• National High Blood Pressure Education Month

• Food Allergy Awareness Week 2005

• Benefits Corner

• Healthy Vision Month

• Allergies

• Fitness Center Discounts
  for MISD Staff

• Water Aerobics

Healthy Vision Month

May is Healthy Vision Month, a national eye health observance devoted to promoting the vision objectives in Healthy People 2010. Healthy Vision Month is sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Eye Health Education Program Partnership. The NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The focus of Healthy Vision Month 2005 is on Healthy People 2010 Vision Objective 28-10: Increase the use of vision rehabilitation services and devices by people with visual impairments. While sight cannot be restored for patients with low vision, their quality of life can be greatly improved. Many low vision services and devices are available to help patients maintain their independence. Please join us during Healthy Vision Month to educate people about the benefits of vision rehabilitation services and devices.
 

http://www.healthyvision2010.org/hvm/about.asp

Allergies

Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called "allergens."  Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year or where symptoms appear on the body: indoor and outdoor allergies (also called "hay fever," "seasonal," "perennial" or "nasal" allergies), food and drug allergies, latex allergies, insect allergies, skin allergies and eye  allergies. People who have allergies can live healthy and active lives.

What are Allergies?

Allergies reflect an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. These substances can trigger sneezing, wheezing, coughing and itching. Allergies are not only bothersome, but many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses (such as sinusitis and asthma). Additionally, allergic reactions can be severe and even fatal. However, with proper management and patient education, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.
 

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=78

Water Aerobics

Wellness...a way of life!

Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible is an initiative of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). It is designed to mobilize all Americans in the fight against high blood pressure and reduce the more than 1 million heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure cases caused annually by high blood pressure.

Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible is a part of Steps to a HealthierUS—a disease prevention initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that focuses on reducing the burden of chronic diseases in this country. It does this by addressing the lifestyle choices that are responsible for many of them, including heart disease and stroke for which high blood pressure is a major risk factor.

Our goal, working in partnership with organizations like yours, is to accomplish the following by 2010:

• 50 percent of Americans will have their high blood pressure under control.
• 95 percent of Americans will know if their blood pressure is normal or high.
• The percentage of Americans with high blood pressure will be reduced from 33 percent to 16 percent.
• The risk of a heart attack in older Americans will be reduced by 27 percent.
• The risk of stroke in older Americans will be reduced by 36 percent.
• The risk of heart failure in older Americans will be reduced by 55 percent.
• Millions of Americans will have taken steps to prevent and control high blood pressure.
• Many lives and billions of dollars will be saved.

We can do it, but we need your help. Make it happen—be part of Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible!
 

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/mission/aboutmp/aboutmp.htm.

May 8 to 14, 2005

To support Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW), the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) members have presented food allergy information creatively by giving presentations, developing bulletin boards and displays, showing videos, reading storybooks to children’s classes, creating educational games, and distributing flyers and educational materials to local businesses as a way of reaching out to the community.

FAAN members Cindy and Mark share how they made a big impact on their community last year. “We copied FAAN’s fact sheets and passed them out to the neighbors. Then we went to places with waiting rooms, such as car dealerships, dentist and doctor offices, and hair salons and asked permission to leave the information in their waiting rooms. Everyone was receptive and said yes. We were so excited to have support in our community.”

To bring food allergy awareness into your school or place of work and raise funds to support FAAN, participate in National Jeans for Food Allergies Day, which takes place Friday, May 13, to raise funds for food allergy. Participating institutions allow students or employees to wear jeans in exchange for a small donation, usually $5. Click here for more information.

FAAW Proclamations
Last year, thanks to the help of dedicated volunteers and FAAN members around the country, 45 states issued proclamations recognizing FAAW. This year, we are hoping for more. We still need help from volunteers in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Send us an e-mail if you can help in these states.
 

http://www.foodallergy.org/featuredtopic.html

Is There a Treatment Alternative?

Your doctor orders several tests to check your complaint of abdominal pain.  When you submit the bill to the claims administrator, only two of the tests were considered medically necessary, and, therefore, covered by your plan.  This meant you are now responsible for paying for the third test out of your own pocket.

You can avoid surprises on your medical bill by asking questions.  Talk to your doctor and make sure you understand and agree with the recommended treatment program before it begins.  And remember that although your doctor may recommend a service or supply for treatment of a health condition, only medically necessary services or supplies are covered by your plan.  Call Mutual of Omaha’s customer service number on the back of your ID card to find out what services or supplies are covered by your plan.  If a prescribed procedure or supply is not covered, you can talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.  But at least you know of your out-of-pocket responsibility.  It’s an easy way to Take Charge of your health care.

HEALTH PREGNANCY

Are You Planning a Family?

Like most expectant parents, you want to know all you can about healthy pregnancies so that your newborn will get the best start in life.  Research indicates many potential complications can be detected and addressed in the first trimester.  So it’s important to learn all you can about staying healthy during your pregnancy.   That’s why Mutual of Omaha developed the Health Pregnancy program.

Healthy Pregnancy is managed by a specialized team of obstetrical nurses.  They work with your doctor to coordinate your prenatal care.  The Healthy Pregnancy program offers and education kit that includes guides to help you manage your pregnancy in a way to will promote your health and the health of your developing baby.

For more information or to enroll in the free program, call the number on the back of our ID card. 
 

Mr. Andres Silva is the Director of Employee Benefits/Risk Management

Statistics prove regular exercise can help reduce, stress, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure and heart disease. It can also improve circulation, weight management, muscle tone, self - esteem, and osteoporosis, so what are we waiting for, lets get started.

There are two fitness centers that offer group discounts for MISD employees.

Have a great workout!