WELLNESS 2021: "Take Action"
ESHCA Wellness Newsletter
May 2021
The shareable link (printable) for this issue: https://conta.cc/2QMaF62
For complete member services visit us at: www.eshca.org
2021 Health Benefits:
Don't Forget Your Sunscreen
Why:
  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US
  • 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime
  • 5-million people are treated each year, costing the healthcare system $8 billion (2011)
  • Majority of cases are the result of UV exposure mostly from sunlight
  • however, tanning beds can also cause damage (estimated 400,000 cases/year)

Recommendations (American Academy of Dermatology):
  • Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • block UVA and UVB rays (read labels)
  • carry so you can reapply every 2 hours
  • When possible seek shade and wear protective clothing
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Do regular self-exams
  • one-half of melanomas are self-detected (read the article below)

Are you at risk?
  • Discuss your risk with your PCP at your annual physical and determine if you should consult a dermatologist (specialist: $35 copay) for a skin cancer screening. Contact Donna (ESHCA office) with questions regarding your health care benefits.

Read the article from the Cleveland Clinic: Identifying Cancerous Moles
"Take Action":
"Stretch and Flex" Programs Reduce Injuries
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016) calculated 1/3 of worker injury and illness cases are "Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders" (WMSD) including:
  • carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), sprains/strains and back injuries (OSHA 2016)

Are "Stretch and Flex" Programs effective in targeting WMSD's?
  • Recent study (2017) examined 13 construction companies that incorporated such a program.
  • The study included heavy highway companies
  • Companies ranged in size from 75 to 2,000 employees
  • Data was compared using statistics from 3 years before adding the program to 3 years after addition of the program.

Results demonstrated:
  • reduced WMSD injuries 51.2%
  • reduced OSHA recordable injuries 48.7%
  • reduced OSHA lost workday injuries 60.8%

Click here to review the research article!

$25 May Incentive Challenge...Part 1: Lower Body "Stretch and Flex"

"Stretch and Flex" Programs reduce the risk of WMSD by warming up muscle tissue, improving elasticity (distance to injury), decreasing internal tissue resistance (viscosity), improving nerve interactions and promoting optimal muscle functioning.

How to participate:
  • 1) Download the "Lower Body Stretch and Flex Log" and the "Exercise Guide"
  • If you are unable to print, make your own, I will take it!
  • If you use different stretching exercises than the ones I provide, you are more them welcome to log them in their place.
  • 2) Complete 12 stretching sessions (last day to submit is 6/15).
  • Email, mail or fax me a copy.

Reminder: every member of the household is encouraged to participate, however, only 1 incentive can be issued to each member-household with the exception that more than one employee-member lives in the household.
Financial Wellness
Need help analyzing, making, and sticking to a budget? You might want to consider a budgeting app. This month QCI advises on picking the one that is right for you:

  • Click and Read!!!

Reminder: ESHCA encourages you to "Know Your Financial Numbers"...contact Greg or Chris at QCI to complete a "Retirement Analysis" ($25 incentive for completion)
  • contact Patrick (ESHCA) with questions regarding the $25 incentive!
The following incentives are being offered throughout 2021:

  • 1) Fill out your General Health Assessment ($25) - available to the member and member-spouse
  • 2) Register for MyVisitNow ($25)
  • Email me a screenshot of the confirmation page, if that does not work let me know and I will confirm with MVP.
  • 3) Text Notification System ($25)
  • Email me your cell phone number to receive text notifications for the quarterly online newsletter (March, June, September, December) and to be notified of emergency changes to the health benefits.