AlaskaCare Wellness News | October 2017

Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 10/10/2017 11:52 AM AKDT

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October 2017 | #62

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Do you or your loved one have an early detection plan?

 The National Breast Cancer Foundation has educational resources to help you make a plan and encourage others to do the same.  Additional information is also provided including how to help women in need obtain mammograms.

LEARN MORE
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October Wellness Features

Weight Watchers at Work: Better Together Sweepstakes

Woman on scale

Bring a co-worker to your next Weight Watchers at Work meeting, and if they sign up for an at-work meeting series by October 31, you and your co-worker will

  • get a 1-year subscription to Weight Watchers Magazine
  • a chance to win other prizes
  • you will be entered into a Sweepstakes to spend 5 days at a luxury retreat

 Available only where meetings in the workplace are offered, and you must sign up at the meeting.    
LEARN MORE

Vitamin D

Salmon hanging
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and may contribute to overall good health.  Alaskans should select foods that are high in Vitamin D, such as Alaska salmon, and should talk with their health care provider about Vitamin D and the risks and benefits of supplementation.
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Open Enrollment

Get Ready for Open Enrollment

Effective January 1, 2018, your health plan benefits are changing. Understanding these changes will help you to avoid paying unnecessary out-of pocket medical expenses. In 2018, AlaskaCare will be offering active employees the new Consumer Choice Plan with HRA option. It is very important that you choose the right plan for you and your family. Watch for the cost comparison tool coming soon to the AlaskaCare website.

Open enrollment for AlaskaCare is from November 1 through November 22.

 
  Webinars

The Weight is over - ActiveHealth course REGISTER
This free weight management series offers 30 minute sessions online. After completing all 6 sessions will be entered to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!
Tobacco-Free Living REGISTER
Just 20 minutes after smoking that last cigarette, your body begins a series of positive changes that continue for years.  
Reduce your risk for Diabetes REGISTER
Starting November 14th this free 6 week series could help you understand more about diabetes and completing all 6 sessions will enter you to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card!

 
 Customer Service

Moda Inc./Delta Dental In-Person
Customer Service

Anchorage members can now schedule face to face customer service appointments. If you need assistance with your dental benefits or claims meet a representative at Moda's Anchorage office located at 570 L Street, Suite 270, between 9am - 4pm, M-F. Call Hope Chavez to schedule at 907.278.2629 or email hope.chavez@modahealth.com.
Appointments are required so that the assigned representatives have enough time to research and can arrive prepared to address your issues and offer resolutions during the visit.

 
 Checklist

Retiree Dependent Eligibility Audit

More than 90% of retirees have responded to the dependent eligibility audit to date.  The audit protecs the retiree health trust, by confirming that all dependents enrolled in AlaskaCare meet eligibility guidelines. You still have time to respond with the required documents. The audit deadline has been extended to October 23, 2017. Questions? Contact HMS Employer Solutions by calling1-877-606-0506 Monday – Friday, 7am to 7pm AKST.

 
 Member Exclusives

VSP Exclusive Member Extras

Active employees and their dependents, enrolled in vision benefits with VSP, can NOW SAVE MONEY ON HEARING AIDS, THRU VSP’s partnership with TruHearing.  To learn more about how to take advantage of this offer visit truhearing.com/vsp or contact Truhearing at 877.396.7194 and tell them you are a Vision Care Member.

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October Wellness Tips


Quit Smoking with Support

 Holding hands in support

You've made a big decision, now it's time to get support. Quitting is hard, and you probably know this. Maybe you've quit before. If so, that's normal. Most people quit many time. Here are some things you can do to make it more likely that you'll kick the habit for good:

  • Tell people that you're trying to quit. Don't hide your attempt because you're afraid people will see you fail. Most people know how hard it is to quit smoking and that many smokers have to try several times before they succeed.
  • Support can help you quit smoking, and experts recommend getting support from friends, family, and coworkers. Former smokers can often offer advice and inspiration.
  • Support comes in many forms. It can be positive words and actions, helpful tips, or gentle reminders to stay on track.

Avoiding triggers, talking to other smokers and finding other types of support are all important parts of the process.  Find out more.

Recipe of the Month : Pumpkin Parfait

 Pumpkin Parfait

Get ready for fall the healthy way with a yogurt and pumpkin parfait.  The rich flavor of pumpkin with granola is a delicious combination.  Try this recipe for breakfast or as an after-meal treat. Get the recipe here.

Source: Cookbook: A Harvest of Recipes with USDA Foods

  Exercise of the Month : Side Plank

 Side Plank

The side plank works the abdominal muscles on the sides of the body known as the internal oblique and external oblique. Try it out.