Jackie Johnson:Volunteering is in her BloodGuide Dogs are in her heart

in this issueVision exams: save sight and Detect other health issues

Don’t Risk it – Take Your Medications

Get connected with inter Valley

Let’s Be Partners in Your health care

There are many ways to embrace life head on, help others and make a

real difference in the world. Jackie Johnson has found many of them through her lifelong commitment to giving back and, most especially, her ongoing passion for the guide dog program at Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD).

“I’ve always loved dogs, volun­teering and helping people,”

says Johnson, and while work­ing as an elementary school teaching assistant, the teacher invited her to a guide dog graduation. After the children learned about guide dogs and giving back to others, Johnson engaged the class in a recycling program that helped purchase much­needed items for the GDD kennels.

“Jackie is truly a blessing and a tremendous asset to our

program,” says Kim Laidlaw, Deputy Executive of Marketing and Public Relations, Guide Dogs of the Desert. “She’s bubbly, willing and eager to discuss our cause with everyone and—since 1999—has been very active in her role as an ambassador.”

Laidlaw describes Johnson as “tirelessly recruiting” both volunteers and puppy raisers. “When Jackie gets behind a cause and believes in something, she jumps in with both feet,” says Laidlaw. “She has truly wrapped her arms around our organization and we are so grateful for her involvement, which ultimately translates to life­changing opportunities for the blind.”

Ambassador ExtraordinaireJohnson and Miss Gwen, a retired, black­Labrador, guide dog she adopted four years ago, educate the public about the guide dog program, which provides the miracle of independence to the visually impaired community at no cost. Johnson talks with various groups wherever she goes, encouraging them to take advantage of free GDD presentations. She speaks at venues as close as a neighborhood barbecue

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“ Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Helen Keller

Volunteering is in her Blood.

Guide Dogs are in her Heart.

Jackie Johnson

and as far away as Columbus, Ohio. Johnson is also active in the Redlands, Banning and Beaumont Chambers of Commerce representing GDD in the community.

Inspired by the enthusi­asm of Johnson’s guide dog presentation at an Orange County church, Toyota donated a new Prius and even a stylish car wrap that promotes GDD. “I had expressed a wish for a hybrid car to use in traffic training,” says Johnson. “Some­one in the congregation had a son who worked for Motor Trend mag azine, where some one there had a connec tion with Toyota Motor Sales.”

Her passionate commit­ment to guide dogs also includes sponsoring four dogs, which, as a puppy raiser involves donating $1,500 to name a guide dog. Three dogs that Johnson named—Spirit, Nugget and Meme—are all in training to provide loving compan ionship, increased freedom and safety

for the blind. She also recently adopted Bella, a two­and­a­half year old black Labrador puppy, who will one day be a breeder for Guide Dogs of the Desert.

Career & Life Changes Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Johnson moved to California in 1959. A single parent, she met her second husband, Pomona Police Sergeant David A. Johnson, while employed by the Pomona Municipal Court. “I’d received a parking citation for parking in the employees­only parking

lot even though I had the proper sticker,” she says. “So I went next door to the Police Department to see the Sergeant about the parking ticket that was a mistake.” She saw him again while lunching with some courthouse employees. “One of the gals knew the Sergeant, who was sitting by himself, so she invited him to join our table and the rest is history,” she says. The two were married New Year’s Day in Big Sur and Johnson moved to the Sergeant’s home in Running Springs. “We were a blended family,” says Johnson, explaining that she had one child and he had two grown children. Johnson’s daughter, Jennifer and son­in­law, Jason, live in Mentone with her grand­children, Hailey and Amber.

After almost 28 years the Sergeant retired in 1999 while

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Honoring a HeroJohnson’s family

honored her father, a decorated World

War II hero by naming a guide

dog after him and placing a

plaque along the path in GDD’s

Memorial Pathway.

Miss Gwen wears a blue jacket that identifies her as a GDD ambassador.

Jackie Johnson…continued

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Johnson was working as a teach ­ing assistant at Rim of the World High School. “The school had a CHP Explorer program and, since I knew their advisor, I asked if he could use my retired law enforcement spouse in their program,” Johnson explains. As a result, David became a valued volunteer for the program’s teens, and his experience in law enforcement proved to be a vital resource.

However, Johnson’s life changed radically within a span of two­years. In 2002 David passed away suddenly and in 2004 she retired.

Jackie first began volunteer­ing at the Redlands Police Department Citizen Volunteer Academy. She then became involved with GDD and the Calimesa Breakfast Lions Club. Eventually, she moved to Cherry Valley to be closer and more available to her passion, GDD. Eventually she also moved her 87­year­old mother (also an Inter Valley

Health Plan member) to the San Gorgonio Pass area because she is her mother’s sole caregiver.

Staying ActiveJohnson and Miss Gwen make weekly visits to The Mourning Star Center (part of the San Gorgonio hospice), a program for children and families who have suffered the death of a loved one. “Miss Gwen is also trained as a Certified Pet Therapy Dog,” says Johnson. “Children often

aren’t comfortable talking in a group about their loss. Miss Gwen wins them over with her calm demeanor and wagging tail. Her eyes that can read your soul and her big Lab kiss are irresistible.”

“Every day is an adven ture,” adds Johnson. “I can’t wait to get up in the morning to find out what’s in store for me. And I feel so blessed to work with the employees and volunteers at Guide Dogs of the Desert and Hospice, making each day better for someone who is less fortunate. Life just doesn’t get any better.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, “To give of one’s self… to leave the world a bit better…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—that is to have succeeded.” It’s safe to say that Jackie Johnson is exceedingly successful.

Jackie says "Good health is a Choice."Johnson who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, keeps fit by eating healthy, playing golf, lifting weights, walking and bicycle riding. She says “I stay vital by fulfilling my “bucket list” such as:

Walking marathons

White river rafting the Sacramento River

Swimming with dolphins in Mexico

Hiking New Zealand’s Milford Track (35.4 miles in four days)

Yearly Tour de Palm Springs charity bike rides on the GDD team

Guide Dogs of the Desert

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Since 1972, Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) has been connecting those who are blind with the essential tools for success at its campus outside Palm Springs. Up to 30 clients and guide dogs are housed and trained each year. Believing that every legally blind person should have access to a guide dog, the school maintains small class sizes to better focus on each client’s needs. GDD creates opportunities for life­changing independence, safe mobility, and loving compan­ionship for the legally blind through the use of a guide dog. To date, more than 1,200 client/dog teams have graduated in its 40 years of service.

How You Can Help Give one of our puppies a name that is mean­

ingful to you or someone you love through our Every Hero Needs a Name program; make an individual donation or join together in a group to name a puppy. For more information please call Kevin Towner at 760­329­6257.

Make a one­time or recurring donation.

Volunteer to welcome visitors and conduct tours at our training center.

Become part of our Speaker’s Bureau, a group of volunteers trained to speak to Lions Clubs, community groups and schools.

Become a puppy raiser, which involves taking eight­week­old puppies into your home until they reach 18 to 22 months of age. By sharing your love and time you help by giving the puppies a special upbringing.

Assist in various special events that support the organization, such as graduations, event booths and fundraising.

Purchase a GDD calendar either online or by calling 760­329­6257.

For more information about the program and how you can become involved, visit www.guidedogsofthedesert.org.

Every seven minutes someone in America becomes legally blind or visually impaired.

Regular check­ups and screenings are more and more important

as we age—and the eyes are no exception,” says Kimberly Robertson, OD, VSP doctor.

“There’s no doubt adults over the age of 50 are more prone to chronic eye dis orders such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration,” says Dr. Robertson. “With all three of these conditions, early detection is critical.”

“What a lot of patients don’t realize is that an eye exam can also uncover symp toms of significant health problems—including carotid artery block­ages, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes,” she says. “I often refer my patients to their primary care doctors for diagnosis and treatment after finding one of the warning signs for these serious health conditions.” An annual eye check up is a simple, low­stress way to keep tabs on your eye and overall health. Here are some the things your eye doctor will be looking for:

Age­related macular degeneration (AMD)This is the leading cause of blindness among older adults, but, early detection and treatment can slow its

progress significantly. There are a couple different types of AMD. The type determines the treatment—ranging from laser surgery, medication or dietary supplements to slow down the progression of the disease.

GlaucomaGlaucoma has been called, “the silent thief of sight” because too often, it goes unnoticed before too much damage is done to save vision. It’s caused by too much pressure in the eyes. When doctors catch it early, they can often manage it effectively and prevent vision loss.

CataractsCataracts are a nearly unavoid­able part of aging. Over time, the lens in the eyes can get cloudy and yellow. But, updated

eyewear prescriptions can often delay surgery, which is easy and low­risk.

Diabetic retinopathyThis affects diabetic patients and can rob sight. The tiny blood vessels in the eye that feed the retina become damaged and allow fluids to seep into the eye. Treatment includes changes in diet and exercise, and possibly surgery.

Vision ChangesAge usually increases vision changes. A yearly check up will help keep your vision sharp with updated eyewear prescriptions.

“Because of all these advan tages, it just makes good sense to keep that yearly appointment with the optometrist,” says Dr. Robertson.

“

Vision Exams: Save Sight plus Detect Other Health Issues

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According to the World Health Organ­ization, 50% of people with chronic disease do not take their medication.

Those who don’t take the medicine they need are putting themselves at risk.

The drugs that people fail to take the most are those that treat conditions with no symp ­toms, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. If you don’t feel sick, why take medicine? Taking the medication prescribed by a doctor can be crucial in avoiding future more serious and sometimes incurable health problems.

Some people don’t take their medications because they feel overwhelmed by the number of different medications they are on. The American Heart Association reports that 60 percent of patients taking five or more medications are taking them improperly.

Other common reasons for not taking prescribed medication:

Forgetfulness. Sometimes people just need a reminder.

Believing that they don’t need the medication, or that it doesn’t help them.

Fear of, or experience with negative side effects.

Financial burden of cost.

Symptoms cleared up, so the medication must no longer be needed.

Confusion and not understanding the medication instructions.

Sometimes the container is difficult to open.

Difficulty swallowing the medication.

Don’t Risk it – Take your Medication

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How You Can Stay on Track

Try to stick to a routine. Take your medicine at the same time every day. If the medication allows, time it with your meals or some daily activity such as brushing your teeth.

Use packaging aids. Plastic daily­ dosing containers can help keep you on schedule. They also help you avoid questioning whether

you took your medication each day. Also check with your pharmacy to see if they have individualized packaging services.

Ask questions. Your doctor or pharmacist is there to help, so be sure to ask them as many questions about your medication as you need to. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask them to be clearer.

Get a reminder. Some pharmacies offer programs designed to alert you when you need to get a prescription refilled.

Get Connected with Inter Valley

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Inter Valley’s social media community is growing every day. Many people have fol­lowed us on both the “Inter Valley” and

“For Health & Living” Facebook pages. Social media, as with our Vitality Classes, is a great way keep up­to­date with information that is important to you. So if you haven’t already, log on today and join our Facebook community.

Here are the key websites to help you get and stay connected.

www.ivhp.com, our main website, links you with the latest information about our organization, health and medical trends, information on Medicare and videos ranging from leading health topics like Diabetes to entertaining segments like Laughing Yoga.

www.facebook.com/forhealthandliving will lead you to our “Lifestyle” Facebook page, which provides information on health, wellness, events, games and even coupons for local discounts. Check out fun posts like “Music that Takes Us Back in Time” where we

relive the hits of artists like Mick Jagger, Diana Ross and the Beatles.

www.facebook.com/intervalley accesses our main Facebook page. Post your thoughts or see what others are saying and join the conversation.

www.ivhp.com/Site/VitalitySeries If you are a Facebook novice we also offer free beginning and advanced Facebook classes as part of our Vitality Program. We’ll teach you how to create an account, manage your privacy settings, and navigate through the different features. Visit the site to find out more.

Facebook Questions & Answers: What is the News Feed? At the center column of your Facebook home page, the news feed is a constantly updating list of stories from people and pages that you follow on Facebook.

What types of content can appear in the News Feed? In addition to posts from friends and pages you follow, you may see photos, friend requests, events, groups and more.

Why am I seeing stories about people I’m not friends with in my News Feed? You might see posts from people you aren’t friends with if your friends “liked” or interacted with those posts. We will only show you posts that are set to Public, meaning that anyone is allowed to view them, or posts from Friends of Friends.

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Here at Inter Valley we want our members to enjoy life and stay healthy. Together,

we can make that happen. Paying attention to your body and making healthy lifestyle choices is how you can begin. We’ll support your efforts by providing stellar service every step of the way.

How can we support your efforts to stay healthy? Inter Valley Health Plan wants to make sure you’re getting the care and attention you deserve. As a member, you can expect:

Caring physicians who pay atten­tion to your health care needs;

Phone and appointment access to your primary care physician and any specialists you need;

A prescription plan that is always helpful and easy to use;

Responsive customer service and timely communications.

If our service doesn’t rate a nine or a ten, please call and tell us how we can do a better job. Remember, we have real people answering the phones who are happy to help you. Additionally, you can visit us in person at our downtown Pomona location or at any of our Medicare Information Centers. Call us toll free at 800­251­8191, ext 111 or for hearing impaired TTY/TDD 800­505­7150, from 7:30 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week.

Let’s be partners in your health care

Five stay­healthy tips

1 Stay physically active to improve strength and stability, this can decrease your risk of falling—the prevailing cause of hip fractures.

2 If you break a bone, get a test to make sure you aren’t developing osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones.

3 Talk to your doctor if you have bladder problems; this is very common, and there are many treatments available.

4 Discuss your physical and mental health with your doctor. Report any new or worsening conditions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

5 Please contact Inter Valley’s member services department, with any questions or concerns, because we want to help.

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

Thursday, April 5 @ 3 pmArthritis Exercise Program

Thursday, April 12 @ 10 am: Preventative Health

Monday, April 16 @ 10 am: Five Wishes

Thursday, April 19 & Tuesday, May 15 @ 10 am Tuesday, April 24 & Thursday, May 24 @ 6 pm Medicare 101

Wednesday, April 25 @ 2 pm: Bunco Co-sponsored by Homewatch Caregivers

Thursday, April 26 @ 12 pm: How to Communicate with Your Doctor by Dr. Jennifer Sun

Tuesday, May 8 @ 2 pm: Mother’s Day Tea

Thursday, May 10 @ 10 am: Couponing 101

Wednesday, May 16 @ 10 am Osteoporosis & Bone Density Screening

Thursday, May 24 @ 10 am: Book Club

Tuesday, May 29 @ 10 am: Real Connections by Community Senior Service

H E M E T

Medicare Information & Vitality Center 3077 West Florida Ave, Suite C, Hemet

Wednesday, March 28 @ 12:30 pm Senior Safety & Awareness with Ford Edwards

Tuesday, April 10 @ 11 am: Lunch Box Specials Cooking Class with Joanne Lapointe

Wednesday, April 11 @ 2 pm Preventative Health

Monday, April 16 @ 2 pm: Five Wishes

Wednesday, April 18 @ 10 am & Thursday, May 31 @ 6 pm: Medicare 101

Thursday, April 19 @ 2 pm How to Communicate with Your Doctor

Thursday, April 26 @ 10 am: The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Wednesdays, May 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ 12:30 pm Chair Yoga

Wednesday, May 9 @ 2:30 pm: Book Club

Friday, May 11 @ 2 pm: Mother’s Day Tea

C L A R E M O N T

Investing In the Vitality of 0ur

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Reading may seem like a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Why not join a book club? You can socialize, improve

your memory and keep your brain sharp.

Reading can improve your life It makes you smarter. Readers have higher

intelligence and broader knowledge

It reduces stress. Too much stress is unhealthy. Books can provide a distraction from the stresses of everyday life.

It helps you think. Readers spot patterns quickly making them better analytical thinkers.

It improves vocabulary which helps your communication skills be more effective.

It sharpens your memory. The more you read, the more you are able to remember.

It makes you a better speller and writer. Your writing will be a pleasure to read due to your improved vocabulary and memory.

Books clubs will be held at six of our Medicare Information Vitality Centers : Hemet, Claremont, La Quinta, Palm Springs, Riverside and Victorville. For dates and times check out the class listings on pages 10 through 13. There is no charge to join. The book club meets once a quarter to discuss the assigned book. Call 909­623­6333, ext 625 to find out about the latest book selection and to reserve your space.

Due to Limited Space YOu MuST RSVP to all Vitality Classes & Events

L A Q U I N TA

Medicare Information & Vitality Center Highway 111, La Quinta

Mondays, April 9 & 23; May 7 & 21 @ 11 am Tai Chi

Tuesday, April 2 & 30; Wednesday, April 11 @ 10 am Wii Games

Monday, April 16 @ 2 pm: Scrabble

Wednesdays, April 11 & 25; May 9 & 23 @ 2 pm Laughing Yoga

Tuesdays, April 3 & 17; May 15 & 29 @ 12:30 pm Chair Yoga

Mondays, April 23 & May 21; Wednesday, May 16 @ 2 pm: Crafts with Gloria

Tuesdays, April 10 & May 8 @ 2 pm Writing Workshop

Tuesday, May 1 @ 10 am Anyone Can Paint

Wednesdays, April 25 & May 23 @ 2 pm: Bingo

Monday, April 2 & Wednesday, May 30 @ 2 pm Recipe Share

Wednesday, April 4 @ 10 am Newport Audiology Hearing Healthcare Talk

Wednesday, April 18 @ 2 pm: Five Wishes

Friday, April 20 @ 10 am: Facebook 101

Tuesdays, April 24 & May 22 @ 2 pm: Yahtzee

Wednesday, May 9 @ 10 am: Book Club

Wednesday, May 30 @ 2 pm Vision Wellness Seminar by Braille Institute

stay sharp & socialize:Join a Book Club!

Members and the Community Investing In the Vitality of 0ur

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PA L M S P R I N G S

Medicare Information & Vitality Center 555 South Sunrise Way, Ste 105, Palm Springs

Tuesdays April 10 & 24, May 8 & 22 @ 11:30 am Chair Yoga

Thursdays, April 12 & 27, May 10 & 31 @ 2 pm Laughing Yoga

Friday, May 24 @ 10 am: Anyone Can Paint

Fridays, April 12 & May 25 @ 2 pm: Bingo

Mondays, April 16 & 30 @ 11 am: Tai Chi

Fridays, April 13 & May 4 @ 2 pm Writing Workshop

Friday, April 6 @ 10 am: Wii Games

Thursdays, April 27 & May 11 @ 2 pm: Yahtzee

Fridays, April 19 & May 10 @ 10 am: Scrabble

Friday, March 23 @ 2 pm Disaster Preparedness Seminar

Thursdays, April 5 & May 18 @ 10 am Crafts With Gloria

Wednesday, April 4 @ 2 pm: Newport Audiology Hearing Healthcare Talk

Fridays, April 6 & May 4 @ 2 pm Recipe Share

Friday, April 13 @ 10 am: Five Wishes

Friday, April 20 @ 2 pm: Facebook 101

Friday, May 11 @ 2 pm: Braille Institute Low Vision Wellness Seminar

Thursday, May 17 @ 10 am: Book Club

Friday, May 18 @ 10 am Women’s Health Discussion Dr. Mala Singh

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Senior Dating Conference

To Love Again — Finding The Love of Your Life and the Life You Love

Wednesday, June 6, 8 am to 12 pmJames L. Brulte Senior Center 11200 Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga

“Senior dating is becoming more and more common because we’re living longer lives. Everyone wants and needs love and companionship” says Jan Fowler, award winning columnist on senior dating. Ms. Fowler is Mistress of Ceremonies at the Dating Conference sponsored by Inter Valley Health Plan and the City of Rancho Cucamonga.   

Because dating guidelines are very different for older adults we will present topics such as:

Sex as You Age by Rick Hirsch, MD

On-Line Dating by Monique Stennis, MBA Inter Valley’s Social Media Specialist

Later-Life Dating by Elizabeth Baxt, MFT

Keynote speaker, Hazel Curtis, RN MPH, Loma Linda University

Medical Center educa tional specialist, shares secrets on loving the life you have and attaining the life you want. 

Refreshments, vendors, prizes (no obligation) and dating games are included in the activities. Admission is free. Seating is limited. You must RSVP. Call the City of Rancho Cucamonga to RSVP at 909­477­2780. For more information please visit our website at www.ivhp.com or call 800­251­8191, ext 625 or TTY/TDD 800­505­7150.

Investing in the Vitality of Our members

R I V E R S I D E

Medicare Information & Vitality Center 5266 Arlington Ave, Riverside (FYI: We will be moving this office in May)

Thursday, April 12 @ 2 pm: Medicare 101

Monday, April 16 @ 2 pm: Five Wishes

Wednesday, April 18 @ 2 pm: Preventative Health

Friday, April 20 @ 10 am: Couponing 101

Monday, April 23 @ 2 pm: Memories to Memoirs

V I C T O R V I L L E

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

Medicare Information & Vitality Center 12209 Hesperia Rd, Suite E, Victorville

Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17 & 24 @ 12:30 pm: Tai-Chi

Friday, April 6 @ 10 am: How to Communicate with Your Doctor

Wednesday, April 11 @ 11 am: Lunch Box Specials Cooking Class with Joanne Lapointe

Thursday, April 12 @ 2 pm: Medicare 101

Monday, April 16 @ 10 am: Five Wishes

Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 9 am Chair Exercises with Blanca Cole

Tuesday, May 8 @ 2 pm: Book Club

Thursday, May 10 @ 2 pm: Mother’s Day Tea

Tuesday, May 15 @ 1 pm Older Adult Recognition & Ed Bair’s Boats

Thursday, May 24 @ 1 pm Basic Internet with Aaron Buchard

Wednesday, May 30 @ 6 pm: Medicare 101

Thursday, May 31 @ 10 am Detoxify Your Home with Tiffany Jablonski

Medicare Information & Vitality Center 9791 Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga

Wednesday, April 4 @ 11 am: Focus on Your Heart

Wednesday, April 25 @ 11 am: Medicare 101

Wednesday, May 2 @ 11 am: Osteoporosis & Bone Density Screening

Wednesday, May 16 @ 1 pm: Doctor Talk What Happens After 55 — Women’s Health Issues Dr. Usha Mantha

W E S T C O V I N A

Medicare Information & Vitality Center West Covina Senior Center 2501 E. Cortez St, West Covina

Tuesday, April 3 @ 10 am: Preventative Health

Tuesday, April 17 @ 10 am: Five Wishes

Save the DateRIVERSIDE TALENT SHOW Friday, May 18 @ 6 pm, Janet Goeske Center

Due to Limited Space YOu MuST RSVP to all Vitality Classes & Events13

and the communityInvesting in the Vitality of Our members

C O M M U N I T Y W I D E E V E N T S

Thursday, April 5 @ 10:30 am: Five Wishes Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 6th St, Temecula

Thursday, April 5 @ 1 pmTraveling Game Show & Ice Cream Social Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Rd, Menifee

Tuesday, April 10 @ 11:30 am: Five Wishes Eddie Dee Smith Senior Center, 5888 Mission Blvd Riverside 951-275-9975

Tuesday, April 17 @ 12 pm: How to Maintain a Healthy Brain, Fontana Community Senior Center 16710 Ceres Ave Fontana 909/854-5151

Wednesday, April 18 @ 8:30 am: Five Wishes Janet Goeske Center, 5257 Sierra St, Riverside 951-351-8800

Thursday, April 19 @ 11 am: Volunteer Luncheon Sponsorship, La Verne Senior Center 3680 D St, La Verne 909-596-8776

Saturday, April 21 @ 10 am: 50+ Senior Expo & Bone Density Screening, Fairplex, Bldg 3, 1101 W. McKinley Pomona 909-623-3111

Tuesday, April 24 @ 10 am: Facebook 101 Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 6th St, Temecula

Friday, April 27 @ 10 am: Savvy Saving Solutions Yucaipa Senior Center, 12202 First St 909-797-1177

Friday, April 27 @ 10 am: Facebook 101 Montclair Senior Center, 5111 Benito St 909-625-9456

Tuesday, May 1 10:15 am: Osteoporosis & Bone Density Screening, Chino Senior Center 13170 Central Ave, Chino 909-591-9836

Thursday, May 3 @ 1 pmMaintain a Healthy Brain, Corona Senior Center 921 S. Belle St, Corona 951-736-2363

Thursday, May 3 @ 10:30 amHow to Communicate with Your Doctor Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 6th St, Temecula

Thursday, May 10 @ 9 am Focus on Your Heart, Senior Select/St. Mary Medical Center, 19333 Bear Valley Rd, Apple Valley

Wednesday, May 23 @ 11 amOh, My Achin’ Bones, Irwindale Senior Center 16102 Arrow Hwy, Irwindale 626-430-2283

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

Spa Days – Many ladies were pampered at Inter Valley Health Plan’s Riverside, Hemet and Victorville Medicare Information and Vitality Centers, the week of Valentine’s Day. To celebrate the holiday, they were invited to treat themselves to fingernail color, facials, make­up make­overs, hair styles and wigs! Participants enjoyed chair massages and yummy Valentine’s Day treats! We thank Marinello’s School of Beauty in Hemet and Victorville, Four­D College, Mary Kay, Wigs & More and American Career College for their contributions.

Due to Limited Space YOu MuST RSVP to all Vitality Classes & Events

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1 “There’s no doubt adults ________ the age of

____ are more prone to ____________ eye disorders

such as ____________, ____________ and ____________

degeneration,” says Dr. Robertson. “With all three of these

conditions, ________detection is critical.”

2 “What a lot of patients don’t realize is that an ____

exam can also uncover symptoms of significant ________

problems—including ___________ artery blockages,

________________, high ______________ and ___________.”

3 An annual eye check up is a ___________, _____ ­ ________

way to keep tabs on your ______ and overall ___________….

4 Your eye care benefit is brought to you by ___________

___________ ___________ ___________ and _____.

5 To get specific vision benefits information such as copays for

eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lens care and more, visit

_____________________, or call VSP Member Services.

aTTenTion GaRDeneRs:Win a Garden Tool set & canvas Tote on Us!

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

Spring is a great time to plant flowers, fruits and vegetables. Two lucky contest entries will win a pair of garden gloves and three hand tools, plus

one of Inter Valley’s canvas tote bags to either hold your fresh garden harvests or for shopping at your local farmer’s market.

If you are an Inter Valley Health Plan member, and fill in the blanks correctly, you’re eligible to win. If there is more than one member per house hold, a photo copied entry is acceptable. Entries must be post marked by Monday, April 23, 2012.

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

Pedometer Winners from last issue: Vern Gowens, Rialto; Mary Vargas, Murrieta and William Garringer, La Verne.

Inter Valley HealtH Plan’s ComPany obserVed HolIdays

Our offices will be closed:

Memorial Day ................... Monday, May 28, 2012

Independence Day ......... Wednesday, July 4, 2012

To become a member of any of our Plan programs and receive all our benefits, including this magazine call 800­500­7018 or TTY/TDD 800­505­7150 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 800­251­8191 or TTY/TDD 800­505­7150 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.

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 91769­6002

Health/Wellness/Prevention Information

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Cyndie M. O’Brien, EditorMarion Schmid, Asst. Editor

For article information, or additional copies,

call the Editor at 909-623-6333.