HEALTH STYLES - Independent Health
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HEALTHSTYLES
INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Foods
Strengthen
to Help
Your Bones
Create an online
member account
Growing concerns for
mental health issues
We’ve expanded our
diabetes benefits
Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO,
HMO-SNP, HMO-POS and PPO plans. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal.
Y0042_C8131_C
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Like the renewal of nature
during the warm seasons, now
is a great time to rejuvenate
your commitment to your
health. Start by taking full
advantage of an online member
account. There are many
benefits to using one, and it Schedule your Enhanced
helps you stay in control of your Annual Wellness Visit (EAV)
health care (see page 5).
Have you worried about At Independent Health, we want to help you live a healthy life.
how you can stay independent Completing an Enhanced Annual Wellness Visit (EAV)* with your
primary care physician (PCP) is an important way you can
BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT
at home longer? We have
some tips we’d like to share maintain or improve your health and well-being.
(see page 12).
Don’t forget to read the What is an EAV?
special message from Anthony An EAV is a comprehensive annual exam and conversation with
Billittier IV, M.D., our Executive your PCP about your health. During this visit, your PCP can help
Vice President and Chief you manage any health concerns before they become a problem
Medical Officer, about getting and discuss any preventive care you may need. Plus, your EAV is
the important COVID-19 vaccine covered in full at a $0 copayment.
and continuing preventive care
(see page 3). What you need to do
As the world around us If you have yet to schedule your EAV for 2021, contact your PCP
continues to change, our support today. You will then be provided with a health risk assessment
for you and your health isn’t questionnaire that you will need to complete either before your
going to change (see page 8). appointment or at the time of your visit. Your PCP will use the
We will always be by your side! answers in the questionnaire as part of your detailed exam and
to create a personalized care plan that’s right for you, based on
your current medical conditions and health goals. Make sure you
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE schedule any preventive care screenings you may need based
on your PCP’s recommendations during your EAV.
6 Helping you remain
healthy and connected PLEASE NOTE: Primary care practices are working hard to
maintain a safe environment for patients during office visits. You
7 Health and wellness
may also be able to have your EAV via telehealth. This means
crossword puzzle
your PCP can set up your EAV through a video chat service like
9 It’s important to share FaceTime or Zoom. Make sure you ask your PCP’s office if it
your end-of-life wishes provides telehealth services.
*Excludes Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice
HMO I-SNP Plan.
2 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2021
COVID-19
Special message from Independent Health
By Anthony Billittier IV, M.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Independent Health
The past 15 months have been an www.ny.gov or call the COVID-19
extremely difficult and challenging Vaccination Hotline at 1 (833) 697-
time for all of us. As COVID-19 4829. You may also want to check to
continues to impact our region and see if your pharmacy is distributing
nation, it’s imperative that we remain the vaccine, too.
vigilant in protecting ourselves and Please keep in mind that
others from this deadly virus. researchers still do not yet know how
However, now that the COVID-19 long protection lasts for those who
vaccine is widely available, there are vaccinated. And just because you
finally seems to be a beacon of light receive the vaccine doesn’t mean
at the end of this long, dark you still can’t get infected. As a
pandemic tunnel. result, wearing a mask, washing
your hands regularly and social
COVID-19 vaccine information distancing will continue to be
Public health experts and federal common prevention practices for
and state governments recommend months to come.
everyone to get the COVID-19
vaccine. The vaccine is covered with Importance of overall
no cost share, meaning you do not preventive care Anthony Billittier IV, M.D.
have to pay for it. Vaccination is In addition to taking all necessary
especially important for people with steps to protect ourselves from as well as screenings for medical
underlying health problems like COVID-19, we also have the conditions such as diabetes, high
heart disease, lung disease, diabetes opportunity to prevent illness and blood pressure and certain types
and obesity. People with these death by following through with of cancer.
conditions are more likely to get our own preventive care. If you The old sports adage “the best
very sick from COVID-19. have yet to schedule recommended offense is a good defense” is equally
If you have specific questions or preventive care services for you or a applicable to your health. Therefore,
concerns about the COVID-19 loved one, now is the time to do so. make sure you speak with your
vaccine, we encourage you to consult Annual well visits, in person or via primary care physician about what
with your primary care physician. telehealth, help people of all ages type of preventive care services
For the most up-to-date vaccine get the preventive care most you may need. Don’t wait or
eligibility and availability information, appropriate for them. This may procrastinate—reach out to your
visit the New York State website at include a host of immunizations, doctor today!
How to stay up to date on COVID-19
Every day, new information is being testing and treatment, educational
shared about COVID-19. That’s videos, and links to community
why we encourage you to visit help. A library of COVID-19 articles
www.independenthealth.com/ and videos can also be accessed
coronavirus, where you will find through our Healthwise online tool
the latest vaccine updates, common at www.independenthealth.com/
questions about coverage for healthwise.
WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 3
for your benefit
Take advantage of our Premier Wellness Package
Independent Health is proud to once • Vision benefits
again be named to the U.S. News & Comprehensive vision coverage for
World Report annual list of the best routine and postcataract eye exams
health insurance companies offering and eye wear allowance is provided
Medicare Advantage coverage. One through EyeMed.
of the many reasons we’ve earned • Enhanced Annual Wellness Visit (EAV)
this honor for two straight years is A comprehensive annual exam and
because we provide additional conversation with your doctor about
benefits that go above and beyond your health. Since an EAV is a
Medicare coverage through our preventive service, it has a $0 copay
Premier Wellness Package. (see page 2).
New for 2021, our Premier • Telemedicine
Wellness Package offers you even When you need care for common
more benefits so that you can medical issues and can’t reach
maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. your primary care physician or are
The package now includes the traveling, you can talk with a doctor
SilverSneakers® program, which gives anytime, anywhere by phone or
you a gym membership with no mobile app through our
activation fee, as well as access to telemedicine benefit from Teladoc®.
virtual exercise classes you can enjoy • Brook Personal Health Companion
at home. We have also partnered A smartphone app that provides free
with American Hearing Benefits to 24/7 Health Coaching support for
provide enhanced hearing aid general health and chronic
coverage. conditions like diabetes and MORE QUESTIONS?
Other highlights of our Premier hypertension. Brook can help you To learn more about our Premium
Wellness Package include: track your nutrition, medications, Wellness Package, visit www.
• Dental benefits sleep, activity and more. independenthealth.com/medicare.
Most of our Medicare Advantage
plans offer preventive dental Benefits vary by plan. Applicable copays may apply for these benefits.
coverage through Healthplex, This information is not a complete description of benefits. It describes the
including routine cleanings, exams benefits for all of our HMO and PPO plans. Some of the benefits mentioned
and X-rays. do not apply to Independent Health’s Family Choice® HMO I-SNP plan. See
your Evidence of Coverage for complete details. SilverSneakers is a
registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc.
How you can be an honorary RedShirt®
Do you have friends or family members who will Our RedShirtsSM are also ready to help those
be retiring soon and/or turning age 65? If so, you care about understand all their Medicare
pass along the RedShirt® Treatment by letting options and answer any questions they may
them know we have developed “The RedShirt’s have. They can meet by phone, online, video
Guide to Medicare,” which can be downloaded at conference call and in person—whatever is
www.RedShirtTreatment.com/Medicare. This easiest and most comfortable for them. Make
comprehensive guide includes important sure you tell family and friends to check out the
information they’ll need to know when the time “Find a RedShirt” section of our website at
comes for them to decide on a Medicare plan. www.independenthealth.com/medicare.
4 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2021
wise choices
The many benefits of having an online member account
In order to ensure you get the most out of your health
care coverage, Independent Health encourages you to
create an online member account. Having your own
private and secure account allows you to have all your
plan information in one convenient place. Plus, since
it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you
can access your online account whenever you need to.
Among the things you can do when logged into
your online member account include:
• Check your medical and pharmacy benefits
• Review all of your claims
• Print your member ID card
• Update your contact information • Use the Brook Health Companion to support your daily
• Change your primary care physician health decisions with trusted expertise
• Make your premium payments electronically • Access Foodsmart (formerly known as Zipongo) to eat
healthy at home, at work and on-the-go
In addition, your account gives you access to a variety
of tools and resources that can help you take charge GET STARTED TODAY! If you have yet to create
of your overall health and well-being. For example: your online member account, simply visit www
• Receive personal health recommendations for each .independenthealth.com/register and then follow the
member of your family, including annual checkups, flu directions. Registration is quick and easy. You can also
shots, preventive screenings and more access your member account through the MyIH mobile
• Find ways to save money by looking up and app, which is available for free for both Android™
comparing costs for your prescription medications and iPhone® users.
Get your important plan information electronically
Independent Health is required to .independenthealth.com/register. • You will not have to store these
provide our Medicare members an You can then go paperless by large documents each year.
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) following these three easy steps: • You will receive an email
and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) 1. Log in at www.independent notification when a new
each fall. These large documents health.com/login. version of your ANOC is posted
give an overview of the upcoming 2. Select “Manage Preferences” from with instructions on how to
changes to your current plan, the “Go Paperless” section on view it.
including benefits, premium rate your account home. • It is a voluntary option and can
and cost share, and drug formulary 3. Under “Paperless Preferences,” be changed at any time.
changes (if applicable). choose “Electronic.” Agree and
If you wish, you can choose select “Save.” This process must be repeated for
to receive both your ANOC and any Medicare members in your
EOC electronically through your The advantages of going household who would like to
own Independent Health online paperless are: receive these important plan
member account rather than • No matter if you’re at home or documents electronically.
receive them in the mail. If you traveling, you will have access to Log in to or register for your
have yet to create your member your documents 24 hours a day, online member account today to
account, please visit www seven days a week. go paperless!
WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 5
take charge
Strengthen your bones with these foods
People of all ages may be at risk for To increase the amount of vitamin BE PROACTIVE! More than 2
weak or broken bones. But for older D in your diet, try to include more million fractures can be attributed
adults, the repercussions can be a salmon, soybeans and tofu. You can to osteoporosis every year. These
major concern. Fortunately, you can also find foods fortified with extra fractures can often affect your health
help prevent weak and broken bones calcium and vitamin D, including and quality of life. Talk with your
by making changes to your diet and milk, fruit juices and cereals. doctor to learn if you should be
lifestyle. In addition, consuming healthy screened for osteoporosis or before
Your bones need an array of protein sources can help preserve making dietary or lifestyle changes.
nutrients to stay strong and healthy. bone mass as you age. Protein also
Chief among them are calcium and keeps muscles strong, which can
vitamin D, without which your body reduce the risk for falls. To add
cannot adequately absorb calcium. protein to your plate, try sources like
If you don’t have enough calcium lean red meat, poultry, fish, eggs,
in your diet to maintain essential kidney beans, nuts and seeds.
body functions, including muscle
control and blood circulation, the Don’t forget to keep moving
body will steal what it needs from While eating a healthy diet can
your bones. This makes your bones boost your bone health, so can
frail and susceptible to weakness and exercise. Adults should participate
osteoporosis, a disease in which in weight-bearing activities, such
bones lose minerals and become as walking, running, hiking, stair
brittle, making them likelier to break. climbing and lifting weights, for 30
minutes on most days of the week.
Simple options for
more nutrients
It may not be too difficult to get
more calcium in your diet. Foods that
are good sources of the nutrient
include dairy products, such as
milk and cheese, and cruciferous
vegetables, such as broccoli and kale.
Helping you stay active and connected
Independent Health wants to make sure our members In addition, Independent Health and the Independent
are staying on top of their overall health and well- Health Foundation continue to partner with a variety
being while being safe and vigilant at home. That’s of organizations throughout Western New York to
why we are offering healthy and engaging virtual provide you with programming and resources to help
activities through our online Health Hub. Simply visit keep you active and connected. This includes Fitness
www.independenthealth.com/healthhub to view a in the Parks, Reddy Bikeshare and Healthy Options
calendar of upcoming classes and events. You can Buffalo, just to name a few. Learn about all our
register for as many as you would like at no community initiatives and happenings by visiting
additional cost to you. www.independenthealth.com/events.
6 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2021
engage your brain
Health and wellness crossword puzzle
8/7/2020 Fill in your crossword answers and descriptions
ACROSS 1 2
3 When blood sugar levels are
higher than normal, but not high 3 4 5
enough to be considered
diabetes
6
7 Most people should drink about 7 8
six to ___ glasses of water a day
8 Daily exercise, eating a healthy 9 10
diet and getting enough sleep
can all improve ___ 11
10 Exercise lowers your risk for
heart ___ 12 13
14
11 About two-thirds of U.S. adults
are overweight or ___ 15
12 Choose sunscreen with an SPF
16
of ___ or higher
14 Four types of exercise include 17
aerobic, balance, stretching
and___
16 Physical activity can help lower
6 Care you receive to prevent
blood pressure and ___
illness or disease; for example,
17 An X-ray that can find breast
shots and screening tests
cancer before you have any
9 Rinse canned goods to help
symptoms
reduce the amount of ___
DOWN
10 Symptoms include feeling
1 Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes Health and Wellness
contain this addictive substance hopeless, worthless, irritable Crossword Solution
or “empty”
15. Flu 17. Mammogram
2 Adults need at least ___hours of
13 Consume alcohol in 13. Two 16. Cholesterol
sleep per night https://puzzel.org/en/crossword/update?p=-ME8BDo2tFqfqFL2uT8- 1
moderation; up to one drink 10. Depression 14. Strength
4 Deep breathing, stretching and
per day for women, and up to 9. Sodium 12. Thirty
meditating are ways to help ___ drinks per day for men 6. Preventive 11. Obese
5. Colorectal 10. Disease
manage ___
15 Vaccine everyone ages 4. Stress 8. Anxiety
5 Starting at age 50, adults should
6 months and older should 2. Seven 7. Eight
be screened for this cancer get every year 1. Nicotine 3. Prediabetes
Down Across
WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 7
medications
Providing value to you through
our prescription drug plans
When it comes to choosing which
Medicare Advantage plan will work
best for you, prescription drug
coverage can play a big role in your
decision process. At Independent
Health, our prescription drug plans
Your health and safety are built around benefits, programs
matter greatly to us and services that provide you with
more value and make it easier for you
Independent Health has an
to better manage your overall health.
organizationwide approach to
member safety. Member safety
is improved by creating and
Affordable medication options
maintaining processes and • Under most Independent Health
Medicare Advantage individual
structures whose application
plans, copayments are $0 for Tier 1
reduces the probability of
medications. In fact, no plan has a
adverse events resulting from
Tier 1 copay that’s more than $4.
exposure to the health care
Many important medications are on
system.
Tier 1 of our drug formulary, are available to review our members’
Independent Health’s Patient
including those to treat diabetes, medications, identify possible side
Safety Subcommittee is a
high blood pressure, cholesterol, effects and interactions, and suggest
clearinghouse for the collection
glaucoma, osteoporosis, thyroid equally effective, lower-cost drug
of safety activities across the
conditions and more. options when available and
organization. This committee
has responsibilities to organize • Many medications for managing appropriate.
chronic conditions are available as • As a physician-led health plan,
reporting on existing patient
a 90-day maintenance supply. Upon Independent Health works closely
safety activities and to screen
meeting your plan deductible (if with primary care doctors and other
“for and report opportunities/
applicable), you pay only 2.5 copays health care providers to see to it that
initiatives to support members,
for a 90-day supply. This saves you our members have access to the right
providers and internal staff with
half a copay every three months or medications and are taking them
member safety efforts.”
two full copays each year. safely and properly.
Make sure you’re also taking
the steps to stay healthy. Visit • New for 2021, we have introduced • In order to ensure you get your
Special Senior Savings for select medications when you need them,
the “Healthy Living Tips &
insulins (see page 11 for more our locally staffed Pharmacy Help
Guidelines” page under the
information). Desk is available 24/7 to help resolve
“My Health” section at www
.independenthealth.com to learn any issues your pharmacy may
how you can protect the health experience when filling your
We’re here to offer
of you and your loved ones. prescriptions.
additional support
There you will find a variety of • Independent Health offers a
resources on preventive health Medication Therapy Management Going above and beyond to ensure
care, immunizations, chronic (MTM) program to eligible Medicare you receive quality, affordable drug
diseases, behavioral health, Advantage plan members who take coverage is just another way
prescription medications, medications for multiple chronic Independent Health is delivering
smoking cessation and more. conditions. Our MTM pharmacists the RedShirt® Treatment every day.
8 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2021
good to know
Mental health It’s important to share
your end-of-life wishes
issues are a People who plan for care at the
growing concern end of life are more likely to get
the medical treatment they want,
and their loved ones experience
less stress and anxiety. Preparing
a health care proxy form is one
way to make sure your wishes
are fulfilled should you become
incapacitated.
A health care proxy is a
document that allows you to
appoint someone to act as your
health care agent for medical
decisions and speak on your
behalf if you are unable to due to
Mental health is an important part of depression and anxiety over the
illness or injury.
of overall health and well-being at past year.
Plan ahead with these four
every stage of life. Unfortunately, a The good news is mental illness is
easy steps:
person’s mental health can change treatable. Treatment depends on the
over time, depending on many type of mental illness you have, its 1. Think about what is important
factors. When the demands placed severity and what works best for to you and what type of care
on a person exceed their resources you. If you have a mild mental illness you want and do not want to
and coping abilities, it can lead to with well-controlled symptoms, receive.
a wide range of mental and treatment from your primary care 2. When designating your health
behavioral health conditions that provider may be sufficient. However, care agent, select someone
affect one’s mood, thinking and often a team approach is you trust, such as a family
behavior. appropriate to make sure all your member or close friend. Share
psychiatric, medical and social with them your thoughts,
beliefs and preferences about
COVID-19 and mental health needs are met.
how you would want to be
According to the National Alliance
It’s OK not to be OK treated for the remainder of
on Mental Illness, about one in five
If mental health issues are disrupting your life.
adults experiences mental illness
your life, reach out for help. That 3. Make sure loved ones know
each year. Examples of mental
might mean calling a family member the choices you have made
illness include depression, anxiety
or friend for emotional support or and who your health care
disorders, schizophrenia, eating
contacting your health care provider. agent is.
disorders and addictive behaviors.
In addition, Independent Health has 4. Put your health care choices in
To complicate matters further, a
a comprehensive team of behavioral writing using a health care
recent survey conducted by the U.S.
health case managers that is proxy form.
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) found that about dedicated to helping our members Health care proxy forms are
41% of respondents “reported an obtain care and treatment for available from your doctor, at
adverse mental or behavioral health mental health issues. You can speak hospitals and in the “Frequently
condition” as the result of the with one of our case managers by Used Forms” section at www
COVID-19 pandemic. Fear, calling (716) 529-3945 (TTY: 711), .independenthealth.com. Once
frustration, sadness and social Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. your form is signed, keep the
isolation has led to increasing rates to 4 p.m. original and give copies to your
doctors and health care agent.
WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 9
plan information
Assure Advantage
helps members better
manage chronic heart
failure and diabetes
Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that require
ongoing medical care and/or limit activities of daily living.
Three in four Americans ages 65 and older have more
than one chronic condition, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is you can
still live a fulfilling life even if you have multiple chronic
conditions—as long as you manage them well.
As a way to help eligible Medicare beneficiaries who
have both chronic heart failure and diabetes better manage
these conditions, Independent Health offers Assure High satisfaction marks
Advantage*, a chronic condition special needs plan. Assure A recent survey** of members enrolled in Assure
Advantage members receive specialized health benefits Advantage showed 93% are satisfied with the plan and
and programs that are tailored to their unique needs. All of 92% would recommend it to others.
their care is coordinated by an experienced staff of health To learn more about this plan, call us at (716) 635-
care providers and nurses from Family Choice of New York. 4900 or 1 (800) 958-4405 (TTY: 711), Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eligibility requirements
Individuals are able to enroll in Assure Advantage year- *This plan requires the use of participating providers,
round. However, to be eligible for the plan, you must meet except in the case of emergency care, urgent care or
all of the following criteria: out-of-area renal dialysis. This information is not a
• Reside in Erie County complete description of benefits. **Survey conducted by
• Have chronic heart failure and diabetes Independent Health in January 2021 with 386 members
• Must be entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B surveyed and 278 members responding (72%).
Family Choice plan provides an extra level of care
Independent Health Medicare Family ChoiceSM HMO I-SNP TO LEARN MORE about the Family
plan* is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Choice plan, visit www.independenthealth
nursing home and assisted living facility residents. Members .com/medicare or call (716) 635-4900 or
receive regular visits by a Family Choice nurse practitioner 1 (800) 958-4405 (TTY: 711), Monday through
(NP) or physician assistant (PA), who is on call 24/7. Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The responsibilities of the NP or PA include: *This plan is available to all individuals eligible
• Working with the member’s physician and facility staff for Medicare who are entitled to Medicare Part A
to identify potential problems before they become serious and enrolled in Part B. Members must be a
• Minimizing unnecessary and disruptive emergency room permanent resident of a participating nursing or
visits and hospital stays whenever it’s safe and appropriate assisted living facility, qualify for an institutional
• Keeping in close contact with the member’s family level of care as defined by the State of New
and making sure that they are involved in the York, and select and use a primary care provider
care-planning process who participates with Independent Health.
10 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2021diabetes care
Expanded diabetes benefits for our members
More than a quarter of U.S. adults • $0 diabetic monitoring supplies,
ages 65 and older are currently including glucose monitors, lancets
living with type 2 diabetes. and test strips.
Unfortunately, older adults are more • $0 copay for diabetic labs
likely to experience complications (Hb A1c, GFR).
from this disease. • $0 copay for an endocrinologist
Although type 2 diabetes cannot office visit.
be cured, it can be controlled with • $0 copay for consultation with a
proper management. That’s why nutritionist.
Independent Health offers enhanced
diabetes benefits to help our In addition, we give all of our
members manage their unique members free access to Health
needs, live healthier and save money. Coaching support from expert
If you have been diagnosed with dietitians and diabetes educators
diabetes, you are eligible for the through the Brook Personal Health
following enhanced benefits: Companion mobile app. If you have
• Special Senior Savings for a 30-day a smartphone, you can download
supply of select insulins from the Brook at no cost by visiting www
first day of coverage, including the .independenthealth.com/brook.
deductible and coverage gap
stages*:
*Only self-injected insulin meets the criteria for a Part D covered drug and is
» $35 copays for Independent eligible for the cost savings under the Senior Savings Model (insulin received
Health Medicare Advantage Part D
through a pump or oral diabetic medication is not eligible). This cost-sharing
plan members.
only applies to beneficiaries who do not qualify for a program that helps pay
» $11 copays for Independent for your drugs (“Extra Help”). To find out which drugs are select insulins,
Health’s Assure Advantage® HMO
review the most recent Drug List at independenthealth.com/formulary.
C-SNP plan members (see page
10 for more information).
English:
English: ATTENTION:
ATTENTION: If
If you
you do
do not
not speak
speak English,
English, language
language assistance
assistance services,
services, free
free of
of charge,
charge,
English:
English: ATTENTION:
ATTENTION: If
If you
you do
do not
not speak
speak English,
English, language
language assistance
assistance services,
services, free
free of
of charge,
charge,
are available
English: to you.
ATTENTION: Call
If 1-800-665-1502
you do not speak (TTY:
English,711).
language
are available
English:
are to you.
ATTENTION:
available to you. Call 1-800-665-1502
If you
Call (TTY:
do not speak English,
1-800-665-1502 (TTY: language assistance services, free of charge,
711).
711).
assistance services, free of charge,
are
are available to you. Call 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711).
are available
available to
to you.
you. Call
Call 1-800-665-1502
1-800-665-1502 (TTY:(TTY: 711).
711).
Independent
Independent Health
Health complies
complies with
with applicable
applicable Federal
Federal civil
civil rights
rights laws
laws and
and does
does not
not discriminate
discriminate
Independent
Independent Health
Health complies
complies with
with applicable
applicable Federal
Federal civil
civil rights
rights laws
laws and
and does
does not
not discriminate
discriminate
on
on the
the basis
Independent
basis of
of race,
Health
race, color,
color, national
complies with
national origin,
applicable
origin, age,
age, disability,
Federal or
civil
disability, or sex.
rights
sex. laws and does not discriminate
Independent
on the basis Health
of race, complies
color, with
national applicable
origin, Federal
age, civil
disability, orrights
sex. laws and does not discriminate
on
on the
the basis
basis of
of race,
race, color,
color, national
national origin,
origin, age,
age, disability,
disability, or
or sex.
sex.
on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Spanish:
Spanish: ATENCIÓN:
ATENCIÓN: Si
Si no
no habla
habla español,
español, tiene
tiene aa su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia
Spanish:
Spanish: ATENCIÓN:
ATENCIÓN: Si
Si no
no habla
habla español,
español, tiene
tiene aa su
su
su
disposición
disposición
disposición
servicios
servicios
servicios
gratuitos
gratuitos
gratuitos
de
de
de
asistencia
asistencia
asistencia
lingüística.
Spanish: Llame
ATENCIÓN: al 1-800-665-1502
Si no habla (TTY:
español, 711).
tiene a
lingüística. Llame
Spanish: ATENCIÓN:
lingüística. Llame al
al 1-800-665-1502 (TTY:
Si no habla español,
1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711).
tiene
711). a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia
su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia
lingüística.
lingüística. Llame al 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711).
lingüística. Llame
Llame al
al 1-800-665-1502
1-800-665-1502 (TTY:
(TTY: 711).
711).
Independent
Independent Health
Health cumple
cumple con
con las
las leyes
leyes federales
federales de
de derechos
derechos civiles
civiles aplicables
aplicables yy no
Independent
Independent Health
Health cumple
cumple con
con las
las leyes
leyes federales
federales de
de derechos
derechos civiles
civiles aplicables
aplicables yy no
no
discrimina
Independent
discrimina
Independent
por
por motivos
Health
motivos
Health
de
cumple
de
cumple
raza,
con
raza, color,
las
color,
concolor,
nacionalidad,
leyes federales
nacionalidad,
las leyes federales de
edad,
de
edad, discapacidad
derechos civiles
discapacidad
derechos
o sexo.
aplicables
o sexo.
civiles aplicables yy no
no
no
discrimina
discrimina por
por motivos
motivos de
de raza,
raza, color, nacionalidad,
nacionalidad, edad,
edad, discapacidad
discapacidad o
o sexo.
sexo.
discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad
discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. o sexo.
Chinese:
Chinese: 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 1-800-665-
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 1-800-665-
Chinese:
Chinese: 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
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 1-800-665-
1-800-665-
1502 (TTY:
Chinese:
1502 (TTY:
(TTY:
Chinese: 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
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 1-800-665-
1-800-665-
1502
1502 (TTY: 711).
711).
1502 (TTY: 711).
1502 (TTY: 711).
Independent
Independent Health
Health 遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、
遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、
Independent
Independent Health
Health 遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、
遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、
Independent
殘障或性別而歧視任何人。
Independent
殘障或性別而歧視任何人。 Health
Health 遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、
遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、
殘障或性別而歧視任何人。
殘障或性別而歧視任何人。
殘障或性別而歧視任何人。
殘障或性別而歧視任何人。
WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 11PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PA I D
511 Farber Lakes Drive Independent
The Wellness Magazine for Health
Buffalo, NY 14221
Independent Health Members
KEITH PAGE
Editor
Material published in HealthStyles®
is not intended to provide personal
medical advice. Consult your physician
before making changes in your health care
regimen. Benefits discussed in HealthStyles®
may vary by plan.
Developed by Krames. © 2021
Printed on Recyclable Paper 532M Health and wellness or prevention information
For more ways to keep yourself healthy, follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Ways to stay safe and independent at home
Over the years, you might have In the bathroom
noticed that some of your daily • Add bars to your shower to help
activities have become more difficult. prevent falls. Make sure they are at
Think traveling up and down stairs or an easy-to-grab height.
opening jars. However, you can take • Mount grab bars to help you get on
steps to remain active, preserve your and off the toilet.
independence and get the most
out of life. In the kitchen
Below are just a few of the basic • Keep the appliances you use
changes you can make around your most on the counter so that they’re
home. For more ideas, talk with your within easy reach.
doctor about activities you’re • Use rollout shelves in cabinets
struggling to do. He or she can offer to make it easier to reach items
solutions tailored to your specific you need.
needs and concerns. • Trade heavy cookware for lightweight
pots and pans, especially if you have
Around the house arthritis.
• To prevent tripping and reduce fall own shopping. Or double one of your
risk, remove loose rugs, clean up For nighttime safety favorite dinner recipes and bring the
piled clutter and discard or donate • Place a flashlight next to your bed in leftovers to your neighbor in exchange
old furniture. case of a power outage. for help mowing the lawn.
• Wear shoes or non-slip footwear. • Plug in night-lights to guide you from Another useful resource? Your local
• If a doorway is too narrow to your bedroom to the bathroom. Area Agency on Aging. These
accommodate your wheelchair or organizations address the needs and
walker, install offset hinges to give the Finding a community of support concerns of older adults, offering
door extra clearance when it swings. If you need assistance, ask friends, services to help you live independently
• Switch out round doorknobs with family members or neighbors to lend and safely at home. Call 1 (800) 677-
lever-style handles that are easier to a hand. Maybe a loved one could pick 1116 or visit www.eldercare.acl.gov
grip and open. up your prescriptions while doing their to learn more.You can also read
