Tag: physical-well-being

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Enhanced benefit

ENHANCED BENEFIT

DECEMBER 2021

Virtual care anywhere

Has your child ever spiked a fever at 2 a.m.? Did you ever need a prescription after hours? Or have you ever wanted a doctor’s advice but didn’t have time for an office visit? When you have a sudden medical need, 98point6® is ready 24/7 with on-demand, text-based care and support.

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What’s the 411 on 98point6? 

If you’re enrolled in the HMSA or Aetna® medical plan through Costco, you have access to this on-demand care option. It lets you connect with a board-certified primary care doctor around the clock through text message. Say goodbye to waiting rooms (and waiting-room germs), travel time and parking.

Use 98point6 doctors for help with colds and flu, sore throat, minor skin issues, allergies, stomach problems and more.

24/7 virtual care from wherever you are

Got symptoms? Download and use the 98point6 app to start a virtual doctor’s visit for yourself or a covered family member. All visits are text based.* Your doctor can diagnose, provide a treatment plan, or order a prescription or lab work to your local pharmacy or lab facility.**

Fast answers to your health questions  

When it comes to sudden health issues, finding the time to ask your questions can be tough. With 98point6, you can follow up with a doctor on general health concerns whenever it’s convenient for you. Ask about chronic pain, a nagging cough or symptoms your child is experiencing.

Ready when you are  

Beginning January 1, 2022, you and your covered family members (age one year and older) have access to on-demand medical consultations for up to $5 per visit. Download the 98point6 app to get started.

*Via secure, in-app messaging with multimedia capabilities if required.
**Prescription and lab work will be processed according to your plan benefits.

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Explore more

EXPLORE MORE

NOVEMBER 2021

Check out the Aetna Dental® EPP Plan

Here’s something to smile about. Depending on your location, you may be able to enhance your dental coverage during Annual Enrollment, November 1-23, by selecting the Aetna Dental EPP Plan.

With the Aetna Dental EPP Premium and EPP Core plan options, you can take advantage of these benefits: 

  • Higher annual maximums — more dollars to spend on dental expenses 
  • Higher orthodontia lifetime maximum benefit 
  • Coverage for white (resin) fillings 

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The benefits of in-network-only care 

The Aetna Dental EPP Plan offers coverage for in-network-only care. This means there’s no coverage for providers who are outside the Aetna® network.* And the plan offers benefits for both your oral health and your wallet:  

  • Quality care In-network dental providers must meet strict quality measures to join the Aetna network. This means better care for you and your family.
  • No-cost preventive care The Aetna Dental EPP Plan covers two routine exams and two cleanings per year, plus routine X-rays at 100% with no deductible. These services help keep your teeth and gums healthy and contribute to your overall health.
  • Lower costs In-network dental providers bill based on the Aetna contracted rates, which are typically lower than non-contracted rates. This reduces your out-of-pocket amount and stretches your annual maximum benefit.

*Except for emergencies. Please review your plan documents for specifics about out-of-network emergency coverage.  

Note: The Aetna Dental EPP Plan is not available in Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Learn which dental plans are available in your location by checking the resources listed below.   

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Take Action

TAKE ACTION

NOVEMBER 2021

Why is the flu shot important?

Flu season is well underway. If you haven’t already gotten your annual flu shot, now is the time to get it. Flu shots are available — at no cost to you — at any Costco pharmacy. If you don’t have a Costco pharmacy within 25 miles, you can also get a free flu shot from an in-network provider. 

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flu shot

 

Getting vaccinated will help protect you from the discomfort and potential complications of the influenza (flu) virus. It will also help keep your family, friends and co-workers safe and healthy during flu season. 

Protect yourself from serious illness this winter: get a flu shot; get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster

Influenza (the flu) is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Getting the vaccine — though not 100% effective — is the best way to prevent the misery of the flu and its complications.  

. . .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone age 6 months or older.1 

. . .

This year’s flu shot will offer protection against four of the influenza viruses expected to be in circulation this flu season. High-dose flu vaccines will be available for adults age 65 and older.  

It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot. But you can benefit from the vaccine even if you don’t get it until after the flu season starts.  

Still not convinced you should get a flu shot?

Take a look at these five common myths about the flu and flu shots.  

#1. Flu shots can cause the flu. 

The flu shot is made from an inactivated flu virus. It cannot make you sick. 

#2. Flu shots don’t work. 

Studies show that the flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu by 40–60%. 

#3. Flu shot side effects are worse than the flu itself.

The flu shot can cause side effects — mild aches, fatigue, headache or fever. The flu can cause serious illness lasting days or weeks. 

#4. Healthy people don’t die from the flu. 

Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and death, even in healthy people.

#5. I never get the flu, so I don’t need to be vaccinated.

Being fortunate in the past doesn’t mean you’ll be so lucky this year. 

Who needs the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is especially important for people at high risk for complications, including:  

  • Pregnant women 
  • Older adults 
  • Young children 
  • People with weakened immune systems  

Chronic medical conditions also can increase your risk for complications from the flu. Examples include:  

  • Asthma 
  • Cancer or cancer treatment 
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  
  • Heart disease 
  • Cystic fibrosis 
  • Diabetes 
  • Brain or nervous system conditions 
  • HIV/AIDS 
  • Kidney or liver disease 
  • Obesity  

Anyone with a chronic medical condition or living in a nursing or other long-term care facility should also get the flu vaccine.  

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza vaccination: a summary for clinicians.  Accessed October 5, 2021.  

Source: Mayoclinic.org. Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza. Accessed October 5, 2021.  

 

Vaccinations are an important way to help you and your family stay healthy. We’re here to support you with these and other resources you need for your well-being journey. 

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Learn the basics

LEARN THE BASICS

OCTOBER 2021

Does your food love you?

You are what you eat. If your goal is to build a stronger, healthier you in the months and years ahead, take a closer look at your diet. Then consider some changes you can make to look and feel better.

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plate of food

 

Better health starts with what’s on your plate

A healthy plate is rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein. Get back to basics with these building blocks. Everyone’s body and dietary needs are different. You may be trying to lose weight or manage a chronic condition. You may have food allergies, such as gluten intolerance or a nut allergy. Or you may simply want to eat healthier to feel good and have more energy. Whatever your needs and goals, getting back to the basics is a good place to start.

All healthy diets have these three parts in common:
apple

Carbohydrates

Think fiber. Healthy carbs come from plants — veggies, fruits and whole grains. The closer to their natural state, the better. For example, fruits eaten with skins on, such as apples, pears, peaches, plums and grapes, have more fiber, as well as important vitamins.

Try
  • Whole-grain cereal for breakfast with a piece of fruit —fresh is best, but frozen works, too.
  • Salad with lunch or dinner. Choose nutrient-rich greens like romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, mustard greens and arugula. For an extra pop of fiber, add slivered almonds or whole-wheat croutons.
  • Steamed veggies with dinner. Lightly steamed vegetables can be tastier and easier to digest than raw, while still packing plenty of nutrition. Try broccoli, kale or green beans, all rich in vitamin A and folate.
protein

Proteins

The key word here is lean. And remember, not all protein comes from meat. Beans, peas, eggs, nuts and low-fat dairy have plenty of protein, too. So do certain grains, such as quinoa and wild rice, and even vegetables like asparagus, potatoes and broccoli.

Try
  • Chicken — skinless is best.
  • Fresh or frozen fish. For the most bang for the buck health-wise, choose salmon, tuna, sardines or mahi-mahi.
  • Ground turkey and lean ground beef
  • And other lower-fat options

Meats with higher amounts of fat (beef and pork ribs; strip, porterhouse, skirt and T-bone steaks; bacon; lamb; chicken with skin on) are unhealthy because that fat is saturated. Saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels, raising your risk for heart disease.

fat

Fat

Your body needs fat to function. But too much and the wrong kind can lead to problems, so choose smart.

“Good fats” (see examples below) contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve your cholesterol levels, reduce blood clotting and lower blood pressure.

“Bad fats” belong to the saturated fat crowd (see examples above) and have the opposite effect — higher cholesterol, higher risk for blood clots, higher blood pressure.

Try
  • Tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans. Why no peanuts? Tree nuts are healthier than peanuts because they contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and more antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
  • Healthy cooking and salad oils — olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil.
  • Avocados, packed with good fats and fiber, along with nutrients like folate, magnesium, vitamins C and E, and potassium.
  • Seeds, such as chia and flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds. They’re great sources of good fat, protein, fiber and antioxidants. Have pumpkin and sunflower seeds as a healthy snack, or sprinkle them on a salad. You can add smaller seeds, like chia and sesame, to yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies, or bake them into pancakes and muffins.

 

The following resources are available to you through your Costco benefits. They can help you learn how to eat healthier on your physical well-being journey.

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Recipes

Healthy recipe

HEALTHY RECIPE

OCTOBER 2021

Butternut squash and carrot soup

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Ingredients: 7
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins
Makes: 6 servings
Calories: 82 cal
butternut soup in a bowl
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

3 cups peeled, diced butternut squash

2 cups thinly sliced carrots

¾ cup chopped onion

2 (14.5 ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

¼ cup half-and-half

Directions:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add squash, carrots and onion to pan. Cook, covered, for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.

Put one-third of the squash mixture in a food processor or blender. Cover and process until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining mixture, then return to saucepan. Add pepper, then bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half and heat through. It’s ready to serve!

Nutrition

Serving Size: One cup (8 ounces) | Calories: 82 | Carbohydrates: 11.5 g | Protein: 3.1 g | Fat: 3.3 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 8.8 g | Sodium: 364.2 mg | Fiber: 2.2 g | Sugar: 4.1 g

Recipe Source: EatingWell.com

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Take Action

TAKE ACTION

OCTOBER 2021

Energize your day

Whether you’re reasonably fit, want to shed a few pounds, or struggling with a chronic illness, anyone can reap the physical and emotional health benefits of exercise. Take a moment to learn what exercise can do for you.

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Exercise: the good-for-you habit

Regular exercise does a body good — from shedding those extra pounds to preventing health problems now and later. Whether it’s a morning walk or run, an evening yoga class, or a game of hoops with friends, better health happens when you move your body. Do it every day, and it will become a habit — something you don’t even have to think about.

You can start slowly, with a daily walk. Keep it up, and before long, you’ll start noticing that you feel better (and even look better). Exercise, like any other habit, can become something you can’t do without. And with all the health benefits it has to offer, exercise can be a great thing to get hooked on.

See what regular exercise can do for your body and mind.

Build a new & better you

Putting exercise into each day supports your physical well-being in some very important ways.

Want to reach a healthier weight? Exercise burns calories, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off. Because it also lowers blood pressure and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, exercise can also help you avoid health problems like heart disease and stroke.

Living with type 2 diabetes? By making movement part of your daily routine, you can better manage your condition and fend off complications. That’s because exercise can lower blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Tip: Exercise one to three hours after eating. That’s when blood sugar is often higher. Test first though. If your reading is over 250, you may want to wait until it’s below 100 mg/dL.

Trying to shake off a bad day? Physical activity boosts brain chemicals that can help you feel happier, more relaxed and less anxious. It’s a natural stress-buster that has the added bonus of boosting your self-confidence.

Did you know? Exercise can also help prevent cancer because it reduces inflammation in the body, keeps weight under control and boosts the immune system. For people diagnosed with cancer, regular exercise can make treatment more effective by reducing anxiety, increasing strength and energy, and helping with pain.

Get going!

If you’ve been less than active, walking can ease you into an exercise habit. Talk to your doctor first, then get going! Shoot for 30 minutes of walking each day. Break it up into two 15-minute sessions if that works better. Over time, add time and speed.

Other ways to move include: running, biking, strength training, yoga, stretching, gardening — anything that uses your major muscles and ramps up your heart rate.

 

The following resources are available to help you on your physical well-being journey.

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Take Action

TAKE ACTION

SEPTEMBER 2021

What you can do to prevent suicide

If you or someone close to you is in distress to the point of considering suicide, there are ways to help — and save — your life or theirs. If you’re unsure about how to talk to someone about suicide, begin with learning the signs of someone in danger. Recognizing signs of suicide risk is essential. But sometimes the most important actions are the simplest – listen and talk.

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It’s hard to talk about feelings – especially difficult, negative feelings. People who are at the end of their rope often don’t reach out for help, seeing their distress as a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a sign of strength to share and connect with others. Here are three important ways you can make connections for yourself or someone you care about.

1. Ask and listen

People can be afraid to ask someone if they are considering suicide, thinking it may spur them to follow through. In fact, that’s not the case. Asking means you care and lets the person express what they’re going through. Listening makes the other person feel seen and heard.

2. Talk

If you’re the one feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, take those feelings seriously. Know you are not alone, and reach out to a friend, co-worker, trusted doctor, or family member for help. Be honest about your pain; don’t minimize or downplay it.

3. Connect

Know you’re not alone. You have friends, family and co-workers who care about you. Learn about the resources available to you and others 24/7. Don’t wait – help is available now.

 

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Know more

TAKE ACTION

SEPTEMBER 2021

Tweens, teens and suicide

The rise in suicide among tweens and teenagers is a disturbing trend. It’s become the second leading cause of death in people ages 10 to 241, ahead of cancer and heart disease. Get the facts and know what you can do to help protect the young people in your life.

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The tween and teen years are a vulnerable time. Everyday stresses — school difficulties, family conflicts, breakups, bullying — make it difficult to cope. They may have trouble seeing the temporary nature of these problems, and suicide can seem like a solution. Understand how to tell if your tween or teen might be suicidal, and know the resources available to help.

How to help

Talk and listen. Feeling connected to family and school is one of the most important things for a younger person’s mental health. An important first step in helping them is to talk and listen. Ask how they are feeling and offer support. Start by saying, “Sometimes people who are struggling may think about suicide. Is this happening with you?” Make sure they know you care.

Engage others for help. If there is a teacher, coach, or staff member at school your child is close to, you may want to have a conversation with them and include your child if possible. You can also contact your family doctor for help and referrals to the right mental health professional(s) near you.

Keep them safe. Be sure to safely store or lock up firearms, alcohol, and medications. Easy access can turn risk into action if a teen is feeling overwhelmed.

Give them a hug. It seems like such a simple thing, but taking the time to hug your child and tell them you’re there for them can help them feel a sense of security.

Did you know? More than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people seriously consider suicide every year in the U.S. To learn more and know how to support an LGBTQ teen, call The Trevor Project’s Lifeline at 866-488-7386.

1The Jason Foundation. Youth suicide statistics. Accessed July 13, 2021.

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Recipes

Healthy recipe

HEALTHY RECIPE

AUGUST 2021

Help me sleep smoothie

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Ingredients: 4
Prep: 5-10 mins
Makes: 1 serving
Calories: 226 cal
Ingredients:

1/2 frozen banana, peeled

1 cup kale leaves

1/2 fat free milk

1/2 cup tart cherry juice

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Banana is a good source of B vitamins that help produce sleep-promoting melatonin in the body.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12 ounces | Calories: 188 | Carbohydrates: 41.3g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 0.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 91mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 27.5g

Recipe Source: PerfectSmoothie.com

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How much sleep is enough

TAKE ACTION

AUGUST 2021

Get enough sleep — through all stages of life

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Sleep needs and sleep deprivation

One of the basics of good health is getting enough sleep. But how much is enough? Sleep needs change as we age:

Sleep needs are different by gender, too. Women need 20 minutes more sleep than men, on average.1

Is it good sleep?

Sleep provides important benefits, such as a stronger immune system, healthier weight, and sharper mind. And the key to these benefits is deep sleep — the stage of sleep when your brainwaves are the slowest. In healthy adults, between 13% and 23% of an eight-hour sleep should be deep sleep.2 Without it, symptoms of sleep deprivation, including less concentration, slowed thinking and mood changes, can start to kick in. Plus, ongoing sleep deprivation puts you at an increased risk for depression.

No matter your age, getting enough rest is essential to a healthy mind and body, yet about a quarter of U.S adults still report not getting enough sleep!3

If you’re concerned about your quality of sleep, or your child’s, your Costco benefits may be able to help. Make a sleep plan with the help of your primary care provider or child’s pediatrician.

1Elkins L. Who REALLY needs more sleep – men or women? Daily Mail. Accessed June 9, 2021.

2Colten HR, Altevogt BM. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation: an unmet public health problem. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed June 9, 2021.

3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep and sleep disorders. Data & statistics. Accessed June 9, 2021.