It's time to make a list of New Year's
Resolutions for 2013. While making your list, be sure to
include these items as well:
Complete an EAP
orientation session: All
employees and their household members may access
benefits through BSSP's Magellan Health Employee
Assistance Plan (EAP). To find out
more about what benefits are available through
this plan, complete Magellan's Employee
Orientation EAP online. To access the
training, visit
www.magellanhealth.com/member. To
register, you'll also need to input the Magellan
toll free telephone number 800-523-5668 and the
name of our plan, Butte Schools.
Once logged into the Magellan site, click on
Member Services and Online Training to begin the
course.
Use the 24/7 Nurseline
(800-977-0027): Health concerns
never take a vacation. But people do. Even if
you’re miles from your doctor’s office, you can
turn to the 24/7 Nurseline for support and
information anytime of the day or night.
The 24/7 NurseLine puts you in touch with a
registered nurse who can help you decide how to
handle a medical issue. Can the problem be
treated at home? Do you need to see your doctor?
Or should you head straight to the emergency
room? Making the right call can help you avoid
unnecessary worry and expense. And, most
importantly, safeguard your health and the
health of your family.
Do you speak Spanish or
another language other than English? We have
bilingual nurses and translators on call. Do you
have difficulty hearing or speaking? TTY/TDD
services are available. If you’d rather not
discuss your medical condition over the phone,
you can listen to confidential recorded messages
on more than 300 topics by selecting the
AudioHealth Library option when you call the
24/7 NurseLine number.
Help Control BSSP
Rate Increases: As a self-funded
program, BSSP's rates increase only when the
underlying costs of members' medical care
increases. Over 90% of the monthly
contribution paid by your employer and, in many
cases, you, funds reimbursements to your doctors
and the cost of your prescription medications.
As the total cost of total claims rises, your
out of pocket costs will, too. So, how can
you help control increases in these costs?
Improve
your wellness. Staggering
statistics indicate that 88% of
health dollars are spent on
medical care but 50% of our
health status is attributable to
healthy behaviors and choices we
make. Many statistics
indicate more than 60% of
medical costs are related to
lifestyle conditions (lack of
healthy diet and exercise).
Use generic
medications whenever possible
Order all
maintenance medications through
the Express Scripts mail order
pharmacy
Shop around
for non-emergency services; you
may find significant differences
the reimbursements rates
negotiated for Provider A and
Provider B.
Visit an
urgent care clinic rather than
the emergency room for
non-emergency services.
Call the
24/7 Nurseline (1-800-977-0027)
to see what
home-care remedies may help your
condition before going to the
doctor for non-emergency care.
Seek mental
health services through the
Magellan EAP plan by calling
1-800-523-5668
Request a coupon for a free
mammogram at North State Imaging
(Chico) or Valley Women's
Imaging (Oroville).
Register
for your annual biometric
screening at one of BSSP's
onsite clinics (watch your email
for the schedule and
registration information in
February)
Complete a Health
Risk Assessment: So how do you
know what needs attention health-wise right now?
Or where to start making positive changes? Begin
by taking the MyHealth
Assessment, Anthem Blue Cross’ online health
assessment available to its members at
anthem.com/ca.
Earn Your Healthy
Habits $25 Incentive Reimbursement:
Your wellness matters — to you, your family, and to BSSP!
Routine health examinations and
screenings are keys to improving or maintaining your wellness.To encourage active members and their spouses/registered
domestic partners to participate in routine examinations and
screenings on an annual, BSSP is funding the
Healthy Habits
Incentives program. Members completing the program become
eligible for a $25 reimbursement of out of pocket costs incurred
under BSSP's medical and prescription benefit for any covered
family member. Download your
incentive form and begin completing it
today!
Nutrition:
Nutrition is another key component to
your wellness. New dietary guidelines
recommend that one half of each meal should be
comprised of fruits and vegetables.
For more information on the new dietary
guidelines, click on the icon to the right or
visit
www.choosemyplate.gov.
Prevention:
All BSSP plans provide a number of
wellness benefits for no copayment, deductible
or coinsurance payment on your part. Be
sure to watch your email for the schedule of
Spring Biometric Health Screenings and schedule
your annual physical exam and mammogram soon.
When scheduling your mammogram, be sure to
request your
mammogram authorization coupon from the BSSP
office.
Enroll in
ConditionCare:
ConditionCare is a program that gives you
resources and tools to help you take care of the
following health conditions: asthma, COPD,
coronary artery disease, Diabetes or heart
failure. Call 1-800-621-2232 to enroll.
When you enroll in ConditionCare, you get:
* 24/7 toll-free access
to a nurse coach who can answer questions about
your condition.
* A health screening and
follow-up calls to help you reach personal
health goals.
* Educational guides,
newsletters, tips and tools on how to take care
of your health.
Quit Smoking:
There are a number of resources built
into our Anthem Blue Cross plans to assist you
in breaking your smoking habit.
While
the commitment to stop smoking may be a common
bond among quitters, what works for one, may not
work for another. Some people may want to go it
alone; others may want group help. That’s why we
offer programs and discounts with plenty of
choices.
Take a look..
Making the list is
the first step, but how do you make your plans
stick? The American Psychological
Association offers these tips:
Start small
Change one behavior at a
time
Talk about it with family
and friends
Don't beat yourself up --
perfection is unattainable
Ask for support
For more details on making your
resolutions stick,
click here to read the full APA article.
12/17/2013: Magellan 2013 Your Source Webinar
Schedule
Free
Webinars: Magellan offers monthly webinars
on a variety of topics to help you become more
empowered, learn ways to enjoy life more, and
identify opportunity for improvements at home
and work. Click here
to review the schedule of webinars and register. If you
aren't able to access the webinar at its scheduled time,
recordings will be available at the Magellan site following the
live event.
12/17/2013: Its Time to Empower Yourself
Mobile apps can
help bridge the gap between clinician visits and help you track
moods, and view experiences and thoughts in a more concrete way.
Click here to review a listing of apps available from Apple iTunes®
store and Google Play
and then access them all from the convenience of your mobile
device.
12/06/2012: Monthly Topics -- December, 2012
December is Prevention Month!
Each of us knows our body best - when we're tired; getting a
cold; or just not feeling quite right. Even if everything feels
fine, it's good for employees to see their doctor on a regular
basis. That's because timely checkups may:
Help prevent, detect
and/or treat a health condition before it
becomes a bigger problem
Give employees an
opportunity to ask important questions about
their health
20% -- Did you know only one in five Americans
get a general physical checkup in a given year? Get the most out
of your health care visits by being prepared to answer - and ask
- questions about your health.
Download more information here.
Remember, an annual wellness exam is available with no
deductible, copay or coinsurance when provided by a network
doctor.
Dental: Delta's dental health
e-newsletter, part of the SmileWay® Wellness Program,
has changed. You will now receive Grin!, a quarterly
publication in an e-reader format. With Grin!, you’ll get
even more useful information to help you improve your dental
health. Check
our Delta's
holiday issue for a mouth-friendly hot cocoa recipe
and smile-enhancing gift ideas.
Visit our Wellness
Page for newsletters on these monthly topics:
Stopping the Spread of Germs at Work
Are You Drinking Too Much?
The Skinny on Trans Fat
Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick:
7 Steps to Becoming Physically Active
12/06/2012: Monthly Series: Diabetes
We realize that everyone has a different
path to health. We’re here to help you take that first step on
your journey to good health. We’ll give you the tools and
information you need.
One of the more common health problems today
is diabetes. You probably know someone who has diabetes. It
could be your spouse, someone in your family or a friend. Or,
maybe you’re dealing with diabetes yourself or think you might
be at risk.
New program to help those with
diabetes
If you or a loved one has diabetes, we have
some help for you! We are introducing a new six-month program to
help you learn more about diabetes and take steps to control it.
Are you ready to make a few healthy changes?
You don’t have to tackle diabetes all at once, or all by
yourself. Make small changes, a few at a time and you’ll be
surprised at what a difference it can make in
your life.
Here’s how it will work
For the next six
months, we’ll be giving you information and resources that you
can use to learn about diabetes and
If you’re not registered
to use the site, follow the instructions to
register.
Click on “Health &
Wellness.”
Under “Health Topics,”
click on “Diabetes.”
Read the articles under “Overview.”
12/06/2012: Healthy Habits Incentives - Earn a $25
Reimbursement
Your wellness matters — to you, your family, and to BSSP!
Routine health examinations and
screenings are keys to improving or maintaining your wellness.
To encourage active members and their spouses/registered
domestic partners to participate in routine examinations and
screenings on an annual, BSSP is launching the Healthy Habits
Incentives program. Members completing the program become
eligible for a $25 reimbursement of out of pocket costs incurred
under BSSP's medical and prescription benefit for any covered
family member.
All employees, spouses and registered domestic partners enrolled
in BSSP's active medical plan are eligible to participate.
(At this time, the program does not include members in the
retiree program.) The eligible member must complete
EACH of the following to qualify for the incentive:
Biometric Health Screening
(if not included with the annual physical exam),
including:
Blood
pressure and pulse
Body fat /
BMI analysis
Blood
cholesterol, triglycerides and
sugar analysis
Stool
occult test (for those age 50
and over; a colonoscopy within
the last 10 years or
sigmoidoscopy within the last 5
years may be substituted)
Mammogram (for women age 40
and over) or PSA test (for men age 50 and over)
Subscription to BSSP's
email service
Each of these requirements is
provided FREE with BSSP medical
coverage, so no out of pocket costs should be incurred in
meeting these requirements.
To claim your incentive, complete the
Incentive Reimbursement Request form along with a copy of an
Anthem Explanation of Benefits, Express Scripts, Medco or retail
pharmacy receipt indicating a deductible, copayment or
coinsurance responsibility of up to $25 incurred for any family
member enrolled in BSSP's Anthem Blue Cross plan. The
maximum reimbursement is $25 per plan year per employee or
spouse/RDP.
Leadership can be lonely. You’re in a
challenging and complex role if you are a supervisor, manager or
other workplace leader. Your role includes motivating team
members, assessing their performance and helping them improve.
You assist them in navigating workplace changes, and you strive
to give them opportunities for professional growth. You also
need to manage the many demands on your time.
Keep in mind that—despite your many
challenges—tools are available to help you make the most of your
leadership position. When you log on to
www.MagellanHealth.com/member, you can access tips on:
How to get more control over your time
How to support your team while managing
workplace changes
How to better motivate and reward your team
Managing Workplace Change
Keep the team updated—Provide
regular information about specific changes in the organization.
Foster a supportive environment—
Allow people to express their worries in a nonthreatening
setting.
Promote a group effort—Involve staff
members in planning the introduction of changes.
Listen closely—Keep close enough to
your staff to hear about and counter any rumors.
Be inclusive—Try to ensure that no
one feels left out amid the changes.
Offer individual support—Take time
to meet with those who are struggling with change.
Stay positive—Acknowledge and
publicize your staff’s positive contributions.
Get help—Suggest your confidential
program to team members needing extra support.
It’s important to remember the full range
of management tools available through your program. On your
program’s website (see link below; select the “Managers” menu),
you can access a wealth of material that supports your growth as
a manager. The tools can help you improve your people management
skills. You can learn how to deal with troubled team members and
refer them to your program for help. You also can become more
skilled at resolving workplace conflicts, learn how federal
regulations affect your workplace, and much more. So whether you
need information on a specific topic or want to build your
overall management skills, your program offers resources to help
you succeed. Log on to
www.MagellanHealth.com/membertoday!
12/01/2012: Free AARP Resources through Magellan
Live Your Life
to the Fullest!
We are pleased to make additional resources available from AARP
to you and your family members through our Magellan program to
help you live your life to the fullest throughout the upcoming
holiday season.
Grandparents Holiday Survival Guide:
Distance and other family obligations make it difficult to
always spend holidays with grandchildren. Here are five
strategies to help grandparents make it through this... Read more...
Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Recipes:
Holiday recipes for entrees, side dishes and desserts that are
safe for those with diabetes. Read more...
Log on to Take Advantage of Your Complimentary One-Year
Membership!
You and your family members can take advantage of a
complimentary one-year membership through Your Magellan Program.
If you haven’t signed up yet, log on today! Are you under 50 and
not sure what to get your loved one that is over 50 for the
holidays?You can
pass along your complimentary membership to someone you know
over 50.
Getting started is easy and quick. Simply log on to
www.MagellanHealth.com/member,
log on with your program’s toll-free number and go to the AARP
button on the Welcome Page.
12/01/2012: Delays in Processing of Medical Claims
Due to staffing changes and department realignment, there is a
currently a backlog of claims pending at Anthem. Anthem is
working to relieve the backlog and expects to be current by the
beginning of February. In the meantime, if you receive
second or third notices from your medical providers without
receiving an Explanation of Benefits indicating payment on your
claims, please contact Anthem's Customer Service at
800-627-5342 and request that processing on your
claim be expedited.
Life changes in a big way when you become a
family caregiver. Your transition to a primary caregiving role
may occur in a gradual way or be a sudden development. Whatever
the timing or circumstances might be, your new responsibilities
can seem overwhelming.
Caregiving support might be needed for one
of your elder family members. You may be helping someone who has
a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis, cancer,
Alzheimer’s disease or other disability. Regardless, there are
many things to think about as you begin to arrange care for your
loved one. Then you face the ongoing challenge of balancing your
caregiving role with that of family, work and other activities.
As a caregiver, you can
choose to take charge of your life—your loved one’s illness or
disability doesn’t always need to take center stage.
Improving Provider/Caregiver Communications
In caring for a loved one, sometimes you’ll
work with health care professionals such as physicians or
specialists. Improving your communication with these providers
can mean better care for the patient, less stress for the
caregiver, and better use of everyone’s time. Here are some ways
to improve your communication with doctors:
Prepare by writing your
questions down in advance so you won’t forget
them.
Be clear and concise about what you want to say
to the doctor.
Educate yourself about
your loved one’s disease or disability; there is
a wealth of information available on the
Internet about specific conditions.
Recognize that not all
questions have answers—especially those
beginning with “why.”
Separate any caregiving
frustration or anger that you have from your
feelings about the doctor. You are both on the
same side.
Seek the doctor’s advice
about other caregiving resources such as in-home
care, community services, support groups, and
help with paying for medications.
Appreciate what the doctor
is doing to help, and say thank you from time to
time.
As a team member, parent, spouse or
grandparent—as well as caregiver—you may often feel pulled in
many different directions. It can be hard to do everything
others want or need you to do. But by carefully managing your
caregiving resources, while remembering to take care of yourself
in the process, you can better manage the daily challenges of
caregiving.
Go Online Today! Log on to
www.MagellanHealth.com/member to access The Caregiving
Journey and other helpful resources in the Spotlight
section including a look at the different stages of caregiving,
advice on setting boundaries and balancing your life and ways to
improve your communication with health care providers.
Share this information with your family
members and others involved in helping!
11/13/2012: Monthly Topics - November, 2012
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and
diabetes doesn't take a holiday.
Stuffing and potatoes and pie … oh my! It
can be tough to stick to a healthy eating plan this time of
year. But for people who have type 2 diabetes, it’s a must.
Watching what you eat is the key to good blood sugar control.
And good blood sugar control is the key to avoiding diabetes
problems.
To find out more about diabetes, check out
the attached information. And if someone in your family has
diabetes, think about how you can make healthy foods a part of
your family celebration.
Visit our Wellness
Page for newsletters on these monthly topics:
A Guide to Alternative Medicine
Getting Enough Zzzzzzz's - Know the Risks
for Sleep Apnea
What do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Stressed Out?
08/31/2012: Healthy Habits Incentives - Earn a $25
Reimbursement
Your wellness matters — to you, your family, and to BSSP!
Routine health examinations and
screenings are keys to improving or maintaining your wellness.
To encourage active members and their spouses/registered
domestic partners to participate in routine examinations and
screenings on an annual, BSSP is launching the Healthy Habits
Incentives program. Members completing the program become
eligible for a $25 reimbursement of out of pocket costs incurred
under BSSP's medical and prescription benefit for any covered
family member.
All employees, spouses and registered domestic partners enrolled
in BSSP's active medical plan are eligible to participate.
(At this time, the program does not include members in the
retiree program.) The eligible member must complete
EACH of the following to qualify for the incentive:
Biometric Health Screening
(if not included with the annual physical exam),
including:
Blood
pressure and pulse
Body fat /
BMI analysis
Blood
cholesterol, triglycerides and
sugar analysis
Stool
occult test (for those age 50
and over; a colonoscopy within
the last 10 years or
sigmoidoscopy within the last 5
years may be substituted)
Mammogram (for women age 40
and over) or PSA test (for men age 50 and over)
Subscription to BSSP's
email service
Each of these requirements is
provided FREE with BSSP medical
coverage, so no out of pocket costs should be incurred in
meeting these requirements.
To claim your incentive, complete the
Incentive Reimbursement Request form along with a copy of an
Anthem Explanation of Benefits, Express Scripts, Medco or retail
pharmacy receipt indicating a deductible, copayment or
coinsurance responsibility of up to $25 incurred for any family
member enrolled in BSSP's Anthem Blue Cross plan. The
maximum reimbursement is $25 per plan year per employee or
spouse/RDP.
08/31/2012: Fall, 2012 Biometric Health Screenings and
Vaccination Clinics
Know your numbers! Our biometric
health screenings provide valuable information to assess your
risk of hear disease, colon and prostate cancer as well as your
overall wellness. The fall schedule also includes free
vaccinations for seasonal influenza, pneumonia, Tdap and
shingles.
Date
Location
Times
October 2
Butte County Office of
Education board room
6:30-9:00 AM
October 8 (shots, only)
Gridley Unified board room
3:30-5:00 PM
October 9
Butte College main campus (AHPS 239)
6:30-9:00 AM
October 29
(shots, only)
Chico Unified large conference
room
3:00-6:00 PM
October 30
Chico Unified large conference
room
6:30-9:00 AM
November 6
Paradise Unified board room
6:30-9:00 AM
Appointments are required.
Due to anticipated additional demand for screening appointments,
participation is now limited to once per person per plan year.
Additional information regarding the
screenings may be found at the BSSP Events
page.
08/31/2012: Fight the Bite - Protect Yourself and Your
Family from West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) infections are on the
rise and the Butte County Public Health Department urges
everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.
As the public plans for Labor Day activities, it
is important to include WNV prevention. Take the following steps
now and throughout WNV season:
Avoid
spending time outside when
mosquitoes are most active,
especially at dawn and dusk.
While
outdoors, wear long pants and
long-sleeved shirts whenever
possible.
Apply
insect repellent containing
DEET, Oil of Lemon eucalyptus,
Picaridin or IR3535 according to
instructions.
Make sure
doors and windows have
tight-fitting screens.
Repair or replace screens that
have tears or holes.
Eliminate
all sources of standing water
that can support mosquito
breeding.
Contact
the local mosquito or vector
control agency if there is a
significant mosquito problem
where you live or work.
Additional precautions can be taken to stop
the spread of WNV, which include reporting “green” standing
water, such as ponds, or neglected swimming pools to the local
Mosquito and Vector Control District at (530) 342-7350 or (530)
533-6038, and reporting dead birds and squirrels thought to be
infected by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visiting
www.westnile.ca.gov.
08/31/2012: Monthly Topics - September, 2012
September is National Cholesterol Month. Click on the links below for additional
information on cholesterol.
Visit our Wellness
Page for newsletters on these monthly topics:
Adaptation Skills and
Social Networks
Preparing for a Disaster
Understanding Asthma
Step Up to Better Health
... Take the Stairs!
08/31/2012: Generics RX Advantage will end on December 31,
2012
In the past, you may have received
information about a cost-saving feature of our prescription plan
called Generics Rx
Advantage.
Under the program, you would have paid $0 the first time you
ordered a new generic from the mail-order pharmacy.A new generic prescription is one that has not been
filled through the Medco Pharmacy within the past 12
months. If you used the Medco Pharmacy to get a brand
medication that has become available as a generic within the
past 6 months, a prescription for that generic is not eligible
for this offer.The
Generics RX Advantage
program is coming to a close on December 31, 2012.
Don’t wait any longer.Be sure you have a chance to save with
Generics RX Advantage
before it ends.
From now until December 31st, Express Scripts/Medco
will waive your first payment for any new generic prescription
filled by mail.
Get
the most savings while you can Take advantage of
Generics Rx Advantage today by registering at
www.medco.com/generics.Or, call toll-free at 1-877-909-4367, Monday through
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.If you’re already registered, you can continue to check
for your generic savings opportunities.
Continue to save by using generics Keep in mind that even after
Generics Rx Advantage
ends, generics can
continue to help you save money because they typically cost
less than brand-name drugs.Generics approved by the FDA contain the same active
ingredients, are the same in strength and purity, and are as
safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts.
08/31/2012:
Manage Better Through
Communication
Good communication. It’s crucial for a
productive workplace. The most
effective work teams develop open communication and
collaboration. They also learn to resolve conflicts among team
members. As a manager, you’re in an ideal position to help
improve such communication within your workgroup. As your
communication skills improve, so will your effectiveness.
By consistently supporting good
communication with team members, you can help the team stay on
track and address conflicts and disagreements. Difficult
conflicts are inevitable in the workplace. However, if you have
an organized strategy for dealing with them, you can help make
conflicts serve a constructive rather than destructive purpose.
If you're a manager, you’re a bit like the
conductor of a symphony—you’re helping many different kinds of
instruments work together to accomplish a larger goal. By
listening closely to what’s going on in your workgroup, you can
help improve the team’s overall results.
Seek to understand before being understood: Active listening is an
important tool for managers. Team members can become frustrated
if their views aren’t being heard, respected and supported.
Recognizing Different Styles
Being aware of different communication
styles in the workplace can help you be a more effective
communicator. You can do this by adjusting your presentation to
the communication style of the other person.
Open communicators—These people tend
to express their emotions and feelings freely. It helps to start
with an informal conversation before getting down to business
topics.
Reserved communicators—These
individuals don’t like to share personal information or what
they think about things. You might limit your interactions
mostly to workplace topics.
Indirect communicators—Often
speaking more slowly, these individuals do not like loud, fast,
or directly aggressive talk. They focus more on facts and
figures than assumptions. Have data or evidence for backing up
your suggestions, answers and views.
Direct communicators—They often talk
more rapidly than indirect communicators. They are self-assured
and don’t mind taking risks. They are sometimes known as ‘type
A’ personalities. With these individuals, get to the point
quickly, be assertive in what you say, and provide solid
evidence to back your points.
Go online today and learn more! Log
on to
www.MagellanHealth.com/member to access Communicating in
the Workplace and other helpful resources in the
Spotlight section.
08/31/2012: Webinar: Communicating in the Workplace
Good communication. It’s crucial for a productive workplace.
The
most effective work teams develop open communication and
collaboration. They also learn to resolve conflicts among team
members. As a manager, you’re in an ideal position to help
improve such communication within your workgroup.
Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, September
12. It’s
available at no cost through your Magellan program and will help
you:
·
Gain knowledge about the four main communication styles.
·
Define the difference between assertive and aggressive
communication styles.
·
Discover management strategies to use with various communication
styles in various workplace situations.
·
Learn strategies for effective digital and electronic
communications.
Webinar Information: Wednesday, September 12, 11AM - Noon.
Register Now!
To sign up for this live webinar, simply
REGISTER HERE
and create your own password. After registering, you will
receive a confirmation and information to access the webinar.
You also can register for this and other upcoming webinars at
www.MagellanHealth.com/member.
After registering with your program’s toll-free number, go to
Tools, On Demand Learning
for a complete listing of live webinars, as well as webinar
recordings and podcasts.
Not able to participate during
the day? Visit Magellan's webinar archives
at the link above to listen to this or other webinar sessions a
few days after the live event.
08/15/2012: August is National Immunization Awareness
Month
August is National Immunization Awareness
Month, focusing on importance of immunizations for individual
health and for the community. For more information, please visit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The schedule for BSSP's fall Biometric
Health Screenings and Vaccination Clinics will be released
September 1. On-site flu, pneumonia, shingles and Tdap
vaccinations will be available in Oroville, Chico, Paradise and
Gridley as well as on Butte College's main campus. Coupons
will be available for the same vaccinations at Walgreen's
nationwide and for flu and pneumonia at most Raley's and BelAir
stores in Northern California. Check back September
1st for more details!
Immunization prevents 2
million to 3 million deaths every year.
Because of immunizations,
global measles mortality has declined by 74%.
Immunization serves as an
opportunity to deliver other life-saving
measures (especially in third-world countries),
such as vitamin A supplements to prevent
malnutrition, insecticide-treated nets for
protection against malaria, and deworming
medicine for intestinal worms.
Vaccines protect children
from disease and stimulate the body's natural
immune system to recognize disease and respond
with prepared antibodies to combat it.
The majority of people
(more than 95%) who are vaccinated against a
disease develop immunity to it. No medical
advance is 100% effective.
Immunizations are
extremely safe as a result of advances in
medical research and ongoing review by doctors,
researchers, and public health officials.
While small risks
accompany every immunization, people are far
more likely to be seriously harmed by
vaccine-preventable diseases than by the
recommended immunizations that prevent them.
08/15/2012:
How Skipping Breakfast Can Determine Your Daily Food Choices
Researchers from the Institute of Food
Technologists have recently discovered that those who skip
breakfast have more unhealthful habits than those who are
breakfast eaters.
Studies have revealed that those who skip
breakfast have a higher intake of sugary beverages, higher
calorie snack items, and weigh more than individuals who eat
breakfast. Those who consume breakfast receive 17 percent of
their daily calories from their morning meal and ingest
important nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin
A. On the contrary, studies of young breakfast skippers have
shown that those individuals intake 55 percent more sugary
beverages, 45 percent less vegetables, and 30 percent less fruit
compared to breakfast eaters.
Researchers wished to determine the role of
protein in breakfast and formed three study groups; no
breakfast, average protein breakfast, and high protein
breakfast. In each of the groups, each individual had their
hunger levels measured to determine which amount of protein
consumed at breakfast would lead to more satiety. When looking
at protein amounts in breakfast, it was concluded that consuming
breakfast prevents overeating for the rest of the day while high
protein breakfast eaters ingested 200 less calories in the form
of nighttime snacks.
Eating breakfast plays a vital role in
ensuring healthful habits each day. Not only will those who
consume breakfast ingest important nutrients, but they will also
decrease the amount of sugary drinks and high calorie snacks in
their diet. To prevent overeating and feel full for a longer
period of time, breakfast should be eaten (try some high protien,
low fat egg whites!) and could be the determining factor in what
one chooses to eat in a day.
Stress and anxiety—these seem to be everyday
parts of modern life.
It can be hard to keep up with the demands of
things like work, school, relationships,
financial concerns, parenting and/or taking care
of an aging loved one.
Some level of worry and stress is a normal part of daily life.
But if stress or anxiety is not relieved, it can cause serious
emotional problems. It can also hurt your relationships with
your friends, family, and coworkers.
You may need to seek help if:
You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness,
fast breathing or a racing heartbeat.
You are unable to work or function at home or at
your job.
You have fears that you cannot control.
You are having painful memories of a traumatic
event.
Recognize the different types of stress and
anxiety.
Identify their signs and symptoms.
Distinguish helpful levels of stress (“eustress”)
from harmful levels (“distress”) that may
require treatment.
Identify ways to keep yourself healthy and work
out stress and anxiety in a positive way.
Tips for Coping with Stress
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Don’t use “comfort”
eating to ease stress.
Get enough sleep. Make a plan to get in bed
earlier if fatigue is adding to your stress.
Get into a regular exercise routine that you can enjoy and
sustain. It’s perhaps the best way to cut daily
stress.
Limit use of caffeine and alcohol.
Avoid nicotine and recreational
drugs.
Learn relaxation techniques like guided imagery,
progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, or
meditation.
Limit your TV news viewing.
Direct energy to active hobbies like playing music,
gardening, dancing or crafting.
Go Online Today!
Log on to
www.MagellanHealth.com/member
(800-523-5668, Butte Schools)
to access
Stress and Anxiety
and other helpful resources in the
Spotlight
section. Resources include self-assessment tools that can help
you measure your level of stress and learn to control it better.
08/07/2012: Stress and Anxiety: Live Webinar August
8
Stress and anxiety—these seem to be everyday
parts of modern life. It can be hard to keep up
with the demands of things like work, school,
relationships, financial concerns, parenting
and/or taking care of an aging loved one. Learn
how to conquer your stress and anxiety!
Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, August 8.
It’s available at no cost through your Magellan program
and will help you:
•
Learn about the types of stress and anxiety
•
Discover how stress and anxiety can impact your
overall health and well-being
•
Identify treatment options for anxiety
•
Learn healthy ways to deal with stress
Webinar
Information
Date:
Wednesday, August 8, 11a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register Now
To sign up
for this live webinar, simply
REGISTER HEREand create
your own password. After registering, you will receive a
confirmation and information to access the webinar.
You also
can register for this and other upcoming webinars at
http://www.MagellanHealth.com/member.
After registering with your program’s toll-free number
(800-523-5668), go to Tools, On Demand Learning for a complete listing of live
webinars, as well as webinar recordings and podcasts.
07/23/2012: Prescription Benefit Update: Medco and
Express Scripts are now one company
Express
Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, Inc., have come together as
one company to manage your prescription benefit on behalf of
Butte Schools Self-Funded Programs. We believe that the new
company will provide us with even greater savings, care, and
convenience.
For now, it's
business as usual for all Express Scripts and Medco members. If
you currently enjoy the savings and convenience of home
delivery, there will be no changes to your service. Please
continue to refill your prescriptions as you normally would by
using your current prescription drug ID card, refill order
forms, www.medco.com, or
the toll-free member services telephone number on your ID card.
Express Scripts
and BSSP appreciate your patience as Express Scripts upgrades
your services over the next few months. Until the renaming
process is complete, you may receive messages from both Express
Scripts and Medco. Please be assured that it's all from the same
company.
If you are not
currently using home delivery to get your medications, now is
the perfect time to consider switching. That's because the new
Express Scripts is more committed than ever to help BSSP members
like you have access to affordable medications and the services
you need to stay healthy.
When Little Orphan Annie sang “The Sun’ll
Come Out Tomorrow,” she, of course, didn’t intend it to be a
stern warning to her fellow orphans and Daddy Warbucks to put on
their sunscreen – but it should’ve been. After all, more than 90
percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
You should be familiar
with the dangers of the sun or the warning signs of skin cancer.
It could save your life.
Skin cancer is the most common form of
cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most
preventable. Taking these simple steps to protect yourself can
significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer:
1. Evaluate your risk. While
everyone is at risk for sun damage, certain groups of people are
at a greater risk for developing skin cancer. Factors that lead
to an increased risk include skin type, time spent outdoors,
where you live, and personal and family history.
2. Protect yourself. The best way to
prevent skin cancer is to avoid the sun. Try to stay inside or
in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when ultraviolet rays
are the strongest and most damaging. Wear sunscreen that offers
UVA and UVB protection, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15
or higher every time you go outside. Be sure to reapply
sunscreen at least every two hours and whenever you have
perspired heavily, gone swimming or dried off with a towel –
even if your sunscreen is waterproof. And wear protective
clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses
that block as close to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays as
possible.
3. Know the warning signs. The good
news is that skin cancer is curable, particularly when detected
early. Signs of a problem include:
Asymmetry, uneven borders,
more than one color, large diameter, or changes
to moles – the ABCDEs of melanoma, the most
dangerous form of skin cancer
An open sore that does not
heal for three or more weeks
A red,
irritated patch on the skin A shiny bump of any color
The sun’ll come up tomorrow – and now you
know how to protect yourself!
07/12/2012: Million Hearts Caregiver Video Challenge
CDC has announced its
Million Hearts Caregiver Video Challenge, funded in part by
the Prevention Fund. People who play a role in “helping to
prevent or control high blood pressure or maintain the heart
health of a loved one are asked to share their stories of
caregiving by creating original, compelling videos that are less
than 2 minutes long. The videos should include a description of
how the caregiver contributes to another person's heart health
and provide helpful tips related to high blood pressure
prevention or control." Videos can be submitted between July
16th and August 31st.
07/12/2012: What to do BEFORE Your Health Care Appointment
For advice right
away, call your doctor's office or Anthem's 24/7
Nurseline at 1-800-977-0027.
Sometimes, appointments are really
needed and other times you might be able to
manage your health problem at home.
Talking with the advise nurse can help you
decide whether you need to come for care and how
soon you need to be seen.
Find information to
help understand your health condition, symptoms,
or treatment choices.
To get good quality care, you need to
be informed and involved in health care decision
making. Sometimes, you already know what illness
or medical condition you have before you go in
for an appointment. Other times, you might only
know what symptoms you are having. Either way,
it can often be helpful to gather some
information before you go in to see your doctor
or other health professional.
Make lists to take
to your appointment (questions you want to ask,
medications you take, etc.)
Making written lists can help you organize your
thoughts and concerns and feel more confident
about talking with your doctor or other health
care provider. Take your lists with you to your
visit. They are good reminders to help you cover
everything that is important to you.
Consider asking a
friend or family member to go with you to your
appointment.
Having a trusted friend or
family member at your side can be a great help
and comfort during your appointment, especially
if you are having serious health problems or
feeling uncertain or concerned.
Click here to download more information on these tips.
07/11/2012: ReThink Your Drink
Why?
Sugary drinks (soda, fruit drinks, sport drinks, coffee drinks,
energy drinks and sweetened teas) contain extra calories that
provide little nutrition and can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Being overweight and/or obese can increase the risk of many
chronic diseases, including:
high blood pressure
heart disease
cancer
stroke
type 2 diabetes
Drinking a lot of sugary drinks can also lead to tooth decay -
even diet drinks contain acid that can cause cavities. In
addition, drinks with added sugar often replace healthy choices
like low-fat milk which is a good source of calcium and vitamin
D. This can lead to the development of osteoporosis, a decrease
in bone density.
3.By
August 20th, forward your completed pledge sheet via email to
cpatters@bsspjpa.org
regular mail to BSSP RTYD, 1850 Bird Street, Oroville, CA 95965;
or fax to 530-532-5836.
Prizes!
A KleenKanteen will be awarded to the each of the two
participants with the most healthy drink days. In the case
of multiple participants with the same number of healthy drink
days, the winners will be selected at random.
Who's eligible to participate?
Current employees and their spouses/registered domestic
partners covered under BSSP's medical plan are eligible to
participate.
Other family members, friends, colleagues and retirees are
encouraged to join you in the pledge but are not eligible for
awards.
07/03/2012: New EAP Vendor -- Magellan Health Services
From online information to
confidential consultations with licensed behavioral health,
legal or financial professionals, you and your household members
have access to a wealth of practical, solution-focused resources
to help you reduce stress, strengthen relationships, increase
productivity and improve the overall quality of your life.
You can quickly get help in a way that works best for you:
By phone @ 1-800-523-5668 (Butte Schools): Call
to get consultation and solutions to everyday
problems as well as help in a crisis. You will
get access to resources or a referral to a
professional in your community for confidential
help.
Online @
www.magellanhealth.com/member(Butte
Schools): Log on to locate counselors in your
area. Find targeted information and resources
that address your everyday concerns as well as
more serious issues. Interactive tools help you
discover ways to live a healthy lifestyle.
07/03/2012: The Road to Good Health with Heart Disease:
Month 6
Can you believe six months have already
passed since we started the “Road to good health” heart disease
awareness program? We hope that you’ve learned some important
information about heart disease and made some small steps to
health.
We want you to continue on your road to
health. This is just a start. We’ve also included an article
about “Diet and stroke risk”
to help you see the connection between your diet and health.
As a refresher, try your hand at this quick
quiz.
1. What is the most common type of heart
disease?
Coronary heart disease
(CAD)
Congestive heart failure
Congenital heart disease
None of the above
2. What is a common symptom of a heart
attack?
Chest pain
Pain in your arms, neck
back or jaw
Shortness of breath
All of the above
3. What causes high blood pressure?
Being overweight
Drinking too much alcohol
Eating too much salt
All of the above
4. Which of the
following is considered an undesirable cholesterol level?
HDL “healthy cholesterol”
less than 40
Triglycerides above 150
Total cholesterol profile
(LDL/HDL/triglycerides) over 200
All of the above
5. What is the leading cause of death in the
United States?
Cancer
Obesity
Coronary artery disease
None
of the above
If you’re struggling with heart disease,
Anthem can give you some extra help. It’s called ConditionCare
and it’s a special program for Anthem members with heart
disease. To find out more, call 800-627-5342; you can also
find out more about heart disease at anthem.com/ca
07/03/2012: Fun Facts
In honor of July as Fireworks Safety Month, this issue of Fun
Facts is dedicated to information on fireworks and how to handle
them properly. For more information, please visit
The National Council on
Fireworks Safety.
When Using Fireworks…
Always have water available in case a
firework gets out of hand.
Do not try to combine fireworks because it
can result in an explosion that you may not be
able to control.
Always keep dogs and cats inside the house
when lighting off fireworks to be sure they are
safe.
A sparkler's burning temperature is greater
than 15 times the boiling point of water. If you
burn three sparklers together, they will
generate the amount of heat similar to a
blowtorch. Because of this, put your sparkler in
a bucket of water when it goes out.
Set off fireworks outdoors in an area away
from houses, dry leaves, grass, and other
flammable materials.
Don't get too close to fireworks. Sitting at
least 500 feet from the fireworks provides the
best view of the show.
Did you know?
At recent firework shows, specialists now
use computers to control the electronic ignition
of fireworks and synchronize the aerial bursts
with music.
Since static electricity in synthetic
clothing can create sparks capable of detonating
fireworks, those who make shells must stick to
wearing cotton all the way down to their
underwear.
Pyrotechnicians use firework design software
to pre-program their shows. This prevents others
from hacking into their system by having through
wireless signals that can change encryption
codes.
All of the propellants, oxidizers, and
coloring agents that go into dazzling light
shows leave a smoke skeleton in the sky that
ends up in the area’s soils and waterways.
Scientists are attempting to make fireworks
that spell out words in the sky.
07/03/12:
Don't Go It Alone - Living with Special Needs
Special
needs. What exactly does that mean? If
you've heard of or are living with special needs
issues, you may be well aware of the challenges
involved. But what does "special needs"
specifically refer to? In this issue of Your
Source, you will learn how to:
Get an early start on diagnosis
and planning to address a
child's specific needs.
Understand how to make the best
use of the educational system.
Tap into resources-including
other parents who are on a
journey similar to yours-to help
your child reach his or her
potential.
Go online today. Log on to
www.magellanhealth.com/member (organization
"Butte Schools") to
access Families with Special Needs and
other helpful resources in the Spotlight
section.
05/01/2012: May is BSSP's Annual Open Enrollment Month
Be sure to visit BSSP's
Open Enrollment page for all your open enrollment questions!
05/01/2012:
Free Webinar --
Understanding Health Savings Accounts
Are you considering BSSP's
HDHP plan? If so, this webinar will give
you valuable information on how to maximize the
benefits of an HDHP plan with a Health Savings
Account.
A Health Savings Account can help you save
for qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free
basis, but is it right for you? This seminar defines a
health saving account will help you explores the benefits of an
HSA.
The webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. --
connect from the comfort of home via high-speed Internet or via
telephone.
Click on the topic below to register (pre-registration required
to access the live webinar).: May 16:
Understanding Health Savings Accounts
June 20:
Advanced Directives
Missed one or can't participate in the live webinar? Click
here to download presentation materials and listen to recordings of previous events. Recordings are uploaded
approximately one week after the live presentation.
04/30/2012: The Road to Good Health with Heart Disease:
Months 3 and 4
As you’ve been learning more about heart disease,
perhaps you’ve been thinking about making some changes in your
life.
Would you like some help to get started? If so, you
should check out Anthem’s Lifestyle Improvement Programs.SM
Month 3: What is high cholesterol and what do the
numbers mean?
Let’s take a moment to learn about high cholesterol,
how it affects your heart and what the different numbers mean.
Check out the article “High
cholesterol overview” to understand the different kinds of
cholesterol and what to keep an eye on when it comes to the
numbers.
Month
4: By now, you’ve probably figured out that it’s best to
keep things simple when it comes to heart disease. Making a few
small steps can add up to big rewards like a healthier heart and
a more active lifestyle.
Perhaps you or your spouse are dealing with heart
disease. If so, check out “The
heart truth for women” newsletter to learn more about this
condition and how to manage it.
You can also watch a video about “Heart disease facts:
what every woman should know:”
These online programs allow you to go at your own pace
and make positive changes, such as exercising, losing weight and
quitting smoking. By making these changes, you can have a
healthier heart and a longer life.
Find out even more at
anthem.com/ca.It's simple, just follow these steps:
If you're not registered
to use the site, follow the instructions to
register.
Click on Health &
Wellness.
Under Health Topics, click on
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Next, read the articles
under Overview.
Need more help? If you're struggling
with heart disease, Anthem can give you some extra help. It's
called
ConditionCare and it's a special program for Anthem members
with heart disease. To find out more and to enroll, call
800-621-2232 any time of the day or night. It can be your first
step on the road to your best health.
04/30/2012: Eyecare Intervention: 4 Bad Habits You
Need to Quit, STAT!
You may be surprised at
some of the simple things you could be doing
that can damage your eye health and vision.
Breaking these bad habits starts with learning
what's okay—and what's not—when it comes to your
eye care routine.
Are your contacts really clean?
Some of the most common mistakes that
contact lens wearers make are not cleaning, disinfecting, and
storing their lenses properly. Make sure to follow your eye
doctor’s and lens manufacturer’s instructions for handling and
taking care of your contact lenses. Remember:
Some of the most common mistakes that
contact lens wearers make are not cleaning, disinfecting, and
storing their lenses properly.
Always wash your
hands before handling your contact lenses.
Replace your contacts and
case regularly.
Clean and store your
lenses according to your doctor’s instructions.
Never re-use or “top off”
contact solution.
The damage control approach
“It’s important to get your eye exam
annually, not just when something goes wrong or you think you
need new glasses,” says J. Bradley Oatney, O.D., a VSP doctor at
Riverview Eye Associates in Columbus, OH. "Your VSP doctor
can be a valuable resource in helping to identify the effects of
conditions such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and
diabetes which can all be devastating to your eyesight."
Tell your doctor if you’re
experiencing eye strain, double vision, pain, or
dry eyes, or if you’re seeing spots or lights.
Before you leave, schedule
your next appointment.
Digital device overdose
Do you find it hard to tear your eyes away
from your smart phone? You’re not alone—and, you’re in the
company of many eye strain sufferers. “To ease eye strain, I
recommend the 20-20-20 rule,” says Dr. Oatney. “Simply look away
from your screen and look at something 20 feet away for 20
seconds every 20 minutes.”
Computer screen glare can be a problem too.
Arrange the lights in the room so they don’t shine directly on
your computer screen, or move your computer to another location
if necessary. Other solutions include non-glare coating for
glasses, glare-reducing contact lenses, and anti-glare screen
options.
When sharing isn’t caring
Do you occasionally use your friend’s
mascara, eye drops, or contact solution, or let others borrow
yours? Doing this can spread unwanted bacteria and make you and
your eyes sick. So, keep your eye products to yourself. A few
final reminders:
To avoid an eye infection,
don’t let the tip of your eye drops bottle
actually touch your eyes.
After an eye infection,
replace any makeup or applicators that come in
contact with your eyes. You don’t want that
infection all over again!
The content of this article is for
general informational awareness purposes only. Please consult
your eyecare doctor or physician for actual advice.
04/30/2012: School's Out for Summer (Almost)!
Summer's almost here. With the kids
out of school, you need ways to keep them active. Finding
the right activities for your child takes some planning and
creative thinking. Summer camp programs, workshops,
volunteering and recreation centers are all great ways to keep
your child off the couch.
The EAP plan can help you find the summer
activities your child will enjoy.
Log on ("Butte Schools")
to the website this month to read these feature articles:
Camping health and safety tips
Sneaking in a smarter summer
Summer care and camps
A smarter summer: revolution at the
library
Your EAP is available whenever your are.
We can help you with all of life's issues, big and small. Visit
the website www.anthemeap.com
(password "Butte Schools") or call
800-999-7222
for free, confidential assistance from the team of EAP experts.
02/29/2012: The Road to Good Health with Heart Disease:
Month 2
Does heart disease run in your family? Are you
overweight or have high blood pressure? If so, you may be at
risk for getting heart disease.
If you know that you have heart disease, it’s time to
take that first step to manage it. We know that it can be hard
to change old habits. It’s against human nature. But it’s well
worth it.
If you're not registered
to use the site, follow the instructions to
register.
Click on Health &
Wellness.
Under Health Topics, click on
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Next, read the articles
under Overview.
Need more help? If you're struggling
with heart disease, Anthem can give you some extra help. It's
called
ConditionCare and it's a special program for Anthem members
with heart disease. To find out more and to enroll, call
800-621-2232 any time of the day or night. It can be your first
step on the road to your best health.
02/29/2012: Spring Biometric Screening Scheduling is Now
Open
Additional information regarding the
screenings may be found at the BSSP Events
page.
02/29/2012: Free Webinar -- Communication Skills for the
Workplace
Communication is perhaps the
most important skill to develop in order to be
effective in the workplace. This skill can be
developed with practice. This webinar will help
participants learn how to determine the goal of
a conversation, what to do before, during and
after; as well as identify barriers and best
practices.
The webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m.
-- connect from the comfort of home via high-speed Internet or
via telephone. You may register on the BCOE
professional development
calendar.
Future topics include (register for these as well as the BCOE
professional development
calendar: April 18: Managing Your Money in Tough Times
May 16: Understanding Health Savings Accounts
June 20: Advanced Directives
Missed one or can't participate in the live webinar? Click
here to download presentation materials and listen to recordings of previous events. Recordings are uploaded
approximately one week after the live presentation.
02/29/12: 24/7 Nurseline -- Peace of Mind
Health concerns never take a vacation. But people do. Even if
you're miles from your doctor's s office, there's somewhere you
can turn for support and information anytime of the day or
night.
The
24/7 NurseLine
puts you in touch with a registered nurse who can help you
decide how to handle a medical issue. Can the problem be treated
at home? Do you need to see your doctor? Or should you head
straight to the emergency room? Making the right call can help
you avoid unnecessary worry and expense. And, most importantly,
safeguard your health and health of your family.
Do you speak Spanish or another language other than English? We
have bilingual nurses and translators on call.Do you have difficulty hearing or speaking? TTY/TDD
services are available.
If you'd rather not discuss your medical condition over the
phone, you can listen to confidential recorded messages on more
than 300 topics by selecting the AudioHealth Library option when
you call the 24/7 NurseLine.
For accurate and confidential health information at no charge to
you, just dial the 24/7 Nurseline number at 1-800-700-9184.
02/10/2012: February is Wise Health Consumer Month
In recognition of February as Wise
Health Consumer Month, this month's Fun Facts are dedicated to
knowing more about your health. For more information on this
event, visit:
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
According to the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality, nearly 90 million Americans have only
basic or below-basic health literacy skills. Limited literacy
affects people from all income, age, ethnic, and education
groups. Studies show it plays a major role in whether an
individual has a good result from his or her treatment for a
disease or an illness.
Health literacy reflects how well a person
can find and understand information about the healthcare
services they need. It plays a big role in how well a person can
take information and use it to make good decisions about their
care, such as following directions for treatment.
Here are 14 easy ways to be more involved
in your health care.
Schedule regular (at least
annual) doctor visits.
Bring any medications you
take, including dietary supplements to your
appointment.
Write down questions you
have for the visit ahead of time.
Know your current medical
conditions, past surgeries, and illnesses.
Be ready to explain any
symptoms you have experienced to your doctor or
healthcare professional.
Make sure to ask questions
when you don't understand what your doctor is
explaining.
If your doctor recommends
a treatment, remember to always ask about other
options.
If you need a test, ask:
1) how the test is done, 2) how it will feel,
3)what you need to do to get ready for it, and
4) how you will get the results.
If you need a
prescription, tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, are nursing, have reactions to
medicines, or take vitamins or herbal
supplements.
Find out what to do next
and ask for resources.
If you think you may have
trouble following your doctor's treatment plan,
tell your doctor!
Follow your doctor's
treatment plan as prescribed.
Know that it's OK to call
your doctor with follow-up questions.
Call your doctor if your
symptoms worsen or if you have problems
following the instructions.
Here are 11 easy ways to be more involved
in your healthcare outside of doctor visits.
Know your numbers: blood
pressure, cholesterol level, etc.
If you are in danger of
suffering from a chronic condition or currently
suffer from a chronic condition, begin to take
steps to mitigate your risks.
If you are overweight,
seek out resources to help you lose weight.
Limit the amount of
alcohol you consume.
While these lists are not absolute, they
will go a long way to helping you achieve a healthier and
happier you!
02/10/2012: The Glass is Half Full
A positive outlook on life might lower the
risk of having a stroke, according to a new University of
Michigan study. A nationally representative group of 6,044
adults over age 50 rated their optimism levels on a 16-point
scale. Each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9
percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up
period.
Previous research has shown that an
optimistic attitude is associated with better heart health
outcomes and enhanced immune-system functioning, among other
positive effects. This study is the first known to discover a
correlation between optimism and stroke. Researchers analyzed
self-reported stroke and psychological data from the ongoing
Health and Retirement Study, collected between 2006 and 2008.
Participants were stroke-free at the beginning of the study.
Researchers measured optimism levels with the modified Life
Orientation Test-Revised, a widely used assessment tool in which
participants rank their responses on a numeric scale. The team
used logistic regression analysis to establish the association
between optimism and stroke and adjusted for factors that might
affect stroke risk, including chronic illness, self-reported
health, behavioral, biological and psychological conditions.
The protective effect of optimism may
primarily be due to behavioral choices that people make, such as
taking vitamins, eating a healthy diet, and exercising,
researchers said. However, some evidence suggests positive
thinking might have a strictly biological impact. The findings
appear in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The AHA reports that stroke is the third leading killer in the
United States, behind heart disease and cancer.
02/09/2012: Do You Hear Me? Keeping the Lines of
Communication Open
Good communication is the basis of healthy
relationships at home and at work. Whether talking to your teen
or asking your boss for a raise, communication is key. Let the
EAP plan help you improve the way you interact with others.
Learn how to express your ideas better and respond better. Visit
the EAP website and check out the articles, training modules,
self-assessments and more:
C.O.N.N.E.C.T.
Conflict resolution in a relationship
Listening to clarify, probe and reframe
Practicing listening skills
Your EAP is available whenever your are.
We can help you with all of life's issues, big and small. Visit
the website www.anthemeap.com
(password "Butte Schools") or call
800-999-7222
for free, confidential assistance from the team of EAP experts.
02/01/2012: Free Webinar -- Identity Theft Prevention and
Recovery
This webinar will discuss the identity
theft crisis, including:
I.D. Theft Prevention
The need for identity theft
assistance
What to do if you are a
victim
The webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m. -- connect
from the comfort of home via high-speed Internet or via
telephone. To register, email
bssp@bcoe.org.
Future topics include:
March 21: Communication Skills for the Workplace
April 18: Managing Your Money in Tight Times
May 16: Understanding Health Savings Accounts
June 20: Advanced Directives
Missed one or can't participate in the live webinar? Click
here to download presentation materials and listen to recordings of previous events. Recordings are uploaded
approximately one week after the live presentation.
02/01/2012: February is National Heart Month
One of the more common health problems
today is heart disease. You probably know someone who has heart
disease. It could be your spouse, someone in your family or a
friend. Or, maybe you're dealing with heart disease yourself or
think you might be at risk.
If you or a loved one has heart disease, we
have some help for you! We are introducing a new six month
program to help you learn more about heart disease and take
steps to control it.
Are you ready to make a few healthy
changes? You don't have to tackle heart disease all at once, or
all by yourself. Make small changes, a few at a time and you'll
be surprised at what a difference it can make in your life.
For the next six months, we'll be giving
you information and resources that you can use to learn about
heart disease and manage it.For this first month, you can learn about heart disease
by checking out the
Healthy
Heart flier.
Find out even more at
anthem.com/ca.It's simple, just follow these steps:
If you're not registered
to use the site, follow the instructions to
register.
Click on Health &
Wellness.
Under Health Topics, click on
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Next, read the articles
under Overview.
Need more help? If you're struggling
with heart disease, Anthem can give you some extra help. It's
called
ConditionCare and it's a special program for Anthem members
with heart disease. To find out more and to enroll, call
800-621-2232 any time of the day or night. It can be your first
step on the road to your best health.
02/01/2012: February is Children's Dental Health Month
February is also Children's Dental Health
Month. Visit Delta Dental's
SmileWay site for more information on these topics:
Having trouble getting your
child to brush his teeth?
Caring for teeth with
braces
Making sure your child gets
enough calcium
Delta Dental is also hosting the
Tooth be Told Story Contest for writers age 12 and younger.
Check it out for your kids and students today!
01/31/2012: BSSP Logo Design Contest
The Butte Schools Self-Funded Programs
(BSSP) is a joint powers authority providing self-funded
employee benefits to Butte County school districts, the Butte
County Office of Education and Butte-Glenn Community College
District. BSSP was formed in 1982 and this year marks the 30th
anniversary of BSSP serving Butte County public education
employees and their families.
In honor of our 30th anniversary, we’d like
to update our logo. Because BSSP wouldn’t exist without students
to serve, we’d like to honor art students in grades 7-12 and
Butte College by offering them the opportunity to design our
updated logo. The winner will be chosen by BSSP’s Employee
Benefits Advisory Committee and will receive a $150 scholarship.
Click
here to download the contest rules ... and please share
them with your eligible students!
01/10/2012: Watch Your Mail -- You may receive information
about stale-dated checks
Periodically, the BSSP receives a list of BSSP checks issued
by Anthem which remain uncashed six months after the date of
issue. At November 30, 2011, 438 checks totaling $34,815 payable
to 266 members and/or providers remained outstanding.
Individual totals range from a few dollars to several hundred!
In the next few weeks, we will be sending to those members
and providers letters with instructions on how to request the
checks be reissued. By law, checks not cashed after 3
years are remitted to the California State Controller's Office
as unclaimed property.
How can you help?
Open all mail from Butte Schools
Self-Funded Programs and/or Anthem Blue Cross.
Due to the rise in mail theft,
envelopes no longer indicate that a check is
included. From the envelope you cannot
distinguish if contains an Explanation of
Benefit or reimbursement check.
Notify BSSP immediately of any
address change.
We want to be certain you receive all reimbursements due
from your BSSP/Anthem benefits!
01/10/2012: Anthem is the Best Network for BSSP Members
The BSSP Board of Directors strives to embody the BSSP motto:
"Healthy employees supported by quality, well-managed
programs." In other words, the goal is to provide the
best medical plan benefit at the lowest possible monthly
contribution (premium) given the medical claims submitted to the
plan. Contracting with a carrier that offers the best
discounts and administrative fees for BSSP members is a key tool
in meeting that goal.
Medical providers and claims processing has been provided by
Anthem Blue Cross and its predecessor, Blue Cross of California,
for many years. But, is it the best network for members
and the BSSP program as a whole?
In the summer of 2011, BSSP's benefits consultants
distributed at Medical Plan Quote Request to a number of medical
insurance carriers in California. The request focused both
on provider networks and the administrative fees associated with
processing of medical claims. Blue Shield of California
was the only carrier to reply. Claims processed in the
2010 calendar year were stripped of all member identification
and reprocessed on the 2011 networks for Anthem and Blue Shield
to determine which carrier offered 1) the largest discounts on
billed services and b) the lowest administrative fee for
processing member claims.
The results indicate that with Anthem, the BSSP pool and its
members receive greater discounts from billed services.
And, Anthem's administrative fee, the monthly fee paid to Anthem
for each covered employee/retiree, is less than Blue Shield's
best offer.
01/10/2012: BSSP New Strategic Action Plan
Last September, BSSP's Board of Directors and members of the
Employee Benefits Advisory Committee participated in a day-long
strategic planning session. The day consisted of
presentations on the current state of BSSP and benefits trends
and concluded with a focus on the key issues facing the JPA.
Following the planning session, a
Strategic
Action Plan was adopted by the Board at its meeting on
December 5, 2011. The plan outlines specific issues and
actions to address those issues over the next two- to three
years and is reviewed regularly at Board and Employee Benefit
Advisory Committee meetings to ensure these critical issues are
address.
01/10/2012: Great Websites
Health is one of the most popular searched items on the
Internet today. But instead of wading through the mire of sites
on the web, try checking out these additional resources on the
World Wide Web.
womenshealth.gov:
The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services was established to help women and
girls live healthier lives and have a better sense of
well-being. OWH educates and motivates individuals to live
healthier lives by giving them trustworthy and accurate health
information through our innovative programs. Visit the
website and subscribe to their many interesting and informative
alerts.
girlshealth.gov: This
was created to help girls (ages
10 to 16) learn about health,
growing up, and issues they may
face. This site promotes healthy
and positive behaviors in girls,
giving them reliable and useful
health information in a fun,
easy-to-understand way. The
website also provides
information to parents and
educators to help them teach
girls about healthy living.
healthfinder.gov:
Healthfinder is an award-winning site and is recognized as a key
resource for finding the best government and nonprofit health
and human services information on the Internet. Healthfinder
links to carefully selected information and Web sites from over
1,800 health-related organizations.
01/10/2012: Does This Make Cents? Creating and
Sticking to a Budget
Whether your goal is paying off
debt or saving up for a
vacation, a budget is a great
tool to help you achieve it.
Visit your Employee Assistance
Program (EAP) website to get a
free budget form or use any of
our more than 40 financial
calculators. You can also read
one of our many articles this
month on budgeting and finances:
A Financial Planning Toolkit to Get
Debt-Free
For People on Debt Management Plans: A
Must-Do List
Money-Saving Tips
Splurging on a Budget
Your EAP is available whenever your are.
We can help you with all of life's issues, big and small. Visit
the website www.anthemeap.com
(password "Butte Schools") or call
800-999-7222
for free, confidential assistance from the team of EAP experts.
Free
webinars are available to all employees and retirees of BSSP
member districts. All webinars begin at 7:00 p.m.
All you need is access to a high-speed internet connection and a
telephone in order to participate. Registration is limited
to 125 computer connections for each event, so you welcome to
invite your friends and gather around the computer together.
Click on the dates below to register for each.
January 18: Eating Right for Life
February 15: Identity Theft - Prevention and
Resolution
March 21: Communication Skills for the Workplace
April 18: Managing Your Money in Tight Times
May 16: Understanding Health Savings Accounts
June 20: Advanced Directives
Missed one or can't participate in the live webinar? Click
here to download presentation materials and listen to a
recording of previous events. Recordings are uploaded
approximately one week after the live presentation.
12/19/11: Hospital Network Updates
Anthem and Enloe Medical Center have successfully negotiated a
new three-year contract through December 1, 2014.
Anthem has also negotiated multi-year agreements effective
January 1, 2012 with Sutter Health Systems (27 hospitals, 13 medical
groups and 5,000 physicians) and Lodi Memorial Hospital.
12/13/11: BSSP Holiday Hours
The BSSP office will close Thursday,
December 22nd and reopen on Tuesday, December 27th. The
office will also close Thursday, December 29th and reopen on
Tuesday, January 3rd.
If you need immediate assistance during the
closed periods, please email Christy Patterson at
cpatters@bsspjpa.org as she
will be checking her email account periodically.
We wish you the happiest of holidays
with your family and friends and the best 2012 has to offer!
12/13/11: Webinar -- Eating Right for Life
Donuts for breakfast, candy bar for
lunch? Eating on the run? Does this sound familiar?
Participants in this seminar learn the benefits of nutrition,
including the importance of making informed food choices to
develop and maintain sound eating habits.
The webinar will be held on January 18 at 7:00 p.m. -- connect
from the comfort of home via high-speed Internet or via
telephone. To register, email
bssp@bcoe.org.
12/13/11: Eight Steps to a Healthier Holiday Season
Week
1 -- Swap your sweets for nuts, fruit and
easy-to-grab healthy snacks.
Week
2 -- Remake your plate with more real estate
dedicated to fruits and vegetables.
Week
3 -- Savvy snacking on healthy choices
throughout the day may help you over-indulge on
the event's big meal.
Week
4 -- Get up, get out, get moving? Just get
walking to improve your circulation and
metabolism.
Week
5 -- Avoid diet sabotage by bringing a healthy
salad or low-calorie dessert as an alternative.
Week
6 -- Slim the trimmings by substituting
applesauce for butter and sugar. Many
other alternatives are available on the
Internet.
Week
7 -- Reduce stress. Many people eat more
when they are stressed. This is compounded when
our bodies responds to stress by storing fat.
Week
8 -- Adopt a new attitude for the new year.
Evaluate what worked over the recent weeks and
what didn't and set small goals for the new --
overtime, your success will add up!
Anthem EAP is pleased to announce the addition of Live
Tobacco Free, our new tobacco cessation
service, effective 1/1/12. Live Tobacco Free is available
to you at no additional cost to you. The
program will consist of two components:
Online
Program: LivingFreeâ„¢:
This 10 session, online training program will
help members learn how to
become an ex-tobacco user. The program’s
positive motivational
message focuses on the root emotional and
physical causes of tobacco
use. LivingFreeâ„¢ teaches how to break the
emotional connection with
tobacco use.
Telephonic Coaching:
Tobacco cessation coaching is a free employee
benefit which provides
access via telephone or through instant
messaging with a trained tobacco
cessation coach. The Coach helps members learn
how to break down
their tobacco use triggers and overcome nicotine
addiction. The coach
will also work with members on weight management
and fitness.
Supportive, motivational sessions are scheduled
to help members learn
the
tools they need to attain those wellness goals.
Visit
the EAP website at
www.anthemeap.com (employer Butte Schools) for more
information and to register for this service.
12/13/11: Identity Recovery
ID Recovery Specialists are available 24/7 to help you assess
your risk
level and then identify steps to resolve potential identity
theft. This may include
completing any necessary paperwork, reporting to the consumer
credit agencies,
and negotiating with creditors to repair debt history. The EAP
Specialists will work with you
to restore your financial identity to its pre-theft status.
Visit the EAP website at
www.anthemeap.com (employer Butte Schools) for more
information and to register for this service.
12/13/11: Can a Mouth Rinse Take the Place of Brushing?
No, but it can be a
useful part of your overall oral hygiene routine.
Learn more.
12/13/11: Your EAP News, Winter 2012
The Winter, 2012 Edition of EAP
News (available in English and Spanish) contains valuable
information on:
Home for the Holidays -- knowing when an
older relative may need help
Boomerang Kids -- setting rules when adult
children come back home
Internet Safety -- surfing the net on public
Wi-Fi
12/07/11: Tune Up Your Search Engine
Getting information used to
mean a trip to the library.
Today, technology can give you
information right away.
But is it information you can
trust? Your Employee
Assistance Plan (EAP) can help
you find the answers you need.
With our collection of articles,
resource links and research
experts, we can help you find
the answers to great questions.
Log on to our website this month
to read these featured articles:
Are You Ready? Assemble a Disaster Supplies
Kit
Keeping Your Memory Sharp
Helping Your Child Become a Responsible
Citizen
Life Course Planning
Your EAP is available whenever your are.
We can help you with all of life's issues, big and small. Visit
the website www.anthemeap.com
(password "Butte Schools") or call
800-999-7222
for free, confidential assistance from the team of EAP experts.
Each of us knows our body best – when we’re
tired; getting a cold; or when something just doesn’t feel quite
right.Even if
everything feels fine, it’s good for you to see your doctor as
recommended.That’s
because regular, timely check ups may help prevent, detect
and/or treat a health condition before it becomes a bigger
problem.
Check out the links below for additional
information on ...
Your
Wellness Exam -- remember, an annual wellness exam with a
network provider is available without any out of pocket cost (no
deductible, copayment or coinsurance responsibility) to you!
12/01/11: Better Reasons to Exercise
When you reduce your stress, get more energy and lift your mood
from being physically active all of your other roles and
responsibilities benefit!
When you are less stressed and feel happier you are a more
patient parent, more creative and focused at work, and will
enjoy your relationships more.
Can you see how these types of benefits make exercise more
meaningful and relevant to fit into your busy life?
If your goal is to sustain a
physically life but you haven’t yet been successful - I have
good news: You can turn this around
by changing your reasons for exercising.
By selecting new reasons to exercise you’ll discover the well of
authentic motivation that resides inside of you through
following the method I created and use with my coaching clients.
Here are recommend steps to reframe exercise so you can fuel an
on-going desire and motivation to stick with it:
1. Assess the specific benefits you have been striving to
achieve, in general, from exercising. (Many say “weight loss†–
is that true for you?)
2. Ask yourself: How effective have these reasons been? Do they
lead me to stay motivated?
3. Ask yourself, what values and experiences YOU most care about
achieving in your daily life that exercise benefits would
impact, such as reduced stress and improved mood. (How would
impacting those things impact other areas you care deeply
about?)
4. Give yourself permission to change your reasons for
exercising to ones that connect to YOUR core values and life
goals.
5. Stop following prescriptive advice. “One size does not fit
all†when it comes to exercise or our reasons for exercising.
You have to make it meaningful FOR YOU if you hope to keep it
up.
adapted from http://michellesegar.com
12/01/11: "Tooth Be Told" Story Contest
Delta Dental is holding its first-ever story contest for
children, running through January 15, 2012. We’re looking for
kids ages 12 and under to submit original stories about losing a
tooth, visiting the dentist or an experience related to dental
health.
Three winning stories will be published on the MySmileKids
website in January, in preparation for Children’s Dental Health
Month. In addition, contest winners will receive gift baskets
containing an Amazon gift card and MySmileKids-themed items. You
can find more details about the story contest and a link to the
rules on our children’s website,
mysmilekids.com.
12/01/11: Quick and Easy Dental Hygiene for the Holidays
Parties with friends, family visits, holiday shopping –
often, we get swept up in the festivities of the holiday season,
and we may let the little things slide. But don’t let the hustle
and bustle of the season keep you from practicing good dental
hygiene.
In the long run, good dental hygiene is not such a little
thing. To prevent dental problems from developing, you should
continue to brush twice a day, floss every day and have your
gums and teeth regularly evaluated by your dentist no matter how
busy you are.
How do you keep up
with your oral care regimen when you’re in a hurry? Here are
some tips for keeping your dental care routine effective and
efficient:
No
time to floss?
If you’re crunched for time, consider keeping
some floss picks near your couch or TV for use
while watching your favorite show. Or throw some
in your purse or your pocket and use them on the
go. And although most people cite lack of time
as a reason for not flossing, the Academy of
General Dentistry says that flossing even two or
three times a week provides some benefit and is
far better than not flossing at all.
No
time to brush after your meal?
If you don’t have time to brush after a meal, be
sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water
to remove all food particles and lingering
sugars.
Keep a bottle of fluoride mouth rinse in your
purse, glove box or office desk drawer
and slip away for a quick, refreshing rinse.
Although mouth rinses should not be considered
substitutes for a proper regimen of brushing
with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, they can
be a good quick fix to slow acid formation and
tooth decay until you find the time later that
day to floss and brush your teeth properly.
Sugar-free gum or mints with xylitol
can be a quick fix for on-the-go dental care.
Xylitol has been shown to have decay-preventive
qualities. Experts recommend using a xylitol
product immediately after meals and snacks to
help reduce plaque, inhibit adhesion of bacteria
to the teeth and reduce contact time of sugars
on teeth. Because duration of exposure is
important, gum should be chewed for
approximately five minutes and mints should be
allowed to dissolve.
Although these tips
will help you keep up with your oral hygiene when you’re pressed
for time, there’s just no substitute for regular brushing and
flossing when it comes to fighting tooth decay. In addition, the
better the brushing and flossing technique you have, the more
effective you will be and the less time you will need to spend
keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.
For more information
Contact: Christy R.
Patterson, Executive Director
Phone: (530) 532-5837
Email: cpatters@bsspjpa.org
Express
Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, Inc., have come together as
one company to manage your prescription benefit on behalf of
Butte Schools Self-Funded Programs. We believe that the new
company will provide us with even greater savings, care, and
convenience.
Butte
County Office of Education
