National trends show heart disease death rates are declining more slowly than they have in the past, especially among adults ages 35 to 64. In many communities across the U.S., death rates are actually increasing among adults in this age group. Not only are more younger adults dying of heart disease, but their rates of risk factors—such as physical inactivity, tobacco use, and hypertension—are also increasing. Is your heart age greater than your actual age? That may put you at risk for heart disease. Use CDC’s calculator to find your heart age.
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In honor of American Heart Month, take the Move With Heart pledge to be more physically active to benefit your heart health between now and March 2, 2018.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Watch this Go Red for Women video and learn how to fight heart disease.
Source: hhs.gov
Your sweetheart may have the key to your heart, but eating healthy and being physically active can be the key to a healthier heart. This Valentine’s Day, indulge your sweetheart with a heart-healthy gift or date. If you go out for a romantic dinner date, order one entrée to share. Many restaurant servings are enough for two – splitting will keep you from overdoing it. Read more tips for a healthful Valentine’s Day from the American Heart Association.
Resolutions to eat better, shed unwanted pounds and get healthier come and go. But somehow, when the mind is grappling with issues like challenging co-workers, child rearing or tough deadlines, the complimentary tortilla chips, bread basket or office candy bowl sometimes seem to empty themselves. When it comes to overeating, why does mindlessness sabotage our resolve and what can be done about it? Read More…
Source: heart.org
In today's digital world, it's easy to feel pressure to be available 24 hours a day. Establish some work-life boundaries for yourself. That might mean making a rule not to check email from home in the evening, or not answering the phone during dinner. Although people have different preferences when it comes to how much they blend their work and home life, creating some clear boundaries between these realms can reduce the potential for work-life conflict and the stress that goes with it. Get more tips on coping with stress at work from the American Psychological Association.
When you do use fats, choose monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. Read more about fats.
Source: heart.org
Want to prevent weightlifting injuries? See 7 tips for a safe and successful strength training program. Read More…
Source: health.harvard.edu
Curry powder, tart green apples, and fresh lime juice balance out the sweet raisins in this chicken salad. Read More…
Source: experiencelife.com
These peanut butter-pretzel truffles satisfy your craving for something sweet and salty. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
Each year during America Saves Week (February 26 to March 3), many people make an extra effort to save money. Started in 2007, America Saves Week is an annual opportunity for people to take a closer look at how they are saving in order to set themselves up for success in the year to come.
Bumping Up Your Savings
Fidelity recommends saving at least 15% of your annual earnings in your 401(k), including BMC matching contributions. But even putting away 1%, 3%, or 5% more can help you feel more confident about your plans for the future.
Take 1%, for instance. Like a rolling snowball, a 1% increase in your BMC 401(k) Plan contributions can build on itself and help impact your financial future. While 1% is a small percentage of your annual earnings, after 20 or 30 years it can make a big difference in your account balance when you retire. That’s because the longer you give your money a chance to grow, the better. And it works no matter how old you are—or how far off retirement is. Use the BMC Savings Tool to help you decide how much to contribute to the 401(k) and to help you maximize your 401(k) contributions, company matching contributions and catch-up contributions (if applicable).
Fewer Goals
According to Fidelity, most people are juggling competing financial goals, beyond saving for retirement. If you’re having trouble making progress toward your goals, consider shortening your list; people with fewer goals are more likely to feel “on track” toward meeting them.
Just Keep Saving
Saving for the future takes commitment and patience. The results are clear when you look at people who have been invested in their 401(k) for at least 15 years. These savers have seen their investments grow considerably, both because of new contributions and the growth of the market. Even the financial crisis of 2008-2009 did not stop their progress. Use the Fidelity Retirement Score Tool to see if your savings are on track.
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Watch this video from the Investment Company Institute to learn how to put your 401(k) plan through a “checkup” to help you maximize your savings.
We’re closing in on the half-way mark of the bWell Rocks Tour. To date, 262 participants are well on their way to rock-and-roll stardom, reaching Gold (Level 2) with 2,000 bWell points. Congratulations!
Visit mybmcwellness.com to sign up for the tour, check your progress, or sign up for a new challenge. Earn bWell points with these quick and easy challenges:
Most of us find it expensive to work out, make better food choices, or just take time to relieve stress, Blue365 can help. If you are enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan, you get access to over 9,500 gyms nationwide for only $25/month, enjoy discounts with Jenny Craig®, or save on online access to meditation classes with eMindful® — just to name. Please note: If you are enrolled in BMC dental and vision coverage, your benefits will be greater under those plans than the dental and vision discounts provided through Blue365.
Sign up for no-fuss emails: Be the first to know about the latest deals to hit Blue365. One email a week, no spam. Sign up here.
Two ways to save: Savings are just a few clicks away. Some deals will give you a coupon code instantly on the Blue365 site. This coupon code can be applied directly to a purchase on a vendor’s website or will provide a discounted option for a product or service. Other deals may take you to a vendor’s website directly to make a discounted purchase or enroll in a special discounted program instantly.
Register to win: Every month, anyone that registers on the Blue365 site will receive an entry into a drawing for $25 retail gift card. Read the Sweepstakes Official Rules PDF.
Watch a video or read the overview to learn more about all the Blue365 deals.
Navigating work relationships is a critical part of workplace success. Have you ever wished yours were more positive, fulfilling and less conflictual? Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, February 14, How to Minimize Conflict in Your Work Life, and learn practical, proactive strategies to improve and build healthier work relationships including valuing diversity, emphasizing listening, spending quality time, and not fearing issues and problems, but embracing them with acceptance and solutions. Space is limited so register now.
With some fairly simply planning, you can boost your financial well-being in 2018—especially since the IRS increased the 401(k) contribution limit. Individuals can now contribute $18,500 per year before tax (a $500 increase from 2017).
For the large majority of BMC employees who are enrolled in the HSA medical plan, the IRS annual contribution limit for HSA accounts also increased in 2018. Individuals can now contribute $3,450 per year (a $50 increase from 2017), while those with family coverage can sock away up to $6,900 (a $150 increase from last year). An HSA allows you to save money on a before-tax basis. Once you reach age 65, you can use that money anytime in the future on medical expenses; you’re never taxed on it. Plus, the account follows you if you change jobs —it’s tied to you, not BMC.
Tip: Understand what’s behind your financial decisions. If you ever wonder why you feel good about spending money on vacations but avoid saving for retirement, the answer may lie in your unique values and how they influence your financial decision-making. Consider taking the Life Values Quiz on smartaboutmoney.org to help understand how you spend your money.
Source: National Endowment for Financial Education
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