October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer risks, the value of screening and early detection, and treatment options available to women and men who are diagnosed with one of the many forms of breast cancer.
While breast cancer mostly occurs among older women, in rare cases breast cancer does affect women under the age of 45. Eleven percent of all cases of breast cancer in the U.S. are reported in this age group. Many young women do not know their risk for this disease or are not aware of ways to lower their risk. Read about the steps you can take to lower your risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
A mammogram takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish—and could be a life saver. So if you or a woman you know is due for an annual mammogram, schedule an appointment today.
Mammograms are 100% paid by all BMC medical plans when you see an in-network provider, without needing to meet the deductible. And, when you participate in Mission Superheroes and get a mammogram, you’ll earn 150 bWell points. Go to mybmcwellness.com for details.
Virtually unheard of two years ago, “tech neck” is a repetitive strain injury that’s becoming more common as more people hunch over smartphones. Tech neck can aggravate muscle pain in the neck and shoulders, and sometimes the lower back. Read More…
Source: Clevland Clinic
Houston Campus
Learn more about repetitive strain injury from experts at Airrosti Rehab Center on Tuesday, October 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bistro. Sign up now.
Got Pain? Schedule a complimentary injury assessment with Airrosti during the Wellness Fair on Wednesday, October 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Bistro.
Useful Links
If you're reading this article with hunched shoulders and a craned neck, your “computer slump” could one day give way to what some physical therapists call “postural syndrome.” Read More…
Source: cnet.com
CityWestPlace Fitness invites all Houston campus employees to Health & Wellness Week, October 3 to 7. The week will feature lunch-hour speakers and a wellness fair on Wednesday, October 5. Get a flu shot, massage, free screenings and more. You can also pick up your
free-fitness-for-a-week pass to the CityWestPlace Fitness Center.
Are you ready to shake up your workout? Do you wish you could burn more calories without spending more time at the gym? Consider aerobic interval training. Once the domain of elite athletes, interval training has become a powerful tool for the average exerciser, too. Read More…
Source: mayoclinic.org
Useful Links
Discover why a blend of both high-and low-intensity exercise is the best system of cardiovascular training, from Experience Life magazine.
Eat slowly to decrease your urge to get seconds and try to leave some food on your plate. Less calories can help keep you fit. Read More…
Source: webMD.com
The deep flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg make these wholesome pumpkin cookies delicious without the addition of butter. Read More…
This simple recipe for caramel popcorn balls with raisins is fun to make for Halloween. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
The 2017 Annual Enrollment will take place October 31 to November 11. It’s your annual opportunity to review of your benefit options and choose your coverage for next year.
BMC will offer the same medical, dental, and vision options for 2017. Medical and dental copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums will also stay the same.
The company's goal is to continue to offer you quality health care coverage at an affordable price. You can help with this goal by taking an active role by making smarter decisions when it comes to:
Protect Your Financial Health, Too
Annual enrollment is a good time to double-check your life and disability insurance levels to make sure your current coverage meets your needs. For some benefits, if you decide to increase your coverage, proof of good health (also known as “evidence of insurability”) will be required. And while you’re at it, as life changes with marriage, kids, adoption and divorce, make sure your beneficiaries are updated.
Watch your work email and home mail for more information about Annual Enrollment and what's changing for 2017.
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 online (click on Your Benefits Resources>Access Medical Tax Form) to print the corrected form and file it with your tax records. You should not need to file an amended tax return based on your corrected Form 1095-C.
The new phase of the bWell program, Mission Superheroes, launched September 1. Get started by completing the Well-Being Assessment and getting a health screening. You’ll earn 1,000 bWell points, a gift valued at $100 and entry into Mission Superheroes.
If you earn 7,000 bWell points before July 31, 2017, you become eligible to win a Great Escapes prize – one of five trips or five experiences designed to excite, delight and recharge. Participating in Mission Superheroes also gives you the opportunity to earn up to a $500 discount on your 2018 medical premiums.
Remember, Mission Superheroes is open to everyone, not just employees enrolled in a BMC medical plan. If you haven’t registered yet, start now at mybmcwellness.com.
It’s not too late to run for a cause. Join your BMC colleagues for the BMC Global Run 2016, on Saturday, October 8. Register and choose your distance – 3K walk or the 5K or 10K run. You can also register up to four friends and family to run with you.
For each employee who completes the run, BMC will donate $20 towards the renovation of a primary school at Sanaswadi. Register Now….
Identity (ID) theft is a common problem in today’s technology-tethered world. Every two seconds, someone in America becomes a victim. Whether it’s a stolen credit card or Social Security number, or mysterious accounts appearing on a credit report, identity theft takes time and trouble to resolve. Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar Identity Theft: Prevention and Resolution, offering vital ID protection tips, on October 12, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Central time. Register Now.
Useful Links
Read tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to protect yourself against identity theft and respond if it happens.
Understanding the potential threats can help keep your online accounts safe, according to Fidelity.
Many caped crusaders attended a financial workshop with Fidelity during the BMC Savings Hero Week, September 9 to 12. Everyone who took time out of their day to participate earned 200 bWell points and these five, lucky BMCers took home an Apple iPad mini:
Houston: Kelly O-B
Austin: Jackie G
Santa Clara: Lalitha N
Tampa: Mark M
Webinar: Bradley W
Back by Popular Demand
Due to interest in the workshops during Savings Hero Week, Fidelity will host six online workshops before and after work hours during the week of November 14. Watch you email for the schedule and to sign up.
The youngest generation in the workforce may have a thing or two to teach everybody about saving money. Nearly one in five workers born from 1981 to 1997, aka millennials, is saving more than 15% of his or her salary for retirement, according to an analysis of 13 million 401(k) plan participants in plans kept by Fidelity. Here are some of their secrets…
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.