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December, 2006 |
Adapted
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
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Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, body aches, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
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Flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air. The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of a person and multiplies. Flu spreads less frequently when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it.
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If you get the flu: rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
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Antibiotics like penicillin will not cure the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. However, in October 2004, the American flu vaccine supply was cut in half. CDC and the U.S.-based influenza vaccine manufacturer have prioritized the populations eligible for the limited supply. Initially, priority populations include: hospital staff, long-term care providers, nursing homes, and private providers who care for young children. Additional priority populations eligible to receive vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine include all children aged 6-23 months, adults 65 years of age and older, persons aged 2 to 64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season, children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on chronic aspirin therapy, health care workers with direct patient care, out-of home caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months of age.
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Over-the-counter medications may relieve symptoms of flu. The National Institute for Allergies & Infectious Diseases recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) for children; aspirin or acetaminophen for adults. Decongestants, cough suppressants, and use of a humidifier can provide symptomatic relief.
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Three antiviral medicines are available by prescription that will help prevent flu infection: Tamiflu, Flumadine and Symmetrel.
Spotlight in Wellness by Sharon Wilkes Home
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Lydia Gomez. Lydia is the competent secretary for Mrs. Melba Fuentes, and has been participating in the Wellness Program at the Administration Building since last April. She actually began power-walking about one year ago, but it was not until she started weighing-in weekly that she got very serious about modifying her lifestyle in other ways.
Lydia has lost more than twenty seven pounds since April!!! How did she do it?
In addition to power-walking six days a week from 5 - 6am, Lydia began to modify her eating pattern last June, choosing more baked/broiled fish, and more green vegetables. She says she began to select green vegetables rather than potatoes and rice, and never knew how delicious were Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and zucchini. “I really enjoy eating them so much. I just never knew how good they are.” She confidently states, “I am not a diet, I am simply eating the way I should.”
Lydia’s life style changes have had a profound effect upon her family as well. Her children, ages fifteen, twelve and four, now enjoy eating salads and vegetables too. They have lost weight and have more energy—something a parent should be very proud to report considering the serious obesity problem in America’s youth today.
When Lydia talks about her new life style, her face lights up. Her eyes are bright and her smile says, “I am proud of my accomplishments!” She admits she is more self-assured and has more confidence in everything she does. Lydia, you deserve a gigantic pat on the back for what you are modeling for your co-workers, and especially for your children. I am pleased to place you “in the spotlight”. May you and your family enjoy many more years of good health!
Sharon B. Wilkes, RN, MA, CPS, CCS, Coordinator, Prevention Services
Cafeteria Plan Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Participants in the Flexible Spending Accounts for the 2006 plan
year need to be aware that eligible expenses need to be incurred
by December 31, 2006 to be considered for reimbursement. Claims
for expenses incurred January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006
must be submitted to the District’s FSA Administrator, Wage Works,
no later than March 31, 2007. In accordance with the plan
guidelines, any balance in the account after March 31, 2007 will
be forfeited. For a list of eligible expenses, claim form or other
related information log on to
www.wageworks.com.
Participants that enrolled in the Cafeteria Plan Medical Expense
Reimbursement Account for the 2007 plan year need to be aware of
some new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines for the use of
the health debit cards. This change impacts where participants can
use the Health Care Choice Card available through Wage Works.
Effective January 1, 2007, the IRS will no longer allow health
care debit cards to be used at the following types of merchants:
Discounts Stores, Grocery Stores, Supermarkets, Wholesale Clubs,
Department Stores, Colleges and Universities. While the card may
not be accepted at these locations for the purchase of qualified
over-the-counter items and prescriptions, participants may
continue using the Pay Me Back paper claim option for filing for
reimbursement. The Health Care Choice Card will continue to be
accepted at health care providers and authorized pharmacies.
Participants in the Plan can expect additional information in the
mail from Wage Works. Additional information is also available at:
http://www.wageworks.com/irs.htm.
Visit the MISD Employee Benefits Department web site for up-to-date benefit forms and information.
Contact the Employee Benefits Office at 618-6007 for additional information.
Mr. Andres Silva is the Director of Employee Benefits/Risk Management
| Date | Time | Session Description |
|
January 20, 2007 |
8:30 a.m. |
Autism Update
This session, presented by Terri
McGinnis, Region 1 Specialist on Autism, will provide the
participant with the most current knowledge and strategies
for working with persons who have this unique disability. |
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January 31, 2007 |
4:30 p.m. |
CPR/First
Aid, Part 1 |
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February 1, 2007 |
4:30 p.m. |
CPR/First
Aid, Part 2 |
|
February 22, 2007 |
4:30 p.m. |
Avoiding Fad Diets A local
physician will discuss the dangers of fad diets and the
importance of understanding and maintaining a healthy BMI
(body mass index) by developing healthy eating habits. |
Lunch and Learn Sessions
All sessions will take place in the Board Room of the McAllen ISD Administration Office from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
| Date | Session Description |
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February 2, 2007 |
Love Your Heart During the
“love month”, we will explore the importance of heart health
and how to maintain it. |
|
March 2, 2007 |
General Health and Wellness Dr. Aaron Guerra will discuss this topic, with a special focus on osteoporosis. He will include the importance of good body mechanics. |
Healthy salads may be ordered by calling Tonie Aleman at 632-3275 at least 3 days in advance. The cost is $2.65. Bring your own drink and the correct change, please.
Staff development sessions for time equivalency regarding Wellness topics are now posted on the ERO (Look under Wellness).
Holiday Safety
CPSC, AARP ask consumers to pay attention to age labels
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and AARP are
working together to make this holiday season a safe one by warning
all gift givers about the five toy hazards that can take all the
fun out of any celebration. For a list of holiday safety tips from
CPSC and AARP log on to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07032.html
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Place: Wilson Elementary Gymnasium
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Times: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Call Tonie at 632-3275 to sign up.
Great Fun, Great Exercise!
Place: Crockett Elementary Cafeteria
Dates: Thursdays
Times: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Be sure to wear tennis shoes.
Call Tonie at 632-3275 to sign up.
Place: Nikki
Rowe High School Pool
Dates: Monday - Friday until further notice
Times: 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Water Aerobics, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lap Swimming
Fee: $1.00 per session,
$8.00 per 10 sessions
Free to MISD employees (must show ID)
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 www.deeroaks.com |
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Since 12/01/2006