Volume 8 | Issue 2 | February 2020

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 1

Division of State Group Insurance

Department of

ManagEMENTSERVICES

American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends, and communities involved.

• The first American Heart Month, held in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.

• The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.

• At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease.

• Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.9 million deaths each year.

• That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

American Heart MonthBy heart.org

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 2

Be Smart for your Heart!By CHP

February is American Heart Month for good reason! Your heart is at the very center of your circulatory system, sending vital oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body. Help keep your heart working like a well-oiled machine with these tips:

• Stop (or don’t start) using tobacco products.• Eat healthy food, limiting added sugars and highly-processed items. • Get active! At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or

75 minutes of vigorous activity per week is all you need to start. • Work towards a healthy weight. Develop a plan with your health care

team and stick to it!• Certain chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,

diabetes, chronic heart failure, or plaque in your arteries can put you at greater risk of a heart attack or stroke. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan.

• Be an active part of your health care team! Ask questions. Discuss challenges such as stress, sleep issues, mental health, family situations, substance use, social issues, or food access problems.

Understand and Manage Your Cholesterol By Aetna

There are many factors that contribute to heart health, but managing your cholesterol is a great way to help protect your heart. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. Your cells need it and your body supplies it, but you also get cholesterol from the food you eat. If you have too much cholesterol, it starts to build up in your blood vessels, which can cause them to narrow and reduce the flow of blood. It can also lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The different types of cholesterol are:

• LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, can raise your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

• HDL, or “good” cholesterol, is linked to lower risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

What affects cholesterol levels? Cholesterol levels are the result of lifestyle choices, age, and genes. Here’s a look at what factors can impact your cholesterol:

1. Diet – Eating too much saturated fat and trans-fat can raise your cholesterol.

2. Weight – Being overweight may lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

3. Activity – Not exercising may lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

4. Age – Cholesterol levels can start to rise at age 20.

5. Genes/Family history – If family members have or had high cholesterol, you may also have it.

It’s always a good time to make heart health and lower cholesterol a priority.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 3

Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day TipsBy heart.org

Your sweetheart may have the key to your heart, but a proper diet and regular physical activity can be the key to a healthy heart. This Valentine’s Day, indulge your sweetheart with a heart-healthy gift or date.

1. Rather than tempting your beloved with chocolates, consider a gift that has more permanence. Search for a poem that describes your feelings and write it on beautiful paper for a handmade Valentine.

2. Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts. Bundle up and plan an active outing such as sledding, ice skating, gathering wood for a fire, or if you’re feeling adventurous, visit an indoor rock wall.

3. If your children are having a Valentine’s Day party at their school or day care, instead of sending candies, consider mini-boxes of raisins, mini-bags of pretzels, pencils or stickers as tokens of their friendly affection.

4. Cooking at home is an excellent way to control the quality and amounts of what you eat. Take a date to a local cooking class to practice your skills or learn a new technique.

5. Prepare a romantic candlelit dinner at home using one of our heart-healthy recipes.

6. If you go to a restaurant to celebrate, check out our heart-healthy tips for dining out.

7. Give to one another by giving back. Ask a date to volunteer with you at a local charity. Giving back is a healthy habit that will boost your mood and beat stress.

8. Visit www.ShopHeart.org for gift ideas that benefit the American Heart Association.

9. Use this day as an opportunity to tell your loved one how you feel about him or her, and share ways that you can support each other’s health and wellness. Get started by taking the My Life Check (mylifecheck.heart.org).

10. Still craving something sweet? Send a fruit basket to your loved one that has natural sugar as well as healthy nutrients instead of sending sweets with added sugars.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 4

How to Survive Flu SeasonBy AvMed

With flu season here, it’s important to be prepared. The best way to prepare is by getting the flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for people 6 months or older. It’s considered the most effective way to prevent infection.

To get your free flu shot, simply visit your healthcare provider – just remember to show your health plan ID Card. Although you can get the vaccine anytime during flu season, remember, the vaccine takes up to two weeks to become effective and the sooner you get it, the sooner you’ll be protected.

Here are more tips to help you to limit the spread of germs at home and at work:

• Wash your hands regularly• Avoid touching your face• Minimize contact with sick people• Get enough rest

If you do get the flu, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for antiviral medication. It can reduce severity of the symptoms and complications as well as the length of time you are sick. Antiviral drugs work best when taken within 48 hours of onset of flu symptoms, but they may still offer benefits when taken later.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 5

How much life insurance do I need? By Securian

Before buying life insurance, you should bring together your personal financial information and review your family’s needs. There are a number of factors to consider when determining how much protection you should have. Including:

• Any immediate needs at the time of death, such as final expenses, burial costs, and estate taxes;• Funds for a readjustment period, to finance a move or to provide time for family members to find a job;• Ongoing financial needs, such as monthly bills and expenses, day-care costs, college tuition, or retirement.

Our insurance needs calculator can help you determine how much insurance you may need to sufficiently provide for the well-being of your family.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 6

2020 National Children’s Dental Health Month By ada.org

The February 2020 National Children’s Dental Health Month is brought to you by the American Dental Association (ADA). This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others.

Dental Insurance Plans

The State of Florida offers you comprehensive dental coverage through an array of dental plans. Coverage is available to retirees through COBRA and to COBRA participants if they were enrolled prior to termination.

Each plan is designed to meet the needs of employees based on their individual plan usage, flexibility in using network or non-network dentists and cost.

Types of Plans and Covered ServicesThe dental plans are divided into four categories: PPO, Indemnity, Indemnity with PPO, and Prepaid.

Refer to the plan documents or contact the plans directly for monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and specific questions you have about coverage. Find out if you are eligible for these benefits.

If you have any questions about your dental plan, contact the plan directly.

If you are enrolled in dental coverage, schedule your next dental visit today!

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 7

National Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) & Low Vision Awareness MonthAlthough there is no cure for AMD, there are ways to reduce your risk for it. When it comes to low vision caused by AMD, there is exciting and innovative technology available today created to enhance it. Here’s what you need to know.

AMD is the leading cause of low vision and blindness in Americans age 60 years and older and affects 1.6 million Americans. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the rates of AMD are expected to reach “epidemic proportions”. AMD is a progressive disease with no known cure. It slowly steals vision as it affects the retina, a paper-thin tissue lining the back of the eye, and causes the cells in the area to die. As a result, if you have AMD, you see blind spots, grayness, and other distortions in the center frame of your vision.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 8

Sweetheart Chai Seed PuddingTime: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients• 1 cup vanilla-flavored

unsweetened almond milk• 1 cup plain low-fat (2 percent)

Greek yogurt• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

(preferably grade B), plus 4 teaspoons for serving

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract• 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt• 1/4 cup chia seeds• 1 pint berries, chopped• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

DirectionsIn a medium bowl, gently whisk the almond milk, yogurt, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until just blended. Whisk in the chia seeds; let stand 30 minutes. Stir to distribute the seeds if they have settled. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, in a medium bowl, toss the berries with the remaining 4 teaspoons maple syrup. Mix in the almonds.

Spoon the pudding into 4 bowls or glasses; mound the berry mixture on top and serve.

3 Kinds of Exercise That Boost Heart HealthBeing physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It’s one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

It’s also true that different types of exercise are needed to provide complete fitness. “Aerobic exercise and resistance training are the most important for heart health,” says Johns Hopkins exercise physiologist Kerry J. Stewart, Ed.D. “Although flexibility doesn’t contribute directly to heart health, it’s nevertheless important because it provides a good foundation for performing aerobic and strength exercises more effectively.”

To learn how different types of exercise benefit you, click the button below.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 9

*No personally identifying information will be revealed in this newsletter. If any personally identifying information is submitted, it may be omitted or edited to remove said information.

Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit.DSGI The Wellness Wire Staff Writer

This includes showing yourself some compassion when things don’t go your way. This is something I am currently practicing. I got injured right before Christmas (not workout related) and have not been able to go to kickboxing in over a month. I am trying to rest as much as possible, but still find ways to be active. I looked for and found modifications for different exercises I can still do to help me keep in a routine. I hope to get back to the bags in the next couple of weeks, but we’ll see how things go. I would be lying if I said my injury didn’t knock the wind out of my sails, as I finally started to see progress and I was truly enjoying what I was doing. I just have to keep in mind, that it’s only a temporary setback, and that’s a part of life.

After reading your 2020 Fitness Journey updates, I am more encouraged than ever! Let’s celebrate your sucesses! Too often we think too little of our accomplishments; but let’s recognize our accomplishments, no matter how small, and tackle our next goal!

Each month, I will give you an update on my fitness journey, and I want to hear about yours! I will post your submission (use button below) in the next month’s issue, so we can see each other’s achievements and how well we can do if we just give ourselves the chance and take that leap. Q1: What do you need or look for to help you in your fitness journey? Q2: Last month’s fitness achievement:

Karen, 61A1: A workout buddy who is committed.A2: Staying at the same weight.

SB, 63A1: Time and Motivation results help too. I need to see exercises I can do alone, a routine.A2: Let’s say last year’s achievements. I lost 30 lbs on a diet by June and I have only gained back 10 over the last 6 months.

H.M., 34A1: Changing habits, little by little, such as the time I wake up in the morning.A2: I met my goal of stretching every day. Joshua, 34A1: Consistency and measurable results that stick.A2: I maintained my pre-holiday weight through the holidays.

Sonja, 60A1: I’m most successful when I have a workout buddy, and when I record my intake (count calories). These two things force me to be accountable.A2: Re-joined my old gym, recruited a work-out buddy, and finished off all the holiday goodies so they are now gone.

(continued on page 10)

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 10

*No personally identifying information will be revealed in this newsletter. If any personally identifying information is submitted, it may be omitted or edited to remove said information.

JP, 58A1: A do-able challenge, mentally and physically with a good endorphin release at the end of each workout!A2: Attended 55% of the time for the month of December (17 of the 31 days). Tracy, 57A1: Motivators to help me get going again, and options that offer flexibility around my work schedule.A2: Maintained weight over holidays. NU, 49A1: I need accountability from a fitness buddy.A2: Recognizing that I have fallen off the rails and need to make changes. JA, 57A1: Begin to exercise.A2: Cooked healthier meal for Christmas. Angel, 28A1: Progress, Challenge, Sustainability, BalanceA2: I walked for an hour every day, also became aware of what I eat.

Dee, 63A1: Workouts I can do at home. Just purchased a dancing DVD...let’s see how this works....A2: I made it through the holidays and only gained 2 pounds and I have already lost them since the new year! Woo Hoo!! MA, 45A1: Consistency and staminaA2: Consistency and stamina Jenny, 29A1: The mind power to just walk into the gym.A2: Have successful rehab.

DC, 55A1: Accountability and simple & delicious low carb meals. I don’t eat a lot of the typical “healthy” foods, ie: oatmeal, egg whites, avocado, quinoa, tomatoes; I need alternatives.A2: Didn’t gain any holiday pounds, yeah!!! CMR, 55A1: Better nutrition and exercise for seniorsA2: Made it through Christmas without gaining weight.

Christina, 51A1: Keeping my energy levels up through proper food, sleep and keeping my thought life positive.A2: Rode my bicycle to the beach more often.

Joyce, 63A1: Motivation to stick with it.A2: Just started my new journey 1/1/2020. CMF, 54A1: I need to exercise consistently.A2: Weight has been up and down, but I didn’t gain more than 3 pounds over the holidays. DD, 56A1: Motivation to continue. I have no problem beginning, but I always lose steam after some weight loss.A2: To just get started. Stephany, 44A1: A partner. I need a friend to help keep me accountable.A2: I did my last 5K of 2019 did it in 50 minutes, beating my old time by 10 minutes. That was my 3rd 5k since my back surgery and it had been a year since I was getting pushed around in a wheel chair at an amusement park because I couldn’t walk through the pain.

The information contained in this newsletter should not be construed as medical advice. Please see your health care provider. 11

We want your feedback!

Shared Savings ProgramHow do I earn rewards through the Shared Savings Program?You earn rewards by using the services provided by Healthcare Bluebook and SurgeryPlus.

Rewards earned through Healthcare Bluebook will be credited to your account once the following occur:

1. You use Healthcare Bluebook to “shop” for a rewardable healthcare service;

2. You receive the healthcare service;3. Healthcare Bluebook validates that you received a rewardable

healthcare service and used its service to “shop” for the healthcare service; and

4. Healthcare Bluebook notifies the Division of State Group Insurance that you have earned the reward.

Rewards earned through SurgeryPlus will be credited to your account once the following occur:

1. You undergo a pre-op to post-op “bundled” healthcare service; and

2. SurgeryPlus notifies the Division of State Group Insurance that you have earned the reward.

February 2020 Health Observances• National Heart Month• National Children’s Dental Health Month• National AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Week Feb. 13 -19• National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feb. 23-March 1

• World Cancer Day Feb. 4• Give Kids A Smile Day Feb. 7• Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day Feb. 14• National Donor Day Feb. 14

Image Credits: Heart graphics: Image by Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from Pixabay; Feb WW Main Page Header - Image: Element5 Digital on Unsplash; Article: Give Kids a Smile - Image: Eye for Ebony on Unsplash; Article: Living Heart Healthy Title banner - Image: Luke Chesser on Unsplash; Be Smart for Your Heart! - Image: Brooke Lark on Unsplash; Article: Understanding and Managing Your Cholesterol - Image: Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash; Health Banner pic by Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash; Article: American Heart Month - Image: Flowers in hand - Photo by Amy Shamblen on Unsplash; Article: Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day Tips - Image: Annie Spratt on Unsplash; Article: How to Survive Flu Season - Image: JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash; Life banner - Image: Conner Baker on Unsplash; Article: How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? - Image: Brandless on Unsplash; Dental banner - Image: Michael Dam on Unsplash; Article: 2020 National Children’s Dental Health Month - Image: Patricia Prudente on Unsplash; Article: Dental Insurance Plans - Imahge: Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash; Vision banner - Image: Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash; Article: AMD/ Low Vision Awareness Month - Image: Photo by Ravi Patel on Unsplash; Recipy & Workout Banner - Image: Bruna Branco on Unsplash; Article: Sweetheart Chai Seed Pudding - Image: Olesia Buyar on Unsplash; 2020 Fitness Journey Banner - Image: Emma Simpson on Unsplash; Article: Fall in love with taking care of yourself - Image: Ralph Lindner from Pixabay; Article: Shared Savings Program - Image: Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from Pixabay; Piggy Bank Image: Marta Simon from Pixabay; Article: WW Feedback Survey - Image: Steve Halama on Unsplash; Article: February Observances - Image: Sylvie_SHENG from Pixabay