1221764195 _23_Evernorth Care Group November Patient Newsletter

click to advance

Your Health Connection

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHTS

PRACTICE AREA:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

LOCATION:

Internal Medicine

Scottsdale Health Center

PRACTICE AREA:

Internal Medicine

Superstition Springs Health Center

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

LOCATION:

BACK

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 incredibly beautiful nature that surrounds us.

Yoga, hiking, and swimming.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

Winter hikes.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA

START A HEALTHY CONVERSATION

Have an upcoming wellness visit?

LEARN MORE

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

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

HENNY YOUNGMAN

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

RECIPES

GET RECIPE

Grilled Steak Tacos with Chimichurri

GET RECIPE

Easy Grilled Chicken Shawarma

GET RECIPE

CONNECT WITH US

Recommended questions from Sanah Ali, MD

How can I live a more active lifestyle?

How often should I follow up with my provider?

Are there any medications that I no longer need to take?

Recommended questions from Mehak Akhter, MD

Your Health Connection

Internal Medicine

PRACTICE AREA:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

Superstition Springs Health Center

LOCATION:

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHTS

Internal Medicine

PRACTICE AREA:

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

Scottsdale Health Center

LOCATION:

Prevention is the best medicine.

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Mehak Akhter, MD

EvernorthCareGroup.com

What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of certain health conditions?

Are there any specific recommendations for managing stress or improving mental health?

What screenings or tests are recommended for my age and health history?

Don’t forget to like, follow and connect with

Sanah Ali, MD

Mehak Akhter, MD

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

EvernorthCareGroup.com

Sanah Ali, MD

FUN FACTS+

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Aioli

BACK

FUN FACTS+

BACK

Doctor's ADVICE:

BACK

FUN FACTS+

BACK

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.

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

NOVEMBER 2023 - ISSUE 27

ABIGAIL "Abby" BARRERA LOPEZ

START A HEALTHY CONVERSATION

Have a wellness 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 Sanah Ali, MD

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

How often should I follow up with my provider?

Are there any medications that I no longer need to take?

1. 2. 3.

What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of certain health conditions?

Are there any specific recommendations for managing stress or improving mental health?

What screenings or tests are recommended for my age and health history?

Recommended questions from Mehak Akhter, MD

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

BACK

Yoga, hiking, and swimming.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

The incredibly beautiful naturethat surrounds us.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

1. 2. 3.

Evernorth Care Group.

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE:

Yoga and running.

Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity. - Hippocrates

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

ENTERPRISE INFORMATION

Mehak Akhter, MD

FUN FACTS+

Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity. - Hippocrates

words to live by:

Sanah Ali, MD

Prevention is the best medicine.

DOCTOR'S ORDERS:

FUN FACTS+

Winter hikes.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:

Yoga and running.

FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:

BACK

Abby is a medical assistant at the Evernorth Care Group Westridge Health Center. In her two years here, she has already made a tremendous impact on servicing our patients. Just recently Abby implemented an education program to inform patients about MyChart and how convenient it is for them to have. “I enjoy working for Evernorth Care Group because we provide the best patient care! Getting to see patients leave with a smile on their face because their concernswere resolved is a motivation to continue providing the best patient care.”

LEARN MORE

Evernorth Care Group encourages all our patients, especially those with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes or obesity, and those with a sedentary lifestyle, to prioritize their health by scheduling regular screenings because early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

Accepting new patients SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Abigail “Abby” Barrera Lopez

Westridge Health Center

Accepting New Patients SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

FUN FACTS+

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

1. 2. 3.

Westridge Health Center

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

GET RECIPE

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH SMOKY AIOLI

Accepting New Patients SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

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

NEW TO EVERNORTH CARE GROUP ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Complete your turkey day feast with these diabetes-friendly recipes that taste great.

Prevention is the best medicine.

Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity. - Hippocrates

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

Three diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving recipes everyone will love

Complete your turkey day feast with these diabetes-friendly recipes that taste great.

What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of certain health conditions?

Are there any specific recommendations for managing stress or improving mental health?

What screenings or tests are recommended for my age and health history?

Accepting new patients SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

PEDIATRIC CORNER

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

During National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re bringing attention to resources available to help prevent diabetes and diabetes management, including receiving an A1C test.

REMINDER 01

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

REMINDER 02

During National Diabetes Awareness Month, it's important to bring attention to diabetes and use resources to help prevent diabetesor manage your diabetes diagnosis, including receiving an A1C test.

Save during our end-of- year sales.

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.

With the holiday season coming up, here are some helpful ideas to keep things running smoothly.

This time of year can be busy with shopping, cooking and traveling – tryingto stick to your child’s sleep and mealtime schedule during these busy months will help keep everyone happy, and ward off tantrums.

Celebrating the NAMI Walk on October 21

Evernorth Care Group staff made a difference by coming together for mental health and supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nati on’s largest grass roots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

LEARN MORE

RECIPES

Three Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love.

Persian Style Butternut Squash Soup

GET RECIPE

Cranberry Crumble Bars

GET RECIPE

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Aioli

Complete your turkey day feast with these diabetes-friendly recipes that taste great.

REMINDER 02

IN THE COMMUNITY

During National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re bringing attention to diabetes, resources to help prevent diabetes and diabetes management, including A1C tests. What is an A1C test? The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. What do the results show? The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. When do I get an A1C test? Get an A1C test if you are:

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

REMINDER 01

Did you know that if you are a caregiver, you canuse your own MyChart account for easy andcontinual access to someone else’s medicalrecords? Watch this video to learn more aboutthis feature, which is called “proxy access.”

REMINDER 02

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicare 101 Seminars

Medicare can be confusing, and EvernorthCare Group is here to help. Through the end ofthe year, Evernorth Care Group and Medicareexperts will be hosting no-cost seminars toanswer your questions.

LEARN MORE

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Medicare can be confusing, and Evernorth Care Group is here to help. Through the end of the year, Evernorth Care Group and Medicare experts will be hosting no-cost seminars to answer your questions.

Medicare 101 Seminars

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

INSURANCE ACCEPTED

WHAT DOES THE PHIT DO?

What is an A1C Test?

The link between healthy aging and osteoporosis

Did you know that if you are a caregiver, you can use your own MyChart account for easy and continual access to someone else’s medical records? Watch this video to learn more about this feature, which is called “proxy access.”

REMINDER 03

Save during our end-of- year sales.

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:

Caregiver support: What you need to know about proxy access

Save during our end-of year sales.

REMINDER 03

SEE LOCATIONS

WHAT DOES THE PHIT DO?

Our trained support staff on the Patient Health Improvement Team (PHIT) work collaboratively alongside your PCP to provide robust chronic condition management services, including medication management and lifestyle education, and assists in addressing barriers to reaching your health goals, such as food insecurity and financial strain.

If you are at high or rising risk of a chronic disease, talk to your PCP about the PHIT to get connected.

GET MOVING.

LEARN MORE

PACE YOURSELF.

LEARN MORE

EAT BREAKFAST.

LEARN MORE

THREE EASY TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER THANKSGIVING

BACK

1. Eat breakfast.

This time of year can be busy with shopping, cooking and traveling – trying to stick to your child’s sleep and mealtime schedule during these busy months will help keep everyone happy, and ward off tantrums.

Consider participating in a volunteer activity and bring your child along.

Cooking with children is a way to bond and offer a sense of accomplishment to budding chefs. Be sure to follow food safety guidelines, wash hands frequently and keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters.

Finally, remember to take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Children sense the emotional wellbeing of their parents and caregivers, and if you cope with stress successfully, your children will have an example of how to do the same.

IN THE COMMUNITY

BACK

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES:

Understanding the importance of preventive care.

Although the end of the year is coming up, it’s not too late to complete your annual wellness exam at Evernorth Care Group.

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

Get to know your Patient Health Improvement Team (PHIT)

If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or you are at a rising risk, the PHIT – pronounced “fit” – can help you manage your health journey.

HENNY YOUNGMAN

I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.”

Westridge Health Center

Abigail “Abby” Barrera Lopez, MA

Abby is a medical assistant at the Evernorth Care Group Westridge Health Center. In her two years here, she has already made a tremendous impact on servicing our patients. Just recently, Abby implemented an education program to inform patients about the ease and convenience of MyChart. “I enjoy working for Evernorth Care Group because we provide the best patient care! Getting to see patients leave with a smile on their faces because their concerns were resolved is a motivation to continue providing the best patient care.”

MEDICAL ASSISTANT OF THE MONTH

Waiting until lunch or dinner to eat could sabotage your efforts. Don’t forget to eat a healthy breakfast on Thanksgiving so you don’t over indulge later.

2. Pace yourself.

While it may be tempting to fill your plate with a little bit of everything, remember to take things slow. Keep your portions small, eat slowly and savor the flavor; then, and if you’re still hungry, go back for more.

3. Keep moving.

Nothing brings families together like holiday traditions – and they’re even more fun if they can also get your heart rate up. Sign up for a family Turkey Trot, play a game of touch football or even take a walk around the neighborhood together.

The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

What is an A1C test?

A1C results can diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. And, if you have diabetes, the results help your health care team know how to manage your condition.

What do the results show?

Get an A1C test if you are:

When do I get an A1C test?

Over 45 years old.

Under 45 years old, are overweight or have other risk factors (e.g., family history) for type 2 diabetes.

Next steps:

Talk to your health care provider if you have any more questions or want to schedule an A1C test.

Did you know?

50%

of U.S. adults have prediabetes or diabetes.*

22%

of adults with diabetes have not been diagnosed and do not know they have it.**

88M

adults have prediabetes, putting them at high risk of developing the disease.***

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "National Diabetes Statistics Report." Page last reviewed June 29, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/diabetes-by-the-numbers.html)

CDC. "By the Numbers: Diabetes in America." Page last reviewed October 25, 2022. CDC. "All About Your A1C." Page last reviewed September 30, 2022.

* ** ***

Caregiver support:

What you need to know about proxy access

Did you know that if you are a caregiver, you can use your own MyChart account for easy and continual access to someone else’s medical records? Watch this video to learn more about this feature, which is called “proxy access.” More questions about MyChart? Call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264.

Optical Sale Now until December 31, 2023, buy one pair of prescription eye glasses 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.

SEE LOCATIONS

Medicare can be confusing, and Evernorth Care Group is here to help. Through the end of the year, Evernorth Care Group and Medicare experts will be hosting no-cost seminars to answer your questions.

Medicare 101 Seminars

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

LEARN MORE

Evernorth Care Group staff made a difference by coming together for mental health and supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

LEARN MORE

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

Although the end of the year is coming up, it’s not too late to complete your annual wellness exam at Evernorth Care Group.

Get to know your Patient Health Improvement Team (PHIT).

Our trained support staff on the Patient Health Improvement Team(PHIT) work collaboratively along side your PCP to provide robust chronic condition management services, including medication management and lifestyle education, and assists in addressing barriers to reaching your health goals, such as food insecurity and financial strain.

If you are at high or rising risk of a chronic disease, talk to your PCP about the PHIT to get connected.

“I enjoy working for Evernorth Care Group because weprovide the best patient care! Getting to see patientsleave with a smile on their face because their concernswere resolved is a motivation to continue providing thebest patient care.”

LEARN MORE

GET MOVING

LEARN MORE

PACE YOURSELF

LEARN MORE

EAT BREAKFAST

STRANGE-BUT-TRUE Health tips

BACK

Waiting until lunch or dinner to eat could sabotage your efforts. Don’t forget to eat a healthy breakfast on Thanksgiving so you don’t over indulge later.

1. Eat breakfast

Pace yourself

While it may be tempting to fill your plate with a little bit of everything, remember to take things slow. Keep your portions small, eat slowly, savor the flavor, and if you’re still hungry, go back up for more.

BACK

Keep moving

BACK

Nothing brings families together like a holiday tradition – and they’re even more fun if they can also get your heart rate up. Sign up for a family Turkey Trot, play a game of touch football, or even take a walk around the neighborhood together.

The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s the main test that helps your health care team know how to manage your condition.

What Do the Results Show?

Get an A1C test if you are:

When Do I Take an A1C Test?

Talk to your health care provider if you have any more questions or want to schedule an A1C test.

Next Steps:

Over 45 years old;

Under 45 years old and are overweight or have other risk factors (i.e. family history) for Type 2 diabetes;

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, test at least two times per year

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, get tested at least two times per year.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "National Diabetes Statistics Report." Page last reviewed June 29, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/diabetes-by-the-numbers.html) CDC. "By the Numbers: Diabetes in America." Page last reviewed October 25, 2022. CDC. "All About Your A1C." Page last reviewed September 30, 2022.

* ** ***

What you need to know about proxy access

Caregiver support:

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

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.

With the holiday season coming up, here are some helpful ideas to keep things running smoothly.

This time of year can be busy with shopping, cooking and traveling – trying to stick to your child’s sleep and mealtime schedule during these busy months will help keep everyone happy, and ward off tantrums.

Understanding the importance of preventive care.

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES:

If you are at high or rising risk of a chronic disease,talk to your PCP about the PHIT to get connected.

Over 45 years old

50%

of U.S. adults have prediabetes or diabetes.*

22%

of adults with diabetes have not been diagnosed and do not know they have it.**

88M

adults have prediabetes, putting them at high risk of developing the disease.***

More questions about MyChart? Call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264

Under 45 years old and are overweight or have other risk factors (i.e. family history) for Type 2 diabetes;

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, test at least two times per year

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

With the holiday season coming up, here are some helpful ideas to keep things running smoothly.

Finally, remember to take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Children sense the emotional wellbeing of their parents and caregivers,and if you cope with stress successfully, your children will have an example of how to do the same.

Consider participating in a volunteer activity and bring your child along.

GET MOVING.

LEARN MORE

PACE YOURSELF.

LEARN MORE

EAT BREAKFAST.

LEARN MORE

TOP 3 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SUMMER

Waiting until lunch or dinner to eat could sabotage your efforts. Don’t forget to eat a healthy breakfast on Thanksgiving so you don’t over indulge later.

Eat breakfast.

BACK

Pace yourself.

BACK

Keep moving.

BACK

* ** ***

BACK

Remember to use your plan benefits before the end of the year.

BACK

What is preventive care?

Preventive care includes a range ofhealth care services, tests and screenings to identify possible health issues before symptoms develop or they become complex or chronic conditions. Preventive care is designed to help you live a healthier life and save you money on future health care costs.

Preventive care screenings include those for: + Heart disease + Diabetes + Cancer + High blood pressure + High cholesterol It can also include immunizations for commonconditions, such as the flu or COVID-19, as well ascounseling for lifestyle factors, emotional andmental health, or smoking cessation.

Same-day and next-day preventive care appointments with a primary careprovider (PCP) or nurse practitioner (NP) are available at Evernorth Care Group.

Schedule your next visit.

Schedule your appointment online or call 800.233.3264.

Schedule your next visit.

Understanding the importance of preventive care.

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES:

What is preventive care?

Preventive care includes a range of health care services, tests and screenings to identify possible health issues before symptoms develop or they become complex or chronic conditions. Preventive care is designed to help you live a healthier life and save you money on future health care costs.

What screenings are included in preventive care?

Preventive care screenings include those for: + Heart disease + Diabetes + Cancer + High blood pressure + High cholesterol It can also include immunizations for common conditions, such as the flu or COVID-19, as well as counseling for lifestyle factors, emotional and mental health, or smoking cessation.

What tests and screenings do I need and when?

While you should talk to your doctor and care team about your specific concerns and risk factors, age recommendations for some preventive care screenings are as follows: + Breast cancer: 40 years old+ + Colorectal cancer: 45 years old+ + Cervical cancer: 21 years old+ + Diabetes: 20 years old+ + Lung cancer: 50 years old+ + Osteoporosis: 65 years old+

Annual preventive care visits and screenings are typically covered at 100% by your benefit plan.

Are you a Medicare Advantage member?

In 2023, your benefit maximums might be higher than in previous years – which could include free vision and hearing exams. To access your specific plan benefits, contact your plan provider.

Same-day and next-day preventive care appointments with a primary care provider (PCP) or nurse practitioner (NP) are available at Evernorth Care Group. Schedule your appointment online or call 800.233.3264.

Understanding the importance of preventive care.

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES:

What tests and screenings do I need and when?

While you should talk to your doctor and care team about yourspecific concerns and risk factors, age recommendations forsome preventive care screenings are as follows: + Breast cancer: 40 years old+ + Colorectal cancer: 45 years old+ + Cervical cancer: 21 years old+ + Diabetes: 20 years old+ + Lung cancer: 50 years old+ + Osteoporosis: 65 years old+

Remember to use your plan benefits before the end of the year.

Annual preventive care visits and screenings are typically covered at 100% by your benefit plan.

Are you a Medicare Advantage member?

In 2023, benefit maximums are higher and a for visionand hearing exams are free. To access your specific planbenefits, contact your plan provider.