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AUGUST 2024
The superpowers of ADHD
NOTE: With more than 14,000 Costco employees or their family members diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many of us are familiar with the struggles of ADHD. Being easily distracted, forgetful or fidgety are just a few. The condition can be challenging for kids, teens and adults, and may look different for everyone. But did you know that ADHD often comes with superpowers?
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ADHD is not the same for everyone
ADHD is a variety of symptoms that can be grouped into two main types:
ADHD in males
Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, often because the combined type symptoms are more visible at school, at home or at work.
ADHD in females
Women may go undiagnosed for decades as their symptoms may be less noticeable. Girls with ADHD are often good at masking or flying under the radar by hiding their condition.
ADHD superpowers
In a recent employee podcast, Costco Director of Employee Benefits Celeste Parker spoke about her family’s challenges with ADHD and anxiety, as well as the “superpowers” she sees in her son, who was diagnosed with ADHD.
Here are some of the many strengths and talents that can be found in those with ADHD:
- Lots of energy: Enthusiasm for life can bring drive, motivation and lots of activities to enjoy. This extra energy can also help kids with ADHD excel at sports, which can be a source of pride for them.
- Strong problem-solving skills: Most kids with ADHD are very good at thinking on their feet.
- Creative thinking: Thinking outside the box means different ideas and perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.
- Ability to zone in and focus: Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration, which can be very helpful when a big project is due the next day, or if there’s a topic your child wants to learn more about.
- Multi-tasking and flexibility: The ADHD brain can jump quickly from one topic to another, allowing for adaptability and the ability to thrive in chaos.
How to help develop your child’s superpowers
The challenging behaviors naturally get a lot of attention. Some of the qualities that come along with neurodiversity have a positive side, too — including instincts and skills that can be nurtured to help your child grow steady, confident and strong. You can help your child identify and focus on their strengths and build their self-esteem.
Positive reinforcement
Acknowledging when your child does something right can be a powerful motivator. Tell your child when they’ve done something they should be proud of.
Structured environment
Kids with ADHD don’t always love routines, but they thrive when routines are in place. Schedules that your child can see and follow, or a distraction-free homework area can help them feel in control.
Open communication
Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings so you can work on challenges together.
Advocate for your child
RethinkCare can help you talk to your child’s teacher and support you through the process of setting up an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 when needed. Section 504 is the federal requirement for public schools to provide a free and appropriate education. Click here to register for your free account, available to all employees with children of any age.
Therapy
Learning to control impulses and emotions can improve life at school and at home. Telemynd* offers therapy for kids age 5+ with flexible scheduling and the ability to complete the first session in less than a week. This program is available to those enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan.
Medication
Your child’s therapist can help you decide if medication is appropriate for your child. Sometimes it’s a short-term fix that helps a child build long-term habits, while others may need it longer.
Wondering if you or your child has ADHD?
We all experience some of these symptoms from time to time. But if they’re affecting your daily life, support is available. Your Costco benefits can help you and your child flourish. This includes coping strategies, therapy and medication if needed.
Call Resources for Living at 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit RFL.com/Costco to access six free counseling sessions per issue yearly, for you, each of your household members regardless of age, and each of your dependent children up to age 26 who may live away from home.
You can also visit Telemynd.com/Costco to get started with virtual therapy or psychiatric treatment for kids age 5+, teens and adults.
*Available on the mainland only.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and causes
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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AUGUST 2024
When a loved one reaches end-of-life
The loss of a parent or loved one can be one of the most difficult events in a person’s life. The months leading up to their death, and the grief that follows, can be extremely painful, no matter what your relationship with your loved one has been. Your Costco benefits can help with support and guidance throughout this challenging time.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Palliative or hospice care?
When your family member has a serious illness, they may talk with their doctor about what direction they want their treatment to take. They often can’t have these conversations as they get more ill and may need you to make healthcare decisions for them.
Resources for Living’s legal services can help you and your family member set up a healthcare proxy so that you can legally make decisions about their treatment on their behalf. Your family member may also want to talk to their doctor about a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) if they don’t want CPR attempted if their heart stops beating or their breathing stops.
Treatment options to consider include palliative care or hospice care. These are explained below.
Palliative care can transfer to hospice care if the medical team believes treatment is no longer helping and the person is likely to die within six months. Alternately, hospice care can be stopped if the person wants to restart medical treatment or if they get better unexpectedly.
Grieving the loss of loved one
There is no one way to feel when a parent or loved one dies. In fact, most people rarely experience one emotion — one moment, you might be flooded with sadness, then the next moment, feel anger or anxiety. It’s also normal to feel relief that your loved one is no longer suffering or that the grueling caregiving is over. Every emotion is valid.
Understand that grief has no timeline. Resist the idea that there are certain stages you need to go through. Be patient, allow yourself to feel all your feelings and try the following strategies to find some peace.
5 strategies to cope with grief
Lean on others
Find one or two trusted friends or family members who you can call whenever you’re struggling. To feel less alone, join a support group for people who have lost a parent. Resources for Living’s care partners can guide you to resources in your area. You can also find peer support with Supportiv, a program that connects you via anonymous small group chats with people struggling with the same things you are.
Find time for exercise
Take a daily walk to keep your energy up and release feel-good endorphins. Studies show that physical activity can help people who are grieving feel less depressed and anxious.
Reconnect through stories and activities
Talk to family about what your family member meant to you and look at old photos to bring back happy memories. Engage in activities they loved, such as cooking their favorite meal, as another way to connect.
Do something in their memory
Honor your loved one by planting a tree, running a race in their name, or donating to or volunteering at their favorite charity. These actions can raise your spirits and give you a sense of comfort.
Try therapy
A therapist can help you process your grief. Therapy is also a safe space to work through any difficulties you had with your loved one, find forgiveness and achieve a level of closure. Get started with six yearly free counseling sessions via in-person, televideo or chat through Resources for Living. You can also try an eight-week online program to help process grief through AbleTo.
Grieving is normal, natural and different for everyone. Be kind to yourself and take the time you need to work through your loss. And remember, help is available. Turn to the resources below to get the support you need.
Sources:
National Institute on Aging. What are palliative care and hospice care?
WebMD. What is hospice care?
Forbes Health. Losing a parent: expert tips for coping with the grief.
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Family benefits
FAMILY BENEFITS
AUGUST 2024
Resources for raising a healthy family
Maybe you’re just starting out on your parenting journey. Or maybe you’re in the thick of it. Either way, you can probably use all the help you can get. That’s why your Costco benefits offer a variety of free or low-cost programs to support the well-being of you and your children as they grow and mature.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Baby on the way or planning for kids?
Whether you’re planning for your first child or adding to your family, the Aetna Maternity Program* provides expert guidance and support before, during and after pregnancy. If you’re having a hard time conceiving, the program offers help for infertility, including coverage for treatments and access to a fertility advocate.
Planning to adopt? Adoption Assistance from Costco provides up to $5,000 per child (maximum of two adoptions) to help cover adoption expenses, such as agency fees, attorney fees and transportation.
Emotional health support
It’s never too early to help your child learn the social and emotional skills they need to have a happy life. Use your benefits to educate yourself on the best way to support your kids and to access the mental health services they may need throughout their childhood.
RethinkCare provides training, tools and resources at no cost to help parents, caregivers and children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program also provides support for children with developmental delays or disabilities and can help parents navigate special education services.
Families with children who struggle with ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral conditions can get access to therapy and psychiatry through Telemynd*, a program for employees and their dependents enrolled in an Aetna medical plan. Telemynd can support age 5+. Virtual therapy and psychiatry appointments are available with wait times under one week. Your plan copays apply. In addition, all employees can access 24/7 text-based or video therapy through Talkspace, available for teens age 13+ and adults. You can get six free sessions when you access the program through RFL.com/Costco.
Benefit choices that can save you money
Raising a child isn’t cheap. But your Costco benefits can help lower your family’s health and wellness expenses and make a big difference in your budget.
Costco medical plans
In-network providers save you money on doctor’s visits, dental procedures and more. These providers have contracted with your medical plan provider Aetna®, Triple-S or HMSA to provide services at a certain rate — usually much lower than what they would charge someone outside of the network. In-network preventive care, such as well-child checkups, recommended vaccines and dental cleanings, is covered at 100%.
Institutes of Quality*
Through your Aetna medical plan, you have access to top-rated hospitals and facilities known as Institutes of Quality (IOQ). These providers meet your needs by offering excellent care and commitment to your recovery. When you choose an IOQ for certain bariatric (weight loss), cardiac (heart) or orthopedic (bone or muscle) procedures, Costco pays 100% of the cost of the hospital or surgical facility charges. You will still pay your cost shares for your surgeon, anesthesiologist and other non-facility charges.
On-demand support
Unnecessary trips to the emergency room can be costly. If you need help finding an in-network urgent care facility on an evening or weekend, call the 24-Hour Nurse Line* at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to find one near you. HMSA’s Online Care, for employees in Hawaii, and TeleConsultaMD, for employees in Puerto Rico, also provide employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan on-demand access to care.
98point6**
Save the cost of a doctor’s visit with on-demand text-based care through 98point6. You’ll be connected to a board-certified doctor who can diagnose and treat colds, the flu, rashes, allergies and many more common conditions. No appointments, no waiting rooms and no travel necessary.
Inspira Financial**
A Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) offered by Inspira Financial is another good way to save. These accounts allow you to lower your taxes by setting aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care and dependent care expenses. Use an HCRA for things such as over-the counter medications, Band-Aids, copays and deductibles. A DCAP can help cover childcare, preschool tuition, before- and after-school care and more. Enroll in an HCRA or DCAP during Annual Enrollment in November. You can also enroll in DCAP during the year if your dependent care needs change.
Remember, as a parent, you have the most important job in the world. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Take advantage of the resources below to save money and make your life easier.
*Available on the mainland only.
**Not available in Puerto Rico.
WATCH NOW
AUGUST 2024
Video: What everyone needs to know about bullying
Pushing and hitting. Cruel words. Online threats. Exclusion. These are all forms of bullying, which can be devastating to a child’s, teen’s or adult’s mental health. Find out how to spot the signs of bullying and what we all can do to make a difference in this important video from Resources for Living.
If your child is a victim of bullying, let them know that it’s not their fault and that you are there to help. If your child is bullying others, set expectations and consequences to help guide them down a different path. Telemynd* can offer additional support with therapy and psychiatry for parents and children dealing with bullying.
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Healthy recipe
HEALTHY RECIPE
AUGUST 2024
Mediterranean snack plate
Serving as the anchor of this snack plate is an easy tzatziki-like yogurt sauce — perfect for dipping into with sturdy pita chips. A generously sized salad, seasoned hard-boiled eggs and olives round out the meal.
Ingredients: 13
Prep time: 10 min | Total time: 10 min
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
½ cup plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
1 small clove garlic, grated
2 pinches dried dill weed
2 pinches Kosher salt
2 pinches black pepper
1 ½ cups Romaine lettuce, shredded or roughly chopped
¼ cup cucumber, sliced into thin half-moons
¼ cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons low-fat red wine vinaigrette salad dressing
8 large olives
2 large, hard-boiled eggs, halved
1 ounce whole wheat pita chips
Directions:
Step 1
In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, salt and pepper.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine the lettuce, sliced cucumber, tomatoes and vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat.
Step 3
Arrange the salad, yogurt sauce, olives, eggs and pita chips on a large plate. Sprinkle the eggs with an optional garnish of dill, salt and black pepper.
Nutrition
Serving size: 1 | Calories: 442 | Total fat: 20 g | Saturated fat: 5 g | Sodium: 1,521 mg | Total carbohydrates: 36 g | Fiber: 6 g | Protein: 30 g
Source: WeightWatchers
With the WeightWatchers program and app, you can lose weight and eat healthier. Costco employees can join WeightWatchers for as low as $14 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $19.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.
– Albert Einstein
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JULY 2024
How to get help for substance use concerns
If you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs or opioids, or you love someone who is, you may feel hopeless, worried or guilty. You’re not alone — 7,500 Costco employees battled substance use concerns last year. The truth is, these problems are common, treatable health conditions. Your Costco benefits are here to help, without judgment, whenever you are ready.
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A complex disease
Some people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicines. They may mistakenly think that those who use substances lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop by simply choosing not to.
In reality, substance use disorder is a complex, long-term disease, like asthma or diabetes. Drugs and alcohol change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.
A devastating impact
Substance misuse has enormous costs to those who are struggling and to those that care about them. It can break up families and destroy relationships. The impact to physical health is substantial. For just one example, it can increase risks of disease, such as heart disease, cancer or stroke. It can also seriously affect your finances.
Not only does addiction require a steady supply of drugs or alcohol, but those who are struggling may have difficulty keeping a steady income, drain their savings or retirement accounts to fund their habit, and rack up legal fees or court costs if sustaining their addiction leads to unlawful behavior.
Treatment is available
While an estimated 54.6 million Americans battled a substance use disorder in 2022, only 26% got treatment.1 One barrier to getting help is worry over the cost of care.
That’s why it’s important to know that substance use disorder is a medical condition. Treatment is covered when you use in-network providers, like any other medically necessary treatment. The same deductibles, copays and coinsurance apply.
Ready to get help?
Your medical plan provider, be it Aetna®, Triple-S or HMSA, is committed to giving you and your family the best possible care advice. For employees with an Aetna medical plan, the Live Healthy Team* can help link those battling substance misuse and their families with counseling, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and support groups, and help come up with care plan goals.
Treatment is highly individualized. One person may need different types of treatment at different times. Your doctor and care team will help guide you on your path to recovery and support your progress along the way.
Most treatments involve detoxification, during which you stop taking the substance and allow it to leave your body. You can go through detoxification in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Your doctor may recommend therapy to treat any co-occurring mental health conditions and to teach healthy coping techniques. Medication may also be part of your treatment plan to relieve craving and withdrawal systems.
Resources for Living (RFL) provides counseling to help people with substance use concerns learn healthier thought patterns and behaviors. Employees can also use RFL’s Mind Companion Self-care as a self-guided recovery tool.
Substance use in teens
Peer pressure and glamourization of alcohol and drug use in mass media can affect teens’ substance use decisions. In fact, a recent survey showed that teens are more likely to drink alcohol or use marijuana if the people they follow posted about it on Instagram or Snapchat.2
That’s all the more reason to talk to you kids about substance misuse. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and use these tips to be real with your kids.
- Normalize the conversation based on their age and give them a safe space to ask questions.
- Don’t be afraid to set ground rules and expectations together.
- Accept their responses — even those you didn’t expect to hear — and resist the urge to lecture.
When kids test the substance use waters — or dive right into the deep end — it’s often the result of an underlying mental health condition. Teens with ADHD, anxiety and depression may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, even though that may worsen their symptoms. Telemynd* can help you and your child discover and address their mental health conditions through therapy, coaching and further evaluation, available for kids and teens up to age 18.
If you’re concerned about substance use concerns, for yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor. And look to the resources below for help and support.
*Available on the mainland only.
1American Addiction Centers. Alcohol and drug abuse statistics.
2Florida International University. Teens are more likely to use alcohol and marijuana if they see themselves post about it on social media.
Sources:
Aetna. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, Aetna can help.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding drug use and addiction.
Cleveland Clinic. Substance use disorder.
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JULY 2024
Know your options for pain management
Pain is a reality for many people. Whether chronic, such as back pain, or acute, such as after an injury, pain can disrupt nearly all aspects of your life. But if you’re struggling with misusing alcohol or drugs, getting relief can be complicated. People battling current or former substance misuse can be vulnerable to the addictive quality of prescription opioid painkillers such as oxycontin or oxycodone.
Luckily, there are options available for pain management that have fewer risks and may work better than opioids. These include over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, acupuncture and many others covered wholly or in part by your Costco benefits.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Addiction and pain control
Dr. Peter Grinspoon, an internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes that patients are often nervous to tell their doctor about a past or current addiction because they’re afraid their pain won’t be treated. “There’s still a lot of stigma associated with substance use disorders, even among some medical providers,” he says. “But people who struggle with addiction deserve proper pain control.”1
If you or a loved one has a history of addiction, the best course of action is to be upfront with your doctor. It’s your doctor’s responsibility to work with you to find ways to manage your pain safely. That includes exploring non-opioid medications and non-drug treatments.
Non-drug treatments for pain
Because of the side effects and risks of most medications, you may want to first try treatments that don’t rely on drugs. Some of these include:
Physical therapy
Often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain or an injury, physical therapy (PT) relieves symptoms and improves flexibility through targeted exercises and stretching.
Omada Joint & Muscle Health provides virtual physical therapy with a dedicated physical therapist that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Acupuncture
By inserting thin needles at key points on the body, acupuncture can interrupt pain signals and rebalance energy. Your Costco benefits cover up to 20 acupuncture visits per year, combined with homeopath and naturopath visits.
Electrical stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sends a gentle current to painful areas to interrupt nerve signals to the brain. TENS is a covered benefit when medically necessary.
Massage
Therapeutic massage may relieve pain by relaxing painful muscles and joints, relieving stress and anxiety and releasing mood-boosting endorphins. Massage may be covered by your Costco medical plan when medically necessary as a short-term rehabilitation benefit.
Therapy
Behavioral therapy can teach people coping skills to deal with the stress that pain can cause. It can also help address the negative thoughts and emotions that can make pain worse.
Resources for Living (RFL) offers six yearly free counseling sessions to help you and your loved ones get support to manage substance misuse, stress, anxiety, depression and more. You can also try RFL’s self-guided emotional support program for substance misuse through Mind Companion Self-care.
Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness can help people break down the experience of pain into identifiable sensations and help them reclaim a sense of pleasure and joy, despite the pain. You can find mindfulness exercises and other resources at RFL.com/Costco.
Non-opioid pain medications
The treatments above are often used in combination with medications that have less potential for addiction and can help with pain. You can fill your prescriptions at any Costco Pharmacy through Costco Health Solutions.* Some of these medications may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications, including acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil, can often be used together for mild to moderate pain.
- Methadone, a long-acting narcotic, provides pain relief and helps calm the craving for other opioids.
- Exparel, a non-addictive, one-time injection that relieves pain after dental surgery.
- Cox-2 inhibitors, a prescription form of NSAID, block a specific enzyme to help reduce inflammation.
- Prescription nerve pain medications can help calm nerve-related pain.
- Topical ointments, such as lidocaine, can minimize pain signals at the nerve endings in the skin.
- Interventional therapies, such as injections, can block nerve pain sensations from a specific area of the body.
If you do need to take opioids
In some cases, it may be hard to avoid opioids, for example, after a major surgery. If so, take these precautions:
Create a pain plan
Work with your doctor to know how you can reduce pain using a combination of treatments.
Find a partner
Identify a family member or friend who can hold on to your pills, manage your doses and check in on you while you take your opioid medication.
Get rid of leftover pills
Discard extra pills safely at drop off locations, including Costco pharmacies, so that you won’t be tempted to take them.
If you or a loved one has a history of substance misuse, don’t suffer in silence or worry that pain relief will upend your recovery. You can manage pain safely. Use the resources below to explore some of your options.
*Not available in Puerto Rico.
1WebMD. Addiction: Know your options for pain management.
Sources:
Medline Plus. Non-drug pain management.
American Society of Anesthesiologists. Non-opioid treatment.
NIH Medline Plus Magazine. From opioids to mindfulness: a new approach to chronic pain.
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JULY 2024
The gut-brain connection
Do you ever get butterflies when you’re excited or nervous? Or feel hungry after watching a pizza commercial on TV? That’s your gut communicating with your brain.
The relationship between these two parts of your body affects your mood, sleep and digestion. So, it’s important to get the right treatment if you have gut issues, such as bloating, constipation or acid reflux.
If these conditions affect you, you’re not alone — digestive disorders are the second most common diagnosis among Costco employees. That’s why Costco employees now have access to a new, free digestive health program from Cylinder to help get the best possible care for gut issues.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Substance misuse and the gut
95% of your body’s serotonin, the “happiness hormone”, is manufactured by gut bacteria. Misusing addictive substances, such as alcohol or narcotics, disrupts your gut health which lowers your serotonin levels. This can cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Restoring gut health is one way to help return serotonin to healthy levels, an important part of substance misuse recovery.
Gut health and diabetes
Gut health may also be tied to diabetes. For years, researchers have been studying the composition of the gut microbiome, a collection of microorganisms that include fungi, bacteria and viruses that live in the digestive tract. People with higher levels of certain bacterium are more likely to have insulin resistance, which can cause high blood sugar and diabetes. Improving your gut health can help balance your gut bacteria and may reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Your new digestive health benefit
If you’re one of the many people with gut issues, often suffering in silence, your new digestive health benefit from Cylinder can help. It’s available at no cost to employees and their family members age 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
This free virtual program offers 24/7 digestive health support, starting with a free at-home gut microbiome test to measure the good and bad bacteria in your gut. A registered dietitian and health coach will then work with you to get to the root problem of your digestive symptoms. This highly effective resource has helped 91% of users improve their GI health. For more information, visit Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco and use access code: Costco or call 888-246-5019.
Better health starts with the gut. Get support from the resources below.
*Not available in Puerto Rico.
Sources:
National Geographic. Your gut health can affect the rest of your body. Here’s why.
Cedars Sinai. Gut bacteria may play a role in diabetes.