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2021

6 Cold-Weather Tips to Protect Your Family this Winter

Posted December 23, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

The coldest months of the year are upon us and going outdoors is the best way to enjoy the season and beat cabin fever. Getting a breath of fresh air is a proven way to relieve stress and anxiety.  

Unfortunately, wintertime fun can come with a host of hazards. From skiing and hiking beautiful snowy landscapes to exercising outdoors and snow shoveling, there are plenty of preparations you should take when enjoying these activities to keep you safe and warm.

So before...

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7 Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

Posted December 09, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

It’s wintertime once again! And whether you’re looking forward to the season ahead or not, there are plenty of preparations to help you stay healthy this time of year. SummaCare offers seven tips to help you stay healthy this winter and into the warmer weather months ahead. 

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VA Coverage and Medicare Advantage Plans

Posted November 11, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development

If you’re eligible for Medicare and are a Veteran, you’re probably receiving a lot of information from Medicare plans since we’re now in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP.) The AEP is from October 15 through December 7 and this is when most Medicare-eligibles select their coverage for the coming year. 

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Turn to SummaCare for your individual or family health insurance needs

Posted November 01, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

Shopping for health insurance? If you don’t have health insurance through your employer, don’t yet qualify for Medicare or make too much money for Medicaid, SummaCare is here to help.

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Exercise your brain with SummaCare's new Medicare Advantage benefit: BrainHQ

Posted October 21, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

SummaCare is committed to guiding members to be the healthiest versions of themselves. That’s why we take pride in going beyond basic Medicare with valuable extra benefits designed to fit your different needs in order to reach optimal health.

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It's Time to Review your Medicare Coverage

Posted October 01, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development

It’s that time of year again when the leaves change color, temperatures turn cooler and the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins. From October 15 through December 7, 2021 is when most Medicare eligibles can select their Medicare coverage for 2022.

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Step up to the challenge: 7 easy ways to improve your balance

Posted September 24, 2021 by 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

Losing your balance is no laughing matter. It’s one thing to be clumsy and trip over the rug from time to time, but falling is one of the most dangerous medical issues facing older people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults over age 65 takes a serious fall each year.

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4 health benefits of strength training that may surprise you

Posted September 09, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Strength training is a safe and effective way to keep muscles and bones strong.

As we age, hormonal changes lead to a decline in muscle mass. We also tend to lose more bone mass than our bodies form — and the rate at which we lose bone mass speeds up once we hit middle age.

But, you don’t have to be a weightlifter or pro athlete to see real results.

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5 tips to losing weight after 50 — and keeping it off!

Posted August 27, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

Losing weight is never easy.  This is especially true after the age of 50, when you become more susceptible to gaining weight and storing excess body fat. This is attributed to loss of muscle mass and metabolic changes, coupled with the tendency to make poor dietary choices and live a sedentary lifestyle.

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5 healthy habits to keep you strong and active longer

Posted August 12, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

The big 5-0 celebration is over. The cake has been eaten, the gifts put away and the thank-you notes sent. Now what? It’s time to take a proactive role in your health, if you haven’t already.

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3 simple sun safety tips for the whole family

Posted July 22, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

Summer is in full swing. The sun is shining, the pool is open and spending time outdoors is the norm, rather than the exception.

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Take steps for better health

Posted July 08, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

Think walking isn’t good exercise? Think again. Brisk walking boosts your physical and mental health in so many ways. 

Walking increases your cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones, muscles and joints, and reduces excess body fat, while decreasing your risk of developing conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and some cancers.

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8 ways to maintain a strong, healthy heart

Posted June 24, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). What’s more, about 103 million people today have high blood pressure and 6.5 million are living with heart failure.

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Memory lapses: What's normal and when to see a doctor

Posted June 03, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

It may be worrisome the first time you can’t remember where you parked your car, have trouble recalling the person’s name you met at a party the night before or repeatedly misplace your smartphone. You may even ask yourself, “Uh oh, is this the beginning stages of dementia?”

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Tips for relieving springtime allergies

Posted May 20, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

May flowers often aren’t the only thing blooming after April showers. Springtime allergens from tree pollen, grasses and weeds can wreak havoc on your allergies causing severe allergy symptoms.

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Should I be concerned with side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?

Posted May 06, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

People around the country are lining up to get one of three available COVID-19 vaccines — Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson — that have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to combat the virus.

The COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial step to help guard against severe illness, hospitalization and even death from the virus. It also is an important tool to help stop this ongoing pandemic.

But before you roll up your sleeve, know you...

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Understanding your health plan’s comprehensive drug formulary

Posted March 25, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office

A drug formulary is a list of all drugs, both generic and brand name, that are covered by your health plan. The purpose of the drug formulary is to direct members to the least costly medication that is most effective in treating their condition.

So whether you are taking prescription drugs temporarily for an infection or you take them regularly for a chronic illness, it’s important to understand your heath plan’s drug formulary so you’re prescribed a covered...

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Got Plan Central? It's the key to managing all your health and wellness needs

Posted March 11, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

At SummaCare, our goal is to provide members with the tools they need to become their healthiest — and happiest — self. That’s why we created Plan Central, so you can manage your health and wellness all from one convenient, online location.

Through Plan Central, you will enjoy 24-hour, secure access to the following and more:

  • Plan benefit information, including an Explanation of Benefits and benefit balances, along with the ability to Request an ID Card
  • Claim...
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    New Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualifying Individuals and Families starts February 15

    Posted February 24, 2021 by Anne Armao Vice President of Member Experience and Product Development

    As part of the pandemic’s toll, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their employer-sponsored health coverage. The window to sign up for your own individual or family plan closed on December 15.

    Good news! Starting February 15, consumers seeking health insurance may be able to take advantage of this Special Election Period.  Find out if you are eligible by visiting summacare.com/individual or by calling us.  The SEP is being offered from February 15...

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    5 vital questions you should ask your PCP at your next visit

    Posted February 04, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

    Regular appointments and building a strong relationship with your primary care provider are important steps toward a healthy — and perhaps, longer — life. Think of your primary care provider, or PCP, as your partner in becoming your healthiest self. 

    Good communication is one way to build a strong relationship with your PCP. Coming prepared with a list of your top questions and concerns is important to ensure you make the most of your next checkup.

    SummaCare...

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    What is a bone mineral density test and do I need one?

    Posted January 21, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

    It’s estimated about 54 million Americans are living with osteoporosis and low bone mass, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. More alarming, studies suggest about one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

    As we age, we tend to lose more bone mass than our bodies form — and the rate at which we lose bone mass speeds up once we hit middle age. With osteoporosis, your bones become porous, weak and...

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    COVID-19 vaccine: What you need to know

    Posted January 12, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer

    After nearly a year of interruptions in every aspect of our lives — work, school, entertainment and more — families finally have some good news: a COVID-19 vaccine.

    The first vaccine recently approved by the FDA was by drug giant Pfizer and shows a 95% effective rate for preventing a COVID-19 infection. Pfizer developed the vaccine in partnership with the German company BioNTech and Chinese drugmaker Fosun Pharma.

    The second frontrunner approved by the FDA was by...

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