Clover Living Fall 2021

LIVING Healthier Together

Fall 2021

HOW TO:

Cook No-Fuss Dinners

+

CARE M E DI EN OP

ENT M L L O E NR A Q+

THE DOCTOR IS IN:

Dr. Dharmarajan welcomes you!

TAKE CHARGE Get Stronger Control Your Diabetes Be Happier

Have questions about Medicare?

You’re not alone. In a survey,* 67% of Americans said they wish they understood Medicare better. That’s why we created the educational booklet Understanding Medicare—to help you make sense of Medicare so you can make the best decision about your Medicare plan.

To get your free copy, call toll-free today: 1-888-371-7178 8 am–8 pm local time, 7 days a week† Or visit cloverhealth.com/medicare-mag

*The Nationwide Retirement Institute® Health Care Costs Consumer Survey, the Harris Poll, July 2019 †From April 1st through September 30th, alternative technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on the weekends and holidays.

Clover Health is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with a Medicare contract.

Enrollment in Clover Health depends on contract renewal.

Y0129_21EX033_M

MEET YOU ONLINE: Co-Founder and CEO Vivek Garipalli President and CTO Andrew Toy Publishing Team VP of Communications Andy Robinson Communications Director Andrew Still-Baxter Senior Manager of Content and Social Media Lindsay Roseman Senior Marketing Manager Bruce Feinstein Executive Assistant Amber Saetern Clinical Editorial Committee Chief Clinical Informatics Officer Dr. Sophia Chang Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan Legal and Compliance General Counsel Gia Lee Chief Compliance Officer Wendy Richey Deputy General Counsel Karen Soares Director of Compliance Robert Davis Compliance Manager Pete Rapolas

Clover Living is published for Clover Health by

One World Trade Center New York, NY 10007 For content marketing inquiries: headline-studio.com.

Headline Studio is a division of Advance Local Caroline Harrison, President Vice President, Content Liz Buffa Creative Direction and Design Peter Yates Design Art Director Alfredo Ceballos Senior Editor Libby Rutkey Editor Natalie Chomet Account Director Heather Bohl Senior Production Manager Nestor Cervantes Production Artist Angel Mass Copy Chief Anthony Sacramone Editorial Assistant Katey Clifford

© 2021 Clover Health. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes, or withdrawal without notice.

Clover Living is published by Headline Studio for Clover Health. © 2021 Clover Health. All Rights Reserved.

Clover Health is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Clover Health depends on contract renewal. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. For plans that provide drug coverage, the formulary may change during the year. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Clover members, except in emergency situations. For a decision about whether we will cover an out-of-network service, we encourage you or your provider to ask us for a pre-service organization determination before you receive the service. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll in Clover Health through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at medicare.gov.

2

CLOVERHEALTH.COM For even more tips to help you live a healthy life and make the most of your health insurance, go to cloverhealth.com.

Review the Clover Health formulary, learn more about mail-order pharmacy services, and review Medicare FAQs at cloverhealth. com.

Read more tips from our experts at

cloverhealth.com/blog.

GET IN TOUCH

• If you’re a Clover Health member and

have questions about your Clover Living subscription, email us at cloverliving@ cloverhealth.com.

• Not a Clover Health

member but want to receive this magazine at home? Subscribe for free at cloverhealth. com/cloverliving.

• We want to hear

what you think of Clover Living magazine!

Let us know by emailing cloverliving@ cloverhealth.com.

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_02_DirectoryLetter_v8.indd 2

8/5/21 11:45 AM

LETTER

A

Empower Yourself

COVER PHOTO: GETTY

t Clover Health, we’re committed to providing the knowledge and tools you need to live your best life.

Whether you’re making healthy changes, managing ongoing medical conditions, or navigating Medicare enrollment, you’ll find great information in the pages of the fall issue of Clover Living.

From strengthening your body (page 34) to training your mind to have a sunny disposition (page 40), we’ve got you covered. On the topic of optimism, Emmy Award–winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo shares her mindful approach to positivity (page 52). We also offer simple pointers to get the most out of your daily walk (page 6).

Our one-pan dinners (page 24) will nourish your body and make meal prep positively delightful! Make cooking even simpler and safer with a few kitchen gadgets (page 33).

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, 2021, you’ll want to read Your Plan (page 47).

Learn insurance terms, how to spot Medicare fraud, plus what to do when you receive your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

We hope you’ll enjoy this issue, and that you’ll find new ways to care for yourself and your loved ones as we enter the fall and holiday season.

KUMAR DHARMARAJAN MD, MBA, Cardiologist, Geriatrician, and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Clover Health cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_02_DirectoryLetter_v8.indd 3

3

8/5/21 11:46 AM

INSIDE 24

FEATURES 18

34

The dos and don’ts of managing diabetes.

Strength training moves to help you get stronger and lower your risk of falls.

24

40

Introducing your new dinner-time hero: the humble sheet pan!

There are proven benefits to a positive outlook.

Luckily, there are also ways to practice your positivity!

40 4

One Pan, Four Recipes

Power Up

Happy Ways

TOP: GETTY, LEFT: RYAN LIEBE

Take Control of Type 2 Diabetes

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_04_TOC_v4.indd 4

8/5/21 1:15 PM

INSIDE

52 08

FROM TOP: GETTY, HOORAD FARJAMFAR , ILLUSTRATION BY NATHAN HACKETT, GETTY

DEPARTMENTS 06

47

GOOD FORTUNE

YOUR PLAN

Level up your diet, your walking routine, and your cooking oils.

What you need to know about Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.

08

52

CAREGIVERS’ CORNER

MY DAY

Three tips for aging in place—plus the value of Advance Health Care Directives.

Shohreh Aghdashloo shares how her approach to health has evolved.

10 NEXT STOP Y’all are going to love waterside, walkable Charleston, South Carolina.

12 TECH MADE EASY How to lower your utility bills using technology.

34

54 PUZZLES Change your focus, challenge your brain.

06

14 HEALTH AT HOME Are your supplements safe?

And the good news about your pet pals. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_04_TOC_v4.indd 5

5

8/5/21 1:15 PM

GOOD FORTUNE

KEEP IT REAL What’s best to eat and drink? Whole, natural foods.

Inflammatory foods and beverages—such as processed meat and sugary drinks—can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, according to research from the American College of Cardiology.

Heart-y choices

6

Don’t Wanna Hold Your Hand

T

AKING A WALK WITH YOUR PARTNER is a nice way

to spend time together but might not be the best approach to exercise. That’s because couples who walk together generally have a slower pace, according to a study from Purdue University.

To gain the benefits of walking, keep up the pace and don’t worry about being side by side the entire time. Also, keep an eye on your gait speed, which is the time it takes to walk a specific distance. Purdue says a poor gait speed may be linked with a greater risk for falls.

Keep up your pace. Challenge yourselves to reach a predetermined landmark in a certain amount of time.

Remember: Any physical activity you do—regardless of speed—is better than none! And always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

FROM TOP: GETTY, ISTOCK

Foods with higher levels of antioxidants and fiber are better for your heart because they help combat inflammation. Go for leafy green vegetables, like spinach and broccoli, and whole grains. And here’s a great snack option: walnuts!

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_06_FOB_GoodFortune_v4.indd 6

8/5/21 11:54 AM

GOOD FORTUNE

Choose Your Cooking Oil Wisely

TIP Don’t let oils smoke—they start to degrade.

Coconut, canola, and olive, oh my! With so many oils on the market, how do you know which is the best for you?

ISTOCK

W

HEN IT COMES TO FATS IN YOUR DIET, the American Heart Association recommends replacing saturated and trans fats with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

That means choosing your cooking oils and fats wisely. Avoid solid fats like butter, shortening, lard, and hard-stick margarine.

Also, limit tropical oils like palm and coconut.

Instead, choose avocado, canola, corn,

olive, peanut, safflower, soybean, or sunflower oil. With antioxidants and a medium smoke point, extra virgin olive oil is considered the most versatile of the healthier oils.

If you’re cooking at a high temp—stir-frying veggies, for example—reach for the avocado or sesame oil.

You can use these oils to make your own salad dressings, coat pans to prevent sticking, and even substitute for butter in recipes. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_06_FOB_GoodFortune_v4.indd 7

7

8/5/21 11:54 AM

CAREGIVERS’ CORNER

1

MAKE EASY ACCESS A PRIORITY.

Place often-used items in easyto-reach places. Shift food and kitchen tools to lower shelves. Assess the organization of closets. Move items from higher to lower shelves: Think waist-level.

2

UPDATE FOR SAFETY’S SAKE.

3

STAY CONNECTED.

Add handrails and additional fixtures in the bathroom and along stairways.

Exchange doorknobs for lever handles, which are easier to use for arthritic hands. Secure runners and throw rugs. Use cable staples or cord organizers to tuck away electric cords.

There are many simple ways to ensure older adults can remain safe and comfortable at home.

Here are three to get you started.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

— Aesop, storyteller

8

ISTOCK

Aging in Place, With Grace

Make communication handy. Maybe it’s a personal emergency response system (PERS), such as Life Alert, or a speed dial number on a phone.

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_08_FOB_Caregivers_v5.indd 8

8/5/21 11:55 AM

CAREGIVERS’ CORNER TERM TO LEARN:

Advance Health Care Directive

A

(AHCD)

N ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE— also called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care—is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person to make decisions on your behalf if you can no longer speak for yourself. As a caregiver, you want to make certain your loved one has completed an AHCD. The Family Caregiver Alliance (bit.ly/ AHCDPolst) provides detailed information about AHCDs, how to complete them, and what they cover. PrepareTM (prepareforyourcare.org/ welcome) is another resource that offers a stepby-step program and tools in multiple languages.

SOMETHING IN THE AIR

FROM TOP: GETTY, ISTOCK

How to maintain your humidifier.

If you or a loved one struggles with dry skin, bloody noses, or hoarse coughs, think about using a humidifier. These handy appliances relieve the discomfort of dry air while also preventing symptoms of colds.

Just be sure to keep your humidifier clean by following these tips:

USE DISTILLED OR DEMINERALIZED WATER. Tap water has a higher mineral content than distilled or demineralized water. These minerals create deposits inside a humidifier that may cause bacterial growth.

CHANGE THE WATER DAILY. Empty the tank, rinse it out, and let it dry.

Then refill with clean water each day. This prevents deposit and film buildup.

CLEAN EVERY THREE DAYS. A 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution is an effective disinfectant for the tank and other pieces of the humidifier.

CHECK THE FILTER. If your model has a filter, clean or change it regularly to help keep your air clean. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_08_FOB_Caregivers_v5.indd 9

9

8/5/21 11:56 AM

NEXT STOP

Charleston, South Carolina Enjoy the culture, eats, and natural sights of this charming gem of a city.

1. HANNIBAL’S SOUL KITCHEN Complete your visit with a taste of Gullah cuisine.

Shrimp and crab rice, okra soup, and local shark are some of their specialties. hannibalkitchen.com

1

8 2

4

T

HIS PORT CITY possesses so much curb appeal and gracious hospitality, it’s hard to know what to check out first! A year-round mild climate makes it easy to admire the pastel mansions and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Rest your weary feet with a bus tour of historic sites. In the evenings, gas lamps light your path to top-notch dining.

Plus, getting there is simple. Charleston International Airport is just about 13 miles from downtown, and Interstate 26 leads directly into town.

10

5

2. EARLY BIRD DINER Indulge in classic southern food, from the ever-popular chicken and waffles to biscuits and gravy. Or how about a bowl of stone ground grits? earlybirddiner.com

ILLUSTRATION: SARA MULVANNY

6

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_10_FOB_NextStop_v2.indd 10

8/5/21 11:57 AM

3. MOUNT PLEASANT PIER This 1,250-foot-long pier extends into the Charleston harbor. Enjoy fishing, gift shops, live music, and food. ccprc.com/1171/MountPleasant-Pier

5. GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART View art rooted in the city’s history, with a collection that spans the colonial era to present. There’s truly something for everyone. gibbesmuseum.org

3 7

7. PALMETTO ISLANDS COUNTY PARK Ample trails, picnic sites with grills, paddle boat and kayak rentals, fishing and crabbing, and a tidal marsh island make this tropical preserve a must-visit. ccprc.com/69/PalmettoIslands-County-Park

GET YOUR STEPS IN Keep up your fitness routine at Ravenel Bridge, which provides bike riders and walkers a stunning view of the port. Just head to Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant, near the Visitor Center, for a good parking spot. The pedestrian path is 2.5 miles one way.

4. GRAY LINE OF CHARLESTON Get off your feet while still enjoying the historic sites of Charleston with knowledgeable local guides in climatecontrolled comfort. graylineofcharleston.com

6. KIAWAH BEACHWALKER PARK Located on Kiawah Island, this park has both ocean and river views. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas on the boardwalk. The beach is even accessible by ramp. ccprc.com/1411/KiawahBeachwalker-Park

8. THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM Founded in 1773, this is considered America’s first museum. It features art, natural history, and materials from the diverse populations that shaped the South Carolina Lowcountry. charlestonmuseum.org cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_10_FOB_NextStop_v2.indd 11

11

8/5/21 11:57 AM

TECH MADE EASY

Save on Home Costs by Tapping into Tech T

ECHNOLOGY CAN MAKE LIFE EASIER AND EVEN FUN. But the very best kind of tech also helps us save money.

If you’re looking for ideas to save some cents at home, we’ve got you covered. Follow these tech-savvy tips and your wallet will thank you.

12

1

INSTALL SMART THERMOSTATS.

Smart, or connected, thermostats control your heating and cooling system.

Some models learn your heating patterns and automate the process, ensuring consistently low energy use.

Other options connect to the

internet and adjust your home’s temperature based on the local weather. You can also control these thermostats with your smartphone.

With sensors available that can be placed in all your rooms, certain units allow you to heat or cool only the rooms you’re using.

ISTOCK

3 ways to lower your monthly bills using “smarts.”

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_12_FOB_TechMade_v5.indd 12

8/5/21 12:00 PM

TECH MADE EASY The price of a smart thermostat ranges from $120 to $250. (Depending on the brand, manufacturers say these products could save you $130 to $150 per year on heating and cooling bills.)

Today’s smart thermostat options include: Google’s Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat Ecobee’s Lite Smart Thermostat and Smart Thermostat Honeywell’s T9 Smart Thermostat with or without sensors

Today’s smart plug options include: Amazon Smart Plug Wyze Plug WeMo Mini Wi-Fi Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug

• • • •

• • •

ISTOCK

2

SWITCH TO SMART PLUGS.

These provide a good way to step up your home safety as you save money. Insert the smart plug into a standard outlet. Then plug in your small appliances, beauty tools, lamps, or electric heaters.

Control your devices from your smartphone or set their power to a timer.

With smart plugs, you can make certain any potentially dangerous appliances are powered off when you aren’t using them. Or set a daily schedule to reduce energy use when you’re asleep.

The cost of a single smart plug ranges from $14 to $25.

3

USE SMART LIGHTING.

Maybe you’ve already switched to energy efficient bulbs? Smart light bulbs could be your next step. This nextgeneration lighting can save

you money by ensuring that hardwired lights and lamps are off when you don’t need them.

Depending on the model, smart lighting relies on motion detectors, timers, or geofencing (which generally means that the location of your phone triggers your lighting off or on). Some options also let you adjust the bulb’s temperature, brightness, and color.

Smart light bulbs generally range from $16 to $30 per two-pack.

Today’s smart lighting options include: Philips Hue LIFX Sengled

• • •

BONUS ROUND: APPLIANCES Looking for more ways to save on home costs?

1. Rinse dishes before placing them in your dishwasher.

2. Wait until you have a full load of laundry to use your washer—and use cold or warm water instead of hot. (Note that many of today’s detergents are designed to be used in cooler water temps.)

3. Clean the lint trap of your dryer after every load.

cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_12_FOB_TechMade_v5.indd 13

13

8/5/21 12:00 PM

HEALTH AT HOME

Be Supplement Smart Natural doesn’t always mean safe.

I

14

The National Poll on Healthy Aging surveyed just over 2,000 adults ages 50 to 80.

The results show that pet pals are good for you!

88% say their pets help them enjoy life

79%

say their pets reduce stress

FROM TOP: GETTY, ISTOCK

T MIGHT SEEM LIKE VITAMINS or dietary supplements—including probiotics—are a good idea, but it’s important to remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t evaluate them for safety or quality.

Plus, the FDA warns, some so-called natural supplements interact with medications. And some can be dangerous to take around a surgery or if you have a certain health condition.

Your best bet? Talk to your doctor about whether a vitamin or supplement is beneficial. Ask about anything you take or are considering taking. Bring a list of your pills (or even the bottles!) to your next appointment.

Regarding probiotics: There are some cases when they can be helpful after a course of antibiotics but, again, check with your doctor first.

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_14_FOB_HealthHome_v3.indd 14

8/5/21 12:02 PM

HEALTH AT HOME

Everything in Moderation T

HERE’S A REASON EXPERTS SUGGEST that men stick to two standard-sized drinks or less and women to one drink or less per day. It’s because excessive alcohol use can cause long-term health problems: liver damage, high blood pressure, memory problems, a weakened immune system, vitamin deficiencies, and more. Alcohol can also interact with your prescription medicines.

Are you drinking more than the recommended amount? Consider talking to your doctor. Ask about ways to help you drink less.

Try dressing up nonalcoholic drinks (“mocktails”) to feel more festive.

MOCKTAILS, ANYONE?

ISTOCK (2)

Dress up sparkling water with a splash of juice, a fruit garnish, and fresh herbs or bitters for a sophisticated drink.

DEAR DIARY You’ve heard of a diary as a place to write down your thoughts and feelings, but it can also be very helpful in managing a chronic health condition, such as asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

A simple notebook works well for writing down your symptoms and measurements. If you have diabetes, for example, jot down your blood sugar level every time you test it.

Note your blood pressure reading if you’re testing it at home.

Ask your doctor what to track for your condition.

Then bring your diary to your health appointments so that you and your medical team can track your progress. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_14_FOB_HealthHome_v3.indd 15

15

8/5/21 12:03 PM

— A DV E R T I S I N G —

Smart care is closer than ever With Walgreens in your neighborhood, you’re close to personalized care, so you can check off all your health to-do’s.

We’ve all done it—searched online for the answers to our health questions. What’s the problem with going to the internet to look up symptoms or health conditions? The internet doesn’t know your overall health or what medications you take. Plus, it also has untrustworthy content.

The right source for health information is professional, personalized, and reliable. And thanks to Walgreens, it’s closer than ever.

— A DV E R T I S I N G —

Informed, Empowered, In Better Health You have the knowledge and support to improve your health with a team of health pros as close as your nearest Walgreens.

Walgreens.com/healthcorner Widen Your Circle of Care Avoid questionable health advice by adding your local Walgreens to your circle of care.

Walgreens health advisors can help you:

• Understand over-the-counter and prescription medications.

• Point you to resources about health and medical conditions.

• Make better day-to-day choices.

Our health advisors are also a great resource for questions between your regular doctor’s visits.

Walgreens Health Corner Imagine being able to walk into your local Walgreens and speak with a trusted health advisor who can show you how to use a health device and talk to you about ways

to manage your condition. Now, imagine being able to do all that without an appointment or a co-pay. At Walgreens locations with a Health Corner, this picture is a reality!

Eligible Clover members* can stop in for:

• Blood pressure and BMI checks • Blood sugar tests (HbA1c) • Health screenings for select conditions Look for our Health Corner pilot program for eligible Clover Health members,* now open in 37 Walgreens locations across New Jersey.

Want to learn more? Visit Walgreens.com/ healthcorner.

* Health Corner locations are currently open only in New Jersey, with zero co-pay for New Jersey Clover Health Medicare Advantage members.

TAKE CONTROL OF

2 TYPE

DIABETES

By Amy Lynn Smith

18

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

ISTOCK, GETTY

WITH THE RIGHT STEPS, YOU CAN LIVE WELL WITH —AND EVEN REVERSE— TYPE 2 DIABETES.

GETTY

cloverhealth.com

19

HEALTHY CHOICES

ike many of us,

Eleanor Gaspari West kept promising herself she’d lose weight. She’d tried weight-loss programs, but nothing stuck. Then “a light bulb went off,” she says.

During a routine checkup, her doctor completed an A1C test—a screening that measures your average blood glucose level over the previous three months. West’s result was 6.8, which put her over 6.4— and in the diabetic range.

That was the wake-up call Eleanor needed. “They put me on a pill and I went on a diet.

I just kept eating right and started walking. With every 10 pounds I’d lose, I’d feel better and better,” says West, who is 63 and lives in Chicago. “I wanted to nip it in the bud.”

Over the next few months, West worked hard to build a healthier lifestyle. Here are three factors to consider if you’re living with diabetes.

20

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

I DID THIS FOR MYSELF, AND I AM SO MUCH HAPPIER BECAUSE OF THE DECISIONS I’VE MADE. —Eleanor Gaspari West

In general, you want foods that are low in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.

Opt for fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain breads and pastas. Avoid sodas and juice.

Also, be realistic. It’s smart to limit sugar and carbs, but “if rice has been a big part of your diet for 50 or 60 years, it’s not realistic to expect you to cut out rice completely,” explains Kumar Dharmarajan, MD, MBA, cardiologist, geriatrician, and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Clover Health. “Talk to a nutritionist who can suggest changes to your diet that are achievable for you.”

West came up with an eating plan that works for her but still lets her enjoy life: no fried foods, no fast foods, limiting bread and sweets, and sticking to healthier options like chicken, fish, and salads.

She has an occasional treat, such as ice cream, but always watches portion sizes.

GETTY

L

1

Eating right is especially important if you have diabetes.

2

Physical activity is another part of the equation.

Even a little bit of physical activity every day is helpful— but the more you exercise, the more likely you’ll manage your diabetes and lower your need for medication.

“Starting low and slow is fine,” adds Sophia Chang, MD, MPH, internist and Chief Clinical Information Officer at Clover Health. “Figure out what kind of activity gives you joy. It might be a walk with a friend, an exercise class, or ballroom dancing. Enjoy yourself!”

For West, walking was the way to go. She’s worked her way up to walking 30 miles a week! She also builds muscle and tone with the help of her niece, who is a personal trainer.

3

Checkups are critical to managing diabetes.

See your doctor every three months for an overall health check as well as an A1C test, also known as a hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test. Keep up with routine dental and vision checks, which may spot issues related to diabetes.

Six months after starting her new healthy habits, West had lost about 35 pounds and her A1C went down to 5.5. Her doctor confirmed that she no longer had type 2 diabetes.

With smart choices and plenty of commitment, she had reversed her diagnosis.

GETTY (2)

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES? Our bodies need insulin to use glucose (sugar) as energy. But with type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well. So your body can’t use glucose for energy, and glucose builds up in your blood. cloverhealth.com

21

Today—after two years on her new routine—West has lost 67 pounds! And she has no intention of going back. She’s so proud of her journey to better health that she loves sharing her story before and posting updates on Facebook. Her before-and-after photos tell a tale of hard work and perseverance.

“I did this for myself, and I am so much happier because of the decisions I’ve made,” says West. “I don’t want to take a chance on the problems diabetes can cause, like kidney disease or amputations.”

West is right that diabetes can cause complications, especially if it’s not controlled.

Other complications include eye diseases, vascular disease, and nerve damage. Many people with diabetes also have high blood

22

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

“Type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition,” Dr. Chang says. “Plus, the newer types of oral medications, when combined with better diet and exercise, can help people avoid insulin use. And there’s evidence that people who are willing to change their diet significantly can actually reverse their diabetes.” after Smart, practical choices go a long way toward managing—and even stopping—diabetes. And here’s a bonus: With a healthier diet and more physical activity, you’ll also prevent many other health problems. West agrees. “I am going to live the rest of my life healthier!”

GETTY, ELEANOR GASPARI WEST (2)

A PLAN FOR LIFE

DIABETES DO’S AND DON’TS

By Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan

DO mind your carbohydrates.

Avoid foods that have a high glycemic index (GI), like white bread, soda, juice, and russet potatoes. These raise your blood sugar faster. Switch them out for medium- to low-GI foods, such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, beans, carrots, and greens.

While you can’t find the GI level on the nutrition label, you can figure it out based on the fiber content.

Generally, the higher in fiber, the lower on the GI scale.

ISTOCK, GETTY, ISTOCK

DO eat more fiber.

Fiber improves digestion and helps you feel fuller, longer—making you less

likely to overeat or reach for high-sugar, high-carb snacks. Enjoy whole-grain cereals, breads, and pastas, as well as fruits and veggies with edible skins, to get your daily fiber.

DO practice portion control.

Use nutrition labels to determine the correct serving size. (It’s often much less than we think.)

Be especially cautious at restaurants, where portions are typically far beyond a single serving size. Try placing half your meal in a to-go box before you start eating. Also, ask your server to skip the bread plate.

DON’T smoke.

Smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop diabetes than people who have never smoked. Once you quit, that risk drops and continues to decrease the longer you go without smoking. If you’re ready to stop smoking, talk with your doctor about the best approach. There are ways to ease withdrawal symptoms and set you up for success.

DON’T avoid your doctor.

With regular checkups, you and your doctor can track your condition. Your doctor can also connect you with other helpful resources, such as a nutritionist.

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR DIABETES? Find out with the American Diabetes Association 60-Second Risk Test.

Go to www.diabetes.org/risk-test. cloverhealth.com

23

ONE PAN FOR THE WIN! Writer: Sarah Copeland Photographer: Ryan Liebe Prop Styling: Susie Meyers Food Styling: Rebecca Jurkevich Photo Editor: Sarah Rozen Creative Direction: Peter Yates 24

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

Introducing your new dinner-time hero: the humble sheet pan!

One-Stop Supper

Turn to page 32 for this delish roasted chicken dish.

We all want a delicious dinner. But how about one that’s also healthy, fast, and easy? Welcome to sheet pan cooking!

If you’ve ever baked cookies or roasted potatoes in the oven, you already have the right equipment: a sheet pan (sometimes called a cookie sheet or baking sheet).

Sheet pan meals are truly the

superheroes of supper, serving up big flavor that’s high on satisfaction and low on fuss. They deliver golden brown vegetables along with gentle, evenly cooked proteins like pork, chicken, and fish. Plus, you skip the hassle of prepping multiple dishes and all that time on cleaning.

Now...how does that saying go?

“Winner, winner! Sheet pan dinner!” cloverhealth.com

25

Sheet Pan Shawarma Cauliflower with Pita and Tzatziki SERVES 2 1 large lemon, juiced ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground paprika ½ teaspoon turmeric 1 small head cauliflower, trimmed (1½ pounds) 1 small white or yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 whole wheat or plain pitas 1 Persian or small cucumber, thinly sliced ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley ⅔ cup tzatziki or plain yogurt, for serving

Cauliflower makes a filling alternative to meat and delivers plenty of fiber and antioxidants.

26

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Line a sheet pan with foil.

1

Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Cut cauliflower into thin steaks, about ½-inch thick, allowing them to break into smaller pieces as they fall. Lay cauliflower on the prepared sheet pan with the sliced onions and smother on the sauce. Turn to coat on all sides.

2

Roast, turning once, until soft and golden brown— about 30 minutes.

3

Meanwhile, prepare your veggies and toppings.

Just before the cauliflower finishes, add the pitas to the oven (directly on the rack) to warm—about 2 minutes.

4

Fill each warm pita with roasted shawarmaspiced cauliflower and onions, cucumber, parsley, and tzatziki. Top with cherry tomatoes, avocado or other fresh veggies of your choice. Serve warm.

5

Smart Choice

100% whole wheat or whole grain pita is low-cal and high in fiber.

cloverhealth.com

27

Pro Tip

Use precut foil sheets to make cleanup a breeze.

28

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

Roast Pork Chops with Marinated Tomatoes and Croutons SERVES 2 2 5-ounce center-cut bone-in pork chops 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey 1-2 medium tomatoes (about 1 pound total), stems removed and cut in wedges 8 ounces small, on-thevine cherry or grape tomatoes, halved ½ small red onion, thinly sliced 2 thick slices rustic bread (like rustic sourdough), crusts on, cut into cubes ⅓ packed cup small basil leaves

Simply halve these recipes if you’re cooking for one or double them for more servings.

Mix together coriander, salt, and pepper. Rub on both sides of the pork. Set aside for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 425 degrees and line a sheet pan with foil.

1

Whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, and honey in a medium bowl. Add in tomatoes and onions and season with salt and pepper.

Set aside to marinate.

2

Set the pork in the center of the prepared sheet pan and arrange bread cubes around. Roast for 10 minutes.

Flip the pork and continue roasting until a meat thermometer registers 135 degrees. Turn the oven to broil and broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes until croutons are toasted. The meat will be pale, but juicy and tender.

3

Rest pork for 5 minutes, letting it reach 140 degrees.

Thinly slice the meat from the bone and arrange on a platter surrounded by croutons. Top with marinated tomatoes. Sprinkle with basil leaves. Serve extra marinated tomatoes as a side.

4

cloverhealth.com

29

Roasted Halibut with Potatoes, Shallots, and Grapes SERVES 2 8 ounces small, bite-size potatoes (such as honey gold or other baby potatoes), halved 1 ½ pounds of center-cut halibut or cod 6 ounces shiitake mushroom caps, halved 2 shallots, cut into eighths or sliced in ¼-inch rings 1 bunch Concord or purple table grapes, cut in smaller bunches (about 8 ounces) 3 sprigs oregano ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ½ teaspoon fennel seed (optional) Heat oven to 350 degrees and line a sheet pan with foil. Steam or microwave the potatoes until parcooked and almost tender (about 3 to 5 minutes).

1

30

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

Arrange the potatoes, mushrooms, shallots, grapes, and oregano on the pan. Sprinkle everything with salt, pepper, and fennel seed. Drizzle liberally with oil. Push the vegetables and grapes around on the tray to coat with oil. Roast for 15 minutes.

2

Add the halibut to the pan and roast until the fish is just cooked through and opaque throughout, the potatoes are cooked through, and the grapes have burst and released some of their juices—about another 15 minutes.

3

Cut the fish in half and remove it to two plates.

Divide the grapes between the two plates. Use a spatula to toss the potatoes, mushrooms, shallots, and remaining cooking juices together. Serve alongside the fish and grapes.

4

Roasted grapes are a simple, but sophisticated, addition to salads, cheese plates, pasta, and meat entrees.

Swap Meat

Help your heart by swapping out red meat for fish, veggie, or white meat entrees.

cloverhealth.com

31

MVP

Kale is considered one of the most nutrientrich plants.

32

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RYAN LIEBE; PROP STYLING: SUZIE MYERS/PAT BATES; FOOD STYLING: REBECCA JURKEVICH/EDGE REPS

Lemon and Thyme Roasted Chicken Thighs with Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Kale SERVES 2 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ( ¾ pound) ½ teaspoon fine sea salt Freshly cracked pepper ¼ teaspoon paprika 8 ounces prepared potato or cauliflower gnocchi 1 lemon, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 small bunch kale, de-ribbed Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line the sheet pan with foil.

1

Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Lay the chicken in the center of the pan and the gnocchi 2

around the edges.

Spread the lemons over the top and sprinkle thyme over the chicken. Drizzle everything with oil.

Roast 10 minutes.

Add in the kale and stir everything (turning gnocchi to crisp on all sides).

Continue roasting until the chicken is crispy and cooked through, and the gnocchi are golden brown and tender— about 20 to 25 minutes more.

3

Place the chicken on two plates. Use a spatula to toss the lemons, kale, gnocchi, and the cooking juices together well. Serve the chicken with the gnocchi and crispy kale on the side.

SHEET PAN DINNER HELPERS Combine one-sheet meals with these handy kitchen gadgets and it’s a guaranteed recipe for hassle-free cooking!

Half- and quarter-sheet pans You’ll want a sturdy, four-sided sheet pan with a thick bottom (for even cooking) and substantial, easy-to-grab sides. If you’re cooking for one, or a large pan seems hard to manage, try a half-sheet pan.

Bonus: Look for models that include silicone handles that stay cool and make for easier gripping.

Silicone potholders Structured and claw-like, with pockets for the thumb and fingers, these mitts protect from heat while providing a slip-free hold.

Bonus: Some brands can double as jar openers.

4

Oven rack guards These tubular tools hook right over the outside edge of your oven rack so it’s no sweat if your hand happens to graze the rack as you take your meal out of the oven.

Bonus: You can cut these to fit in your toaster oven, too.

cloverhealth.com

33

34

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

POWER UP There’s no time like the present to put some muscle into your day. Your body (and mind) will thank you!

ISTOCK

By Alyssa Shaffer

cloverhealth.com

35

Y

In fact, our golden years are exactly when we should be flexing those biceps to help counteract our body’s natural muscle loss.

“Starting at about age 30, we start to see some natural decreases in muscle mass,” explains Summer B. Cook, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire. This process, known as sarcopenia, really begins to pick up steam after age 60.

“Losing strength is part of the aging process,” notes Kumar Dharmarajan, MD, MBA, cardiologist, geriatrician, and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Clover Health. But it’s not unavoidable. “Data has shown that strength training, in combination with cardio and flexibility exercises, offers significant benefits,” adds Dr. Dharmarajan.

36

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

GETTY

ou’re never too old to get stronger.

YOUR BODY WILL ALWAYS RESPOND TO EXERCISE. ADDING IN SOME STRENGTH TRAINING CAN HELP YOU STAY AS ACTIVE AND HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE AND IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE. —Summer B. Cook, Ph.D.

And working on your strength is important for more than just looking good or being able to carry your grandbabies. A study published in Current Sports Medicine Reports links musclebuilding activities to lower rates of bone loss, better heart health, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, better balance, and less weight gain.

And, importantly for older adults, resistance training can help reduce the risk of falls.

There’s also a benefit for your mind. “People just feel better when they do strength training.

You get a sense that you are more capable every day,” says Sophia Chang, MD, MPH, internist, and Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at Clover Health.

“Strength training also helps remove the fear that many people may not even realize they have about possibly falling or being unable to

do certain daily activities,” Dr. Chang explains.

Best of all, you don’t have to go big to see a big difference. “The focus should be on higher rep counts with lighter weights,” says Dr. Dharmarajan. “Think low and slow.”

Anyone new to exercise should check with their doctor before starting a strength program, but once you get the all-clear, keep in mind that consistency is key.

Start off with just one round of exercises (known as a set), doing each movement (or rep) about 10 to 15 times. “You should feel a little tired by the end of the set, but not so fatigued that you can barely move,” notes Cook.

As you get stronger, aim to do two or three sets of each exercise, two to three times a week, focusing on the major muscle groups (arms, chest, shoulders, back, core, hips, and legs).

While lifting dumbbells is the most traditional form of strength training, yoga, Pilates, and even using your body weight for resistance can all help improve strength and build lean muscle.

“Your body will always respond to exercise,” says Cook. “Adding in some strength training— even if you’re in your 90s—can help you stay as active and healthy as possible and improve your quality of life.” cloverhealth.com

37

2

1. WALL PUSH-UP

5 MOVES TO TRY Start with a single set of each exercise, doing 10 to 15 reps of each one (except for those based on time). Rest for 30 to 60 seconds between exercises.

As you get stronger, you can progress to doing two to three rounds, moving with less rest between each exercise. Follow the modifications based on your fitness and comfort level.

Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program!

38

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

(WORKS CHEST, TRICEPS, SHOULDERS, CORE) A. Stand facing a wall, about an arm’s length away, feet hip-distance apart. Lean forward, placing both hands on the wall shoulder-distance apart, fingers pointing toward the ceiling.

B. Keeping your abs firm, slowly bend your elbows, lowering your chest toward the wall; straighten your arms and return to start.

Make it easier: Walk your feet closer to the wall.

Make it harder: Bring your feet and hands closer together (close-stance push-up).

2. SQUAT

(WORKS LEGS, GLUTES) A. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, toes pointing out slightly, arms at sides.

B. Bend your knees, as if sitting down in a chair, keeping your bodyweight over your heels. As you lower down, bring your arms forward to help you counterbalance. Stand up, lowering your arms to your sides and repeat.

Make it easier: Sit at the edge of a sturdy chair and stand up. Slowly lower all the way back into the seat, maintaining control throughout.

Make it harder: Hold light weights at your sides.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY NATHAN HACKETT

1

3

4

FACT

5

On average, we lose about 30% of our muscle power between ages 50 and 70.

3. ONE-ARM DUMBBELL ROW

(WORKS BACK, BICEPS; REDUCES KYPHOSIS, OR ROUNDING OF THE BACK) A. Stand with your feet about hip-distance apart, holding a weight in your right hand. Bend forward from the waist about 45 degrees to the floor, keeping your head in line with your spine and your abs engaged.

B. Draw your right elbow toward your ribs, keeping your arm close to the side.

Lower to start and repeat.

Repeat on both sides.

Make it easier: Hold on to the back of a sturdy chair or bench for added support.

Make it harder: Hold a weight in each hand.

4. FARMER’S WALK (WORKS FULL BODY: BACK, SHOULDERS, ARMS, GLUTES, QUADS, HAMSTRINGS, CALVES)

A. Stand holding weights at your sides.

B. Keeping a tall posture (keep chest up, shoulders down, and don’t round forward), walk at an even pace, looking directly ahead of you. Walk about 20 to 30 seconds, then turn around and return to start.

Make it easier: Use lighter weights (1 to 3 pounds) or no weights, and/or decrease time.

Make it harder: Use heavier weights (5 to 10 pounds) and/or increase time.

5. PLANK

(WORKS BACK, CHEST, ARMS, SHOULDERS, CORE, HIPS) A. Begin in a tabletop position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.

B. Straighten your legs, keeping your feet about hip distance apart and forming a straight line from head to heels. Hold here for 30 to 40 seconds, keeping your abs engaged and your hips in line with your spine.

Make it easier: Bring your knees to the floor.

Make it harder: Lift one foot off the floor.

cloverhealth.com

39

HAP P Y WA Y S 4 PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR OUTLOOK. GETTY

By Alice Bradley

40

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 40

8/5/21 12:31 PM

cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 41

41

8/5/21 12:32 PM

D

42

oes the proverbial glass look half empty? Or maybe your rose-colored glasses are a little tarnished?

Looking on the bright side is hard at times. But keeping a positive outlook has real benefits for you and your health. According to the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, evidence is growing that a happy and engaged life is not only the result of good health but also contributes to your overall wellness.

So, what can we do to improve our outlook? For starters, just keep on aging.

“As we age past our 50s, we seem to have cognitive changes that help us respond more to positive things and less to negative things,” says Jonathan Rauch, author of The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50. “As my father once said, ‘I’m no longer having five-dollar reactions to five-cent provocations.’”

There are also practical ways to develop a better perspective.

Here are a few ideas—plus the science to back them up.

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 42

8/5/21 12:32 PM

START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL

GETTY

GRATITUDE IS A CONSISTENT THEME AMONG PEOPLE WHO ARE HAPPIER. —Sophia Chang, MD

“Gratitude is a consistent theme among people who are happier,” says Sophia Chang, MD, MPH, internist, and Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at Clover Health.

There’s plenty of research to back up that assertion: In one study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, participants (all aged 60 and over) were asked to keep a gratitude journal for just two weeks. Every day, they wrote down three things that they felt grateful for. “Significant increases in flourishing” were evident—even 30 days after the exercise was completed.

Focusing on what is going well seems to be a key to happiness, and as an older adult, you’ve already got an advantage: As Rauch points out, you’re actually more adept at focusing on the positive than someone younger. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 43

43

8/5/21 12:32 PM

ISTOCK

44

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 44

8/5/21 12:32 PM

SPEND TIME IN NATURE

ISTOCK

“Forest bathing” is a practice that originated in Japan in 1982 when the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries coined the term (shinrin-yoku) in an attempt to get people outdoors more.

“Bathing” is a figurative term here: The point is to indulge your senses in nature, not to go for a swim (unless you really want to, of course).

You don’t need a forest to benefit, either. Spend time near a lake, the beach, or your favorite park. Just make sure your cell phone is stashed and you’re tuned in to the environment. Listen to the birds. Feel the breeze on your skin. Breathe in the scent of moss, dirt, or trees.

Twenty minutes a day is ideal, but whatever time you can spare is well worth it— even if that means a few minutes to gaze up at the trees on your block.

STORYTELLING CAN BE A DIFFERENT WAY OF REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE, WHICH SOMETIMES CAN IMPACT HOW YOU LOOK AT YOUR OWN LIFE IN THE PRESENT. —Sophia Chang, MD

A study of middle-aged and elderly adults published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed notable physiological and psychological changes after a single two-hour forest bathing session. “A short walk in the forest,” the study concluded, “can reduce tension, anger, fatigue, depression, confusion and anxiety, as well as improve positive emotion.”

TELL YOUR STORY As we age, we gain wisdom and experiences. You have stories and they are worth sharing—whether with your children and grandchildren or members of your community.

Personal storytelling can benefit others and you.

“Storytelling is a way of reflecting on your life, which sometimes can impact how you look at your own life in the present,” explains Dr. Chang. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 45

45

8/5/21 12:33 PM

YOUR DAYS AS A CAREGIVER DON’T HAVE TO BE OVER JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE OLDER. —Sophia Chang, MD

“Just being able to share stories, whether funny or tragic, often casts a different appreciation for what you have today. Storytelling is also a way to reinforce your resilience and remind yourself of what you have been through.”

Studies back up Dr. Chang’s assertion. The Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments writes that “reminiscing and sharing life stories improve[s] selfesteem, mood, well-being, and enhances feelings of 46

control and mastery over life as one ages.”

Schedule a “storytelling” date with a loved one, or check out a service like StoryWorth. Once a week, StoryWorth emails questions such as “What fascinated you as a child?” or “What were some of your favorite courses in college?” You reply to the email with your answers, and at the end of the year, your stories are collected into a bound book. Learn more at storyworth.com.

If you were a caretaker throughout your life—whether for family or through work— it’s hard to lose that role. But, says Dr. Chang, “your days as a caregiver don’t have to be over just because you’re older.”

Look for ways to tap into that side of yourself. Consider getting a pet. “There is something about pets that calms people and gives them purpose—something to focus on outside themselves,” says Dr. Chang.

Caring for a garden or house plants is another idea. Maybe you want to babysit your grandkids or volunteer at a local community center.

According to research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, older adults who spend as little as two hours per week volunteering could substantially lower their risk of early death, become more active, and improve their overall sense of well-being.

Doing good, it turns out, really does help you feel good.

DIGITALVISION

TAKE CARE OF SOMEONE (OR SOMETHING)

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_40_WELL_Happiness_v7.indd 46

8/5/21 12:33 PM

YOUR PLAN

You’ve Got This With Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starting up, it’s a good time to ask questions and get answers!

GETTY

WHAT’S AN “ANOC”?

When you’re enrolled in Medicare, your plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall. You’ll be getting yours soon if you haven’t already received it.

The ANOC shares

any changes in costs, coverage, or service area that will take effect in January.

Take a look at the ANOC and review any changes in your plan.

If you have questions, contact your Medicare company. Clover members can call 1-888-778-1478.

WHAT’S THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD? Every year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare Advantage enrollees have the option to review their plan.

This time frame is known as the Annual

Enrollment Period (AEP). It’s the time to learn more about your plan and to assess your needs. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Learn how your plan may change during the next year. For example, will your prescription drugs and your doctors be covered?

During AEP, Medicare Advantage enrollees may opt for Original Medicare (plus a Part D plan) or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. Likewise, people enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan may switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.

WHAT’S THE DEADLINE? Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2021.

Your new coverage will begin January 1, 2022.

Then, you have a few months to make sure you’re happy with your coverage. cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_47_BOB_YourPlan_v7.indd 47

47

8/5/21 12:46 PM

YOUR PLAN

Insurance Terms to Learn COINSURANCE: An amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for services after you pay any deductibles. Coinsurance is usually a percentage (for example, 20 percent).

COPAY: An amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for a medical service or supply, like a doctor’s visit, hospital outpatient visit, or prescription drug.

DEDUCTIBLE: The amount you must pay out of pocket for healthcare or prescriptions before your insurance plan “kicks in” to start paying.

FORMULARY: A list of prescription drugs (also called a drug list) covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan offering prescription drug benefits.

OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS: Health or prescription drug costs that you must pay on your own because they aren’t covered by Medicare or other insurance.

PREMIUM: The periodic payment to Medicare, an insurance company, or a healthcare plan for health or prescription drug coverage.

REFERRAL: A written order from your primary care doctor for you to see a specialist or get certain medical services. In many health maintenance organizations (HMOs), you need to get a referral before you can get medical care from anyone except your primary care doctor.

TIERS: Groups of drugs with a different cost for each group. Generally, a drug in a lower tier will cost you less than a drug in a higher tier.

Clover Health has created an educational booklet called Understanding Medicare.

To get your free copy, visit cloverhealth.com/medicare-mag.

48

ISTOCK

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE?

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_47_BOB_YourPlan_v7.indd 48

8/5/21 1:28 PM

YOUR PLAN

Stay Alert Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a great time to learn more, ask questions, and connect with reliable sources about your Medicare coverage. Unfortunately, this is also when we see more potential scams. The best way to protect yourself from Medicare fraud is to learn the most common cons.

Watch out for these red flags:

• Somebody from the “government”

calling to discuss your Medicare coverage.

Somebody from “Medicare” calling to sell you additional services or products.

Somebody calling to confirm your Medicare number in order to give you a prize.

• •

REMEMBER:

GETTY

1. Medicare will never contact you out of the blue.

2. Guard your Medicare card as if it’s a credit card.

3. Never give out your Medicare or Social Security number.

4. Medicare will never visit your home.

cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_47_BOB_YourPlan_v7.indd 49

49

8/5/21 12:46 PM

Try a FREE Online Class Today!

GetSetUp is an online community of older adults who want to learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences.

GetSetUp provides free virtual classes for older adults taught by peers –ask questions, make friends, learn new things and have fun.

www.getsetup.io/cloverliving

For Help Contact GetSetup:

Clover_050_051_Fall2021_GetSetUp_Spread.indd 50

1-888-559-1614

info@getsetup.io

8/5/21 12:55 PM

earn s.

by fun.

Linda Enjoys Learning New Skills On GetSetUp Go to www.getsetup.io/cloverliving "GetSetUp is so advantageous. I can do it any hour of the day and I don’t have to get into the car to go to a class. I’m feeling better after taking the morning fitness classes, and I even started growing microgreens after taking a gardening class.

I just see nothing but pluses for the program."

- Linda, A GetSetUp Learner

Take Classes From the Comfort of Your Home Internet

iPad/Tablet

Computer

Smartphone

Linda’s favorite classes: Tech classes including Zoom, Gmail, Windows 10 Morning Fitness: Balance & Flexibility How to use Nextdoor Sell Your Products Online Clover_050_051_Fall2021_GetSetUp_Spread.indd 51

8/5/21 12:55 PM

The Conscious Optimist For award-winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, time has taught her the value of living mindfully.

T

WO HOUSES SET Shohreh Aghdashloo apart. The first, 2003’s tragic film House of Sand and Fog, introduced the Iranian-born actress to American audiences and earned her an Oscar nomination. The second, HBO’s House of Saddam, won her an Emmy. She has earned acclaim in everything from 24 to Grimm.

Aghdashloo recently wrapped the final season of Amazon’s sci-fi series The Expanse, playing UN Secretary-General Chrisjen Avasarala. In 52

the universe of The Expanse, Chrisjen rules the world. In our universe, Aghdashloo misses the role greatly.

“It was truly hard to say goodbye to Chrisjen,” she says, speaking from her home in Los Angeles. “I’ve learned from my characters before, but not as much as this one. She’s bold.

She knows exactly who she is and what she wants in life. If you can get to that place, it’s a place of calmness.”

HOORAD FARJAMFAR

By Lisa Rosen

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_52_BOB_MyDay_v4.indd 52

8/5/21 12:48 PM

MY DAY DISTANCE LEARNING Aghdashloo strives to internalize that calm in her daily life, citing a lesson learned from another role: playing an emergency room physician along with Sandra Bullock in The Lake House.

“My character tells her, ‘On your day off, get as far away from this place as you can. Go someplace where you feel most like yourself.’

“When I was reading that line, I thought, this is absolutely right. If I feel like a thing is driving me crazy, the best thing is to put everything down, get into my shoes, and go as far away as possible—to step out and take a look at what is going on from outside. Try to make it objective, not subjective.”

IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON STUDIOS

If you made mistakes in the past—and we all have—forgive yourself. We’re entitled to make mistakes.

Her career has provided more than life lessons. “Being busy working and being creative helps a lot, body, mind, and spirit. The moment we start retreating from life is the moment we’re no longer relevant.”

AN EVOLVING APPROACH Rather than striving for “healthy living,” Aghdashloo prefers to live

“consciously.” “Before eating, I think about what I am about to eat, which I did not do when I was young. Ever since I passed 45, I started becoming more and more interested in it. That’s the way I deal with everything: conscious living. I’m being thoughtful and reasonable—and I have helped myself in this way. It’s very important to love and respect yourself.”

Her approach to fitness has also evolved over the years. “I used to go to the gym and do hot yoga. But after 50, I couldn’t do hot yoga anymore. I couldn’t breathe properly. And the gym was too much for my knees. So I started swimming and walking.

Swimming is the best, because every organ in your body moves when you swim, from head to toe.

If it’s too cold to swim, I walk an hour and a half, rain or shine.”

Aghdashloo’s outlook on life is consciously optimistic. “I’m an educated woman. I know that negative energy exists, but I don’t want to have anything to do with that,” she says.

“I want to stick to the positive side, to the sun that is shining and the rain that falls and makes the grass greener. Most of our problems come from within; we create them for ourselves. If you made mistakes in the past—and we all have—forgive yourself.

We’re entitled to make mistakes.” cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_52_BOB_MyDay_v4.indd 53

53

8/5/21 12:51 PM

PUZZLES

( % ( 6 , & 5 ( ; ( 5 ( 7 $ 3

1 ( 0 5 $ ( 5 * + % 3 1 : 1 /

' 5 : $ / 2 6 6 + $ * 2 < 7 $

$ 2 $ * & 5 ( * 1 , 5 $ + 6 1

9 2 / 8 1 7 ( ( 5 ' 3 ' , ( 7

< 8 .

6 + 2 8 / ' ( 5 6 ( 1 6

ANSWERS . , 5 5 $ ( * 5 $ 7 , 7 8 ' (

( % ( 6 , & 5 ( ; ( 5 ( 7 $ 3

1 ( 0 5 $ ( 5 * + % 3 1 : 1 /

' 5 : $ / 2 6 6 + $ * 2 < 7 $

$ 2 $ * & 5 ( * 1 , 5 $ + 6 1

9 2 / 8 1 7 ( ( 5 ' 3 ' , ( 7

< 8 .

6 + 2 8 / ' ( 5 6 ( 1 6

40.shoulders 41. slow 42. smoke 43. soda 44.squat 45. stories 46. sugar 47. type 48. volunteer 49. walk 50. wall 51. yoga

. , 5 5 $ ( * 5 $ 7 , 7 8 ' (

2 ) 2 5 ( 5 ( 3 1 ( ) 5 8 , 7

2 ) 2 5 ( 5 ( 3 1 ( ) 5 8 , 7

0 7 % & 8 , & ( 6 3 ' $ ; 6

0 7 % & 8 , & ( 6 3 ' $ ; 6

6 6 ( & % 7 . $ ' 2 6 $ 1 2 6

6 6 ( & % 7 . $ ' 2 6 $ 1 2 6

, 7 6 4 8 $ 7 1 5 & ' : 6 , $

, 7 6 4 8 $ 7 1 5 & ' : 6 , $

7 6 ( + & 1 & 7 $ 8 2 / 7 7 0

54

28. one 29. pan 30. pasta 31. pets 32. plank 33. plants 34. portion 35. rep 36. row 37. salt 38. set 39. sharing

7 6 ( + & 1 & 7 $ 8 2 / 7 7 0

0 < 3 3 $ + , . * / < < / 1 $

1. antioxidants 2. arms 3. back 4. balance 5. carbs 6. chest 7. core 8. diabetes 9. diet 10. exercise 11. fiber 12. fruit 13. gain 14. garden 15. glucose 16. gratitude 17. Greece 18. happy 19. heart 20. hips 21. journal 22. juice 23. legs 24. loss 25. mass 26. mind 27. nature

0 < 3 3 $ + , . * / < < / 1 $

/ $ 1 5 8 2 2 6 * 3 7 / $ 6

#1 WORD LIST

/ $ 1 5 8 2 2 6 * 3 7 / $ 6

% $ / $ 1 & ( % + ( $ 5 7 6 :

WORD SEARCH

% $ / $ 1 & ( % + ( $ 5 7 6 :

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_54_BOB_Puzzles_v3.indd 54

8/5/21 12:58 PM

PUZZLES

Health Quiz

5. Smoking makes you how much more likely to develop diabetes? a) 10-20% b) 20-30% c) 30-40% d) 40-50%

What have you learned from Clover Living? Test your knowledge with our health quiz.

1. Which of the following foods may help combat inflammation? Choose all that apply: a) Kale b) Brown rice c) Ginger ale d) Walnuts

3. How frequently should you change the water in a humidifier? a) Twice a day b) Daily c) Twice a week d) Weekly 4. When is the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare? a) September 1 to December 1 b) October 1 to December 1 c) October 15 to December 7 d) November 15 to January 1

2. At approximately what age does the average person begin to lose muscle mass? a) 30 b) 40 c) 50 d) 60

) $ ' 6 & $ 0

( 1 , ' 0 $ / ( 6

3 $ 7 ( $ & + 2 2

& + 2 8

' & , $ 6 7 & + $ ( $ , 1 , 5 ( / 6 6 % 6 , ( ( * 6 7 + 6 8 ( * 6

8 1 7 2

2 / ( 6

6 $ , '

( 6 7 $

) ) / ( $ 0 <

2 ' ( 6

3 $ 6 7 $

2 0 $ 1 ,

0 , 1 2 5 ( ' , 7 6

( ; 7 2 /

8 5 ' 8

$ / 7 / $ 8 6 / , % , , ' $ 6 7 7 2 9 $ ( 7 , % 5 / 8 ) ( 7 1 $ , 7 ( , * 8 ( 6

/ ( 0 2 1 * 5 $ 6 6

5 + ( 7 7

ANSWERS

( $ 6 ( 6

LEVEL:

6 / $ 3 6

7. Where and when did “forest bathing” begin? a) China, in 1640 b) Canada, in 1960 c) Japan, in 1982 d) San Francisco, in 2009

HEALTH QUIZ: 1. a, b, d; 2. a; 3. b; 4. c; 5. c; 6. b; 7. c

SUDOKU

6. An A1C level of more than indicates diabetes. a) 5.4 b) 6.4 c) 6.8 d) 7.0

cloverhealth.com

CLO0621_54_BOB_Puzzles_v3.indd 55

55

8/5/21 12:58 PM

PUZZLES

BUILDING STRENGTH

By Patrick Blindauer

ACROSS

56

1. Dubious deal 2. “ Need Is the Girl” (“Gypsy” song) 3. Brought into the world, as eggs 4. March blower?

5. Pollen season sound 6. China’s En-lai

DOWN

57. Big coffeepots 58. Bones parallel to radii 59. “There is something about that calms people”: Dr. Sophia Chang 60. “The Sopranos” Emmy winner Falco 61. “Understand?”

62. Fast fliers: Abbr.

63. Bubble bath stuff 64. Drink to avoid if you have diabetes

1. Seasoning that’s good to limit 5. Rock band with an electrical name 9. Look glum 13. Asner’s “Elf” role 15. RuPaul Pet 16. Gigantic screen format 17. Part of a defendant’s case, perhaps 18. Ball thrower?

19. Pioneering political cartoonist Thomas 20. Talent for making money 22. Not fooled by 23. “Tippecanoe and Tyler ” 24. Like some surveillance 26. Parking attendant 29. Augusta’s home 31. It improves digestion and makes you feel fuller for longer 32. Coupled 36. University grad 37. Resistance training can help reduce the risk of them 38. Unoccupied 39. Explodes 41. Second-string players 42. Evenings, in ad-speak 43. “Badlands” star Spacek 44. Composer Prokofiev 47. Brain scan abbr.

48. Bert in “The Wizard of Oz” 49. Private place for company 56. On the ocean

7. Puck, essentially 8. They may be swept off of feline owners’ couches 9. Tiny tweaks 10. Resident along the Arabian Sea 11. Trattoria treat 12. Heap praise on 14. Gretel, to Hansel 21. Little child 25. Cape Town to Durban direction 26. Highly offensive 27. Be up against 28. Herb used in Thai cooking 29. Frat pack makeup 30. Feels unhealthy 31. Passing fancy 32. Chopped spread 33. Verses of adoration 34. Celebrity chef Bobby 35. XX, in a way: Abbr.

37. Battle wear, or tires out 40. Einstein’s “never” 41. Warm embrace 43. Several reps, in the weight room 44. Challenges to a duel, as with a glove 45. Makes less difficult 46. Victim of Scarlett fever?

47. Massachusetts has four 50. Descendant of Sanskrit 51. Children’s author Blyton 52. World Cup cries 53. “ Thee Oh Lord” 54. Vocalized 55. “My Baby No Aqui” (Garth Brooks song)

CLOVER LIVING FALL 2021

CLO0621_54_BOB_Puzzles_v3.indd 56

8/5/21 12:59 PM

Because getting a health test shouldn’t test your patience.

Come see how easy it is to take care of your health to-do’s at Walgreens Health Corner. Get to know your local Health Advisor, who can take your blood pressure, check your blood sugar (HbA1c), and provide ongoing support and advice to help you feel your best.

For more info and to find participating Walgreens locations, call (877) 645-4128 or visit Walgreens.com/healthcorner Get the Health Corner app to track your health todo’s and manage all your medications in one place.

Download it at the Google Play or Apple app store.

Health Corner locations are currently open only in New Jersey, with zero co-pay for New Jersey Clover Health Medicare Advantage members.

Walgreens Health Corner services are not intended for use in urgent and emergent care. The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician.

If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician or go to the nearest emergency room. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. ©2021 Walgreen Co. All rights reserved.

Clover_CV3_Fall2021_Walgreens.indd 3

8/5/21 1:07 PM

cloverhealth.com/fall21 1-855-766-8429*

I’m carving at Thanksgiving.

As always.

– Juanita, MEMBER SINCE 2014

Plans for health.

Plans for life.

* We are open from 8am – 8pm local time, 7 days a week. From April 1st through September 30th. Alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on the weekends and holidays. Clover Health is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in Clover Health depends on contract renewal.

Y0129_21EX034_M