Have you ever felt like eating a piece of chocolate cake or a bag of chips after a stressful day at work? If so, you’re not alone. Studies show that stressful events activate systems associated with metabolism, cognition, and reward. Read More
Source: hopkinsmedicine.com
Near the end of each year, most of us are chomping at the bit, anxiously awaiting some much-needed downtime. As business slows down and responsibilities wane, people look forward to much-needed rest and rejuvenation. This break is also an opportunity to unplug. Read More
Source: talkspace.com
Try a few of these tips from the American Heart Association to build your willpower so you can keep positive habits going strong during the holidays.
We all love gadgets. Use a step counter to stay motivated to move. Have mini-challenges to keep yourself engaged. Find more tips on making the most of your step counter from WebMD.
Motivational fitness quote: "Excuses do not burn calories." Read more from steadystrength.com.
Don’t hesitate to access the BMC Employee Assistance Program if holiday blues are making everyday life difficult for you. You can obtain free helpful advice and counseling at any time. Log in to MagellanHealth.com/member to get started. When prompted, type in BMC’s toll-free EAP number, 1-800-327-1393.
These mini meatballs are made with a tasty mixture of ground turkey breast and pork. Each serving of six meatballs has under 200 calories. Read More
The red and white design makes these white chocolate and peppermint cookies especially colorful for holiday cookie trays and casual gatherings. Read More
Source: eatingwell.com
Three months down, 9 months to go! As of December 10, more than 1,000 people have joined the BMC wellness program, Destination bWell, to focus on their health and financial wellness and earn bWell points.
Visit mybmcwellness.com to sign up for Destination bWell, check your progress or see the variety of ways you can earn bWell points. During December, you can earn 150 bWell points for each of these challenges you complete:
You can join Destination bWell anytime. If you’ve recently registered to participate, watch this quick video to see how easy it is to use the new WellRight portal and mobile app. After you’ve registered at mybmcwellness.com, you can also watch the bWell Intro Webinar that provides an overview of all the WellRight features.
When the December holidays roll around, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the season. Hectic travel schedules and frenzied last-minute shopping can make the holidays more stressful than they need to be. So instead of getting caught up in what gifts to buy, spend some time thinking about how you can give back to those who may be less fortunate. After all, giving back is the best way to spread holiday cheer.
BMC provides two paid volunteer days each year for employees to work in their communities. Join the Volunteer Challenge this holiday season and help BMC reach the goal of 12,000 logged volunteer hours this fiscal year. The group with the highest average of volunteer hours per employee will win $10,000 to give to the charity of their choice. And don’t forget to track your volunteer hours. If you participate in the bWell program, you automatically receive 30 bWell points each month for tracking your Volunteer Time Off (VTO) in the tool.
For questions, send an email to the BMC Cares team.
Flu shots are hands-down your best defense against the flu. Even if you get a post-flu-shot case of the flu, it probably won’t pack as much of a wallop. Make sure you're up to date on any other vaccines you might need, too. Vaccines protect you and anyone in your life who's too young or too sick to get vaccinated.
Flu shots can be helpful for most people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests a yearly dose for those who:
Get Your No-Cost Flu Shot
Flu shots are 100% covered as preventive care under all BMC medical plan options. Don’t skip a visit to your doctor for the flu shot because you got it last year or because you don’t have time. It will take far less time out of your schedule to get the shot than you’ll spend recovering from the flu.
If you receive a flu shot through a retail pharmacy:
Have you been thinking about giving up tobacco? Why not start this New Year tobacco free? Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, December 12, Starting the New Year Tobacco Free and learn more about the benefits of quitting tobacco use, tips to help you quit, and how to develop an action plan to quit. Space is limited so register now.
Useful Links
Join Destination bWell and take a university course to learn how to tackle tobacco cessation. You can earn up to 300 bWell points for watching each short video on the topic.
Quitting tobacco can help you add years to your life. Smokers who quit before age 40 reduce their chance of dying too early from smoking-related diseases by about 90 percent. Check out the rewards of quitting tobacco.
Get 24/7 support with a Smokefree app for your smartphone.
Source: smokefree.gov.
As a new year begins, it’s a good time to think about making healthy changes in your life. While many people fail to stick with their New Year's resolutions for long, you can take a different approach for 2019. Start by thinking about what you really want to accomplish personally and professionally this year—then develop a measurable, achievable plan for progress.
You’ll have more powerful planning if you begin by plotting your goals against your core values. If you’ve identified potential goals that align with what you (and only you) value, you’ll have a better chance of success.
Source: Magellan Health
Useful Links
Therapists share the Keys to Creating Positive Change from PsychCentral.com.
More than 124 employees attended the first FEDTalk webinar on November 16, “Making the Most of Your Retirement Savings.” One lucky employee picked up 150 bWell points and an Apple watch for attending.
This webinar was the first in a series of FEDTalks, quarterly financial well-being workshops BMC hosts featuring Fidelity experts. Whatever your age or financial goals and challenges, these workshops are designed to help you better manage your finances, make smart financial decisions and save for retirement. Mark your calendars for the next FEDTalk on Tuesday, January 15 and on February 6, “Create a Budget, Ditch Your Debt, and Start Saving for the Future.”
Want to feel on top of things and in control of your money? Then take the time to give your finances a year-end checkup. Doing this before year-end gives you enough time to take steps to save on 2018 taxes and set up your investments for success in 2019—without putting a damper on your holiday cheer. Read More
Source: fidelity.com
Useful Links
Once December 31 passes, there is almost nothing you can do about your tax bill. A little planning now goes a long way. Read how to estimate your 2018 taxes from sensiblemoney.com
The BMC 401(k) Plan is one of the best ways to save and invest in your future. Of course, the advantages of a 401(k) come with lots of IRS rules, including an annual limit on how much you can contribute. If you contributed to the 401(k) plan at your last job, you need to track your savings carefully because both your contributions at BMC and your past employer count toward the IRS annual limit. If your savings in both plans exceed the IRS annual limit, you’ll pay stiff penalties.
Avoid Penalties at Tax Time
To avoid penalties for contributing more to your 401(k) plans than the IRS allows, you’ll need to track these amounts:
The 2018 IRS limits on 401(k) contributions are $18,500 or $24,500 if you are age 50 and above. For example, let’s say you are under age 50 and earlier this year you saved $8,000 in your 401(k) account at your last job. That means you can contribute only $10,500 to the BMC 401(k) Plan up to December 31, 2018.
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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