Join our e-mailing list

Staying engaged can keep you healthier

Medicare Advantage plans update

Low blood pressure also poses risks

Need a quick boost for your memory?

Are you in diabetes denial?

Update your address

Join our e-mailing list
The Human Resources communications division is compiling an e-mailing list of retirees. Just register your e-mail address here. We'll never give out your address. We'll use it to notify you of updates, important information and when we need sources for Benefits Pulse stories.

top

Staying engaged can keep you healthier
Studies show that the most satisfied retirees were 1.5 times more likely than others to participate in multiple productive activities, including volunteering as well as paid work.

Such participation not only helps people adjust to retirement but also improves their emotional and physical health. Researchers at Purdue University have found that volunteering improved the moods of depressed older people. And researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that people age 60 to 86 who participated in an eight-month school mentoring program burned 20 percent more calories per week, were less reliant on canes, and experienced fewer falls than a matched group that didn’t volunteer.

For a list of organizations that can help older people find interesting volunteer opportunities, click here.

Source: Consumer Reports on Health.

top

Medicare Advantage plans update
• To date, 72 more retirees joined one of the plans this enrollment period.
• Remember: You can join on the first day of any month.
• May 1: Texas HealthSpring added Kelsey-Seybold Clinic physicians to their network.

Reminders:
• TexanPlus offers a one-time $500 cash payment per covered member to purchase a hearing aid.
• Texas HealthSpring members may enroll in the Silver Sneakers Fitness program allowing them access to participating health clubs and fitness classes specifically designed for senior citizens.
• TexanPlus offers EyeMed Vision Care providing attractive discounts on services and eye care.
• Texas HealthSpring offers the Free Ride transportation benefit of up to 30 one-way trips or 15 round trips to plan-approved health facilities such as doctor appointments, hospitals and pharmacies. Call (888) 318-6362 to schedule a ride.

top

Low blood pressure also poses risks
There’s a lot of talk about dealing with high blood pressure, but if it’s too low, you can also be at risk. Good brain function relies on an adequate blood supply for oxygen. Chronic or severely low blood pressure may deprive the brain of the oxygen it needs to function at its optimal level.

What’s considered low? If your systolic pressure is lower than 90 or your diastolic below 60, your blood pressure is considered too low and could pose a hidden health risk. Seek advice from your doctor.

Source: The Mayo Clinic.

top

Need a quick boost for your memory?
The “fantastic four” simple lifestyle changes can improve your memory in two weeks:

1. Eating five small meals rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains and antioxidant “super foods”: blueberries, broccoli, tomatoes, red gapes, garlic, spinach, carrots and soy.
2. Doing stretching and relaxation exercises.
3. Taking daily 30-minute walks.
4. Doing brainteasers and crossword puzzles or playing chess and other challenging games.

Source: AARP magazine.

top

Are you in diabetes denial?
Five million Americans are diabetic and don’t even know it. Diabetes increases with age, affecting 18-20 percent of people over 65. Specialists recommend screening adults over 45 for elevated glucose levels with retesting every 3 years.

Nearly 95 percent of diabetes cases are Type 2, resulting from excess weight and lack of exercise. People on the cusp of the disease can avoid it by making two simple lifestyle changes: walking 30 minutes per day and eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables. (Source: American Diabetes Association.)

Learn how to beat diabetes: Logon to Blue Access at www.bcbstx.com, click on Personal Health Manager to access the Mayo Clinic where you can learn the warning signs of early diabetes and how to treat it with diet, fitness and the latest drug strategies.

top

Update your address
Help the benefits division help you: Make sure your pension system has your current address.

Old addresses continually delay information sent to you, particularly from your insurance carrier. Two things you need to do:

1. Keep your address updated.
2. Use the same name as on pension checks.

Incorrect information causes delays in receiving ID cards.
Don’t forget to drop ineligible dependents.

For help, call customer service (713) 837-9400 or (888) 205-9266. Or BlueCross BlueShield representatives, (713) 837-9376, 9377 or 9448.

top