“Ifyouthinkyou’retoosmalltomakeadifference,you’veneverbeeninbedwithamosquito.” ~Unknown

WELLNESS WORKSMaine Municipal eMployees HealtH trust Fall 2012

around the state

Fall 2012What’s inside:Health Trust Expands its “Providers of Distinction” Tiering ...........................................2 Anne Wright Rejoins Trust Staff .....2Whooping Cough Rates are Soaring...Are You Vaccinated? ....3Helping Teens Take Charge of Their Health Care .........................3Importance of Vitamin D ..................4Women’s Health at Midlife ...............4Exercise Your Mind ..........................5The 12 Scams of Christmas.............6 Brown Bagging – Its a Cool Thing ..7 Recipe – Apple Crisp ........................724/7 Medical Advice Available .........7Newsletter Search Contest ..............82013 Benefit Changes & Providers of Distinction.............green pages

New Health Trustee AppointedTheMaineMunicipalEmployeesHealthTrustBoardofTrustees(MMEHT)is

pleasedtoannouncethatCherylFournier,FinanceDirectorfortheCityofSaco,hasbeenappointedtoserveontheMMEHTBoardofTrustees.CherylhasbeenwiththeCityforovertwoyears.Priortojoiningthemunicipalranks,sheworkedforsixteenyearsinthefinanceareaataMainebasedhealthcareorganizationwhichisnotonlyaproviderofhealthcareservices,butalsoadministersamedicalinsuranceplanforactivedutymilitarydependentsandretiredmilitaryandtheirdependents. CherylbringsawealthofexperiencetotheTrustBoardintheareasofinsurancefinance,actuarialanalysis,datareportingandinvestments.SheislookingforwardtoservingtheTrustandapplyingherfinancialexperiencetohelptheTrustcontinuetoofferbenefitplansthatemployergroupscanbeproudtooffertheiremployees.Cherylindicatedthatsheisanadvocateforlookingatprogressiveideastoreducehealthcarecostandpremiums.SheholdsaB.S.inAccountingfromHussonCollege. CherylFournierwasappointedtofilltheremainingtermofformerTrusteeEllenBlairwhowastheHumanResourceDirectorfortheTownofScarboroughbeforesheresignedfromtheTrustBoardtopursueaprofessionalopportunityoutofstate.Cheryl’stermontheBoardwillexpireattheendof2014. TheHealthTrusteescongratulateCherylFournieronherappointmenttotheBoard.ThoseTrusteesareDianeBarnes,CityManager,Calais,Chairperson;JamesDoar,TownManager,Bethel,Vice-Chairperson;GregoryL’Heureux,FinanceDirector,CityofSouthPortland,Secretary;DonaldGerrish,Retiree,Brunswick;KellyKarter,Assessor,TownofHampden;MarianAnderson,TownManager,TownofRichmond;JonathanCarter,TownManager,TownofWells;DaleOlmstead,Retiree,Newport;MartinPuckett,DeputyCityManager,CityofPresqueIsleandRichardMetivier,Retiree,Lewiston.

2013 Health Insurance ID Cards DuetotheadditionofthevaluebasedpurchasingincentivesandtheMMEHTProvidersofDistinction,asdescribedintheinserttothisnewsletter,membersinmanyofourplanswillbereceivinganewhealthinsuranceIDcardwhichreflectsthenewofficevisitcopayments.MembersinthePOS-C,POS-200,PPO-500,PPO-1500andPPO-2500planswillbereceivingnewcards. Inaddition,ifyouremployerischanginghealthinsuranceoptions,orifyouarechangingyourcoverageduringtheHealthTrust’sannualopenenrollment,youwillbereceivinganewhealthinsuranceIDcard. Becauseofallthesechanges,itmaytakeawhileforAnthemtogetnewcardsouttoallmembers.However,weexpectthesecardstobeissuedbytheendofJanuary2013andreceivedbymembersinearlyFebruary2013. IfyouarealreadycoveredbytheMMEHThealthinsurance,youcancontinuetouseyourexistingIDcardforprescriptionsandmedicalclaims.Ifyouareanewmember,andhaveanupcomingappointmentorneedaprescription,pleasecontactaHealthTrustMemberServiceRepresentativeat1-800-852-8300toreceivemoreinformationand/oratemporaryhealthinsuranceIDcard.

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Health Trust Expands its “Providers of Distinction” Tiering

VariationsinthecostandqualityofhealthcareacrossMainearereal.Unwarrantedvariationsexistinprocess,outcomes,satisfactionandcost.Toaddresstheseconcerns,theMaineMunicipalEmployeesHealthTrustBoardofTrusteesisexpandingtheProvidersofDistinctionincentiveandtieringprogramitlaunchedlastyear.EffectiveJanuary1,2013,theHealthTrustisincludingvalue-basedpurchasingfeaturesandincentives,oftencalled“tierednetworks”,withmostofourmedicalplans(POSC,POS200,PPO500,PPO1000,PPO1500,andPPO2500). TheTrustisexpandingthesevoluntaryplandesignincentivestohelpinfluencethebehaviorofTrustparticipantswhentheyselectprimarycarephysiciansandhospitalsfromwhichtoreceivecare.ParticipantswillbeofferedreducedcopaysandoutofpocketcostincentivestogettheircarefromProvidersofDistinction–primarycaredoctorsandhospitalsthathavedemonstratedthehighestqualityandsafety,andlowestcosts. TheTrust’sProvidersofDistinctionforPrimaryCarePhysicians(PCPs)includesover1000Mainedoctorswhohavedemonstratedthehighestquality(effectivecareandsafety).ThisqualityismeasuredbymetricsdevelopedbytheMaineHealthManagementCoalition,metricsthatarereportedontheCoalition’swebsite–www.getbettermaine.org.IfaTrustparticipantisenrolledinoneoftheTrust’smedicalplans(withtheexceptionofPOSA)andheorshereceivescarefromoneofthePCPsontheTrust’sProvidersofDistinctiontieronelist,theparticipanthasareducedofficevisitcopay.ThereducedofficevisitcopayoffersanincentivetoseekcarefromaPCPProviderofDistinction.MembersmaystillreceivecarefromanyPCPthattheywish;however,ifcareisprovidedbyaPCPthatisnotontheTrust’stieroneorpreferredlist,thestandardofficevisitcopaywillapply. TheTrust’sProvidersofDistinctionforhospitalsincludesnineteen(19)Mainehospitalsfor2013.Thesehospitalshaveallmetminimumcriteriainfourcategories.Thosecategoriesareeffective care(treatmentofheartfailureandpneumonia),safety (preventingsurgicalinfections,medicationsafetyandnationalsafepracticesurvey),patient satisfaction,andcost.IfaTrustparticipantreceivesservicesfromoneoftheTrust’stieroneorpreferredhospitals,theparticipant’soutofpocketcostswillbereducedthroughlowerdeductibles.Itisimportanttonotethatanyseparatelybilledservices,suchasanesthesiology,labandx-rayorpathologyclaims,willbeprocessedsubjecttoanyapplicablecostshares. InadditiontotheProvidersofDistinctionhospitalincentive,theTrust,inpartnershipwithAnthem’sBlueDistinctionprogram,hasidentifiedcertainsurgicalproceduresthatifperformedatfivespecificMainehospitalswillresultinaparticipanthavingnooutofpocket(waiveddeductibleandcoinsurance)costs.Theseproceduresorsurgeriesincludekneeandhipreplacement,bariatricsurgeryandspinesurgery.ThefivehospitalshavemetanadditionalAnthemqualitycomponentforthedesignatedprocedures. MoredetailedinformationabouttheTrust’s2013ProvidersofDistinctiontieringandincentiveprogram,includingaQ&A,isincludedintheinsertsectionofthisnewsletter.ItwillalsobeincludedintherateannouncementletterthatwillbesenttoallTrustparticipantsinlateNovember.

Anne Wright Rejoins Trust Staff FormerAssistantDirectorofHealthTrustServices,AnneWright,rejoinedtheMaineMunicipalEmployeesHealthTruststaffonOctober22.AnnereturnstotheMMA/MMEHTafterhavingleftin2008topursueotherprofessionalopportunities.SheassumestheAssistantDirectorpositionfromKarenChildswhomovedoutofstateinlateAugust. AnneisthrilledtobereturningtoherformerpositionwiththeHealthTrustandislookingforwardtore-establishingoldtiesandmakingnewoneswithTrustemployergroupsandparticipants.InthepositionofAssistantDirector,Annewillberesponsiblefortheday-to-dayoperationsoftheTrust,includingcustomerservice,billingandenrollment,healtheducationandpromotionandfieldservices.SinceleavingtheTrust,Annegainedawealthofexperienceintheemployeebenefitandhealthpromotionfieldshavingworkedforalargecommercialinsurancecarrier,employeebenefitconsultingfirmandalargestatewideemployeebenefitplansponsor.Annecanbereachedatawright@memun.orgor1-800-452-8786ext.2280.

Telephonic DiabetesEducation and Support Program

Continued for 2013 TheHealthTrustcontinuestoofferapilotprogramwherevoluntaryparticipantsareofferedfinancialincentives(waiverofco-paysformedicationsandsupplies)tocompletea12-monthtelephonicdiabetesself-managementprogramwithalocaleducator(onein-personvisitand12monthlycalls)administeredbyMedicalCareDevelopmentinAugusta. HealthTrustparticipants,earlyretirees,andadultfamilymembersbetweentheagesof18and65,notenrolledinMedicare,beingtreatedforType1Diabetes,Type2Diabetes,orPre-Diabetesareinvitedtoparticipate.Theprogramisbeingcontinuedthrough2013withvoluntaryrollingadmissionthroughouttheyear. WearealsopleasedtoannouncethatthosememberswhocompletedtheTDESprogramwillbeabletosignupforanewprogramin2013calledTDES²!Thisprogramoffersasecondyearoftelephonesupportwithone’sdiabeteseducator.Itincludesfourtosixcontactsfocusingonindividualgoalsandsuccessfulactionplansarescheduledoveraperiodofupto12months.MoreinformationonthisnewprogramwillbesenttoTDESgraduatesearlyin2013. Foradditionalinformation,pleasevisittheTDESwebsiteatwww.tdes.me,contactHealthTrustMemberServiceat1-800-852-8300orbyemailathtservice@memun.org orvisitourwebsiteatwww.mmeht.org andclickon“What’sNew.”

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Whooping Cough Rates are Soaring...Are You Vaccinated?

2012mightbearecordyearforwhoopingcoughintheUnitedStatesifmidyeartrendscontinue.Nearly18,000casesofpertussis,orwhoopingcough,havebeenreportedtotheCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionsofarthisyear–thehighestratesinfiveyears. PertussisisahighlycontagiousillnesscausedbyabacteriumcalledBordetellapertussis.Iteasilyspreadsfrompersontopersonwhenpeoplecoughorsneeze.Itstartsoutwithsymptomsverysimilartoacold,butaweekortwolater,aviolentcoughdevelops.It’sbetterknownaswhoopingcoughbecauseofthe“whooping”soundthoseinfectedmakewhentheyareviolentlycoughingoverandoveragainandtrytoinhale. Thecoughcanlastforweeks,andchildrencancoughsohardandrapidlythatbloodvesselscanburst.Theyhavedifficultyeating,drinkingandbreathing.Youngchildrenareparticularlyathighriskforseriouscomplications.Sofarthisyear,ninebabieshavediedfrompertussis.Thehighestratesofillnesshavebeenseeninbabiesyoungerthan1,andhalfofthosecaseshavebeeninfantsyoungerthan3monthsold.Itisn’tjustinfantsthatareaffectedbypertussis.Newdatashowshighratesofwhoopingcoughamong13-to14-year-oldadolescentsnationwide,whichisdifferentfrompreviouspertussisoutbreaks. Whoopingcoughisvaccinepreventable,butnewbornscan’tgetthefirstdoseofvaccineuntiltheyare2monthsold.Thentheyneedfourmorevaccinationsbeforetheyturn7togetfullprotection.Thisiswhyyoungchildrenarehighlydependentonthepeopleclosetothemtobevaccinatedsotheydon’tpassthediseaseontothem.ThelatestCDCdatasuggestonly8%ofadultsgetaboostervaccineagainstpertussis,makingthemlikelycandidatesforinfectinginfantsthattheycomeincontactwith.Allpregnantwomenandanyonewhowillbearoundbabiesshouldbevaccinated! Healthofficialsacknowledgethatvaccinesarenotperfect,buttheydoprovidethebestprotectionagainstwhoopingcough.SotheCDCisemphasizingtheimportanceofyoungchildrengettingtheirfivepertussisvaccinations,thengettingtherecommendedboostershotsbetween11and12,andthatadultswhowillbearoundbabiesalsogetvaccinated. Formoreinformationaboutpertussis,visit:www.cdc.gov/pertussis

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012

Helping Teens Take Charge of Their Health Care Preparingkidsforindependenceandadulthoodbringsmanychallengesforparents:teachingteenstodrive,negotiatinglatercurfews,researchingcolleges,discussingtoughtopics,tonamejustafew.Amongthesehurdlesishelpingteensstarttomanagetheirownhealthcare.Itcanbehardtoletgo—afterall,momanddadhavebeenhandlingthedoctors’appointments,prescriptions,immunizations,andcountlessothermedicalconcernssincetheirkidswereborn. Butit’simportanttoguideteenstowardtakingonthisresponsibility.Afterall,parentswon’talwaysbearoundtomanagetheirchildren’shealthcare;andinmostcases,oncetheirkidsbecomeadults,legallytheywon’tbeallowedto.Keepinmindthatthedecisionsmadeintheteenyearsaboutthingslikealcohol,drugs,healthyeating,exercise,sex,andsmokingcanhavelong-termconsequences,evenifteensfeelinvincible.Becomingmoreinvestedintheirownhealthcareletsteenslearnmoreaboutandunderstandthepotentialoutcomesofchoicestheymakenow. Atwhatageareteensabletostarttakingsomecontrol?Itcanvary:factorslikeateen’smaturitylevel,healthissues,andabilitytokeeptrackofthedetailsallplayarole,asdoesaparent’swillingnesstorelinquishcontrol.So,howcanparentsstarthandingoverthereins?Itcanbeginbytalkingaboutmedicaltopicsinage-appropriatewayswiththeirkids;forinstance,discussingmedicationstheytakeandwhy,orteachingkidswithchronicconditionswaystohelpcarefortheirmedicalequipment.Maybeyourteenagesonordaughterisreadytohandlefillingandrefillinghisorherownprescriptions.It’simportantformomsanddadstolettheiradolescentshavesomeprivatetimetotalkwiththehealthcareprovider.Duringpubertyandtheteenyears,kidsarelikelytohavequestionsorissuesthatthey’renotcomfortablediscussingwithaparentintheroom.(Butbeassuredthatadoctorwhofeelsthatapatientwhomightbeatriskforself-harmorharminganotherwillalertaparent.) Ifyouthinkyourchildmightneedadditionalhelpwithteenissues,considerhavingyoursonordaughtermeetwithanadolescentmedicinespecialist.Thesedoctorsnotonlyarewell-versedinthecareofteens’physicalhealthproblemsbutalsohaveadditionaltraininginhelpingtheirpatientsdealwithriskybehaviorsandmentalhealthconcerns.It’salsowisetotalkabouthealthinsuranceandmedicalrecordstoolderteens.Althoughyoungadultscanstayontheirparents’planuntilage26underthehealthcarereformbill,manywillbeontheirownwellbeforethatandeventuallyallwillhavetoknowhowtonavigatetheinsurancesystemandkeeptrackoftheirrecords.

Reference: KidsHealth2012

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Importance of Vitamin D VitaminDisafat-solublevitaminthatyourbodymakesafterexposuretoultraviolet(UV)raysfromthesun.VitaminDfunctionsasahormonebecauseitsendsamessagetotheintestinestoincreasetheabsorptionofcalciumandphosphorus.Bypromotingcalciumabsorption,vitaminDhelpstoformandmaintainstrongbones. VitaminDalsoworksinconcertwithanumberofothervitamins,minerals,andhormonestopromotebonemineralization.ResearchalsosuggeststhatvitaminDisimportanttomaintainahealthyimmunesystem,regulatecellgrowth,andpreventcancer.VitaminDhasbeenshowntoprotectagainstthedevelopmentofautoimmunediseasesuchasinflammatoryboweldisease,multiplesclerosis,andrheumatoidarthritis.Italsohasbeenshowntobehelpfulindecreasingdiseaseseverityforthosesufferingwithautoimmunedisease. SunexposureisperhapsthemostimportantsourceofvitaminDbecauseexposuretosunlightprovidesmosthumanswiththeirvitaminDrequirement.Thefurtheryoulivefromtheequator,thelongeryouneedtobeexposedtothesuninordertogeneratevitaminD.Season,timeofday,cloudcover,smog,andsunscreenaffectUVrayexposureandvitaminDsynthesis.Forexample,sunlightexposurefromNovemberthroughFebruaryinBostonisinsufficienttoproducesignificantvitaminDsynthesisintheskin.Recentdatahavedemonstratedthatgettingsunshineduringthesummermonthsissimplynotenough;besides,mostadultsworkindoorsforthemajorityoftheday,avoidingthesun.SunscreensblockUVraysthatproducevitaminD,sotheycouldcontributetoourepidemicofvitaminDdeficiency. ItisextremelyimportantforindividualswithlimitedsunexposuretoingestsupplementalvitaminD.Itisrecommendedthatyouroutinelyusesunscreentohelppreventskincancer,wrinkling,andagingoftheskin,especiallybecausetheozonelayerhasbeendepleted.Theriskofskindamageandskincancerisreal. Americansage50andolderareatincreasedriskofdevelopingvitaminDdeficiency.Aspeopleage,skincannotsynthesizevitaminDasefficiently,andthekidneyislessabletoconvertvitaminDtoitsactivehormoneform.Itisestimatedthatasmanyas30-40percentofolderadultswithhipfracturesarevitaminDinsufficient.Therefore,olderadultsespeciallybenefitfromsupplementalvitaminD. Melaninisthepigmentthatgivesskinitscolor.Thehighmelanincontentindarkerskinreducestheskin’sabilitytoproducevitaminDfromsunlight.ItisveryimportantforAfrican-Americansandotherpopulationswithdark-pigmentedskintoconsumerecommendedamountsofvitaminD.Somestudiessuggestthatolderadultsinthesegroups,especiallywomen,areatextremelyhighriskofvitaminDdeficiency.ItisthoughtthatthemainreasonprostatecancerissoprevalentinblackmenisbecauseofincreasedneedforvitaminD.FormoreinformationonvitaminDgotowww.diseaseproof.com.

Women’s Health at Midlife Lifeisajourney,filledwithmanypassagesandtransitions.Andmidlifeisonetransitionsuretogetyourattention.Manythingsmaychange—yourrelationshipswithyournow-olderchildrenandyourpartner,yourcareer,evenyourbody.Someyoucancontrol;othersyoucan’t.Onethingyoucancontrol,however,isyourhealthduringthistimeoflife.Onceyouhitmidlife—andwe’retalkinganywherefromyourearly40stoearly50s—health-relatedissuesyouneverbeforeconsideredbegindemandingattention.Here,inanutshell,arethreethingstofocuson:• Your bones. You’veprobablyalwaystakenthemforgranted,butnowisthetimetobecomeawareofjustwhat’sholdingyou

up—yourbones.Aftermenopause,youhavefarlessestrogenavailabletomaintainbone.Hence,bone-destroyingcellsgettheupperhand,puttingyouatriskforosteoporosis.Whattodo?Askyourhealthcareprofessionalaboutyourpersonalriskforosteoporosis.Whilebonedensityscreeningtestsaren’tusuallyrecommendeduntil65,somehealth-relatedissueswarrantearlierscreening.Regardlessofyourriskfactors,thefollowingtwoapproachescanhelpyoumaintainexistingboneandcontinuetobuildbone:1)Highlevelsofcalcium.Youshouldbegettingatleast1,200milligramsaday,butmostwomengetonlyabout600milligramsthroughtheirdiet,sosupplementslikecalciumcitrateandcalciumcarbonatemightbenecessary.2)It’salsoimportantthatyouengageinsomeweight-bearingexercisemostdays,likewalking,gardeningorworkingoutwithweights.

• Your heart. Yourbiggestriskafteryoupassmenopauseisnotbreastcancerbutheartdisease.It’stheleadingcauseofdeathinwomenover45.Unfortunately,notenoughwomenrealizethis.Soifyouhaven’talready,nowisthetimetoreallystartpayingattentiontothingslikecholesterollevels,weight,physicalactivityanddiet.Whynow?Well,untilnowhighlevelsofestrogenprotectedyourheart,onereasonwomendevelopheartdiseaseanaverageof10yearslaterthanmen.However,asestrogenlevelsdecline,sodoesthatprotection.Whileit’sstillnotclearifsupplementalestrogencancontinuethatprotection,that’salmostbesidethepoint.Ifyou’reeatingaheart-healthydietcomposedofhealthyfats,lotsoffruits,vegetablesandfiber,andlow-fatproteinlikefishandsoy,accompaniedbyatleast30minutesofphysicalactivityaday,you’rewellonyourwaytoprovidingyourbodywithwhatitneedstoreplacethepreviousprotectionofestrogen.Ohyeah—andstopsmoking.Ifyousmoke,you’retwotosixtimesmorelikelytosufferaheartattackthananonsmokingwoman,andyourriskincreaseswiththenumberofcigarettesyousmokeeachday.Youalsohaveasignificantlyhigherriskofheartdiseaseifyouhavediabetes,highbloodpressureorhighcholesterolorifyouareobeseand/orhavelowlevelsofphysicalactivity.

(Continued on page 5)

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Exercise Your Mind

• Your blood sugar. Youcan’tfeelitortasteit,butifyourbloodsugarlevelsstarttocreepup,you’reputtingyourselfatincreasedriskforeverythingfromheartandkidneydiseasetodementia,nervedamageandearlydeath.Youdon’tevenhavetobeofficiallydiagnosedwithdiabetestofindyourselfintrouble.Aconditioncalled“insulinresistance,”inwhichyourcellspreventinsulinfrom“unlocking”thedoorsoenergyintheformofglucosecanenter,alsoincreasesyourriskofheartdisease,asdoesfull-blowndiabetes.Foraremedytrywatchingyourdiet,getregularphysicalactivityandtrytomaintainahealthyweight—nothingnewhere.Andifyou’re45andolder,makesureyou’regettingregularbloodsugartestsatleasteverythreeyears.Yourhealthcareprofessionalmaywanttotestyoumoreoftendependingonyourriskfactorsfordevelopingdiabetes.Alsomeasureyourwaisteveryfewmonths.Ahighwaist-to-hipratioincreasesyourriskofinsulinresistanceanddiabetes.

Ofcourse,thesethreeareasaren’ttheonlythingsyouneedtothinkabout.Youalsowanttomakesureyou:• Haveanannualmammogramfromage40onward.• HaveaPaptestforcervicalcancereverythreeyears.Youmayneedonemoreoften,dependingonyourriskfactorsandprevious

results.Alternatively,youcanhavebothaPaptestandanHPVtesteveryfiveyears.• Haveyourbloodpressuretestedatleastonceayear.• Haveyourcholesteroltestedatleasteveryfiveyears(morefrequentlyifyouhaveriskfactorsforheartdisease).• Begincolorectalcancerscreeningsatage50.• Haveregulardentalexamsandevery-six-monthteethcleanings.• Getacompleteeyeexamatleasteverytwotofouryears,moreoftendependingonyourpersonalorfamilymedicalhistory.• Getanannualskinexamforskincancer.Doallthese,andyou’remuchmorelikelytoenjoythenext30,40or50yearsasmuchasthepast30,40or50.Reference: www.healthywomen.org

Wehaveallseenthosejigsawpuzzles,Sudoku,andwordfindbooksinthestores,butdothosereallyhelpyouimproveyourbrainpower?Researchsaysyes!Whileoldermindsmaybejustassharpasyoungerones,theyoftenreactmoreslowly.Ontheaverage,thehumanbrainbeginstoslowdownslightlybeginningaroundage30.Gettingolderdoesn’thavetoresultincognitivedecline,however,ifyouworktoaddressit. Asyouage,ittakesyourbrainmoretimetoprocessinformation,decidehowtohandleitandtakeaction.Eachsteptakeslonger;however,usingproblem-solvingskillscanhelpimproveyourmentalfitnessandflexibility.Whenchoosingamentalfitnessactivity,keepthreethingsinmind:variety,challengeandnovelty.

Quick Tips for Selecting Activities to Sharpen Your MindVariety Masteringanewskillgetseasierwithtimeandpractice,so

introducesomevariety.Bychangingthingsuponaregularbasis,yourmindwillhavetoworkhardertoadapttotheexerciseoractivity.Thisissimilarto“circuittraining”duringphysicalexer-ciseroutines.

Challenge Neverletataskbecometooeasy.Exposeyourselftoactivitieswithincreasinglevelsofchallengeordifficulty.

Novelty Trynewthings,sinceveryimportantpartsofthebrain(e.g.,prefrontalcortex)aremostlyexercisedwhenyoulearntomasternewcognitivechallenges.

Content source: Table adapted from “The Sharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness” Sonexttimeyouareflippingthroughthepaper,stopatthewordscrambleorattemptthecrosswordpuzzle…itmaymakeyourbrainworkbetter!Adapted from: AAA, 2012

BONUSTIP:LEARNANEWSKILLORHOBBYLearning a New Skill or Hobby is Fun at Any Age, and Can Help Keep Your Mind Flexible.Whenchoosinganewskillorhobby,lookformentallychallengingactivitieslikelearninganewlanguage,playingbridgeorlearningtoplayamusicalinstrument.Theseactivitiesstimulatethemindandhelptoimproveyourcognitiveperformance

Women’s Health at Midlife (continued from page 4)

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The 12 Scams of Christmas Theholidayseasonisagreattimeforgiving,butsadly,therealwaysseemtobepeoplewhowanttopreyonourgenerosityandgoodcheerinordertoripusoff.Butyoudon’thavetobeavictim.Avoidingholidayscamsisn’thard.Herearetipsonhowtoavoidholidayscamsandtomakesurethatyourcharitablegivinggoeswhereitbelongs. Fake holiday help.Gettingaseasonaljobcanbeagreatidea.Infact,itisoneofour5BestWaystoMakeMoreMoney.Buttherearepeopleouttherepreyingonthosewhoneedwork.Commonscamstolookoutforincludeallmannerofwork-from-homejobs.Iftheso-calledemployerasksformoneyupfrontoryourSocialSecuritynumber,youmightbeonthevergeofbecomingavictimratherthananemployee. Fake charities.Don’tever,ever,evergivemoneytoanycharity–evensparechange–withoutcheckingthemoutfirst.Andthat’ssomethingyoucan’tdoifsomeone’sonyourporch,atanintersection,oronthesidewalkaskingformoney.VisittheFTC’swebsite,www.ftc.gov, foracharitychecklist. Fake check scams.Ifsomeoneisgivingyoumoney,howcanyoubescammed?Theanswerinvolvesfakechecks.Intheseinstances,buyerswantwhatyou’resellingonsiteslikeeBayorCraigslist.Theirnextstepistoofferyouacashier’scheckformorethanyouraskingprice,ontheconditionthatyoureturnthedifference.Weekslater,youareinformedbyyourbankthatthecheckwasaphony,andyou’renowoutyourmoneyandyourgoods.TheAmericanBankersAssociationhassometipstoavoidbeingavictim,butinshort,avoidcashier’schecksinsituationslikethisandneverreturnanydifferenceincash. Counterfeit merchandise.InNewYorkandothermajorcities,itiscommontoseestreetvendorssellingfakewatchesandpursesthatappeartobehigh-end,name-brandgoods.Themodernversionofthesescamsistosellthemerchandiseonlinewherethebuyerhasevenlessopportunitytoinspectit.Bewareofitemsthatarepricedwellbelowtheircompetitors,andbesuretobuyfromanauthorizedretailer. Fake vacation rentals.Thisgrowingscaminvolvespeoplewhoadvertiseapropertytheydon’tevenown!Sometimesthescammergoestotheeffortofhijackingtherealowner’semail.Othertimes,thescammersmerelyshowpicturesofaplacetheypretendtorepresent.Yousendthemmoneyandshowuptofindyou’vegotnoplacetostay. Non-delivery of gifts bought online.Whetherit’sanonlinestore,eBay,orCraigslist,thisscamisavoidedbyknowingwhoyou’rebuyingfrom.Besuspiciousofdealsthatseemtoogoodtobetrue.Fortunately,eBayprotectsbuyersfromthisscam,andcreditcarduserscanrequestachargebackifgoodsarenotdelivered.Also,keepinmindthatCraigslistalwaysrecommendsconductingtransactionsinpersonsothatyouknowexactlywhatyouarereceiving. Email scams.Manyscamsstartwithemail,sobeespeciallyskepticalofanythingthatshowsupinyourinbox.Somemessagesinvolvereferencestorecentevents,suchasanaturaldisasterorthedeathofapublicfigure.Otherspurporttoawardlotterywinningsorthetransferofwealthfromaforeigncountry.Don’teverrespondtounsolicitedemail. Phishing scams.Anemailfromalegitimatecompany,likeyourbank,insistsyoulogintotheirwebsite.You’rethendirectedtoacopycatsitethatstealsyourusernameandpassword.Ifyoueverdoubtanyemail,don’treply.Instead,callthecompanyoropenupanewbrowserwindowandgodirectlytotheirwebsite. Watch for the “items-off-of-a-truck” scam.Ifyoufallforthis,youcouldpayhundredsofdollarsforastereosystemthatisbarelyworththecartonitcamein,byfallingpreytooneoftherovinggangsofscammersmasqueradingasdeliverymen.Theypullatruckupinaparkinglot,thensaythattheycansellyousomethingcheap,speakersorelectronics,implyingthatit’sstolen.Atbest,thegoodswillbelow-qualityknockoffs.Atworst,youcouldbereceivingstolengoods. Limited quantities.Anunscrupulousonlinemerchantadvertisesafantasticproduct,oftencamerasorelectronics,atanunbeatableprice.Butwhenyouplaceyourorder,you’retoldtheyhavelimitedquantitiesofthisparticularitem.Ifthesellerdemandsadditionalpurchasestogetthedeal,orcan’tproduceatrackingnumberwithin48hoursofanysale,cancelyourorderthroughyourcreditcardcompanyandmoveon. Bait and switch.Thismightbetheoldesttrickinthebook,butitstillhappens.Aselleradvertisesapopularproductatagreatprice.Whenyouattempttobuyit,eitheronlineorinperson,you’retoldtheproductissoldout,ornotasgoodasasimilarmodelatahigherprice.Beforeyouknowit,you’repayingmorethanyouintendedforsomethingyouweren’tplanningonbuying. Layaway plans.Retailersarebringingbacklayawayplans,butwithacatch.Youhavetopayfeesupfrontandmakeregularpayments.Failtomakethepayments,andyoucouldenduplosingtheup-frontfeeandpayinga“restocking”charge.Toavoidfeelingscammedbyalayawayplan,besuretocloselyexaminethetermsandconditions.Andifyoucan,avoidtheseplansentirelybysavingallyear,thenpayingcash. Bottom line?Ninety-ninepercentofscamshappenwhenwe’retoogullible,toogreedy,intoomuchofahurry,orwhenwe’refeelingespeciallycharitable.Begenerousbutbevigilant.

Reference: Money Talk News

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Apple Crisp3mediumapples,cored,slicedthin1tspcinnamon2Tbspsugar2Tbspflour

Topping:1Cupquickoats1tspvanilla½tspcinnamon¼cupbrownsugar2Tbspheart-healthymargarine

Mixfirstfouringredientsandplaceintoa9-inchbakingdish.Insmallbowl,mixToppingingredientsuntilcrumbly.Sprinkletoppingovertheapples.Bakeat325°untilapplesaresoftandtoppingisgoldenbrown(about30minutes).Makes9servings.

NutritionInfo:Calories-131.5,Fat-3.6g,Carbohydrates-24.4g,Protein-1.5g

Brown Bagging – It’s a Cool Thing Itseemsthatalotmorepeoplearepackingtheirownlunchthaninrecentyears,andthatcanbeareallygoodthing…dependingonwhatisinthebag! Brownbaggingsavesmoney,savescaloriesbyallowingcontroloverthenutritionalcontent,andsavestime(norunningtoafoodlineorrestaurant).Makeyoursawinnerwiththefollowingtips:

Plan Ahead 1. Groceryshopwithyourlunchesinmind.Stockuponfruits,veggies,wholegrainbreadsandleanprotein.Agoodlunchshould

includesomethingfromthefourfoodgroups:protein,grain,fruitorvegetableanddairy.2. Washandprepareveggiesandplaceinsmallto-gocontainers.Lookforindividualsizedservingsiftimeisanissue.3. Makeextraservingsatdinnerfornextdaylunches.Afterdinner,makeyourlunch.

Choose HealthyWholegrainbread,pita,wraporbagelUseleanmeatsorpoultryTopsandwicheswithvegetablessuchastomatoes,spinach,peppersandonionsBabycarrots,celerysticksorapplesliceswithalow-fatyogurtdiporhummusBakedchipsorpretzelsReducedfatcrackersandlow-fatcheeseFruitsaladorwholefreshfruitMixedgreensaladtoppedwithfruitorproteinUseleftoversfromdinnerassaladtoppings,sidedishesorasanentiremealLow-fatyogurtwithfreshfruitorwholegrain/highfibercerealWholegrainpastasaladwithveggiesortunaAir-poppedpopcornwithasprinklingofparmesancheeseBlackbeanandsalsasidesaladBakedpotatotoppedwithsalsaorlowfatsourcream

Play it Safe Drinkplentyofwater.Keepperishablesinarefrigeratororinsulatedlunchbox.

24/7 Medical Advice Available Healthconcernsdon’ttakevacationsorhappenonlywhen“thedoctorisin.”Theyhappenatallhours,duringvacations,evenduringbusinesstravel.Sometimesitisn’talwaysclearwhetheraproblemneedsmedicalcare.Andifitdoes,choosingtherightlevelofcarecanbeconfusing. Isn’titgoodtoknowyourhealthplanincludesaccessfreeofchargetoAnthemBlueCrossandBlueShield’s24/7NurseLine?Youcanreacharegisterednursetollfree,anytimeofthedayornight,fromanywhereintheU.S.Simplycallthe24/7NurseLinetoll-freephonenumberonthebackofyourmemberIDcard. TheNurseLinestaffhasbeencarefullytrainedtohelpyoudeterminethelevelofcareyouneed.Doyouneedtoheadstraighttotheemergencyroom?Isurgentcarebest?Ordoyouneedtoseeyourdoctor?Choosingtherightplaceforcarecansaveyoutimeandmoney-andgiveyouaccesstothebestpossiblecare. Doyouwanttoknowmoreaboutahealthconcernbutdon’twanttotalkaboutitoverthephone?Thenthe24/7AudioHealthLibraryisjustforyou.Justcallthe24/7NurseLineandchoosetheAudioHealthLibraryoption.Youcanhearprerecordedmessagesaboutmorethan300healthtopics.Andlikethe24/7NurseLine,theAudioHealthLibraryisalwayshereforyou.

The Wellness Works Around the state Newsletter is a publication of the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust (MMEHT), 60 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330. Editor: Anne Charles; Desktop Publishing: Sally Joy; Contributing Writers: Amanda Collins, Abby DiPasquale, Danielle Yale, Lisa Rigoulot and Anne Wright. Phone: 1-800-852-8300.

WELLNESS WORKSMaine Municipal Employees Health Trust60 Community DriveAugusta, ME 04330

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDAugusta, MEPERMIT #195

Visit our website atwww.mmeht.org

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DoyouwantachancetowinaWellness Worksglasswaterbottle?Takeafewminutesandanswerthefollowingquestions(allanswerscanbefoundinarticlesinthisnewsletter).Sendtheanswersalongwithyourname,addressandphonenumberto:Wellness Works,60CommunityDrive,Augusta,Maine04330.Youcanalsoe-mailyouranswerstousat:wellness@memun.org.EntriesmustbereceivedbyDecember10,2012.Onewinnerwillbedrawnatrandom.CongratulationstoJeanineOtt,anemployeefromtheYCCAC,whowontheSummerNewsletterSearchContest!Yourname:____________________________________________________________________________________PhoneNumber:_________________________________________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________Employer(orformeremployer,ifyouarearetiree):____________________________________________________1.Listtwobenefitsofpackingalunch:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2.Whatisthebenefitofdoingactivitiessuchaspuzzles,Sudokuandwordfinds?____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________3.WhyisvitaminDimportant?____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________4.Howmuchcalciumshouldamiddle-agedwomanconsumeperday?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________