For those who’ve been diagnosed, diabetes impacts nearly every decision they make daily—from what they'll eat, wear, do and how they’ll take care of themselves. This year’s theme for American Diabetes Month is “Everyday Reality.” This campaign is intended to demonstrate the everyday reality of diabetes from the point of view of people living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes. Read More…
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According to Diabetes Forecast magazine, a 2016 study showed that both stress and depression boost the risk for chronic health problems and reduce the health benefits of eating well. Read More…
Stress can be a positive force that motivates you to build new skills and become a more creative problem solver. But when it becomes overwhelming, stress can have serious health consequences. The ways you choose to manage stress can either make you healthier and more resilient or lead to even more troubling health problems. Read about some common stress busters to avoid and their healthier counterparts. Read More…
Source: mdlive.com
Grateful people are happy people, research shows. But how grateful are you? To find out—and discover steps for promoting even more gratitude in your life—take this quiz, which is based on a scale developed by psychologists Mitchel Adler and Nancy Fagley. When you’re done, you'll get your gratitude score, learn more about the benefits of gratitude, and find resources for cultivating more gratitude in your life.
Source: greatergood.berkely.edu
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Skip the hassle of making a full pie crust (and skip all the extra carbs too). These little apple pies are baked in hollowed out shells of apples, topped with a pie crust lattice, and baked until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Read More…
A wonderful kale salad with roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts features a special vinaigrette dressing and a topping of toasted hazelnuts and Parmesan cheese. You’ll be proud to serve this gourmet treat at any formal meal. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
It’s time to enroll in your benefits! Now through Nov. 9, read about the changes for 2019 and get reminders at mybmcbenefits.com, then head over to the My BMC Compensation & Benefits website to review your current coverage and see if it still meets your needs and budget.
BMC will offer the same medical, dental, and vision options for 2019. Medical and dental copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums will also stay the same. While there are just a few changes to your BMC benefits for next year, we continue to focus on providing quality health care and tools that encourage healthy behaviors and wise use of health care resources.
If You Don’t Enroll by Friday, November 9
Even if you are happy with your current coverage, we encourage you to review your enrollment elections this year.
If you do not enroll by November 9, 2018, your 2018 benefit elections will carry over to 2019, except:
Sign up for Text Alerts
Sign up to receive text alerts and never miss an important benefits update. 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. Sign up now. (You will need to create and user name and password.)
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If you’re considering enrolling in the Group Prepaid Legal Plan or Pet Insurance Plan during enrollment, watch these short videos to learn more about these valuable benefits: Pet Insurance video or Group Legal Plan video.
As of October 31 more than 315 people visited the first Destination bWell virtual destination – The Great Wall of China. Congratulations to all virtual travelers who collectively climbed more than 140,766 steps to date as part of the Great Stairwall Climb. Employees who climbed at least 476 flights during the month-long competition will receive 350 bWell points.
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.
BMC employees have access to the Bright Horizons Backup Care Advantage Program, which includes both back-up child care and adult/elder care. The BackUp Care Advantage Program provides you with high-quality center-based and in-home care options for those days when your regular care arrangements fall through. All care providers are screened and carefully selected from high-quality child care centers and experienced in-home care agencies. Program benefits include:
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Are you one of 90 million in the U.S. providing care to a loved one? Do you have a story to tell? November is #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth. @CaregiverActionNetwork has info, resources, and stories to help you #SuperchargeYourCaregiving. Read More…
According to Healthgrades.com, polling data show that most Americans–70% in fact–don’t feel the need to seek a second doctor’s opinion. That says a lot about our confidence in our doctors. However, a 2017 Mayo Clinic study showed that 88% of people who went for a second opinion received a different or refined diagnosis from their first one. Read More…
When you're faced with a medical decision, consider contacting Best Doctors. Best Doctors is a free, confidential, easy-to-use BMC benefit that provides you and your family with answers from top-rated medical specialists.
Best Doctors Answers Common Questions
Do You Share Information about My Case?
Best Doctors does not tell BMC or your insurance company about your case or your call. We don’t share your information with anyone, not even your doctor unless you give us permission.
Do These Services Cost Me Anything?
No. Best Doctors is included at no charge in your employee benefits package. There are no network or geographic restrictions.
How Does Best Doctors Work with My Doctor?
We only share our findings with you. If you would like us to share our InterConsultation® report with your treating physician, we are happy to do so with your authorization.
Do I Have to Follow Your Expert’s Recommendations?
No. The information you receive from Best Doctors is intended to help you make informed decisions regarding your diagnosis or treatment plan. You remain in full control of your next step(s).
See the Benefits Guide to learn more about your Best Doctors benefits.
Some believe there is no need for estate planning until they reach a certain age. Others believe it’s only for the wealthy. The truth is that it’s wise for everyone to start the estate planning process as early as possible. The benefits of estate planning include: ensuring affairs will be properly taken care of, defusing potential family conflicts over assets, specifying who will care for minor children, and minimizing estate and other transfer taxes. Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, November 14, Estate Planning; Financial Basics and learn more about the benefits of proactive estate planning. Space is limited so register now.
Planning for how to handle an unexpected event such as sudden death, a traumatic accident or illness probably isn’t top-of-mind for you most days, but it is an important task. Establishing an estate plan with specific instructions is crucial to ensuring that your loved ones know your wishes and can execute on them.
Benefits of having an estate plan include:
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Even if you're unmarried and without dependents, you should still have a will. Read Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan from Kiplinger.
Read the top 5 frequently asked questions about wills from Legal Zoom.
For many people, creating an estate plan is a task that routinely gets pushed to the bottom of the pile. Some assume that estate plans are only for the wealthy. Others may simply want to avoid thinking about some of the tough topics estate planning entails. Whatever the reason, more than half of Americans don't even have a basic will, according to a 2017 survey. Read More…
Source: fidelity.com
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The BMC Group Prepaid Legal Plan covers the cost of basic will preparation. See the Benefits Guide to learn more about plan benefits or visit legalplans.com or call Hyatt Legal at 1-800-821-6400.
BMC and Fidelity will host the workshop “Making the Most of Your Retirement Savings” on Friday, November 16 at 1 p.m. Central time.
During the workshop you’ll learn:
Employees who attend the workshop, either virtually or onsite in Houston and Santa Clara, will earn 150 bWell points and receive a chance to win a set of Apple Air Pods wireless headphones.
Mark your calendar and watch your email for details to sign up.
If you need additional guidance on your personal finance or saving for retirement, call a Fidelity retirement expert at 1-866-546-4424.
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.
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