High cholesterol isn’t something you can feel or notice, but if you have it you’re more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to help lower your cholesterol so your risk is lower. Unless your doctor tells you something different, your total cholesterol should be below 200.
Lifestyle changes can get your cholesterol levels moving in a better direction. The most powerful combination is to eat less saturated fat, avoid trans fat, and get to a healthy weight.
Good to Know
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, change is in the air. That's what makes fall a great time for renewal and fresh starts. It's time to fine-tune your health by making one or two small changes that yield big results. WebMD asked experts in diet, fitness, vision (and more) for their top tip for healthy living this fall. Here’s what they suggested. Read More…
Flu season is coming! It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your flu shot. Between September and mid-November is a good time to get the flu vaccine – before the flu season starts. Getting a flu shot later in the flu season may still protect you. But remember, it takes up to two weeks to build protection after a flu shot. Don’t get a flu shot if you have a fever, have ever had an allergic response to the vaccine or are allergic to chicken eggs.
Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
One in 179 Million?
Flu vaccine manufacturers will provide almost 179 million doses of vaccine for the U.S. market this flu season. Will your name be on one of them?
Flu shots are 100% covered under all BMC medical plan options.Getting a flu shot at your local in-network retail clinic or pharmacy is convenient and will cost less than going to your doctor. Confirm that the retail clinic or pharmacy is in-network before you go.
Apple Bavarian Torte: In this gorgeous apple torte dessert recipe, whole-wheat flour and almonds make a cookie-like crust that is topped with a lighter cream cheese filling and cinnamon-sugar apples. Read More…
Hamburger Buddy: Very finely chopping onion, mushrooms and carrots in the food processor is not only fast—it makes the vegetables hard to detect for picky eaters. They also form the base for the sauce of this ground beef skillet supper. Make it a meal: Serve with a green salad. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
Annual enrollment is your one opportunity each year to consider your needs and make sure your benefits are right for you and your family. Just as the seasons change, your benefit needs may change over time. During annual benefits enrollment, you can
Enroll in the Health Savings Account (HSA) medical plan and contribute to an HSA. BMC will contribute up to $1,500 to your account, depending on your base pay and who you cover.
Congratulations to the winners of the bWell “10 in 2015” prizes. Winners’ names were drawn from 145 eligible participants who earned 5,000 bWell points between January 20 and July 31, 2015.
Grand Prize Winners
Spa Vacation -- Our five lucky winners will experience wellness wanderlust when they pack their bags and escape to an exclusive resort. The prize package for two includes three extra days of paid vacation, airfare, and five days and nights at the resort.
Raju L. - Austin, Texas
Danielle D. - Tampa, Florida
(no photo)
Charlotte S. - Houston, Texas
Jacqueline C.- Cary, North Carolina
Robert D. - Houston, Texas
Wellness-Friendly Prize Winners
Pamper or Play? – That’s what the five winners of the wellness-friendly prize will decide. Winners can chose a $1,000 gift card to either a local spa or to a sporting goods store.
Sean L. – Cary, North Carolina
Chris H. – Plano, Texas
Robert W. – Tampa, Florida
Richard H. – Austin, Texas
Joshua G. – Tampa, Florida
Thanks for Leading the Pack
Congratulations to the 145 participants for leading the pack, sticking with the program for six months, and showing us all what’s possible when you focus on your goals.
Remember, you’ll receive a $200 discount on your 2016 medical premiums if you earned at least 1,000 bWell points or $600 if you earned 3,000 bWell points by July 31, 2015.
Trip to Rio Anyone?
The 2016 bWell Olymics, the next phase of our wellness program, started on September 8. Earn 7,000 bWell points before May 31, 2016, and you’ll be entered into the grand prize drawing for a trip for two to the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next August. Read More… The games are open to everyone, not just employees enrolled in a BMC medical plan. If you haven’t registered yet, start now at mybmcwellness.com.
We now know more than ever about the devastating long-term effects that bullying can have on victims—whether the bullying happens at school, in the workplace or online. Victims of abusive behavior often suffer with long-lasting stress, anxiety, depression, and a range of uncomfortable physical symptoms.
You are invited to join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Central time. This webinar will provide information and awareness about the impact of bullying on children. Register Now.
Log On and Learn!
Can’t attend the webinar? Look for Bullying Awareness in the Magellan member website under the Library/In the Spotlight section. No one should have to endure bullying; confidential counseling is available anytime. (When prompted, type in BMC’s toll-free EAP number, 1-800-327-1393).
While it’s never a bad time to think about saving for your future, National Save for Retirement Week is all about reviewing your retirement savings goals and see if you’re on track to reaching them. This particular week is a time to focus on aspects of saving for retirement, whether it’s getting started early, increasing contributions over time, or even just getting started contributing to your plan if you’re not there yet.
Our own Retirement Week activities kick off on Monday, October 5. Play board games and win prizes while you learn about personal finance. Learn how to boost your savings, develop a retirement income plan, and more. Join in on the fun and earn 200 bWell points when you participate in a Fidelity seminar or WebEx. Sign up for a seminar now. You could win an Apple iPad, too.
Quick and Easy Financial Calculators
Finally, financial calculators that make sense. These calculators keep it simple in helping you make decisions related to buying a house, paying off credit card debt, and saving for retirement and other goals. Check them out!
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.