Member Spotlight

Mary Louise DiRenzo — All In The Details

When she was a busy executive assistant to the vice president of government relations at Independence Blue Cross (IBC), dealing with legislators and their constituents, Mary Louise DiRenzo was known to be extremely professional, loyal, and detail-oriented. Some things never change.

Although she has been retired from IBC for five years, DiRenzo still has a daily “game plan” and maintains a packed schedule of staying fit, helping family members, volunteering, serving as a church lecturer, hosting gatherings, and traveling with Michael, her husband of 40 years.

“Even though I am retired, if I utilize my time constructively and think wisely, I consider it a productive day,” says DiRenzo, 72.

To battle a double diagnosis of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, she takes long walks several times a week and works out regularly on her home treadmill. She also takes her medications faithfully and visits her physicians every three months to maintain wellness.

“I cook nutritious foods and try to be proactive about my health, but I’m only human and sometimes I have to watch myself,” DiRenzo admits.

The eighth of 14 children of Italian immigrants, DiRenzo came to Philadelphia as a young woman to seek opportunities that were nonexistent in her hometown of Altoona, PA. To help her parents manage financially, she juggled three jobs and took nights classes at Temple University. After marrying Michael and raising their son, she continued working and spent the last 15 years of her career at IBC’s main headquarters in Philadelphia.

Despite being retired, the DiRenzos are always on the go: exercising; chauffeuring loved ones to medical appointments; establishing a lush herb garden in their new home; and having dinner with their extended family every Saturday night. “I am grateful that I am healthy enough to be active,” DiRenzo says. “I truly consider every day a blessing.”

Jim Kinney — Playing golf to stay active

Jim Kinney loves to play golf. Not only does he volunteer to help coordinate the Bucks County Senior Games Golf Tournament (after running the event for 12 years), but he’s now  an active participant.

This will be Jim’s second year playing in the tournament.  He credits his mother for getting him into the sport. “My mother and father were both excellent golfers. My mother was a club champion, and my father played in some amateur tournaments with some pros like Sam Snead,” says Jim. “My mother got me into the game. I remember them  taking an old set of her clubs and sawing them down so I could hit the ball with the length of the club. From then on, I just got into it.”

Always athletic, Jim showed an aptitude for golf at an early age. “When I started playing in a lot of junior tournaments, I think my father had me slated to be a professional, but for some reason, when I was about 15 or 16, maybe even 14, I became more interested in contact sports. I started playing football – was captain of the high school football team and played at West Chester State Teachers College – then it was West Chester State Teachers College. I came back to the game in my early 20s,” says Jim. “I guess if I would have stayed at it, I probably would have been good enough to go into or at least try to be a professional.”

These days, playing golf is a wonderful way for him to get out, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.  While he finds the game relaxing, it can also be frustrating at times. “You’re almost in competition with yourself,” says Jim. “I’m always trying to better my score, so it puts a little pressure on you. But still I enjoy it.”

He enjoys the game so much that he goes away every September with a group of friends to play golf. “Last year, I played in England, and it was nice.”

Jim’s glad that he has a way to relax and to stay active. “Physically, as long as I can play golf, I’m going to play. You know what they say, one year older, ten yards shorter.”

Looking to play golf at the Bucks County Senior Games?

The golf tournament is open to Bucks County residents and will take place Monday, June 6, at the Fairways Golf Club in Warrington. Tee-off begins at 6:30 a.m., and registration is required. Learn more about the event. 

Sandy Folzer — Staying fit and healthy

Sandy laces up her shoes and gets ready for her Saturday morning run. It’s 7:30, and she’s about to meet with friends for her weekly routine. On average, Sandy runs about 30 miles per week, an amazing feat that is 35 years in the making.

She wasn’t always a runner, so what made her decide to give it a go? “When I was in school, I didn’t have the option to run track. My ex-husband ran and I thought it looked fun. I decided to give it a try.”

That was in 1975—when Sandy was 36— and she’s never looked back.

In 1976, Sandy participated in her first marathon: the Philadelphia Marathon. She heard that if she could run around East and West River Drives twice (about 16 miles, total), then she could complete a marathon. She signed up, and the rest is history. In her first marathon, Sandy came in fifth, finishing the race in 3 hours and 45 minutes.

“There weren’t as many runners in those days,” says Sandy. “Every year, it seems like women are turning up in higher and higher numbers, which is great.”

Exercising as she does gives her strength, energy, and confidence. It allows her to participate in social events that are important to her. “As I’ve aged, I’ve come to feel that it’s important to give back to society.” Staying active and healthy helps her to do so.

This year, at age 71, Sandy is training for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. Not a novice by any means, her goal is to finish the race in 86 minutes. “I’ve slowed down as I’ve aged,” says Sandy. “My fastest time for a 10-mile run was 64 minutes.”

Her training schedule consists of her hitting the pavement about four times per week. “I try to run hills once a week, a long run [at least 10 miles] once per week, and intervals,” says Sandy. “I make sure to take a few days off because it’s important to give my muscles a chance to recover.” She enjoys running with friends. “On Saturdays I run with the Shawmont Running Group through the park and occasionally up Shawmont Hill,” says Sandy. “I also try to play tennis once a week, and I do yoga several times a week.”

What words of encouragement does Sandy have for others who would like to become more active? “I encourage people to find some way to get into a rhythm or routine. People have different situations. For me, I’m meeting friends early in the morning to run. If I make plans to run with someone, then I’ll definitely be there,” says Sandy. “Find someone else to exercise with – it helps. I think you actually do better because you push yourself harder. Being physically fit gives you so many choices – it helps to keep you independent.”

Bill McClellan — Fitter than ever at age 75

William (Bill) McClellan remembers the exact day he decided he needed to get in shape. It was nearly 30 years ago–the day he was nearly hit by a car. He remembers the car bearing down on him and him barely making it across the street in time. The combination of effort it took to cross the street, and the pace with which he did it, led him to realize that he needed to make a change.

And so on May 17, 1977, Bill began to run.

Fast-forward to the present. Bill, who will turn 76 in September, has run for 33 years. He’s participated in 27 marathons all across the country and was 71 in 2006 when he won his age group in a marathon in Chicago. He completed the run in 3 hours and 50 minutes.

With so many runs under his belt, how is he training for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run? “I run seven to eight miles, four to five days per week. I aim for at least 36 miles every week,” says Bill.

This year, his goal is to complete the Blue Cross Broad Street Run in 1 hour and 35 minutes. “I really want to do well. I’m very competitive with myself and self-motivated.”

Bill is not new to the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. In fact, he’s one of the Run’s oldest veterans. “I participated in the very first Blue Cross Broad Street Run,” Bill says. “Initially, I don’t think they had 2,000 people. Now it’s up to 30,000.”

Since getting older, he’s noticed that his training has changed over the years. “When you get to be 75, you can’t do what you used to at 35 – I can’t train with the same intensity as I used to, but I’m still very self-motivated.” Even with the change in his intensity, he still puts in many miles per week.

His advice to others who are thinking of becoming more active: “You have to come to the realization that you need to take charge of your life. When people ask me about getting into running, sometimes I say it’s much better to walk. There’s less of a chance of getting injured.

“Just find an exercise regime that works for you, and stick with it,” Bill says. “What I do is not spectacular. You just have to get out of bed in the morning and do something. Always set aside at least one hour for yourself every day.“

Running has had a big impact on Bill’s life. “I had a bout with prostate cancer in 2001. In less than three months, I was out running again. When you are in shape, you can bounce back so much more quickly,” Bill says. “The benefits greatly outweigh what you put out. When you’re in shape, you can come back from what happens to you.”

William Grosso — Blue Cross^® Broad Street Run

William (Bill) Grosso began running 12 years ago. Experienced at running in shorter races, mostly 5 and 10Ks (or about 3 to 6 miles), he wanted the chance to do a longer run. “2010 was my first year in the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. I wanted to run in 2009, but I had an engagement. I made sure to clear my schedule for 2010. This will be my second year participating in the Run.”

His training schedule consists of running at least three days per week, with two shorter, faster runs, and one longer run. “For my long run, I scale down my pace so I can run a further distance,” says Bill. “I try to increase my pace by 10 percent every two weeks. I run about 12 to 13 miles per week.”

In addition to his weekly runs, Bill spends time at the gym strengthening his upper body. He also uses free weights and machines to build up and strengthen his legs. “I enjoy being outdoors. I run on the treadmill when I can’t run outside.”

While training, Bill concentrates on how many minutes it takes for him to run a mile. “Currently, I’m at nine minutes or less per mile for shorter runs,” says Bill. “For longer runs, I slow down my pace.”

For this year’s Run, he has set a new goal. “I’d like to run an 11-minute-or-less mile. My goal last year was is to finish the run in less than two hours. I did it in 1 hour and 57 minutes. This year I’d like to run it in about 1 hour and 50 minutes.”

In addition to the Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Bill participates in local running events all around Philadelphia. Most are for charity and he has a lot of fun. “When I finish a run, I feel great. And now, even my son has gotten into it and participates in races occasionally.”

Bill recently turned 66 and age has not slowed him down. “I’ve gotten faster and maintained my weight. When I started running, it took me about 32 to 35 minutes to complete a 5K run. Now I can complete one in 27 to 28 minutes. Long distance training helps. My ultimate goal is to do a half marathon; although, if I did that I might have to run and walk.”

What advice does he give to others who are thinking of training for a run? “Sign up for a race a couple of months in advance. Start slowly. Begin by walking and look at your pace. Increase your pace slowly and before you know it, you’ll complete a run,” says Bill. “You probably will need at least two months to train for a three-mile run. Also make sure that you have good sneakers. You want sneakers that give you a lot of support and cushion.”

You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

The Medicare Contract is renewed annually, and the availability of coverage beyond the end of the current year is not guaranteed.

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change January 1, 2013. Members may enroll in the plan during specific times of the year. Contact the plan for more information. Please reference the Evidence of Coverage for information on premiums, cost-sharing, out-of-network coverage, rights and responsibilities upon disenrollment and any applicable conditions associated with using the plan benefits, as well as limitations, copayments, and restrictions. Members must use network pharmacies to access their prescription drug benefit, except under non-routine circumstances, and quantity limitations and restrictions may apply.

You may be able to get Extra Help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for extra help, call:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
• The Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or
• Your State Medicaid Office.

People with limited incomes may qualify for Extra Help to pay for their prescription drug costs. If you qualify, Medicare could pay for up to seventy-five (75) percent or more of your drug costs including monthly prescription drug premiums, annual deductibles, and co-insurance. Additionally, those who qualify will not be subject to the coverage gap or a late enrollment penalty. Many people are eligible for these savings and don’t even know it. For more information about this Extra Help, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.”

You must use plan providers except in emergency or urgent care situations or for out-of-area renal dialysis or other services. You must use plan providers except in emergency or urgent care situations or for out-of-area renal dialysis or other services. If you obtain routine care from out-of-network providers neither Medicare nor Keystone 65 HMO or Personal Choice 65 PPO will be responsible for the costs.

Please contact Keystone 65 HMO or Personal Choice 65 PPO Customer Service for more information.

Website last updated: 3/6/12
Y0041_HM_12_300a Pending CMS Approval