Member Advocacy Council (MAC)
ALTCS MAC 2021 Highlights Recap
And just like that… CYE 2021 Quarterly MAC Meetings have concluded. We kicked off 2021 MAC Meetings by transitioning to virtual meetings. Although virtual meetings took some adjusting, we made it work!
Our MAC Meetings focused on internal processes and topics such as, cultural competency, elder abuse awareness, mental wellness, and self-advocacy.
Thank you for participating in the meetings! Stay tuned for future meeting dates for contract year 2022 (October 2021 – September 2022).
Please Note: In-person MAC meetings are on hold. Instead, virtual MAC meetings are taking place. These meetings are open to our B – UFC/ALTCS members and/or relatives and representatives, community agencies and providers. At these meetings, we get to hear our member’s feedback about our services and identify issues.
Upcoming MAC Meetings
Quarter 4
August 9, 2022
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings have been placed on hold. We miss the interaction with our members, providers, and community representatives. We look forward to the time when we can safely gather again. Until then, you can stay connected through our MAC Bulletin! Please continue to check back weekly for new bulletin posts.
03/03/2022: Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.
SDOH are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources throughout local communities, nations, and the world. Differences in these conditions lead to health inequities or the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.
For 2022, the ALTCS MAC has included education on one or more SDOH in every meeting. At our last meeting, we discussed “Employment Services and Supports” as a part of Economic Stability and Social and Community Context.
We invite you to attend our next ALTCS MAC Meeting where we will talk about Social Isolation. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 10, 2022 via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend, please reach out to your ALTCS Case Manager or contact our Customer Care Center at (833) 318-4146, TTY 711.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
03/10/2022: National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the colon or rectum, it is called colorectal cancer. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short.
Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
If you are 45 years old or older, get screened now. If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.
Do you know how to prevent colorectal cancer? Take CDC’s quick quiz! Click here to take the quiz.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
03/17/2022: St. Patrick's Day Recipe
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here is a simple and healthy recipe from the folks at Eatright.org. Enjoy!
Colcannon - Mashed Potatoes with Greens Recipe
By Roberta Duyff, MS, RD, FAND
Colcannon, a classic Irish dish, combines ever popular mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage, and is a terrific complement for corned beef, roasted chicken, lamb or ham. Tip: Either choice — kale or cabbage — is traditional, but kale makes this dish greener and more nutrient-rich.
Ingredients
2 pounds baking (russet) potatoes, peeled, cut in 3-inch chunks
2 medium parsnips or carrots, peeled, cut in 2-inch chunks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or soft margarine, softened
¼ cup low-fat milk
½ teaspoon mace
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped fresh kale
⅓ cup chopped green onion
Directions
- Before you begin: Wash your hands.
- Place potatoes and parsnips in a large pot, and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and cook for about 20 minutes until potatoes and parsnips are tender but not falling apart. Drain; add butter, milk, mace, salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, blanch the kale in a medium saucepan by immersing it in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain.
- Mash the potatoes and parsnips with a potato masher or fork. Add kale and green onion; mix well.
- To reheat if needed, cover mashed potatoes and place over very low heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a potato masher or fork before serving.
Cooking Note
- Leave peels on potatoes and carrots, if desired, for more fiber. Since parsnips typically have a wax coating, they need to be peeled.
Nutrition Information
Serves 6
Calories: 190; Calories from fat: 40; Total fat: 4.5g; Saturated fat: 2.5g; Trans fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 10mg; Sodium 220mg; Total carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary fiber: 4g; Sugars: 3g; Protein: 5g
Roberta Duyff, MS, RD, FAND, is author of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide and 365 Days of Healthy Eating.
Source: eatright.org | The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
03/24/2022: Foods for Eye Health
Do your eyes have all the nutrients they need to help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other sight woes? Read on to learn about some of the top foods to promote eye health.
Contributors: Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN
But don't count on popping a pill to reduce your risk! To get these nutrients — your best sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are from whole foods, since it may be a combination of nutrients within that provide these benefits.
Kale: See the Light
This leafy green is a source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are related to vitamin A and beta-carotene, and may help protect eye tissues from sunlight damage and reduce the risk of eye changes related to aging. Other good sources of these nutrients include dark green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, turnip greens and spinach, broccoli, peas, kiwi, red grapes, yellow squash, oranges, corn, papaya and pistachios. Your body needs fat to absorb lutein and zeaxanthin, so be sure to eat them with a bit of unsaturated fat such as a drizzle of olive oil or a few slices of avocado. And kale also contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, other eye-friendly nutrients.
Sweet Potatoes: The Color of Health
Beta-carotene gives these tubers their orange color. Your body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps prevent dry eyes and night blindness. Sweet potatoes not your favorite? For beta-carotene, try other deep orange foods, such as carrots and butternut squash, plus dark green foods including spinach and collard greens. Liver, milk and eggs are also sources of vitamin A.
And, similar to lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and vitamin A are absorbed best when eaten with a little healthy fat such as olive oil.
Strawberries: Help You "C" Better
Fresh, juicy strawberries are a good thing for your eyes, and contain plenty of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that may help lower your risk of cataracts. Also, be sure to load up your plate with other vitamin C-rich foods including bell peppers, broccoli, citrus (such as orange and grapefruit) and cantaloupe.
Healthy Fats: Include sources of Omega-3s
Besides helping with the absorption of certain nutrients, some healthy fats also contain omega-3s. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may be beneficial for eye health. Include salmon or other types of fatty fish two to three times per week. Other foods that include this type of healthy fat are walnuts (which also contain eye-healthy vitamin E), flax and chia seeds.
Source: eatright.org | The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
03/31/2022: Elderly Safety
As we enter into warmer weather, we should take time to prepare. Read the article below for helpful information from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Extreme Heat
The elderly population is extremely vulnerable to the hot sun and temperatures of Arizona. The temperatures within Arizona can reach above 100 F for almost half of the year. These levels of excessive heat can result in dehydration, exhaustion and even heat stroke.
Heat Safety Tips
The American Red Cross has several safety tips to prepare for days with excessive heat:
- Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. It's also a good idea to wear a hat or carry an umbrella.
- Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high protein foods.
- Avoid strenuous activity. If you do activity, do it during the morning or later in the evening. Take frequent breaks.
- Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay out of the direct sunshine.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on neighbors during heat waves, especially the elderly, the ill or people who don't have air-conditioning.
For additional information click this LINK
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS)