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PROVIDER SPOTLIGHTS
PRACTICE AREA:
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
LOCATION:
Internal Medicine
2
Scottsdale Health Center
PRACTICE AREA:
Internal Medicine
Superstition Springs Health Center
3
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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The incredibly beautiful nature that surrounds us.
Yoga, hiking, and swimming.
FAVORITE FORMS OF EXERCISE:
FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN ARIZONA:
START A HEALTHY CONVERSATION
Have an upcoming wellness visit?
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
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
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?
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NOVEMBER 2023 - ISSUE 27
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Evernorth Care Group.
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:
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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.
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Accepting new patients
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
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Accepting new patients
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
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.
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.
REMINDER 02
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.
Celebrating the NAMI Walk on October 21
RECIPES
Three Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love.
Persian Style Butternut Squash Soup
GET RECIPE
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.
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.
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LEARN MORE
PACE YOURSELF.
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LEARN MORE
EAT BREAKFAST.
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LEARN MORE
THREE EASY TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER THANKSGIVING
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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.
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IN THE COMMUNITY
BACK
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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.
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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.
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HENNY YOUNGMAN
I told the doctor
I broke my leg in two places.
He told me to
quit going to those places.”
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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.
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Next steps:
Talk to your health care provider if you have any more questions or want to schedule an A1C test.
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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.
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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.
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LEARN MORE
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To learn more about pediatric services, visit our website.
To schedule an appointment, call Evernorth Care Group at 800.233.3264.
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If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, get tested at least two times per year.
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BACK
Remember to use your plan benefits before the end of the year.
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+
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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.