EBS newsletter winter 2015

EBS Helpline: 0800 268 3763 Email: ebs@crombie.co.nz www.ebs.org.nz

Newsletter June 2015

Welcome to all our current EBS members and to all of you who want to know more!

With temperatures dropping and the days becoming shorter, it is a good time to reflect on your health and how to make the best use of the benefits your union offers you.

We are here to support our members and actively encourage new membership, so please read through our newsletter and contact us if you would like to know more about any of our benefits or how to claim.

Taking care of you

Meet the Claims Team at EBS

EBS and education unions are a unique partnership We think that it is important for you to know who you providing for the needs of education workers, and are dealing with, so over the next few issues of the Check out our website: http://ebs.org.nz/ your families and whanau. newsletter we will introduce you to the team who Education unions work to improve and protect conditions of employment and the quality of education. EBS Health Care works to protect your personal health & welfare.

work hard for you behind the scenes at EBS.

This unique partnership exists solely for the benefit of education sector workers - so take advantage of the benefits these education sector specialists can offer you.

Get more information from the websites below. www.nzei.org.nz www.ppta.org.nz

http://teu.ac.nz www.isea.org.nz http://tiasa.org.nz www.psa.org.nz

Yolande, Tricia & Maria Dedicated to helping you get your Standard Plan claims paid - these ladies have a combined total of over 35 years’ experience working for EBS between them - with previous work experience from the insurance, finance, banking and advertising sectors.

For any queries regarding your Standard Plan claims phone 0800 800 441, asking for your claims administrator below (letters correspond with surnames):   

Tricia A, N-W Yolande B-H, X,Y,Z Maria M-I

(For education sector workers only)

Support your union and be supported in return!

Watch This Space!

To find out more on any of the benefits available to you as a union member, please call the EBS Helpline on 0800 268 3763. You can also go check the website www.ebs.org.nz or email ebs@crombie.co.nz

EBS have been listening to member feedback and as a result are making some exciting changes to the Standard Plan over the next few months…………….

Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained in this newsletter are of a general nature and may not be relevant to your situation

Lower the risk of breast cancer Make healthy lifestyle choices: The way you live may increase your personal risk of developing breast cancer.

Lifestyle factors, such as, alcohol, the effects of stress, high fat diets and a generally sedentary lifestyle may increase your risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other cancers.

Alcohol Research shows if you drink more than one glass of an alcoholic drink every day, you will increase your risk by approximately 10% for each additional drink per day.

Alcohol affects the way oestrogen is metabolised in a woman; oestrogen levels are increased.

Diet and exercise A high-fat diet and an inactive lifestyle are risk factors for development of breast cancer. You can lower your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, such as 30 minutes every day of brisk walking. For postmenopausal women, regular exercise is most important, as if overweight or obese, their breast cancer risk can be increased by approximately 40%.

A healthy diet and exercise routine begins with: - Eating a lower fat, higher fibre diet - Using less salt - Drinking less alcohol - Having low or no caffeine drinks - Eating a variety of foods - Maintaining a healthy body weight - Being physically active on a regular basis Stress Recommendation is that you look at your stress factors and change what you can - manage them. For example, go for your regular health checks - screening mammograms, cervical screening, dental visits, etc. Don't push them to the side because of your stress.

Reduce Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) usage: Hormone Replacement Therapy ( HRT) helps relieve the symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, irregular heartbeat, and sleeplessness. There is strong evidence the use of combination HRT (oestrogen + progestin) will increase your risk of developing breast cancer, particularly if you use HRT for a long time (greater than 4 years). If you are using or are considering using HRT, it is recommended that you have annual mammograms.

If possible have children and breast feed for longer: The more children women have, the more their risk of breast cancer appears to be reduced. Among women who have had children, having them at a younger age (less than 30 years) is associated with lower breast cancer risk.

Breastfeeding will not totally prevent you from developing breast cancer. However, recent research shows a 4-5% decreased risk of developing breast cancer for every 12 months of breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, levels of the female hormone oestrogen are suppressed. http://www.nzbcf.org.nz/BREASTCANCER/RiskFactors/Lowertherisk ofbreastcancer.aspx

If the worst does happen, EBS can support you with the following benefits:  

 

Lump sum payment under EBS Trauma cover Monthly income replacement or help towards your mortgage costs with EBS Mortgage Protection Reimbursement of surgical & treatment costs under EBS Hospital Plan Surgical excess reimbursement and other reimbursements under EBS Standard Plan Talk to us now to ensure your family can financially survive Call 0800 268 3763

Real Benefits/Real Support – How to Claim Standard Plan claims – download a claim form from the EBS website (www.ebs.org.nz) or call 0800 800 441 Claim on the following to specified maximumscheck terms and conditions on the EBS website  Birth or Bereavement benefits  Smaller hospital claims (up to $700)  Reimbursement of your ‘Hospital Plan’ excess  Diagnostic testing  GP & Prescription costs Call the EBS adviser team now on 0800 268 3763  Medical appliances to find out how to protect your family.  Physiotherapy, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Acupuncture, Naturopaths etc  Optical  Orthodontist  Sick leave without pay EBS Hospital Plan claims – contact your EBS Financial Adviser, health insurance company direct or call our helpline 0800 268 3763 for help with the following:  Prior-approval for medically necessary surgical procedures  Questions in regard to surgical or diagnostic testing claims EBS Life or Disability Insurance claims - contact your EBS Financial Adviser, insurance company direct or call our helpline 0800 268 3763 for help with the following:  Death claims  Income or Mortgage Protection monthly benefits  Lump sum claims for critical illness, injury and total permanent disablement