CalCPA ProtectPlus

Today one may find themselves bogged down under endless “to-do” lists at work and feeling as though they can’t come up for air. With the increasing number of heart disease cases in America and other health related issues today, it is important that we keep our bodies healthy. However, this entails work on our part. No time for working out? You can’t go for a 30 minute walk after work or on the weekends? How about some simple exercises right at your own desk at work? It may sound impossible and you may worry about people seeing you, but moving our bodies around during the day, leads to a healthier you.

An article in WebMD quoted Joan Price, author of The Anytime, Anywhere Exercise Book, to say “We are made to move, not sit at a desk 12 hours a day. As ergonomic as your desk or chair may be, sitting produces back pains, headaches, and listlessness. You become less productive.”

With this in mind, we may wonder what we could possibly do at work that would actually be considered productive exercise. This is the first in the series of two articles on this topic. This week covers aerobics at work as well as some low impact exercises and next week will cover stretching at work and other helpful tips.

Following is information from WebMD, by Jean Lawrence, that will help give you some ideas of how you can get up and move while at work.

Reach for the Sky

Stretching exercises are a natural for the desk-bound, to ease stress and keep your muscles from clenching up. Here are a few suggestions:

• Sitting tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.
• Let your head loll over so that your right ear nearly touches your right shoulder. Using your hand, press your head a little lower (gently, now). Hold for 10 seconds. Relax, and then repeat on the other side.
• Try this yoga posture to relieve tension: Sit facing forward, then turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, and hold a few seconds. Repeat 15 times, alternating sides.
• Sitting up straight, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Hold, and then relax.
• You get to put your feet up for this one! To ease the hamstrings and lower back, push your chair away from your desk and put your right heel up on the desk. Sit up straight, and bend forward just until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg. Flex your foot for a few seconds, and then point it. Bend forward a little farther, flex your foot again, and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side. (continue reading…)

Today one may find themselves bogged down under endless “to-do” lists at work and feeling as though they can’t come up for air. With the increasing number of heart disease cases in America and other health related issues today, it is important that we keep our bodies healthy. However, this entails work on our part. No time for working out? You can’t go for a 30 minute walk after work or on the weekends? How about some simple exercises right at your own desk at work? It may sound impossible and you may worry about people seeing you, but moving our bodies around during the day, leads to a healthier you.

An article in WebMD quoted Joan Price, author of The Anytime, Anywhere Exercise Book, to say “We are made to move, not sit at a desk 12 hours a day. As ergonomic as your desk or chair may be, sitting produces back pains, headaches, and listlessness. You become less productive.”

With this in mind, we may wonder what we could possibly do at work that would actually be considered productive exercise. This is the first in the series of two articles on this topic. This week covers aerobics at work as well as some low impact exercises and next week will cover stretching at work and other helpful tips.

Following is information from WebMD, by Jean Lawrence, that will help give you some ideas of how you can get up and move while at work.

The article asks the question: can you actually go beyond working out the kinks and get some meaningful exercise in your cubicle?

Kelli Calabrese, MS, an exercise physiologist and spokesman for the American Council on Exercise, says yes. Calebrese believes in 60-second or 10-minute bursts of aerobic exertion. “This is cardio– if you get in your [target] heart rate zone,” she says. (continue reading…)

Do you suffer from headaches, fatigue, dizziness, dry skin, dry mouth or thirst? These are all signs of dehydration. Since water makes up about 60 percent of our body weight, it is important that we drink water each day. We can go without food for almost two months, but without water only a few days. Our body completely depends on water intake in order to function properly. Here are some ways that water helps our body:

• flushes toxins out of our vital organs
• carries nutrients to our cells
• helps us to feel full if we are trying to loose weight
• boosts our metabolism -especially if the water is ice cold because your body has to work to warm the water up, which burns a few calories in the process
• our heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout our body if we drink enough water
• helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates joints in the body
• helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles in our face since it hydrates skin cells and plumps them up
• helps to flush out impurities and improves circulation in blood flow which in turn leaves our face looking rested, clean and glowing
• helps dissolve waste particles and passes them smoothly through our digestive tract
• helps our body by diluting the salts and minerals in our urine that lead to kidney stones
• provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues

So you may wonder just how much water is enough. Some experts say that you divide your weight (in pounds) by two and the resulting number is the number of ounces of water you need each day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., you should drink 75 ounces of water daily. The most common is the 8×8 rule – eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. These are just two of the the many theories and there are several more out there. It is a question that probably each nutritionist or doctor will have a different answer to…since the answers are based on a variety of  factors. (continue reading…)

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just two weeks away. This is a good time to start planning your Turkey Day menu with your health in mind. Over the next couple of weeks we will share some delicious classic Thanksgiving favorites that are “lightened” up so that you don’t have to face that feeling, we have all had, of guilt after we indulge our Thanksgiving meal.

The following recipe for a healthy version of stuffing is from allrecipes.com.

Wild Rice Stuffing

Original recipe makes 12 servings – Prep 20 minutes – Cook 30 minutes – Ready in 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups hot water
• 4 cubes chicken bouillon, crumbled
• 1 (6 ounce) package wild rice, uncooked
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 (5.5 ounce) package seasoned croutons
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

Directions

1. Dissolve 3 cubes bouillon in 1 cup hot water. In a medium saucepan, combine wild rice with bouillon water, then fill with just enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Mix remaining 1 cube bouillon in 1 cup hot water. Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in celery and green pepper; cook until tender. Mix in remaining bouillon water. Pour skillet contents into a large bowl. Stir together cooked rice, croutons, and poultry seasoning.
3. Stuff turkey loosely, and cook turkey as directed. Or put stuffing into a well greased baking dish, cover, and bake 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F (165 degree C).

Healthy Tip:

Dressing, not Stuffing

Bake the dressing in a casserole dish rather than in the turkey, where it absorbs fat from the turkey as it bakes. It’s hard to slim down a stuffing recipe, so take a small serving if it’s your Thanksgiving favorite. Avoid recipes using sausage or bacon; wild rice and grains are more nutritious than bread stuffing.

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Halloween is approaching quickly! With so many little ghosts and goblins strolling through our neighborhoods, it is good to think about what we can do to ensure a safe Halloween. The following tips, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will help us all to have a SAFE and fun-filled Halloween. Happy Haunting!

The following information is from the CDC:

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

	Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
	Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
	Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
	Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
	Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
	Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
	Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
	Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
	Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
	Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
	Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
	Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
	Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
• Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

[Information Source]

At CalCPA ProtectPlus we want our policyholders to be aware of programs and tools that can enable them to get the most for their healthcare dollars. Discount-drug programs, such as those offered by retailers like Target, Walmart, Kmart and Costco offer generic drugs at deeply discounted prices. Target and Walmart offer a 30-day supply of particular drugs for $4 and $10 for a 90-day supply.

Retailers like those mentioned above, are slowly expanding their discount-drug programs by adding more drugs to their discount lists. Retailers can offer such low prices by buying selected medications in bulk. Retailers also benefit by impulse sales once the customer is in the store. After all, who can resist a great sale on shoes!

Some things to remember:

• Some programs may require an enrollment fee or membership fee
• The generic prescription drug list changes often, so review it frequently
• Check to see if you are eligible; some of the generic prescription drug programs only cover those without health insurance
• Discount prices may vary in certain states
• Always read the fine print before enrolling in a discount-drug program
• Payments for these discount drugs are not processed through your health plan
• It is always good to check with the pharmacy you use to see if they may be able to match these deals

To get an idea of what a generic discount-drug list looks like, click here to view Target’s list. For information on Walmart’s discount program, click here.

As summer quickly approaches it brings with it warmer days and more outdoor activities. It is important to educate ourselves about the dangers in our own backyard by learning about ticks and how we can protect ourselves from tick bites. The following information is from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

DEET, Showers, and Tick Checks Can Stop Ticks

Reduce your chances of getting a tickborne disease by using repellents, checking for ticks, and showering after being outdoors. If you have a tick bite followed by a fever or rash, seek medical attention.

Gardening, camping, hiking, and playing outdoors – when enjoying these activities, don’t forget to take steps to prevent bites from ticks that share the outdoors. Ticks can infect humans with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness.  Diseases that you can get from a tick bite include (listed alphabetically):

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Southern tick-associated rash illness
• Tick-borne relapsing fever
• Tularemia

Other diseases that you can get from a tick in the United States include Colorado tick fever and Powassan encephalitis.

Before You Go Outdoors

• Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks during outdoor activities around your home or when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.
• Products containing permethrin kill ticks. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.
• Use a repellent with DEET on skin. Repellents containing 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) can protect up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth. For detailed information about using DEET on children, see recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• For detailed information about tick prevention and control, see Avoiding Ticks. Detailed information for outdoor workers can be found at NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Tick-borne Diseases.

After You Come Indoors

Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least an hour effectively kills ticks.

Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.

Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, which even includes your back yard.  Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside belly button
• Back of the knees
• In and around the hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

What to Do if You Find an Attached Tick

Remove the attached tick as soon as you notice it by grasping with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and pulling it straight out.  For detailed information about tick removal, see the tick removal page.

Watch for signs of illness such as rash or fever in the days and weeks following the bite, and see a health care provider if these develop. Your risk of acquiring a tick-borne illness depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of tick bit you, and how long the tick was attached. If you become ill after a tick bite, see a health care provider.

Reduce Ticks in Your Yard

• Modify your landscape to create Tick-Safe Zones  [PDF – 6.82MB]. Regularly remove leaf litter and clear tall grasses and brush around homes, and place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to keep ticks away from recreational areas, and keep play areas and playground equipment away from away from shrubs, bushes, and other vegetation.
• Consider using a chemical control agent. Effective tick control chemicals are available for use by the homeowner, or they can be applied by a professional pest control expert, and even limited applications can greatly reduce the number of ticks. A single springtime application of acaricide can reduce the population of ticks that cause Lyme disease by 68–100%.
• Discourage deer. Removing plants that attract deer and constructing physical barriers may help discourage deer from entering your yard and bringing ticks with them.

Prevent Ticks on Animals

Use tick control products to prevent family pets from bringing ticks into the home. Consult your veterinarian and be sure to use these products according to the package instructions. For more information on animals and health, see Preventing Ticks on Your Pet.

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On October 9, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that prohibits most teenagers from using tanning beds. Previously, those between ages 14 to 18 could use the tanning beds with a parent or legal guardian’s permission to do so. California has gone further than any other state’s restrictions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In June, Texas made a law banning children under the age of 16 ½ from tanning beds and requiring in-person parental consent for those under 18 years of age. In Delaware, a new law prohibits those under 14 from tanning facilities unless they have a doctor’s prescription and requires those under 18 to have a parental or guardian sign a consent form in person at the facility. Other states are working on bills to restrict the use of tanning facilities for those under 16.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers – accounting for nearly half of all cancers within the United States. More than 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found each year in the U.S. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), reports that tanning is extremely dangerous to young people. People who use tanning beds prior to age 30, increase their risk of melanoma by 75%. According to www.skincancer.org an estimated 123,590 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US in 2011 – 53,360 non-invasive and 70,230 invasive, with nearly 8,790 resulting in death. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer for people ages 15-29. People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 time more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. Both of these types of skin cancer are classified as non-melanoma and develop on sun-exposed areas of the body and are likely to be cured if caught and treated early.

It is vital that we protect ourselves and our children from the sun’s harmful rays and we need to be aware of the dangers of the sun and tanning beds.

The following information is from www.cancer.org and will help us to learn more on what precautions we can take to protect ourselves from skin cancer and what the risk factors and warning signs are.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

Risk factors for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:

• Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Fair complexion
• Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
• Family history
• Multiple or atypical moles
• Severe sunburns as a child

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

• Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
• The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
• A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Can skin cancer be prevented?

The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Here are some ways you can do this:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
• Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (about a palm-full) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
• Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
• Wrap on sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.
• Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin.

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The following is from womenshealth.gov – a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.

National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2011 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages them to take steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Those steps include:

• Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, each week 
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

Learn more about National Women’s Health Week.

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With springtime officially here, we may find ourselves spending more time enjoying the outdoors with our family. Our children play very hard outside – running through long grass and shrubs - where ticks could be dwelling – which makes our children very vunerable.  Being bit by a particular tick can be a very serious issue because some ticks may carry Lyme disease which can be transmitted if it bites someone. The animals that most often carry these ticks are white-footed field mice, deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, weasels, foxes, shrews, moles, chipmunks, squirrels, and horses. We need to make sure our children are not bit by one of these ticks and if they have been bitten by one, we should know what to do in order to prevent possible serious health complications.

A few simple things you can do to help protect your kids from ticks while they are outside are:

• to have them wear long pants tucked into their socks
• to wear long sleeved shirts
• to wear Light colored clothing so you are more apt to see the sesame seed sized tick
• apply insect spray
• check your child for the tick when they come in from the outdoors

In the early stages of Lyme disease, you may experience flue-like symptoms such as a stiff neck, chills, fever, headaches, and muscle aches just to name a few. You also may see a large expanding skin rash – the bullseye rash - around the area of the tick bite. Watch the video below from ABCNEWS.com –  GMA Health for more details about Lyme Disease and how to detect whether your child has been bit by one of these ticks and what treatment is necessary for your child.

The following article is from The American Dietetic Association and information will help to educate us on how to read food labels when we are grocery shopping so that we can make wise and healthy purchases.

Nutrition Facts Panel

Become a smart shopper by reading food labels to find out more about the foods you eat. There are several reasons why it is smart to check out the Nutrition Facts found on most foods: 

• Find out which foods are good sources of fiber, calcium, iron and vitamin C
• Compare similar foods to find out which one best meets your nutritional needs
• Search for low-sodium foods
• Look for foods that are low in saturated fat and trans fat.

Start with the Serving Size 

• Look here for both the serving size (the amount for one serving) and the number of servings in the package.
• Compare your portion size (the amount you actually eat) to the serving size listed on the panel. If the serving size is one cup and you eat two cups, you are getting twice the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label.

Check Out the Total Calories and Fat 

• Find out how many calories are in a single serving and the number of calories from fat. It’s smart to cut back on calories and fat if you are watching your weight.

Let the Percent Daily Values Be Your Guide 

Use percent Daily Values (DV) to help evaluate how a particular food fits into your daily meal plan: 

• Daily Values are average levels of nutrients for a person eating 2,000 calories a day. A food item with a 5 percent DV of fat provides 5 percent of the total fat that a person consuming 2,000 calories a day should eat.
• Percent DV are for the entire day, not just one meal or snack
• You may need more or less than 2,000 calories per day. For some nutrients you may need more or less than 100 percent DV.

The High and Low of Daily Values 

• 5 percent or less is low. Aim low in total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
• 20 percent or more is high. Aim high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Limit Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium 

Eating less fat, cholesterol and sodium may help reduce your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.

• Total fat includes saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat. Limit to 100 percent DV or less per day.
• Saturated fat and trans fat are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
• High levels of sodium can add up to high blood pressure.
• Remember to aim for low percentage DV of these nutrients. (continue reading…)

The following information is from The ACS|BNY Mellon HSA Solution. We hope you find it beneficial.

Combined tax forms 1099-SA and 5498-SA were mailed to The ACS|BNY Mellon HSA Solution account holders on January 29, 2011. The information on these forms will be submitted to the IRS. Account holders receive these combined tax forms for their records only. Account holders use the information on these forms to complete IRS Form 8889.  The 1099-SA and 5498-SA forms do not need to be attached to the account holder’s tax return.

Tax form 5498-SA: This form reports contributions made to an account holder’s Health Savings Account (HSA) by the account holder or by an eligible individual on the account holder’s behalf, as well as contributions made by their employer, if applicable. The IRS requires The ACS|BNY Mellon HSA Solution to issue form 5498-SA to every account holder who had any contribution activity in their HSA during the previous tax year (2010). Account holders can access this form by logging into their HSA account; click on the “Account Holders Services” tab then “View Tax Forms”.

Note: If an account holder makes a prior year (2010) contribution by April 18, 2011 they will receive an amended 5498-SA in May.

Tax form 1099-SA: This form reports distributions made from an account holder’s HSA. The IRS requires The ACS|BNY Mellon HSA Solution to issue Form 1099-SA if account holders took a distribution from their HSA during the previous tax year (2010). Account holders can also access this form by logging into their HSA account; click on “Account Holders Services” then “View Tax Forms”.

IRS form 8889: Account holders must obtain, complete and file IRS Form 8889 as part of the federal tax filing by April 18, 2011. It is downloadable from www.irs.gov or account holders can log into their HSA account and click on the “Account Holder Services” tab; then click “Useful Links”; then “Form 8889″. If both spouses have an HSA, then two forms are required (one for each account).

Additional HSA tax resources are available!

• Two online tax educational programs are now available. You may either click on the “watch video” links below or access the tax programs on our Web site at hsamember.com; click on the “Tools” section in the middle of the home page or by clicking on the “Resources” tab in the upper right corner of the home page.
   
  It’s Tax Time:
  Need tax filing information for HSAs?

Tax Guidelines for HSAs  Watch video
Information on HSA tax forms  Watch video

• Employers can log on to the hsamember.com Web site using their employer ID and view additional tax information in a presentation specifically designed for employers. To access this presentation, click on the “Reports” tab; then click on the PDF labeled “Tax Information for Employers”.

Do you have additional HSA tax questions?

For additional HSA tax questions, call the Employer Support Team at 866-712-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time.
  

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When I go to the grocery store, I always wonder where the fruits and vegetables have been and just how clean they are. The following article pretty much sums up those questions by listing the top 10 dirtiest fruits and vegetables. After reading it, you will realize that you have to really clean your produce before eating it. To read more about how to properly clean your produce, click here.  I think you will find the article below to be very valuable and make you think twice about taste testing that grape at the grocery store!

One thing to note, the same report pointed out that onions, asparagus, eggplant, avocado and pineapples are the top five cleanest fruits and veggies…so you may want to add those to your grocery list this week!

The following article is from Health.com – By Ashley Macha

Are the fruits and vegetables you buy clean enough to eat?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) studied 100,000 produce pesticide reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to create a list of 49 of the dirtiest and cleanest produce.

So before you hit the grocery store, see how some of your favorite fruits and veggies measured up.

Did one of your favorites make the list? Don’t worry, the EWG recommends purchasing organic or locally grown varieties, which can lower pesticide intake by 80% versus conventionally grown produce.

Celery
This stalky vegetable tops the dirty list. Research showed that a single celery stalk had 13 pesticides, while, on the whole, celery contained as many as 67 pesticides.

Chemicals fester on this vegetable as it has no protective skin and its stems cup inward, making it difficult to wash the entire surface of the stalk. It’s not easy to find locally grown celery, so if you like this crunchy veggie, go organic.

Peaches
Peaches are laced with 67 different chemicals, placing it second on the list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables. They have soft fuzzy skin, a delicate structure, and high susceptibility to most pests, causing them to sprayed more frequently.

Strawberries
This red, juicy fruit has a soft, seedy skin, allowing easier absorption of pesticides. Research showed that strawberries contained 53 pesticides. Try to buy strawberries at a local farmer’s market for a sweet dessert. (continue reading…)

Below is a great article about foods that that can help you have healthier skin. Enjoy!

15 Foods That Fight Breakouts

By Lucy Danziger, the Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine.

If you’re craving clear, smooth skin (and who isn’t?), you don’t have to spend a fortune on cleansers and creams. In fact, you might already have everything you need to battle blemishes in a surprising place: your fridge. Turns out, what you put in your mouth is as important as what you slather on your face when it comes to curing and preventing common complexion woes.

We all heard this advice as teenagers—to try to fight breakouts by swearing off french fries or chocolate chip ice cream (I know, painful then and now!). But researchers are beginning to hone in on exactly which foods have acne-fighting powers, and lucky for me, they happen to be some of my favorites (Nuts! Spinach!). So if it’s flawless skin you seek, don’t think about what you can’t eat—toss these yummy bites in your shopping cart and try SELF’s delicious recipes to be your most beautiful inside and out.

Nibbles with Zinc

My go-to snack, almonds are rich in zinc, which may help banish existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. The mineral works to reduce inflammation to shrink bumps, and it also slows sebum production to reduce shine and prevent more breakouts from forming. Munch on a handful, or toss them into a savory Almond-Pear Galette.

Great sources of zinc:

1. almonds
2. baked beans
3. beef
4. chickpeas
5. oysters
6. pumpkin seeds (continue reading…)

The following information is from Medicare.gov and is beneficial to those who are new to Medicare. This article will guide them through the actions they need to take in order to get the most from their Medicare benefits. 

New to Medicare? 6 Things You Need to Do

Use this checklist to get the most from your Medicare benefits and make sure your claims get paid quickly and correctly.

1. Fill out an Initial Enrollment Questionnaire
The Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ) should come in the mail about 3 months before you qualify for Medicare. It asks about other health insurance you have that might pay before Medicare does, like group coverage you have from your employer or through a family member, treatments covered under liability insurance, or workers’ compensation you get.

You must fill out and return this questionnaire to make sure your medical bills get paid correctly and on time. You can:
• Mail back the paper copy you got in the mail.
• Complete the questionnaire online at MyMedicare.gov
• Complete the questionnaire over the phone by calling the Coordination of Benefits Contractor at 1-800-999-1118. TTY users should call 1-800-318-8782.

2. Fill out an Authorization Form
Medicare can’t give personal health information about you to anyone unless you give permission in writing first. If you want your loved ones to be able to get information about your care, it’s a good idea to provide authorization in advance. You can do this in several ways:

• Fill out and submit an e-Authorization Form online: Medicare Online Forms.
• Download and complete a .PDF version of the Standard Authorization form: Medicare Online Forms. Mail the completed, signed form to Medicare BCC, Written Authorization Department, P.O. Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask for the Standard Authorization form to complete and mail in. Or, the CSR can help you complete the form over the phone, then mail the form to you to sign and return. (continue reading…)

The VSP Member Vision Card has been updated and can be found on the VSP website.  The Member Vision Card replaces the current generic Member Reference Card found on the website. VSP’s enhanced Member Vision Card is perfect for those of us that would like our vision insurance card in our wallet to remind us of important information regarding our vision plan!

The purpose of the card is to reduce vision benefit questions you may have and it contains personalized information, such as:

• Member name
• Coverage type (i.e., Member Only, Family, etc)
• Client ID number
• Doctor network name
• Co-pays

Since the card is personalized, only members can log in and print their own card. This enhanced card is a convenience for members and is not required when you visit your eye doctor for an exam.

Protected Health Information (PHI), such as the member ID number and date of birth, is not included on the card because if it was, members would be put at risk of identity theft if the card were to be lost or stolen. VSP is committed to protecting the privacy and security of their members and their information.

Log on now to print out your enhanced Member Vision Card! Log in to to VSP, or create a new account if you don’t have one already. Under “My Benefits” go to “Benefit Resources” and click on “Member Vision Card”. You will be asked to confirm your state of residence and once you do that, your card will appear and will be ready to print!

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The following information is provided by cdc.gov:

CDC urges women to take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant, to help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

About folic acid - Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Everyone needs folic acid.

Why folic acid is so important - Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (anencephaly and spina bifida) by 50% to 70%.

How much folic acid - a woman needs 400 micrograms (mcg) every day.

When to start taking folic acid- For folic acid to help prevent some major birth defects, a woman needs to start taking it at least one month before she becomes pregnant and while she is pregnant. Every woman needs folic acid every day, whether she’s planning to get pregnant or not, for the healthy new cells the body makes daily. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These – and other parts of the body – make new cells each day.

How a woman can get enough folic acid- There are two easy ways to be sure to get enough folic acid each day:

1. Take a vitamin that has folic acid in it every day. Most multivitamins sold in the United States have the amount of folic acid women need each day. Women can also choose to take a small pill (supplement) that has only folic acid in it each day. Multivitamins and folic acid pills can be found at most local pharmacy, grocery, or discount stores. Check the label to be sure it contains 100% of the daily value (DV) of folic acid, which is 400 micrograms (mcg).

2. Eat a bowl of breakfast cereal that has 100% of the daily value of folic acid every day. Not every cereal has this amount. Check the label on the side of the box, and look for one that has “100%” next to folic acid.

Fact Sheet  - Download and print this fact sheet.

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If you are vacationing just over the state line, across the country, or elsewhere in the world and experience a medical problem, you will be glad to know that ProtectPlus has you covered. The Anthem Blue Cross card that identifies you as a ProtectPlus subscriber is not only good for network coverage in California, it also represents your membership in BlueCard®, a national program through the BlueCross BlueShield Association that enables members of one Blue company to obtain healthcare services while traveling in another Blue company’s service area.

Boasting an impressive reach, this coverage extends to all 50 states and Puerto Rico, plus more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. So, you can enjoy your vacation at ease knowing that covered healthcare is within easy reach. Here are a few guidelines for making use of your coverage with the least hassle.

Always carry your ID card wherever you are traveling, and in any emergency go to the nearest hospital. If you don’t need emergency care but do need to see a doctor or visit a hospital before you return home, call the “Coverage while traveling” number on the back of your Anthem Blue Cross ID card for help in locating the provider nearest to you, or referral authorization. For travel in the US, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, you can also find participating provider information online (provider.bcbs.com).

Once at the hospital or doctor’s office, present your Anthem Blue Cross card. For services provided in the US, you shouldn’t have to complete claims forms or pay up-front for medical care other than your usual out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and copays. Anthem will send you a complete explanation of benefits.

If you are traveling out of the country and need emergency medical care, call, or have a family member or friend call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center collect (1-804-673-1177) as soon as you are admitted to a hospital. If you need nonemergency care, the service center will help you make an appointment with a doctor or facilitate your hospitalization at a network hospital. The center can help obtain cash-less access for inpatient care except for your usual out-of-pocket expenses. For outpatient care and/or services from a non-network hospital you may have to pay the provider and submit a claim form.

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5 Ways to Turn Back the Clock (www.prevention.com)

Nighttime is the right time to take years off your face

“Hormonal changes boost blood flow to the skin, brightening it overnight,” says Melvin Elson, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt School of Nursing. Skin temps are higher, too, so age-fighting potions seep deeper for better results. And even though you’re resting, your skin is hard at work. Studies show that cell turnover is 8 times faster at night, softening wrinkles.

On the flip side, as anyone who’s pulled an all-nighter can attest, the consequences—pasty-looking skin and dark circles—aren’t pretty. “Even worse, not getting the recommended 8 hours increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may slow collagen production, promoting wrinkles,” says Jyotsna Sahni, MD, a sleep medicine doctor at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. To maximize your beauty sleep, follow this routine nightly to wake up with the complexion of your dreams.

Wake Up to Better Skin
Your complexion works hard to repair itself while you rest. Here’s how to take advantage of this natural healing process.
By Patricia Curtis

1. Keep It Clean

Washing your face plays two important roles: it removes damaging dirt and makes your night cream work harder
Removing makeup, oil, and other impurities helps keep pores tight and skin blemish free. Anti-aging treatments can also penetrate deeper on a clean surface. For dry skin, look for a creamy cleanser; for acne-prone or oily skin, a gel formula. If your skin is sensitive, wait 10 minutes after cleansing before applying anti-agers. (continue reading…)

Whether or not you are eligible for COBRA or CalCOBRA depends on several factors. Please contact Infinisource at 800-594-6957 (Participant) or 866-320-3040 (Employers) for information specific to your coverage.

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