August 2001
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WHAT'S NEW, WHO'S WHO
Blue Cross Offers complementary
care network to members
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota (Blue Cross) is now providing its two million members access to a complementary
care network. The program, which began serving members on May 1, includes discounts
for acupuncture, massage therapy, and online discounts to health and wellness products.
In addition, members will have access to a network of fitness centers at the lowest
possible rate available for the type of membership available when they join for the
first time.
Under this program, administered by American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN), members
make appointments with complementary healthcare providers across the nation and pay
them directly for their services. These providers are credentialed by ASHN and have
agreed to accept a reduction in fees for Blue Cross members. ASHN is a national managed
care organization focused on delivering complementary healthcare.
“We know that our members are already using complementary therapies,” said Kathy
Kelly, Blue Cross director of new product development. “More than ever, people are
more informed about their healthcare options and we wanted to meet the need for these
types of services and products at a lower cost.”
Blue Cross members now have access to Healthyroads, a subsidiary of ASHN. Healthyroads
is an educational resource on complementary and alternative medicine, and it provides
access to health and wellness products at competitive prices. Healthyroads can be
accessed through the Blue Cross website at bluecrossmn.com. The program is a value-added
service, not a benefit plan. Fees are not covered by Blue Cross, and it will not
affect insurance coverage premiums or other aspects of members’ health plans. For
more information, call 888-289-4325 or visit bluecrossmn.com.
New canine massage services
at Puppy Love
Canine massage services are
now being offered by Julie Humiston, certified canine massage therapist. Massage
is commonly used as a complementary healthcare therapy for humans and is well known
in the horse world as well. It is now available for dogs in the Twin Cities area.
Canine massage is useful for geriatric dogs and those with chronic pain or muscle
injuries, enhances the performance of show dogs or canine athletes, can positively
affect behavior, and is excellent for general health maintenance. It works by increasing
circulation of healing blood and lymph,
flushing away muscle toxins, and promoting tone and flexibility in soft tissues.
Massage also works on energy and nerve systems.
Julie Humiston is the owner of Puppy Love Pet Care, a professional dog walking/pet
sitting service. She is also a volunteer canine rehabilitator, working with behaviorally-challenged
shelter dogs, and participates in canine sports with her own dogs.
For further information or to schedule a massage appointment, contact Humiston at
612-827-4111 or email jhumiston@earthlink.net.
Day Spa collaborates with
Eagan homeless shelter
Body Rhythms Therapeutic Day
Spa, an Oakdale spa, and Dakota Woodlands, an emergency/transitional housing facility
for women and children in Eagan, are collaborating to bring Woodlands' clients on-site
classes on skin, makeup, and body care. Spa owner Linda Ruberto said, "In addition
to the classes, we'll provide stress relieving treatments to women who would not
normally seek out or have the facilities to acquire these professional services."
For more information on Body Rhythms services, call 651-739-6388. To volunteer at
Dakota Woodlands, call 651-456-9110.
Merz Physical Therapy
opens at Calhoun Beach Club
In a move to offer an alternative
to the traditional, clinical healthcare environment, the Calhoun Beach Club has invited
privately-owned Merz Physical Therapy of Minnetonka to provide on-site
physical therapy to members and nonmembers. Merz will help individuals improve their
overall health through personalized, goal-oriented, exercise and treatment programs
that are designed to return patients to their maximum functional potential by taking
full advantage of a full-service fitness facility.
The science and art of physical therapy is based on instilling a sense of responsibility
within each individual for their own state of health while also teaching respect
and understanding for each body’s abilities and limitations. "The Calhoun Beach
Club offers a friendly, comfortable, non-clinical environment that is beneficial
to patients who are working their way back to health," explains Doug Merz, president
and founder of Merz Physical Therapy, which also has a clinic at The Marsh in Minnetonka.
"Our physical therapists are adept at working with certified trainers, Pilates,
and
yoga instructors as well as complementary care professionals such as acupuncturists
and massage therapists. This is beneficial as, through the course of therapy, patients
develop relationships with personal trainers and other fitness professionals that
can continue well beyond rehabilitation.
This is particularly important for those recovering from a major injury or surgery."
Merz Physical Therapist Jillian Dudley, who is the Calhoun Beach Club's
on-site therapist, commented that, "In addition to Merz’ experience in pairing
traditional physical therapy with a fitness center, we bring years of experience
with aquatic exercise training which can be applied at the Calhoun Beach Club’s pool.
This is a great option for those who suffer from arthritis
or post-surgical problems. And working in conjunction with the club's personal trainers,
we can apply our knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and exercise training
to assist with injury prevention or post-injury exercise.
"We are looking forward to working with the staff and clients of the Calhoun
Beach Club," concludes Merz, "and I am particularly enthusiastic about
our joint commitment to the health and fitness of members and area residents."
Merz Physical Therapy is a private clinic that is Medicare certified and will submit
claims on the patient's behalf to most insurance carriers. Appointments at Merz'
Calhoun Beach Club location can be made by calling 612-925-8355.
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2001 Twin Cities WELLNESS newspaper.
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