Health Management Series:
Benefit Options Wellness is highlighting two health management series courses during the first quarter 2012.  Through our contracted vendors we will be providing the following classes at state worksites:

• Weight Management – 12 Week Series
• Hypertension Management – 5 week Series

Click here for more information on these classes.  Class availability is listed in the events schedule.

Preventive Screenings:
Benefit Options Wellness offers free preventive screenings at state worksites.  During the first quarter of 2012 the following screenings will be highlighted for men’s and women’s health.

• Mini Health Screening – includes a full lipid panel (cholesterol test), blood pressure, body composition, and blood sugar test at not cost.
• Mobile Onsite Mammography (MOM) - provides Mammography (Breast Cancer) screening at work sites across Arizona.
• Prostate Onsite Projects (POP) - provides Prostate cancer screenings at work sites across Arizona.  The screening includes; prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, digital rectal exam (DRE), testicular exam and a physician consultation.
• Osteoporosis Screening – A heel DEXA scan for bone density.  Free for women 40 years and older
• Facial Skin Analysis – Visiderm facial assessment for signs of overexposure to the sun.

UHC Resources: The following articles will provide helpful information on various Men’s and Women’s health and wellness topics.  For more information visit www.myuhc.com.

• Stress, Cortisol and Weight: Tips for Healthy Eating During Stressful Times (PDF) - It is hard to avoid stress, but there are better ways to manage it than binging on ice cream.  We know healthy eating can help prevent some chronic diseases and keep weight gain at bay.  Why not let it help you lower your stress level, too?
• How to Break a Weight Loss Plateau (PDF) - You've been doing a great job with your weight-loss program, but suddenly you feel like you've hit a wall. The pounds you were dropping earlier now stubbornly refuse to budge. Learn to overcome the dieter's plateau.
• Your First Prostate Exam (PDF) - Your doctor mentions a prostate exam and you tense up at the thought.  Here is what you need to know about your first exam.

Cigna Resources:  Review some of Cigna’s resources focused on men’s and women’s health to help you make preventive care part of your regular routine starting in 2012.

• Prostate Cancer (PDF) - What is prostate cancer and what are the symptoms?  Simple answer to a complicated disease.
• Men's and Women's Wellness Checklist - The tools you need to get healthy and stay that way by preventing disease. You can talk with your doctor about staying healthy at any age by keeping up with your regular screenings and results.
• Audio Information for Your Health - From caring for children’s oral health, to saving money on health care costs, to getting through economic hardships, Cigna’s podcasts cover hundreds of topics - all to help you learn more and feel better. http://www.cigna.com/healthwellness/health-info-podcasts
• Quick Tips:  Fitting Physical Activity Into Your Day (PDF) - You may not even realize that many of the things you do during the day are ways for you to meet your physical activity needs.  Here are some ideas for fitting short bursts of activity into your day.

Aetna Resources:  Check out Aetna’s informational links on anything you may want to know about men’s or women’s health.

• Men’s Health – Men have a lot of unique health issues.  Our topics can teach you about everything from hair loss to an enlarged prostate.  http://www.healthwise.net/Aetna/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=center1027
• Women’s Health – There is so much to know about the woman’s body.  And as your body changes with time, you are bound to have questions you never thought of before. http://www.healthwise.net/Aetna/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=center1040
• Eating Right – a nutrient rich, low fat diet is something you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it does not have to be difficult.  Here is a video on how to make a healthy, Easy Tuna Pasta Casserole.
• Keeping Cervical Cancer in Check (PDF) – Learn more about two lines of defense for women’s to prevent cervical cancer.
• Colon Cancer Screening (PDF) – It’s time if you are age 50.  It is uncomfortable to talk about, but it is important routine care for good health. 

AmeriBen/BCBS Resources:  The following links will direct you to BCBS and AmeriBen resources and information to support the Men’s and Women’s health focus in 2012. 

• The Ultimate Food Quiz (PDF) – These true or false questions may shed a little light on some of the more misunderstood and mysterious foods and their effect on your diet.
• Ten Foods for Women (PDF) – Though everyone would probably benefit from following a healthy meal plan, nutritional requirements do tend to vary by age and gender.
• Blue365 Programs – Living well means having healthy options every day. The Blue 365 program gives you exclusive access to information, discounts and savings, making it easier and more affordable to make healthy choices. Click the link to learn more  http://www.azblue.com/content/CHSBlue365.aspx