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.

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.