• Teladoc online care available now • Plan your financial future • Get your vitamin D this winter • Quit smoking for good this year • Use your preventive health visits • Stay well this winter • Employee Assistance Program
A Newsletter on your
WINTER EDITION
VOL. 12
TELADOC JOINS THE AVERITT BENEFITS FAMILY Nonemergency Medical Help Without Leaving Your House
As of Jan. 1, associates enrolled in our medical benefits plans have access to BlueCross BlueShield’s telehealth resource, Teladoc! Teladoc is for nonemergency conditions and connects you to a doctor by phone or video from the comfort of your own home. Service is available 24/7 , and Teladoc doctors can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication. If you’re enrolled in our Traditional Health Plan, there is no cost for the consultation. If you are enrolled in our High Deductible plan, there is a $55 fee .
Teladoc is available for general medical needs like flu, bronchitis, allergies and more, but its doctors can also provide help for skin conditions and mental health. Eczema, acne and rashes are common dermatology questions that can be answered through Teladoc. Users can also seek help for stress, anxiety, depression and grief counseling. Additional fees may apply to mental health assistance through Teladoc. In order to use Teladoc, associates must register for the service. Log on to BCBST.com, hover over “Get Care,” and select “Teladoc
Health” to get started. You will be redirected to the Teladoc website, where you will create your account. For faster service on your next visit, Teladoc can also be accessed by its app. For assistance, call 833-377-9371. W m
Download the Teladoc app now by scanning the QR code with your phone’s camera.
Setting Financial Goals (Page 2)
Kicking The Habit (Page 3)
Staying Well In The Winter (Page 4)
Wellness Matters 2023
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averitt.com
W I N T E R PAGE 2 SET YOUR YEARLY FINANCIAL GOALS Invest In Your Future With Your Principal Benefits
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running just fine – that’s a “want.” If funds become tight one month, you know where to put your money. 5. Layer in the current state of your savings Now that you know what you want, what you need to save, and the dates for all your goals, you can add in what you’ve already saved. Some goals may not have current savings, but that’s OK! Now’s the time to start. Now that you’ve set your financial goals, what adjustments do you need to make to retirement savings to get there? To learn more about managing your money, or to talk directly to a representative about your financial planning needs, log in to your Principal account at Principal.com. W m
Do you want to figure out how to save for a down payment, plan ways to pay off your credit card and student loan debt, or just get in the habit of paying all your bills on time? These tips from our partners at Principal can help you organize your thoughts and set your financial goals. 1. Envision your short- and long- term future It’s hard to set financial goals if you haven’t thought about what kind of life you want now – and in five, 10, or 20 years. Once you do that, you can think about how money helps you achieve those hopes and dreams – even if those plans change. 2. Categorize financial goals as short-, mid- or long-term Longer-term financial goals may require more savings and time to plan for. In general: • Short-term financial goals are
from six months to five years. • Mid-term financial goals are from five to 10 years. • Long-term financial goals are more than 10 years in the future. Luckily, you already have a head start on your long-term goals thanks to our Profit Sharing. Even if you aren’t contributing from your paycheck to your retirement fund, Profit Sharing is still contributing to ensure your long-term success. 3. Set a target date for your financial goals Being specific helps, even if you adjust the date over time. If you
have a toddler who will be heading to college in 2035, you have a target date for your college savings goal. Want to take a trip across Europe for your 10th wedding anniversary? You know what time frame you’re working toward. 4. Prioritize your financial goals: critical, need or want Categorize your goals by critical, need, or want so you know what to fund first. Let’s say you have a short-term goal to build up your emergency fund, and it’s “critical.” But another short-term financial goal is to trade your car, which is
Scan the QR code to
download the Principal app.
AVOID VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY DURING WINTER Fight Fatigue & Frowns With Sunlight & Sustenance
4. Pay attention to your calcium levels One of vitamin D’s key roles is to help your body absorb calcium. Calcium is important for strong bones. If you are not getting enough calcium, your body will steal the mineral from your bones to keep your blood levels within a normal range. Again, fatty fish and dairy are great sources of calcium. You can also get calcium from soy-based foods, fortified cereals, leafy greens and supplements. 5. Talk to your doctor about your medications If you continue to feel sluggish and experience muscle aches or weakness, low sunlight may not be the only problem. Certain medical conditions and medications can hurt your vitamin levels. For example, medicine for high blood pressure and high cholesterol can significantly hamper vitamin absorption. If you take multiple medications, consider a comprehensive medication review. W m
in the summer, you can still get a sunburn! Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer while still producing vitamin D. 2. Eat foods rich in vitamin D Dairy and fish are excellent sources of vitamin D. Fatty fish, like wild-caught salmon, contains nearly double the daily recommended value of vitamin D. And while most dairy products don’t naturally contain vitamin D, food manufacturers began fortifying their products with the vitamin in the 1930s. 3. Take a supplement If you don’t care for fish or dairy, you can receive your daily recommended amount of vitamin D with a supplement. In fact, a supplement is often more reliable for providing your body with the required amount of vitamin D than diet alone! Supplements are available both over the counter and by prescription.
Many of us are familiar with the wintertime blues. The days are short, temperatures are low and you seem to be short on energy. A major cause of your lack of energy could be a lower amount of vitamin D. We produce vitamin D when the sunlight hits our skin. As we tend to stay indoors and in our trucks more often, and cover our skin with more clothing during the winter months, it’s common to have a deficiency of the necessary vitamin. Use these five easy tips to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D this winter! 1. Go outside – even when it’s cold It’s recommended to get 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight each day in order to reach adequate vitamin D absorption. Once you’ve reached your destination or stopped for a break, step out of the cab and enjoy being in the sun for a few minutes! But just like
Wellness Matters 2023
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averitt.com
PAGE 3
BE TOBACCO-FREE IN 2023 Kick The Habit For Good This Year
Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 toxic chemicals that can cause serious problems, numerous diseases and death. Plus, being tobacco-free saves you money on your weekly benefits premiums! Associates who are tobacco-free receive a weekly discount of $12 on their insurance benefits – that adds up to more than $600 per year! Completing the cessation program at least 31 days prior to enrollment will also qualify you for Tobacco Credits that can lower your premium. Additional help can be found at Smokefree.gov or by calling the CDC’s free National Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). W m
Many tobacco users consider quitting. Many have put down their packs of cigarettes or cans of dip only to pick them up again a few days later – and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Quitting nicotine is hard, but your Averitt resources are here to help you quit for good. Visit your BlueCross BlueShield Wellness Portal to get started today.
GETTING ON THE WELLNESS PORTAL IS EASY
• Log on to bcbst.com. • Hover over “MANAGING YOUR HEALTH” and select “Member Wellness Center.” • Confirm your contact info and begin your tobacco-free journey. • Associates can also call 1-866-498-9806 to speak with a BlueCross Blue Shield customer representative. The Tobacco Cessation Program can help you kick your unhealthy habit.
Visit the BlueCross BlueShield site by scanning the QR code with your phone’s camera.
YOUR COMPLETE HEALTH CARE IS A TEAM EFFORT Schedule Your 2023 Preventive Visits
family. We hope you will use all of your available benefits and discuss your health with your doctors. LOOK FOR THE BENEFITS CHECK IN GUIDE Your Benefits Check In Guide will soon be available and is a handy tool that shows you how to make the most of the benefits you selected last October. By understanding all of the benefits available to you – from Teladoc consultations to Health Savings Accounts – you can save money and feel better now and into the future. The choices you made during annual enrollment are just the starting point for a year of healthy decisions. No matter which medical, dental and vision plans you selected for 2023, Averitt offers resources and support you can use all year long. W m
These early months of the new year make it a great time for you and your dependents to plan your preventive health visits for 2023. Maintaining your overall wellness relies on you taking full advantage of your Averitt benefits. Each year, your preventive health checklist should include: • One annual checkup with your primary health care provider • Two teeth cleanings with your dentist • One routine eye exam with your optometrist It’s our hope that you and your loved ones enjoy the best possible quality of life. That’s why our mission is to provide affordable, comprehensive health benefits to fit every
Wellness Matters 2023
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averitt.com
PAGE 4
W I N T E R
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WINTER WELLNESS Tips For Staying Healthy During The Cold Months
stress, make nutritious food choices, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol consumption to protect your heart. Stay Hydrated Getting hot and sweaty in the summer is a trigger to drink water, but it is just as important to stay hydrated when it is cold, too. A good goal is to drink about eight glasses of water each day. Mix it up with herbal teas, fruit-infused water or 100% juice. Broth-based soups also count toward your fluid intake! Get Up To Date On Vaccinations Protect yourself from flu and COVID-19 by making sure you’ve received your most recent boosters. For adults 65 and older, or anyone with a chronic health condition, a pneumonia vaccine is also recommended. W m
From catching the flu to suffering from dry and cracked skin, wintertime can take a toll on your body and health. Use these tips to prevent and identify cold-related illness and to stay warm in chilly temperatures. Protect Your Skin The cold outside air and furnace- heated inside air work in tandem to dry out your skin and chap your lips. Use moisturizing soaps to avoid parched skin and rub unscented lotion on your hands and elbows to keep them from becoming cracked. A lip balm will take care of chapped lips, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen when outside. Although often overlooked, you can still receive a sunburn during the winter.
Practice Proper Hygiene With viruses such as the
areas • Staying home if you aren’t feeling well Protect Your Heart According to the American Heart Association, studies show the rate of heart attacks, stroke and other heart-related conditions rises when the temperature drops. Cold weather makes your heart work harder to keep your body warm. Reduce
common cold, RSV, influenza and COVID-19 circulating, it’s important to be vigilant about proper hygiene. Protect yourself by: • Washing your hands with soap and warm water • Sanitizing surfaces frequently • Avoiding the sharing of cups and utensils • Wearing a mask in crowded, indoor
EAP CAN GET YOU THE HELP YOU NEED Find Answers With Health Advocate
issues. Just give them a call, and a Work/Life Specialist can answer questions and help you find resources in your community for:
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers services that are available to all associates even if you’re not enrolled in our health care benefits. Health Advocate, provided by Unum, is our EAP benefits partner, and they can assist you with a wide range of subjects to help you lead a happier, more productive life. A Licensed Professional Counselor can help you with:
• Child care • Elder care • Legal questions • Identity theft • Financial services, debt
management, credit report issues • Reducing your medical/dental bills
• Stress, depression, anxiety • Relationship issues, divorce • Job stress, work conflicts • Family and parenting problems • Anger, grief and loss
These services are available for associates, their spouses or domestic partners, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law. Expert support is confidential and available 24/7. For online resources or to connect to your EAP, visit healthadvocate.personaladvantage.com . W m
You can also reach out to a specialist for help with balancing work and life
Wellness Matters 2023
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averitt.com
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