Posted December 28, 2023 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Ohioans know better than most—Old Man Winter can sure pack a punch. While some years are certainly worse than others, wintertime brings about shorter and gray days, freezing temperatures, blustery winds and icy conditions.
As you dust off your hats, gloves, cozy sweaters and insulated boots this winter, it’s also important to take precautions to get your home ready for the season ahead. Plunging temps and freezing water can wreak havoc on your home—...
Posted December 14, 2023 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Looking for fitness programs designed specifically for adults aged 65 and over, and led by instructors trained in senior fitness? Look no further than SilverSneakers!
Think of SilverSneakers as a gym membership included in your Medicare Advantage plan at no cost to you. (Please note: SummaCare Jade (HMO) members must select SilverSneakers as one of their Bene-Flex™ choices to utilize this benefit.) The program offers various fitness programs — from swimming...
Posted November 22, 2023 by Bassey Ijoma, MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Quality & Clinical Improvement
Informal caregivers are the backbone of long-term care provided in loved ones’ homes. Whether family members or friends, they play a vital role in providing assistance with a person’s social and health-care needs, such as managing a chronic condition or debilitating disability, bathing and dressing, preparing meals, grocery shopping, transportation and more.
But the truth is only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. As the saying goes: You...
Posted November 09, 2023 by Michael Tan, M.D., MACP, FIDSA, Assistant Medical Director
We’re all taught from a young age that brushing and flossing your pearly whites helps prevent cavities, bad breath, stained teeth, and gum disease. But, did you know that good dental hygiene habits have a positive impact on your overall health?
It’s true. The mouth harbors up to 700 species of bacteria, second only to the gut. So when it’s not cared for properly, the mouth can negatively affect other body systems.
Poor dental hygiene not only...
Posted October 26, 2023 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, CMO
“Early detection is the best protection” is a saying that has empowered people for decades to take charge of their health. It’s a phrase that rings true when it comes to just about any disease, but especially with breast cancer.
The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is lower in advanced stages of the disease. Also, early detection remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing deaths from breast cancer.
Unfortunately, breast cancer is the...
Posted October 16, 2023 by Pamela L. Krutkiewicz, MSEd, MPA, CWP, Senior Health Promotion Specialist
Fall may be the time for pumpkin spice flavored drinks and admiring color-changing foliage, but it’s also the kickoff to flu season. When combined with COVID-19, serious cases of the flu put an enormous strain on our hospitals and healthcare workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza was associated with nine million illnesses, four million medical visits, 10,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths during the 2021 – 2022 flu...
Posted October 12, 2023 by Kel Riley, CMO
Posted September 28, 2023 by Julie Sich, MS ATC, Director, Quality Improvement and Provider Engagement
Yoga is an ancient tradition that started as a spiritual practice, but has become increasingly popular today as a way of promoting physical and mental well-being.
While there are many different yoga styles, most sessions focus on breathing exercises, meditation and physical postures. That’s why yoga is a great way to tune into your body and inner-self, while building strength, flexibility and balance.
Research continues to discover additional benefits of yoga beyond the...
Posted September 14, 2023 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness
With the busyness of everyday life, it can be easy to forget to schedule preventative care visits. In fact, many people wait until they’re sick to see a doctor.
But, regular appointments and building a strong relationship with a primary care provider (PCP), is an important way to be proactive in your health. Think of your PCP as your partner in becoming your healthiest self. Research shows people who have a PCP have better health outcomes and longer life spans.
Like a...
Posted August 31, 2023 by Hugh Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA
Busy family schedules can often force relaxation to take a back seat. Who has time to relax when many households have working parents, family obligations, kids’ extracurricular activities, homework, meals to prepare, a house to clean (… the list goes on and on)?
But carving out some much-needed downtime isn’t just about finding peace of mind or enjoying a fun hobby, it’s a matter of your health! Relaxation is important for decreasing daily stress and...
Posted August 17, 2023 by James Grow, Jr., M.D.
Life’s hustle and bustle can make it easy to forget to prioritize self-care. But, it’s important to take charge of your health. Regular preventive care and making healthy choices help achieve optimal health, improved quality of life and reduced risk for chronic disease.
If there is a potential health issue, preventive care increases the likelihood of early detection and in many cases, allows for early intervention and treatment for improved outcomes.
SummaCare...
Posted August 03, 2023 by Bassey Ijoma, MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Quality & Clinical Improvement
Are you looking to acquire a new skill to advance your career or learn to play an instrument to bond with your child? Maybe you’re just curious about a topic?
Whatever your interest may be, we encourage you to try it. Research tells us to keep our minds active, especially as we age. Upskilling, the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills, is a great way to exercise your brain because the benefits reach far beyond the actual skill learned.
Learning something new can...
Posted July 21, 2023 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
Much like your auto and homeowner’s insurance policies, health insurance plans also come up for annual renewal. Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to review the coverage details to see what’s changed from the previous year.
Before you roll out your renewal options to your employees, take some time to review all your choices. Here are some things to consider:
Posted July 20, 2023 by James Grow, Jr., M.D.
Unfortunately for many, cataracts are a common part of aging. The National Eye Institute estimates more than half of Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Most commonly, cataracts are caused by normal changes in the eye as you age. After about age 40, proteins in your eyes start to break down and clump together, which creates the cloudy area, or cataract, on your lens. Most cases...
Posted July 06, 2023 by Michael Tan, MD, FACP, FIDSA
Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in this country than all other cancers combined!
Unlike most other cancers, skin cancers are most often visible to the patient and the examiner. If diagnosed early, skin cancer is easy to treat and almost always curable. But when allowed to progress, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death.
The key to...
Posted June 12, 2023 by Christine Elerick, Director, Member Experience
SummaCare’s focus is always on you, your family and business. We are known for superior customer service, but we are proud to distinguish ourselves by also providing an outstanding member experience. We put members first because our mission is to truly help members become their happiest and healthiest versions of themselves.
Our goal is to consistently exceed members’ expectations so they can expect a great member experience with every interaction they have with us...
Posted May 25, 2023 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness
Physical activity is vital for a healthy body and mind. But as we age, activity helps prevent falls and other injuries while helping to keep seniors more independent.
The benefits of regular physical activity are abundant and include
Posted May 11, 2023 by Michael Tan, Medical Director, Health Services Management
After a cold winter season, warmer spring temperatures and sunshine are a breath of fresh air. It’s a season of fresh starts and of course, catching up on some much-needed spring cleaning.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be reserved only for your home—your health can benefit too. This season of renewal is a great time to pause and rethink your diet, physical activity, sleep habits and more.
SummaCare offers seven tips for spring cleaning your health. After...
Posted April 20, 2023 by Melissa Rusk, CLSSBB, CPC, Vice President of Operations
You, your health and well-being is always SummaCare’s focus. So as your community health insurance partner, we are not only committed to providing members with personal attention and coordinated care, but also respecting the environment and neighborhood in which we live.
For more than a decade, SummaCare, in partnership with Summa Health, has been dedicated to protecting the environment by taking steps to reduce waste and pollution, while increasing energy efficiency and...
Posted April 14, 2023 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
When looking at healthcare plans for your small business, you need to look at more than just the bottom line. While costs are one of the biggest factors when choosing a healthcare insurance plan, allowing employees a choice of facilities and providers should also be a top priority because using in-network providers and facilities minimizes their out-of-pocket costs. Since your employees likely live in different communities, selecting a plan that offers access to care anywhere...
Posted March 30, 2023 by James F. Grow, Jr., M.D. Medical Director
Hydration is key for healthy bodies. Even though it is composed mostly of water, the human body needs water to continue functioning properly—especially your kidneys.
The kidney’s primary function is to filter out waste from the blood and excrete it in urine. Kidneys also perform the following vital functions:
Posted March 15, 2023 by Matt Baker, Director of Commercial Sales
As your regional insurance partner, SummaCare is proud to provide the personal attention and coordinated care our members deserve. Since our founding in 1993, we’ve grown regionally to meet the needs of individuals and employers of all sizes and resources. Our commitment to the community is showcased through our longstanding promise to be a collaborative partner that companies and members can turn to. That means we support local businesses, create partnerships, and...
Posted March 09, 2023 by Julie Sich, MS ATC, Director of Quality Improvement and Provider Engagement
By the time they reach their senior year, nearly 70 percent of high schoolers will have tried alcohol, 50 percent will have taken an illegal drug and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug inappropriately, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
These statistics are especially alarming because a child’s brain continues to develop and grow until about age 25. Substance use can affect brain growth and development. Kids who begin substance...
Posted February 23, 2023 by Bassey Ijoma, RN Mgr, Quality Improvement, Quality Mgmt – Commercial
Depending on your ethnic background, you may be at higher risk for certain diseases and chronic health conditions. While some of that risk is associated with genetics and lifestyle or cultural habits, another part of that risk is due to what’s called health disparities.
Health disparities highlight differences in social, economic, educational and health care opportunities among certain ethnic groups. These differences are caused by several factors, including:
Posted February 16, 2023 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
It’s no secret that healthcare needs aren’t one size fits all, so healthcare plans shouldn’t be either. What’s vital to one person may not be a priority for another. That’s why there are so many health insurance products available for employers to choose from. SummaCare has been in business in the Akron and surrounding communities for 30 years. We know that health insurance coverage can be a deciding factor for prospective employees which is why...
Posted February 09, 2023 by Michael J. Tan, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Assistant Medical Director
The United States is experiencing a national blood supply shortage due to significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. So, roll up your sleeves to help those in need. We need you!
Donating blood is a life-saving gift. Your blood donation can save the lives of up to three people, according to the American Red Cross. Healthcare providers use blood donations daily for surgery and cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and trauma patients — both young and old....
Posted January 26, 2023 by James F. Grow, Jr., M.D.
You should dispose of expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Medicine is expensive. It can be frustrating to frequently replace expired, yet unused medicine. However, there’s a good reason the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) began requiring expiration dates on medicine in 1979. This critical data states whether the product is safe to use and will work as intended.
Using expired medical products is risky and possibly harmful to your health. Once an...
Posted January 13, 2023 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness and Provider Engagement
With winter in full swing, it’s a great time to focus your energy indoors to declutter your home. Getting rid of excess possessions and organizing your space can improve your mental health, add value to your home and give you the room you need to do the things you love.
A messy, unorganized house can feel overwhelming. In fact, clutter has been shown to have a negative impact on stress levels, productivity and health by making it difficult to focus and relax.
If you&...
Posted January 13, 2023 by Matt Baker, Director of Commercial Sales
Multiple Employee Welfare Arrangements or MEWAs provide small business owners with 50 employees or less an affordable way to offer group health insurance to their employees via a self-funded benefits plan. By grouping similar sized small businesses together and pooling their contributions (giving them better purchasing power), MEWAs help small companies compete for quality job candidates looking for robust medical benefits as part of their total compensation package.
A survey...