Department of Insurance-Arizona-Community Meetings

March 28th, 2012

Notice of Community Meetings and Agenda
Arizona Department of Insurance

(ADOI) Rate Review Grant Program
Awareness
Disclosure of rates
Online access and opportunity to comment
Improve transparency

What do you want to know about health insurance rate increases? What is the Rate Detective? What is the Individual Rate Review Rule? Do you want to know how to find a rate increase on-line? For answers to these questions, attend the informational meetings held below! We want to show you the Rate Detective and inform you of our current Rate Review activities and plans ahead.

During the 2011-2012 year ADOI has continued its efforts on a Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve transparency of health insurance premiums for individuals and small employers. During the grant period ADOI has pursued the goals of transparency, technological efficiency, and working towards Effective Rate Review. For more information on meeting dates and locations, see Meeting Agenda below. The informational meeting is open to the public.
*Light refreshments will be provided at each meeting.

Meeting Schedule

Phoenix
Date: April 16, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: The Lexington Hotel, Park Room
1100 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004 (map)
(602)-252-2100

Tucson
Date: April 19, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: River Park Inn, Cactus Ballroom
350 S. Freeway
Tucson, AZ 85745 (map)
Phone : (520)-239-2300

Flagstaff
Date: April 24, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: Radisson Woodlands Hotel, San Francisco Room
1175 West Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (map)
Phone : (928)-773-8888

Lake Havasu
Date: April 25, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: Hampton Inn, Bridge Room
245 London Bridge Road
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (map)
(928) 855-4071

Showlow
Date: May 3, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: Hampton Inn and Suites, Creek View Room
1501 E. Woolford Road
Showlow, AZ 85901 (map)
Phone : (928)-532-4444

For more information, please contact: Steven Noble, ADOI Rate Review Grant Adm. Asst. at (602) 364-2455 or Snoble@azinsurance.gov

Brought to you by Benefit Logic, Inc.

Posted in Blog

Health & Wellness

March 28th, 2012

 

Burning Calories

 

Fighting fat but can’t keep track of the calories you burn?

Use this chart to determine how much you burn when doing common activities and then compare it to how many calories you take in. To keep weight off, you must burn more calories than the amount you take in.

Activity Calories Burned
Walking leisurely (2 mph) for 30 min. 85
Gardening for 30 min. 135
Raking leaves for 30 min. 145
Washing and waxing a car for 45-60 min. 150
Shoveling snow for 25 min. 150
Swimming laps at a moderate level for 30 min. 240
Jogging briskly (5 mph) for 30 min. 275
Water aerobics for 30 min. 150
Pushing a stroller for 1½ miles for 30 min. 150

 

Want to burn a few extra calories at work?

  • Instead of e-mailing, instant messaging or calling a colleague, walk to their office to talk to them.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Walk around the block a few times or try and catch a quick exercise class on your lunch break.

Brought to you by Benefit Logic, Inc.

 

 

 

© 2007, 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted in Blog, Health & Wellness

Appreciation Corner-Reflections with Gary

March 15th, 2012

Brought to you by Benefit Logic, Inc.

“ Because of Benefit Logic’s assistance, we have been able to offer reasonably priced health care to all of our employees.”

Gary Branges

Benefits Administrator

Peace Surplus

 

Posted in Blog

Nutrition-Grocery Store Best Buys

March 12th, 2012

      

 

 

 

 

Brought to you by Benefit Logic, Inc.

These tips help you choose nutritious foods on a limited budget:

Bread and grains:

  • Look for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products.
  • Buy regular rice, oatmeal and grits instead of the instant and flavored varieties.
  • Try whole-grain bread and brown rice to add nutrients and variety to meals.

Vegetables and salads:

  • Look for large bags of vegetables; these are often a bargain and keep well.
  • Avoid foods at salad bars – they usually cost less in the produce section.

Fruits:

  • Buy fresh fruits in season, when they generally cost less.

Milk:

  • Nonfat dry milk is the least expensive way to buy milk. Be sure to mix it several hours ahead and refrigerate before serving.
  • Buy fresh milk in gallon or ½ gallon containers. This is cheaper than buying quarts.
  • Buy fat-free or low-fat milk to cut the amount of fat in your family’s diet. (Note that children under 2 years of age should only be given whole milk.)

Meat and poultry:

  • Look for specials at the meat counter, which can mean big savings.
  • Buy chuck or bottom round roast instead of sirloin; they have less fat and cost less.
  • Buy whole chickens and cut them into serving size pieces yourself.

Dry beans and peas:

  • Use these sometimes instead of meat, poultry or fish. They cost less and are lower in fat. 

 

Posted in Blog, Health & Wellness

Health Care Reform – Recommended Preventive Care Services

December 2nd, 2011

Health Care Reform – Recommended Preventive Care Services

To make preventive care more accessible and affordable, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires health plans and issuers to cover certain preventive care services without imposing any cost-sharing. Essentially, PPACA’s preventive care mandate requires health plans and issuers to provide coverage for recommended preventive care services without charging deductibles, copayments or coinsurance when services are provided by an in-network provider. PPACA’s preventive care mandate became effective for plan years beginning on or after Sept. 23, 2010. It does not apply to grandfathered plans.

The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued interim final guidance in July 2010 describing the recommended preventive care services that must be covered without any cost-sharing. The recommended preventive care services are based on guidelines developed by other governmental agencies, such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Most of the recommended preventive care services are currently effective for health plans and issuers. However, there are a handful of recommended preventive care services that become effective in future years.

This Benefit Logic Legislative Brief summarizes the recommended preventive care services that non-grandfathered health plans and issuers must cover without imposing cost-sharing, and specifically highlights recommended preventive care services that become effective in future years.

basic guidelines     

The preventive care services that must be covered by non-grandfathered health plans and issuers without cost-sharing are:

  • Evidence-based items or services that have an A or B rating in the current recommendations of the USPSTF;
  • Immunizations for routine use in children, adolescents and adults that are currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and included on the CDC’s immunization schedules;
  • For infants, children and adolescents, evidence-informed preventive care and screenings provided for in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) guidelines; and
  • For women, evidence-informed preventive care and screenings provided in guidelines supported by HRSA.

The complete list of recommended preventive care services under each category is available at: www.healthcare.gov/law/resources/regulations/prevention/recommendations.html.

Updates to recommended preventive Care services

Most of the recommended preventive care services became effective for the plan year beginning on or after Sept. 23, 2010 (that is, Jan. 1, 2011, for calendar year plans). However, the preventive care services recommendations are updated from time to time. To allow for transition time, health plans and issuers generally have at least one year from the time a new service is added to the list of recommended preventive care services to comply with the new requirement. The following preventive care services were added to the list after Sept. 23, 2009, and were not in effect for plan years beginning on Sept. 23, 2010. Depending on when the plan year starts, some of these preventive care services may already be in effect for a plan or issuer, while others will become effective in the future.   

  • Meningococcal vaccine (added Sept. 25, 2009) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after Sept. 25, 2010. The new recommendation only differs with respect to revaccination of individuals at increased risk by extending coverage to certain individuals who had previously received the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
  • HPV vaccine (added Jan. 8, 2010) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 8, 2011. The new recommendation addresses vaccination with the bivalent (as opposed to quadrivalent) HPV vaccine and vaccination of males.
  • Obesity screening and counseling for children (added Jan. 31, 2010) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 31, 2011.
  • Influenza vaccine for all adults 19 to 49 years of age (added March 2, 2010) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after March 2, 2011;
  • Pneumococcal vaccine (added March 12, 2010) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after March 12, 2011. This is an expanded recommendation on pneumococcal vaccine.   
  • MMR/varicella vaccine (added May 7, 2010) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after May 7, 2011. This is a new recommendation related to combination measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine.
  • Heritable disorders in newborns and children (added May 21, 2010) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after May 21, 2011; and
  • Women’s preventive health services (added Aug. 1, 2011) – Effective for plan years beginning on or after Aug. 1, 2012. The new recommendation includes well-woman visits, gestational diabetes screening, HPV DNA testing for women age 30 and older, sexually transmitted infection counseling, HIV screening and counseling, FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling, breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling and domestic violence screening and counseling.

It is likely that the list of recommended preventive care services will continue to grow. Health plans should work with their advisors to monitor additions to the list of recommended preventive care services and to track the effective date for each new preventive care service.

Benefit Logic will continue to monitor health care reform developments and will provide updated information as it becomes available.

This Benefit Logic Legislative Brief is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.

© 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. EEM 11/11

Posted in Blog, Health Care Reform

2012 National Health Observances At-A-Glance

December 2nd, 2011

Information provided to you by: Benefit Logic

 JANUARY

- Cervical Health Awareness Month

- National Birth Defects Prevention Month

- National Glaucoma Awareness Month

- National Radon Action Month

- Thyroid Awareness Month

- National Folic Acid Awareness Week (8-14)

FEBRUARY

- AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

- Heart Month

- International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

- National Children’s Dental Health Month

- Give Kids a Smile Day (3)

- National Wear Red Day (3)

- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (7-14)

- National Donor Day (14)

MARCH

- National Endometriosis Awareness Month

- National Nutrition Month

- Save Your Vision Month

- Trisomy Awareness Month

- Workplace Eye Wellness Month

- National Sleep Awareness Week

- National School Breakfast Week (5-9)

- World Kidney Day (8)

- Brain Awareness Week (12-18)

- National Poison Prevention Week (18-24)

- World Tuberculosis Day (24)

- National Tsunami Awareness Week (25-31)

- American Diabetes Alert Day (27)

APRIL

- Alcohol Awareness Month

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

- National Autism Awareness Month

- National Distracted Driving Month

- National Donate Life Month

- National Facial Protection Month

- National Minority Health Month

- National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

- Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

- Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

- STI Awareness Month

- Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

- National Public Health Week (2-8)

- National Alcohol Screening Day (5)

- World Health Day (7)

- National Infant Immunization Week (21-28)

- National Infertility Awareness Week (22-28)

- World Meningitis Day (24)

MAY

- Arthritis Awareness Month

- Better Hearing and Speech Month

- Employee Health and Fitness Month

- Healthy Vision Month

- Hepatitis Awareness Month

- Lupus Awareness Month

- Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

- Mental Health Month

- National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

- National High Blood Pressure Education Month

- National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

- Ultraviolet Awareness Month

- Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (1-7)

- North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (6-12)

- National Stuttering Awareness Week (7-13)

- Air Quality Awareness Week (7-11)

- Food Allergy Awareness Week (13-19)

- National Alcohol- and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week (13-19)

- National Women’s Health Week (13-19)

- National Women’s Check-Up Day (14)

- HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

- Heat Safety Awareness Day (25)

- National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 27-June 2)

- National Senior Health & Fitness Day (30)

- World No Tobacco Day (31)

JUNE

- Fireworks Safety Month (June 1-July 4)

- Cataract Awareness Month

- Home Safety Month

- National Aphasia Awareness Month

- National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month

- National Cancer Survivor’s Day (3)

- Men’s Health Week (11-17)

- World Sickle Cell Day (19)

- National HIV Testing Day (27)

JULY

- Fireworks Safety Month (June 1-July 4)

- International Group B Strep Awareness Month

- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

- National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month

- UV Safety Month

- World Hepatitis Day (28)

AUGUST

- Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

- National Immunization Awareness Month

- World Breastfeeding Week (1-7)

SEPTEMBER

- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

- Fruit and Veggies – More Matters Month

- Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month

- National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

- National Cholesterol Education Month

- National Sickle Cell Month

- Newborn Screening Awareness Month

- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

- Whole Grains Month

- Healthy Aging Month

- National Celiac Disease Awareness Day (13)

- National Farm Safety & Health Week (16-22)

- National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration Week (16-22)

- Get Ready Day (18)

- National School Backpack Awareness Day (19)

- World Alzheimer’s Day (21)

- National Women’s Health & Fitness Day (26)

- RAINN Day (27)

- World Rabies Day (28)

- Family Health & Fitness Day USA (29)

- World Heart Day (29)

OCTOBER

- Eye Injury Prevention Month

- Health Literacy Month

- Home Eye Safety Month

- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

- National Bullying Prevention Month

- National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

- National Physical Therapy Month

- Stop America’s Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Today

- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

- Drive Safely Work Week (1-6)

- Child Health Day (1)

- Walk to School Day (3)

- Mental Illness Awareness Week (7)

- Bone and Joint Initiative National Action Week (12-20)

- World Food Day (16)

- International Stuttering Awareness Day (22)

- Red Ribbon Week (23-31)

 

NOVEMBER

- American Diabetes Month

- COPD Awareness Month

- Diabetic Eye Disease Month

- Lung Cancer Awareness Month

- National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

- National Healthy Skin Month

- National Hospice Palliative Care Month

- National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

- Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (12-18)

- Great American Smokeout (15)

- National Survivors of Suicide Day (17)

- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week (18-24)

DECEMBER

- Safe Toys and Gifts Month

- World AIDS Day (1)

National Health Observances Calendar Design © 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted in Blog, Health & Wellness

Workplace Wellness – December

November 30th, 2011

Workplace Wellness: Reducing Worksite Injuries

-Provided by Benefit Logic-

Workplace injuries are a significant risk for any business, and they can be incredibly costly in medical bills, lost productivity and increased insurance premiums. You likely have safety protocols to help prevent on-the-job accidents, but another type of injury could be just as costly. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are not caused by accidents, but rather from job conditions or tasks that lead to or contribute to the condition. This article discusses WMSDs and includes tactics to address and prevent them in your workplace.

What is a WMSD?

A musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage or spinal discs. Work-related MSDs are conditions in which the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition, and/or the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions. Examples of workplace conditions that made lead to WMSDs include routine lifting of heavy objects, daily exposure to whole body vibration, routine overhead work, work with the neck in a chronic flexion position (head bent forward) or performing repetitive forceful tasks.

Examples of MSDs are sprains, tears, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and hernia. MSDs are associated with high costs to employers such as absenteeism, lost productivity, and increased health care, disability and workers’ compensation costs. In addition, many of these conditions are or can become chronic, further escalating the costs to employers.

Workplace Strategies

There are a variety of strategies employers can implement to reduce WMSDs in their workplace. They may not all make sense for your business, but consider the following ideas to help minimize the impact of WMSDs and prevent them altogether.

  • Examine your workplace and look for ways to modify it to reduce the chance of injury. For instance, you may be able to change the way materials, parts and products are transported, to relieve burden on employees. Also consider altering the layout of workstations to be more ergonomic.
  • Promote healthy lifestyles, including physical activity and weight management. Improving physical health and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pain for individuals with arthritis and back pain, and can help employees prevent these and other MSDs.
  • Provide training to management and workers regarding risks for workplace injuries, including:        
  • Training for how to reduce/avoid injuries
  • Training to help management and workers recognize potential workplace risks for MSDs and mitigate those risks
  • Raised awareness of WMSDs among employees and management, and education for employees to recognize a potential injury and know when to seek medical evaluation
  • Make administrative changes as they make sense in your workplace to reduce the risk of injuries. These may include reducing shift length, limiting overtime, scheduling more breaks for rest and recovery, rotating workers through jobs that are physically taxing, instituting pre-shift stretching sessions, etc.
  • Develop policies that support a corporate culture of good health, safety and injury management, such as:
    • Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), plus training on how to properly use
    • Ergonomic workplace initiatives
    • Workplace safety program
    • Disability management policy
    • Return-to-work program
  • Encourage early reporting of WMSDs by employees, and prompt evaluation by health care providers. Many workplaces stress early reporting for injuries, but employees may understand that to mean only sudden injuries, like accidents, slips and falls. Even though WMSDs occur over time, employees should still report them and get evaluated early – employee education can help promote this practice in your workplace.
  • Work with health care providers so they are familiar with jobs and job tasks, to better facilitate injury treatment and return to work.
  • Educate employees on workers’ compensation and disability benefits, including protections and accommodations offered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. Design © 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted in Blog, Health & Wellness

Live Well, Work Well – December 2011

November 17th, 2011

Brought to you by: Benefit Logic Inc.

Banish Holiday Weight Gain:

The holidays are full of hearty meals, sweet treats and fat-laden snacks – which quickly add up to extra pounds. Navigate holiday eating with these tips:

  • Enjoy your favorite foods, just be mindful of your portion sizes. Depriving yourself just makes you more likely to binge later.
  • When possible, choose a smaller plate to help control portions.
  • Wait 20 minutes before getting seconds, to give your body time to signal if you are full.
  • Don’t feel obligated to eat everything offered to you, or to clean your plate.
  • If you have leftovers, freeze them for another time rather than indulging again for breakfast.
  • Eat plenty of vegetables throughout the season to help you feel fuller and control your appetite.
  • Eat a small, healthy snack before each get-together. If you starve yourself all day, you’ll eat even more of the unhealthy food.
  • When going to a party, bring a nutritious dish with you, such as nuts, veggies or even a healthier dessert alternative (such as the Peach Apple Crisp on page two).
  • Eat slower and take time to enjoy your food. Try eating with your non-dominant hand or setting your fork down between bites.
  • Go easy on gravy, sauce and dressing.
  • Reduce or eliminate your alcohol intake to save a lot of calories.
  • Focus on the people and activities at the party, rather than the food.
  • When baking, use low- or non-fat dairy. Swap sour cream for plain yogurt, for example, and always choose fat-free milk.
  • Buy lean cuts of meat whenever possible. When eating poultry, opt for white meat over dark meat.
  • Don’t forget to be active! Try to fit some extra activity in to counteract the extra calories this time of year.

Outsmart the Flu:

Looking forward to your annual bout of feeling miserable and being forced to miss work? This year, avoid the flu:

  • Get the flu vaccine and encourage others to do the same. It’s the most important step to prevent the flu.
  • Try to avoid touching your face – germs are easily spread this way.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
  • Avoid contact with sick people when possible. Encourage those with the flu to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Teach your kids these good habits.

DID YOU KNOW…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine each year, even if you got vaccinated last year. It’s not too late in the season to get vaccinated! The small discomfort and/or inconvenience of a flu vaccine will be worth avoiding several days stuck in bed with the flu.

Don’t Fall Into a Winter Workout Slump:

This time of year is full of excuses not to work out: it’s too cold outside, you can’t afford a gym membership, there’s no time… Sound familiar? Try out these at-home workout tips to kick-start your motivation and avoid a workout slump.

  • One of the easiest ways to work out at home is with a fitness DVD. Pick from cardio, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates and countless other options for a guided, cheap home workout.
  • Make use of your stairs. Turn on some tunes and create a lively stepping workout using just one step, or walk or jog up and down for a more vigorous routine.
  • Invest in some inexpensive equipment such as a jump rope, hand weights and an exercise ball.
  • Do some chores. Clean the house yourself rather than having a maid service (or your children) do it. Shovel snow instead of using a snow blower or snow plow.
  • Create a schedule, such as first-thing every morning – and stick to it. Work out with a buddy for more accountability.
  • Take advantage of the weather! Go skiing, ice skating or just play in the snow with friends or family.

Shop Smarter This Season:

Do the holidays have you stressing about your budget? Here are some shopping tips to get the most for your money:

  • Create a holiday budget and stick to it. Remember to include gift wrap, cards, entertaining expenses, decorations and postage along with gifts.
  • If you want to buy a gift beyond your means, ask a family member to chip in with you rather than break your budget.
  • Don’t just go to one store for the item you want. Check sale ads, look for coupons and compare prices online first.
  • Considering purchasing online – you often can find much better prices. Group purchases to save on shipping costs.
  • When possible, use coupons in conjunction with store deals to maximize your savings.
  • Plan to pay off everything you buy in full, so you’re not stuck paying for this holiday season for months or longer.

After the holidays, consider opening a short-term savings account to start saving early and ease next year’s budget strain!

Peach-Apple Crisp:

20 oz. canned peaches in light syrup, drained

2 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced

½ tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

¾ cup + 3 tbsp. flour

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

3 tbsp. soft tub margarine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 9x9x2 inch dish. Combine peaches, apples, vanilla and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss well and spread evenly in dish. Combine flour and sugar in small bowl. Cut in margarine until the mixture is coarse. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over fruit. Bake until lightly browned and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Source: www.health.gov.

Yield: 4 servings. In each serving: Calories – 175; Total fat – 5g; Saturated fat – 1g; Cholesterol – 0mg; Sodium – 57mg.

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.

© 2011 Zywave, Inc.  All rights reserved.



Posted in Blog, Newsletters

Benefits Buzz – December 2011

November 17th, 2011

DID YOU KNOW…

The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it will review the health care reform law during its 2012 term, to ultimately decide whether or not the law is constitutional.

This announcement comes after four U.S. Courts of Appeals have reviewed the law and returned differing rulings.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision by June 2012.

Trends in Employee Benefit Offerings:

Offering a benefits package that balances cost and value, particularly in this uncertain economic and legislative time, is a perennial challenge. The results from a recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey reflect this complex atmosphere.

Highlights of the 2011 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey include the following.

  • There was a slight increase in companies offering health premium discounts for employees who took a health risk assessment, did not use tobacco products or participated in a wellness program.
  • Retirement plans continue to trend toward defined contribution, rather than defined benefit, plans.
  • Paid time off (PTO) plans continue to grow in popularity.
    • Many benefits have declined considerably over the past five years, including educational assistance and financial programs, housing and relocation benefits, club memberships, legal services and travel planning services.

    The survey also identifies strategies employers can adopt to remain competitive with their benefit offerings.

    • Stay on top of legislative changes, particularly health care reform, and their impact to your business.
    • Review your benefits program regularly, using benchmark data and employee surveys to evaluate.
    • Ensure effective employee communication, to help employees understand, appreciate and properly use their benefits. Offer total compensation statements.
    • Implement flexible work policies such as paid leave and flex time.

Is Your Company Ready for Flu Season?

Annual flu season can have a significant impact on your company. Preparation is key, both for traditional flu season and the possibility of a pandemic situation.

  1. Develop an emergency action plan to protect your employees and minimize business interruption in the event of an outbreak – you may face mass absenteeism and other challenges or disruption.
  2. Review policies and procedures, such as employee communication, telecommuting, leave and travel policies.
  3. Educate employees about the flu, emphasizing prevention tactics and common sense hygiene like regular hand washing. Encourage employees to get a flu vaccine and consider providing onsite vaccination for easier access. Remind employees to stay home when sick.

Benefits and HR tips brought to you by the insurance professionals at Benefit Logic

© 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved


Posted in Blog, Newsletters

Live Well, Work Well – November 2011

November 2nd, 2011

Brought to you by: Benefit Logic

DID YOU KNOW?

Improving your physical fitness is one of the best things to do for a sore back. Maintaining a healthy weight, improving flexibility and strengthening back, abdominal and leg muscles can help reduce and prevent back pain. Exercising may be difficult with back pain, so ask your doctor what type of exercises and stretches would be best for you.

The Time is Now: Quit Smoking for Good!

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and represents one in every three cancer deaths, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it a perfect time to shine a spotlight on the risk factor that causes about 87 percent of lung cancer cases: smoking cigarettes.

After you quit smoking, your body experiences positive changes within hours. Body function improves and health risks continue to decrease for several years. Ten years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a current smoker.

If the medical reasons aren’t enough motivation to quit, think of all the money you’ll save. A pack-a-day smoker could save over $200 a month – imagine all the ways you could spend that money.

And don’t forget to consider your loved ones. If you smoke in your home or car, you are endangering your family, friends and pets. Secondhand smoke can cause a variety of health conditions and diseases, and causes thousands of deaths each year in nonsmokers.

Ready to quit? Nov. 17 is the Great American Smokeout, a day when smokers around the country quit smoking together. This year, take the steps you need to stop smoking for good!

Start planning now. Mark the date on your calendar and tell family and friends of your plan to make sure you follow through. Tell your doctor about your plan to quit and consider using a prescription quit aid.

Prepare for the challenges you will face after quitting. You may need to change your routine or activities to avoid situations that worsen your cravings. Make a list of times you may feel tempted to smoke, and come up with coping methods. For instance, you may want to keep gum or healthy snacks handy to occupy your mouth.

For additional advice and support, visit www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GuidetoQuittingSmoking/index.

Banish Back Pain

Feeling pain or soreness in your back? These tips can help you reduce your pain and prevent it in the future:

  • When lifting, bend your knees, not your waist.
  • Invest in a good mattress – it can make a world of difference in your pain level and your sleep quality.
  • Sit up straight! Good posture reduces the strain on your back.
  • Strive to reduce your stress level. Stress can increase tension in your body and cause back pain.
  • Always warm up before doing a physical activity.

Eating Out? You Can Still Eat Healthy

Hectic schedules mean that convenience often trumps nutrition when it comes to meals. But if you choose wisely, eating out doesn’t have to bust your diet. Whether you’re grabbing fast food or sitting down at a restaurant, remember these tips:

  • Choose water to drink instead of soda, juice or alcohol.
  • Order your food without dressing or sauces, such as mayo, cheese and sour cream. Or, ask for the dressing on the side and use just a little.
  • Watch out for words like deep-fried, pan-fried, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy and augratin – these dishes tend to have more calories.
  • Choose leaner meats, such as chicken or turkey instead of beef. Substitute a side salad for fries, or ask for vegetables instead of potatoes. Opt for whole wheat for bread or pasta.
  • Split a dinner portion with someone or ask the server to wrap up half of your meal right away – so you aren’t tempted to consume the giant portion served to you.
  • Don’t add salt – restaurant food tends to already be high in sodium, especially fast food.

Is Your Family Protected?

It’s not pleasant to think about, but if you died unexpectedly, could your family cope financially without your income? Life insurance protects your loved ones in the event of your untimely death, but many people don’t realize its true value. Ask yourself:

  • Are you the primary household income?
  • Do you have a mortgage, college loans or other debt?
  • How would your family support themselves if you died?
  • Could you (or your family) afford tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and/or funeral costs?
  • Who would have the burden of paying any debt or other financial responsibilities that you leave behind?
  • If you do have a policy, does it pay out enough to cover all of these financial responsibilities for your loved ones?

Whether you are young and single, middle-aged with a family or nearing retirement, having adequate life insurance is vital. Speak with a financial adviser about your needs and coverage options. You may think you can’t afford another monthly premium, but can your family afford it if you don’t?

Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Salad is a healthy choice, but most dressings are loaded with calories – try this delicious dressing as a light alternative.

1 bulb garlic, separated and peeled

½ cup water

1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

¼ tsp. honey

1 tbsp. virgin olive oil

¼ tsp. black pepper

Place the garlic cloves in a small saucepan and pour water to cover them. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until garlic is tender (about 15 minutes). Reduce the liquid to two tablespoons and increase the heat for three minutes. Pour the contents into a small sieve over a bowl, and with a wooden spoon mash the garlic through the sieve into the bowl. Whisk the vinegar into the garlic mixture; incorporate the oil, honey and pepper. Yields 4 servings at 33 calories per serving.

Source: National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2011 Zywave, Inc.  All rights reserved.


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