October 2019 - Fall Edition

Locations throughout Denver metro area

www.nwphysicians.com

Making a Commitment to Exercise

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH with diet? Adding in herbs and spices may be the simplest way. Turmeric, ginger, garlic and peppermint are some of the top herbs and spices with health boost-ing properties. Here are a few things you should know about these four herbs and spices, including tips on how you can add them to your daily diet.

Where to begin?

Start with a plan:

• Start small. Don’t set unreasonable goals.

• Select a program you enjoy.

• Schedule it. Set an appointment with yourself.

• Gear up. Buy a good pair of athletic shoes and comfortable clothes.

How much is enough?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rec-ommends that adults get aerobic exercise each week. Aerobic exercise makes you breathe harder and gets your heart pumping faster. Examples include walking and water aerobics.

Adults also need muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week. Work on all the major muscle groups with exercises like lifting weights and yoga.

Here are some other ways you can build regular activ-ity in your life:

• Work in your garden.

• Do sit-ups in front of the TV.

• Wash the car by hand.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting or increasing your level of activity.

If you track your progress, your workouts will become a healthy habit. Try these helpful tips for sticking with it:

• Vary your routine.

• Work out with a friend.

• Don’t stop.

• Reward yourself when you make progress.

Sources:U.S. Department of Health and Human Services • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

New West Express2

Feature Story

IF YOU’RE A PERSON WITH ASTHMA, Flu/Influenza season is upon us, and the quadrivalent influenza vaccine is now available in our clinics. This vaccine includes two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B.

The United States Advisory Committee on Im-munization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals six months of age and older. People who are considered high-risk individuals, such as those with chronic heart, lung, kidney disease, or cancers and also their close contacts, and healthcare workers, should be strongly encouraged to get the vaccination yearly.

Older adults and individuals with underlying health problems are at increased risk for complications of influenza, including death. Influenza vaccination not only reduces the risk of influenza infection but also reduces the severity of illness in those who are infected. Vaccination results in fewer influenza infections and fewer missed days from work in such individuals.

The flu is a highly contagious disease, caused by influenza A or B viruses that are spread easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. You will usually have to be in close contact (within six feet) of someone who is ill to become infected. It occurs more in the winter months due to more time spent indoors with contaminated people.

Flu symptoms usually include a fever higher than 100° F, intense headaches, severe muscle aches, fatigue, non-productive cough, nasal discharge, and sore throat, after an incubation period of one to four days. These symptoms may last from five days to a week or more.

Some people will develop post influenza weakness and fatigue, which may last several weeks. This is different from a viral upper respiratory infection or common cold, which rarely is associated with high fever, headache, or exhaustion. A common cold can be associated with a mild to moderate cough whereas influenza is usually associated with a very severe dry cough and chest congestion.

You should seek medical attention if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, pressure in your chest or stomach, dizziness when standing, confusion, uncontrollable vomiting or inability to stay hydrated.

Treat flu symptoms with rest, fluids, and acet-aminophen to relieve the fever, headache, and muscle aches. Antiviral medications like oseltami-vir (Tamiflu) can be used to treat or prevent the flu if you are seen within the first 48 hours of your flu symptoms. This may reduce your flu symptoms by about one day. Antibiotics are generally not useful for treating viral illnesses like influenza unless you have a complication such as pneumonia, ear infec-tion or sinusitis. Complications are more likely in those considered at high risk, such as those with chronic medical problems or who are immuno-compromised.

When in doubt, see a medical professional. In addi-tion to getting a flu shot every year, remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with antibacterial soaps or use gel hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of influenza.

Flu/Influenza:Symptoms, the Vaccine, and How to Treat It

By Theresa A.V. Donati, MDEvergreen Internal and Family Medicine

www.nwphysicians.com 3

READ ABOUT THE BENEFITS of calling your doctor first if you think you need urgent care.

When something just doesn’t feel right, and you wonder if going to the emergency room is your best option, call your doctor’s office 24/7 and let them guide your care. We can save you time, money and hassle.

Remember...

Your doctor knows you best. We are dedicated to helping you get the right care, at the right time at the right place, and for the right price. If you are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, Call Us First! We are here to help.

Remember to Call Us First

New West Express4

MAYBE YOU’VE BEEN TOLD your cholesterol is too high. Or maybe you just want to keep it at a healthy level. What level is best for you depends on other health conditions you may have. Al-ways follow your doctor’s orders. Here’s some general information on cholesterol and how to lower it.

Cholesterol is fat in the blood. There are two types of cholesterol in your body:

1. LDL is the “bad” type. It can clog arteries and reduce blood flow. Sudden blockages or clots can also cause a heart attack or stroke. Lower numbers are better. For most people, LDL should be 100 or lower.

2. HDL is the “good” type. It helps remove “bad” cholesterol from blood vessels. That helps protect against heart disease. Higher numbers are better. For most people, HDL should be 40 or higher.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are another type of fat that’s in your blood. When you eat, your body turns extra calories you don’t need right away into triglyc-erides. That’s what gives you energy between meals. But any that’s not used can turn into extra fat in the belly or thighs. A high level of triglycerides may lead to heart disease. Normal

triglyceride levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter. Over 200 is high. If your triglyceride level is in between, you may need treatment.

Careful eating can help

The best way to lower your cholesterol — and also triglycerides — is to eat healthy. Your doctor may suggest a special diet for you. But there are smart food choices any-one can make. This includes choosing lean meats, as well as foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. Here are some healthy food choices to help lower cholesterol:

• Limit foods that are high in saturated fats. These include meat, butter and full-fat dairy products. Choose (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk, yogurt and cheese.

• Try fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines instead of red meat. Just be sure to bake or steam your fish, don’t fry it.

• Opt for whole-grain breads, bagels and English muffins, as well as rolled oats, qui-noa and barley.

• Eat all your vegetables — they’re high in fiber and antioxidants and low in calories. Dark, leafy greens, like kale and spinach are especially good for your heart.

• Enjoy lots of fruits, like berries, grapes, oranges and grapefruits. They’re rich in fi-ber, as well as vitamin C.

• Replace processed grains and meats with legumes. These are foods like beans, peas and lentils, which contain a lot of fiber, minerals and protein.

• Treat yourself to nuts and avocados, which are rich in healthy fats and fiber.

Regular exercise can also help you lower your cholesterol. A good goal is to get 30 minutes a day. But be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise pro-gram. “

What to do about your cholesterolRead the basics on cholesterol and how to lower it.

Sources: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) • Healthline • American Heart Association

www.nwphysicians.com 5

Chinedu “Nick” Nwabueze,M.D.

Ascent Family Medicine

Sean Kark, D.O.Family Medicine at

Highlands Ranch

Cassandra Workman, M.D.Family Medicine at

Highlands Ranch

Tavia Gabbert, NPBroomfield

Elaine Scholpp, M.D.Broomfield

Shannon Archabal, M.D.Bear Valley Family Medicine

Welcome To Our New Providers

Douglas Martel, M.D.,Cardiologist

Specialty Center

Michael McMillan, M.D.Hospitalist, South Team

Julia Riley, DPM, PodiatristSpecialty Center

New West Express6

Mile High Primary Care – Offices in Aurora and Centennial

Summer Irelan, PA-CMesa View Internal Medicine

Kevin Scott, D.O.

Kristen Carpenter, PA-C

Katie Stefani, NPCherry Creek

Internal Medicine

Matthew Lewis, M.D.

Amanda Ying, PA-C

Jurry Om, NP Park Ridge Family Medicine

Timothy Colander, M.D.

Aedine Prummer, PA-C

www.nwphysicians.com 7

New West Express8

Protecting yourself against the hidden costsof Medicare

Medicare is one of the most successful programs ever instituted by the federal government. You paid into it for years, so you deserve to reap its many benefits. However, it’s important to understand what Medicare does not cover so you can plan for those gaps and hidden costs.

Many people choose to cover the gaps with additional coverage from Medicare Advantage. These private insur-ance programs coordinate with Medicare to offer cover-age above what you can get with Original Medicare alone. Understanding these Medicare basics can help inform the coverage option that best fits your needs.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Original Medicare, or Parts A and B, is limited to hospital insurance and medical insurance. This covers around 80 percent of your medical costs – leaving the other 20 percent up to you – and Medicare does not have a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. These costs can add up quickly, especially for chronic or long-term illnesses. Selecting coverage that offers maximum out-of-pocket protection can provide the financial peace of mind you need.

Good prescription drug coverage is important. Original Medicare offers no prescription, or Part D, coverage. Yet prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are major components of the overall cost of healthcare. Look for health plans that provide cost-saving benefits like no prescription deductibles and no copays on generic drugs. Some plans even offer allowances for over-the-counter

(OTC) purchases, which can help offset the costs for OTC medications and everyday items like bandages.

Dental, vision, and hearing coverage are often extra. Many people don’t realize that Original Medicare offers no coverage for extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services. Because one dentist visit alone can cost hundreds of dollars, consider Medicare options that offer you that extra protection.

Armed with this knowledge, and followed up by some basic research, you will feel more confident making a Medicare coverage decision that provides the benefits you need and protects your hard-earned savings.

When your doctor refers you to a specialist, what can you expect?

From the time your provider submits a routine referral for you to receive certain types of care or services (e.g. dermatology, podiatry, general surgery, and cardiology), it can take 14-18 business days to complete. Once your referral has been completed, it will be faxed to the specialist and a copy of the completed referral will be mailed to you. Once you have the referral, you can schedule your appointment.

If your referral is marked medically urgent by your provider, a United Healthcare case manager has 72 hours to review the referral. In addi-tion to receiving the completed referral by mail, you will also receive a phone call with the status of your referral.

If you have questions related to the status of your referral, you can call 303-763-4900 and press option 4, then option 3.

By Manoj Pawar,Chief Medical Officer,Mutual of Omaha

New West Express8

BY 2050, THE SENIOR POPULATION (adults age 65 and older) will be more than double that of the world’s young-est citizens, and the number of people living beyond age 80 is expected to triple over the next 30 years.

As the aging population increases, some 11.3 million se-niors are living alone, according to the Institute on Aging. In addition, women are twice as likely as older men to live by themselves.

Without proper support, seniors may face a wide range of issues including limited mobility, chronic conditions, improper nutrition and feelings of loneliness. For example, older adults can have problems chewing or may take medications that interfere with their appetites. However, research shows lack of companionship may be the biggest challenge.

In fact, an AARP survey found 1 in 5 adults over the age of 40 were “socially disconnected,” which can impact health. People who reportedly experienced loneliness and isola-tion had lower mental well-being scores, and those who were dissatisfied with their level of social engagement also were more likely to report a decline in cognitive function.

While anyone can benefit from a kind gesture, seniors are some of the most in-need members in many communi-ties. There is likely a wide range of opportunities to en-hance the lives of seniors in your area. Numerous programs and agencies exist to help you determine the best way to make a difference.

One example is Ready to Care, an initiative from Home Instead Senior Care that challenges people to complete weekly care missions. Each activity guides members through various ways to give to senior-related causes, learn about the aging crisis and issues impacting seniors, and serve seniors through small actions of kindness.

Most care missions are simple acts, such as opening a door, learning about Alzheimer’s or helping with a chore. Each week, a new mission is delivered to partici-pants’ phones via text message.

Small gestures, like these simple acts of kindness, can go a long way toward improving a senior’s day.

Physical assistance: Most seniors are eager to retain their independence, but everyday tasks can pose fall risks or require exposure to harsh weather conditions that can be dangerous to older adults.

• Offer to bring in the daily newspaper or mail.

• Mow their lawn or offer to help with other yardwork.

• Lend a hand in caring for pets, such as taking a dog for a walk or helping clean up waste from the yard.

• Offer moral support and a sense of physical safety by volunteering to join them on a walk.

Social support: Loneliness is common among seniors, especially those who live alone. Show seniors in your area they have a meaningful place in the community and options for companionship.

• Offer a friendly wave and say hello when you see them out.

• Invite them to dinner, either at your home or at a restaurant.

• Have your children or kids you know in the area draw pictures or write letters.

• Make a date for an afternoon or evening of entertain-ment, such as cards, a movie or board games.

Practical solutions: For various reasons, some seniors may be unable to complete everyday tasks. Offer a helping hand in their daily routines when possible.

• Lend your time to take them to run errands.

• Deliver baked goods or a home-cooked meal to im-prove access to nourishing foods.

• Help arrange for professional assistance and services, such as an audit to ensure homes are safe.

More Information about How You Can Help

To find more ways you can care for the seniors in your community, visit imreadytocare.com.

Ways to Make the World a Better Place for Seniors

New West Express 9

Diabetes Awareness Month

HAVE YOU BEEN SCREENED FOR PRE-DIABETES? While 1 in 3 American adults have a condition known as pre-diabetes most – 90 percent – don’t know they have it. Pre-diabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Having pre-diabetes puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Losing weight and exercising can cut your risk in half of developing diabetes.

To determine your risk, please visit our website and take the Prediabetes Risk Test.

There are proven programs to assist with decreasing your risk. We have a team at New West Physicians that offers both diabetes and pre-diabetes classes. Please call 303-716-8039 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

**YMCA and Tri-County Health Department offer a yearlong Diabetes Prevention Program free of charge. For YMCA, call 720-390-9459 and for Tri-County, call

720-266-2971

feature story

New West Express10

Quick Updates

The Benefits of Your Patient Portal Goodbye andThank You!

Making appointments, receiving test results, emailing your care provider – all of

this is at your fingertips with FollowMyHealth Patient Portal. New West Physi-

cians Patient Portal is a state-of-the art, secure health management tool you can

use anywhere you have access to the Internet. All messages are encrypted to

ensure security, and your health record is password-protected. Get started today

by completing the “Invitation to Join” in our Patient Portal brochure available on

our website. You can also pick up a brochure at your doctor’s office. To protect

your privacy, your doctor’s office will ask to see your ID with the completed form.

To learn more or download the brochure, visit FollowMyHealth on our web site.

Simple Vanilla Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients:• ½ cup orange juice

• • ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt

• • 1 ripe banana

• • ⅓ cup frozen peaches

• • ⅓ cup frozen strawberries

• • ¼ cup frozen raspberries or blackberries

• • 1 TSP pure vanilla extract

• • 8 ice cubes (or more for thicker smoothie

Directions:Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for about one minute.

A healthy twist on a favorite treat.

Instead of reaching for a bowl of vanilla ice cream, try this healthy twist on a favorite treat. You can swap ingredients for ones you prefer, or leave some out.

Source: • fruitsandveggies.org

Delicious Recipe

www.nwphysicians.com 11

Ray Rupel, D.O.

Family Medicine at Highlands Ranch

Retired after 37 years of patient care

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1707 Cole Blvd, Suite 100, Golden CO 80401

Phone: (303) 763-4900 • Fax: (303) 763-5495

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

www.nwphysicians.com