• Avoiding Heat-Related Illness • Quitting Smoking • Voluntary Benefits • Healthy Summer Foods • Estate Planning • Summer Eye Protection • 2023 Benefits Enrollment
A Newsletter on your
VOL. 9
SUMMER EDITION
AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS Stay Hydrated And Protect Your Skin
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunburn are all heat-related illnesses everyone is prone to when it’s hot and sunny outside. Use these tips to stay cool and healthy over the next few months! GET PLENTY TO DRINK Sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. Stay hydrated with water, juice and sports drinks. Try to avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol. Tea, coffee, soda and alcoholic drinks pull water from the body and can cause dehydration. STAY COOL INDOORS The best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you’re sitting in your truck,
take advantage of the APU and keep your air conditioner running without burning fuel! WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING AND SUNSCREEN Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep your head cool. If you will be in direct sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and follow package directions. And an arm sleeve can keep your arm from getting burnt while you’re driving!
If you must be out in the heat, plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. While outdoors, rest often in a shady area and never leave kids or pets in a parked car. PACE YOURSELF If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in hot weather, start slowly, pick up the pace gradually and take frequent breaks. If activity in the heat makes your heart pound or leaves you gasping for breath, stop activity, get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused or weak, or feel faint. W m
Arm sleeves are available at InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms .
SCHEDULE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CAREFULLY The late afternoon is the hottest part of the day.
Insurance discount for quitting smoking (Page 2)
Healthy summer foods (Page 3)
Protecting your eyes from the sun (Page 4)
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averittexpress.com • Wellness Matters 2022
PAGE 2 KICK YOUR TOBACCO HABIT Earn A Credit On Your 2023 Medical Premium
SUMMER 2022
Center” from the “Managing Your Health” dropdown menu. From there, you have access to a number of activities that can help you quit your tobacco habit. Associates can also call 1-866-495-9806 to speak with a BlueCross BlueShield customer representative. Additional help can be found at BCBST.com or by calling the CDC’s free National Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) . TIPS TO STOP • Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment options. • Find a stress-free day to quit and stick with it. • Tell your friends and family for extra support. • Join a quit smoking group, online or in person. • Switch your habit with exercise. Short bursts of activity can help cravings. W m
Breaking free from nicotine dependence is not the only reason to quit smoking and vaping. Cigarette and vape smoke contains more than 7,000 toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems, numerous diseases and death. Your BlueCross BlueShield benefits offer free programs that provide medications and support to help you kick the habit for good. 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! Become tobacco-free or participate in a cessation program at least 31 days prior to enrollment to qualify for Tobacco Credits that can lower your premium. To take part in a tobacco cessation program, log on to BCBS. com and choose “Member Wellness
BE PREPARED WITH VOLUNTARY BENEFITS Colonial Life & Unum Insurance Available To Associates
In addition to medical, vision and dental coverage, you also have the option to select various voluntary benefits, including life, accident and critical illness insurance. These options are available through both the online and telephone enrollment processes.
Voluntary benefits offered by
Voluntary benefits offered by
VOLUNTARY LIFE AND AD&D
TYPE OF INSURANCE
$10,000 up to $750,000 or 5x annual earnings, whichever is less $5,000 to $100,000 for spouse (cannot exceed associate’s amount); $10,000 per child (age 14 days to 26 years)
Provides benefits for injuries resulting from covered accidents such as fractures, burns and lacerations as well as for doctor’s office or emergency room visits, ambulance charges, X-rays and physical therapy. Helps offset the covered out-of-pocket medical and indirect, nonmedical expenses related to cancer, to include benefits for diagnosis and treatment. This coverage also provides a benefit for specified cancer- screening tests. Supplements your major medical coverage by providing a lump-sum benefit that you can use to pay the direct and indirect costs related to a covered critical illness, such as heart attack (myocardial infarction), end- stage renal failure, coronary artery bypass surgery, stroke or major organ transplant. Provides an annual health screening benefit for covered tests. Cancer benefit is optional at an additional cost.
ASSOCIATE LIFE
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
DEPENDENT LIFE
CANCER INSURANCE
Amount equal to Voluntary Life coverage
ASSOCIATE AD&D
Amount equal to Dependent Voluntary Life coverage
DEPENDENT AD&D
CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE
VOLUNTARY LONG-TERM DISABILITY
After 26 weeks of disability
BENEFITS BEGIN
Associates can enroll in voluntary
HOSPITAL CONFINEMENT INDEMNITY INSURANCE
Provides a lump-sum benefit for a covered hospital confinement or a covered outpatient surgery to help cover copayments and deductibles that are not covered by most major medical plans.
Up to 60% of your base pay (to a maximum of $5,000 per month)
PLAN PAYS
benefits offered by both Colonial Life and Unum during October’s open enrollment. W m
Provides death benefit coverage that you can increase or decrease as your needs change. The policy builds cash value on a tax-deferred basis at current interest rates, and premium payments are flexible.
Up to age 65 (or your Social Security normal retirement age) as long as you remain totally disabled
WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE
BENEFITS CONTINUE
Wellness Matters 2022 • BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averittexpress.com
PAGE 3
FIVE SMART FOOD CHOICES Make Your Summer Months Healthier
alternatives than traditional red meat, and fish is also a great summer option. Grilled salmon, tuna, lobster, steamed clams and calamari are low in calories and packed with protein. It’s the ideal time to get the freshest catch of seafood from your local grocer.
low-calorie alternative to ice cream.
Between barbecues and vacations, it’s easy to skimp on exercise but pile on the food during the warmer months. Follow these easy tips to make your summer healthy and enjoyable. BUY FRESH PRODUCE With produce at its peak, now is the perfect time to indulge in nature’s finest by eating the freshest vegetables and fruit. Tomatoes, avocados, greens and bell peppers are refreshing veggies that deliver tons of necessary vitamins and fiber. If you’re looking for something sweet, grab a handful of berries or cut into a ripe watermelon! Both are supercharged with antioxidants and vitamins. Instead of fatty cookout ingredients, choose leaner meats like ground turkey and skinless chicken breasts. Both are healthier CHOOSE LEAN MEATS
BE SMART ABOUT COLD TREAT CHOICES To satisfy your sweet tooth and not feel guilty about it, look for some healthier alternatives to the typical calorie-laden summer treats. Instead, buy low-fat and sugar-free ice creams. A sugar-free sorbet is also a
STAY QUENCHED With scorching-hot temperatures and outdoor activities ramping up, dehydration is a major concern. To stay hydrated during the summer, buy a reusable water bottle and keep it with you all the time as a reminder to take sips regularly. PACK YOUR LUNCH WITH HEALTH IN MIND Ice cream stands and high- calorie barbecues are bound to put a damper on your diet, so manage these temptations by being prepared. Pack a cooler with ice, bottled water, sandwiches on whole-grain breads, pita chips, hummus, yogurt and lots of fruit. You’ll feel healthier and happier at the end of the day! W m
ESTATE PLANNING MADE EASY The HealthAdvocate Employee Assistance Program
Estate planning is a plan for life. It is something we all should do, regardless of our age or financial status. Having the right estate plan in place is essential, but it can be a daunting task to take on by yourself. HealthAdvocate, provided by Unum, is our EAP benefits manager. EAP services are available to all associates even if you’re not enrolled in our benefits, and they can help you with a wide range of subjects. One of their specialties is estate planning. HealthAdvocate can get you started and help you account for your family’s needs if something unexpected should happen. If you already have a plan, it could be time to reassess. Life changes and so should your estate plan. Your circumstances may be different since you last updated your policy, or certain laws may have changed that can affect your financial and property details. Associates have access to unlimited phone support and can talk directly to financial and legal specialists. Free webinars are also available, and HealthAdvocate has a comprehensive online library of articles on estate planning. For online resources or to connect to your EAP, visit healthadvocate.personaladvantage.com .
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averittexpress.com • Wellness Matters 2022
PAGE 4
SUMMER 2022
PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN Choose the right sunglasses for the summer
the color or tint of the lenses, check the label to make sure they protect against UV rays. CHEAP SUNGLASSES WORK JUST AS WELL AS EXPENSIVE BRANDS Protecting your eyes from harmful rays should not put a hurting on your bank account. While many of the big-name brands offer protection
from the sun, a pair of cheap sunglasses will work just as well! All that matters is if the lenses are rated to block out ultraviolet light. LIGHT-COLORED EYES AT HIGHER RISK People with lighter-colored eyes have an increased risk for developing eye diseases related to
UV exposure because more UV light can pass through the iris. For that reason, people with light-colored eyes may also experience more light sensitivity than people with darker eyes. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE KIDS Sunglasses are also important for kids as their eyes are still developing. Sun exposure from a young age can contribute to the development of eye disease later in life. Sun protection is important year-round and UV damage is cumulative within your lifetime. Wearing sunglasses daily while you’re outside is a stylish and easy way to support your eye health. Your VSP network eye doctor is a great resource for questions about sunglasses and protecting your eye health. Visit InsideAveritt.com/ benefits to see how your VSP policy can help you find the right pair of sunglasses. W m
Sunglasses are an essential summertime accessory for eye health. Wearing sunglasses is one of the easiest ways to reduce several eye health risks, including corneal sunburn, cataracts and several types of eye cancer. Here are a few insights from our partners at VSP to consider before stepping out the door this summer. NOT ALL SUNGLASSES ARE CREATED EQUAL Make sure your sunglasses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. The two types of ultraviolet rays can penetrate your eyes and cause damage, but choosing sunglasses that protect against these harmful rays can greatly decrease your risk of eye injury. DARKER LENSES DON’T MEAN MORE PROTECTION It’s easy to believe dark lenses would provide more protection, but that isn’t the case. Before picking out a pair of shades, regardless of
NEVER TOO EARLY TO LOOK AHEAD Get A Jump On Planning For Annual Benefits Enrollment
policyholders pay less weekly but incur higher charges when seeking care. For associates enrolled in the HDHP, you can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses not covered by your Averitt plans with tax-free dollars. Averitt will contribute $10 per week if you choose individual coverage or $20 per week if you enroll with a family member, and you pay no taxes when money is contributed, draws interest or is withdrawn. Associates also have the choice of enrolling in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Both a Health Care FSA and a Dependent Care FSA are available to join. This allows you to set
aside money from your check to pay expenses with tax-free dollars. Health Care FSA money can be used for medical, dental and vision expenses, including glasses, contact lenses, prescription medication and orthodontia. Dependent Care FSA funds are available to use for day care for children under age 13 and elder care expenses so you and your spouse can work or attend school full time. As an Averitt associate, you have access to some of the best health care benefits offered. To learn more about what is available to you, visit InsideAveritt.com/benefits . W m
With October slowly creeping up, that means benefits enrollment for 2023 is just around the corner. While there is still plenty of time before you have to pick a plan, it’s never too early to begin thinking about your future needs. Two health care plans are available to you through BlueCross BlueShield: the Traditional Health Plan (THP) and the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Associates who choose the THP will pay a higher weekly premium but enjoy lower copays, a flat fee for emergency room visits, and owe nothing for most routine doctor visits and preventive care. HDHP
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION: 800.233.9944 / Option 3 • averittbenefits@averittexpress.com • Wellness Matters 2022
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