921802_23_Evernorth Care Group March Patient Newsletter

click to advance

Your Health Connection

HEARING FACTS

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHTS

PRACTICE AREA:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

LOCATION:

Podiatry

Sun City Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care (Monday); Paseo Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care (Tuesday–Friday)

PRACTICE AREA:

Audiology

Stapely Multi-Specialty Center and Urgent Care

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

LOCATION:

FUN FACTS+

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.

Nondiscrimination Notice [PDF] Report Fraud

The desert scenery and the weather during the winter months.

Hiking.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

Seeing the mountains each day and being near family.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

START A HEALTHY CONVERSATION

Have a wellness visit coming up?

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

LEARN MORE

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

“Take care of your body; it’s the only place you have to live.”

– JIM ROHN

Health tips

LEARN MORE

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

RECIPES

High marks for high-fiber dinners

High-fiber meals are a great choice for dinner tonight. A diet high in fiber can have numerous health benefits, including healthy weight loss, keeping you regular and promoting healthier gut bacteria.

Avocado, yogurt and buttermilk lend creaminess to this fiber-rich salad’s dressing.

GET RECIPE

This spicy baked pasta features leftover chicken tinga with a rich tomato-chipotle sauce that adds heat and creaminess to the dish.

CHICKEN TINGA BAKED PASTA

GET RECIPE

Because you marinate the pork the night before, all that’s left to do is roast the pork and vegetables while preparing the quinoa for this easy healthy dinner.

ITALIAN ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH VEGETABLES AND QUINOA

GET RECIPE

CONNECT WITH US

Recommended questions from Lauren Wurster, DPM, FACFAS:

What should I be looking for in footwear?

How do I care for my feet at home?

What stretching exercises should I be doing?

Recommended questions from Wilmarie Rosado Cortes, AuD

EvernorthCareGroup.com

Am I due for an audiological evaluation?

Is there an earwax blockage in my ears?

Should I be concerned if I experience ringing (tinnitus) in my ears?

Why it makes sense to take care of your senses.

Here’s how to reset your MyChart Password

Don’t forget to like, follow and connect with

ADJUST YOUR SCREENS TO REDUCE EYE STRAIN.

SHOP GROCERY STORE PERIMETERS FOR HEALTHIEST FOOD OPTIONS.

A GOOD NIGHT’S REST CONTRIBUTES TO HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH GREEN GODDESS SLAW

BACK

We want to help you take care of your hearing and vision at any age. But as you get older, it’s important to watch for signs of vision and hearing loss and determine whether you need to see your provider more often for preventive care and treatment.

With efficient visits and targeted, personalized care, we help you access all the services you need.

FUN FACTS+

“Problems hearing your significant other? Then it is time for a hearing test!”

Audiologist's ADVICE:

Lauren Wurster, DPM, FACFAS

FUN FACTS+

BACK

Wilmarie Rosado Cortes, AuD

RETIREMENT SPOTLIGHT

Scottsdale Norte and Scottsdale SkySong

After 43 years of service, Winnola Thompson will be retiring in March. She started at Evernorth Care Group when it was Arizona Health Plan, and has grown within the company to her most current role as Practice Supervisor at Scottsdale Norte and Scottsdale SkySong. Winnola has been instrumental in the growth of Evernorth Care Group, and thoughout her time, her compassion has touched many lives. Winnola is now looking forward to traveling to Vermont to see the fall colors—and not setting her alarm every morning! Congratulations on your retirement, Winnola. You’ll be missed.

We work closely with your primary care provider to ensure you get a quick appointment. Additionally, you can access all necessary services under one roof, including provider and podiatry visits, pharmacy, laboratory, and imaging services.

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

Throughout 2022, the Evernorth Care Group’s Superstition Springs location was under construction. Updates included new flooring and furniture; digital screens in each exam room; exam room sliding doors improving accessibility; and a nursing station. Now that it’s complete and ready to deliver a better care experience make an appointment today to visit one of our providers. Learn more about the services offered at Superstition Springs on our website.

See the new and improved Superstition Springs facility.

MARCH 2023 - ISSUE 20

BACK

If your eyes feel tired or vision blurry, all that time with your digital devices might be to blame. Making a few changes to how you use your devices can be easier on your eyes.

1. Adjust your screens to reduce

2. Shop grocery store perimeters for

BACK

Fresh foods are generally healthier than the processed foods you'll find in the center aisles. Because the items in the outside perimeter are fresh, you can better control the fat and sodium intake in your diet.

3. A good night’s rest contributes to

BACK

Losing weight is challenging, and keeping weight off can be just as difficult. Although the medical community is still untangling the complicated relationship between sleep and body weight, several potential links have emerged that highlight the potential weight loss benefits of getting a good night’s rest and the negative health impacts of sleep deprivation.

New to Evernorth Care Group ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

COORDINATED care:

We perform most foot surgeries at our state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center. Our surgery center offers routine and complex surgeries with fixed costs, so you get the care you need at an affordable price.

OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER:

Our podiatrists are experts in diabetes foot care, offering treatment and guidance to lower your risk of complications. We’ll help you complete an onsite blood sugar screening to evaluate your risks, then put you on a personalized care plan designed to help you achieve your best health.

DIABETES FOOT care:

Winnola Thompson

healthiest food options.

healthy weight loss.

READ THE LABEL

REMINDER 02

Get the facts: Dangers to stay away from when reading a nutritional label

FLAT FOOT AND CHILDREN

“A laugh a day keeps the doctor away!”

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

I love hiking.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

1. 2. 3.

VISION FACTS

Don’t miss our optical sale

Now until March 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.

Podiatry services: Helping you put your best foot forward

+ Bunion repair + Hammertoe repair + Arthroscopy + Flatfoot repair + High arches

+ Foot and Ankle trauma + Chronic lateral ankle instability + Rearfoot fusions + Wound care + Custom foot orthotics

Is your child or grandchild complaining their feet hurt? It might be flatfoot. Ask yourself the following questions:

Does your child complain of their legs being tired or achy?

Do their ankles roll in when they walk?

Are they able to keep up with their playmates, or do they shy away from physical activities?

Evernorth Care Group offers podiatry services at six locations in the Valley: Paseo, Phoenix Central, Sun City, Superstition Springs, Westridge and C.J. Harris. Visit our website for more information, and call 1-800-233-3264 to make an appointment.

PRACTICE SUPERVISOR

Step 2: Enter your MyChart username and date of birth.

Step 3:

Option to send the verification code to your email or to text it to phone on file

Step 4: Enter the code you recieved.

Step 5: Create new password.

If you need help or are having difficulty signing in, contact Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264.

Have you seen the Wellness & News page on the Evernorth Care Group Website?

REMINDER 03

Stay up to date on what’s happening at Evernorth Care Group news and discover ideas that will inspire healthy living at any age.

WELLNESS & NEWS

On February 16, the Cigna Health Improvement Tour (HIT) van and Evernorth Care Group were at Rio Vista Community Park in Peoria, Arizona, providing 79 free biometric and skin screenings. Employees were excited to share information related to the importance of health and connect with current and new patients, while enjoying fun giveaways and food.

Evernorth Care Group hits the road.

IN THE COMMUNITY

eye strain.

Evernorth Care Group.

In celebration of National Nutrition Month, it's important to understand what we are consuming. Food items in the grocery store might be marketed as healthy, but reading the Nutrition Facts label might tell another story. At first glance, a California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza might look healthy according to its slogans: “Made with Natural Chicken,” “Thin Crust Pizza” and “Our Real Ingredient Promise.” Let’s see what the label says.

Step 1:

Click “Forgot Password” under “Sign In.”

REMINDER 01

BACK

Now that you know more about vision health, your next step is to schedule a vision appointment with Evernorth Care Group. You can make your vision appointment today online or by calling 800.233.3264.

Vision loss can be permanent, so do what you can to protect one of your most valuable natural assets.

1. Healthy adults younger than 40 usually have stable vision.

To maintain your vision and overall eye health, wear sunglasses that have UV protection. And wear protective gear when playing sports or working with power tools, machinery, or chemicals — both at work and at home.

Taking care of your senses.

+ six facts to know about your vision

2. Before the age of 40, the natural lens of the eye is very flexible.

This helps the lens focus on objects that are close up or far away. But as we get older, the lens tends to lose its flexibility, gradually lowering the ability to see up-close objects, especially in low light. If you have presbyopia, you might have to hold an object like a book farther away to see it clearly.

When you take care of your overall health by eating well and not smoking, your eyes (and the rest of your body) benefit.

4. Cataracts and glaucoma can happen at any age but mostly in people over 60.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. It can easily be removed and replaced by a special lens during surgery. Glaucoma is a deterioration of the eye’s nerve over time, accompanied by increased pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is treated with eyedrops or surgery to decrease eye pressure.

Lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E may promote eye health. So eat citrus fruits, including oranges, as as well as leafy green vegetables, nuts and fatty fish. Eating fish and vegetables may prevent age-related macular degeneration, too.

Luckily, using these devices does not seem to have permanent effects. To prevent eye strain, adjust your computer monitor so that it's two feet in front of you. Use desk lighting to reduce glare, and take a break every hour.

Insurances accepted:

Same Day Optometry Appointments Available

**WebMD. “How Your Vision Changes as You Age.” Last reviewed September 15, 2022. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-vision-changes.

Some diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can affect vision and eye health.

Staring at monitors and other digital devices may result in strained, dry, and tired eyes.

Some foods may be especially good for eyes.

BACK

Now that you know more about hearing health, your next step is to schedule an audiology appointment with Evernorth Care Group. You can make your audiology appointment today online or by calling 800.233.3264.

Hearing loss can be permanent, so do what you can to protect one of your most valuable natural assets.

1. Hearing loss results when any part of your ear isn’t working the way it should.

About 48 million Americans have lost some hearing. Certain conditions, including age, illness and genetics, may play a role in hearing loss. Modern life has added a host of ear-damaging elements to the list, including some medications and many sources of loud, ongoing noise.

Taking care of your senses.

+ six facts to know about your HEARING

2. In many cases, hearing fades so slowly you don’t notice it happening.

You may have trouble following a conversation, think other people are mumbling or not speaking clearly, get complaints that the TV is too loud, or hear ringing, roaring, or hissing sounds in your ears, known as tinnitus.

3. Advanced age is the most common cause of hearing loss.

One out of three people between 65 and 74 has some level of hearing loss. After age 75, that goes up to one out of every two people.

4. Wear earplugs when you’re around sounds as loud or louder than traffic.

Lawn mowers, power sanders, vacuums, and most concerts are all loud enough to harm unprotected ears. When possible, move away from the source of the noise or wear ear protection.

5. If your workplace is noisy, talk to your employer about ear safety.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers install barrier walls or mufflers in noisy plants to protect their workers’ hearing.

6. Be aware that recreational activities also come with high noise levels.

If you know you’re going to be somewhere noisy, limit your time there and wear ear protection. As a general rule, if you have to shout to be heard three feet away, it’s too loud.

Are you a Cigna Medicare Advantage Member?

Barker, J. "Hearing Loss." WebMD. Last reviewed September 26, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hearing-loss-causes-symptoms-treatment.

For 2023, optical and audiology material benefits have greater benefit maximums. Plus each offers a FREE exam. To access your specific Cigna plan benefits, visit myCigna.com .

Insurances accepted:

Get the facts: Dangers to stay away from when reading a nutritional label

BACK

Pay attention to the serving size, especially how many servings there are per container. For example, a serving size is 1/3 of the pizza compared to eating the entire pizza.

1. Serving size

Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol, and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. The more trans fats eaten, the greater risk of heart disease. The pizza has little to no trans fats, based on the serving size.

2. Trans fats

Over 70% of dietary sodium comes from eating packaged and prepared foods. Consuming too much sodium is associated with high blood pressure. The pizza shows extremely high levels of sodium per serving.

3. Sodium

These are sugars added during the processing or preparation of foods. Limiting added sugars helps prevent or reduce the burden of chronic disease like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

4. Added sugar

Talk to your provider at Evernorth Care Group on recommended Daily Values based on your health needs.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label.” Content current as of February 25, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label.