Training in high temps has its benefits, but it comes with risks, too. Here’s how to determine if you can handle the heat. Read More…
Source: experiencelife.com
Insomnia (trouble sleeping) is a common problem. It’s considered “chronic” if it occurs three nights or more a week for at least three months.
If you have trouble sleeping, you may be thinking about getting a prescription for sleeping pills. But these drugs are often not the best option. And they can cause other problems. Here’s what you need to know. Read More…
Source: choosingwisely.org
Useful Links
BCBSTX interviewed a bunch of kids to find out their thoughts on sleep. Their adorable reactions inspire us to learn more about stress and coping techniques ourselves!
When it comes to exercise, many of us are full of good intentions but not much action. I’ve been meaning to go to the gym, we tell our friends, and their heads nod in understanding. According to a new study, mindfulness may be the key to motivation. Read More…
Source: greatergood.berkely.edu
Health Tip
Trying to cram 5 days of exercise into the weekend actually has mixed results in terms of living longer and being in shape.
Source: BCBSTX
Useful Links
Read Gretchen Rubin’s, 12 Tips for Nudging Yourself to Exercise Regularly.
Mosquitos may be the biggest danger you face while enjoying the great outdoors this summer. Protect yourself from serious viruses spread by mosquitos such as Zika and West Nile by using bug repellents and protective clothing. If you’ve been recently bitten by a mosquito and experience any troubling symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Preventing Bites
Sources: BCBSTX and staywellblog.walgreens.com
Compared with a typical cheeseburger slathered in mayo, this miso-glazed chicken version – topped with flavorful slaw – saves you 109 calories. Read More…
Source: countryliving.com
This watermelon feta salad recipe is a combination of juicy watermelon and fragrant cheese - great for a cookout or side dish. Read More…
Source: pbs.org
Staying well this summer can be easier with Teladoc! Simply download the Teladoc app and add your family's medical history. You can then connect with a Teladoc doctor anytime you need – at the beach, in your hotel, at the park – wherever you go!
Teladoc is part of your out-of-network medical coverage (HSA and PPO medical plans) and you and your dependents can use it for a $40 fee per transaction. Your payments to Teladoc count toward your medical plan’s out-of-network deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Useful Links
Read Teladoc’s tips to avoid a summer cold.
The BMC Benefits team is busy preparing for a full fall schedule of events. Here are a few dates to add to your calendar:
Wellness: The next phase of the BMC bWell wellness program starts September 1, 2016. Hint: You won’t need a cape to become the super hero of your well-being journey. Watch your email and future issues of Benefits eNews for details. The upcoming phase will feature new engaging challenges and terrific prizes. Visit mybmcwellness.com starting September 6 to sign up for the new challenges.
Retirement: Retirement Week returns September 12 to 16 with Fidelity experts presenting in-person seminars in Houston, Austin, Santa Clara and Tampa and two webinars.
Benefits: U.S. Annual Benefits Enrollment: October 31 to November 11.
To mark the start of the Summer Olympics, the on-site fitness center in Houston is hosting its own Olympic-inspired competition every lunch hour August 5 to 19. The competition features fun daily sports events related to the games — a perfect way to channel your Olympic spirit and beat the dog days of summer.
BMC Houston employees are invited to compete in the free-throw basketball challenge, table tennis, standing long jump, soccer obstacle course, standing handstand and more. Gold medals will be awarded for the top male and female competitor in each event. Get the details.
Stay connected to your Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account with the Your Spending Account (YSA) Reimburse Me app.
You can:
Download the free YSA Reimburse Me app from Google Play or the iTunes store.
Get the Reimburse Me User’s Guide. (PDF)
Bored by your workout routine? Disappointed with your results? The G4 Fitness Center on the Houston Campus is offering free consultations, assessments and training plans to help you reach your fitness goals and make the most of your workouts and membership.
The G4 Fitness S.M.A.R.T. Path program can help make your time at the Fitness Center S.M.A.R.T. — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time Bound. All services are free to gym members and include:
Speak to a G4 Fitness Center Exercise Specialist to schedule your S.M.A.R.T. Path consultation.
In February, 2016, you received a Form 1095-C that confirmed you and your covered dependents were offered or enrolled in BMC medical coverage during 2015. Unfortunately, the form was printed with incorrect Employee Identification Numbers (EINs). We have updated your Form 1095-C with your correct EIN. You can go to mybmcrewards.com (click on Medical Tax Form 1095, then on View/Print your 1095) to print the corrected form and file it with your tax records. You do not need to file an amended tax return based on your corrected Form 1095-C.
Congratulations to Marilyn M., Lead Buyer, Procurement in Houston, winner of the July Healthcare Bluebook Scavenger Hunt.
Marilyn’s name was randomly drawn from the list of contest participants. Marilyn is the proud owner of a new GoPro Hero action camera! She has also learned how to shop for high quality health care and save money.
Thanks to everyone who played the online Healthcare Bluebook Scavenger Hunt.
Useful Links
Visit the Healthcare Bluebook website to start shopping or learn more.
Watch the Healthcare Bluebook video.
As the summer of 2016 wanes, people with school-age children realize it’s time to start thinking about a new school year. The back-to-school push is a big change, particularly if children are attending school for the first time or switching schools. Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar “Back to School Survival for Parents,” on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Central time. You will learn organizational and time management techniques to help you deal with the increased demands, and strategies to help assist your child to cope with stressful childhood events. Register Now.
Useful Links
Packing School Lunch Tips from What’s up Mom.
Expectation vs Reality First School Morning from Seven Perfect Angels.
It’s summer. You’re thinking beach, mountains, or a road trip with the family. But summer, when life may be a little slower and your mind a little less cluttered, is actually a good time to do a quick midyear financial reality check. Read More…
Financial wellness is the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being. If you’re struggling to get on track with your personal finances, there’s a Fidelity calculator to help you!
Retirement Planning and Guidance
Source: Fidelity
MyBMC Rewards provides a snapshot of your pay, retirement benefits, health and insurance benefits and corporate programs. Visit MyBMC Rewards to:
Go online anytime or call 877-262-4849. Representatives are available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern time.
From enrollment reminders to important 401(k) information and benefits updates, you can be the first to know when your attention or action is required.