WELLNESS 2021: "Take Action" ESHCA Wellness Newsletter August 2021 The shareable link (printable) for this issue: https://conta.cc/3CucUxQ For complete member services visit us at: www.eshca.org

Health Benefits: National Eye Exam Month

Davis Vision acts as the ESHCA Benefit Administrator: Eye Exams Covered at 100% Allowable Rate Ensure providers are "in-network", refer to: www.davisvision.com or contact Donna (ESHCA office) Information for Davis Vision is on the back of your MVP Insurance Card First 9-digits of your MVP number act as your Davis Vision ID number Review details as outlined in your Summary Plan Description How often should you have an eye exam? General Guidelines for Children and Adults (Mayo Clinic) After an initial assessment, the optometrist or ophthalmologist should dictate how often you are seen, increased risk is associated with: age, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, and certain prescription drugs Exams include assessment of common, sometimes "silent" disorders including: 1) Cataracts (clouding of the lens) leading cause of vision loss in US 2) Diabetic retinopathy leading cause of blindness in American adults 3) Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve) 4) Macular degeneration  "Your Eyes Tell A Story" Other (serious) medical conditions can also be diagnosed with an eye exam!

Safety Glasses Prevent Eye Injuries (OSHCA)...Get Your Annual Voucher! 1,000 eye injuries per day 40% occur in construction, manufacturing, and mining 90% could be avoided by wearing eye protection $300 million in lost productivity, treatment, and compensation 1 million Americans have lost some degree of sight due to eye injury Contact Donna to get your voucher! 1 pair per 12-month period

10 Best Foods to Improve Your Vision (webmd.com)

10 Best (How many do you have in your pantry or refrigerator?) Red Peppers (Raw) most vit C per calorie Sunflower Seeds and Nuts vit E Dark, Leafy Greens vit A, C and E Salmon omega-3 fatty acids Sweet Potatoes vit A (beta-carotene) Lean Meat and Poultry (steak, pork, chicken) zinc Beans/Legumes (low-fat, high-fiber, vegetarian protein) zinc Eggs zinc, lutein, zeaxanith Squash lutein, zeaxanith Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts vit A, C and E 10 Worst White Bread and Pasta (use whole grains instead) "spike" blood sugar Processed Meats high in sodium (hypertension) Fried Foods raise ldl cholesterol Cooking Oils (5 to avoid) linoleic acid (age-related macular degeneration) Margarine may have trans fat (read labels) Prepackaged Foods possible high sodium (read labels) Sugary Drinks (drink water when possible) high in sugar Fish and Shellfish mercury Alcohol can lead to cataracts Caffeine can raise intraocular pressure

$25 July Incentive Challenge: Sleep Challenge

This challenge is so easy, it can be completed laying down with your eyes closed! Research: People who sleep less than 6 hours per night are 4 times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus than those that get 7 or more hours of sleep (2015). Drivers getting 6 hours or less of sleep per night are 33% more likely to have an accident (Sleep Foundation). Challenge: monitor your sleep for 12 days!!! 1) Download the Sleep Log. If you are unable to print, make your own, I will take it. 2) Complete and record 12 nights of sleep (12 separate days). Submit by 9/15. Email, mail, or fax me a copy. Reminder: Every member of the household is encouraged to participate but only one (1) incentive can be issued to each member-household with exception that more than one employee-member lives in the household.

Financial Wellness

What Will Social Security Look Like When You Retire? (click and read) This month QCI examines: what it will look like in 2035 who it will effect the most steps the government might take strategies you might want to consider to maximize your retirement benefits Keep in mind, ESHCA members have complimentary access to QCI Financial Planners Contact them to complete your free retirement analysis!

Are you collecting your "Wellness Bucks"? ESHCA encourages you to live a healthy lifestyle while being informed on your health and retirement benefits Click the link to review Wellness Incentives for 2021 Incentives encourage members to "Take Action": use preventative services (annual physical) engage in healthy lifestyle activities: exercise and nutrition stay connected through email and text notifications (online newsletter) Contact Patrick if you have questions or need assistance!