August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of immunizations for people of all ages. This month is also back-to-school season and the perfect time for parents to make sure their children are protected in the classroom with all the vaccines they need. Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule for all ages here.
Is someone in your family off to college this month? Take this CDC quiz to find out what vaccines they need.
Now that it’s August, some people get a little laid back about summer safety. But even in the “last innings” of this fun season, you need to be alert to risks. So keep your guard up against the sun and heat. When the temperatures gets above 80°F (27°C), consider the heat and humidity. Both can put you at risk for heat-related illness. Read More…
If you've been putting off your vacation, think again. With seven weeks left to the official end of summer, you could squeeze in some time off. Vacation can help you sleep better and be more productive, more relaxed, and healthier. A host of studies have highlighted the cardiovascular health benefits of taking a vacation too. Even missing one year's vacation was associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Read More…
Source: Inc.com
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Read how to overcome vacation anxiety and reclaim your leisure time from experiencelife.com.
You shouldn't be eating more than a teaspoon of salt per day, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). See if you can make a Chipotle meal without going over the AHA's ideal daily limit of sodium. Source: buzzfeed.com
A high-fiber diet can help lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and other disorders related to your digestive system. Source: BCBSTX
This recipe provides a sweet treat without added calories, and can help you cool off from the summer sun. Read More…
Source: cooperaerobics.com
An avocado half is the perfect vessel to serve tuna salad, creating a striking presentation. To prevent the corn salsa from tumbling off, it is mixed into the tuna. Read More…
Source: recipes.heart.org
And the winners of the 10 Great Escapes prizes for this year’s Mission Superheroes — drum roll please — will be announced in September! Congratulations to the more than 180 health superheroes who reached the Going Supersonic reward level and qualified for the prize drawings. Winners will choose from five epic trips or five awe-inspiring wellness experiences designed to excite, delight and recharge. Which superheroes will make a Great Escape?
While we patiently wait for the fall cool down, the BMC Benefits team is turning up the heat on projects. Mark your calendar for the launch of the next phase of the wellness program, financial wellness workshops and the fall headliner — annual benefits enrollment.
Wellness: The next phase of bWell, BMC’s wellness program, starts September 1, 2017. Hint: We take it on the road to help you become the star of your well-being journey. The new phase will include some rockin’ fun ways to achieve your health and wealth goals and include prizes worthy of superstars. Visit mybmcwellness.com starting September 1 to sign up for the new challenges.
Retirement: Retirement Week returns September 11 to 15 with Fidelity experts presenting in-person workshops in Houston, Austin, Santa Clara, and Tampa and seven webinars at various times throughout the week. Retirement Week is an annual event designed to help you learn how to rock your finances.
Benefits Enrollment: The U.S. Annual Benefits Enrollment will run from October 30 to November 10. Annual Benefits Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review your benefits and make any changes you need.
Watch your email and future issues of Benefits eNews for details.
Getting oil changes, stopping for gas and going through the car wash are the things you do without a second thought to keep your car in tip-top shape. So what are you doing for your teeth? According to the American Dental Association, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to taking care of the things you depend on most. Get the most mileage out of your mouth by using these strategies in your dental care routine. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, checkups are important because they can help prevent problems from developing and treat existing symptoms before they become more advanced.
The BMC Dental Plan covers three dental cleanings each calendar year at no cost to you—and there is no deductible for preventive cleanings. Now is a good time to use your dental benefits…. before back to school and everything else that gets in the way. Regular dental cleanings can significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Useful Links
Fear the dentist? The Cleveland Clinic says optimism and distraction can take the stress out of a visit.
The key to happiness may be elusive, but taking advantage of a few simple strategies can do a great deal to improve your everyday feelings of well-being.
Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, August 9, Cultivating Happiness: How to Create Your Own Happiness Regardless of What Life Throws at You. In this webinar, participants will learn about emotional intelligence, the power of positive thinking and methods and tools to grow your own personal sense of happiness. Space is limited so register now.
Useful Links
Come on, be happy! The American Psychological Association provides tips on improving your mood from happiness researchers.
Today’s world is fast-paced, complex and often unsettling. Many situations—and certainly the daily news—can cause feelings of worry. While most anxious reactions are normal and can help you avoid actual dangers, excessive worry can harm your health.If overwhelming feelings of worry are left unchecked, they can cause you not only to feel like you’ve lost control over your life, but can lead to serious health problems. If you’re feeling the impact of excess worry, remember that the BMC Employee Assistance Program offers a range of coping strategies and treatments. Read More...
Opening a savings account in a child’s name may seem like a really smart move, a way to give a little one a head start on a lifetime of thrift. However, it’s a decision that you might come to regret when college years approach.
Picking the wrong savings vehicle for your children's future college cash needs could cost them thousands in avoidable taxes and missed financial aid. Read More…
Source: bankrate.com
Think you’re saving enough for retirement? Some young people might be out-saving you. Nearly one in five workers born from 1981 to 1997, aka millennials, saves more than 15% of his or her salary for retirement, according to a 2016 analysis of 14.5 million 401(k) plan participants in plans managed by Fidelity.1 Read More…
1. Fidelity analysis of 22,100 corporate DC plans (including advisor-sold DC) and 14.5 M participants as of 12/31/2016.
Source: fidelity.com
MyBMC Rewards provides a snapshot of your pay, retirement benefits, health and insurance benefits and corporate programs. Visit MyBMC Rewards to:
Go online anytime or call 877-262-4849. Representatives are available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern time.
From enrollment reminders to important 401(k) information and benefits updates, you can be the first to know when your attention or action is required.
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