Tip Tuesday: Bid 2009 - And Your Bad Habits - Farewell Forever!

Despite the semi-cliche nature of New Year's resolutions, there is something to be said for the motivational aspects associated with wanting to make a change as we ring in another year. No wonder New Year's Eve has turned into such a sought after holiday. It is the last day to get all the mistakes out, because a fresh start begins at midnight.

I can't help but think of a quote from Anne of Green Gables, "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it...yet." As we welcome 2010, our slate is wiped clean and we have 364 more days to keep it that way.

So this New Year, why not make some resolutions and actually stick with them! Your body, your mind and your wallet will thank you. Let's explore some common New Year's resolutions and some ways to uphold them in 2010 & beyond.

1. Quit smoking
2. Lose weight
3. Eat out less
4. Save money
5. Drive less, bike more

In order to successfully follow through with your resolutions, turn them into goals and actually write them down. Seeing them on paper solidifies your decision to combat what you want to change this year.

Change your way of thinking. Instead of saying "I'm going to try to..." rephrase your goals as an "I" statement with a definitive timeline for completion. For example, "I will quit smoking by February 15, 2010," or "I will lose 25 pounds by June 30, 2010." Having a timeline enables you to work towards your goals, instead of making excuses and putting them on the back burner.

Most importantly, enjoy making your resolutions a reality! For instance, make exercising fun by doing something you enjoy, like playing the Wii with your family or going for a bike ride and getting some fresh air. If you feel yourself getting into a rut, switch it up a bit and keep it fun. Nothing interrupts resolutions like repetition!

Once you've achieved your goals, treat yourself to something you've longed for, but be realistic (remember, we are watching our wallets too). Knowing there will be a payout for success will give you added ammunition to make your goals a reality.

Good luck, I know you can do it!

Until Next Year,
Michelle

Photo Credits: Reading Public Library

Giving Back...

In addition to being an employee benefits health insurance resource to our clients, Benefit Advisors is committed to the betterment and improved wellbeing of the communities we serve. In these times of turmoil, it is the commitment of Benefit Advisors to help aid and assist those families and individuals in need.

As such, Benefit Advisors employees participate each year in the United Way of Marion County Resource Campaign. This year, we had 100 percent of our employees donate, increasing our overall company giving by more then 15 percent from last year.

Benefit Advisors is also proud to support Kiwanis Club of Ocala and Camp Kiwanis. Last month, we sponsored the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Day at the highest sponsorship level. And, yes, the pancakes were as yummy as ever!

What’s up next? Benefit Advisors will be participating in the 2010 United Way Day of Caring on Saturday, February 27, 2010. If you’d like to help make a difference in our community, give me a call @ 352-479-0944. Join the Benefit Advisors team as we work to help make a difference.

See you there!

Michelle D.

ARRA COBRA Subsidy Extended

On Saturday, December 19, 2009, the President signed HR 3326 (the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010, DoDAA), which extends the ARRA subsidy. This information became public knowledge on Monday, December 21, 2009. Under HR 3326, major changes to ARRA include:

• Currently, ARRA eligibility for involuntary terminations of employment ends on December 31, 2009. This is now extended to February 28, 2010, without regard to when the COBRA coverage period actually begins.
• The maximum ARRA subsidy period, previously nine months, is now 15 months for all assistance eligible individuals (AEIs). This includes any AEIs whose subsidy expired November 30, 2009.
• Those whose ARRA subsidy ended on November 30, 2009, have an extended grace period in which to pay their COBRA premium. The grace period is now extended until 60 days after the date that the DoDAA was enacted (i.e., February 17, 2010) or, if later, 30 days after a DoDAA notice is sent to them.
• Two new notifications are required. First, plans need to notify all individuals who were AEIs as of October 31, 2009, or la ter of the DoDAA changes. This notice needs to be sent within 60 days of DoDAA's enactment date. A second notice needs to be sent to those AEIs who lost their ARRA subsidy to notify them of their extended payment grace period.

Other bill-related information is available at The Library of Congress website.

Thank you to our partners at Infinisource for this update!

Tip Tuesday: Volunteer, It's Good For the Soul!!

Yesterday, myself and several of my Benefit Advisors co-workers participated in the Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge, sponsored by UnitedHealthcare. The Ride 2 Recovery is produced by the Fitness Challenge Foundation, (501C3) in partnership with the Military and VA Volunteer Service Office, to benefit Mental and Physical Rehabilitation Programs that feature cycling as the core activity.

More than 180 cyclists participated in the Florida Challenge, traveling from all over the United States. They kicked off in Tampa and will end in Jacksonville later this week.

We had the pleasure of getting to know some of our wounded veterans, which was a wonderfully uplifting experience to say the least. Their spirit, courage and dedication to the cause was not only inspirational but very humbling. I would like to say thank you to UnitedHealthcare for inviting our agency to participate in such a wonderful afternoon of giving back and for the cultivation of new friendships. To view some of our pictures from the event, visit us on Facebook.

This holiday season, I challenge you to set aside some time to give back, because it is truly good for the soul!

Until next week,
Michelle D.

10 Things You Should Ask Santa For This Year, Your Health Will Thank You...

10. Edible Arrangements – Tired of sending and receiving the same flowers year after year? This holiday, change it up a bit with a festival of fruit. It’s not only healthy, but beautiful and delicious too. To order, visit http://www.ediblearrangements.com/ to find a location nearest you.

9. Gym Memberships – Give a boost to your new year’s resolutions and start 2010 off with a bang. Gyms like Planet Fitness offer memberships for as low as $10 a month. With locations nationally, it’s now easier than ever to burn off those extra holiday pounds.

8. A Bicycle – According to Registered Dietitian Tera Liescheidt, “Bicycling is a great way to see the outdoors, take in the fresh air, or simply get around town. It’s also an efficient way to burn excess calories, shed body fat and improve cardiovascular health. Depending on your body weight and the intensity of your ride, you will probably burn some where between 400 and 500 calories on a one hour bicycling trip.”

7. Nintendo Wii – Aimed at bringing active, social gaming into your living room, the Wii provides a great way for family and friends to laugh, bond and workout together. With games like Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, Just Dance and Your Shape featuring Jenny McCarthy, you’re sure to feel the burn and the fun!

6. A GNC Gift card – Start taking the right vitamins for you in 2010. Watch Dr. Bresser on Good Morning America as he explains which vitamins help and how they work.

5. A Lunch Box – Ditch the high-cal fast food and bring your lunch when you're own-the-go. Try the BUILT Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote, a fun lightweight way to take along your lunch!

4. Comfy Clothes – Get some stylish clothes that meet two needs: working out & relaxing. For women, I recommend the Nike Women’s Tempo Track Running Shorts (available in every color combination imaginable) and some sort of Dri-FIT Cotton shirt. For men, try Nike Dri-FIT Tempo Track Two-In-One Running Shorts.

3. Running Shoes – It is recommended you change out your kicks every 350-500 miles, which tends to creep up on you faster than you’d think. Treat your feet, back and posture this year to a new set of running shoes. According to Exercise Physiologist Elizabeth Quinn, “Over time running shoes lose stability and shock absorption capacity. When this happens the stress to the feet and legs increases dramatically. Over time such added stress can lead to an overuse injury. A simple prevention strategy includes replacing running shoes when they wear out.”

2. Pots & Pans – With all the new recipes you’ll be cooking up in 2010, treat yourself and your kitchen to a new set of pots and pans.

1. A Spa Day – Take a day to treat your body and your mind! Health benefits of massage and relaxation are huge and include:
· Calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.
· Reduces tension and anxiety
· Improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
· Prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms.

Have a happy & healthy holiday season from all of us at Benefit Advisors!

Until Next Week,
Michelle D.

Tip Tuesday: Treat Yourself Every Once in Awhile

With Christmas right around the corner and new year's resolutions on the horizon, it's hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This month, take some time to treat yourself and enjoy some great recipes with family and friends. Relax and indulge - just this once - because you deserve it!

I hope you enjoy some of our favorite -- quick & easy -- holiday meal ideas/recipes:

Baker Man
Fit 1 pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions. Pour a jar of apple sauce into the crust. Roll the remaining pie crust to press out fold lines and cut into 1/2 inch strips. Arrange strips in a lattice design over the filling, fold edges under and crimp. Bake on lowest oven rack at 425 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden, shielding pie with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, if necessary. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Breakfast-in-bed
Heat up your favorite biscuits and spread some warm apple butter on top. A great way to start off your morning...

Bon Appetit
Take an 8 oz. block of cream cheese and let soften to room temperature. Top with 1/2 jar of your favorite jam or chutney. Serve with your favorite crackers. Want to make your own chutney You can find some great recipes at allrecipes.com.

Here's to a Happy Holiday season for all,
Michelle D.