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PROMISESEN

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news

APRIL 2020 FranciscanHealth.org

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FINAL EXPENSES

How to cover your end-of-life expenses

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HIS & HERS HEART ATTACKS

Do you know the signs?

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SENIOR EVENTS & GROUPS

Enjoy upcomingSenior Promise events

Hello Spring!

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Chase Kunkel, MHA

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR

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Specialists offering hours at Stones Crossing

WELCOMINGNEW PATIENTS

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Schedule an annual wellness visit

A MESSAGE FROMFRANCISCAN ACO

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SAVE THE DATE for Indianapolis and Mooresville

SPRING FLING STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

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Do you know the signs?

HIS & HER HEART ATTACKS

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UNDERSTANDING FINAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

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How to cover your end-of-life expenses

The newest little Jedi at Franciscan Health

YODA BABIES

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HOME REMEDIES FOR SORE THROAT

EVENTS

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…And when to see a doctorUpcoming SeniorPromise Events

S E N I O R L I F E N E W S

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Welcome, Spring! We made it through another Indiana winter and are excited to start seeing the temperatures rise. We’re also excited to see all our members again as we begin our 2020 slate of activities and events. One of our favorite highlights of spring, and we hope it’s one of yours as well, is our annual Spring Fling Strawberry Festivals. Check out the Save the Date on pg. 6 for details.

One of our missions at Senior Promise and Franciscan Insurance Services is to help educate you on health awareness and insurance products that can help you and your family. One such offering is Final Expenses Insurance (pg. 8). You might be surprised by all they offer and how simple getting coverage can be. Another important topic you’ll read about inside is information on heart attacks – specifically the differing symptoms of men’s heart attacks vs women’s heart attacks (pg. 10). Men and women do not experience heart attacks in the same way and this information might help save you, your spouse or a friend.

One thing everyone associates with spring is the renewal of life. On that note, see how Franciscan Health celebrated some new lives surrounding the release of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and the popularity of Baby Yoda in the Disney Plus show, “The Mandalorian”. (pg. 12). Babies in Yoda hats are just too cute!

In HIS service,

Chase Kunkel, MHA

CHASE KUNKEL, MHA

Director Senior Services and Insurance Services

Franciscan Health

Senior Promise Members and Friends . . .

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S E N I O R L I F E N E W S

S E N I O R L I F E N E W S

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welcomingnew patients

Franciscan Physician Network Specialists

Specialists with Franciscan Physician Network are now offering more options for care with office hours at Franciscan Health at Stones Crossing. Specialists in cardiology, joint replacement, orthopedics, diabetes & endocrinology, colon & rectal care; rheumatology and sports medicine are all seeing patients in this convenient, new facility.

Franciscan Healthat Stones Crossing1703 W. Stones Crossing Road Greenwood, IN 46143

(317) 528-2200

Franciscan Health at Stones Crossing

FranciscanDocs.org

CARDIOLOGY (317) 893-1900

JOINT REPLACEMENT (317) 831-2273

ORTHOPEDICS (317) 528-4723

DIABETES &ENDOCRINOLOGY (317) 865-5904

RHEUMATOLOGY (317) 888-1467

SPORTS MEDICINE(317) 781-1133

COLON & RECTAL CARE (317) 528-2270

Ryan Daly, MD

Robert Malinzak, MD

Sean Calloway, MD Mira Moneva, MD Stefan Monev, MD Phil Blaney, MD

Olaf Johansen, MD

Mark Jones, MD

Timothy Williams, MD Frederick Lane, MD

Richard Shea, MD Carson Turner, MD

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a message from the

FRANCISCAN ACO

The winter months in central Indiana can often lack inspiration. This is especially true as the early months of the year roll on with gray skies and wintry mixes of precipitation. It can be difficult to motivate to do just about anything that takes us out of the comfort of our homes. That said, it also makes it the perfect time to take care of a few preventive health assessments before they year gets away from us.

One of the best things you can do to start the year off right is to schedule your annual wellness visit. Medicare offers each of its member’s yearly wellness visits to help you stay on a healthy course. There are two options available to you depending on when you joined Medicare.

“WELCOME TO MEDICARE” PHYSICAL EXAM

This exam is a covered benefit, one-time physical exam for new beneficiaries within their first year of enrollment in Medicare.

This visit will include:

• A review of your medical history and that of your family

• A physical examination including blood pressure, weight and height

ANNUAL WELLNESS VISIT

This visit is a covered benefit, one time each year following the initial enrollment year into Medicare. It includes more services than the Welcome to Medicare exam and should be completed each year.

This visit will include:

• A review of your medical history and that of your family

• A physical examination including blood pressure, weight, height

• Review of current medications, supplements or vitamins

• Review of your functional ability and level of safety including fall risk, depression screening, nutrition and physical activity

These visits can go a long way in addressing any health concerns you may have. For some, the visit is about fine tuning. For others, it may identify new areas of concern that need to be addressed. When found early, many health concerns can be easily managed or even eliminated with proper intervention. It is important to know the physical exam and annual wellness visit do not include the treatment of health conditions discussed during the visit. If you have concerns about symptoms you are experiencing near the time of your visit, contact your doctor’s office to request a follow-up visit.

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HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FRANCISCAN ACO? Contact our Beneficiary Call Center Monday through Friday between 8am – 4pm at (855) 268-9086.

For general questions or additional information about Accountable Care Organizations, please visit www.medicare.gov/acos.html or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

DIABETES &ENDOCRINOLOGY (317) 865-5904

RHEUMATOLOGY (317) 888-1467

SPORTS MEDICINE(317) 781-1133

COLON & RECTAL CARE (317) 528-2270

Phil Blaney, MD

Frederick Lane, MD

Carson Turner, MD

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STRAWBERRY FEST IVALS

spring fling

Join Senior Promise in celebrating Older Americans Month at our 7th Annual Spring Fling Strawberry Festival. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Join us for some delicious strawberry shortcake, live music, fellowship and door prizes. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the Indianapolis 500 Princesses.

We hope to see you at this year’s events! For questions or more information, call Senior Promise at (317) 528-8277.

MAY 12 MAY 19SARAH T. BOLTON PARK FRANCISCAN HEALTH 1300 Churchman Avenue MOORESVILLEBeech Grove, IN 46107 1201 Hadley Road

12:30 – 2:30PM 12:30 – 2:30PM

Event Sponsored By:

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FINALEXPENSE

insurance

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WHAT IS FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE?Did you know the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) estimates the median cost of a funeral and burial is approximately $7,000? While slightly less, the NFDA estimates the average cost of a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,000. These prices don’t include a burial plot or things like flowers or transportation. While almost no one likes talking about death and funerals, pre-planning can relieve your family from this financial burden.

This is where Final Expense Life Insurance can help. It is a life insurance product designed to cover funeral expenses and is offered to those age fifty and older. Final Expense products generally have few or NO medical questions required, can have much lower premiums compared to other life insurance and acceptance is guaranteed.

There are many final expense insurance options available and each one has varying eligibility requirements. Franciscan Insurance Services (FIS) offers free consultations in a pressure-free environment to help individuals sort through the many available options and select the coverage that best covers their individual needs.

Final Expense Life Insurance policies have many benefits:

• Applying is easy. Unlike other types of coverage that might be difficult to get at an older age, acceptance is guaranteed.

• Lower premiums. The premiums for these plans are often much lower than other types of life insurance.

• Paying off medical bills or personal loans. Your family can use the funds from your policy to aid in paying off any medical bills or outstanding loans you might have incurred prior to death. This can relieve your loved ones of a large burden upon your death.

• Available to adults between 50 and 80. Insurance can become more difficult to obtain as you age. Final Expense Insurance is available to purchase until age 80.

• Premiums never increase.

Selecting the coverage you need can be a daunting task. You need to work with someone you can trust to work in your best interest. Franciscan Insurance Services was founded in 2003 in response to a high demand for trustworthy advice on insurance, including Medicare products and life insurance. The agents at FIS work with you as their first concern, offer their services free-of-charge and do not work on commission. All commissions earned by FIS are returned to the hospital to help lower costs.

To schedule your free consultation, please contact Franciscan Insurance Services at (877) 883-6457.

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Symptoms Common for Women

Nausea

Unusual fatigue

Anxiety and sleep disturbances

Symptoms Common

for Men

Stomach discomfort or

indigestion

Pain in left arm

Breaking out in a cold sweat

his & her heart attacks Do You Know The Signs?

Men and women do not usually experience heart attacks in the same way. Know the signs.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms for Men and Women

Back, neck, arm

or jaw pain

Chest pressure/pain/

discomfort

Shortness of breath

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Feeling dizzy

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Not all heart attacks occur with a sudden, crushing pain in the center of the chest. Heart attack symptoms can vary, and women are more likely to experience a heart attack with no chest pain at all.

Men and women do not experience heart attacks the same way. Women are more likely to experience unusual fatigue and nausea. Men’s unique symptoms can include pain in the left arm, breaking out in a cold sweat and stomach discomfort or indigestion.

Men, Women Perceive Heart Attack Symptoms DifferentlyNot only do women and men have different symptoms of heart disease, but the genders also differ in how they perceive their symptoms. It’s important for women not to minimize or overlook their own symptoms.

“Women have more problems than men because they tend to take care of the whole family and then forget about themselves. And when they have symptoms, they say, ‘I have no time for this.’ And that can also be very dangerous,” said Jairo Cruz, MD, cardiologist at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields.

Women should have the “same level of aggressiveness” as men and get an evaluation if they suspect a heart issue, said Paul Jones, MD, the medical director for Franciscan Health Cardiovascular Services in Northern Indiana and South Suburban Chicago. That means heading to

the nearest emergency room so a diagnosis can be made. “The other piece is the treatment. We need to be just as aggressive in managing heart disease in women as we are in men,” Dr. Jones said.

Dr. Jones said a patient who knows the risks will be less likely to incorrectly blame their discomfort on heartburn, something he’s seen happen too many times. “They’ll think twice and say, ‘Hey, this could be my warning sign of a heart attack’ and not blow it off,” he said.

Whether you’re a man or woman, If you suspect you might be having a heart attack, call 911. Every second counts.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms for Men and Women• Chest pressure, pain or discomfort

• Feeling dizzy

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Back, neck, arm or jaw pain

Heart Attack Symptoms More Common for Men• Shooting pain in the left arm

• Breaking out in a cold sweat

• Severe chest pain

• Stomach discomfort or indigestion

Heart Attack Symptoms More Common for Women• Unusual fatigue

• Anxiety and sleep disturbance

• Dull pain or discomfort in neck, back, jaw or stomach

• Nausea or vomiting

• Shortness of breath, even when sitting

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YODA BABIESThe Force is strong with these newborns at Franciscan Health

On December 19, Franciscan Health celebrated the opening of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” with our youngest Jedi.

The hospital’s labor and delivery staff presented newborns with tiny knit caps made by a northern Indiana resident, Erin Ollis of Crown Point. The caps are inspired by the “Baby Yoda” character from the Disney+ Star Wars series “The Mandalorian.” The photos of the adorable padawans – the name given to young Jedi in training in Star Wars films – were a hit and made newspapers and broadcast television.

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A sore, scratchy or irritated throat can be a hassle – or a sign of a more serious illness. Primary care doctor Abhigyan Banka, MD, of Franciscan Physician Network Beech Grove Family Medicine answers common questions about sore throats, how to care for sore throats at home and when a visit to a doctor may be recommended.

How Do I Get Rid Of A Sore Throat Quickly? As frustrating as a sore throat may be, there is no quick solution to a sore throat, Dr. Banka says.

“Most causes of sore throat do not need a particular treatment and usually get better in several days,” he said.

What Home Remedies Help A Sore Throat?Some home remedies are more successful in helping sore throat than others, Dr. Banka said.

Sore throat home remedies to consider:Dr. Banka said sore throat lozenges or chloraseptic throat sprays may be helpful.

Other potential home remedies that may work to soothe a sore throat include lemon, salt water gargles or warm ginger tea with lemon and honey.

Sore throat home remedies to avoid:Other potential sore throat home remedies have no proven clinical benefit, Dr. Banka said.

These include:

• Apple cider vinegar • Licorice root

• Essential oils • Marshmallow root

• Fenugreek

Are Cold Medicines Safe For A Sore Throat?Some over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can aggravate conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

“Do not use OTC cold medicine that has pseudoephedrine for more than 2 days for ‘normal people’ and avoid them completely for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetic and pregnant women,” Dr. Banka said.

In addition, if you are taking more than one medication, check the ingredients. “Be cautious of mixing several OTC cold medications with other cough or cold medicines, Tylenol, ibuprofen etc.,” Dr. Banka said. “Most of them will have common ingredients and it’s very easy to overdose on them.”

When Should I See A Doctor For A Sore Throat?“The rule of thumb is if you feel like you need to be seen, you should be seen by a doctor,” Dr. Banka said.

Contact your doctor if you experience several of these symptoms along with a sore throat:• Fever (typically 100.4 or higher)

• Swollen and painful nodes in neck

• Swollen tonsils with white spots

• Absence of cough (or mild cough; remember sore throat is not a cough)

• Exposure to someone with strep throat (pharyngitis)

• Painful swallowing

“Go to the doctor if you are nor better in a week; or if you were better and then got worse again,” Dr. Banka said.

Get immediate care if you experience severe signs and symptoms, in addition to your sore throat, such as:• Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty swallowing

• Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow

• High fever

• Not feeling health improvements after being on prescribed antibiotics for two or more days

Home Remedies For A Sore ThroatAnd When To See A Doctor

GROUPS INFO

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPEvery Wednesday, 12:00 noon – 1:00pm

FRANCISCAN HEALTH SENIOR PROMISE OFFICE 8778 Madison Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46227Grief is a process that you need not face alone. Are you on the right path to healing over the loss of a loved one? Join a support group and discover how sharing your loss with others, who are also grieving, may be exactly what you need. Our bereavement support groups cover topics such as physical effects of grief, emotional impact, sleep difficulties, utilizing available resources beyond group, loneliness, depression, anger, holiday coping and hope for the future.Support group is free; however, registration is required. Contact Franciscan VNS Hospice Chaplain Karla Riggs Norton (317) 528-2636.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPEvery Thursday, 2:00 – 3:30pm

FRANCISCAN HEALTH SENIOR PROMISE OFFICE 8778 Madison Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46227This group is open to all who are caregivers or have the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Our support group is free; however, registration is requested. To register, contact Karla Riggs-Norton, (317) 528-2636.

SCHEDULED EVENTS

Information on Common Hand Conditions and TreatmentsPresented by Toni Lin, MD • May 11, 2020 5:30 – 8:00pm

FRANCISCAN HEALTH SENIOR PROMISE OFFICE 8778 Madison Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46227A free seminar focused on care and treatment for common hand conditions will be held Monday, May 11 at Franciscan Health Senior Promise in Indianapolis. Join Toni Lin, MD, Franciscan Physician Network orthopedic hand surgeon, to learn more about hand conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, tennis elbow and trigger finger. Light refreshments will be offered at 5:30PM before the seminar begins at 6PM. Registration is free, but required as space is limited.  Call (317) 528-6570

Kidney TalkWednesday, April 15, 2020 - 2:00pm

FRANCISCAN HEALTH SENIOR PROMISE OFFICE8778 Madison Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46227“Chronic Kidney Disease and Proper Nutrition” presented by Kathy Cowden, RDRegistered Dietician, Franciscan Health. Kidney Talk is free and open to members and the public. No registration is needed. For more information or questions, please contact Janice Steuri, at (317) 528-2006.

SPRING FLING STRAWBERRY FESTIVALS MAYJoin Senior Promise in celebrating Older Americans Month at our 7th Annual Spring Fling Strawberry Festival. This FREE annual event is open to the public and offers our attendees the opportunity to enjoy strawberry shortcake, live music and door prizes.

May 12 May 19Sarah T. Bolton Park • Beech Grove Franciscan Health Mooresville12:30 – 2:30 p.m. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

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SENIOR GROUPS & EVENTS

S E N I O R L I F E N E W S

Do your friends a favor — give them a one-year free membership to Senior Promise and show them what they’ve been missing.

Complete the top section of the form below and give it to a friend who has never been a member of Senior Promise (or who has not been a member for at least 12 months). When your friend mails his or her application for a free one year membership, we’ll enter your name in a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card.

Current Senior Promise members or those who have been members within the past 12 months are not eligible for a free membership referral. You must be a current member to make a referral. You may refer your spouse if he or she meets the criteria for a new member.

You may refer as many people as you like. Your name will be placed in the monthly drawing for each referral that is submitted.

For more copies, call our office at (317) 528-8277. Applications must be submitted by the 10th of each month.

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8111 S. Emerson Ave.Indianapolis, IN 46237

Current Senior Promise Membership: 35,000

Serving members since 1987 (317) 528-8277

Visit us on the web at FranciscanHealth.org/seniorpromiseindy

MAIL TO:Senior Promise

8111 S. Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46237

OR CONTACT US AT:(317) 528-8277