Hawaiian Party at the FPG-BVL Senior Center
30 Aug 2010
On August 19th, the FPG-BVL Senior Center held a Hawaiian Party for the community's elderly. Below are some pictures of that event. Seniors enjoy themselves at the FPG-BVL Senior Center with regularly scheduled games of Dominos and Bingo, fitness activity sessions and more.
The FPG-BVL Senior Center can be found in Buena Ventura Lakes at 2576 Boggy Creek Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744. For more information, call 1-866-999-3741.
The Medicare Enrollment Period has Shortened
11 Aug 2010
Medicare beneficiaries: Be prepared!
The dates to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan have changed. The only time to do so is between November 15 and December 31. Those 45 short days will be your only chance to join or make changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan. There will no longer be an election period from January through March!
If you are already a member of FPG, check with your office to confirm participating plans. For more information, contact our helpful customer service department at 1-866-999-3741.
Orlando Heart Walk 2010
12 Jul 2010
Family Physicians Group is taking a headstart to raise as much money as possible for the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk, held October 2nd. Our goal as a company is $5,000.00, and as of today (July 12th), we have over $800.00. Please donate what you can, it's for a terrific cause. Thank you in advance for your support!
We are fighting heart disease and stroke by participating in the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk. Please support this cause by making a donation that will help provide research and education to stop our No. 1 and No. 3 killers.
Reminder: Keep Cool, Healthy and Hydrated
02 Jul 2010
From the Winter Park/Maitland Observer:
J
uly 1, 2010
By Sarah Wilson, Observer Staff
Phil Ciufo, a physician's assistant in Casselberry whose office – as part of Family Physicians Group- Florida – deals primarily with senior citizens and medicare patients, says the elderly are more at risk for heat-related health concerns because their bodies cannot as easily cope with rising temperatures.
"We find that the elderly are more prone to heat injuries because they don't adjust as well as young people do to changes in temperature," he said. "They also can have cognitive impairments that can keep them from recognizing changes in heat or how they feel in the heat."
Because of this, he said, senior citizens need to do all they can to keep cool, healthy and hydrated.
"Most of the advice we give is to of course stay cool and out of the sun during the peaks in temperatures," Ciufo said.
Avoiding the heat from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and drinking plenty of liquids, even when you're not thirsty, are the best ways to stay healthy, he said.
Hot Weather Tips
17 Jun 2010
From the Duval County Health Department: 
Florida’s climate can often be hot and humid. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy. To prevent heat-related illness:
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Drink cool water and other fluids (nonalcoholic and low in sugar) frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
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Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. (When the temperature is in the high 90s, electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off.)
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Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If outdoors, also wear a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler), sunglasses and sunscreen.
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If you must be out in the heat, limit activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas.
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Check regularly on adults at risk who are older or physically/mentally ill, and closely watch infants and young children them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
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Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
"Affordable Care Act" Town Hall
10 Jun 2010
On June 8, 2010, President Obama held a national tele-town hall meeting with senior citizens in Wheaton, MD on the Affordable Care Act and as well as other things, filling the Medication Part D coverage gap or "donut hole".
Re: The Medication Coverage Gap
28:26 So essentially what we said is, how do we provide some immediate
28:30 assistance to seniors who are falling into the doughnut hole,
28:33 and then how do we ratchet down the cost to seniors each year so
28:38 that by the time we get to 2020, the doughnut
28:41 hole is completely eliminated?
28:43 In the meantime, though, as I said -- I want everybody
28:45 to be clear here -- you will immediately benefit first from
28:49 the $250 check that you receive.
28:53 Next year we then phase in 50 percent discount on the
28:58 prescription drugs that you're paying.
29:00 And each subsequent year what you're going to be seeing is,
29:02 is that the costs are going to be continually reduced.
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Re: The Patient-Centered Medical Home
38:07 So you go to one doctor; they take a test.
38:10 Then you go to the hospital; they have
38:12 you take the same test.
38:15 A lot of errors occur because there's not communications
38:19 between these various specialists,
38:22 and it adds a lot of cost because each time that test is
38:26 being taken, they're charging Medicare if you're on Medicare,
38:31 and if you're not on Medicare they're charging
38:33 the insurance company.
38:34 And that is part of what is adding to all these costs.
38:37 So what we've been trying to do -- and this was a major focus of
38:42 the health reform bill -- is, how do we get more primary
38:45 physicians, number one; and number two,
38:49 how do we give them more power so that they are the hub around
38:52 which a patient-centered medical system exists, right?
38:58 And the first step is getting more primary care physicians.
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Bingo at the FPG-BVL Senior Center
10 Jun 2010
On May 3rd, the FPG-BVL Senior Center held a Bingo event for the community's elderly. Below are some pictures of that event. Seniors enjoy themselves at the FPG-BVL Senior Center with regularly scheduled games of Dominos and Bingo, fitness activity sessions and more.
The FPG-BVL Senior Center can be found in Buena Ventura Lakes at 2576 Boggy Creek Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744. For more information, call 1-866-999-3741.
SHE WON! Dr. Vyas is Business Owner of the Year
10 Jun 2010
Dr. Nayana Vyas of Family Physicians of Conway as honored this month by the Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) as 2010 Business Owner of the Year, during the Women Who Mean Business award ceremony held at the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Dr. Vyas' innovative healthcare knowledge and vision have made FPG the leading primary health care organization in Central Florida ranking as the number one largest women-owned business in Central Florida for 2009-2010.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Vyas on her great accomplishment!
FPG's Dr. Vyas: Finalist for Regional Award
10 Jun 2010
Dr. Nayana Vyas of Family Physicians of Conway and founder and president of Family Physicians Group is a finalist for Orlando Business Journal's 2010 Women Who Mean Business in Central Florida award. We received the news via email just last week:
Congratulations! You have been named a finalist for Orlando Business Journal's 2010 Women Who Mean Business in Central Florida. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 8, as there will be an exclusive event held in your honor to recognize your achievements in the Central Florida business community.
So, there you have it. We'll update you next month.
Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy in the Sun
01 Jun 2010
By Dr. Tomas Figueroa of Family Physicians of Armenia
Summers in Florida are well known for their high temperatures and humidity. Here are a few tips that should make your Summer safe and enjoyable:
- Take it slow. If you're used to being indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually insrease the length and intensity of your outdoor activities.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Your body's ability to seat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while you're outdoors - even if you don't feel thirsty. You may also consider sports drinks since they replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, large amounts of sugar or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
- Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat with a brim can limit your exposure to the sun. You may also consider using an umbrella.
- Avoid midday sun. Schedule outdoor activities carefully - limit activity to morning and evening hours. If you exercise, try to remain in the shade or in a pool.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.
Silver Sneakers Fitness Program
06 Apr 2010
At Family Physicians Group, we recommend SilverSneakers for our elderly patients. On their website, SilverSneakers describes itself as a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. Members of WellCare and UnitedHealthcare will be pleased to know that the SilverSneakers Fitness Program currently accept their plans. Don't wait. Get active!
About Our Company
06 Apr 2010
FPG's latest video is a clear and thorough introduction to our Integrated Chronic Care model, our physicians' offices and our company history. If you have seven minutes, give it a quick watch. Or visit the Family Physicians Group office nearest you, where you can see it in the lobby.
Tips to Prevent Falls at Home
06 Apr 2010
Each year, more than 11 million older Americans (33% of that population) will suffer a fall. The majority of these falls occur at home. Many of these falls result in serious injuries including but not limited to hip fractures and head injuries. It is estimated that about 20% of older Americans that suffer a hip fracture may die within 5 years. Therefore, it is very important to try and prevent these injuries.
As we age, we undergo several changes that contribute to the risk of falls. Changes such as failing vision, decreased muscular strength and tone, and impaired higher brain functions all contribute to the risk of falling. The medications a patient takes should also be reviewed. Sedatives, pain medications, medications for blood pressure, antidepressants, and many others can contribute to the risk of falls for various reasons. Finally, many medical conditions including strokes, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, impaired vision from glaucoma or macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s dementia, seizure disorders, and Parkinson’s disease can contribute to these risks. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to remember that as the disease advances, patients develop gait apraxia. In gait apraxia, the patient literally forgets how to walk. They have good strength in their legs but they lack the ability to coordinate movements between their legs and trunk in order to either stand or walk.
Here are several tips for preventing falls:
- Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.
- Review your medications with your physician. Some medications can cause dizziness or affect your body in other ways that could lead to a fall.
- Have your vision checked. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
- Use caution when standing or sitting down. Always do this slowly. Getting up too quickly may cause dizziness. When sitting down, make sure that the back of your legs are touching the seat of the chair and that the chair is secure behind you.
- Make your home safer. Watch out for the following common hazards you can find in your home:
- Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.
- Move furniture, particularly in high traffic areas, and remove all loose objects from the floor. Make sure the pathways you walk through your home are without obstructions.
- Coil or tape down loose cords and wires to avoid tripping over them.
- Replace or remove carpets that are torn or have turned-up edges. Also, avoid thick carpets since shoes are more likely to get caught in the fibers and cause a fall.
- Place a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips or decals on the floor of the tub or shower.
- Install grab bars in the shower or tub as well as around the toilet. You may also consider a shower chair for the tub or an elevated toilet seat.
- Have good lighting everywhere in your home. Pay particular attention to stairs in your home and your bedroom. There should be light switches at each end of the stairs and you want these switches to glow in the dark. Also, use night lights in your bedroom to help you get around in the dark.
- Avoid wearing long nightgowns or robes. You can easily get tangled and trip over them.
- Avoid wearing loose shoes that cause you to shuffle your feet while you walk. Make sure that the shoes you wear fit snugly and stay securely in your feet.
- Watch out for your pets. You can trip over them. Restrict the access of your pets to certain rooms in the house.
- Review the stairs in your home. In addition to good lighting, make sure to mount sturdy handrails that extend beyond the bottom and top stair. Fix any loose or uneven steps. Apply non-skid rubber treads to wooden stairs without carpet. Mark each step with colored paint or tape to make it easier to tell them apart.
- In the bedroom, place a lamp and telephone within easy reach of your bed in the event of an emergency. You should also review the location of other phones around your home and consider having one in your bathroom as well.
- Keep items that are located in shelves and cabinets around your home at waist level whenever possible. Avoid placing things in high shelves and if you need to use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use chairs as step stools.
- Use adequate assistive devices within the home ( canes, walkers, etc. ) and make sure that they are always within your reach when trying to get up from sitting.
Finally, always keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone in the event that you actually fall. Consider buying a portable alarm device that can be worn around the neck or wrist. If you fall and are unable to reach a phone, this can alert emergency services promptly.
Remember that injuries that result from these falls can lead to long term disability, loss of independence, or death. Many older Americans feel ashamed to admit that their walking or ability to sit down or stand up is impaired. They feel that family members may try limit their mobility or even consider moving them out of their homes. The reality is that falls are preventable and, in addition to reviewing the suggestions mentioned above, you should involve your family members in these efforts. They are more likely to respect your independence when they see that you are taking proactive steps to prevent these falls.
The Integrated Chronic Care Video
03 Nov 2009
Family Physicians Group has a new video describing their Integrated Chronic Care model. In just a few minutes (4:28), the video has been proven to help our patients understand how we provide care. If you're curious, make sure your speakers are on and click here.
Special thanks to Emmi Solutions for this instructive video.
Three Questions About Medicare Enrollment
07 Oct 2009
On the eve of the Medicare Enrollment Period, we thought it would be appropriate to meet with the SHINE program, Florida's health insurance counseling and assistance program, and ask them some important questions that everyone eligible for Medicare should know the answer to. The SHINE program's Lynne Meagher was kind enough to help.
Q: What is the Medicare Enrollment Period?
A: The Annual Coordinated Election Period (better known as AEP or Annual Enrollment) takes place November 15th through December 31st each year. This period allows beneficiaries to choose health plans and prescription drug coverage. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1st through March 31st and provides beneficiaries one more opportunity to review their health coverage for the year and join or switch a Medicare Advantage plan. It is important to understand that OEP does not allow for the stopping or starting of prescription drug coverage.
Q: What are the most important benefits seniors must evaluate when choosing a health plan for 2010?
A: The benefits of health coverage will vary from one senior to another . However, important factors to consider may include costs (premium and deductibles), coverage (formularies, providers, etc.), and customer service.
Q: Are we going to see changes in Medicare Advantage Plans benefits? And if so, how can seniors find more information about changes in their current Medicare HMO plan?
A: As previously stated, we cannot say whether there will be changes to Medicare Advantage Plans until the new plan information has been released. Beneficiaries will soon be receving their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which would indicate any changes to their coverage pending they stick with their current plan in 2010.
Lynne Meagher and the SHINE program do not endorse Family Physicians Group as a Medicare service provider. For more information about your Medicare options, call SHINE at the toll-free Elder Helpline 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).