H1N1 Resources

Worried you or a loved one might have the H1N1 flu? Take the H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation.

Want to get vaccinated? Find flu vaccination locations nearest you with Google maps Flu Shot Finder.

Tip Tuesday on Wednesday: Gearing Up for a Safe & Healthy Holiday Season

First, I'd like to apologize for not posting our Tip Tuesday yesterday. I was attending a Leadership Ocala/Marion session on government and the environment. Now onto our Tip Tuesday on Wednesday...

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, the anticipation of friends, family and turkey seems to be on everyone's mind. However, I can't help but stew about the implications of traveling this year. With H1N1 still gaining ground and claiming countless victims, it seems to me that taking precautions need be on everyone's to-do list.

I recently came across some great tips for travelers courtesy of American Red Cross.

Before Traveling

• If sick, stay home. It's disappointing not to be able to join in the family celebration, but act responsibly and stay home to avoid spreading the flu.
• It's possible to spread the flu virus one day before actually showing symptoms. Those who have been in close contact with a sick individual should be extra careful about using good hand hygiene and cough etiquette and stay very aware of what might be flu symptoms.

While Traveling

• Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.
• Remember to wash hands or use a hand sanitizer before eating any meals or snacks. It's important to remember that you are touching a lot of surfaces that others are touching as well. Make sure your hands are clean before you put anything into your mouth.
• Bring personal blankets, pillows and earphones to avoid using something which may have been in contact with the flu virus.
• After washing hands in a public restroom, turn off the faucet with a paper towel. Then use another paper towel to dry hands and open the door when exiting the restroom.

Have a Safe Celebration

• Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.
• If hosting the holiday dinner and someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that they can be isolated into a separate area for care, or ask another family member to host dinner to avoid spreading the flu.
• Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking, and especially before eating.
• Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip the pretty hand towels this year and instead use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.
• Consider putting the glasses away this year and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks. Don't drink out of anyone else's glass.
• Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels, etc. This allows people to spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.

Here's to a safe & wonderful Thanksgiving,

Michelle D.

Tip Tuesday: Fall Asleep Faster Tonight!

In a world that literally never sleeps (no doubt thanks to the massive amounts of information exchanged every second on sites like Facebook & Twitter) it is only fair to summize that a growing number of us are having a hard time 'unwinding' when the sun goes down.

I can't speak for everyone, but I sure have had my share of hard times turning off the thoughts to catch some much needed Zzzz's. Even when I ache for rest, sometimes my brain just won't stop to refuel and recharge.

If you're feeling like your battery is on empty, here are some tried and true tips that just might help put some pep in your step this week:

1. Limit caffeine, alcohol and tobacco before bed.
2. Unwind with some light reading. Avoid stimulating books, t.v. or movies around bedtime.
3. Turn on some soothing music. Try Sleep Solutions (The Calming Collection) at Amazon.com.
4. Drink some Sleepytime tea after dinner. It's caffeine & calorie free! I recommend Celestial Seasonings.
5. Take your daily vitamins. Click here for some a list of vitamins and minerals for great sleep by Fitness Magazine.
6. Eat a well-balanced diet. Read The New York Times Health Guide for some tips.
7. Exercise regularly.

Still feeling tired and having trouble sleeping? Check with your doctor to make sure you don't have any underlying medical conditions.

Sweet Dreams,
Michelle D.

Tip Tuesday: BCBS Cost Cutting Suggestions For Members

10 Tips You Should Know

1. When planning for a surgery or treatment, call BCBS Care Consultants at 1-800-955-5692, option 5. You can save yourself time and money by using BCBS's team of experts to help make the right decisions about your care.
2. Stay in-network. BCBS discounted rates with doctors, hospitals and other providers ensure members (YOU) pay less.
3. For non-emergency situations, try using an in-network urgent care center rather than the ER, which will also save you lots of time and money. You can check out the BCBS provider directory at MyBlueService for a list of care centers in your neighborhood.
4. Use Quest Diagnostics for 100 percent coverage on doctor requested lab services.
5. Get prior authorizations and use independent imaging centers when seeking an MRI, CT, PET scan or nuclear cardiology service. Providers in the BCBS network will automatically request an authorization. If your doctor is out of network, you will be responsible for ensuring your doctor obtains an authorization.
6. Go generic on prescription medications and compare prices. MyBlueService lets you compare prices online, anytime.
7. Get preventive check-ups. BlueOptions plans cover many screenings for both adults and children. Use MyBlueService to review your benefits and coverage.
8. Talk to a nurse or health coach for general health concerns. Free access to these experts is available 24/7 through Health Dialog by calling 1-877-789-2583.
9. Save 20 to 60 percent with member-only discounts on health products and services for vision, hearing and weight loss programs - just to name a few!
10. Use MyBlueService to find benefits and claims information. New tools and information to help members stay healthy - and save you money - are added regularly.

Until next week,
Michelle D.