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EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Hosts Chronic Disease Management Resource Day in Queens
10/01/2024
Queens, NY – Sept. 30, 2024 – In response to the rise in chronic and diet-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in New York, EmblemHealth, one of the largest non-profit health insurers in the United States, recently hosted a chronic disease educational resource day at its Neighborhood Care Elmhurst location in Queens.
The resource fair featured well-being classes, a cooking demonstration, a mobile farmers’ market, and an in-person live panel discussion about chronic disease management. Medical professionals from AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY) were on site to offer no-cost blood pressure screenings and answer general health questions. Various partner organizations participated, including the Campaign Against Hunger, Lenox Hill Radiology, Quest Diagnostics, Elektra Health, La Jornada, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
Nicholas Montedoro, EmblemHealth’s government affairs associate, moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Dr. Bindu Babu, senior clinical advisor at the Bureau of Equitable Health Systems, Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Julianne Roman, associate director of community partnerships at the American Cancer Society, Ruth Greenfield, a registered dietitian at EmblemHealth and Dr. Binh Lam, ACPNY’s internal medicine specialist and Medical Office medical director at the Elmhurst medical office. During the live conversation, the experts provided residents with information on how to better manage chronic disease, including what resources are available to them.
“Regular screenings are important because some cancers can be found early before they have had a chance to grow and spread,” said Julianne Roman, associate director of community partnership at the American Cancer Society. “We recommend everyone talk to their doctors or other healthcare provider about their risks and which screening tests are right for them at their age.”
“There is no magical food or supplement that is going to help manage a chronic disease. It must be a sustainable change over time, including a combination of nutrition, exercise and moving your body, and preventative care,” said Ruth Greenfield, a registered dietitian at EmblemHealth. “Try to include whole foods that are minimally processed, especially fruits and vegetables in your diet to help prevent chronic disease. The more fiber rich foods we can get, the better.”
“EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is at the heart of our commitment to improving health equity in our communities,” said Abdou Bah, EmblemHealth’s senior vice president of medical management and chief health equity officer. “By meeting New Yorkers where they are, we can bridge gaps in care and create stronger healthier communities for all. Providing accessible educational resources is one of the many ways we are contributing to this effort.”
Each Neighborhood Care location has a diverse team of Customer Care Navigators who help people with a variety of needs, including accessing health care services, making the most of health insurance benefits, and more. At the Elmhurst location Customer Care Navigators are available to speak to visitors in English, Chinese, and Spanish.
PHOTO: During EmblemHealth’s Chronic Disease Resource Day Attendees participated in a Tai chi class at the Neighborhood Care Elmhurst location in Queens, NY.
PHOTO: Attendees of the Chronic Disease Resource Day shopped for fresh produce at the farmer’s market hosted during Chronic Disease Resource Day at EmblemHealth’s Neighborhood Care Elmhurst location in Queens, NY.
In June 2024, EmblemHealth pledged its support to the HealthNYC Campaign, an effort focused on prompting longer healthier lives in New York City. With fifteen Neighborhood Care locations strategically situated among all five boroughs, EmblemHealth understands the diverse needs of New Yorkers and understands that a one-size-fits-all approach will not address health disparities. Offering unique accessible programming is just one of the many ways EmblemHealth is demonstrating its commitment to help individuals live healthier longer lives.
About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health insurers, with more than three million members and an 80+-year legacy of serving New York’s communities. The company offers a full range of commercial and government-sponsored health plans to employers, individuals, and families, as well as convenient community resources. As a market leader in value-based care, EmblemHealth partners with top providers and hospitals to deliver quality, affordable care. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com.
About EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care
With locations across New York City, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care provides in-person and virtual customer support, connections to local resources, and free programs to support community health and wellness. Each Neighborhood Care location features Customer Care Navigators.