2005 - Summer by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Summer 2005

Keeping

Kids

Healthy

Now you can compare hospital quality measures, p. 21

E-mail Customer Service The Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas Web sites have a link under “Customer Service” and at the bottom of every page for e-mailing Customer Service directly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our customer service representatives will respond to your e-mails in writing or through a telephone call within two business days. Many members prefer to use this service to contact us after business hours or on weekends, and it does help us to respond in a timely manner. If you have a complicated request or question, a customer service representative may call you for more information. All incoming and outgoing telephone calls are recorded for quality monitoring purposes. ❊

We’re here to serve you Nine ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses The results of a recent member satisfaction survey showed us that our customers would like to know how to hold down out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to health insurance. Following are nine ways to help you reduce your expenses:

1. Select a policy with a higher deductible. A policy with a higher deductible will reduce your monthly premium. It also will serve as an incentive for you to be a wiser purchaser of health-care services and provide incentive for you to take better care of yourself to avoid paying the higher deductible. Please refer to our Web sites for information or call us for details about our many beneﬁt plans with deductible options. (Web site addresses and telephone numbers are listed on the opposite page). 2. Use the health information in Blue & You magazine and check out the coverage policy information and wellness discounts available along with links to additional health information on our Web sites. 3. When you do need health-care services, be an active participant when visiting with your health-care provider about your treatment, medication alternatives and ways you can improve your health status. 4. While you do have choices in selecting your health-care provider, we recommend that you use in-network providers to lower your outof-pocket expenses. 5. Use emergency services at your local hospital for actual emergencies only, not just because it is convenient. 6. Review medical bills to be sure the health-care provider has billed your health insurance company, check that all services on the bill actually were provided, pay your bills as promptly as possible to avoid any late charges, if applicable, and track your payments because they may be eligible for a tax deduction. 7. Follow your health-care provider’s advice on better health for you and your family, and get regular checkups from your health-care provider. 8. Use the self-service tools My BlueLine or My Blueprint to periodically check the status of your policy and any claims. 9. Respond as quickly as possible to any requests for information about coordination of beneﬁts, dependent status, accidents, etc. Blue & You Summer 2005

Respond as quickly as possible to any requests for information about coordination of beneﬁts, dependent status, accidents, etc.

is published four times a year by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the company’s members, health-care professionals and other persons interested in health care and wellness. Vice President of Advertising and Communications: Patrick O’Sullivan Editor: Kelly Whitehorn — BNYou-Ed@arkbluecross.com Designer: Gio Bruno Contributors: Chip Bayer, Tammi Bradley, Janice Drennan, Damona Fisher and Kathy Luzietti

Customer Service Numbers Category

Little Rock Number (501)

Toll-free Number

State/Public School Employees

378-2364

1-800-482-8416

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance plans for individuals and families 378-2010

1-800-238-8379

Arkansas Blue Cross Group Services 378-3070

1-800-421-1112

BlueCard®

378-2127

1-800-880-0918

Federal Employee Program (FEP)

312-7931

1-800-482-6655

Health Advantage

378-2363

1-800-843-1329

BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

378-3600

1-888-872-2531

Pharmacy Customer Service: Arkansas Blue Cross Health Advantage BlueAdvantage Specialty Rx Medi-Pak (Medicare supplement) Medicare (for beneficiaries only): Part A (hospital benefits) Part B (physician benefits)

1-800-863-5561 1-800-863-5567 1-888-293-3748 1-866-295-2779 378-3062

1-800-338-2312

1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227)

For information about obtaining coverage, call: Category

Little Rock Number (501)

Toll-free Number

Medi-Pak (Medicare supplement)

378-2937

1-800-392-2583

Health insurance plans for individuals and families

378-2937

1-800-392-2583

Inside

this issue Summer 2005 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Regional Ofﬁce locations are: Central, Little Rock; Northeast, Jonesboro; Northwest, Fayetteville; South Central, Hot Springs; Southeast, Pine Bluff; Southwest, Texarkana; and West Central, Fort Smith.

Customers who live in these regions may contact the regional ofﬁces or call the appropriate toll-free telephone numbers above.

27 28

Web sites:

www.ArkansasBlueCross.com www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com

29 30 31 32

Blue Comes Through Does your child have a cold … or allergies? Hand washing should be a habit! Does my child have strep throat? Tonsils and adenoids: What are they good for? Ear infections: An insider’s view Fever: Is it really such a bad thing? Protect your children: Keep your home smoke-free Is it broken or sprained? Summertime troubles Summer activity first-aid kits New food pyramid makes debut Growth charts are guidelines … not gospel Help your child maintain a healthy weight Healthy treats for kids Children can benefit from the Healthy Weigh! program Healthy teeth will bring a smile to your child Vision Quest: Arkansas law requires vision screenings What is 20/20 vision? Bed-wetting and urinary tract infections BLUEINFO: Three tools to get the info you need How to access HealthConnect Blue Not all screenings are good for you Compare hospital measures through My Blueprint New Medicare Part D drug benefit available in 2006 Out-of-Area coverage through the BlueCard program Medical intervention news: How accurate is the info? Financial Information Privacy Notice Blue & You Foundation issues fourth annual call Recognized benevolence New discounts for members Three new members elected to Board of Directors New regional executives named 2005 finalists do get the “Don’t Start” Smoking message Two Arkansas Blue Cross board members honored Fay Boozman remembered New “BlueAnn Rocks” spots with Fitness and Safety topics Looking for summer fun for kids? Join the Club! Arkansas Fitness Challenge spreads out and gets recognized Blue & Your Community Blue Online

Blue & You Summer 2005

Does your child have a cold … or allergies? Colds The common cold usually is mild, with symptoms lasting one to two weeks, but it is the leading cause of doctor visits and of school and job absenteeism. In a year, Americans suffer through one billion colds, according to some estimates. Colds are most prevalent among children who on average have about six to 10 colds per year. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Some of these viruses, such as parainﬂuenza and respiratory syncytial virus, produce mild infections in adults but can precipitate severe lower respiratory infections in young children. Colds commonly are spread by touching infectious respiratory secretions on skin, and by inhaling secretions released by others who are coughing and sneezing.

Colds are not caused by forgetting to wear a jacket or sweater when it’s chilly, sitting or sleeping in a draft or going outside while your hair’s wet. Common symptoms of the “common” cold include nasal discharge, obstruction of nasal breathing, sore throat, cough and headache. Fever usually is slight but can climb to 102 degrees in children. Colds occasionally can lead to secondary bacterial infections of the middle ear or sinuses, requiring treatment with antibiotics. However, antibiotics do not kill viruses, and viruses cause colds. The best way to “cure” the common cold is to get plenty of bed rest and drink plenty of ﬂuids, apply saltwater (saline) drops in the nostrils to relieve nasal congestion, apply petroleum jelly for a raw nose, use a cool-mist humidiﬁer to increase air moisture, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on recommended dosage for age or weight. NEVER give aspirin to a child under 12 years of age, and all children and teens under age 19 should avoid aspirin during viral illnesses.

Allergies An allergy is basically an overreaction of the immune system. If you have allergies, you probably have a sensitive immune system that always is on the alert for allergens. For most children, an allergen is a harmless substance. A good example is pollen, which often is in the air during the spring and fall seasons, which causes the immune system of those with allergies to react as if the substance were harmful. If the allergen is in the air, the allergic reaction will occur in the eyes, nose and lungs. If the allergen is ingested, the reaction will occur in the mouth, stomach and intestines. If the allergen touches the skin, the reaction will be noticeable on the skin. Your child’s doctor probably will suggest ways to stay away from the allergen or prescribe a medication. Allergy medication often can be in the form of pills, liquids or even nose sprays. If your child’s allergies

Blue & You Summer 2005

Antibiotics do not kill viruses, and viruses cause colds. Unfortunately, shots and medicine don’t help with food allergies. People with food allergies have to learn to avoid any foods that have the ingredients they’re allergic to. You can help your child learn to read the ingredients on food labels. Luckily, many kids outgrow allergies to milk and eggs. But allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and seafood often last.

Difference between colds & allergies Sometimes it’s difﬁcult to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy because the symptoms can be similar. If your cold symptoms last more than two weeks, you might have an allergy instead of a cold. There are obvious differences between colds and allergies. With allergies, your nose and eyes itch. Colds don’t itch. Additionally, the mucus that comes from your nose or that you cough up is different. With allergies, it’s clear; with colds, it’s usually yellowish and thick. ❊ Sources: National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and www.KidsHealth.org, The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and www.WebMD.org aren’t too bad or if your child can avoid the allergen completely, the medicine may not be needed. If symptoms don’t improve by staying away from allergens and taking medicines, an allergist might recommend allergy shots.

Hand washing should be a habit!

and washing is a simple way to help your child avoid colds (and other illnesses).

Washing hands gets rid of the germs your child may have picked up from other people, pets and contaminated surfaces. Every day your child picks up germs by stroking the family pet or grabbing door handles, and then your child may infect him- or herself by touching the eyes, mouth or nose. In fact, that’s how most of us catch colds and pass the virus on to the next person. Next thing you know, everyone is getting sick. Good hand washing is the ﬁrst line of defense against the spread of many illnesses — and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, inﬂuenza, hepatitis A and most types of infectious

diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of hand washing.

How to wash hands Here are some simple steps for scrubbing away germs. Demonstrate this routine to your child — or better yet, wash your hands with him or her several times a day. • Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn’t necessary — any soap will do). Make sure you get “inbetween” places like between the ﬁngers and under the nails (where uninvited germs like to hang out). Don’t forget the wrists! • Rinse and dry well with a clean towel. • And, ﬁnally, hands should be washed often (after using the rest room, after playing outside, before dinner, after playing with the family pet, etc.). ❊ Sources: National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and www.KidsHealth.org, The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and www.WebMD.org

Blue & You Summer 2005

Does my child have strep throat? I

n the middle of your early-morning rush to get the family out the door, your little one says, “My throat hurts.” You hope it’s just a sore throat, but what if it’s strep throat?

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and tonsils. The tissues become irritated and inﬂamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat. It’s caused by infection with Group A streptococci bacteria, and if your child has developed strep throat, you’ll know within one to three days.

throat or simply a sore throat. During the visit, the doctor will look into your child’s mouth to see if his or her throat is red and if the tonsils are swollen and covered with white or yellow spots. Also, the doctor may do one or two tests. The doctor can do a rapid strep test to check for strep bacteria by rubbing a cotton swab over the back of your child’s throat. With this test, the doctor may be able to ﬁnd out in less than one hour if your child has strep throat. If the ﬁrst test doesn’t prove anything, then the doctor may do a longer test called a throat culture, in which a swab from your child’s throat will then be rubbed on a special dish and left to sit for two nights. If your child has strep throat, streptococci bacteria will usually grow in the dish within the next one to two days. To treat strep throat, the doctor will prescribe 10 days of treatment with an antibiotic. Your child’s temperature should be back to normal within 24 hours, and the other symptoms should start to subside by the second or third day.

While your child is recovering, give him or her plenty of cool liquids to prevent dehydration. However, avoid orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade or other acidic beverages because these will irritate the throat. Warm liquids like soups, tea with honey or cocoa can be soothing. If it is strep throat, your child’s throat may be red with white patches, and he or she may have trouble swallowing or have tender, swollen glands (lymph nodes) on the sides of the neck, toward the front. Usually the tonsils are red and enlarged. There also may be white craters or specks of pus on the tonsils, or the tonsils may be covered with a gray or white coating. Other signs include: • • • • • • • •

Headache Abdominal (lower stomach) pain Fever General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling Loss of appetite and nausea Muscle pain Joint stiffness Rash The bacteria that cause strep throat tend to hang out in the nose and throat, so normal activities like sneezing, coughing or shaking hands can easily scatter the strep infection to other people. This is why it’s so important to remind little ones to wash their hands as often as possible — good hygiene can lessen their chances of getting contagious diseases like strep throat. A visit to the doctor will conﬁrm whether your child actually has strep

Blue & You Summer 2005

Usually your child will be contagious for about 24 hours after treatment starts. Therefore, it’s important to stay home for at least 48 hours, until the antibiotics have had a chance to work. Your child should begin feeling much better by the third day, and your doctor will instruct you about the best time to send him or her back to school. ❊ Sources: www.WebMD.org, www.KidsHealth.org and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Within two weeks after tonsillectomy/ adenoidectomy surgery, your child should be back to normal. Tonsils Tonsils are two lumps of tissue that work as germ catchers for the body. Sometimes germs simply like to live on the tonsils, causing infections. In other words, tonsils often cause more problems than they solve. Sometimes they even get in the way of breathing. If your child’s tonsils often are sore and infected (tonsillitis) despite the use of antibiotics or your child’s tonsils are making it hard for your child to breathe at night, your child’s doctor may suggest removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy). After this surgery, your child won’t have as many sore throats; and if your child were having trouble breathing, that problem will go away, too.

Adenoids Adenoids are lumpy clusters of spongy tissue in the back of the nose above the roof of the mouth. Adenoids get bigger after a child is born, and usually stop growing between the ages of 3 and 7. Adenoids trap harmful bacteria and viruses. Adenoids are great infection-ﬁghting tools during the ﬁrst few years of life, but they grow less important as the child grows older. They usually shrink by the age of 5 and almost disappear during the teen years.

Swollen adenoids are common. Often when adenoids are infected, so are the tonsils. Swollen adenoids may cause difficulty breathing (or breathing only through the mouth); noisy or rattling breathing; difficulty swallowing; sore throat; swollen glands in the neck; ear problems or infections; and frequent sinus infections. If enlarged or infected adenoids keep bothering your child’s health and antibiotics don’t seem to help, your child’s doctor may recommend removing the adenoids (adenoidectomy). Removing the adenoids is important because repeated infections may lead to sinus and ear infections. Infected, swollen adenoids can interfere with ear pressure and fluid movement, and this sometimes can lead to hearing loss.

Surgery Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are common operations for children. Within two weeks after surgery, your child should be back to normal. If your child has one or both of these surgeries, be sure to follow the doctor’s orders involving medication, eating and rest. ❊ Source: www.KidsHealth.org

Tonsils and adenoids: What are they good for?

Blue & You Summer 2005

Ear Infections:

An insider’s view

n ear infection (acute otitis media) is an inflammation of the area behind the eardrum in the chamber called the middle ear. The middle ear is essentially an area of air immediately behind the eardrum. When the eardrum vibrates, there is a set of tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit the sound signals to the inner ear where nerves are stimulated to relay the signals to the brain. Ear infections typically produce pus and fluid in the middle ear. Ear infections are a common childhood problem, with two out of three children under the age of 3 experiencing at least one case. Typically when a child reaches school age, ear infections are no longer a problem. Older children often will complain about ear pain, ear stuffiness or hearing loss. Younger children may become irritable, fussy and may have difficulty sleeping or hearing. Fever is a possibility with a child of any age. In cases of severe ear infections, the eardrum can rupture allowing pus to drain out of the middle ear into the ear canal.

The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose and throat by a narrow passageway called the Eustachian tube. This tube helps to equalize pressure inside and outside of the ear. It also helps drain ﬂuids from the middle ear. Most ear infections begin with an upper respiratory infection, which causes swelling and inﬂammation in the Eustachian tubes. Since a child’s Eustachian tubes are usually smaller than those

of an adult, there is an increased likelihood the inflammation will block the tubes completely, trapping fluid in the middle ear. Middle ear fluid is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses that cause infection. If a child complains of ear pain and pressure that lasts for more than a day or is accompanied by fever it is a good idea to consult a doctor. See a doctor as soon as possible if the ear drains pus or blood. This is a possible sign the eardrum has ruptured. Many untreated ear infections clear up without medical treatment. However, long-lasting or recurrent infections can cause damage to the ear and cause permanent hearing loss. Doctors may choose a variety of different treatment options on a case-by-case basis. It may be best to wait to see if the infection clears without medical treatment. In other cases, antibiotics may be prescribed. In recurrent infections, a low-dose antibiotic may be used as a preventative measure. If the buildup of fluid is affecting hearing, or if infections don’t respond to antibiotics, the doctor may suggest the insertion of drainage tubes. While ear infections are a common childhood problem, they occur less and less as the child matures. ❊ (See Risk Factors next page)

Fever: Is it really such a bad thing? O

ne of the first methods used to gauge the severity of an illness is to check for a fever. While a fever is not an illness itself, it is usually a sign that something is wrong. And, it’s not always a bad thing. The fever is actually one of the body’s ways of fighting off infections. In fact, some experts think aggressively treating all fevers may interfere with the body’s immune response. A fever occurs when your body temperature rises above its normal level. The standard measure is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F), but that is not completely accurate because normal body temperature varies slightly from person to person. For this reason, determining what is a slight fever is sometimes difficult. However, a “significant” fever is usually defined as an oral or ear temperature of 102 F or a rectal temperature of 103 F. Depending on the cause of the fever, symptoms may include sweating, shivering, headache, muscle ache, lack of appetite, dehydration and general weakness. Very high fevers can even cause hallucinations, confusion and convulsions. While unexplained fevers tend to be a greater cause for concern in infants, it should be noted that children tend to tolerate them very well. In determining the severity of the cause of fever in children, it is useful to take into consideration their activity level. The illness causing a fever in a child is probably not serious if they are interested in playing,

Blue & You Summer 2005

are eating and drinking well, are alert or have normal skin color. Of course, if the fever is high and stays that way — or if it is accompanied by irritability, vomiting, headache or stomachache — it is a good idea to contact a doctor. To reduce a fever, a doctor may suggest the use of overthe-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Adults also may use aspirin. NEVER give aspirin to a child under 12 years of age because it may trigger a rare, but potentially deadly, disorder known as Reye’s syndrome. The main problem with fevers is that they make a person uncomfortable. It is determining the cause of the fever that is most important. ❊

— Taking the fear out of fever: Although it can be scary when your child’s temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing. It’s often the body’s way of ﬁghting off infection. And, in most cases, a fever should only be treated if it is causing discomfort. — Fever Fiction: It’s a myth that high fevers cause brain damage if they aren’t treated. This can only happen in extreme, rare cases, such as with fevers of 106 F or higher. Source: www.KidsHealth.org

❊

Ear Infection Risk Factors

Is it broken or sprained?

All children are susceptible to ear infections, but some are more likely than others to get them. Children at higher risk include: • • • • • •

Boys Children who attend day care Children with siblings who have a history of recurrent infections Children from families with a history of asthma and allergies Children exposed to secondhand smoke Children of American Indian and Eskimo descent

❊ Sources for both ear infection articles: www.KidsHealth.org and the Arkansas Department of Health

Protect your children: Keep your home smoke-free

econdhand smoke, a mixture of the smoke given off the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers, is extremely harmful to children. It is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory infections in infants and children annually. It causes up to 2,700 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) each year. And, it causes the buildup of ﬂuid in the middle ear and aggravates symptoms of asthma. The developing lungs of young children are severely affected by exposure to secondhand smoke for several reasons, including that children are still developing physically, have higher breathing rates than adults, and have little control over their indoor environments. Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with smoking mothers or fathers, run the greatest risk of damaging health effects. A few basic actions can protect children from secondhand smoke: • Do not smoke in your home and car, and do not allow family and visitors to do so. Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to the health risks from secondhand smoke. • Do not allow childcare providers or others who work in your home to smoke. • Until you can quit, smoke outside. Moving to another room or opening a window is not enough to protect your children. If you have a smoke-free home, you will remove all of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. Additionally, your home will smell better; your food will taste better; you will spend less time, money and energy cleaning your home; and even your pets will be happier and healthier.

But, most importantly, keep your home smoke-free for your children. Their health depends on it. ❊ Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Lung Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ofﬁce on Smoking and Health

f your child has a broken (fractured) bone, emergency care is required. If your child heard or felt a bone snap, has difﬁculty moving the injured part or if the injured part is moving in an unnatural way, your child may have a broken bone.

A sprain is when the ligaments, which hold the bones together, are overstretched and partially torn. If the ligaments are overstretched but not torn, it is called a strain. Sprains and strains usually result in swelling, bruising and pain. Most sprains and strains may be treated at home. It may be difﬁcult to distinguish between a break and a sprain. If you have any doubt whatsoever, be sure to call your child’s physician or take your child to the hospital. For a broken bone: 1. If the injury involves your child’s neck or back, do not move your child unless there is immediate danger. Call for emergency help. 2. If your child has an open break (bone protruding through the skin) and there is severe bleeding, apply pressure on the bleeding area with a clean piece of material. Call for emergency help, or go to the hospital. 3. Place cold packs or a bag of ice on the injured areas if you suspect a break. 4. Keep your child still or lying down. 5. Seek medical attention. For a sprain or strain: 1. If the injury involves your child’s neck or back, do not move your child unless there is immediate danger. Call for emergency help. 2. If you are unsure whether the injury is a break or sprain, seek medical help. An X-ray can determine whether a bone is broken. 3. First aid for sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression and elevation (known as RICE). 4. Do not apply heat in any form. Heat will increase swelling and pain. 5. Check with your doctor for an overthe-counter pain reliever if your child is in pain. ❊ Source: www.KidsHealth.org Blue & You Summer 2005

Summertime troubles one child to another by close physical contact. A tiny cut or scratch can make any area of the skin more vulnerable to warts. If you child picks at a wart, it can spread to other parts of the body. Warts can’t be prevented, but regular hand washing can help. It’s also wise to have your child wear waterproof sandals or ﬂip-ﬂops in public showers, locker rooms and around public pools. Warts usually don’t cause many problems, and 25 percent of warts are usually gone within six months without treatment, but most go away in two or three years. If you are worried about the spread of warts, you may want to contact your child’s doctor. Also, you should call the doctor if the wart is painful, red, bleeding, swollen or infected. Warts may be a nuisance, but they are common in childhood and usually do not cause serious problems.

Head Lice Just hearing the term “head lice” might make you want to scratch your head and take a shower, but a head lice infection is not a sign of uncleanliness. That’s the good news. The bad news is that head lice are uncomfortable and contagious.

ummertime brings camps, swimming and outdoor activities — but it also opens your child up for certain illnesses when in close quarters with others at camp, at the pool or during playtime. It’s important for parents to keep their eyes open for “summertime troubles.”

Impetigo Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that usually occurs in the summer months among pre-school and school-age children. A child is more likely to develop impetigo if his or her skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems. Impetigo is characterized by blisters on the skin that may burst, ooze ﬂuid or develop a honeycolored crust. Impetigo may affect skin anywhere on the body but usually appears in the area around the nose and mouth. It is contagious, and children may spread it from one area of the body to another or to playmates or classmates. It’s usually treated with antibiotic ointment, or your child’s doctor may prescribe an antibiotic pill or liquid. Wash areas of infected skin with clean gauze and antiseptic soap daily. Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, can help prevent impetigo. Call your child’s doctor if your child has signs of impetigo, especially if he or she has been exposed to someone with the infection.

Warts More common in children, warts are skin infections caused by viruses. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, they usually are found on the ﬁngers, hands and feet. The viruses are passed from

Blue & You Summer 2005

Head lice (tiny brown and gray parasites) usually cause itching and scratching on the scalp, neck and behind the ears (usually parts of the body covered with hair). If your child’s hair is involved, you might be able to see the tiny lice eggs (called “nits”), which look like white grains of sand attached to the hair shafts. You can prevent head lice by keeping your child away from others who have lice; encouraging your child not to share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, ribbons, etc. with other children; examining and treating members of your household who have had close contact with a person with head lice; and keeping your child home from school or day care until the

First-Aid Kits K

eep a roomy, durable ﬁrst-aid kit in your home and car. Keep the kits out of children’s reach, and replace out-of-date items.

Kit Items • First-aid manual • Sterile gauze • Adhesive tape • Adhesive bandages in several sizes • Elastic bandage • Antiseptic wipes • Soap • Antibiotic cream (triple antibiotic ointment) • Antiseptic solution (for example, hydrogen peroxide) • Hydrocortisone cream (one percent) • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen

• Tweezers • Scissors • Safety pins • Disposable instant cold packs • Calamine lotion • Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol

morning after treatment of lice. Lice are not dangerous, just annoying. Ask your doctor to recommend a treatment option. Medicated shampoos, creams and lotions can end a lice infestation right away, but it make take several days for the itching to stop. Your child’s doctor may want you to repeat the treatment after a week to 10 days. ❊ Source: www.KidsHealth.org

• Thermometer • Plastic gloves (two pairs) • Flashlight and extra batteries • Mouthpiece for administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can be obtained from your local American Red Cross • List of emergency telephone numbers • Blanket (stored nearby)

What about Ipecac? Ipecac syrup used to be a “must have” for every home, but there’s no proof that it helps a child who has swallowed poison. Parents should not use Ipecac. They should call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 for an emergency. Source: www.KidsHealth.org

• Extra prescription medications (for vacation only) ❊

❊

Blue & You Summer 2005

New, more personalized, food pyramid makes debut This isn’t your mother’s food pyramid.

t’s still a pyramid, but the stripes on this food pyramid run vertically, not horizontally, and the recommendations are a little different, too.

For many years, the pyramid reigned over our eating habits by guiding food labels, school lunch programs and diet plans. But today it’s time for new leadership because Americans are more overweight than ever, which tends to suggest that the old food pyramid wasn’t useful or followed. So, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given the old food pyramid an overhaul, creating MyPyramid, a personalized tool to give Americans a new way to organize their daily eating and exercising habits.

The Dietary Guidelines for 2005, where the idea for the new pyramid originated, recommends a “healthy diet,” and recognizes that “one size doesn’t ﬁt all.” A healthy diet means emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; includes lean meats, poultry, ﬁsh, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars. It lists serving sizes in cups, ounces and other household measures rather than “servings,” which usually amounted to whatever someone put on their plate. It also recommends exercising at least 30 minutes per day. The recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines and on the new government Web site promoting the new food pyramid, www.MyPyramid.gov, are for persons over 2 years of age. The new pyramid features:

Calorie Counting Moderation is the key to any dietary plan, so the pyramid still emphasizes the importance of keeping track of the number of calories you consume. The colored segments of the pyramid taper toward the top, suggesting that Americans eat in moderation food that is high in sugar and fats.

Exercise For the ﬁrst time, the food pyramid incorporates exercise into the formula for a healthy life.

Individualization The USDA basically has created 12 separate pyramids to cater to people of different ages and activity levels. Just type in your (or your child’s) age, gender and activity level, and the MyPyramid Tracker will provide you with an eating plan to help keep you (or your child) healthy and maintain your weight.

Blue & You Summer 2005

How MyPyramid works For example: For a 12-year-old female who exercises 30 to 60 minutes per day, the MyPyramid plan will recommend that she stick to 2,000 calories per day, which would come from 6 ounces of grains, 2.5 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of milk or milk products, and 5.5 ounces of meat and beans. The MyPyramid plan also recommends that she keep half of the grains as whole grains, aim for 6 tablespoons of oils per day, and limit her extras (fats and sugars) to 265 calories per day. The new food guide pyramid isn’t a cure-all for the nation’s weight problems. Changes won’t be made overnight, but the new guidelines are designed to help people ease into better eating and exercising habits.

❊ Sources: ABC News, U.S. Department of Agriculture and www.CNN.com

Growth charts are Guidelines … not Gospel A

fter decades of recording heights, weights and head circumferences at various ages of children, physicians have established guidelines for normal measures of growth and a schedule of when children should be measured.

Babies born prematurely are often measured against a different growth chart. This is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks premature the baby was from their current age. This correction can be applied until the child reaches 2 years of age.

Physicians and caregivers chart the growth of a child to help parents have reference points in following their children’s development. Pediatricians routinely monitor and record a child’s development, to see if children are on course.

Hereditary factors play a role in a child’s rate of growth and onset of puberty. For instance, sometimes a father and his son are both short in early puberty, but grow taller in late puberty. Or, a mother and her daughter might both be tall at the age of 12 and get their ﬁrst period before other girls in their class.

But because no two children are exactly alike, what is “normal” growth has broad limits. Since children differ genetically in size, normal growth cannot be based on just one examination. It is important to follow the child’s development over a period of time using special measurement systems. It is not the size as such that is monitored; instead it is the growth and weight gain of the child. An infant changes so fast that you probably will see more of your pediatrician during your baby’s ﬁrst year than at any other time with checkups scheduled every few months. Then, except for illnesses or other medical needs that dictate doctor visits, you will settle into a schedule of routine exams throughout early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence that range from every few months to every year (or so). Throughout a child’s life, he or she may be taller or shorter than the established measurements. Likewise, the weight of healthy children can vary substantially. That doesn’t really matter as long as the general pattern is normal. The key is to note if a child suddenly deviates sharply from the growth pattern they have been following. If your child’s growth pattern changes signiﬁcantly between routine check-ups, you should contact the doctor. Children with short parents will often grow at the same rate as those with tall parents until around one year old. Then they simply follow a slower growth curve. After an illness, it is normal for children to rapidly regain any lost weight and then revert to their original rate of growth. Babies who have grown too slowly in the womb grow proportionally more than other children after birth. Then they start to follow the correct growth curve.

A child’s growth mainly is determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, especially diet and exercise. However, a number of diseases also may affect growth, including a deﬁciency of growth hormone or thyroid hormone. A parent can be the best observer of a child’s growth patterns. Everyone can measure and weigh their children. However, a professional growth examination should be conducted regularly by a physician. These often take place during routine medical check-ups. It is important to share observations, whether slight or dramatic — excessive weight gain or loss, energy levels, etc. — with your child’s doctor when you visit. Over time, your child’s doctor will measure and weigh the child and draw growth curves. The parents’ height and weight as adults, at puberty and as infants will be taken into consideration. The doctor will ask questions about the child’s diet, appetite, exercise habits, pattern of defecation and any social problems. The patient is then examined for signs of disease and, possibly, puberty and/or tooth development. In addition, an X-ray of the left hand and wrist is sometimes taken so that the development of the bones may be examined. The so-called ‘bone age’ may be ahead or behind in relation to the child’s age. If there seems to be a problem, the doctor will probably recommend a consultation and further testing. In addition to physical exams, a pediatrician will conduct hearing, vision, blood pressure and other screening tests. ❊ Source: Bright Futures, American Academy of Pediatrics, www.NetDoctor.co.uk

Blue & You Summer 2005

Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Weight • Introduce new healthy foods at meals, but don’t become discouraged if your child doesn’t like them. It might take 10 or more times before the child accepts the new food. • Don’t be too strict. Let your child have fast food occasionally. Allow some healthy treats, such as cookies that are low in fat and sugar and high in ﬁber or low-fat frozen yogurt. Learn to read food labels so you can judge whether the snacks you are buying are healthy. • Don’t use food as a reward for good behavior. • Cook with less fat. Bake, roast or grill instead of frying. Use sauces and gravy sparingly. Choose oils that contain “good” fat, such as olive and canola oil. • Eat meals and snacks at the dinner table. • Encourage the entire family to eat healthy foods. Don’t single out the child. Eating healthy can be fun. Try cutting whole-grain bread into animal shapes when making sandwiches for your child. Sandwiches made with bagels or tortillas may be more enticing to children than those made with bread. If your child likes peanut butter sandwiches, try spreading peanut butter on a bagel slice instead of white bread. Layer colorful berries with low-fat yogurt in a glass or sundae dish and sprinkle with low-fat granola to make a healthy treat.

Try these healthy choices for your child’s lunch or snacks:

hat causes a child to be overweight? The answer usually is simple: eating too much of the wrong foods and exercising too little.

Parents are probably the biggest inﬂuence in preventing their children from becoming overweight or in helping an overweight child achieve a healthy weight. A parent who leads a healthy lifestyle provides a positive role model for a child.

Eat Healthy Foods • Offer your child a wide variety of healthy foods: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and beans. • Make sure that your child eats a healthy breakfast such as cereal low in sugar and fat and fresh fruit with a glass of milk. (After your child is 2 years old, replace whole milk with skim milk.) • Give your child a snack or two in addition to three daily meals; but make those healthy snacks, such as dried or fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt or air-popped corn. If your child drinks fruit juice, make sure it is 100 percent juice without added sugars. Juices with added calcium are good choices.

• Carrot sticks • Snack-sized boxes of raisins • Pretzels • Low-fat yogurt • Graham crackers with peanut butter • Animal crackers • Fig bars • 100 percent fruit juice boxes (Place the frozen box in a sealable plastic sandwich bag before putting it into your child’s lunch box. The juice will help keep sandwiches from spoiling.) • Small package of trail mix • Fresh fruit • Fruit cups (Choose the healthier ones, such as those packed in their own juice, or unsweetened applesauce.) • Low-fat cheese sticks

• Allow your child to help plan and prepare healthy meals. Children usually are more willing to eat dishes they help prepare.

Be careful not to give preschool children foods that easily choke them. For younger children, avoid whole grapes, nuts, seeds, popcorn and other small round or sticky foods.

• Let your child decide whether and how much to eat. Don’t force a child to eat everything on his or her plate.

Make healthy eating a habit, but don’t put your child on a weight-loss diet unless your doctor recommends it.

Blue & You Summer 2005

Healthy Treats for Kids Fruit Dip Ingredients: 1 cup applesauce 1 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt Slices of your favorite fruits such as strawberries, apples, bananas, pears, kiwi, pineapple or grapes Combine the applesauce and yogurt in a bowl and mix until well-blended. Pour into a serving bowl and serve with the sliced fruits.

Veggie Dip

Keep Moving Television watching and playing video games contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and may lead to your child being overweight. You can encourage your child to be more active: • Set an example by going for a family walk after dinner. • Play outdoor games with your child. • Give your child responsibility for walking the dog each day. • Assign household chores, such as making beds or vacuuming. • Plan outings that involve walking, such as trips to the zoo or a museum. • Take the whole family biking, skating or hiking. • Encourage your child to play basketball, softball, badminton, volleyball, soccer or other sports at school, or help organize a neighborhood game. Children need about 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but this does not have to be all at one time. Children should not attempt adult exercise, such as jogging or using exercise machines because their bodies are not fully developed.

Provide Support and Reassurance Your family physician can help you determine whether your child is overweight. If your child is heavier than 85 percent of the children of the same age and height, he or she may be overweight. Overweight children may suffer from low self-esteem. They often become the victim of teasing and jokes. Help your child deal with social problems by offering your advice and support. Accept and love your child at any weight. ❊ Sources: WIN: Weight-control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); BAM (Body and Mind), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and www.FamilyDoctor.org

Ingredients: 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt Dry ranch dressing mix or other dry herbs such as basil or garlic. Your favorite vegetables such as carrot sticks, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliﬂower or celery Season the yogurt with the dressing mix or dry herbs. Add just enough for it to taste great. Presto, it’s ready to dip with cut vegetables!

Salsa and Corn Cheese Sticks Ingredients: Corn tortillas Low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks Salsa Wrap the corn tortillas around the cheese sticks. Dip the wraps into the salsa and enjoy!

Fruit Smoothie Ingredients: 1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup frozen banana slices 1/4 cup low-fat milk 5 ice cubes Blend everything until smooth. Makes 2 servings.

Yogurt Parfait Ingredients: 2 cups chunked canned pineapple 1 cup frozen raspberries 3 cups vanilla yogurt 1 medium peeled and sliced banana 1/3 cup chopped dates 1/4 cup sliced toasted almonds Add the pineapple, raspberries, dates, bananas and yogurt in layers to a tall glass or sundae dish. Sprinkle almonds over the top. Makes ❊ 4 servings. Visit www.bam.gov/ﬁt4life/cool_treats.htm for more “healthy but cool” recipes for kids.

Blue & You Summer 2005

Children can beneﬁt from the Healthy Weigh! program S

ince 1980, the number of obese children has tripled. Obese children are 11 times more likely to be obese as adults and are much more likely to die prematurely as adults. With childhood obesity rates at an all-time high, health experts are searching for reasons and solutions to the problem. More time in front of television and computer screens and less at play, along with eating high caloric foods and high-sugar sodas and snacks, are packing the pounds on America’s youth. Hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes are some of the illnesses that can occur from excessive weight gain — even in children.

Parents, physicians, guardians and grandparents all play a role in helping children maintain a healthy body weight. Encouraging good eating habits and regular exercise are the two key factors in any successful effort to reverse the trend of obesity among America’s youth. Encouraging healthy eating and regular physical activity is better than focusing on body size or weight — especially for children. What can you do to help? • Encourage physical activity. • Make family time active times.

• Limit television, computer and video game time. • Avoid criticizing your child’s eating habits. • Help your child start each day eating a balanced breakfast. • Avoid high-fat foods such as chips, also high sugar content items such as sodas and some juice products. • Limit meals at fast food restaurants. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, speak with your child’s doctor about the right weight for your child. The Healthy Weigh! Education Program provides tips for parents/guardians of overweight children. Fun quizzes to learn about portion control, and healthy body games and puzzles are provided to parents to share with their child. The Healthy Weigh! is a free program available to Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage members or eligible BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas members.

Join Today To join the program, complete the enclosed enrollment form. If you are joining to receive information for your child, please complete the section that relates to your child’s information. A parent/guardian must complete and sign the form to receive the information. ❊

Healthy teeth will bring a smile to your child T

he first tooth should serve as the parent’s first signal that the lifelong care for your child’s teeth has begun. When teeth appear, start using a soft toothbrush twice a day. By the age of 3, children should be brushing their own teeth under adult supervision. Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is necessary. Start flossing your child’s teeth daily when all the primary teeth are in or when teeth are touching each other. By the age of 8, children should be able to brush and floss by themselves, with occasional checks. Make brushing and flossing fun by giving your child a colorful toothbrush and bubble gum-flavored floss. Studies have shown that children who drink fluoridated water from birth have up to 65 percent fewer cavities, and by the time they become teenagers, many of them still have no tooth decay. If your community does not have a fluoridated water supply, your children can get their fluoride by using tablets, drops or gel. To check whether your drinking water contains fluoride, call your local water company or health department.

Blue & You Summer 2005

A balanced diet helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. Children especially need calcium, which helps build strong teeth. Good sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yogurt. Research shows that eating cheese after meals seems to inhibit the effects of decay-causing acids.

❊ Sources: www.KidsHealth.org and the American Academy of Family Physicians

Vision Quest:

Arkansas law requires vision screenings

s of March 31, 2005, Arkansas state law now requires annual vision screenings and tests for all children in public and charter schools in prekindergarten, kindergarten, ﬁrst grade, second grade, fourth grade, sixth grade and eighth grade.

If you detect any evidence of eye problems, your child should be examined immediately so that the problem doesn’t become permanent.

Children who fail the screenings will be retested within one month of the initial screening. An eye and vision screening report will be given to the parent or guardian of the children who fail the test. If the child fails the test again, he or she must have a comprehensive eye and vision examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within 60 days after receiving the vision screening report identifying the need for the examination. The parent or guardian of the child is responsible for the making sure the child gets the appropriate eye examination. The vision screenings will include: 1. Observation and external inspection of the eye. 2. Distance visual acuity test. The visual acuity test measures the smallest letters that you can read on a standardized chart at a distance of 20 feet. 3. A plus lens visual acuity test. The plus lens test screens for hyperopia or farsightedness. Farsightedness occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, instead of directly on it. This is caused by a cornea that is flatter, or an eye that is shorter, than a normal eye. Farsighted people usually have trouble seeing up close, but also may have difficulty seeing far away. 4. Visual screening instrument tests including color perception and muscle balance tests that usually include an examination of the eye muscles to ensure they’re functioning properly. The screener will look at the eyes as they move in six specific directions, and ask the person to sit still and look forward, using his or her eyes to follow an object, such as a pen. The eye muscle test is designed to detect any weaknesses or uncontrolled movements in the muscles that move the eyes up and down and side to side. In school-age children, parents and teachers should watch for indications of possible vision problems such as: •

Inability to see objects at a distance

•

Inability to read the boards in the classroom

•

Squinting

•

Difﬁculty reading

•

Sitting too close to the television

It’s also a good idea to watch your child for evidence of poor vision or crossed eyes. If you detect any evidence of eye problems, your child should be examined immediately so that the problem doesn’t become permanent. If caught early, eye conditions can often be reversed. ❊

What is 20/20 vision? The term “20/20” is so common that it’s used as a everyday phrase in our culture (i.e. hindsight is 20/20) and it’s even the name of a popular television show. But, what does the term “20/20” actually mean? Basically, by examining lots of people for many years, physicians have determined what a “normal” person should be able to see when standing 20 feet away from an eye chart. If you have 20/20 vision, it means that when you stand 20 feet away from the chart, you can see what a “normal” person would be able to see. So, if you have 20/20 vision, your vision is considered normal. If your vision is 20/30, it means that when you stand 20 feet away from the chart, you can see what a normal person can see at 30 feet away from the chart. In the United States, the cutoff for legal blindness is 20/200. If you have 20/10 vision, it means your vision is better than what is considered normal. It means that you can see at 20 feet what a normal person would be able to see at 10 feet away from the chart.

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Sources: HowStuffWorks (http://science.howstuffworks.com) and AgingEye Times

Sources: www.KidsHealth.org, National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia and www.AllAboutVision.com Blue & You Summer 2005

Bed-wetting & urinary tract infections: Common urinary problems you just how they feel. Your child may have a high fever, be irritable, or not eat.

Bed-wetting

A 18

pproximately 15 percent of all 5-year-old children wet the bed; and 3 percent of all 15-year-olds also may experience enuresis (bedwetting). Bed-wetting may be caused by: • Genetic factors • Difficulties in waking from sleep • Slow development of the central nervous system • Hormonal factors • Urinary tract infections • Abnormalities in the urethral valves in boys or in the ureter in girls • Abnormalities in the spinal cord • Inability to hold urine for a long time because of a small bladder With time, most children achieve bladder control. Children do not wet the bed to irritate their parents; it’s important to avoid blaming the child for bed-wetting difficulties. Punishing your child will not solve the problem. If your child continues to have bed-wetting difficulties after the age of 5, please discuss the issue with your child’s doctor. He or she may recommend behavior therapy or medicine.

Urinary Tract Infections After unexpected wetting, the most common urinary problem among children is infections. An estimated three percent of girls and one percent of boys have had a urinary tract infection (UTI) by the age of 11. Some researchers believe these estimates are low because many cases of UTI go undetected. The symptoms are not always obvious to parents, and younger children usually are unable to describe how they feel. Recognizing and treating UTIs is important because untreated UTIs can lead to serious kidney problems. A UTI causes irritation of the lining of the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys, (similar to how the inside of the nose or the throat becomes irritated with a cold). If your child is an infant or is only a few years old, the signs of a UTI may not be clear, since children that young cannot tell

Blue & You Summer 2005

An older child with bladder irritation may complain of pain in the abdomen and pelvic area. Your child may urinate often. If the kidney is infected, your child may complain of pain under the side of the rib cage (the flank) or low back pain. Crying or complaining that it hurts to urinate and producing only a few drops of urine at a time are other signs of a UTI. Your child may have difficulty controlling the urine and may leak urine into clothing or bed sheets. The urine may smell unusual or look cloudy. Risk factors that increase the chances of your child developing an UTI include: abnormality in the structure of the urinary tract; abnormal backwards flow of the urine; poor hygiene; use of soaps or bubble baths; and bacteria. Most UTIs are cured within a week with proper medical treatment. UTIs are treated with antibiotics. It’s important to take your child to the doctor if you suspect a UTI. ❊ Sources: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, American Academy of Family Physicians and www.KidsHealth.org

With time, most children achieve bladder control.

BLUEINFO My Blueprint It’s easier and faster now to register to use My Blueprint, the online customer self-service center for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas members. Members who want to use “quick registration” can enter their health plan ID number, name, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN). If we have your SSN on file in our membership system, we can authenticate you and let you choose your own log-in ID and password. If you choose not to enter your SSN, or we don’t have it on file to authenticate you, you can still register and wait for your password to arrive via U.S. Postal Service. Even if you have to wait for your password to arrive in the mail, you will be able to change it to something easy to remember after you log in the first time. Hang onto your log-in ID that appears when you register online because you will need to use the ID along with your password to enter. Remember that any covered person, not just the policyholder or group employee, can register. The Arkansas Blue Cross family of companies is trying to make your Web sites more user friendly while continuing to protect the privacy of your personal health information. ❊

My BlueLine With My BlueLine, you have access to customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are a customer of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage, you can get the answers to your claims or beneﬁts questions anytime, day or night. My BlueLine is an interactive voice response (IVR) system that recognizes speech patterns to help answer questions when you call current customer service telephone lines. When you call a customer service line and select My BlueLine, it will prompt you with a question, and all you have to do is simply respond to the question. When you call, remember to have your ID card on hand. For privacy purposes, the system will ask you questions to verify your identity as the caller — such as your member ID number as it is listed on your membership card. If you prefer, customers immediately may choose the option of speaking to a customer service representative (during regular business hours).

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HealthConnect Blue HealthConnect Blue is a complimentary, conﬁdential health information service that puts members in touch with Health Coaches by telephone and offers health information online – to help members make more informed decisions about their health care. Currently all Health Advantage members and eligible Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members* have access to HealthConnect Blue. Members can call a toll-free telephone number (1-800-318-2384) to speak with a Health Coach to get the support and health information they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Health Coaches are specially trained health professionals such as nurses, respiratory therapists and dietitians. Members may call as often as they like at no cost. A Health Coach can offer information, support and help members work with their doctors to make conﬁdent health decisions that are right for them. Members also can access free health information online by using the HealthConnect Blue link at www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com or at www.ArkansasBlueCross.com. See Page 32 for further instructions.

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* Includes all Health Advantage HMO members, all public school employees and state employees covered by Arkansas Blue Cross or Health Advantage.

BLUEINFO Blue & You Summer 2005

How To Access HealthConnect Blue: Instructions for Health Advantage Members

nline health information and health coaching services from HealthConnect Blue are available to all Health Advantage members. To access these services, follow these steps: A. Go to www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com. B. Click on the “HealthConnect Blue” link on the home page, which will take you to the My Blueprint log-in page. C. Log in with your My Blueprint log-in ID and password. D. Click on the “Access HealthConnect Blue” link on the My Blueprint “Welcome” menu. After continuing to the HealthConnect Blue site, you can access the following sections:

A. Dialog Room: Send a secure e-mail to a Health Coach, a specially trained health professional, such as a nurse, respiratory therapist or dietitian. Health Coaches are available 24/7 to answer questions and address your health concerns. A Health Coach can give you the support and guidance you need when facing important decisions about your health.

B. Health Information: Access the extensive Healthwise® Knowledgebase encyclopedia and ﬁnd decision-making support through Health CrossroadsSM. C. Health Tools: Complete an online health risk assessment and print out a report giving you recommendations to improve your health; record health records using the Symptom Diaries and Medication List. D. Resources: Access information and resources related to health education programs for weight management, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, low back pain and pregnancy. Not registered? If you have not registered to use My Blueprint, click on the “First-time user?” link on the My Blueprint log-in page. You’ll ﬁnd instructions on how to register. You’ll need your health plan ID card to complete the short registration form. ❊

Not all screenings are good for you James Adamson, M.D. Vice President & Medical Director Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

ou’ve heard or read many sources advocating the importance of following proper screening recommendations, and preventive services are certainly important. However, there is one “screening” test that isn’t what it’s touted to be. Some authorities advocate yearly screening for lung cancer in older smokers using computed tomography (CT) scanning. You may have seen ads or read articles about CT scanning. However, in the latest issue of Radiology (a medical journal), this practice was called into question. More than 1,500 people (older than 50 with substantial smoking history, and who had undergone ﬁve such annual CT scans) were evaluated. More than 1,100 of the subjects showed one or more suspicious nodules on the scan, but 92-96 percent turned out to be benign, a signiﬁcant “false positive” rate. (It wasn’t emphasized in the report, but just think how much unnecessary trouble, cost and worry was experienced by those 1,000 or so people with benign nodules.) The real surprise was that even when cancer was found earlier, overall mortality was not reduced. The Mayo Clinic’s lead author, Dr. Stephen Swenson, explained that a number of these tumors were of a

Blue & You Summer 2005

Pete Marvin, M.D. Associate Medical Director Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield very slow-growing type and thus less deadly; others were unfortunately so fast-growing that early detection with CT made no difference. He concluded, “While there is still reason to hope that early detection of lung cancer with CT may save lives, our results lead us to be very cautious because there’s a chance that we may be doing more harm than good.” This study backs up what the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded in 2004 — there’s not enough scientiﬁc evidence to support screening with CT scanning or even chest X-ray or sputum studies. The USPSTF also found that although such screening can detect cancers earlier, it doesn’t affect mortality. The USPSTF goes on to say that “because of the invasive nature of diagnostic testing and the possibility of a high number of false-positive tests in certain populations, there is potential for signiﬁcant harms from screening.” Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage do not cover CT scans of the chest to screen for lung cancer because the effectiveness of this testing has not been proven. This new study from the Mayo Clinic further supports this non-coverage decision. ❊

Now you can compare hospital measures through My Blueprint No hospital is included in the selection list unless it has treated more than 10 patients in a year for the specified diagnosis or procedure. “There are some areas of our state where the hospitals will not have enough data to be ranked,” Dr. Marvin said. “This may produce confusion or concern if you navigate the site only to find no hospital near you that meets the 10-patient requirement to be ranked. In no way, however, should this imply poor quality.” 2. Mortality Rate: The mortality rate is the percentage of patients who died while being treated for a specific condition or procedure. 3. Complication Rate: The complication rate is the percentage of patients who developed problems while being treated.

ou have a new, free tool, “Select Quality Care,” that allows you to review an independent comparison of hospital quality measures by procedure or diagnosis. This information can help you play a more active and informed role in your treatment decisions when a physician recommends surgery or another procedure that requires hospital care. Select Quality Care is provided at no additional cost as a valueadded service of your health plan and is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week to Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas members.

Hospital Information Hospital care can vary signiﬁcantly; some hospitals provide especially good care for certain conditions. Select Quality Care gives you access to information — number of patients treated, mortality rate, number of complications and length of stay — which you can discuss with your physician when making your choice. “Many patients are intimidated by the idea of this type of discussion, but shouldn’t be,” said Pete Marvin, M.D., associate medical director at Arkansas Blue Cross. “Be bold, but polite, and efﬁcient of speech, and most doctors will enjoy discussing this with you.”

Data Source Select Quality Care provides information on all hospitals in Arkansas, both in-network and out-of-network, using public Medicare data. Every hospital in every state is required to submit detailed information to the federal government about the Medicare patients they treat (generally over 65 or disabled), for what the patients are treated, and how successful the treatment is. Medicare data does not, however, cover all types of services; so certain diagnoses and procedures, such as maternity and pediatrics, are excluded.

4. Length of Stay: Length of stay is the average number of days people stayed in the hospital for treatment of your speciﬁc condition or procedure. “Shorter lengths of stay may indicate more efﬁcient care and perhaps fewer complications,” Dr. Marvin said.

Hospital Cost Although Select Quality Care does not compare the cost of treatment, cost is usually a consideration when selecting a hospital. You will have lower out-of-pocket costs when you visit an in-network hospital. Your PPO (preferred provider organization) or POS (point of service) health plan may provide out-of-network beneﬁts, but an HMO (health maintenance organization) plan will not. You may want to conﬁrm with Customer Service that a selected hospital is within your covered network. You can call Customer Service at the telephone number on your member ID card or search the online provider directory for your in-network hospitals.

How To Use Select Quality Care To use the new hospital quality comparison tool, visit www. ArkansasBlueCross.com, www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com or www. BlueAdvantageArkansas.com and click on the My Blueprint link on the home page. You will see the “Compare Hospital Quality” link on the My Blueprint “Welcome” page after logging in. The use of Select Quality Care is conﬁdential. Neither Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage, BlueAdvantage nor WebMD Health (which powers Select Quality Care) knows, collects, records or shares any personal information about you or your use of Select Quality Care. Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage recommend that you always ask the advice of your physician on this or any other important health-care decision. ❊

Hospital Measures Select Quality Care reports on four hospital measures, taking into account the importance you place on each measure. 1. Number of Patients Treated: The number of patients refers to those treated for a speciﬁc condition or procedure.

Blue & You Summer 2005

New Medicare Part D drug beneﬁt available in 2006 W

ith the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) comes a new voluntary prescription drug program for Medicare beneﬁciaries called Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage or Part D. Effective Jan. 1, 2006, all beneﬁciaries eligible for Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B are entitled to purchase a new Medicare Part D drug insurance policy. This, of course, includes our own Medi-Pak members.

When does enrollment begin? For eligible individuals, there will be a six-month open enrollment period beginning Nov. 15, 2005, and ending May 15, 2006. (For individuals who become eligible after Nov. 15, 2005, a seven-month enrollment period will apply. The enrollment period begins three months before Medicare eligibility and ends three months after you turn 65.) The MMA established a penalty for those who do not enroll in Medicare Part D by the time their enrollment period ends. The penalty for late enrollees will be a 1 percent per month cumulative penalty. For example, if you choose to enroll three years (36 months) after the May 15, 2006 date, your penalty will be 36 percent of the Part D premium charged by the insurer you select.

Who will provide Part D coverage? Coverage for the drug benefit will be provided by prescription drug program (PDP) and/or employer group sponsors. A prescription drug plan is one that offers qualified prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has submitted an application to the U.S. government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to become a Medicare Part D plan sponsor. “We look forward to receiving approval from CMS and plan to be one of the state’s leaders in providing this important insurance coverage,” said Ron DeBerry, vice president of Statewide Business at Arkansas Blue Cross. Upon receiving approval, Arkansas Blue Cross will begin selling Medicare Part D in the fall. Medicare beneficiaries who have a Medicare supplement plan other than Arkansas Blue Cross’ Medi-Pak – or even Medicare beneficiaries who have no Medicare supplement coverage – also may purchase

Blue & You Summer 2005

Medicare Part D coverage through Arkansas Blue Cross. Based on regional definitions, Arkansas will be defined as a “Medicare Part D region.” Out-of-state Medi-Pak customers will be unable to purchase Medicare Part D coverage through Arkansas Blue Cross. They may purchase Medicare Part D from a Medicare Part D sponsor in their region. There is no problem, however, with keeping their Medi-Pak coverage. It is unknown how many Medicare Part D coverage providers will be approved for the Arkansas region. If you are a member of MediPak Plan I, you have a prescription drug benefit in your current policy. Medi-Pak Plan I members have additional choices to make in relation to enrolling in Medicare Part D and will receive a letter from Arkansas Blue Cross in early fall outlining the details.

Medicare Part D Drug Benefit CMS has provided the following information about the standard Medicare Part D benefits. • You will pay a monthly premium of approximately $35. Then, you pay an annual deductible of $250 for your covered prescription costs. • After you meet the deductible, you pay 25 percent of the cost of the next $2,000 in covered prescription drugs; and the plan pays 75 percent. • Then, you pay 100 percent until you reach $3,600 in out-of-pocket expenses. (This includes the $250 deductible and the 25 percent coinsurance referenced above.) • After you reach the $3,600 out-of-pocket maximum, you will only be responsible for the equivalent of a 5 percent copayment for the remainder of the calendar year. It is important to note that many companies – including Arkansas Blue Cross – plan to sell more than one version of the Medicare Part D drug insurance coverage. Therefore, the monthly premium and benefits may vary from company to company and product to product.

Low-Income Benefit Beneficiaries with limited savings and low incomes (savings and incomes below 135 percent of the federal poverty level — $12,123 for individuals and $16,362 for couples) will receive a more generous benefit package with special provisions. Beneficiaries with limited savings and incomes below 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($13,470 for individuals and $18,180 for couples) also will receive a more extensive benefit package with special provisions. Low-income Medicare beneficiaries who are eligible for these special benefits will be contacted by the Social Security Administration. If you think you qualify but have not been contacted by SSA, you may want to give them a call.

A new voluntary prescription drug program for Medicare beneﬁciaries called Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage or Part D. Covered Drugs As provided for in MMA, PDPs can use formularies, or lists of drugs approved for coverage, if they meet certain standards. The purpose of formularies is to help provide the broadest coverage for the lowest price to seniors.

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Questions? If you have a question concerning Medicare Part D, please call (501) 378-2937 in Little Rock or toll-free 1-800-392-2583. However, please remember that CMS has indicated that Part D plan sponsors will not receive approval until September and cannot begin marketing the product until Oct. 1, 2005. Until that time, we only will be able to answer the most basic questions about Medicare Part D. ❊

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Medi-Pak® Medi-Pak is for Medicare beneﬁciaries (who have Part A and Part B coverage) residing in Arkansas.* MediPak is the Arkansas Blue Cross Medicare supplemental insurance plan that pays many of the deductibles and copayments not covered by the federal Medicare program.

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It is important to note that many companies — including Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield — plan to sell more than one version of Medicare Part D drug insurance coverage. Therefore, the monthly premium and beneﬁts may vary from company to company and product to product.

* Although you must be a resident of Arkansas when you apply for MediPak, you are allowed to keep your Medi-Pak coverage if you subsequently move out of state. And, of course, Medi-Pak covers you anywhere in the United States.

Out-of-area coverage through the BlueCard® program

rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas members residing outside of the state of Arkansas may qualify for out-of-area coverage through the BlueCard program. (Examples: Students attending out-of state colleges or subscribers on a work assignment who will be out of the service area for at least 90 days.) Members who qualify may use their ID card with any Blue Cross Blue Shield participating provider throughout the United States. Primary care selection and referrals are not required. The toll-free number to locate a BlueCard participating

provider is listed on the back of the ID card. The beneﬁts that members currently have with their group plan will apply. If you are interested in applying for out-of-area coverage, please contact Customer Service to request an application. You still will be required to renew your membership on an annual basis. If you have any questions regarding the out-of-area program ❊ through BlueCard, please call Customer Service.

Blue & You Summer 2005

News stories on medical interventions — How accurate is the information?

f you have ever wondered about the accuracy of news stories related to new medical interventions or discoveries, there are two Web sites designed to get the “story behind the story.” If you have questions about new medical interventions, these Web sites may be able to help you get the facts. 1. Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (www.behindthemedicalheadlines.com) — This site was developed to provide authoritative and independent commentaries on medical stories reported in the international media. The site provides short background articles written by specialists in selected areas of interest to the media. The articles are peer-reviewed and designed to help the public get the information needed on health and health care.

2. Media Doctor (www.mediadoctor. org.au) — This site is organized by a group of academicians and clinicians from the Newcastle Institute of Public Health, who have an interest in promoting better and more accurate reporting in the area of medical treatments. News stories are assessed with regard to quality by two reviewers using a 10-item rating scale. A review of the first 104 stories evaluated (from February through September 2004) indicated that the major weaknesses are inadequate quantification of evidence on benefits and harms, failure to acknowledge treatment alternatives, and the absence of cost information and comment by independent experts. ❊

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Financial Information Privacy Notice 24

t Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas, we understand how important it is to keep your private information just that — private. Because of the nature of our business, we must collect some personal information from our members, but we also are committed to maintaining, securing and protecting that information.

Customer Information Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates only compile information necessary for us to provide the services that you, our member, requests from us and to administer your business. We collect nonpublic personal financial information (defined as any information that can be tied back to a specific person and is gathered by any source that is not publicly available) about our members from: • Applications for insurance coverage. The application includes information such as name, address, personal identifiers such as social security number and medical information that you authorize us to collect. • Payment history and related financial transactions from the purchase and use of our products. • Information related to the fact that you have been or currently are a member.

Sharing of Information Arkansas Blue Cross and its afﬁliates do not disclose, and do not wish to reserve the right to disclose, nonpublic personal information about you to one another or to other parties except as permitted or required by law. Examples of instances in which Arkansas Blue Cross and its afﬁliates will provide information to one another or other third parties are: • To service or process products that you have requested. • To provide information as permitted and required by law to

Blue & You Summer 2005

accrediting agencies. • To provide information to comply with federal, state or local laws in an administrative or judicial process.

How we protect your information Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates use various security mechanisms to protect your personal data including electronic and physical measures as well as company policies that limit employee access to non-public personal financial information. Improper access and use of confidential information by an employee can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Disclosure of Privacy Notice Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates recognize and respect the privacy concerns of potential, current and former customers. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates are committed to safeguarding this information. As required by state regulation, we must notify our members about how we handle nonpublic financial information of our members. Nothing has changed in the way we conduct our business. If you would like to review the Financial Information Privacy Notices for all Arkansas Blue Cross members, you can visit our Web site at www. ArkansasBlueCross.com or call the appropriate Arkansas Blue Cross company to receive the Privacy Notice. Our customer service areas are open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday. To receive a copy of the Privacy Notice, members should call: Arkansas Blue Cross — 1-800-238-8379 Health Advantage — 1-800-843-1329 BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas — (members should call Customer Service using the toll-free telephone number on their identification card). ❊

Blue & You Foundation issues fourth annual call for grant applications to support health programs

he Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas has issued its fourth annual call for grant applications to fund 2006 health programs, which support services to improve the health of Arkansans. The foundation anticipates awarding approximately $1 million in grants annually to nonproﬁt or governmental organizations and programs that positively affect the health of Arkansans. Particular emphasis is given to projects affecting health-care delivery, health-care policy and health-care economics. The foundation also intends to devote a portion of this year’s grant funding to two areas: Programs that address childhood obesity, especially longterm behavioral change and environmental factors that affect obesity; and programs that improve the effectiveness of delivery of services by free clinics in Arkansas. An example might be a methodology that would help clinics improve their infrastructure for dispensing free or low-cost medications to Arkansans who can’t afford them.

The deadline for applications is July 15, 2005. Information about applying for a grant is found on the foundation Web site at www. BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org, or may be requested by writing to Blue & You Foundation, Attention: Peggy Houser, USAble Corporate Center, 320 West Capitol, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. The grant applications will be reviewed in the fall and grants awarded in December for 2006 programs. “The poor health status of our citizens ranks 46th in the nation and contributes to rising medical costs,” said Robert L. Shoptaw, chief executive ofﬁcer of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and

chairman of the foundation’s board of directors. “By providing funding and working together with other organizations, we hope to establish or expand a number of diverse health-care projects that will beneﬁt all Arkansans over the long term.” The foundation awarded its third series of grants totaling $1,357,453 at the end of 2004 to fund 21 programs statewide during 2005. Recipients of 2005 grants included the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation; Arkansas Educational Telecommunications Network Foundation; Arkansas Human Development Corporation; Arkansas Rice Depot; BAPTIST HEALTH Foundation; Community Clinic at St. Francis House; Crittenden Memorial Hospital; Crowley’s Ridge Rural Health Coalition; Daughters of Charity Services of Arkansas; Easter Seals of Arkansas; Focus, Inc.; Greater Texarkana People’s Clinic, Inc.; Kiwanis Activities, Inc.; North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education; Pine Bluff Chapter of Links, Inc.; Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative; St. Bernards Foundation; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)/College of Public Health/ University of Arkansas at Little Rock/W. Bowen School of Law; UAMS/ Delta Arkansas Health Education Center (AHEC); and UAMS Department of Pediatrics/ KIDS FIRST.

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Arkansas Blue Cross charitable giving recognized

rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently was recognized by the Arkansas Community Foundation as the 2004 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation. In addition to recognizing the charitable contributions made by Arkansas Blue Cross, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas was acknowledged for its support of organizations dedicated to improving the health of Arkansans. Since its inception in December 2001, the foundation has issued between $1 million and $2 million annually to nonproﬁt

or governmental organizations and programs that positively affect health. “We are trying to be good corporate citizens and ﬁll some gaps at the local community level where funding would not be otherwise available for innovative community-based activities,” said Robert L. Shoptaw, chief executive ofﬁcer of Arkansas ❊ Blue Cross and chairman of the Foundation.

New discounts for members

rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its family of companies is continually looking for new opportunities for our members to save money and get ﬁt — all at the same time. The following gyms/ﬁtness centers recently joined our growing list of those willing to give special discounts to our members: Ouachita Rehab & Fitness Center (Mena); JRMC Wellness Center (Pine Bluff); Dynabody Fitness Center (Nashville); Curves (Alma, Arkadelphia and Van Buren); Gold’s Gym (Fort Smith); The Female Physique (Little Rock); and Lady Fitness (Trumann).

If you are curious about whether your favorite ﬁtness spot offers a discount, visit the Arkansas Blue Cross Web site at www.ArkansasBlueCross.com; the Health Advantage Web site at www.HealthAdvantagehmo.com; or the BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas Web site at www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com for a complete list of participating ﬁtness vendors.

Blue & You Summer 2005

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Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield elects three new members to board of directors

usan Brittain, president of Stihl Southwest, Inc. in Malvern; Mark Greenway, vice president of Human Resources for J.B. Hunt Transport Services in Lowell; and Dan Nabholz, former chairman of the board of Nabholz Construction Corporation in Conway, have been elected to the Board of Directors of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, according to Hayes McClerkin, chairman of the board.

management and operations positions with the company, including risk management, customer services and strategic planning. An Arkansas native, Greenway received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (U of A), has been published numerous times in industry publications, and has lectured frequently throughout the past 10 years. He is past president of the Southwest Beneﬁts Association.

“These three individuals bring to the Arkansas Blue Cross board a wealth of knowledge and experience in both organizational and community development from a variety of business perspectives,” said McClerkin.

Nabholz has served in many capacities at Nabholz Construction Company since 1975, from estimator and project manager to chief executive officer and chairman of the board. His professional and community service includes former board membership Brittain, who completed a summer with the Metro Little Rock Alliance, U of internship at Stihl’s headquarters in A Arkansas Executive Forum, Arkansas southern Germany in 1980, has led Stihl Transitional Employment Board, Southwest, the family-owned wholesale Regions Bank of Conway, Regions distribution company since 1990. Nabholz, Greenway and Brittain Corporate Quality Advisory Board, Brittain is accountable for all company American Arbitration Association (Arkansas board), Federal Reserve operations with primary responsibility for marketing, human resources, Board (Little Rock branch), and the Faulkner County Leadership information technology and strategic planning. A native of Malvern, Institute. Nabholz is a board member of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Brittain received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist is a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, and former chairman University in Dallas in 1982 and completed her master’s degree in of the Young Presidents Organization (Arkansas Chapter). A native of business administration at Harvard Business School in 1986. She is a Conway, Nabholz received his bachelor’s degree in management and former board member of the Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine finance from the University of Notre Dame, and his master’s degree Association and the Bank of Malvern, and is member of the Arkansas in business administration from Southern Methodist University. He is Executive Forum. a 1986 graduate of the Associated General Contractors “Advanced Greenway is responsible for health and welfare benefit plan design Management Program.” Nabholz also has been published many times and strategy at J.B. Hunt Transportation Services, Inc., as well as the in trade publications and is a frequent industry-related presenter hiring, training and development of a workforce of more than 15,000 and lecturer. ❊ employees. During the past 17 years, Greenway has held various

New regional executives named

eann Rogers McLelland has been named regional executive of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Southwest Region (office located in Texarkana), and Gray Dillard has been named regional executive of the South Central Region (office located in Hot Springs). McLelland fills the vacancy left by Jason Mann who had served as regional executive McLelland since 1996 and recently was named chief executive officer of a new Arkansas/Florida Joint Venture Alliance holding company for life and specialty product insurance. Dillard fills the vacancy left by McLelland who had served as South Central regional executive. McLelland joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 1995 as a marketing representative in the Southeast Regional Office of Arkansas Blue

Blue & You Summer 2005

Cross. She was promoted to marketing sales manager in 1998 and regional executive in 2003. Gray joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 1994 as a senior accountant and, in 2000, became controller of Health Advantage, an afﬁliate of Arkansas Blue Cross. A native of Bradley, McLelland received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. She is a certiﬁed public accountant.

Dillard

A native of North Little Rock, Dillard is a graduate of North Little Rock Ole Main High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Harding University in Searcy. He also is a certiﬁed public accountant.

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2005 ﬁnalists do get the “Don’t Start” smoking message

atalie DeLone, 9, a fourth-grader at Baker Elementary School in Little Rock, was named the grand-prize winner in the fourth annual “Don’t Start” Smoking Coloring Contest. The contest was sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, KASN-TV/UPN Channel 38 and KLRT-TV/FOX Channel 16, in partnership with the American Lung Association of Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Education. Seventeen other student ﬁnalists (see list of names below) were from elementary schools in Belleville, Bergman, Bradford, Bryant, Cabot, Delight, Fayetteville, Harrison, Hot Springs, Lead Hill, Little Rock, Manila and Yellville. More than 14,500 entries were received statewide. DeLone’s winning storyboard has been turned into a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) and will be shown on television stations statewide in the fall of 2005. The “Don’t Start” Smoking Coloring Contest gave students in public, private and home schools in kindergarten through ﬁfth grade an opportunity to write and illustrate a story about why it’s important to never begin the dangerous habit of smoking. The contest helped students “draw their way” to prizes and an opportunity to have their story transformed into the PSA.

generation of healthier adults free of tobacco-related lung disease.” “Ensuring every child is aware of the dangers of smoking is a concept that must be introduced to our youth at a very early age,” said Chuck Spohn, vice president and general manger of Clear Channel Television. “Being able to deliver this message in a fun and challenging way in our schools has proven to be rewarding. Now for the fourth year, FOX 16 and UPN 38 proudly join with the American Lung Association, and Arkansas Blue Cross to make this essential program possible in our schools.” A panel of judges picked three finalists in each grade level. From those 18 finalists, judges selected the overall winner who received a $100 savings bond and a Nintendo Game Cube, in addition to having her story turned into a PSA. All finalists received fun prizes including bicycles, DVD players, portable CD players, gift cards, restaurant gift certificates and prize packs from BlueAnn Ewe and FOX 16/UPN 38. Students could enter the contest as individuals, or teachers could have their students participate in the contest as a class project. ❊

The object of the program was to get kids thinking about why they should not use tobacco products and what they can do because they aren’t sick from smoking. Kids used storyboard sheets to write a story and draw pictures depicting their story. They were encouraged to draw animals, people, cartoon characters or anything their creative minds could think of to tell their story.

In addition to the storyboards, teachers received a seven-minute educational video and teacher’s packet to help build a curriculum around the “Don’t Start” contest. Mike Brown, senior vice president of Enterprise Networks for Arkansas Blue Cross, told students, along with their family members, parents, teachers, counselors and principals at the “Don’t Start” celebration party, “Learning at an early age about how the choices you make now can affect your health in the future is part of what our mission is all about at Arkansas Blue Cross. We want you to be healthy. As you all have shown in your storyboards, there is nothing healthy about smoking. We hope the ‘Don’t Start’ Smoking Contest was a fun learning opportunity for you. Someday, chances are good you will be asked or tempted by someone to try a cigarette or other tobacco product. I hope you will remember what you’ve learned through this program, stand ﬁrm, and just say, ‘no.’ We’re proud to have been a sponsor of this worthwhile project for the fourth year, and I’m proud of the commitment you all have made to stay smoke-free.” “Studies have shown that when the arts are incorporated into a message, it is retained for a much longer period of time by the students,” said Karen Lackey, executive director of the American Lung Association of Arkansas. “This anti-tobacco program is unique and provides thousands of kids an opportunity to get involved in the ﬁght against tobacco in a meaningful way. Our goal is to have a future

2005 “Don’t Start” Smoking Contest Finalists

Kindergarten

First-Place Finalist — Cheyenne Grifﬁn, 6, Delight Elementary Second-Place Finalist — Corey Maize, 5, Bergman Elementary Third-Place Finalist — Tripp Mobley, 5, Western Yell County School in Belleville

First Grade First-Place Finalist— Tyler Head, 7, Lead Hill Elementary Second-Place Finalist — Rohan Arora, 6, Baker Elementary School in Little Rock Third-Place Finalist — Mora Turner, 6, Bradford Elementary School Continued on Page 28

Blue & You Summer 2005

Continued from Page 27

Second Grade

Fourth Grade

First-Place Finalist — Jordan Lynn Davis, 9, Bergman Elementary

First-Place Finalist & Grand-Prize Winner — Natalie DeLone, 9, Baker Elementary School in Little Rock

Second-Place Finalist — Alyssa Hamilton, 8, Central Elementary School in Cabot Third-Place Finalist — Uriah Parlet, 8, Yellville-Summit Elementary School in Yellville

Third Grade First-Place Finalist — Sydney McConnell, 8, Grimes Elementary School in Fayetteville Second-Place Finalist — Katie Chandler, 9, Fountain Lake Elementary School in Hot Springs Third-Place Finalist — Ivey Mansﬁeld, 9, Yellville-Summit Elementary School in Yellville

Second-Place Finalist — Jon-Austen Linch, 9, Baker Elementary School in Little Rock Third-Place Finalist — Madeline McGee, 9, Collegeville Elementary School in Bryant

Fifth Grade First-Place Finalist — Kelsie Davenport, 11, Yellville-Summit Elementary School in Yellville Second-Place Finalist — Keara Carey, 11, Mitchell Academy in Little Rock Third-Place Finalist — Brianna Stone, 10, Manila Elementary

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Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield board members honored 28

r. Carolyn Blakely, a board member of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, recently was honored at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) 18th Annual Chancellor’s Beneﬁt for the Arts. The event, entitled, “Bridging the Legacy: From Branch College to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,” was a part of the university’s 2005 Founder’s Celebration.

Association. Established in 1891, the association is the largest and oldest banking industry organization in Arkansas, representing more than 200 banks and ﬁnancial institutions.

Blakely

Blakely was recognized as the ﬁrst, and only, woman to serve as the UAPB chancellor. She served in an interim capacity from June to October 1991. She is one of only 15 people to have held that ofﬁce in the 132-year history of the college. She currently serves as the Dean of the Honors College at UAPB. J. Thomas May, a board member of Arkansas Blue Cross, recently was elected to serve as the 115th chairman of the Arkansas Bankers

An El Dorado native, May has worked for Simmons First National Bank since 1987, has served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the May University of Arkansas System and serves on the Board of Trustees for BAPTIST HEALTH. May is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Arkansas Community Development Program Award of Exceptional Accomplishment (a statewide recognition for outstanding leadership in improving the community and Arkansas) and the Channel 4 ❊ Community Service Award for 1996.

Fay Boozman remembered

ay Boozman, M.D., director of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), was killed in a farming accident in Rogers on March 19. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield had a close working relationship with Dr. Boozman through the development and execution of the Arkansas Fitness Challenge, for which he served as corporate champion for ADH in 2004 and was again serving in 2005. His funeral was held on March 23. He is survived by his wife, Vickey; three children; a brother; and his mother.

addressing the state’s poor health status.

“It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to Fay Boozman,” said Sharon Allen, president and chief operating ofﬁcer of Arkansas Blue Cross. “Dr. Boozman was a great visionary for our state, and his commitment for improving the health and ﬁtness of Arkansans has been recognized well beyond our borders. His public health initiatives have originated collaborations between organizations and individuals never before ventured in Arkansas. Dr. Boozman was a Dr. Boozman, 58, was appointed ADH director in friend … and a fun, friendly competitor in the Arkansas 1999. He began changing the focus of the department Fitness Challenge, as ‘champion’ for the employees of the from providing clinical services to using public campaigns Arkansas Department of Health. He was a co-laborer in to address health problems. His commitment to addressing the pursuit of a healthy Arkansas. We value his vision. We Fay Boozman tobacco use, poor nutrition, obesity and physical inactivity among salute his service. We thank him for his tenacity in making a positive Arkansans was on the forefront of programs he initiated to begin difference. He will be missed.” ❊

Blue & You Summer 2005

Fitness and Safety topics make a dozen “BlueAnn Rocks” spots

wo new animated, musical television commercials will premiere this summer during family programming designed to teach children about health and safety through fun, memorable music and images. The new spots focus on ﬁtness and avoiding strangers.

“Exercise, Don’t Supersize” and “Stranger Danger” round out to an even dozen the number of messages featuring BlueAnn Ewe, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s ambassador of health and wellness, who is the central ﬁgure of its Blue & Youth Health Program. The previous 10 TV spots also feature other melodic characters and kids. In 1999, the ﬁrst two animated television spots focused on nutrition (the “Food Pyramid”) and peer pressure (“Backbone”). Since then, two more commercials have been created about every year on the topics of exercise (“Exercise Beat”), safety (“Safety Song”), hygiene (“Squeaky Clean”), emotions (“E-e-emotions”), good sleep (“You Need Your Rest”), good dental hygiene (“Brush With Me”), avoiding tobacco (“Love Your Lungs”), and putting your mind to good use (“Exercise Your Brain”).

Affectionately referred to as “BlueAnn Rocks,” the musical health messages support topics taught in the Blue & Youth Health Program and offer a fun medium for kids to learn about health and wellness. The plan is to develop two new spots each year focused on a different health topic in an effort to create a library of “music videos.” The “BlueAnn Rocks” spots also can be viewed on BlueAnn’s Wild & Woolly Web site* and at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock as part of the “Who Wants to Feel Like A Million Bucks?” interactive health game at the Health Hall kiosk. Watch for the new and classic “Rocks” spots on family and kids’ programming including Nickelodeon, Discovery Channel, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox 16 and UPN 38. *www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com

In case you want to sing along, here are the lyrics to the new spots:

“Exercise, Don’t Supersize” Exercise, don’t supersize. Eat smart. Move more. Exercise, don’t supersize. Get on your feet. Get out the door. When you eat, choose healthy food. It builds your mind. It helps your mood. Be master of your appetite. Eat the foods that treat you right. Exercise, don’t supersize. Eat smart. Move more. Exercise, don’t supersize. Get on your feet. Get out the door.

“Stranger Danger” When you’re alone and see a stranger who tries to talk to you. Keep your distance, get assistance. That’s what you should do. Don’t take candy. Don’t take toys. Don’t look for lost things, girls and boys. Find a parent or a teacher, someone who knows you. Keep your distance, get assistance. That’s what you should do. ❊ Blue & You Summer 2005

Looking for summer fun for kids? Join the Club!

ummer is a great time for taking it easy and having fun, but health and safety never need to go on vacation.

Why not get your kids involved and help them learn important health lessons from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s health ambassador, BlueAnn Ewe, a big, blue sheep? Arkansas Blue Cross’ Blue & Youth Health Program, a health education effort designed to improve the well-being of Arkansas citizens (beginning with the young people of the state) is one way to help your kids develop good health habits. BlueAnn uses a variety of tools to help kids learn about good nutrition, exercise, avoiding tobacco and other harmful substances, brushing their teeth, getting good sleep, and a host of other health and safety topics. The BlueAnn Health Club is a free health club with a two-year membership, designed to provide individual children aged 5 to 10 with opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles and participate in activities, with the goal of encouraging overall healthy behaviors and

involving parents in the process. The club includes incentives and rewards for participating in activities. Members get an ID card and membership certiﬁcate, as well as a poster and two birthday cards. Following the initial membership packet, Health Club members receive quarterly packets, which include a newsletter, activity sheet, special gift and a businessreply envelope. Packets contain information and activities on health topics including nutrition, exercise, safety, hygiene, dental health, emotions and drug/tobacco prevention. The club is a great way for your kids to play at learning and have fun in the process of staying healthy and safe. To enroll your kids in the BlueAnn Health Club, please call toll free 1-800-515-BLUE (2583). And don’t forget to visit BlueAnn’s Web site (www.BlueAnnEwe-ark. com) each month to get information and enjoy games and activities. It’s all fun. It’s all free. And you can help your kids be their healthy best with the help of a woolly blue sheep. ❊

Arkansas Fitness Challenge crossing state

mployees from more than 35 companies, organizations or groups have joined the employees of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Arkansas Department of Health in the 2005 Arkansas Fitness Challenge … and the battle for better health. Last year, thousands of employees participated in the competition and recorded positive ﬁtness levels and health improvements as a result. A participant progress report will be available later this year, but for those groups interested in organizing a contest for the fall or even next spring, remember that the Arkansas Fitness Challenge “Employee Fitness Contest Kit” is available free to help with the smallest or largest efforts. In

addition, the kit includes ideas for work site wellness activities all year long. Banks, schools, physician ofﬁces, small companies, large companies, universities, churches and more have received kits and are considering local challenges. Still others are planning events later in the year. The “Employee Fitness Contest Kit” is available to download free at: www.ArkansasBlueCross. com, www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com, or BlueAdvantageArkansas.com. Go to the “Employers” section and click on the kit logo. If you would like a printed version of the kit in a binder, please call Arkansas Blue Cross, toll free at 1-800-686-2609. ❊

Efforts on Arkansas Fitness Challenge receive recognition

rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently was honored for its 2004 Arkansas Fitness Challenge efforts by two organizations.

On March 17, the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness presented Arkansas Blue Cross with the Corporate Leadership Award, also for the 2004 Arkansas Fitness Challenge, at the annual Leadership in Fitness Awards ceremony. Each year the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness and BAPTIST HEALTH recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts affected the health and ﬁtness of Arkansans.

On March 15, the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) recognized Arkansas Blue Cross as an innovator in “This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our health and wellness programs leadership and employees for successfully completing the 2004 for its organization and Arkansas Fitness Challenge,” said Sharon Allen, president and implementation of the Representatives of Arkansas Blue Cross, chief operating ofﬁcer of Arkansas Blue Cross. “Not only did our Arkansas Fitness Challenge, accompanied by Gov. Mike Huckabee, accept team win the contest, our employees have remained committed and the Employee Fitness the Corporate Leadership Award. to healthier lifestyles and to showing other companies … and Contest Kit that subsequently was developed as a result of the success of the program. individuals … how they can experience the same success.” ❊ Blue & You Summer 2005

Blue & Your Community A

rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield strives to be a good corporate citizen. Our employees raise money and spend many hours helping those causes near and dear to the hearts of Arkansans.

Star in the City BlueAnn Ewe made an appearance recently at Jimmy Brown Elementary School in Star City as part of “Health Week” organized by EAST students from Star City High School. EAST students expanded an after-school exercise program created for children K-5 to a weeklong series of activities including poster contests and educational presentations focused on fitness. “Heath Week” culminated with a school-wide fitness assembly. The assembly began with Lincoln County Health Nurse Debbie Riley and Lincoln County Extension Office Agent Jane Newton, who warmed up the kids with an invigorating “Trip around Star City.” Then BlueAnn taught the students how to make healthy choices for life. Craig O’Neill, sports director for Today’s THV/Channel 11, wrapped up things with his wacky aerobics routine … with the help of BlueAnn. The assembly was broadcast on Channel 11 before the sports report. The EAST program, recently recognized by the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness, is a community-oriented class that allows students to enhance their BlueAnn, Craig O’Neill and EAST knowledge beyond the limitations students from Star City pose of a traditional classroom. following fitness assembly.

Perritt parades against drugs For the seventh year, BlueAnn Ewe helped lead the 18th annual “Just Say No” drug prevention walk hosted by Perritt Primary School in Arkadelphia on April 15. BlueAnn led the fight against drugs with hundreds of elementary students; high school and college mentors; parents, teachers and administration staff; and community supporters. Perritt’s Nickelodeon singers got the day off to a great start with two musical numbers that fit with the theme. Arkadelphia High School cheerleaders and junior high drill team members led an energizer on the school lawn, then walked with the elementary students to the Siftings Herald newspaper office a little more than a mile from the school. At a pep rally there, the high school jazz band played music for the crowd as the cheerleaders led anti-drug cheers. Community and state leaders greeted the walkers, pledging their support in the fight against drugs. BlueAnn, McGruff the Crime Dog and “No Smok-e-mon”

characters were special guests at the rally. Clark County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce and Arkadelphia Police Department ofﬁcers and members of the Arkadelphia Fire Department Rescue Unit joined the assembly. Always a highlight of the walk is getting to stop by Perritt Principal Wanda O’Quinn’s house for cookies, water and juice. It was a beautiful day for a walk … and to be drug-free!

Rally ’round the Red Caps The 2005 Red Cap Rally, a celebration to honor heart disease and stroke survivors, held March 3 at the Arkansas Aerospace Education Center/IMAX Theater in Little Rock, was sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The red cap is the American Heart Association’s symbol of heart attack and stroke victims’ survival as well as their commitment to leading healthier lives. Mike Brown, senior vice president of Enterprise Networks, addressed the crowd of about 300 survivors and their family members, and BlueAnn Ewe was on hand to entertain the young and young-at-heart. ❊ BlueAnn welcomes a red-cap recipient at the 2005 Red Cap Rally.

BlueAnn walks with Perritt Primary students and mentors in the 18th annual “Just Say No” drug prevention walk.

Blue & You Summer 2005

Blue

Online

Access health information and health coaching 24 hours a day

summaries online, and Arkansas Blue Cross members will gain this feature soon.

Free, 24-hour online health information and health coaching services from HealthConnect Blue are available to all Health Advantage members and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas group members whose employers have chosen to participate in the program. To access these services, follow these steps:

If you have questions about your beneﬁts, please use our online form to submit a question to Customer Service. The link to “E-mail Customer Service” appears at the bottom of every page of each company’s Web site. Telephone numbers are located in the “Contact Us” section.

1. Go to home page of www.ArkansasBlueCross.com, www. HealthAdvantage-hmo.com or www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com. 2. Click on the “HealthConnect Blue” link on the home page, which will take you to the My Blueprint log-in page. 3. Log in with your My Blueprint log-in ID and password. 4. Click on the “Access HealthConnect Blue” link on the My Blueprint “Welcome” menu. After continuing to the HealthConnect Blue site, you can access the following sections: • Dialog Room: Send a secure e-mail to a Health Coach, a specially trained health professional, such as a nurse, respiratory therapist or dietitian. Health Coaches are available 24/7 to answer questions and address your health concerns. A Health Coach can give you the support and guidance you need when facing important decisions about your health. • Health Information: Access the extensive Healthwise® Knowledgebase encyclopedia and ﬁnd decision-making support through Health CrossroadsSM. This online encyclopedia now is open to all members of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage through My Blueprint. • Health Tools: Complete an online health risk assessment and print out a report giving you recommendations to improve your health; record health records using the Symptom Diaries and Medication List. • Resources: Access information and resources related to health education programs for weight management, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, low back pain and pregnancy. Not registered? If you have not registered to use My Blueprint, click on the “First-time user?” link on the My Blueprint log-in page. You’ll ﬁnd instructions on how to register. You’ll need your health plan ID card to complete the short registration form.

Access claims data any time through My Blueprint My Blueprint is your online customer self-service center. You can check the status of your medical claims, review your medical and pharmacy claims history, order a replacement ID card and more. Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage members can access beneﬁt

ArkansasBlueCross.com wins Prism Award For the fourth year in a row, ArkansasBlueCross.com has won the Prism Award of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Arkansas Chapter. Prisms are awarded annually to honor outstanding work in the ﬁeld of public relations. ArkansasBlueCross. com won the “Web Sites” category, one of 19 categories and the only one designated for Internet communication. Arkansas Blue Cross and its family of companies are striving to make the Web sites a valuable communications tool for members, employers, providers and agents. ❊

www.ArkansasBlueCross.com www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield P.O. Box 2181 Little Rock, AR 72203-2181