MORE

FROM

LIFE®

Y0036_15_24684 CMS Accepted 11232014

A magazine from Cigna-HealthSpring

WINTER 2015

WE’RE HERE FOR YOUGetting the most from your Cigna-HealthSpring coverage page 6

WAITING ROOM TIPSMake wait times work for you page 12

RUBY WILSON2014 Silver Stars winner page 3

HEALTHY STEPS FOR THE NEW YEAR Your head-to-toe to-do list page 4

2

QUESTIONS?

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View exclusive features in our electronic version of More from Life! Watch videos, listen to podcasts and read articles available only online. Visit our Facebook page and click the More from Life tab. Or email newsletter@CignaHealthSpring.com.

CONNECT WITH US!

CALL 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week

Cigna-HealthSpring customers:1-800-668-3813

Not yet a customer? 1-888-284-0270By calling the number above, you will be directed to a licensed benefit advisor.

TTY: 711

EMAIL LetUsHelpYou@HealthSpring.com

WEB CignaHealthSpring.com

FEATURES3 Silver Stars Shine Onstage Annual Cigna-HealthSpring competition showcases senior talent

4 Healthy Steps for the New Year Your better health to-do list

6 Getting the Most from Your Cigna-HealthSpring Coverage A health plan primer

8 Blood Pressure DIY Do-it-yourself home monitoring

9 Post-holiday Blues or Depression? How to tell the difference

10 Get Silver&Fit New program focuses on fitness

12 How to Make Wait Times Work for You Waiting room tips

14 The Best Me I Can Be Simple lifestyle changes work

18 Who’s Calling Me? Protecting your health information

19 Caution: Ice Ahead Staying on your feet in cold weather

COLUMNS3 From Our Founder and President

11 Ask the Doc

13 Puzzle

16 Your Neck of the Woods

20 Healthy Recipe: Lentil Soup

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FROM OUR FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Dear Cigna-HealthSpring friends:

This past year has flown by — it’s hard to believe it’s already time to welcome new customers to the Cigna-HealthSpring family! I’m so glad to have you on board,

and I want you to know that my personal goal is to make sure your health care experience is a positive one. Everyone who works here shares that goal, so never hesitate to let us know how we can help. Our Customer Service Representatives stand ready to answer any questions and provide assistance when and where you need it.

As always, we want to know what you think about your health care experience. One way we get your feedback is through surveys. We conduct our own

surveys from time to time, and you may also be asked to complete additional surveys on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS uses the results of these surveys to rate the quality and performance of health plans. Your feedback can affect the benefits we offer, and it can help improve our service to you. I encourage you to complete these surveys if you receive them in the mail. It’s a great way to let us know what we’re doing right and what we can do better.

Stay warm this winter. See you next issue!

Herb Fritch President, Cigna-HealthSpring

SILVER STARS KEEP SHININGTen finalists took the stage at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to perform in the 7th annual Cigna-HealthSpring-sponsored Silver StarsTM talent competition.

Singer Ruby Wilson won first place and the title of 2014 Silver Star; dancers Richard and Laurie Collett took second-place honors; and pianist/singer Irving Evans placed third.

Hazel Minnick, 2013 winner, opened the show with a routine celebrating the next Silver Star. And while the judges deliberated, 2012 winner Dianne Hill and 2013 third-place winner Patricia Sonnier entertained the audience with special performances.

Watch a short video of Silver Stars highlights at HSSilverStars.com and join us next year!

Silver Stars winners from left to right: Irving Evans, Ruby Wilson, and Laurie and Richard Collett

4

HEALTHY STEPS FOR THE NEW YEARPut better health on your 2015 to-do list

Consider this: What you can do: The good news: Learn more:

Brain Are you suffering from post-holiday blues or something more serious, such as depression? Your mood can affect how your body feels. And living with a chronic condition, like diabetes, can make depression worse.

There is help. You don’t have to suffer from depression or anxiety. Regular exercise, social interaction, medicine and therapy can all help you find the joy in your life again.

Up to

80%of people who get help for depression

feel better

See page 9 to learn how our Depression Management Program can help you start feeling better.

Heart/ blood

pressure

Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems or other chronic health conditions? If so, then you could benefit from this prescription: 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.*

Many people believe being active is a miracle cure, and it is. Regular exercise lowers your risk for a long list of health problems, boosts energy and mood, improves sleep, reduces stress and helps control weight. If you’re ready to move toward a stronger heart and better overall health, our new Silver&Fit fitness program is the perfect place to start! See page 10.

Being more active can lower your blood

pressure by

4-9 points (the same reduction achieved by some

blood pressure medicines)

See page 8 for a blood pressure-lowering DIY.

Colon Does your lifestyle put you at greater risk for colorectal cancer? Seventy percent of colorectal cancers are related to lifestyle factors like obesity, lack of exercise and eating a lot of red or processed meat.

In its earliest stages, colon cancer often has no symptoms. That’s why screening is so important. Getting a colonoscopy when recommended by your doctor can detect problems early, when they’re most treatable.

Colon cancer rates have dropped

30% in the past decade

because more people are getting

screened

See page 11, where Dr. Jim Lancaster, Cigna-HealthSpring’s Medical Director, discusses the importance of colorectal screening.

Knees Is knee pain keeping you from doing the things you enjoy? If you’re thinking about a knee operation, consider this: Losing weight may help you avoid surgery.

Studies show that losing even a few pounds can greatly reduce knee pain and strain. Losing just 11 pounds can cut your risk for osteoarthritis in half. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis.

For every pound you lose, you take

4 pounds of pressure

off your knees

See page 10 to learn how our new Silver&Fit fitness program can help you reach your health goals.

* Talk to your doctor if you’re just getting started.

5

HEALTHY STEPS FOR THE NEW YEARPut better health on your 2015 to-do list

Consider this: What you can do: The good news: Learn more:

Brain Are you suffering from post-holiday blues or something more serious, such as depression? Your mood can affect how your body feels. And living with a chronic condition, like diabetes, can make depression worse.

There is help. You don’t have to suffer from depression or anxiety. Regular exercise, social interaction, medicine and therapy can all help you find the joy in your life again.

Up to

80%of people who get help for depression

feel better

See page 9 to learn how our Depression Management Program can help you start feeling better.

Heart/ blood

pressure

Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems or other chronic health conditions? If so, then you could benefit from this prescription: 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.*

Many people believe being active is a miracle cure, and it is. Regular exercise lowers your risk for a long list of health problems, boosts energy and mood, improves sleep, reduces stress and helps control weight. If you’re ready to move toward a stronger heart and better overall health, our new Silver&Fit fitness program is the perfect place to start! See page 10.

Being more active can lower your blood

pressure by

4-9 points (the same reduction achieved by some

blood pressure medicines)

See page 8 for a blood pressure-lowering DIY.

Colon Does your lifestyle put you at greater risk for colorectal cancer? Seventy percent of colorectal cancers are related to lifestyle factors like obesity, lack of exercise and eating a lot of red or processed meat.

In its earliest stages, colon cancer often has no symptoms. That’s why screening is so important. Getting a colonoscopy when recommended by your doctor can detect problems early, when they’re most treatable.

Colon cancer rates have dropped

30% in the past decade

because more people are getting

screened

See page 11, where Dr. Jim Lancaster, Cigna-HealthSpring’s Medical Director, discusses the importance of colorectal screening.

Knees Is knee pain keeping you from doing the things you enjoy? If you’re thinking about a knee operation, consider this: Losing weight may help you avoid surgery.

Studies show that losing even a few pounds can greatly reduce knee pain and strain. Losing just 11 pounds can cut your risk for osteoarthritis in half. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis.

For every pound you lose, you take

4 pounds of pressure

off your knees

See page 10 to learn how our new Silver&Fit fitness program can help you reach your health goals.

* Talk to your doctor if you’re just getting started. Sources: Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center; NIHSeniorHealth; American Heart Association; American Diabetes Association; National Institute of Mental Health

6

Do you know everything you need to know about your Cigna-HealthSpring coverage? We’re here to answer any questions you have about your plan and benefits so you get the most from your coverage. Below are some popular topics. If you have additional questions, call or email us to let us know how we can help you!

Choosing/changing your primary care doctor.

When you select a primary care doctor from Cigna-HealthSpring’s network, you’re partnering with someone who shares our commitment to quality care. We also understand that your needs may change, so you can select a new primary care doctor at any time, for any reason. The change will be effective the first day of the following month. View a list of network doctors at CignaHealthSpring.com, or call Customer Service and we can help you choose or change your primary care doctor.

WE’RE HERE

FOR YOU

Getting the most from your coverage

Have questions?Call Customer Service

1-800-668-3813 (TTY: 711)8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week

Email usLetUsHelpYou@HealthSpring.com

Go onlineCignaHealthSpring.com

7

Scheduling your annual wellness visit.

Your annual wellness visit is one of your most important doctor visits. It’s free with your Medicare coverage. If you’ve recently changed primary care doctors, it’s a good idea to see your new doctor, even if you’re not sick. This helps you build a relationship and share your health history.

> Go to your doctor’s visit prepared with a list of any questions you have.

> Bring a friend or family member with you to listen and help take notes.

> Tell your doctor or nurse all the medications you take (prescription and over-the-counter). And share the names of any other doctors you’re seeing.

Showing your ID card.

Always show your Cigna-HealthSpring ID card at every office or pharmacy visit, even if it’s a free service or not covered by Medicare. This ensures we have an accurate record of the services you’ve received.

> You should receive your 2015 Cigna-HealthSpring ID card by the end of 2014. If you don’t, call Customer Service to make sure we have your correct address.

> Call us if any information on your Cigna-HealthSpring ID card is incorrect. Your primary care doctor’s name will appear on the card.

Getting prior authorization.

Some services and medications may need upfront approval before you can receive them. Generally, your doctor’s office will get prior authorizations and keep you informed of the status.

> If you have questions about a prior authorization requirement or status, talk to your doctor or call Customer Service.

> If a prior authorization is denied, you and the provider requesting the service will receive a letter outlining the reason for denial. The letter will also provide information on appeal rights if you or your provider wish to appeal the denial. If you have questions, call Customer Service.

Reviewing your EOBs.

After each medical service you receive, Cigna-HealthSpring will mail you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). An EOB is NOT a bill; it’s a statement describing the services received and how much your insurance has paid.

If you owe any money after a visit, you’ll receive a bill directly from your doctor or pharmacy. The amount on the bill should match the amount listed as “patient amount” on your EOB. It’s a good idea to match any bills with an EOB before you pay the bill. If you need help knowing what you owe, call Customer Service.

8

BLOOD PRESSURE DIYHome monitoring is a useful tool

Are you handy around the house? If so, then you know do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can often save you time and money. If you have high blood pressure, DIY can save your life.

Why monitoring is important

About a third of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and three out of four of those also have diabetes. High blood pressure in people with diabetes can increase the risk for eye and kidney disease and heart problems. But there’s good news: You can ward off these health issues in the future by getting your blood pressure under control today.

What you can do

Your doctor takes a blood pressure reading at each office visit, but it’s also a good idea to DIY, or monitor it yourself at home. Take daily readings, once in the morning and again before bed. And keep a log of your numbers. That will give your doctor a picture of your levels over time and help him or her make decisions about your treatment plan.

If you have diabetes, aim for a blood pressure of less than 140/90 (your doctor may recommend a different goal). You may be able to reach your goal with smart lifestyle choices, like eating healthy, staying active and dropping a few pounds if your doctor advises you to. Need some support or inspiration? Learn about our new fitness program on page 10.

How medicine helps

If lifestyle changes don’t get you to your goal, your doctor may prescribe medicine. Two commonly prescribed blood pressure medications are ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers). These medicines work by either blocking an enzyme that narrows blood vessels or by simply relaxing your blood vessels — both medicines cause blood pressure to go down.

If you do take blood pressure medicine, it’s important to take it exactly as prescribed. If you experience unpleasant side effects or have concerns about your medicine, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making a change to your medicine regimen.

Sources: American Diabetes Association; 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: Report From the Panel Members Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8)

9

POST-HOLIDAY BLUES OR DEPRESSION?For some, January can seem dreary after the anticipation and excitement of the holidays. If you find yourself feeling sad when the twinkling lights come down, you may have the post-holiday blues. But if those sad feelings hang around for two weeks or more, it could be depression.

Depression as we mature

Depression in older adults is common, but it’s not a normal part of aging. Depression is a serious condition that affects our feelings, thoughts and bodies. It can change our overall health and make it harder to manage other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs and tell your doctor if you have any of them.

Treatment works

It’s estimated that as many as 80% of adults who get help for depression show improvement. Despite this success rate, fewer than one-third of adults with depression will seek help. It’s important to remember that depression is real, it’s treatable and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking treatment can help you get your life back.

We can help

As a Cigna-HealthSpring customer, you may qualify for our Depression Management Program. This program is free and designed for customers who are already diagnosed with depression or who may be at risk for depression. Call Customer Service for information about this program.

Warning signs of depression

If you — or someone you love — have one or more of these feelings for two weeks or longer, talk to a doctor.

> Sadness lasting most of the day or nearly every day

> Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

> Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

> Irritability, agitation, restlessness or feeling slowed down

> Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

> Difficulty thinking, focusing or concentrating

> Repeated thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call your doctor right away. If your doctor is not available, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; National Mental Health Association; Medscape

10

GET FIT

New fitness program from Cigna-HealthSpring

Whether you’re already fitness focused or just starting to be more active, Cigna-HealthSpring has a program for you.

The Silver&Fit® Exercise and Healthy Aging program† is part of most of our Medicare Advantage plans* and gives Cigna-HealthSpring customers access to participating fitness facilities at no cost.

The program offers all the benefits that come with a standard fitness facility membership. A home fitness program is also available if you need or prefer to exercise at home.

You can also get:

> Healthy Aging resources (online or DVD)

> Silver&Fit Connected!TM, a fun and easy tool to track your exercise at a facility or through a wearable fitness device or app and earn rewards **

> Health resources through the Silver&Fit website, including health articles, challenges and more

Visit SilverandFit.com to find participating facilities, access customizable health tools and more. Or call 1-888-886-1992.

* Check with Customer Service about options available to you.

** Rewards subject to change; purchase of device or app is not included.

To watch Silver&Fit members share their love of fitness, visit

youtube.com/silverandfit. Don’t have Silver&Fit? Don’t worry, all Cigna-HealthSpring plans include value-added benefits. Check out our Healthy Rewards® program for discounts on health and wellness programs and services. Visit Cigna.com/ medicare/medicare-advantage/ plan-extras.

11

ASK THE DOC

Cigna-HealthSpring Medical Director Dr. Jim Lancaster

discusses colon cancer, one of the most preventable

forms of cancer.

This column is intended only as general interest and does not in any way create a doctor-patient relationship. As with all information contained in this magazine, you should discuss any health concerns with your doctor or caregiver. If you have any immediate health care needs, contact your doctor immediately. The information in this column is not intended to serve as medical advice.

What causes colon cancer?

Over a lifetime, diet, lack of physical activity and tobacco use are thought to influence the likelihood of developing colon cancer. Family history and gender also play a role (it occurs more often in men).

How is it detected?

Doctors screen for colon cancer by looking at the colon with a scope or by testing for blood in your stool. An outpatient colonoscopy is the most thorough way to check for colon polyps or colon cancer. It’s a low-risk procedure. Your primary care doctor knows your medical history and can determine whether you’re at risk for colon cancer. He or she can also discuss your screening options with you.

Is prepping for a colonoscopy unpleasant?

Honestly, prepping for a colonoscopy is not pleasant. But weighed against the alternatives of surgery if cancer develops, it’s easy. You have to clear your colon of stool so your doctor can see inside it with a scope. That means taking a laxative-type preparation. Most patients don’t remember the actual procedure because they’re lightly sedated. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about sedation.

I don’t have any symptoms. Does that mean I don’t have colon cancer?

The purpose of screening for colon cancer, and really the purpose of all screening tests, is to identify a problem before it has symptoms. Colon cancer usually has no symptoms until it is rather advanced and requires major surgery (if surgery is even an option). If everyone age 50 and older got screened, half of all colon cancer deaths each year could be prevented. So don’t delay. Take the initiative to make sure you’re up to date on testing for this very common cancer.

The saying, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ is true for colon cancer. Effective prevention is available to us, and the costs are covered. The idea of cancer can be frightening, but ignoring a potential problem is never the right solution. Take action to keep yourself healthy.

12

MAKING WAIT TIME WORK FOR YOU

Janice* sat in the waiting room checking her watch every few minutes. Time was ticking past her scheduled appointment time and she had even arrived 10 minutes early.

Sound familiar? Many of us have had to wait to see a doctor longer than we’d like. There are usually good reasons for that — delays can’t always be predicted. It could be that a medical emergency arose, or another patient’s appointment became more complicated than expected.

Remember: If you arrive early to your appointment like Janice, your wait time may feel longer, even if you see your doctor at or near your appointed time.

There are some things you can do to help reduce your wait time:

> Schedule your appointment first thing in the morning or right after lunch when wait times are often shorter.

> Tell the office staff the reason for your visit when making your appointment. That helps them set aside the right amount of time for your visit. Also, ask them when you should arrive. You may need extra time to fill out paperwork before seeing your doctor.

> Ask about expected wait time when you arrive. This helps you know what to expect.

> Call ahead if you’re running late. Depending on how late, you may need to reschedule your appointment.

* Fictional character used for descriptive purposes

If you do have to wait, here are some ways to turn wait time into fun time:

> Tackle a crossword puzzle (we have one for you on page 13)

> Bring a book to read

> Browse the Internet or catch up with friends on Facebook

> Write a note to a friend or loved one

> Work on a knitting or sewing project

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS1 School dance5 Center of activity8 In things12 Glorified gofer13 Alias preceder14 Bread spread15 Diving bird16 Man of the cloth18 Maroon20 Gallery display21 Coquettish

22 Stair parts26 Ran amok29 Personal quirk30 Tater _____

31 Valuable rock32 Gaudy scarf33 Lyric poem34 Hurt35 Mountain pass36 Refurbish38 Team hero,

maybe

40 Relatives41 Sombrero, e.g.42 Pictures46 Fender bender50 Stallion’s mate51 Drag behind52 Double-crosser53 Give off, as light54 Brother of Cain55 007, for one56 Monocle part

DOWN1 Cronies2 Knee-slapper3 Fragrance4 Threaten5 Robust6 Island strings7 German state8 Garrisons9 Brewed drink10 Scout group11 Turf17 Guitarist Clapton19 Silent assent23 Prince William’s school24 Went by car25 One-dish meal26 Ramble27 Soprano’s song, maybe28 Hair goops29 Apex32 Baseball players35 Provoke36 Canyon feature37 Nail polish39 Recipe direction40 Poker pot43 Ready and willing44 Land o’ blarney45 Tennis units46 Triumphant cry47 Hack48 Pool tool49 Day break

Find the answers to this puzzle on page 15.

Sudoku lovers, you can find free, interactive online puzzles at sudoku.com.

Copyright @ 2014 PuzzleJunction.com

14

Cigna-HealthSpring customer Carol Lampkin first met her Case Manager, Uva Shakes, after Carol was hospitalized for dangerously high blood sugar. Faced with learning to control both her diabetes and high blood pressure, Carol knew she needed to make some changes. And Uva was there to give her personal attention, support and education.

They started by taking a close look at Carol’s blood sugar numbers and comparing them with where they should be. Uva gave her a logbook to track her daily at-home readings. She also taught Carol about proper nutrition — decreasing fats, eating leaner meats, and increasing servings of fruits and vegetables.

“We started with simple goals: logging numbers, taking medicine, exercising two to three days a week…then we increased those goals weekly,” Uva says.

Carol was fully on board. And once she committed to making some lifestyle changes, she and Uva quickly saw improvements.

“I could see her numbers starting to come down after just two or three weeks,” Uva says.

While Carol’s blood sugar numbers were getting better, her blood pressure was still high. And she discovered just how serious high blood pressure can be when she saw something in her medical chart that alarmed her.

THE BEST ME

I CAN BE

Simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference

A little exercise never hurt

anyone, and it can make all

the difference in the world.

Carol Lampkin Cigna-HealthSpring customer

15

“I saw a note that said I had stage 1 kidney disease,” Carol says. “The doctor told me it was something I can fix and I said ‘I’ve got to do that. I want to keep my kidneys for the rest of my life.’”

That information gave Carol the boost she needed to make additional lifestyle changes. She increased her physical activity even more and kept a closer eye on her diet, including reducing the amount of salt in her food. And her doctor started her on a new blood pressure medicine.

“The best way to improve your life is to work with your primary care doctor,” says Carol. “Be part of a team that works to get you and keep you as healthy as you can be.”

Carol is now part of a walk-and-talk group that walks around the park in her neighborhood on Saturdays.

“A little exercise never hurt anyone, and it can make all the difference in the world,” she says. “My doctors are really, really excited about the changes I’ve made. Now I’m coming in with wonderful numbers, and I’m so proud. I’m working hard to be the best me I can be.”

Case Management after a hospital stay

Have you been in the hospital recently? Cigna-HealthSpring’s Case Management Program* can help make the transition back home a little easier. The program is free for our customers, and participation is voluntary. You can opt out at any time, and opting out will not affect your benefits in any way. For information about Case Management, call:

1-866-382-0518: Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Florida, Georgia (except for Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties), North Carolina and South Carolina

1-888-615-2709: Tennessee, Northern Mississippi and Georgia (Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties)

1-866-487-3002, Option 4: Illinois

1-888-501-1116: Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma

1-888-454-0013, Ext. 336351: Washington, DC; Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania

* We also offer Disease Management programs for diabetes and congestive heart failure. For more information, call the number for your area listed above.

Easy grab-and-go food options are the best! Check out the Cigna

Healthy Life Cooking Series for some good-for-you recipes, including this one for berry and grain breakfast bars that are both tasty and healthy: http://bit.ly/1Cerwdv. The series features recipes that use in-season produce, making eating healthier more affordable.

Puzzle solution from page 13

16

YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS

Happenings in and around your area

TREE SAVERS, UNITE! Ready to go green with e-delivery?

It’s easy. You can request to receive some of your Cigna-HealthSpring documents electronically. Give us a call or visit green.CignaHealthSpring.com. Your information will be delivered securely, and you’ll help save a tree!

> ALABAMA

BirminghamHome + Garden ShowBirmingham-Jefferson Convention ComplexFebruary 12-15, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

> DELAWARE

WilmingtonRain: a Tribute to the BeatlesDuPont TheatreMarch 6-8, 2 and 8 p.m.

> FLORIDA

PensacolaColor in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground RailroadPensacola Museum of ArtFebruary 6-April 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

> GEORGIA

AtlantaJazz Fest: Big Band NightSchwartz Center for the Performing ArtsFebruary 14, 8 p.m., free admission

> ILLINOIS

ChicagoChicago Auto ShowMcCormick PlaceFebruary 14-22, times vary

> MARYLAND

BaltimoreDivided Voices, Maryland in the Civil WarMaryland Historical Society MuseumNow through May 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

> MISSISSIPPI

BiloxiSpring Festival Garden ExtravaganzaColiseum Convention CenterMarch 6-7Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

> NORTH CAROLINA

CharlotteFree Wednesdays at the MintMint Museum UptownEvery Wednesday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

> PENNSYLVANIA

PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia Flower ShowPennsylvania Convention CenterFebruary 28-March 8, times vary

> TEXAS

BeaumontBirds in Art exhibitMuseum of the Gulf CoastNow through February 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

SEEING IS BELIEVINGIt’s never too late to quit using tobacco

Would it help you quit smoking if you could actually see the damage smoking does to your body? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) thinks it will.

That’s why recent television commercials have featured real people — not actors — sharing very real stories about how smoking made them sick.

These commercials are hard-hitting for a reason. Experts believe if we can see the destructive consequences of using tobacco, we’re more likely to stop. And it’s working. Since first aired, the ads have helped more than 100,000 people quit. Today, 18% of adults smoke compared to 42% in 1965, the first year the U.S. Surgeon General reported on the dangers of smoking.

If you’re a long-time smoker, you may think it’s too late to stop. But it’s never too late to reduce your risk for smoking-related problems, including cancer, lung disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

17

Did you know…

People who smoke have a 40% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to nonsmokers. And if you have diabetes, smoking increases your risk for complications, including eye and kidney problems, nerve damage, and heart disease.

Quit tips

3Have a quit plan. Choose the date you’ll smoke your last cigarette. Mark it boldly on your calendar. Then honor it.

3Be accountable. Tell friends and family you’re quitting. They can support you and remind you if you’re tempted to slip.

3Reward yourself. At the end of each day you don’t smoke, treat yourself to something, like a piece of dark chocolate. Or put aside the money you would have spent on cigarettes daily and use it to fund a fun activity.

3Throw your pack away. Don’t keep cigarettes around and think you’ll be able to resist the temptation.

3Talk to your doctor. There are stop-smoking aids your doctor can help you with, including nicotine replacement and prescription medication.

3Visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), for support and great tips on how to stop using tobacco. You can even sign up to receive free text messages when you need encouragement and advice.

18

Thanks to modern technology and caller ID, we can now see who’s calling before answering the phone. But we also live in an era of telephone scammers and telemarketers, so it’s important to be certain that the person you’re talking to is really who they say they are.

We may call you from time to time. You’ll know it’s really us if the name Cigna-HealthSpring appears on your caller ID screen. Our Customer Service Representatives will ask certain questions at the beginning of each call to verify they’re talking to either the customer or an authorized representative.

We’ll also confirm the information we already have on file for you, including your name, phone number and date of birth. We will never ask for items like your Social Security number or checking account number. Cigna-HealthSpring is committed to protecting your personal health information.

For the latest news about scams and cons that may target you, contact your local Better Business Bureau. Or visit BBB.org and click “Get Consumer Help,” then “Scam Source.” You’ll also find a helpful guide to outsmarting top scams.  

NO FLU FOR YOU!Have you had your flu shot? If you haven’t, it’s not too late. Though fall is the best time to get vaccinated, a wintertime shot can still protect you from the flu. Cigna-HealthSpring customers can receive a no-cost flu shot each year from their primary care doctors.

And if you haven’t had a pneumonia shot, plan to get one with your

annual flu shot. One pneumonia shot can protect you for many years.

Shingles shot

Because most people over age 60 were exposed to chickenpox as a child, getting the shingles vaccine is important. Without this protection, the chickenpox virus can reactivate in your body, causing shingles. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

WHO’S CALLING ME?Protecting your health information

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CAUTION: ICY CONDITIONSWalk with care

On a cold January morning, John* took a brisk walk. Because there had been a snowstorm a few days earlier, he took care to stay on the sidewalk. Then, without warning, he stepped on a patch of black ice and fell, hitting his head hard.

When John arrived at the hospital, he had plenty of company. Several other older adults had been admitted that day for ice-related falls.

Falls can happen to anyone, but there are things you can do to avoid cold-weather spills like John’s:

> Salt your sidewalk and driveway; cat litter works well too.

> Wear proper footwear, such as boots that offer more traction.

> Walk carefully in areas where ice is known to form.

> Watch for black ice; this thin coating of ice can be hard to see.

> Stick to well-lit, clear paths.

> Check your shoes once you’re inside — clinging snow and ice can also make it dangerous to walk indoors.

> If you do begin to fall, try to roll forward. If you feel yourself falling backward, try to sit down.

Always carry a cell phone when you head outdoors. That ensures you can get help if you do take a spill.

* This is a true story. Name was changed for privacy.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mayo Clinic

Facts about fallsDid you know…

> Falls are the leading cause of injuries for adults 65 and older.

> Some medications have side effects that can cause dizziness, leading to falls.

> Regular exercise helps you avoid falls by improving flexibility, strength and balance.

> Regular eye exams and wearing the right prescription eyewear can reduce your chance of falling.

> People with diabetes may be at increased risk for falls due to poor blood circulation and loss of sensation in their feet.

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† Silver&Fit and Silver&Fit Connected! are trademarks of American Specialty Health Incorporated and used with permission herein.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium carrots, diced

2 medium stalks celery, chopped

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups dry lentils

1 can (141/2 ounce) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

61/2 cups water

Directions

In large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery and onion; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in lentils and tomatoes, then add vegetable broth and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for at least 1 hour or until lentils are tender. Store leftovers in refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. The soup will taste better the next day!

Makes 10 half-cup servings

Per serving: 152 calories, 3 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 248 mg sodium, 7 g total fiber, 9 g protein, 24 g carbohydrates, 503 mg potassium

Recipe is from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: nhlbi.nih.gov.

LENTIL SOUPWarm up on a cold winter day with this hearty, delicious soup.