Tip Tuesday: You Can Get a FREE Membership The Month of August At YMCA of Marion County

GET MOVING MARION COUNTY! If you're ready to take the 10,000 steps a day challenge from the Marion County YMCA, then you can receive a one-month trial membership during the month of August.

The YMCA is challenging residents to get fit through its month-long Get Moving Marion County health challenge. All Get Moving registrants will receive a free pedometer to track their 10,000 steps each day.

Simply register today or on July 31 (the official kickoff) to participate! Visit the Marion County YMCA at 3200 SE 17th Street, Ocala, FL 34471 or call 352-368-9622 for more information. You can also visit http://www.tryytoday.com/.

If you are interested, please feel free to drop by Benefit Advisors and Lossing Strickland Insurance Group to pick up your Get Moving card today!

I hope to see you at the kickoff this Saturday!

Until Next Week,
Michelle D.

Benefit Advisors Named to Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in Florida For the Second Year In a Row!

For the second year in a row, Benefit Advisors has been named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For, ranked seventh in the small business category, up from #17 in 2009.

One-hundred companies were recognized in small, medium and large company categories. The rankings – the second annual statewide Best Companies list – appear in the August issue Florida Trend and on FloridaTrend.com.

The Best Companies To Work For in Florida program was created by Florida Trend and Best Companies Group and endorsed by the HR Florida State Council.

“Companies that retain the best employees with strong workplace programs are frequently the very same companies that serve their clients exceptionally well," says Florida Trend Publisher Andrew Corty. "It's our pleasure to recognize these great companies and encourage others to join them in building Florida's competitive advantage."

To be considered for participation, companies or government entities had to employ at least 15 workers in Florida and be at least a year old.

Companies that chose to participate in the Best Companies To Work For in Florida process underwent a two-part survey process. The first part consisted of evaluating each company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings. Companies were not required to pay a participation fee to go through the online assessment process.

“For our coverage this year we looked carefully at the survey results to focus on the practices that distinguish the best companies from the rest. The surveys show that while employees like “bells and whistles’’ types of benefits, the companies that make the list all are very good at the basics — especially at communicating with their employees and offering training and opportunities to work creatively. This year’s stories are a great how-to guide for companies looking to improve,” says Mark Howard, executive editor.

For a complete list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Florida, go to http://www.floridatrend.com/best_companies.asp.

Tip Tuesday: Get healthy on the go...

...with BlueCross BlueShield of Florida Mobile. It's a mobile Web site designed for everyone - both members and non members, providing access to health information and tools on the go.

BCBSFL Mobile works on any smartphone - Blackberry, iPhone, Droid and even the iPad. Just type in bcbsfl.com from your mobile browser.

The following are just a glimpse of what the mobile site can offer you:

EVERYONE

• Find a doctor
• Get current weather conditions, allergy, asthma and other health-related alerts
• Real-time health event info based on your GPS location
• Contests, trivia and fun - enter to win prizes
• Health facts and information
• Download free ringtones
• Social media sharing

MEMBERS ONLY

• All of the above, +
• View your coverage and benefits
• View ID Card
• Find a doctor in the provider directory customized to your plan
• Compare drug prices
• 24 hours nurse line

For more information, visit BCBSFL's Web site.

And just another perk for registering - they are giving away $25 iTunes gift cards!

Enjoy & good luck!

Until Next Week,

Michelle D.

Looking For Insurance Coverage With a Pre-Existing Condition?

Look no further. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan was created to make health insurance available to you if you have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will cover:

• A broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
• Doesn’t charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition.
• Doesn’t base eligibility on income.

There are few requirements to meet before you can enroll in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

• You must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States.
• You must have been uninsured for at least the last six months.
• You must have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

For more information, or to apply today, please click here.

As always, please feel free to contact a Benefit Advisors agent with any questions by calling toll-free (888) 479-0490.

Until Next Week,

Michelle D.

Tip Tuesday: Beat the Heat!

For starters, I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend, despite the on-going rainfall we experienced in Central Florida! I sure had a grand ol' time celebrating America's birthday with my family and friends.

So, now that July is in full swing, it also means summer - and its heat - are here to stay, at least for the next few months. Are you prepared to beat the heat?

Here are some tips to help you beat & treat seven of summer's ailments.

Tip 1: Schedule physical activity for cooler times.

Tip 2: Dress in light, loose, cotton clothing.

Tip 3: Use sunscreen!!! At least SPF 15.

Tip 4: When working outside, make sure you take time to rest in a cool area.

Tip 5: HYDRATE! Drink lots of water. Don't wait until you feel thirsty, this means you have already become dehydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Tip 6: Never leave children or pets inside a car, even if the windows are open.

Tip 7: If you are taking medication, ask your doctor about the side-effects. Believe it or not, some medications may make you sunburn more easily.

Tip 8: Keep cool with fans, air conditioning and cool baths or showers.

Tip 9: Stay rested!

Tip 10: Eat nutritious, non-fatty meals - preferably foods high in water content.

Until Next Week,
Michelle D.

Source: Women's Fitness.net