AlaskaCare Employee News | September 2019
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 09/27/2019 10:52 AM AKDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
September 2019 | #84
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Getting to Know Your Benefits: Oral Health, Total Health
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Dental Benefits that Protect More Than Just Your Smile If you are diabetic or pregnant in your third trimester, the Oral Health, Total Health program offers more ways to care for your teeth and mouth—and keep the rest of your body healthy, too. If you have diabetes Diabetes increases the risk of cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, dry mouth and infection. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you are eligible for four preventive cleanings (or periodontal maintenance visits) per year through our Oral Health, Total Health program. Protect your teeth and gums by enrolling today. For details on the Oral Health, Total Health program, refer to AlaskaCare Employee Health Plan booklet or visit myModa, your personalized member website. If you’re pregnant Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are more likely to have a premature and underweight baby. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the mouth, and the body’s response to the infection can trigger early labor. If you are expecting, you can enroll in the Oral Health, Total Health program to help prevent gum disease. If you’ve already had two cleanings for the year, you’ll be eligible for another cleaning or checkup during your third trimester. This added preventive visit is covered regardless of normal plan frequency limits. That way, you can receive a dental cleaning during the third trimester, no matter what. Learn more and enroll To enroll in the Oral Health, Total Health program, access the form online by logging in to myModa at modahealth.com. Once you’ve signed in, simply click on “Oral Health, Total Health” in the myHealth tab. |
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Open enrollment for the upcoming benefit year is November 6, 2019 through November 27, 2019. Enrollment elections become effective January 1, 2020. In late October, you will receive an Open Enrollment notice with instructions on accessing everything you need to review your benefits and enroll for the coming benefit year. During Open Enrollment, you will be able to review your current benefit elections on the Division of Retirement and Benefits website and review any new plan offerings for 2020. |
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Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of influenza virus: Types A and B. The two viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. |
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You can take Action to Protect Against Flu |
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Get Vaccinated The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu. Preventive Steps You can take actions every day to help stop the spread of germs. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands often, it will help protect you from germs. Treatment Most people with flu have a mild form of the illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. If, however, you have flu-like symptoms and are in a high-risk group or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider. There are prescription medications called antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. Additional Resources:
Free Flu Shots in Anchorage provided by Alaska Regional Hospital Don’t Get the Flu. Drive on Thru!
No appointment necessary. Drive through only, no walk-ups. |
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Speedy Eggplant Parmesan |
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Single Leg Dead Lift |
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Roughly 4,000 children and teenagers begin smoking every day. |
