Whether you’re on vacation, working in your yard or playing outdoor sports, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays is important. July is UV Safety Month, and we have tips to help safeguard your skin.
Protect All the Skin You’re In
A new CDC study found that most Americans don't use sunscreen regularly. Read the sun protection strategies that work.
What’s Your Sun Safety IQ?
Sun safety is not just for vacation. Are you sun-safe every day? Take the American Cancer Society’s 9-question quiz and find out.
Keep it Covered to Prevent Skin Cancer
In the last 30 years, people between the ages of 40 and 60 are seeing the largest increase in melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, says BCBSTX. Read More…
Walking 30 minutes a day five days a week might be better for your health than going on a diet. Recent studies run counter to the prevailing wisdom that weight is a marker of health; rather, they suggest that you’re better off being fit–no matter what the scale says. Dr. Bob Sallis shares his opinion about the benefits of walking in this short video.
Source: Everybodywalk.org
Here are three quick tips to make it easier for you to use nutrition labels to make informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet.
Source: FDA.gov
Antipasti Pasta Salad: This healthy antipasti pasta salad has all the flavors of antipasto—salami, Provolone and pepperoncini—tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette and whole-wheat pasta. For the best flavor, combine the pasta salad with the dressing about 1 hour before serving. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
Gazpacho: Here is a super refreshing Spanish Simple Cooking with Heart recipe that is great during the hot summer months when you don't feel like heating up the kitchen. It's low in calories, chock full of vitamins—plus it's a great way to enjoy summer fresh veggies! Read More…
Source: American Heart Association
Find more chilled soup recipes from Eating Well.com.
Congratulations to the 145 BMCers who had earned 5,000 points by July 28 and reached Level 3 “Leading the Pack” status. This elite group is eligible for the upcoming drawing for one of the ‘10 in 2015’ fabulous bWell prizes. Prizes include five, all-inclusive VIP trips to a five-star wellness resort. We’ll announce the lucky prize winners in the August issue of Benefits eNews.
As of July 28, 2015, 930 BMC bWell participants had achieved a reward level:
What’s Next?
Watch for an email in September with details on how you can join the next phase of bWell or keep your healthy mojo going with exciting new challenges and prizes. Hint: We’re making it easier than ever to participate in bWell.
The Well on Target SM Fitness Program is waiving the $25 enrollment fee for the month of August, making it easy to join a gym, get fit and feel good.
What is the Fitness Program?
The Fitness Program, offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), gives you unlimited access to a nationwide network of more than 8,000 participating facilities for one low monthly fee. Work out where you want, when you want—close to home or work, or on vacation.
Other Features of the Fitness Program:
Join the Program
Log in to Blue Access for MembersSM (BAM) and click "Fitness Program" in the Quick Links section.
If you have questions or prefer to enroll by phone, call 888-762-BLUE (2583) Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in any continental U.S. time zone.
Useful Links
Learn more about the Fitness Program
Your time is precious and resolving a complex benefits or health care issue can add extra stress to your deadline-driven day. That’s where Personal Advocacy can help. If you have an issue with your BMC benefits that you have been unable to resolve on your own, Personal Advocacy can assist you with your questions. Advocates are on hand to help you:
Confidential and No Cost
Help is a phone call away. Peronal Advocacy is a confidential service provided as part of your BMC benefits program at no cost to you and your family members. Advocates can make calls to insurance companies and doctor’s offices and other providers on your behalf giving you time to focus on other priorities at work and at home. When you call Personal Advocacy, you are assigned an advocate to work with you until your issue is resolved, usually within one to five days.
You can contact Personal Advocacy at 1-877-BMC-4849. Advocates are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time. When you call, enter your ID and password and select Your Benefits Resources. To learn more about Personal Advocacy Services, login to My BMC Compensation & Benefits and select Other Benefits>Personal Advocacy.
School supplies and lunch boxes on store shelves are a sure sign that it’s almost time for kids to head back to school. Start the school year off right. Use these resources and health-related tips to prepare for and work through the transition of your school-aged children from summer break to the classroom:
Useful Links
BMC Benefits and Your College-Bound Teen [July 2014 Benefits eNews]
For a limited time, receive an extra $40 to spend on top of your $200 frame allowance when you select a bebe®, Calvin Klein, Flexon®, or Nike frame. Simply select a featured brand in your VSP doctor’s office and the $40 is automatically applied to your purchase. This offer is available for purchases made August 1 through December 31, 2015.
It’s common for people to attempt to pull off a fairly heroic array of accomplishments each day. But when unexpected duties or events complicate your already long to-do list, it’s easy to feel like you managed only to wear yourself out by day’s end.
Your Magellan EAP invites you to a life webinar, “Improving Work Habits for a Better Work-Life Balance.” You’ll receive practical techniques for getting more balance into your day, including tips for staying focused on your priorities.. Space is limited, so please be sure to register now.
Log On and Learn!
Can’t attend the webinar? Look for Work-life balance on the Magellan member website under the Library/In the Spotlight section. The site offers many resources to help keep you well and in balance. (When prompted, type in BMC’s toll-free EAP number, 1-800-327-1393).
You’re working hard for your money and you’d like your family to enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the coming years. Preparing for your family’s future, however, means more than investing your 401(k) to achieve growth and stability. For many people, it also involves purchasing the right amount of life insurance during their working years. Read More…
Source: Fidelity.com
Useful Links
Try Life Happens’ calculator to estimate your life insurance needs.
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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BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
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BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesFind FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.