Health
A Publication for Teachers Health Trust Participants
raxx
Winter 2017 │Volume 16, Issue 1 For Teachers by Teachers
performance plus plan ENHANCEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE NEW YEAR
health & safety
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1
TEN TIPS TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT
ASK THE PROVIDER HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DIETITIAN
Looking to save money on prescriptions? Check out Rx Savings Solutions. This free benefit provides transparency into prescription costs. It’s a simpler way to save money at the pharmacy.
How to get started:
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SETUP YOUR SAVINGS ALERTS:
REVIEW AVAILABLE SAVINGS OPTIONS:
START SAVING ON PRESCRIPTIONS:
Visit portal.rxsavingssolutions.com and log on. Select “Member Login” or click “Register” if you’re a first-time visitor. Once you’ve logged on, you can adjust your preferences for text and email notifications by clicking “Profile” in the side navigation.
Any existing medications you or your family take will be displayed and you will be provided with all possible clinical and financial alternatives to maximize your savings. You can also use the search feature to view different medications and associated savings.
If savings are available on existing medications, you’ll receive instructions on how to review the new options with your doctor. When new savings are identified, you’ll receive personalized savings alerts via text or email based on your profile settings.
Don’t want to wait for an alert to start saving? Use the search feature after you log in to search medications and savings opportunities at pharmacies near your home!
Questions? Contact member services. Our member services team is staffed with Certified Pharmacy Technicians available to assist with prescription questions. They can be reached Monday – Friday from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST at 1-800-268-4476 or info@rxsavingsllc.com.
rxsavingssolutions.com WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
contents WINTER 2017
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1
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in this issue LETTERS
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4 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 5 FROM THE CEO
10 PERFORMANCE PLUS PLAN UPDATES
FEATURES 6 WELLDYNE RX
Manage your pharmacy benefits through the member portal
7 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Your questions answered
HEALTH & SAFETY
Ten tips for a bright new year
15 QUICK COOKING
Two delicious, healthy recipes
16 UNDERSTANDING FATS Not all fat is created equal
Enhancements and improvements for the new year
17 IN-NETWORK SPOTLIGHT
How to talk to your dietitian
18 HEART DISEASE
Five tips to smash your New Year’s fitness goals
19 HERE’S TO HEALTH PROGRAMS
12 ASK THE PROVIDER
13 ACHIEVE & SUCCEED 14 IT’S COLD AND FLU SEASON
Everything you need to know about Quest Diagnostics
Learn how to lower your risk
Four programs designed to help you live a healthy life
Protect yourself with a flu shot WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
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LETTERS
FROM THE BOARD Health Traxx is published quarterly by the Teachers Health Trust to help participants make life-saving decisions about health care. Although editorial content is based on sound medical information, we ask that you consult a healthcare professional regarding all medical concerns. We encourage you to keep copies of this news publication for the purpose of building a handy home medical reference guide or to recycle issues to friends and family. Any opinions expressed by an author or source whose article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of the author/source and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Trust. If you have questions or comments regarding this issue, e-mail the Trust at wellness@ teachershealthtrust.org, or write to Teachers Health Trust c/o Philip DiGiacomo, P.O. Box 96238, Las Vegas, NV 89193-6238.
CHAIRPERSON Michael Steinbrink VICE CHAIRPERSON Isela Stellato BOARD OF TRUSTEES David Tatlock Jodi Brant Cindy Johnson Molly Lehman Kerri Martinez Najera Cynthia Rapazzini Vikki Courtney, CCEA President CEO Gary Earl DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Philip DiGiacomo ADVERTISEMENTS
This publication is made in part by the generous donations of network providers and non-profit community organizations. Individuals or companies interested in advertising opportunities in Health Traxx should contact Philip DiGiacomo, Director of Communications, at wellness@teachershealthtrust. org or contact the Teachers Health Trust Wellness Division at (702) 866-6192. An advertisement in the Health Traxx publication does not mean the Trust endorses the provider or service. Ad purchase space is based on a first-come, first-served basis, and advertisers are preferred to be a part of the Teachers Health Trust Provider Network. Other organizations, such as non-profit local or national health agencies or for-profit companies with a valid business license, may advertise once approved by the Teachers Health Trust Special Events Committee.
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The Push Toward Improvement, Enhancement and Good Health 2016 is now all but behind us, but it is certain that all of us have learned a lot from what can only be described as a year full of impactful change. These changes had many positives to speak of, yet I would be remiss if I did not point out that the learning moments we take into 2017 were built upon hard lessons, multiple stumbles and innumerable challenges. Nonetheless, I can state, unequivocally, that these learning moments now provide us the opportunity to look forward prepared to not only implement, but continue to develop our healthcare plan into one that is first-in-class in respect to service, access and effectiveness. I imagine that right about now, some of you have read my statement above with a doubtful eye. I wholly understand, but can also validate my positivity for 2017. As the Trust staff worked throughout the year to complete the transition to the Performance Plus Plan, the board was adamant that we start laying a foundation of improvement for the future. As a result, a series of initiatives were launched throughout the year dedicated to heading out into the community and listening to our colleagues about what it is they most needed to be enhanced in the plan. The team worked diligently to accomplish this goal. Based on their findings, the rest of the board and I have approved a series of plan changes for 2017 that include: • Across the board reduction in coinsurance maximums for generic and preferred formulary prescriptions; • Addition of a new drug tier to reduce the costs of multiple emergency medications; • Removal of the PCMH selection requirement for OB/GYNs; • Changes to out-of-network protocols for pre-planned surgery to lower participant costs; • Reduction in visits required for benefits such as transplant and extended network access; and • Implementation of WellDyne Rx and Rx Savings Solutions to provide lower cost prescriptions. The list above shall create an immediate and positive impact to the cost and access of your healthcare. Furthermore, the list above only mentions the benefit changes that we oversaw and approved. In addition to these benefit enhancements, numerous operational and logistical improvements are taking hold in order to elevate the quality of the service experience for each and every one of us. There remains work to be done and challenges to overcome; this is a fact that is both wholly understood as well as being addressed daily. Yet, as the board reviews the year that was 2016 in conjunction with the strategy in place for 2017 and beyond, the future looks bright for the Teachers Health Trust and, more importantly, for the healthcare provided to us teachers and our families. Here is to a bright and prosperous 2017. We look forward to sharing it with you.
Michael Steinbrink, Chairman Board of Trustees Teachers Health Trust
Message from the CEO
Gary Earl
Looking and Leaning Forward into 2017 Personally, I tend to only look backward in order to view the pathway traveled, the lessons learned from both trials as well as triumphs, to better position for the next phase of the journey. It is only through clear reflection and earnest introspection that we see the successes and lessons in proper alignment and juxtaposition. In the case of the Teachers Health Trust, 2016 represents perhaps the most tumultuous, challenging as well as powerful year, as together we shift from a season of being reactive to a new era of being proactive. Although the Trust, like most all organizations as well as people, will always face challenges and obstacles in our lifecycle, it is far better positioned to avoid prior pitfalls while now standing in the greatly enviable position of looking into both the near and long-term future as it relates to improvement and gain. From the perspective of the plan and the organization’s strength as a whole, our new programs, people and process are driving the progress that we are experiencing. Important functions, including our ability to provide you and your family with a high level of customer experience; new technologies that have established both stability and growth in our community; provider relationships and partnerships as well as health innovations that are evolving in our plan programs and pricing have taken root and are operating both efficiently and effectively. Our ability to emerge from a historically unhealthy economic time to one where we can manage our obligations and liabilities, reserve for the future and also re-invest in our programs in order to provide our valued participants with enrichments in our plan is moving forward at a vigorous pace. As we look into 2017 and beyond, our focus is wholly upon further improvement. No longer looking through a narrow lens of recovery, but through that of a wide angle lens of opportunity. Our strategy is based on a quickly advancing era of well-being, and personal health improvement as well as continuing our efforts to expand upon our value-based approach to access, quality and outcomes. As those charged with the privilege of operating your Trust, we not only see through the lens, but have committed in policy and process to intentionally and strategically drive forward in order to build each of you the highest quality, affordable and functional program possible. I would like to encourage each one of us that call the Trust’s Performance Plus Plan our own to begin to consider the possibilities before us. These considerations will prove instrumental as we continue to improve in not only the tactical areas of service and delivery, but in the importance of investing in and engaging with the new era of health and well-being improvement that we together will be creating and unleashing in the near future. It is through our collective efforts and opportunities to improve health conditions that the sustainability of our program, built by teachers for teachers, is assured to not only continue to exist, but thrive well into the future. It is a true honor and privilege to travel this journey with each and every one of you, the Trust team and our valued and commitment partners. Looking back to learn from the past is truly the best possible way for us to lean into the now and the future as we seek to be far more than successful, but significant in our lives, homes, schools and communities. I wish you a most wonderful, productive and healthy new year.
Gary Earl, CEO GEarl@teachershealthtrust.org WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
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Member Portal
Manage your pharmacy benefits through our secure online member portal, www.WellDyneRx.com. The WellDyneRx member portal contains a variety of helpful tools to help you manage your prescription benefits: n
Order medications: Order your prescriptions online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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Check order status: Access up-to-date order information
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Estimate copay costs: Use our cost calculator to estimate your copay amounts
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Locate pharmacies: Find participating pharmacies in your area
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Find drug alternatives: Search your plan formulary for lower cost generic medications or over-thecounter (OTC) alternatives
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Manage your health: View prescription details, research health conditions, and read drug information
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Update your profile: Add or change payment information, set your communication preference (email or phone), change contact information, and more
Register today to use the WellDyneRx member portal:
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Go to www.WellDyneRx.com. Click on “Member Registration”
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Enter your plan information
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Set up your account profile
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Let us know about any allergies or health conditions
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If you will be using our Prescription Delivery Service, provide a payment method (credit, debit, FSA or HSA card) to speed up the ordering process
WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX WDRx.MC-E.COFL.2124 TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
8.2016 ©WellDyneRx
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Your questions answered. Q: Will there be benefit changes next year?
Q: What is the appeal process?
There will be a few changes for 2017, one of them being the new mail order pharmacy vendor and prescription savings program.
You may contact Teachers Health Trust Customer Service to discuss your desire to appeal a benefit determination that you believe to have been made in error. A Service Representative shall prepare an Appeals Packet request in order to have it sent to you for completion.
Q: Why have my benefits changed so drastically?
Additional information can be found on page 165 of the Performance Plus Plan document.
Changes have been made to the policy to keep health insurance in the hands of the teachers of Clark County while still providing quality care for all participants.
Q: What is my responsibility if I go to Quest Diagnostics or if my provider sends a lab test directly to Quest Diagnostics? Your co-payment will be $0.
Q: Why are claims pending so long?
There have been a series of significant system updates and changes. Now that these updates have been completed, claims are processing at a normal pace of 30 - 45 business days for turnaround time.
Q: Why do I need a referral, and how do I get one? Referrals have been put in place to ensure that you are receiving coordinated quality care from all providers that you see. They also provide for one main point of care for you and your family. If your primary care physician determines you need to see a specialist, he/she will contact a WellHealth Advocate by phone or through the par8o system to process your referral.
Q: Why isn’t my prescription covered?
One reason your prescription may not be covered is that it requires a prior authorization or step therapy. Another reason may be that it is a non-formulary medication, which means that a generic or analogous drug is available.
Q: Why am I penalized for seeing an emergency room doctor or anesthesiologist that is at an in-network hospital? Teachers Health Trust contracts with as many providers as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to contract all providers in the area. Sometimes hospitals have doctors that are not contracted with Teachers Health Trust. If the facility is contracted, but the provider is not, we will still process the claim at an in-network level, but you may have a balance over and above what Teachers Health Trust allows or pays. This is only because we do not have a contract with that specific doctor and, for that reason, are unable to limit what they charge.
Q: Why is my dependent child who is a full time student penalized for choosing to go to school out of state? Your dependent child is not being penalized, but since they are residing outside of the network, they need to utilize resources aimed at assisting them out-of-state. We encourage them to use options such as Telemedicine, which allows them to speak with a live doctor at no cost 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They may also utilize CVS Minute Clinics nationwide, which has a $15 copayment. In more severe situations, urgent care has a copayment of $75, and in the event of a true emergency, the deductible is waived and ER services are treated in-network, regardless of where they are provided. Additional information can be found on page 93 of the Performance Plus Plan document.
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FEATURES
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HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS FOR A BRIGHT NEW YEAR Get Check-Ups & Vaccinations
Exams and screening can help find problems early or before they start. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history and family health history.
Watch the Kids
Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy) and other objects out of kids’ reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors for all electronic media.
Prevent Injuries
Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations. Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves or candles unattended. Don’t use generators, grills or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test and change the batteries regularly.
Be Smoke-Free Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke. If you smoke, quit today! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or talk to your healthcare provider for help.
Eat Healthy & Be Active
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose more vegetables and fruit. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least one hour a day.
Wash Your Hands Often
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product.
Stay Warm
Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry and dress warmly in several layers of loosefitting, tightly woven clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets.
Manage Stress
Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Get enough sleep.
Travel Safety
Handle & Prepare Food Safely
Keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
Reprinted, with permission from Center for Disease Control
Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight and age. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive.
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2017 PERFORMANCE PLUS PLAN ENHANCEMENTS & IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE NEW YEAR PCMH is pivotal to promoting improved healthcare for our participants, this requirement could be lifted without hindering the process. Going forward, all in-network OB/GYN providers may be used by participants without a referral and under the same cost structure currently reserved for the PCMH providers. During the inaugural year of the Performance Plus Plan, the Teachers Health Trust maintained a keen focus on determining what aspects of the plan could and must be revised for 2017. We combined our own constant internal analysis with a series of events and programs aimed at determining what changes our participants deemed most essential as well. Now, with the 2017 calendar year upon us, the Trust is quite excited to share the many enhancements made to the plan. These updates were all made with three objectives in mind: • Provide greater ease of access • Ensure more clarity of benefits • Lower out-of-pocket costs for you and your family The following serves as the final package of enhancements that the Trust has created based upon these objectives, all of which should improve your healthcare experience.
SELECTION OF OB/GYN FOR THE PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME The initial year of the plan included the requirement for women to select not only a primary care physician, but also an in-network OB/GYN for their PatientCentered Medical Home (PCMH). Throughout the year, it became apparent to the Trust that, while the
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Women must still select a primary care physician for their PCMH, and the Trust reminds all participants that utilizing an OB/GYN as a primary care physician is discouraged and may result in greater out-of-pocket costs for some services.
REDUCTION OF OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS (Effective February 1)
Throughout 2016, the most passionate feedback that the Trust received with respect to desired benefit changes was related to the out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. The Trust took your concerns to heart and spent the better portion of the year determining how these costs could be brought down. The Trust is happy to announce that we were successful in this endeavor and will be able to reduce the maximum out-of-pocket costs by 50 percent for four tiers of prescription drugs: Retail 30-Day Prescriptions • Generic medications over $25 out-of-pocket maximums will be reduced from $100 to $50. • Preferred formulary out-of-pocket maximums will be reduced from $200 to $100. Mail Order 90-Day Prescriptions • Generic medications over $25 out-of-pocket maximums will be reduced from $300 to $150.
• Preferred formulary out-of-pocket maximums will be reduced from $600 to $300. Emergency Drug List In 2016, we saw astronomical increases to emergency drugs such as the EpiPen. While the Trust had no control over these increases, it has been determined that these drugs could be added into a separate formulary tier in order to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. The following prescription drugs will be added to the formulary for 2017 with an out-of-pocket maximum of $100: • • • •
Epi-Pen Epi-Pen Jr. Glucagon Emergency Kit Narcan Nasal Spray
WELLDYNE RX TO TAKE OVER MAIL ORDER AND SPECIALTY MEDICATIONS Over the past year, the Trust has consistently received feedback about their customer service experiences with Caremark, the organization responsible for mail order and specialty medications. In order to provide specialized customer service and give you greater access to cost savings programs and resources for mail order and specialty medications, WellDyne Rx has replaced Caremark as of January 2017. It is important to note that this will not impact or change current retail pharmacy benefits or access. The current preferred pharmacies as well as your ability to utilize non-preferred pharmacies via the Pharmacy Choice Fee will remain in place. For detailed information on the WellDyne Rx, see the dedicated article about this benefit found within this issue or visit mywdrx.com.
FEATURES RX SAVINGS SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS As part of the larger effort to provide greater cost savings to you and lower your out-of-pocket prescription expenses, the Trust has partnered with Rx Savings Solutions to offer all participants access to their state-ofthe-art application. This Rx Savings Solutions app is designed to notify you if there is another pharmacy in your area with lower outof-pocket prices for your prescription drugs. Additionally, this tool will provide recommendations on alternative medications that perform the same or better in clinical trials but with a lower out-of-pocket price. To access this benefit, you need to create an account by visiting portal. rxsavingsolutions.com. If you need assistance, they have a dedicated service team that is staffed with certified pharmacy technicians available to assist with prescription questions. You can reach them Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST at 1-800-268-4476 or via email at info@rxsavingsllc.com.
SEPARATION OF THERAPY SERVICES INTO MULTIPLE BENEFITS The list of services covered under the therapy services benefits included an array of types. Some of these therapy types (physical, occupational and speech) had calendar year maximums, while others did not. In order to ensure clarity, each therapy service has been separated in the plan document. It is important to note that the coverage and maximums have not been changed.
In addition to this separation, the protocol for long-term therapy services has been added to the plan document as well. This protocol outlines the benefit for participants who will need to undergo physical, occupational or speech therapy in amounts greater than 20 visits per calendar year.
REMOVAL OF SOME REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTENDED NETWORK BENEFITS In the past, in order to determine and validate that a needed medical service was unobtainable in-network, two separate opinions had to be acquired and submitted to the Trust by the participant and/or their provider. The Trust is happy to announce that the increase in case managers available to our participants has eliminated this necessity.
REMOVAL OF OUT-OF-NETWORK RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANY SURGICAL SERVICES It has become clear over the years that despite the best efforts of our participants to ensure in-network costs for their pre-planned surgery, out-ofnetwork providers are utilized during the procedures. In these cases, the participant has been burdened with out-of-network costs when the decision to use these providers may have been outside of their control or knowledge. In order to ensure our participants are not burdened with such undue costs, the Trust will bill participants only innetwork charges for anesthesiologists, hospitalist and assistant surgeons where out-of-network providers were utilized despite selecting in-network providers for pre-planned surgery.
If your primary care provider or specialist determines a medical service that you require is unobtainable innetwork, they must simply submit a request to send you out-of-network for prior authorization to the Trust Case Management team. This team can now complete the process of validation inhouse, eliminating your need to acquire a second opinion.
2017 IS DEDICATED TO LOWERING YOUR COSTS
REDUCTION IN COLONOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPY COSTS
The enhancements that we have prepared for 2017 were selected based on your voice and feedback. We look forward to continuing this trend moving forward in our efforts to improve your health and healthcare experience.
The Trust has replaced the $400 facility fee for these services with the standard 20 percent coinsurance under the Diagnostic Testing benefit.
As you can see, the Trust has only changed the plan in a manner that improves the experience for our participants. These enhancements as well as additional upcoming benefits are all being created with one goal in mind - lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Depending on the amount your provider charges for these services, your outof-pocket cost for these tests will be reduced from $60- $270.
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ASK THE
PROVIDER
How to talk to your dietitian
With the new year upon us, one of the most popular resolutions is losing weight and getting into shape, and unfortunately, it’s also the most unsuccessful. A key component to success is your diet, and it’s commonly forgotten. We sat down with registered dietitian, Alissa Dougherty, to learn more about nutrition and ways to find weight loss success. Question 1: Why is a face-to-face consultation necessary? Alissa: You have to build a relationship, and just as you would with your primary care doctor, gym trainer or coworkers. Sitting down one-on-one is the easiest way to start the conversation off right. Questions 2: What can I expect during my first consultation? Alissa: Your initial assessment focuses on your previous history, whether you were successful or unsuccessful. You are about to begin a journey, and it is a process that takes open dialogue to meet your goals and create a plan that fits around your day-to-day life. Bring an honest three to five day food log with everything you’ve eaten or had to drink. This includes writing down the Jolly Rancher you may have taken from the candy bowl. In addition to the food log, if you have an activity tracker or a fitness journal, this would be the time to bring it in.
Question 3: Do I set goals for myself? Do you set goals for me? What should I expect? Alissa: You will set your goals based on a collaborative effort between yourself and the dietitian. It is crucial to set high enough goals that you have something to work toward, but not unrealistic goals that will unravel the minute you walk out the door. I like to make sure that S.M.A.R.T. goals are made (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely). Question 4: How can I talk to friends and family about my newfound goals? Alissa: Openly, so that you can surround yourself with positive support. A lot of people will tell you what you can’t do, family members included, and that will not help you in the long run. Ask your dietitian if they can set time aside to meet with family during a session to help them understand that, while they may think they are helping, they are secretly sabotaging and detracting you from your goals. Question 5: What will be some common struggles I will face throughout my journey to better health? Alissa: Temptation, being mindless and not preparing. A temptation is something you will be forced to confront every single day. For example, you have a candy bowl that you walk past every day at work when 3 p.m. hits and you get a craving for an afternoon kick, that bowl will be tempting you. Even one piece can set you off to unravel that day. Can you replace that candy dish with a fruit bowl? Being mindless happens all too often and in ways you may not think, such as eating out of a bag that hasn’t been portioned for your journey, eating while watching television, reading a magazine or even watching your kids at the ballpark. This is where meal prepping and preparing becomes vitally important to your success. To set yourself up to be successful, you
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have to put tools in place. For example, if you want to consume more vegetables, do you have them in your freezer or extra in your crisper? By laying out what you plan to accomplish during the week, you can put the motion to succeed in play. Question 6: I travel a lot, and I eat out a lot because of that. What can I do? Alissa: Eating out can become a struggle if you don’t prepare. Many restaurants and even fast food establishments have their menus and nutrition menus online. Choose what you will eat at your favorite go-to places, decline the menu and order what you know will work for your journey. Question 7: Is seeing a dietitian, just that, a “diet” or is it something more? Alissa: It is not a diet, in fact, most dietitians don’t like the word diet. This is a journey to change your lifestyle. A dietitian is there to help guide you on how to overcome personal barriers and how to succeed in your day-to-day life. Seeing a dietitian is about creating positive and healthy lifestyle changes, so it becomes natural to meal prep, choose vegetables over candy and find a support system.
FEATURES
ACHIEVE
&SUCCEED Five tips to smash your New Year’s fitness goals It’s that time of year again. Time to focus on your New Year’s resolutions. You sign up for a gym membership, start meal prepping, download tons of reading materials on health and fitness, but sadly, many will not make it to the end of the month. However, you can increase your chances for long-term success by following these five simple tips to achieve your fitness goals.
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PLANNING IS KEY
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BE A FRIEND / BRING A FRIEND
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To make sure you get the most success out of your resolutions, you need to have a hard copy plan. Buy a task planner that allows for inputting of dates and notes; that way you can plan out your weeks with workouts and meal prepping. Also, tell your doctor you want to begin a fitness regimen and want to make sure you are healthy enough to start the process. Once you have been cleared to start, grab a pen and paper and start planning.
Success rates sky-rocket to more than 50 percent when working out with a buddy, as the companionship will add accountability and get rid of those first-time jitters that come along with a new program. Just make sure you and your buddy have similar fitness goals and ambitions.
HAVE REALISTIC GOALS
One of the biggest problems with New Year’s resolutions is that most choose impractical goals. A good example of a realistic goal would be to lose one pound per week or to lose 12 pounds by Easter. Each of these is reasonable and achievable goals, compared to wanting to run a marathon by summer, which takes intense training if you are not already in excellent shape and could lead to injury. Start slow and build a solid foundation.
START SMALL AND GROW BIG
Think of your newfound goals as lifelong commitments instead of a quick fix to lose a few pounds. Don’t be intimidated by other gym-goers; work on making small increases in intensity and weight. Eventually you’ll be able to do more and go harder.
GET BACK ON THE WAGON
Keep moving and get back up. It’s inevitable that you will have days where you cannot keep to your plan or you eat a bad meal. These are things that life will throw in your way; the key is to make sure that you always pick yourself up and start back. Do not be like most and accept defeat.
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Protect yourself this cold and flu season. Get your free flu shot at any CVS pharmacy or your PCMH provider’s office.
You lead a busy life and do not have time to let the flu get you down. Protect yourself with a free flu shot, available at any CVS pharmacy* or at your primary care provider’s office. If you do catch a cold, visit with a MDLIVE doctor in minutes using your smartphone, tablet or computer. This benefit is no-cost to you, fast, easy and will let you skip getting in the car to drive all over town. WellHealth Online WellHealth Online
Activate your MDLIVE account today for:
• 24/7 access to board-certified doctors in minutes. • Immediate, secure and private video visits. • Prescriptions sent electronically to the nearest pharmacy, if needed. • Quick care for the flu, colds, sore throat, fever, skin rash or infection, pink eye and more! * Free flu shots available at CVS pharmacies only. Flu shots administered at CVS Minute Clinic require a co-payment.
Have you activated your account yet? Have you activated your account yet?
WellHealthOnline.com WellHealthOnline.com
WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
QUICK COOKING School is back in session and you need something to eat - quick! Try these two delicious recipes guaranteed to keep hunger at bay without busting your New Year’s resolutions.
Claims resulting from work-related injuries must be filed through your Workers’ Compensation carrier, not the Teachers Health Trust. This includes, but is not limited to, coaching injuries, environmental illnesses, etc.
Chicken Caprese Pita INGREDIENTS Pre-cooked, chilled chicken strips
rainbow parfait
Quart of cherry tomatoes Small handful of almond shavings 8 leaves of fresh basil
INGREDIENTS
2 pita pockets
Fruit selection of your choice (strawberries, mango, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
Olive oil, salt, pepper (to taste)
2 cups of vanilla Greek yogurt
Fresh mozzarella (to taste)
DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, quarter or half cherry tomatoes. Cut chicken strips into smaller, bite-sized pieces and add to bowl. Chop basil. Drizzle mixture with olive oil, salt, pepper and basil to taste. Add almond slices and mozzarella. Mix well to seasoning.
evenly
coat
YOU MUST FILE A REPORT ON ALL INJURIES AND/OR ILLNESSES INCURRED AT WORK WITHIN SEVEN DAYS!
with
Stuff pita pocket with mixture and enjoy! Makes two servings.
Choice of toppings: almond shavings, granola, teddy grahams, honey DIRECTIONS First, cut larger fruit such as strawberries and mango into small bite-sized pieces. Then, in a small cup, fill the container a third of the way with yogurt. Layer the next third of the container with fruit. Top the fruit with another layer of yogurt. Finish your creation with more fruit and the toppings of your choice.
If you are injured on the job, the Clark County School District (CCSD) and the State of Nevada require that you submit a written Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease (Form C-1) within seven (7) days of the incident. If a timely-filed claim and all permissible appeals (including court reviews) are denied as not being work-related, the Trust will review your claims for payment. The Trust will not consider claims if Workers’ Compensation denied them because you failed to file your claims in a timely manner. Regardless of the severity or type, any injury or illness sustained on the job should be submitted to Workers’ Compensation. Notify your administrator immediately and then call the School District’s Risk Management office at 702-799-2967.
Makes one serving. WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
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FEATURES Understanding fat There are three different types of fats, and some you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Use this guide to help you understand which fats to keep and which ones to ditch.
Monounsaturated fats Avocado Almonds Cashews Pecans Peanuts/Peanut Oil Pistachios Nut Butters Olives/Olive Oil
Polyunsaturated fats
Fish: salmon, mackerel, herring and trout Oils: corn, cottonseed, flaxseed, grape seed, safflower, soybean and sunflower Seeds: flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and walnuts
Saturated fats
Bacon Butter Cream Cream Cheese Lard Oils: coconut, palm, palm kernel Sour Cream Shortening An intake high in saturated fat can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. When eaten in moderation and used to replace saturated fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and help reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. It is recommended to limit the amount of saturated fats you eat to less than seven percent of your total calories per day. Consuming nutrient-rich foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
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WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
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IN-NETWORK SPOTLIGHT ABOUT Before you chose your doctor, you probably researched his/her experience, background, specialties, office hours, types of insurance accepted and everything else you could. So why wouldn’t you do the same when choosing something as important as a testing lab? With Quest Diagnostics, you can be tested in many doctors’ offices and at approximately 2,000 testing centers nationwide. You can even make an appointment. We offer more than 3,000 tests. We’ve introduced more than 100 tests to help detect numerous diseases, including the first commercially available H1N1 influenza virus test. Our laboratories aim to meet the Six Sigma standard. We’re also leading the charge to raise the overall quality of healthcare delivery in the United States.
THE BENEFIT - LABORATORY IN-NETWORK OUT-OF-NETWORK
WITH OR WITHOUT REFERRAL 40 percent co-insurance after deductible, $0 co-payment at Quest Diagnostics plus any charges over eligible medical expenses*
LOCATIONS NORTHWEST
NORTH
PARADISE
•
•
•
•
7061 Grand Montecito Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89149 7891 W Tropical Pkwy #110 Las Vegas, NV 89149
EAST • •
305 N Nellis Blvd #150 Las Vegas, NV 89110 3100 W Charleston Blvd #110 Las Vegas, NV 89102
SUMMERLIN • •
761 S Rainbow Blvd #100 Las Vegas, NV 89145 9499 W Charleston Blvd #110 Las Vegas, NV 89117
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• •
6945 N Aliante Pkwy #104 North Las Vegas, NV 89084 3150 N Tenaya Way #250 Las Vegas, NV 89128 7460 W Lake Mead Blvd STE 3 Las Vegas, NV 89128 1815 E Lake Mead Blvd #103 North Las Vegas, NV 89030
SOUTHWEST • • •
420 W Sahara Ave #108 Las Vegas, NV 89117 4180 S Rainbow Blvd #801 Las Vegas, NV 89103 6485 S Rainbow Blvd #102 Las Vegas, NV 89118
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2595 S Maryland Pkwy Ste 103 Las Vegas, NV 89109 4230 Burnham Ave #144 Las Vegas, NV 89119
HENDERSON • • • • • • •
6301 S Mountain Vista St Ste 100 Henderson, NV 89014 1701 N Green Valley Pkwy #7d Henderson, NV 89074 100 N Green Valley Pkwy #110 Henderson, NV 89074 2465 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy #120 Henderson, NV 89052 10001 S Eastern Ave #309 Henderson, NV 89052 2505 Anthem Village Dr J Henderson, NV 89052 210 N Boulder Hwy STE 140 Henderson, NV 89015
WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
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HEART DISEASE Tips to Lower Risk for Heart Disease
30
MINUTES OF EXERCISE PER DAY Busy schedule? For some, ten minutes of walking after every meal works better to get their daily activity in, plus it reduces stress.
EAT
A BALANCED DIET Try a Mediterranean-style diet, which is high in nuts, fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
LIVE
A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Obesity has been linked to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes.
HOW TO KNOW? There are ways to test if you are at risk of developing heart disease. Sites like cvriskcalculator.com can help calculate your 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke by factoring in variables such as age, gender, cholesterol levels and chronic conditions such as diabetes. The best way to find your risk factor is to visit your physician. WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
HERE’S TO HEALTH
PROGRAMS support for a healthier life
Here’s to Health programs were designed to improve your overall health and well-being, while reducing healthcare costs. One of the many benefits of these programs a $0 copayment when you see a designated in-network specialist. Currently, four programs are available to you at no cost.
BREATHE EASY
for asthma and COPD
CONTROL IS THE GOAL for diabetes
MY BEST PREGNANCY
=
for those with a high-risk pregnancy
HAVE A HEART
for congestive heart failure and high blood pressure The Here’s to Health team proactively reaches out to participants that may benefit from one or more of the programs to conduct brief health assessments and initiate the enrollment process for you and/or dependents. Our goal is to preserve optimal health and help you manage chronic conditions. We encourage you to enroll in a program that specializes in your needs, as determined by your primary care provider. Once you are enrolled, enjoy lower copayments, nurse support, special educational forums and other benefits. If a member of our PHM team has not been able connect with you yet, or you feel you or a family member would benefit from any of these programs, please call the WellHealth Here’s to Health team for more information at (702) 794-0272 ext. 2721.
WINTER 2017 | HEALTH TRAXX TEACHERSHEALTHTRUST.ORG
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