Even More Pictures of Health

A LIFESPAN PLAN SET IN MOTION

“I want to continue to be an athlete for as long as I can.” – Lee J., 72

Three to four days a week, Lee takes long bike rides through the winding hills and mountains near Los Angeles, Calif. Already this year, he has clocked nearly 3,000 miles on these rides.

At other times you may find Lee officiating at a youth or adult soccer match, swim meet or water polo contest. And when he’s not on his bike or at a sporting event, Lee might be in his home studio creating carved sculptures out of stone or wood, or at a small art school teaching a class on stone carving.

“Staying active keeps my head straight and connects me with other people, which can be the hardest thing to do as you get older,” says Lee.

As busy as he is, Lee appreciates this time of his life because he can choose to do what he enjoys on his own schedule. “You must be on time when there’s a game to officiate or you’re meeting people to ride…but there’s more freedom and a lot less pressure.”

Lee says that in the rare times when he is at rest, he relaxes by savoring his wife’s gourmet cooking (they’ve been married 48 years), watching TV or doing breathing exercises.

With no major health issues, Lee says he’s in good health, but having SCAN has helped when he’s needed care. “Last year, someone opened their car door in front of me, causing me to fall off my bike. I was taken to a trauma center and the bill was over $42,000. All I paid was my emergency room copay of $90. SCAN has been good to me.”

JUST DOING IT

“You can’t stay healthy sitting at home doing nothing.” – Victor E., 74

After Victor left his career as an international sales representative in the tech industry, he jumped at the chance to work with people again as a SCAN Peer Advocate. “I love connecting with others and how it keeps my brain working,” he says.

Victor’s part-time job with SCAN leaves time for other favorite activities. When he’s not reading up on the latest developments in computer technology, Victor is preparing healthy meals and exercising to keep his Type II diabetes in check. “I like being in the sun and fresh air, so I walk outside for 30 to 45 minutes every day,” he says.

As much as Victor loves helping SCAN members, he appreciates being a SCAN member. “Growing up in Mexico City, we didn’t have insurance like we do here,” he explains. “So when I fell and broke two bones in my foot several years ago, my first thoughts were: ‘How much will this cost me?’ and ‘How am I going to pay for it?’” Victor was surprised—and greatly relieved—when all but $50 of the $45,000 surgery bill was covered by SCAN. “There were no hassles. I realized then how valuable my SCAN benefits truly are.”

Victor is also relying on his SCAN benefits to help him stay healthy and active so he and his wife can travel more. Alaska and France are first on their list of bucket-list destinations.

For now, though, Victor says he’s focused on continuing to do the things he enjoys, including working at SCAN: “I want to work until I say enough is enough.”

WORKING THROUGH THE PAIN

“You can’t let pain get in the way of staying productive.” – Catherine M., 73 (our cover model)

A regular exercise routine is one way that Catherine says she copes with chronic pain from “a trifecta” of health issues: carpal tunnel syndrome, an old wrist fracture and degenerative disk disease.

“I love the endorphins,” she says. “My aches and pains don’t feel as severe when I keep to a regular exercise routine.”

Catherine is at the gym by 6:30 five mornings every week, often on the treadmill. “I was an avid beach walker, but after a couple of close falls on rocks and dogs running in front of me, I decided to go indoors,” she says. “On the treadmill I can personalize my speed and incline depending on my energy level for the day. And I can get my walk in no matter the weather outside.”

“I’m not fond of taking pain medications,” she adds, “so I rely on exercise and my doctor and physical therapist to address the source of my pain, not just mask it.” She’s found it also helps to eat a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory superfoods, like adding blueberries in her yogurt.

A career healthcare professional, Catherine came out of retirement to work at SCAN—first part-time, then as a full-time team member. She also gardens, connects with family and neighbors often and stays on top of financial news (Shark Tank is a favorite TV show). This busy schedule is just how she likes it. “I’m a very outgoing person and need to stay busy,” she says. “If I had to be stuck at home with my aches and pains, I would drive everyone crazy—including myself!”