In this IssueMember Mark Levine: Making the World a Better Place

Bridging the Gap in Drug Costs

Be Sure You Know Your ABCS

Osteoporosis: Men Are Also at Risk

For Health & Living Vitality Classes & Events

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Many people at age 69 are content to retire to a more leisurely

pace. Not Claremont resident, Mark Levine, he works full-time at a job he loves. A self-proclaimed “working stiff,” he spent the majority of his life working to make the world a better place—one community at a time. A life that was molded by his parent’s values. Levine says they taught him that, “It’s everybody’s responsibility to do what you can to leave the world a little bit better than how you found it.”

Building a FoundationAfter college Levine joined the Peace Corps and served as a volunteer in Peru. He then worked on the Peace Corps staff in Honduras and the Dominican Republic, and at the Peace Corps training cen-ter in Puerto Rico. As a result he learned to speak Spanish and experience different cul-tures. Mentored by a Peruvian agricultural agent, Levine helped organize Peruvian farmers into cooperative exchanges (co-ops). He taught them how to “cut out the

middle man”and deliver prod-uct to market quicker and get paid fairly. “Most of the many co-ops we formed still exist today. That’s how I got inter-ested in consulting and helping people in communities work together to improve things,” says Levine.

Levine continues to enjoy his consulting role, advising and coaching leaders of non-profit housing and community development organizations around the country. Drawing on his experience, he trains Board and staff members of community based nonprofits which are designed to help people in need of affordable housing and other community services. He says, “I feel really fortunate that I work with such great people…they’re focused on their mission of helping folks get housing opportunities and making their communities stronger…to see the difference they’re making is very motivating and very satisfying.”

Having “cut back” by end-ing his consulting overseas and focusing on national accounts, Levine still works full-time from his home of-fice. These days he is work-ing from his bi-coastal home office—with the help of his wife, Rita, of course. “It’s a

Making the World a Better Place one coMMunity at a tiMe

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” --Ralph Waldo Emerson

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mom and pop operation,” he jokes. She handles the admin-istrative and financial aspects of the business, and most importantly, she offers invalu-able counsel. “She’s my best advisor,” he says.

Realizing a DreamLevine met his wife of 46 years, Rita Gonzales Levine, while both were students at UCLA. “We hit it off right away and have been together ever since.” After Levine left the Peace Corps, they were both at UCLA completing their graduate work when his father became ill. To be close to him, they moved to Boston planning to stay for only a

few years but instead stayed for 26. They raised their family there, Levine started his consulting business, and Rita thrived in her career as a community social worker.

After their children were grown, they dreamt about splitting their time between California and Boston. Their son Joshua, his wife and three daughters, live in Boston. But their daughter Rachel, her husband, son and daughter, live in Oakland. The dream eventually became a plan, which then turned into “a lot of really, really hard work.” But that hard work paid off. “We’ve been really happy,”

Levine says. “We feel very fortunate. We’re a close-knit family,” Levine smiles and says, “even though we’re kind of far apart.”

Best of FriendsWhen they aren’t spending time with their children and grandchildren, he and Rita, also age 69, love spending it with each other. “We have a really good time together,” he says. They love to travel and go to the movies. They are avid sports fans, following UCLA’s basketball and football teams. (Levine even converted California native, Rita into a Boston sports team fan!) Rita also likes to cook and garden, and Levine is happy to assist her. “She’s a great cook. I know that’s easy to say, but it’s true,” he says.

The Levines keep themselves in shape and both exercise at their gyms regularly. Levine attends a circuit training class where he performs a fitness routine four times a week. The class is offered through Claremont’s adult education program, where there are many “regulars” near his age or older. Several years ago, the adult fitness program was in danger of ending due to lack of funding so the program participants banded together to find financial support.

Rita & Mark Levine

“Inter Valley Health Plan was the program’s biggest contributor to help the program continue,” says Levine.

Levine recently learned the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. After having watched it from afar, he finally became determined to try it out and fell in love with it. Paddle boarding requires a great deal of “core body strength” (muscles used to keep the body in balance), so part of Levine’s exercise routine is to work on the bosu ball and work with free weights simultaneously. The Levine’s have also discovered a love of kayaking and plan to do a lot of it this summer.

Family is the Center of EverythingLevine is humble, admitting that he was “bemused” that anyone would be interested in hearing about his life. To him, he’s simply trying hard to “keep a positive attitude, which isn’t always easy,” and living by the values he’s observed and cultivated. When asked what, if any, philosophies he lives by, he says, “Family is everything. I’m so blessed with Rita’s love and our little tribe of 11. We have a close-knit extended family of relatives and friends on both coasts. Family, it’s the center of everything.”

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Mark levine… continued

Levine deveLops Core strength

Levine attends the circuit training class provided by the Claremont USD Adult Education department. The class provides access to free weights, weight machines, cardiovascular and stabilization equipment, but most importantly—access to advice from the program’s director and certified personal trainer, Mike Lepore.

The Claremont classes are $5 a week (or less) depending on financial considerations.

The circuit training class is held in the fitness room on the El Roble middle school campus, Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. 

The Exercise and Fitness Class meets in the Claremont High School weight room, Monday through Thursday, 7 pm to 8:30 pm. 

For any questions about the classes please call Mike Lepore, at 909-215-6927. To sign up for the classes please call the Claremont Adult Education School at 909-624-6402.

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Prescription drugs can be life-saving, but Medicare Part D drug

coverage can be confusing. Especially when you reach the “donut hole”—the coverage gap where there is a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover for prescription drugs.

Thankfully, because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the gap is shrinking, and will be closed by 2020. In the box below you see how Part D prescription benefits work today and how they will work in 2020.

Who is Eligible You’re eligible for savings while in the coverage gap if:

You’re currently in a pro-gram that offers Medicare Part D coverage which applies to Inter Valley members.

You do not receive Extra Help (government assistance for people with limited income and resources).

You’ve reached the cover age gap.

Brand-Name Drugs Get “With the Program” Just as in fashion, brand names can get pricey when it comes to pre scription drugs. Happily, over 99% of all drug manufacturers have agreements with Medicare to participate in the Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program.

Your discount is based on the price Inter Valley Health Plan has set with the pharmacy.

Medicare Part D Coverage ExamplesBrand vs Generic: Already over $2970 in drug costs this year, Judy Jones hits the coverage gap. She goes to her pharmacy with a prescription for a brand-name drug. The total price is $82 ($80 for the drug plus a $2 dispensing fee).

But since the manufacturer covers 52.5%, Judy pays only 47.5%. So $80 x 0.475 = $38. Judy pays $38 plus a $2 dis-pens ing fee (added after the discount is applied) = $40. The entire $82 counts as out-of-pocket spending.

Meanwhile, Judy’s husband Jack is also in the coverage gap. He gets a generic drug that costs $20 plus the $2 dispens-ing fee (added before the dis-count in this case) = $22.

Jack pays 79% of cost. So $22 x .79 = $17.38. That $17.38 counts toward his out-of-pocket spending.

the affordable care act is Bridging the coverage gap in drug costs

How It works today

You reach the coverage gap when prescrip-tion drug costs paid by you plus what Inter Valley pays reach the initial coverage limit.For brand-name drugs, you pay 47.5% of the drug’s full price, plus a dispensing fee. Meanwhile, the full price is counted toward your out-of-pocket costs. That helps get you out of the gap faster.For generic drugs, you pay 79% of the full price, plus a dispensing fee. But only what you pay counts toward your out-of-pocket costs.Once you’ve paid $4,750 in out-of-pocket costs, you’re out of the gap! Then it is “catastrophic coverage,” and you pay a much smaller coinsurance or copay for drugs.

How It works In 2020

You pay no more than 25% of the drug’s full price (generic & brand-name drugs) until you reach the yearly out-of- pocket spending limit.

A1C CONtROL This long-term blood

sugar measurement should be less than 7%.

ASPiRiN tHERAPY Prescribed dosages can prevent blood clots and artery blockage.

BLOOD PRESSuRE CONtROL

Keep pressure lower than 130/80 mmHg.

CHOLEStEROL MANAGEMENt

Your LDL (bad cholesterol) should be less than 100mg/dl.

StOP SMOKiNG. Ask your doctor

about medications or treat-ments to help you to quit.

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If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or con-gestive heart failure (or a

family history of any of these diseases), you are at risk of also having cardiovascular complications (heart attack and/or stroke). Taking medica-tion is not enough to prevent cardiovascular disease—or complications.

Ask your doctor for your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure scores as well as the additional steps you can take to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease to stay “heart healthy.”

the important sThe A1c blood test score is the average percentage of the amount of sugar in your blood over three months. Your ideal score is to have less than 7% of sugar in your blood. This means your blood sugar/diabetes is “in control.”

If you are a diabetic, you test your blood sugar on a daily basis. But you and your doctor also need to look at the “big picture” to learn how well your diabetes is managed and determine your risk for compli cations. Remember, controlling your blood sugar is the key to reducing your risk of diabetes and/or diabetes complications, which can include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blind ness and amputations.

The Benefits of Getting Regular A1c Tests A1c testing helps you and your doctor to:

Verify the results of your daily self-tests and compare them to the A1c result.

Assess how well your blood sugar/diabetes management plan is working. The result is a simple number that is sort of like a diabetes “report card.”Find out how lifestyle choices affect your blood sugar. If you’re working to eat healthi-er and exercise more, you’ll be able to see the impact these changes make very quickly.In general, every percentage point drop in the A1c blood test results (for example from 8% to 7%) reduces the risk of kidney, eye and nerve disease by 40%.

Be sure you knoW

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How Often is Regular testing?You should have an A1c test every three to six months. Talk to your doctor about what frequency makes sense for you. If you are working to improve your blood sugar levels, having an A1c every three months will help you and your doctor moni-tor your progress more closely.

What if the Score Is Over 7%?If your test result is higher than 7%, talk to your physi-cian about what you can do to lower your blood sugar and keep it under control consis-tently. In particular, ask about:

Your treatment, if you have diabetes, and if your medication dosage needs adjusting.

Any lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your control of blood sugar.

Don’t Neglect Taking Your Daily Blood Sugar TestThe A1c test doesn’t take the place of your daily self-testing

of blood sugar levels. You need real-time information for the day-to-day management of your blood sugar; for example, you can’t adjust your insulin doses based on an A1c result.

With a combination of daily self-testing and an A1c test (two to four times annually), and your doctor’s advice, you will be well-equipped to keep your blood sugar under control.

Aspirin the other “A”Aspirin is a medication often prescribed to treat atheroscle-rosis (hardening of the arter-ies)— a disease that affects the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart (arteries). Having atherosclerosis means you’re at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Why You Need AspirinPlaque (a fatty material) can build up in the walls of your arteries, making it harder for

blood to flow through them. A blood clot can form on the plaque, blocking the artery, and cut off blood flow in the body. A clot or blockage in any of these arteries raises your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What Aspirin DoesAspirin acts as a blood thinner. It helps keep blood clots from forming, which reduces the risk of blockage. (It is also used after a stent placement, aspirin helps prevent blood clots from forming on the stent.)

Taking Aspirin SafelyYour doctor needs to prescribe your dosage of aspirin based on your specific health history. Tell your doctor about any oth-er medications you take and if you have a history of ulcers or bleeding problems. Because aspirin is a blood thinner, be sure to check with your physi-cian if you need to stop taking aspirin before having surgery or dental work.

Tips for Taking Aspirin Develop a routine. For

example, take aspirin with the same meal each day.

Don’t take more than pre­scribed. A low dose gives the same benefit as a higher one, with lower risk of side-effects.

Don’t skip doses. To be effective, Aspirin must be taken every day.

your

…continued on next page

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When to Call Your DoctorThe side effects of aspirin are not usually seri-ous. If you do have problems, a dosage change may help. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

Excessive bruising (some bruising is normal) Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or other

excessive bleeding An upset stomach or stomach pain

is for Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don’t know it. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80mmHg. Know your blood pressure (numbers) and remember to check them regularly. Taking medication is not enough to manage blood pressure. Make these easy lifestyle changes:

Choose heart-healthy foods Select low-salt, low-fat foods. Limit canned, dried, cured,

packaged, and fast foods. These can contain a lot of salt.

Eat eight to ten servings of  fruits and vegetables every day.

Choose lean meats like fish, turkey, or chicken.

Eat whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and beans.

Eat two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products

Ask your doctor about the DASH eating plan. This plan helps reduce blood pressure.Maintain a healthy weight

Ask your healthcare provider what weight range is healthiest for you. If you are over-weight, weight loss of only 10 lbs can help lower blood pressure.

Exercise Regularly Choose activities that you enjoy

and ones you can do with friends or family.

Be active for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.

Manage stress Relax, enjoy life and laugh often. Engage in your favorite hobbies.

Visit and have fun with family and friends.

Limit alcohol consumption & quit smoking Men should have no more than two alco-

holic drinks per day. Women should have no more than one alco-

holic drink per day. Talk with your healthcare provider about

quitting smoking. Smoking increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Ask about local or community programs that can help.

Be sure to knoW your

A journey of discovery took place on Saturday, May 4, at our Medicare Information and Vitality Center in Claremont. Over 70 women attended the “Women’s Changing, Aging Roles” conference. The

attendees engaged in various activities that included hanging wishes on a wishing tree, creating a diversity quilt, getting a massage, watching a fashion show and listening to poetry.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Yen Ingrid Lai, an Inland Valley based, dual-board certified family and integrative medical practitioner, kicked off the conference with a presentation about women’s health and the aging process. A panel discussion followed with women representing differ ent cultures and religions. The panel was moderated by Dr. Felicia Beardsley, Assistant Professor of Anthropology for University of LaVerne. Dr. Beardsley asked the panel questions of how their cultural background and faith play a role in aging. 

The multi-cultural panel included representation of African-American, Ghanaian, Israeli and Iraqi women. Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths were represented as well. Panelists engaged in an informative exchange of ideas. After the women shared some insights into how faith and culture shape a woman’s aging role, the Conference closed with Native-American Henri Mascorro in traditional regalia performing a spirit dance for healing. The success of Inter Valley’s

Women’s Conference promises a return in 2014. 

Women’s conference: how culture and religion support Women as they age

Dr. Felicia Beardsley

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Should you find yourself with a broken bone, it is possibly due to

osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, thereby increasing the risk of fractures from falls and other accidents.

You could have the disease and not know it because osteo porosis weakens bones but doesn’t make them hurt. A broken bone is often how the disease is discovered.

The good news is that treat-ment is readily available, and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of future broken bones.

After suffering a fracture, talk to your physician about getting a DEXA scan—a fast, simple test that measures bone density. Based on this test, doctors can determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk for the disease.

If you have any risk of osteo-porosis, talk with your physician about steps you can take to prevent the disease. A healthy diet and exer cise will be part of any plan to reduce your risk.

Should you be diagnosed with osteoporosis, keep in mind that with proper treatment, you can manage the disease and live an active life.

if You Have OsteoporosisIf you experience a bone fracture, talk with your physician about how you can stay healthy and avoid additional fractures.

Follow an exercise program to build muscle strength and improve balance that is approved by your physician. Appropriate exercise can reduce your risk of falling and breaking bones.

Eat a healthy diet that follows your physician’s recommendations.

Take the medicine prescribed by your physician.

Ensure your home is safe to reduce the risk of accidents.

Avoid lifting heavy objects and be care ful when walking or engag ing in other physical activities.

the bottom line If you break a bone and aren’t already taking osteo porosis medi ca tion, make sure you get a DEXA scan to check for osteopor osis. Be aware that a “heel test,” some times offered at health fairs and drug stores, is not an adequate test to check for osteoporosis. Make sure that you’re informed about osteoporosis and broken bones.

Broken Bone? get checked for osteoporosis

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hearing devices: analog vs digital?

Men are also at risk for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects older adults across the board. Men are also at risk to get osteoporosis. As a matter of fact, one

in five people diagnosed with osteoporosis are men. As many as two million American men already have osteoporosis and another 12 million are at risk.

the most common cause of male osteoporosis is testosterone deficiency.

the secondary cause is a diet low in calcium and vitamin D.

Your bones grow continuously over your lifetime and are constantly remodeling. However, to make new bone, we need a constant supply of both calcium and vitamin D. Some men cannot digest milk or dairy products (due to lactose intolerance) so they avoid milk or other dairy products, altogether. If that is the case, ask your doctor for a prescription-strength dose of vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Other osteoporosis risk factors: Corticosteroid use (such as prednisone) Prostate cancer treatment Lack of regular weight-bearing exercise (walking, running, weight lifting)

SmokingIf you think you are at risk of osteoporosis due to any one or more of the risk factors listed, please talk to your doctor about action you can take to prevent or lower your risk of getting osteoporosis. Ask your doctor about which weight-bearing exercises are suitable for you, whether you need prescription-strength vitamin D/ calcium tablets and other positive life-style and/or medication changes will help you to stay healthy and strong.

Selecting a hearing device can be diffi-cult with all the choices in the different aids. And, as technology changes, it’s

important to understand the difference of the devices. We asked Hearing Care Solution for a brief explanation about the differences of analog technology versus digital technol-ogy inside of a hearing aid.

The analog technology in hearing aids were the first models and have been available for many years. Analog hearing aids only am­plify the sound wave—so it’s louder, but unchanged. Due to the simplicity of using the analog hearing aid—it can be a chal-lenge for long-term analog users to adjust to the sound quality of digital hearing aids.

The newer digital hearing aids have a computer chip in them. This chip converts the sound wave into a digital code. The digi-tal code can be changed or adjusted to suit the hearing aid

user’s preferences. Digital aids have multiple adjustable channels and bands, like an equal­izer on a stereo.  Each channel or band can be used to adjust compression and/or gain in the frequency range of the channel. 

The vast majority of hearing aids on the market today are digital, not analog; very few manufacturers still produce an analog aid.  In a time where technology reigns supreme, hearing aids are no exception.

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B A N N i N G

Medicare information & Vitality Center Sun Lakes Village Center (Suite 10-J) 300 S. Highland Springs Ave, Banning

tuesday, July 16 • 2 pm & Wednesday, July 24 • 4 pm Medicare 101

tuesday, July 23 • 2 pm How to Communicate with Your Physician

Wednesday, July 24 • 1 pm Plan Ahead; Estate Organization

Wednesday, July 31 • 10 am Beginning Decoupage

tuesday, August 6 • 2 pm & thursday, August 22 • 10 am Medicare 101

tuesday, August 20 • 6 pm Festival of Authors

Wednesday, August 21 • 10 am Preventing Dehydration

Friday, sept 6 • 1 pm Grandparent’s Bingo

tuesday, sept 10 • 2 – 5 pm Hearing Care Solutions

tuesday, sept 17 • 2 pm Preventative Health

Bring a friend! Due to Limited Space you must rsVP to all Vitality Classes & Events

Medicare information & Vitality Center Pomona Valley Health Center Building 1601 Monte Vista, Suite 275, Claremont

tuesday, July 16 • 6 pm Festival of Authors

Wednesday, July 17 • 2 pm What You Need to Know About Your Thyroid

thursday, August 8 • 10 am Your Aging Teeth

Friday, sept 13 • 10 am Grandparent’s BINGO

C L A R E M O N t

Medicare information & Vitality Center Covina Joslyn Senior Center 815 N. Barranca Ave, Covina

Tuesday, July 16 • 10 am Know the Skin You’re In

Tuesday, July 30 • 10 am Reflexology

Tuesday, August 6 • 10 am Oh, My Achin’ Bones

Tuesday, August 20 • 10 am Facebook 101

Tuesday, Sept 17 • 10 am Chocolate BINGO

H E M E t

Medicare information & Vitality Center Village West Shopping Center 3077 West Florida Ave, Suite C, Hemet

tuesday, July 23 • 10 am How to Communicate With Your Physician

Wednesday, July 31 • 2 pm Book Club (call for details)

tuesday, August 6 • 10 am Medicare 101

Friday, August 9 • 10 am Doc Talk: Preventing Dehydration

thursday, August 22 • 2 pm Conquering Clutter

Friday, sept 6 • 10 am Grandparent’s BINGO

tuesday, sept 10 • 9 am – 12 pm Hearing Care Solutions

tuesday, sept 17 • 10 am Preventative Health

Friday, sept 20 • 2:30 pm Book Club (call for details)

C O V i N A

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investing in theVitality of our

Bring a friend! Due to Limited Space you must rsVP to all Vitality Classes & Events Bring a friend! Due to Limited Space you must rsVP to all Vitality Classes & Events

L A Q u i N t A

Medicare information & Vitality Center One Eleven La Quinta Center 78-570 Highway 111, La Quinta

tuesdays, July 16 & 30, August 13 & 27, sept 3, 17 & 24 • 10 am Chair Yoga

Wednesday, July 17 • 1 pm C.A.R.E Program

Wednesday, July 24, August 7, 28 & sept 11 • 11 am World Gym Silver & Fit Program

thursday, July 11 • 11 am Walgreens Pharmacy Talk

thursdays, August 8 • 10 am, August 15 • 1 pm, August 22 • 10 am, August 29 • 10 am UCLA Memory Training Course

thursday, August 22 • 1 pm Brain Boogie Tap

P A L M S P R i N G S

Medicare information & Vitality Center Plaza at Sunrise, 555 South Sunrise Way, Ste 105

thursday, July 18 & August 1 • 10 am Personal & Home Safety

Friday, July 19 • 10 am Healthcare Talk: Depression & Aging, Part 1

tuesdays, July 23, August 6 & 20 • 11:30 am Chair Yoga

thursday, August 8 • 1 pm Brain Boogie Tap

Friday, August 16 • 10 am Healthcare Talk: Depression and Aging Part II

Wednesdays, sept 4, 18 & 25 • 11 am World Gym Silver & Fit Program

tuesday, sept 17 • 11:30 am Chair Yoga

From Inter Valley Health Plan

R A N C H O C u C A M O N G A

Medicare information & Vitality Center Rancho Cucamonga Family Resource Center 9791 Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga

Wednesday, July 24 • 2:30 pm Medicare 101

Wednesday, sept 18 • 2:30 pm Digital Orientation

R i V E R S i D E

Medicare information & Vitality Center Lincoln Plaza Shopping Center 2995 Van Buren Blvd, Suite A-13, Riverside

Wednesday, July 17 • 10 am Medicare 101

Wednesday, July 17 • 2 pm Know the Skin You’re In

tuesday, July 23 • 10 am Savvy Saving

Wednesday, July 24 • 2 pm How to Communicate with Your Physician

Wednesday, July 31 • 2 pm Afternoon Movies

Wednesday, August 7 • 10 am Your Aging Teeth

thursday, August 8 • 10 am Vision Health

tuesday, August 20 • 10 am Mind, Body & Soul

Wednesday, sept 11 • 2 pm Better Hearing is Better Living

Friday, sept 13 • 10 am Options for Senior Living

Wednesday, sept 18 • 2 pm Preventive Health

Friday, sept 20 • 10 am Container Gardening

Wednesday, sept 25 • 10 am (english only) & 5:30 pm (spanish only) Medicare 101

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Members and the community

V i C t O R V i L L E

Medicare information & Vitality Center Victor Valley Town Center 12209 Hesperia Rd, Suite E, Victorvillethursday, July 25 • 5 pm Medicare 101tuesday, August 13 • 10 am Preventing Dehydrationtuesday, August 13 • 2 pm Ice Cream Socialthursday, August 15 • 10 am Conquering Clutterthursday, August 15 • 4 pm Medicare 101tuesday, August 27 • 12 pm Doctor Talk: Inflammation, the Root of Diseasethursday, september 12 • 9 am – 12 pm Hearing Care SolutionsWednesday, september 18 • 10 am Medicare 101tuesday, september 24 • 10 am Preventative Health

C O M M u N i t Y W i D E E V E N t S

Friday, July 19 • 11 am Memory Series: Maintain a Healthy Brain Friday, July 26 • 11 am Memory Series: Memories to Memoirs, Hillcrest, 2707 Mountain View Rd, La Verne 909-392-4375

Wednesday, July 31 • 10 am Osteoporosis and Dexa Screening Joslyn Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave Claremont 909-399-5488

Wednesday, July 31 • 2 pm Medicare 101 Chino Hills Community Building, 14020 Civic Center Drive, Chino Hills 909-364-2704

Friday, August 9 • 10 am Label Reading and BMI Screening, Chino Senior Center 13170 Central Ave, Chino 909-591-9836

saturday, August 24 • 9 am Dating Conference, Sheraton Fairplex & Conference Center 601 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona

tuesday, August 27 • 12:30 pm Ice Cream Social, Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road, Menifee

The Hemet Library was again the setting for the popular “Senior Prom” on Friday, May 3. More than 250 guests

enjoyed dinner and dancing. Everyone agreed the returning band, Swing 4 Sale, was the ideal entertainment for a perfect evening. Attendees cheered on the couples who competed in the contest for King and Queen. Rita Albert and Donald Hamm were chosen as the “royal” couple this year. Inter Valley Health Plan thanks all who help support our Vitality events.

SAVE tHESE DAtES!September 6: HiGH DESERt HARVESt MOON DANCE

September 13: BeAumont HARVESt MOON DANCE

September 20 • 6 pm: 6th AnnuAL senior tALent shoWCAseHave a talent? Do you sing, dance or tell jokes? Audition for this non- competitive Talent Showcase on Monday, September 9 at 9 am or buy a ticket to attend at the Janet Goeske Center, 5257 Sierra St, Riverside 909-623-6333 ext 626

senior Prom in hemet

Bring a friend! Due to Limited Space you must rsVP to all Vitality Classes & Events

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investing in the Vitality of our members & the community

Rita Albert and Donald Hamm

Care & Feeding of Hummers: Insects and small spiders are an important part of a hummigbird’s diet. Hang a feeder near your roses, hummingbirds love to eat aphids! Use uncooked rice or unpopped popcorn with water and vinegar to clean the feeder, shake the mixture until the inside of the bottle is clean, then rinse with clear cool water. Clean feeders twice a week.

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1 The A1c blood test score is the __________________ percentage of the _______________ of

____________ in your blood over __________ months. Your ideal ________ is to have ______

than ___% of sugar in your blood.

2 In general, every ___________________ point __________ in A1c blood test results (for example,

from 8% to 7%) _____________ the risk of kidney, eye and nerve disease by ___%.

3 High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the_________ _________. This is because many

people who _________ it, don’t _________ it. Normal blood pressure is _____ than ___/____

mmHg. Know your blood pressure ____________ and remember to ________ them ___________.

3 Aspirin helps prevent blood ________ from ______________ and _______________ an artery.

Win a huMMing Bird feeder on us!

Pedometer winners from last issue: Harriett Kane, West Covina, Lucy M. Torres, Cathedral City and Bertha C. Chaidez, Pinon Hill.

* By entering this contest, you give Inter Valley Health Plan permission to publish your name and city in this magazine, should you win.

W ith the warm weather comes a desire to be outside enjoying

the birds and flowers. Inter Valley is offering three lucky members a chance to win a hummingbird feeder with four stations and bee cages to keep bees at bay. Hummingbirds make wonderful garden “pets” because they are easy to feed and don’t require a litter box or a sitter when you are away from home.

If you are a member of Inter Valley Health Plan, and answer the contest questions correctly, you’re eligible to win. If there is more than one member per household, a photocopied entry is acceptable. Entries must be postmarked by August 1, 2013.

Send your Entry to: Inter Valley Health Plan Attention: Communications Dept, InterView contest, PO Box 6002, Pomona CA 91769­6002.

Inter Valley HealtH Plan’s ComPany obserVed HolIdays

Our offices will be closed:

independence Day ...................thursday, July 4, 2013

Labor Day ...................... Monday, September 2, 2013

to become a member of any of our Plan programs and receive all our benefits, including this magazine call 800-500-7018 or TTY/TDD 800-505-7150 for hearing impaired.

Have you moved? Please contact Member Services if you have recently moved. It is important that we have your correct address on file.

We are here for you! If you have questions, concerns or any problems getting access to your health care needs, we want to hear from you. Call Member Services at 800-251-8191 or ttY/tDD 800-505-7150 for hearing impaired. Our hours of operation are 7:30 am to 8 pm seven days a week.

This publication is printed with soy based ink. This information was accurate at the printing of this publication

Inter Valley Health Plan is a not-for-profit company and a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN300 South Park Avenue

PO Box 6002Pomona CA 91769-6002

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Cyndie M. O’Brien, EditorMarion Schmid, EditorFor article information,

or additional copies, please call the Editor

at 909-623-6333.