DIRECTOR'S REPORT–Thomas H. Young, Director

Why Become a Member of the NALC Health Benefit Plan???

One of the greatest benefits of the NALC Health Benefit Plan is your ability to choose your own doctors, hospitals and clinics, prescription drug and medical suppliers, mental health specialists and countless other medical professionals.

But there are other equally important facts about membership in the NALC Health Benefit Plan:

• The NALC Health Benefit Plan has provided comprehensive health insurance to Letter Carriers since 1950.
• We have been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program since its inception in 1960.
• We are self-insured — no underwriter — and non-profit. Every penny saved on our managed care programs goes right back into the Plan.
• There are no pre-existing condition clauses and no waiting periods.
• The majority of the claims we receive come into the building electronically which means reduced paperwork for you and quick payment.
• Best of all — you are covered no matter where you go, even in a foreign country.

The NALC Health Benefit Plan is union from the NALC label to the employees who process the claims. Not only are we union-owned, we are also union-operated. Our craft employees are members of the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local #2.

The employees of the NALC Health Benefit Plan have remained dedicated to one thing — prompt and efficient service for our members. These men and women know the letter carriers’ needs and are trained to give you the individual attention you deserve. Should our members have a problem or question about their coverage, our Customer Service Representatives are always available to assist. This department is supported by many others in our Ashburn office — medical, legal, actuarial and other professions — experienced people who know how and where to get information on new surgical procedures, methods of treatment and other facts necessary to assist us in serving you.

Our employees care about the membership. Every claim is processed and paid to give the members the maximum benefits available under the terms of our contract with the Office of Personnel Management. We do not look for ways to turn down a claim. Our members deal with NALC employees — not an indifferent, uncaring insurance company with only bottom line profit on its mind. You can rest assured that our members will always have a UNION team that works for and with letter carriers to protect their interests.

By the time you read this edition of the HBR Report, we will be entrenched in the summer months. Now might be the time to start thinking about Open Season and how you plan to approach your respective Branches with Plan promotion. Hopefully, by the time we sit down at our Breakfast/Workshop at the upcoming NALC Convention, we will have a good idea of how our negotiations with the Office of Personnel Management are progressing with respect to the upcoming Open Season and the new benefit year. We do, however, feel that we are right on track to continue providing you with the same great coverage at the same highly competitive rates.

	Notice to HBRs The last day that confirmation letters will be sent out for Convention Breakfast/Workshop ticket orders will be July 2. We will, however, have information at the Health Benefit Plan booth of all orders and checks received at the Plan up to July 16.

HEALTH IN THE NEWS

Food of the Month

Yogurt

Plain yogurt brings powerful health benefits to your table, but the taste can leave something to be desired. Dessert style yogurts aren’t the answer because they reduce nutrients and add calories.

You can get the benefits of true yogurt and much more by creating your own mix with fruit and sweetener.

These are some of the great health benefits of natural yogurt:

Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that the potential health attributes of yogurt go far beyond boosting intake of protein and calcium. They include the ability to make the immune system more resilient.

The live and active cultures found in yogurt help to protect the intestinal tract. They have great potential as anti-infection agents. And they may help to increase resistance to immune-related diseases such as cancer and infection.

The recommended daily intake of protein varies for different groups of people. In general, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends that most people get two to three servings of high-protein food such as yogurt each day.

Calcium in yogurt does more than keep bones strong. Studies show a link between calcium and normal blood pressure, to name just one of calcium’s other functions.

Consider these suggestions for mixing your own concoction with yogurt:

• By adding fruit such as oranges, peaches, or pears to yogurt, you get the added nutrients in those foods, including vitamin C.
• Mix with dessert-style yogurt. Go half-and-half to lighten the calorie load Even if you add a little sweetener, you still get the benefits of plain yogurt.
• Sweeten smartly. When you add fruit, you can sweeten with sugar-free sweeteners, honey, or applesauce.
• Use yogurt, or sweetened yogurt as a dip for vegetables or as a salad dressing.

Brush right, guard your teeth

Dentists say people are brushing too hard. Using the wrong technique or a stiff toothbrush can cause gum recession leading to periodontal disease.

The American Dental Association recommends a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. Even the softest one, however, causes damage when people brush too aggressively or too long.

Electric toothbrushes such as the Braun Oral-B 3D Excel or Sonicare Plaque Remover shut off when you bear down too hard. The $15 Alert manual toothbrush lights up when you press too hard.

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and work it up and down or in circles to the gum line, never back and forth. Dentists say brushing once a day before bedtime is OK if you do a thorough job and floss.

Steps add up to weight loss, increased energy

If you’d like to take up walking, but can’t find the extra time to do it, here’s a plan that’s just right for you.

The America on the Move (AOM) program from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center proves you can lose weight and increase your energy. To do it, add about 2,000 steps a day to your daily activities and eat 100 calories less, about what’s in a slice of bread.

Wearing a pedometer is an important part of the program. It helps you determine the number of steps you actually take and how much you are increasing that number. Every step counts and you can see them adding up. Wearing the pedometer, you will be more likely to park farther away from work or the store in the parking lot. You could take the long way to the exit after work. You could take a short walk after dinner in the evening.

Another plus is the program’s convenience. You don’t have to drive to a gym, buy exercise equipment, or take big segments of your day to do it. And you take your steps by day or by night.

Prevent heat exhaustion

The National Safety Council recommends that people who are working outside in hot weather, or in non-air-conditioned environments, should put a wet scarf around their necks. As the moisture evaporates, the body stays cooler.

Drinking enough water is very important. You can alternate water with a sport drink that has electrolytes. The key is to drink enough so you never get thirsty. If your urine is concentrated, a dark color, you need to drink more. Drink enough water so your urine is pale yellow.

When you are working outside, be sure to wear a hat and a lightweight, long sleeve shirt with no T-shirt underneath.

Remember that caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating. Drink decaf, bottled water, or sport drinks.

Osteoporosis facts

New studies confirm that smoking is a major risk factor for accelerated bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis, according to a report in the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter.

• In 1990, 25,000 Canadians suffered hip fractures. In the U.S., there are 300,000 hip fractures annually.

Other signs of diabetes

Classic symptoms of diabetes are well known: fatigue, recurrent infections, and frequent urination, for example. But lesser known signs include:

Bad breath, a smell like nail polish remover caused when excess sugar in saliva prompts bacteria growth.

Swollen gums, the increased bacteria can lead to inflammation and bleeding.

Frequent thirst, the body uses a lot of fluids in an attempt to eliminate sugar.

Threats to liver function

Long-term alcohol consumption and the hepatitis C virus are the two most widely known causes of chronic liver disease in the U.S.

Doctors at Johns Hopkins Medical Center say it has become clear that two other problems that affect liver health are not as well known:

• Excessive use of the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol and other medications).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is closely associated with diabetes and obesity. About 25 percent of North Americans are affected.

June 1-30, National Safety Month

• Drive safely. Buckle up. Don’t speed.
• Be cautious when doing home repairs.
• Follow safety regulations at work.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothes.
• School’s out. Watch out for kids.

THE PHARMACY CORNER

As you take to the road during the summer vacation months, there are other reminders you need besides what clothes to take or what items you will need for your day at the beach. How many times have we been reminded that "drinking and driving don’t mix"? Have you ever stopped to think that the medicines you are taking could also impair your driving abilities? If you have a bad cough or cold and are taking a cough or cold remedy, do you think twice before picking up your car keys?

Modern medicines are very safe and effective, but they can produce a sedative effect and make you drowsy, or they can work in the opposite direction and act as a stimulant. Either way, these side effects could affect your judgment and driving ability.

All medicines you receive (whether prescription or over-the-counter) come with some sort of leaflet or information printed on the medicine label. This information will tell you how and when to take the medicine and whether there are any side effects that could alter your level of concentration or coordination. READ THESE LABELS CAREFULLY!

Below is a list of some common prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines that may cause drowsiness as a side effect. This is just a short list — so always read the patient information leaflet or label carefully and ask your pharmacist for advice.

Cough and Cold Remedies		Some day or nighttime remedies may produce drowsiness.
Sleeping Tablets		These remain in the body for several hours and will probably affect driving the morning after they’ve been taken.
Tranquilizers/Antidepressants And Anti-Epilepsy Medicines		These can make you unusually drowsy. They can affect driving the same day or the day after they’ve been taken.
Antihistamines/Allergy Pills and Travel Sickness Pills		These may make you drowsy and if so, you should not drive for several hours after taking them. They can also impair your vision.
Painkillers		Some can make you feel tired and less alert and others can act as a stimulant that can affect your driving.

June 1-July 4: Fireworks Safety Month

Plan to make your 4th of July a safer celebration

Most parts of the U.S. have limitations on the types of fireworks that can be sold. You’ll be safer if you follow the law and keep away from illegal fireworks. Anything that will shoot, explode in the air, or spin uncontrollably should not be set off by an unauthorized person. Examples include Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, M-80s, and cherry bombs.

• Choose a spot that is not near anything that can catch fire.
• Make sure kids under age 14 don’t set off fireworks without adult supervision.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby. Use it for matches, spent fireworks, and to put out fires.
• When you light a fuse, move away quickly. If the fuse sputters or goes out, douse the device with water and move on to the next. Never try to relight a dud. It could explode in your face.
• Light fireworks on the ground, not in your hand. The fuse may burn faster than you realize it will. Douse used sparklers and other fireworks with water before picking them up. They could be very hot.
• Never drink alcoholic beverages while you are lighting fireworks. Drinking could alter your judgment.
• Light only one firework at a time.

Return to HBR Reports, NALC Health Benefit Plan HomePage or NALC Headquarters HomePage.

This page was last updated on October 8, 2004.

If you have any questions or comments about our health benefit plan, please write to the National Association of Letter Carriers Health Benefit Plan at 20547 Waverly Court, Ashburn, VA 20149 or call 1-703-729-4677. For automated general benefit information, call 1-888-636-NALC.