The NALC Health Benefit

Transcription

1 The NALC Health Benefit HBR Report Vol Fredric V. Rolando, President Brian Hellman, Director May Waverly Court Ashburn, VA Board of Trustees Michael J. Gill Lawrence D. Brown, Jr., Chairman Randall L. Keller

2 Director s Report Brisk Walks Best for Health Benefits You probably know that walking is a good, low-impact way to get exercise. The benefits of moderate physical activity to general health and well-being are well known. If you ask 10 people what moderate means, and you are likely to get 10 different answers. As it turns out from recent research into exercise behavior, half of those who think they are working out at a moderate level are not; they are not reaching the moderate-level of activity as measured by the amount of oxygen they take in. Researcher Simon J. Marshall, PhD, of the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, at San Diego State University says his study shows there is a good rule of thumb to help guide the public at least 100 steps in one minute on level ground is what s needed to reach moderate physical activity. Two simple tools are used to calculate the intensity of your walking workout: a pedometer and a wristwatch. The pedometer keeps track of the number of steps you take, and the watch keeps track of the time. Although widely used by walkers, pedometers cannot measure walking intensity. An otherwise healthy adult should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise every week. That breaks down to 30 minutes-a-day, or at least 3,000 steps per session, five days-a-week. While 100-steps-a-minute is a good target for healthy people, like those in the San Diego State University study, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program. It might be too strenuous for those just starting an exercise program or those with health conditions. 2

3 Healthcare Corner What exactly is a biometric screening? What do the numbers really mean? A biometric screening is an easy-to-perform health check that can identify problems in your cardiovascular and nervous system. This test allows you to work with a physician on any conditions that require attention. Likewise, a biometric screening gives you a green light when and where your numbers are good. They give you a quick, accurate picture of your health and starting point, from which you can measure your progress. Biometric screenings are a vital part of your health assessment that should become a part of your overall health management program. This screening is comprised of five important numbers. Blood Pressure: This is a report card on your heart s performance and an indicator of the condition of your arteries. Your reading will consist of two numbers; systolic and diastolic. Both are important. Cholesterol: Your cholesterol reading will have three numbers: LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and total cholesterol the combination of LDL and HDL and other lipid components. Triglyceride: Your triglyceride number measures the chemical form in which fat exists in your body. A high triglyceride level has been linked to higher risk of coronary artery disease; a desirable triglyceride number is 150 or lower. Glucose: You need to know how much glucose an important and necessary source of energy is in your blood. This number is important for detection of diabetes and other treatable medical conditions. Body Mass Index: Also known as BMI, this number is calculated from a person s weight and height. It s a reliable indicator of body fatness and can alert you to conditions that may lead to health problems. As a member of the NALC Health Benefit Plan, these biometric screenings are available to you at no cost as part of your Preventive Care, Adult benefit when you use a PPO provider to perform your covered lab services. You will have no out-of-pocket expense and you will not have to file a claim. Call NALC (6252) or visit to locate a PPO provider. 3

4 Wellness Autism: What You Need to Know Understanding the Condition to Help Your Children Do you have a child who you feel isn t developing normally, especially with communication and social skills? Or a child who seems to have developed fine, then started to regress before age three? Most parents already have a sense that something is different before they get a diagnosis of autism for their child. And the reaction when they hear the diagnosis is often one of helplessness, guilt, anger or depression. Or a thought of What did we do wrong? The first thing to do is to learn more, then focus on early treatment, along with support for your other children. What is Autism? Autism is the best known of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), a group of conditions that involve delayed or impaired communication and social skills, behaviors, and learning. Other PDDs include Asperger s syndrome, child disintegrative disorder and Rett s syndrome. Together, the PDDs are known as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Children who display symptoms of Autism should be evaluated by a doctor. No blood tests or brain tests (such as MRIs) can diagnose ASDs, although such tests might be done to check for other conditions that could cause the symptoms. Doctors may use questionnaires, educational and cognitive assessments, language assessments, or play and behavior assessments to help diagnose autism. What Causes Autism? Causes of autism are not yet well understood. Scientists believe they re complex brain biology problems, which might have a genetic basis like other conditions stemming from abnormalities in the chromosomes. Some studies have suggested that autism results from a host of causes, including food allergies, excessive amounts of yeast in the digestive tract, and exposure to environmental toxins. However, these theories aren t scientifically proven. The vast majority of scientific studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. It s also important to remember that autism is not caused by parenting or bad experiences. Helping Your Child There is no cure for autism; however, getting help early can make a big difference in how well your child builds skills and achieves self-sufficienc. Treatment should be personalized because every child has different needs, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. 4

5 For most children, the first e forts at treatment focus on communication problems, using speech and language therapy, with special attention to nonverbal communication. Individually tailored programs may include behavior modification, and educational interventions can help shape a child s behaviors and improve speech and communication. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA therapy) uses positive reinforcement and other principles to build communication, play, social, academic, self-care, work, and community living skills, as well as reduce behavioral problem behaviors. Medications may also be used to treat symptoms. Special diets and remedies may be promising, but have not been scientifically proven, so check with your child s doctor before you try one. Education Is Key Under federal law, autistic children are entitled to an education specific to their needs, and some states and local authorities provide services that go beyond this federal mandate. Here are some examples of programs you can check: Free preschool services starting at age three are available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These might be offered by your local school district, Intermediate Unit, or organizations such as Easter Seals and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Early intervention programs for children up to age three are also available through your state through IDEA. Once your child is of school age, your local school district can set up an individualized education plan (IEP) tailored specifically for your child. It s a good idea to work closely with your child s teachers to find out what rewards and behavior modification techniques help in th classroom, then use some of these at home for a consistent message. Some children may need more help if their symptoms are severe and they have difficult behavioral problems. These can include disability assistance through Social Security, special services through medical centers and physicians, and support services such as speech therapy. Watch for these early signs of autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms can range from severe to subtle. Here are a few to look for before age three. Trouble playing with or relating to others Avoiding eye contact Not pointing to objects to call attention to them Unusual movements, such as hand flapping, spinning or tappin Delays in developmental milestones or loss of milestones already achieved Playing with the same toy in a way that seems odd or repetitive Not using or understanding language Not exploring surroundings with curiosity or interest 5

6 If your child is older, additional signs include: being distracted by sensory input, going into a rage because of the texture or fit of clothing, and becoming terrified by certain sound Siblings Need Support Too! A child with autism affects the entire family. Brothers and sisters can feel resentful of the attention spent on the child with autism. They may be embarrassed by their sibling s behavior or worry that they may develop the symptoms. It s important to focus on your other children at the same time you re working to help your child with autism. When siblings are included, they can be helpful and develop nurturing skills. Provide siblings with information about ASD and what to expect with their sibling s behavior and development. Let them know how they can help. This will give them more positive feelings toward the situation and toward their sibling. Schedule time with siblings as well as with your child with autism. They need to know that they re still important to you. Give siblings time off from any extra responsibilities they ve been asked to take on. Consider a support group, that can help siblings cope with a sister or brother with ASD. 6

7 Seminar News Seminar Hotel Information The 31st National Health Benefit Seminar will be held at the Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort in Florida. The dates for the seminar are Sunday, October 20th through Wednesday, October 23rd. The NALC HBP room rate is $115 plus tax, per room, per night. You may go online now to or call (407) to make your room reservation, reserve Disney s Magical Express (this is cost-free transportation to and from the airport but you must make a reservation), and to explore specially priced theme park tickets. When making your reservation please mention if you need special accomodations. Disney has a limited number of special rooms available so please make your reservation early. Please note that these special rates are for reservations received by 5:00 PM (EST) on September 18, In addition, you will need to make a first night s deposit. Disney Disney s Magical Express Disney s Magical Express (DME) is a complimentary airport service between guests staying at a Walt Disney World Owned and Operated Resort Hotels and the Orlando International Airport. DME also includes complimentary luggage delivery service to the guest room for flights that arrive between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Guests arriving after 10:00 PM on either a scheduled or delayed flight will need to claim their luggage and bring it with them on the motorcoach Advanced reservations are required to use Disney s Magical Express. How do you book a DME reservation? You may go online to or call (407) to reserve Disney s Magical Express. NOTE: room reservations need to be made before a DME reservation can be made. Prior to arrival at Orlando International Airport Pre-tagged luggage (United States and Canada). For guests in the United States and Canada, approximately one week prior to departure for Orlando your Disney s Magical Express (DME) booklet with 1 luggage tag per person should arrive at the address provided. The DME luggage tag should be placed on the luggage bag that will be checked at the airport. NOTE: reservations made less than 10 days prior to arrival will not receive a DME booklet. The guests should collect their own luggage and proceed to the Disney Welcome Center located on the B Side on Level 1. 7

8 Sunday, October 20 Registration 31st National Health Benefit Plan Seminar Disney Coronado Springs Resort October 20 23, 2013 Noon 6:00 pm North Registration DRAFT SCHEDULE (Subject to change) Tuesday, October 22 Fun Walk 7:00 7:30 am Will begin at Casidas Courtyard Office/Claims Inquirie Noon 4:30 pm Cancun Continental Breakfast 8:00 9:00 am Coronado K Health Fair Meet & Greet Monday, October 21 Registration Continental Breakfast Claims Inquiries/ Vendors General Session & Awards Presentation* Morning Break Training Classes (or Special Feature Prog) Luncheon* Noon 4:30 pm Coronado L 4:30 6:00 pm Location TBD Claims Inquiries/ Vendors Training Classes Morning Break DRAFT 8:00 9:00 am North Registration 8:00 9:00 am Coronado K 7:30 8:45 am 12:00 1:00 pm 4:30 5:30 pm Cancun & Baja 9:00 10:55 am Coronado L 10:15 10:30 am (Outside Coronado L) 11:05 am - Noon Coronado L Noon 1:00 pm Coronado K Lunch Break Training Classes Afternoon Break Training Classes CLOSING RECEPTION Wednesday, October 23 Fun Walk 7:30 9:00 am 12:00 1:00 pm 4:30 5:15 pm Cancun & Baja 9:00 am Noon (See Seminar Badges for Rooms) 10:30 10:45 am (Outside Classrooms) Noon 1:00 pm (On your own) 1:00 2:30 pm (See Seminar Badges for Rooms) 2:30 2:45 pm (Outside Classrooms) 2:45 4:30 pm (See Seminar Badges for Rooms) 6:30 9:30 pm Location TBD 7:00 7:30 am Will begin at Casidas Courtyard Training Classes Afternoon Break 1:00 4:30 pm (See Seminar Badges for Rooms) 3:00 3:15 pm (Outside Classrooms) *Awards will be presented during the General Session with pictures afterwards. If you have a guest that would like to see you receive an award they are invited to sit in the back of the room. We will still provide lunch on Monday for Seminar registrants. Continental Breakfast Claims Inquiries Speakers Morning Break Training Classes 8:00 9:00 am Coronado K 8:00 11:00 am Cancun 9:00 10:50 am Coronado L 10:50 11:05 am (Outside Coronado L) 11:05 am Noon (See Seminar Badges for Rooms)

9 NALC Health Benefit Plan 31st National Health Benefit Seminar October 20 23, 2013 Disney s Coronado Springs Resort REGISTRATION FEE: $ Please complete a SEPARATE form for each Registrant Name: Title: Branch #: Number of Years HBR: Branch City: Number of Seminars Attended: Mailing Address for Confirming Your Registration: Street: City: State: Zip: Daytime Phone: Home Phone: Address: Arrival Date: Departure Date: Guest tickets must be purchased and payment included with this form (please indicate the # of tickets needed): Meet & Greet (Sun.) $45 Cont. Breakfast $30 (per day) Lunch (Mon.) $45 Reception (Tues.) $75 Registration Fee Includes: All Seminar Materials Health Fair (During Registration) Continental Breakfast (Mon, Tues, Wed) Sunday Meet and Greet Monday Lunch Tuesday Closing Reception Please make the Registration Fee ($100.00) payable to the NALC Health Benefit Plan. The Registration Fee must accompany this form. (We are sorry, but the NALC HBP cannot accept Credit Card payments for the Registration Fees.) Mail registration form with your check to: QUESTIONS??? Please Call (703) NALC Health Benefit Pla ATTN: 2013 Seminar Waverly Court Ashburn, Virginia Special Dietary Needs (Luncheon):

10 Walk Registration Form Join Us for a Fun Walk Come out and walk! New for the Seminar, this year we will be hosting a Fun Walk. Join us on Tuesday, October 22nd and Wednesday, October 23rd at 7:00am by the Casidas Courtyard. We can all walk together to improve our health and get some fresh air. Don t forget comfortable walking shoes. In addition, you will be entered to win fun prizes for participating in the walk! Please complete the registration form below and mail back to the Plan. Please check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine to make sure it is safe for you. If you are not able to walk, we would love for you to join us in the courtyard to cheer on everyone. You must complete the information below to participate in the walk. The deadline to register for the walk is October 1, Name: Branch # Waiver and Release: I wish to participate in the NALC Health Benefit Plan Fun alk. I understand that submission of the registration form is acceptance of this Waiver and Release and is a prerequisite for participation in this Event. I agree to assume all risks and to release and hold harmless the NALC, the NALC Health Benefit Plan and the Disney properties. I acknowledge that I am physically capable of participating in and completing this Event. 10 Disney

11 HBR Award Certificat IMPORTANT If you are planning to attend this year s seminar in Florida and have been the Branch Health Benefit Representative for 10, 20, 30 years or longer and have not received a recognition award at any of our previous HBP Seminars, please fill out the form below and mail it to the NALC Health Benefit Plan Attention: HBP Seminar, Waverly Ct., Ashburn, VA by September 1, 2013 in order to receive an award. HBR Award Recognition Form I have been an HBR for 10, 20, 30 years or longer and I will be at the 31st National Health Benefit Seminar in Florida. I have not received a recognition award from the NALC Health Benefit Plan for the years of service indicated belo. Name: Branch: Street: City/State/Zip: Contact number: I have been the Branch HBR for years. 11

12 NALC Health Benefit Pla Waverly Court Ashburn, VA The NALC Health Benefit Plan HBR Report May 2013 Fun Walk Don t forget to register for the Fun Walk at the 31st National NALC Health Benefit Plan Seminar in October! This is a positive step towards improving our health. Please see the enclosed registration form for additional information. If you are not able to participate we would love for you to come out to cheer on everyone. NALC Health Benefit Pla NALC Recorded Benefit Informatio NALC Prescription Drug Program NALC Caremark SPS OAP Network Providers NALC Precertification NALC Fraud Hot Line NALC Mental Health / Substance Abuse