DIRECTOR'S REPORT–Thomas H. Young, Director

Well here we are -- another Open Season is behind us and the question now being raised is "How did we do during Open Season?"

The Open Season reports are still coming in from the U.S. Postal Service as well as other Federal agencies. Although far from complete, a positive picture is once again beginning to take shape. I should be able to give you a complete Open Season picture in the March or April HBR Report.

Now it’s time for me to once again seek your assistance. Our new members, as well as those who have remained with us, need to be continually educated on the workings of the NALC Health Benefit Plan. (I KNOW you've heard this before!) While reading the various Branch newsletters (and I read each and every one that is sent to me), I find it amazing that there are still some Health Benefit Representatives that never place an article in their Branch newsletters or rely simply on reporting the "Food of the Month." The focus of your educational pieces could be on the proper use of the Plan including the prescription drug program, the use of our extensive PPO network and the use of our toll-free telephone numbers. In order to gain the highest level of benefits when the need arises, our members need to be informed in all aspects of the Plan.

With regard to the prescription drug program, one key area of confusion exists with regard to the difference between "temporary" medications and "maintenance" medications. Using the mail order system when maintenance medications are involved is a very important component of the Plan's prescription drug program. Using the system wisely will result in receiving the most from this very worthwhile benefit. You could also stress the importance of using generic drugs where available.

Another means of member education exists with the use of the PPO directory (either the old paper directory or our new PPO directory on disk). Use of these directories should be relegated to last on the list when seeking a provider, because the information contained in the directory is only up-to-date at the time of production. New doctors and facilities are constantly being added and deleted. It is best to call the 800 number or use the First Health website (found on the NALC website under Department/HBP/Network Providers) to find the most current list of providers in your area.

Also important is the toll-free number for United Behavioral Health when a mental health/substance abuse provider is needed. In order for our membership to obtain the most from this benefit, it is important to let them know that pre-authorization is required.

For those of you that attended the NALC Health Benefit Seminar in Las Vegas last fall, you were provided with a wealth of information in your classrooms regarding the Plan, its benefits and patient safety. Use this material to not only promote the Plan, but to educate our membership.

Before we know it, July will be here and the 64th NALC Biennial Convention will be in full swing. The Health Benefit Plan will once again conduct a Breakfast Workshop for Convention attendees. Information regarding the breakfast, ticket price and location will appear in future issues of the HBR Report. Aloha!

Be sure to look for Health Benefit Plan Staff at the 64th NALC Biennial Convention in Hawaii. Details on our activities will appear in future issues of the HBR Report.

HEALTH IN THE NEWS

Food of the Month

Soy

The magic soybean is loaded with powerful nutrients.

People around the world have enjoyed soy foods for more than 5,000 years. Some even claim Jack's beanstalk was soy. One thing is sure: Soy could be called a magic bean.

Well-established research shows that consuming soy products is a good way to combat high cholesterol when eaten as a part of a heart-healthy diet.

A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that those who ate a diet rich in foods known to lower cholesterol (soy, oats, and almonds) reduced cholesterol levels by almost as much as those taking a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Researchers have focused on soy's high level of isoflavones. A study reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that isoflavones reduce the risk of breast and endometrial cancer in women and the risk of prostate cancer in men. It can also reduce instances of hot flashes in menopausal women.

There's more. A half-cup of tofu provides 40 percent of the daily value of protein, a quarter of the daily value of calcium, and most of the daily iron requirement.

Soy products include tofu, soymilk, soy flour, soy protein (used to replace part of the meat in meatloaf, burgers, and chili), and soy meat substitutes.

OK to use antibacterial soap

Scientists used to say some bacteria was becoming resistant to antibiotics, and antibacterial soap was partly to blame.

Scientists at Brigham Young University now conclude that it isn't so. The major culprit is overuse of prescription antibiotics. Their study appeared in the Journal of Applied Microbiology. Antibacterial soaps don't hurt, but they don't help much either. Plain bathroom soap appears to be just as good at killing germs.

Most restful sleep

If you're so pressed for time that you can only afford to sleep for four hours, go to bed after midnight. Studies at Stanford University suggest that early-morning sleep is more restful, and people fell asleep more easily.

The early-morning trick could see you through one hectic time, but can't replace a full night's sleep. Ongoing sleep deprivation is dangerous.

Safety!

Careful how you sleep, get up

Household accidents involve beds more than any other piece of furniture, according to the National Safety Council. The council recommends that people sit on the side of the bed for a minute or two before getting up.

A traditional double bed has less space for two people than a larger one, making it more likely that a person will lie too close to the edge and fall out while asleep.

Neglecting to take medicine

Studies show that only about half the people on prescription drugs take them as directed. This failure undermines treatment or prevention, and leads to emergency room admissions, and even death.

Usually people plan to take their pills but they forget. And some drugs have side effects. People don't like how they feel when they take them, so they stop.

Doctors at Kaiser Permanente say any problem should be discussed with the doctor. Adjustments in the time of dosage or number of pills could be made.

Use of divided, weekly medicine containers is helpful when you can't remember whether or not you took the medicine. Some people use smart pillboxes that beep when it's time to take it.

Check older gas connectors

Gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances to natural gas supply lines. Some older uncoated brass connectors have a flaw in the end pieces. Over time, they can separate from the tubing and cause a gas leak, fire, or explosion.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says uncoated connectors haven't been made for 20 years, but many are still in use. They should be replaced with a new plastic-coated brass or stainless steel connector. All connectors wear out from moving, bending, or corrosion. They should be replaced whenever the appliance is moved or relocated.

Vanilla extract for small burns

Minor kitchen burns can be cooled with a bit of vanilla extract, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians. It contains a natural soothing component plus added alcohol that acts as an antiseptic. Never use it on large burns.

Not only do they not exercise ...

The CDC finds that many people are not moving

In 2001 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started a new kind of study. They wanted to find out how active people are in their everyday lives. They looked at how much time people spend doing routine things like walking to the bus, cleaning the house, and playing with the kids.

The first results are in, and they show what the researchers feared. More than 30 percent of those responding didn't get 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. Worse, about 26 percent of all respondents reported no moderate activity at all.

The survey suggests that America's weight problem is caused by the fact that we don't move very much for any reason. We have successfully engineered activity out of our daily lives. We drive even the shortest distances, use the elevator instead of the stairs, e-mail instead of going to talk to people, and telecommute instead of going to work. Health specialists say this insufficient activity affects physical and mental health. It contributes to diabetes, heart disease, depression, and hypertension. People living in big cities like New York appear to be better off than those living in sprawling communities. They weigh an average of six pounds less, and they walk to lunch, to the train, and up the steps. The survey showed that 35 percent of respondents living in walkable neighborhoods were overweight, compared with 60 percent in less walkable areas.

Consider this. If a 150 pound person walked briskly to a store or bus stop that was five blocks away every day for a year, that person would weigh 10 fewer pounds at the end of that time, according to the CDC.

Which filling is best?

For a small filling, silver (amalgam) will last 20 years, but porcelain looks better for front teeth. Gold is best for a crown but is more noticeable than porcelain and costs more.

CDC rules for antibiotic use

According to "Get Smart", the CDC’s educational program, we should know that antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and strep throat. They should not be used for bronchitis, colds, flu, or simple sore throats.

THE PHARMACY CORNER

How this Benefit Changes in 2004

We changed the copayment for mail order prescription drugs and supplies. For a 60-day supply, you pay $8 for generic drugs and $24 for brand name; for a 90-day supply, you pay $12 for generic drugs and $35 for brand name. Previously you paid $7 for generic drugs and $20 for brand name for a 60-day supply, and $10 for generic and $30 for brand name for a 90-day supply.

If you have Medicare, your mail order copayment for a 60-day supply is $7 for generic drugs and $20 for brand name. For a 90-day supply, you pay $10 for generic drugs and $30 for brand name. Previously, you paid $5 for generic drugs and $17 for brand name for a 60-day supply, and $7.50 for generic and $25 for brand name for a 90-day supply.

Your coinsurance for non-network retail drugs and supplies is 50%. Previously, you paid 40%.

Protect Yourself from Prescription Errors

Understanding your medications

In order to receive the full benefit of your prescriptions, avoid any problems and reduce any possible side effects, it is suggested that you ask your doctor or pharmacist the following questions:

What is the name of the medicine you are prescribing?

How is the medicine supposed to help me?

What dosage will I be taking?

Are there any other medicines, food or drink that I should avoid while I am taking it?

What are the possible side effects I might experience? What should I do if they occur?

How long will I need to take this medicine?

What if I miss a dose, or take too many?

You should also be careful to check to make sure you have the exact number of pills prescribed AND make sure it is the exact medicine that your doctor prescribed.

Also, make sure you tell your doctor AND pharmacist of any other medications you are taking -- both prescription and over-the-counter.

If cost is a concern to you, (of COURSE it is), ask your doctor if there is another medication available that may not be the latest and greatest, but will do the same job, or ask if there is a generic equivalent available.

Remember, the single most important way you can stay healthy is to be an active member of your own healthcare team -- understanding the importance your medication plays in your treatment is a big part of that.

Branch Reimbursement Certificates:

A copy of the Branch Reimbursement Certificate has been included with this newsletter. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the certificate and pass it along to your Branch Secretary. The certificate MUST be completed in full and signed by the Branch Secretary. When completing the certificate, take into consideration all expenses incurred by your branch with respect to your job as Health Benefit Representative (education materials, long distance telephone calls, attendance at health fairs, attendance at Health Benefit Seminar, etc). Also, make sure the secretary fills in both the number of members and the expenses incurred. You will receive the lesser of these entries.

In order to assure that you have the most up-to-date information about your branch membership as of December 31, 2003, you will need to call the Health Benefit Plan for a copy of your Branch Printout. You will receive two copies of the printout (one for your records and one to submit with the completed Branch Reimbursement Certificate).

Please remember that these certificates are due at the Health Benefit Plan no later than April 30, 2004

Branch #________________

Name:__________________________________________

Title:___________________________________________

Address:________________________________________

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