from the sun?

What is a good skin care routine?

Am I hydrating my skin appropriately?

Don’t forget to like, follow and connect with

Nida Raja, DO

Kathrina Ridley, NP

Don't forget to like, follow and connect with Evernorth Care Group.

EvernorthCareGroup.com

Nida Raja, DO

FUN FACTS+

SLOW-COOKER BALSAMIC SHORT RIBS

BACK

FUN FACTS+

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Doctor's ADVICE:

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FUN FACTS+

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MEDICAL ASSISTANT OF THE MONTH

Stacie recently celebrated her five year anniversary with Evernorth Care Group. Since joining us, she has been a constant ray of sunshine for our patients. Stacie is a hard worker and dedicated to making sure her patients are taken care of. From spreading holiday cheer on Stapley’s “Fun Committee” to training new employees and students, you can always count on Stacie to lend a hand. We are so happy to have her on our team.

decEMBER 2023 - ISSUE 28

PAMELA MACIAS, ma

START A HEALTHY CONVERSATION

Have a wellness visit or dermatology exam coming up?

This month’s spotlight providers recommend asking these questions during your visit.

Winter hikes.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

Yoga and running.

FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE:

BACK

Recommended questions from Nida Raja, DO

This month’s spotlight providers recommend asking these questions during your visit.

What screenings and preventive services are recommended for me based on my risk factors?

Are there lifestyle changes I could make to improve my health?

1. 2. 3.

Am I getting enough protection from the sun?

What is a good skin care routine?

Am I hydrating my skin appropriately?

Recommended questions from Kathrina Ridley, NP

Don’t forget to like, follow and connect with Evernorth Care Group.

We’ll be sharing provider and staff spotlights, patient testimonials, health tips, center updates, and even job openings. Be sure to connect with us so you don’t miss a thing.

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

1. 2. 3.

Evernorth Care Group.

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE:

Running.

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

Kathrina Ridley, NP

FUN FACTS+

“You must take care of yourself before you take care of anyone else. Your health should be your priority.”

words to live by:

Nida Raja, DO

“Do something that will make you happy!”

DOCTOR'S ORDERS:

FUN FACTS+

The sunsets.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

Running.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

BACK

Pam is a medical assistant who works in family practice at Evernorth Care Group’s Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center. Over time, she has grown to exponentially impact patient care directly and

LEARN MORE

It’s no wonder so many of us experience holiday stress. Trying to balance multiple obligations and being hit with excessive commercialism can make it difficult to focus on the special moments we’re meant to be enjoying with family and friends. Get help handling your holidays with in-person behavioral health services, now available at Evernorth Care Group.

New to Evernorth Care Group SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Pamela Macias, MA

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

New to Evernorth Care Group SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

1. 2. 3.

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

Spring is in the air – and so are these air-fryer recipes.

GET RECIPE

SLOW-COOKER BALSAMIC SHORT RIBS

New to Evernorth Care Group SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

This month’s spotlight providers recommend asking these questions during your next visit.

“

Whether you’re treating guests or feeding a busy home-for-the-holidays, these recipes will help you keep things simple and nutritious. After all, the cook deserves time to celebrate the season too.

“Do something that will make you happy!”

“You must take care of yourself before you take care of anyone else. Your health should be your priority.”

This month’s spotlight providers recommend asking these questions during your visit.

All Evernorth Care Group products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. Evernorth Care Group refers to the group medical practice division of Cigna Health Care of Arizona, Inc.

Whether you’re treating guests or feeding a busy home-for-the-holidays, these recipes will help you keep things simple and nutritious. After all, the cook deserves time to celebrate the season too.

Am I getting enough protection from the sun?

What is a good skin care routine?

Am I hydrating my skin appropriately?

PEDIATRIC CORNER

HEALTHY REMINDERS

The winter months tend to bring an increase in colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. If you aren’t feeling well and need to connect with a provider, you have several options.

REMINDER 01

Where to go for medical care this winter

REMINDER 02

The winter months tend to bring an increase in colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. If you aren’t feeling well and need to connect with a provider, you have several options.

End-of-year pharmacy and optical sales at Evernorth Care Group

REMINDER 03

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pharmacy Sale: Get 25% off select OTC medications at our 17 Evernorth Care Group pharmacies, now through December 22, 2023.

Happy holidays from the Evernorth Care Group Pediatric Department!

You should double-check you have received your flu vaccination, which can help you avoid getting sick this winter.

Feed My Starving Children

In November, employees at Evernorth Care Group took time out of their day to support Feed My Starving Children by packing nutritious meals designed to reverse and prevent under-nutrition around the world. Feed My Starving Children distributes the packed meals to schools, orphanages, clinics and feeding programs to deliver hope and break the cycle of poverty.

LEARN MORE

RECIPES

Simple and healthy recipes to feed a holiday crowd.

SHEET-PAN PANCAKES

GET RECIPE

EASY STUFFED MUSHROOMS

GET RECIPE

SLOW-COOKER BALSAMIC SHORT RIBS

Whether you’re treating guests or feeding a busy home-for-the-holidays, these recipes will help you keep things simple and nutritious. After all, the cook deserves time to celebrate the season too.

REMINDER 02

IN THE COMMUNITY

Virtual Care. For minor medical concerns, virtual care is an option, and costs are typically the same as or less than a PCP visit. Service is usually faster, and there’s no need to leave home or work. Primary Care Provider (PCP). For minor medical concerns and routine or preventive care, PCP visits may charge a copay/coinsurance and/or deductible. Wait times are short, but you’ll need an appointment. Urgent Care. An option when your PCP is not available, urgent care treats most non-life-threatening medical illnesses or injuries. You don't need an appointment, and costs are lower than an ER but typically higher than virtual care or a PCP visit. Emergency Room (ER). The ER is available 24/7 for immediate treatment of critical injuries or illnesses. You don't need an appointment; however, wait times may be long and costs are higher than other options.

REMINDER 01

Having a digital insurance ID card is becoming more of a norm than carrying a physical card in your wallet. Before your next appointment, we recommend you upload your digital ID card to MyChart to expedite your check-in process.

REMINDER 02

IN THE COMMUNITY

All Evernorth Care Group Urgent Care locations are now open 8:00 am–6:00 pm daily (including weekends and holidays). Evernorth Care Group Urgent Care locations:

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

All Evernorth Care Group Urgent Care locations are now open 8:00 am–6:00 pm daily (including weekends and holidays).

Updated urgent care hours

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

REMINDER 03

End-of-year pharmacy and optical sales at Evernorth Care Group

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pharmacy Sale: Get 25% off select OTC medications at our 17 Evernorth Care Group pharmacies, now through December 22, 2023.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pharmacy Sale:

REMINDER 03

You’re age 45 or older and your doctor recommends a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

HIT THE WEIGHTS TWO TIMES A WEEK

LEARN MORE

LIMIT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA TIME

LEARN MORE

FORGIVE YOURSELF

LEARN MORE

New Year’s resolutions you can stick to in 2024

BACK

1. Forgive yourself.

You should double-check you have received your flu vaccination, which can help you avoid getting sick this winter.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season is upon us. It looks like the common cold, but for at-risk kids, it can develop into a more serious illness. Ensuring proper handwashing and avoiding exposure are two important preventive steps.

IN THE COMMUNITY

BACK

This year, we want to help you reduce some of that stress and get back into the true holiday spirit.

PATIENT APPRECIATION WEEK:

Thank you for trusting us with your health and well-being.

To show our appreciation, Evernorth Care Group will have free goodies throughout their 20 centers November 13th - 17th.

Staff will be available to help you with MyChart and answer questions about Evernorth Care Group services. Follow our social media for more details during Patient Appreciation Week.

LEARN MORE

Outpatient surgery center: colonoscopy

Why you might need a colonoscopy – and why you should schedule it with Evernorth Care Group

-LEIGH HUNT

The groundwork for all happiness is health.”

“

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

Pamela Macias, MA

Pam is a medical assistant who works in family practice at Evernorth Care Group’s Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center. Over time, she has grown to exponentially impact patient care directly and indirectly. Whether she’s jumping in to help patients in the office or on the phone, Pam’s concern for her coworkers and patients shows through the care she offers everyone. Her goal is to become a registered nurse manager and to be the change that leads us into the future of health care.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT OF THE MONTH

Forgiveness frees us from difficult emotions that can disrupt our physical health and hold us back. Often, we’re consistent about forgiving others, but forgiving ourselves is more difficult. Understanding why self-forgiveness is hard can make it easier to practice.

2. Limit your social

Excessive screen time has been linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety and obesity as well as poor sleep. And while all screen time is not the same, there are ways to determine if your time is beneficial, recreational or entirely a waste of your time.

3. Hit the weights two times

In addition to helping you feel fitter, strength training exercises release endorphins, dopamine and other chemicals that increase feelings of self-esteem and even create positive structural changes in your brain. So you don’t just feel better physically. You also feel better about yourself.

Upload your digital insurance ID card to MyChart

Optical Sale Now until December 31, 2023, buy one pair of prescription eyeglasses and get 50% off your second pair (Oakley and Maui Jim frames are 25% off). A one-year warranty on frames and lenses is included. See the list of vision centers on our website.

All Evernorth Care Group Urgent Care locations are now open 8:00 am–6:00 pm daily (including weekends and holidays).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

LEARN MORE

This year, we want to help you reduce some of that stress and get you back into the true holiday spirit.

"I love my job because no day is ever the same. Each day I am presented with new challenges and situations that help me grow and become more confident. I feel like the work makes a difference to our patients, and I love being there for them. I also work with supportive colleagues who make me smile and have shown me what teamwork is all about."

LEARN MORE

HIT THE WEIGHTS TWO TIMES A WEEK

LEARN MORE

LIMIT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA TIME

LEARN MORE

FORGIVE YOURSELF

STRANGE-BUT-TRUE Health tips

BACK

1. Forgive yourself.

Limit your social

BACK

Hit the weights two

BACK

Primary Care Provider (PCP). For minor medical concerns and routine or preventive care, PCP visits may charge a copay /coinsurance and/or deductible. Wait times are short, but you’ll need an appointment.

Upload your digital insurance ID card to MyChart

Here are the steps to upload your ID card to MyChart:

Get 25% off select OTC medications at our 17 Evernorth Care Group pharmacies, now through December 22, 2023.

Optical Sale

Now until December 31, 2023, buy one pair of prescription eyeglasses and get 50% off your second pair (Oakley and Maui Jim frames are 25% off). A one-year warranty on frames and lenses is included. See the list of vision centers on our website.

Kids are starting to make their Christmas wish lists for Santa. Consider open-ended toys to help foster creativity and problem-solving skills. Art supplies, games, construction toys, dolls and simple action figures make great and inexpensive gifts.

You should double-check you have received your flu vaccination, which can help you avoid getting sick this winter.

Optical Sale: Now until December 31, 2023, buy one pair of prescription eyeglasses and get 50% off your second pair (Oakley and Maui Jim frames are 25% off). A one-year warranty on frames and lenses is included. See the list of vision centers on our website.

LEARN MORE

Happy holidays from the Evernorth Care Group Pediatric Department!

HIT THE WEIGHTS TWO TIMES A WEEK

LEARN MORE

LIMIT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA TIME

LEARN MORE

FORGIVE YOURSELF

LEARN MORE

TOP 3 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SUMMER

Forgive yourself

BACK

Limit your social media time

BACK

Hit the weights two times a week

BACK

It’s time to put happy back in your holidays.

You have certain lifestyle indicators, including being overweight, sedentary, or a heavy smoker or drinker, or other factors that could put you at risk.

You’re experiencing new bowel symptoms, such as bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss.

You have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).

You’re under age 45 and at a statistically higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (including family history).

Schedule your colonoscopy with Evernorth Care Group Colonoscopy services have expanded to four days a week – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Evernorth Care Group Outpatient Surgery Center can work with your PCP to obtain a referral for a colonoscopy. To schedule an appointment, call 602.282.9752.

media time.

a week.

Primary Care Provider (PCP). For minor medical concerns and routine or preventive care, PCP visits may charge a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. Wait times are short, but you’ll need an appointment.

Urgent Care. An option when your PCP is not available, urgent care treats most non-life-threatening medical illnesses or injuries. You don't need an appointment, and costs are lower than an ER but typically higher than virtual care or a PCP visit.

Emergency Room (ER). The ER is available 24/7 for immediate treatment of critical injuries or illnesses. You don't need an appointment; however, wait times may be long and costs are higher than other options.

Schedule an appointment online with your Evernorth Care Group doctor, or call us at 800.233.3264.

LEARN MORE

Here are the steps to upload your ID card to MyChart:

Save your digital ID card to your phone from your insurance carrier.

Log in to the MyChart app. Tap “Menu.” Tap “Insurance Summary.” Tap “Add insurance card photos.” Upload your digital ID card.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

More questions about MyChart? Call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264.

Locations | Evernorth Care Group

Evernorth Care Group Urgent Care locations: + Paseo Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care - Glendale + Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care + Stapley Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care - Mesa + Sun City Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

Updated urgent care hours

We hope this season brings you joy and blessings. Keep these tips in mind during the holiday season:

To learn more about pediatric services, visit our website. To schedule an appointment, call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264.

Visit one of our six pediatric locations: + Chandler + C.J. Harris – Tempe + Paseo – Glendale + South Mountain + Stapley – Mesa + Westridge

BACK

It’s time to put happy back in your holidays.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Abby is a medical assistant at the Evernorth Care GroupWestridge Health Center. In her two years here, she hasalready made a tremendous impact on servicing ourpatients. Just recently Abby implemented an educationprogram to inform patients about MyChart and howconvenient it is for them to have.

You’re age 45 or older and your doctor recommends a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

Outpatient surgery center: colonoscopy

You’re under age 45 and at a statistically higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (including family history).

You’re experiencing new bowel symptoms, such as bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss.

You have certain lifestyle indicators, including being overweight, sedentary, or a heavy smoker or drinker, or other factors that could put you at risk.

You have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).

media time.

times a week.

Schedule an appointment online with your Evernorth Care Group doctor, or call us at 800.233.3264.

2. Log in to the MyChart app. 3. Tap “Menu.” 4. Tap “Insurance Summary.” 5. Tap “Add insurance card photos.” 6. Upload your digital ID card.

Save your digital ID card to your phone from your insurance carrier.

More questions about MyChart? Call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264.

Locations | Evernorth Care Group

Paseo Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care - Glendale

Evernorth Care Group Urgent Care locations:

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

Stapley Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care - Mesa

Sun City Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

Happy holidays from the Evernorth Care Group Pediatric Department!

We hope this season brings you joy and blessings. Keep these tips in mind during the holiday season:

Simple and healthy recipes to feed a holiday crowd

It’s time to put happy back in your holidays.

NEW TO EVERNORTH CARE GROUP ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Outpatient surgery center: colonoscopy

Why you might need a colonoscopy – and why you should schedule it with Evernorth Care Group

A colonoscopy may be preventive or diagnostic – and often, it’s both. See these five reasons you might be due for a colonoscopy.

You’re age 45 or older and your doctor recommends a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

You’re under age 45 and at a statistically higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (including family history).

You have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).

You’re experiencing new bowel symptoms, such as bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss.

You have certain lifestyle indicators, including being overweight, sedentary, or a heavy smoker or drinker, or other factors that could put you at risk.

Schedule your colonoscopy with Evernorth Care Group

Colonoscopy services have expanded to four days a week – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Evernorth Care Group Outpatient Surgery Center can work with your PCP to obtain a referral for a colonoscopy. To schedule an appointment, call 602.282.9752.

indirectly. Whether she’s jumping in to help patients in the office or on the phone, Pam’s concern for her coworkers and patients shows through the care she offers everyone. Her goal is to become a registered nurse manager and to be the change that leads us into the future of health care.

“You must take care of yourself before you take care of anyone else. Your health should be your priority.”

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

LOCATION:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

Dermatology

PRACTICE AREA:

Kathrina Ridley, NP

Accepting new patients SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

BACK

Anything where I can work out with my dogs and hang out with my kids.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

No snow to shovel.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

FUN FACTS+

The winter months tend to bring an increase in colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. If you aren’t feeling well and need to connect with a provider, you have several options.

Here are the steps to upload your ID card to MyChart:

2. Log in to the MyChart app. 3. Tap “Menu.” 4. Tap “Insurance Summary.” 5. Tap “Add insurance card photos.” 6. Upload your digital ID card.

Save your digital ID card to your phone from your insurance carrier.

Where to go for medical care this winter

Upload your digital ID card to MyChart.

End-of-year pharmacy and optical sales at Evernorth Care Group

Updated urgent care hours

Paseo Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care - Glendale Phoenix Central Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care Stapley Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care - Mesa Sun City Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

We hope this season brings you joy and blessings. Keep these tips in mind during the holiday season:

To learn more about pediatric services, visit our website. To schedule an appointment, call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264. Visit one of our six pediatric locations: + Chandler + C.J. Harris – Tempe + Paseo – Glendale

+ South Mountain + Stapley – Mesa + Westridge

BACK

Need more help getting through the season?

Let go of unrealistic expectations. Focus on what’s important today. Remind yourself that there’s no perfect holiday and you can’t recreate the past.

It’s time to put happy back in your holidays.

10 tips to reduce holiday stress

Try not to isolate yourself. Keep busy and invite others to join you.

Reevaluate your traditions. If your current traditions are too stressful and time consuming, this could be the year to start something new and more enjoyable.

Don’t expect family issues to disappear. Balance your needs with your family’s needs. Consider planning ahead for divorced/blended family celebrations, reducing time spent with difficult family members and letting go of past resentments.

Don’t overcommit yourself. Eliminate stressful or unnecessary activities, remember to ask for help when necessary, and learn to say no.

Create a realistic, manageable holiday budget. This may include starting a holiday fund early, setting up spending limits and keeping a record of your spending to stay on track. Above all, stay focused on the real value of gift giving.

Practice time-saving tips. Plan ahead so you’re organized early, and shop online to avoid the stressful crowds.

Let go of shopping stress. Done right, shopping with friends and family can be a good way to connect and celebrate. Stick with a game plan to keep it manageable and make it fun.

Help kids manage their stress and expectations. Kids feel stress too. Help them set their own realistic expectations and together you can create positive memories and traditions.

Remember the true meaning of the holidays. Don’t let excessive commercialism define your holiday spirit. Remind yourself to focus on the positive and take care of yourself and those you love.

10.

Stress comes when we can’t find a balance between the demands made of us and the resources we have to cope. If that sounds like your typical holiday season, we’re here to help. Recognizing your holiday triggers can help you find ways to cope better and reduce that stress.

In-person behavioral health services are now available at Evernorth Care Group.

Evernorth Care Group is dedicated to treating the whole you – addressing both your physical and mental health needs. That’s why we’re enhancing our primary care services and offering transformative and life-changing behavioral health services right where you see your primary care provider (PCP).

Beginning in December 2023

Behavioral health managers (BHMs) will be available on-site at and virtually via Paseo Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care, with additional locations to be added in 2024. If you feel you could benefit from our services, ask your PCP to schedule you with a BHM.

Learn more about our new behavioral health services at Evernorth Care Group.

It’s time to put happy back in your holidays.

In-person behavioral health services are now available at Evernorth Care Group.