Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It's the leading cause of death for both men and women. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack.
Heart disease is largely preventable. Healthy diet, regular physical activity, taking aim at your stress and not using tobacco products are the keys to prevention.
Useful Links
22 Amazing Facts About Your Heart (Infographic) from Cleveland Clinic
Read about the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke from the Centers for Disease Control.
Chocolate has become a decadent expression of one’s love, especially on Valentine’s Day, and giving someone a box of candies can be good for the heart – literally. Read More…
Source: Harvard Health Blog
Even if your schedule is filled from dawn to dusk, there’s always time for exercise. And some exercise is better than no exercise (even if it’s a small amount) on a consistent and regular basis. Doing the 7-Minute Workout may be the difference between doing something or nothing at all. Read More…
Source: Johnson & Johnson 7-Minute Workout blog
Processed food is blamed for our nation's obesity epidemic, high blood pressure and the rise of Type 2 diabetes. But processed food is more than boxed macaroni and cheese, potato chips and drive-thru hamburgers. While some processed foods should be consumed with caution, many actually have a place in a balanced diet. Here's how to sort the nutritious from the not-so-nutritious. Read More…
Source: eatright.org
The American Institute of Food Distribution labels Super Bowl Sunday as the second-largest day of food consumption, next to Thanksgiving. Resist the temptation. Defend your healthy eating or weight loss goals. These tips can help you keep your focus on the game, yet ensure your belly remains satisfied with great tasting food. Read More…
Source: Cooper Clinic Nutrition
This salad is a really delicious way to eat more vegetables and may become your new favorite salad! Read More…
Put a kick in this Go Red vegetarian appetizer recipe for with some spicy chilies. Read More…
Source: heart.org
More than 800 BMCers took action in January to start 2017 on a healthy note:
Form 1095-C is available starting February 6 on My BMC Compensation & Benefits. If you requested a paper copy, watch your home mail in February. Form 1095-C confirms you and your covered dependents were offered or enrolled in BMC medical coverage in 2016. For more information, please see the FAQs on My BMC Compensation & Benefits.
A 2015 study by HelloWallet of 400,000 health savings accounts held by UMB Bank (one of the largest HSA record keepers in the U.S.) found some depressing statistics:
With the Health Savings Account you can make tax-free contributions and tax-free withdrawals, and enjoy tax-free growth. Get to know your HSA better. Watch the benetube video to learn more.
March Madness arrives at BMC next month with a different kind of tip off – the stairwell Challenge on March 6. Calling on the High Steppers, Sole-Mates, and Tampa Tornadoes, it’s time to head to the stairwell and start training.
The four-week stairwell Challenge runs from March 6 to April 2, with 400 bWell points and bragging rights up for grabs. During the pilot challenge in Houston last year, teams collectively climbed 65,142 flights UP during the four-week challenge. Will our March Madness teams top that?
We are four months into Mission Superheroes and almost 600 employees have achieved a program reward milestone:
Mission Superheroes, the 2016-2017 phase of bWell program, continues through July 31, 2017, so there’s time to register and start earning points. When you’ve are Going Supersonic with 7,000 bWell points, you qualify to win one of 10 Great Escapes prizes. Winners will choose from five epic trips or five awe-inspiring experiences designed to excite, delight and recharge.
Visit mybmcwellness.com to see the 13 challenges currently underway. February opportunities include:
Ready to make a positive change in your life? This webinar will examine how successful individuals consciously create the life they want by harnessing the power of their thinking. A deeper dive into two areas (Self-Esteem and Connecting with Others) will illustrate the power of harnessing those thoughts that are truly helpful. Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar “Are You Ready to Make Changes in 2017?” on Wednesday, February 8 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Central time. Register now.
Just like your car needs a tune-up, and just like you need your annual physical, your checkbook needs a checkup, too. America Saves Week is an annual opportunity for you to assess your savings and make sure that you are saving for all the right things. If you only do one thing during America Saves Week 2017, complete this simple assessment to see if you are saving adequately.
Improving your financial life starts when you set a goal and make a plan to reach that goal. After all, those with a savings plan are twice as likely to save successfully. Secure your financial future today by increasing the amount you save for retirement. Visit the 401(k) site to take action.
Literally hundreds of potential tax breaks are out there for the taking. Don’t miss out. Get to know the different types of deductions and how they’re handled when filling out your tax return—and keep good records—so you can potentially lower your taxes. Read More…
Source: Fidelity
Though it’s true that most money-saving options to defer income or accelerate deductions become much more limited after December 31, there is still a lot you can do to make the tax-filing season cheaper and easier. Read More…
Source: turbotax.intuit.com
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.