SCAN Health Plan Arizona’s Classroom in the Community Initiative

Brings Health Education to Seniors

(PHOENIX, AZ – January 24, 2011) — SCAN Health Plan Arizona's extensive health promotion program is going on the road. SCAN’s Classroom in the Community presentations focused on senior health and wellness can now be found at community centers and senior centers throughout Maricopa and Pima counties.

“As a nonprofit Medicare Advantage plan, SCAN Health Plan Arizona has a unique opportunity to invest in activities that address the specific needs of older adults,” said Karen Richards, director of SCAN’s Connections Resource Center. “As a leading community resource for seniors, SCAN strives to bring together other partners in health to help Medicare beneficiaries access the other low- and no-cost resources available to them.”

SCAN’s Classroom in the Community program is designed to bring education directly to community members in locations that are familiar to and comfortable for them while reducing health disparities among the senior population. The presentations, which are available in English and Spanish, include:

• Tests You Want to Take – A general guide for prevention screenings and vaccines for people age 65 and older.
• No More Medicine Mayhem – An explanation of different types of medications, including over-the-counter drugs, medication safety and helpful reminder tips.
• Better Your Blood Pressure – Basic information about high blood pressure, why it’s important, and what to do if diagnosed with this condition.
• Preventing Falls – A look at fall risks and ways to minimize them.
• Control Your Cholesterol – A discussion of what cholesterol is and why it is important to prevent and/or manage high cholesterol.
• Maintain Your Brain – A review of suggested activities to maintain quality of life through health management, increased activity and socialization.
• Active Every Day – Physical activity guidelines for older adults and risks of inactivity.
• Healthy Eating on a Budget – Senior nutrition guidelines and nutritious and low-cost sample meals and snacks as well as community resources.
• Diabetes – A presentation about diabetes basics, a food pyramid for diabetics, and tips and suggestions for how to manage diabetes with the help of your healthcare team (including primary care physician, specialists, diabetes educator, etc.).
• Living with Arthritis – A look at common types of arthritis, prognosis and self-management tips to improve quality of life.
• Making the Most of Your Doctor Visits – Valuable tips and strategies to make doctor appointments more efficient and effective, including preparation prior to the appointment, importance of talking to your doctor, sharing information with your doctor, and understanding the information obtained during your appointment.
• Medicare: Back to Basics – An overview of Medicare, including program basics, various parts of Medicare, and answers to questions about coverage.
• Extra Help Program – Basic information and qualification criteria for a Medicare program that offers extra financial assistance for low- and limited-income Medicare beneficiaries in paying for drugs under the Medicare Prescription Drug program.

Seniors interested in finding a presentation near them or community organizations interested in hosting one of SCAN’s Classroom in the Community classes, may contact SCAN Health Plan Arizona at 602-778-3300.

About SCAN Health Plan
SCAN Health Plan is the country’s fourth largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan, currently serving nearly 130,000 members in California and Arizona. SCAN Health Plan Arizona was recently named one of the area’s best places to work by the Arizona Business Journal, one of the state’s most admired companies by Arizona Business Magazine, and one of the nation’s best places to work in healthcare by Modern Healthcare. Further information may be obtained at http://www.scanhealthplan.com.

Members of the news media may contact:
Carol Stevenson
818-597-8453, ext. 3
carols@kevinross.net