Author: Terry, Carmen

In this time of social distancing, it doesn’t mean that you cannot go out for a walk and soak up the sunshine.  It means keep connected with your friends and family on social media, facetime, instagram or whatever else you are on to connect to people.  (My kids laugh and say “mom’s on the gram!”)  Just today I sent a text out to my very best friends all in one group.  I wanted to know how they were doing, how they were coping, what their kids were doing (some of them have kids all across the country working), but it helps to let them know I care and want to know.  One of my friends has been fighting a little anxiety knowing her parents have been stuck in another country trying to get home-they found out today they are on a plane back home.  It helps to connect and talk about your feelings, if you are anxious, if you need help with something, tell someone!  I found out last night that my brother and my brother in law will be out of job on Friday as they both work for the same small business in Ohio.   Even though I don’t live close, I can still connect with them and offer a listening ear.  Part of what makes a great community is we look out for one another.  When I went to get the paper this morning, there was a note on my door from a neighbor down the street letting us know that if we are elderly or immuno-compromised to give her a call and she will help out with grocery or pharmacy runs or anything else we need.  In these trying times of keeping our physical distance, it doesn’t mean we cannot connect.  Reach out to your friends, make a phone call, send a text or a message on facebook; reach out to your neighbors or coworkers and let them know you are there!  You may connect with someone who needs something right at that moment and you just made their day by asking.  And just to make your health and wellness coordinator happy, go for a walk!!  You have no excuses now!  Take care, be safe, wash your hands and know that I am there with you.  And if you need a listening ear, email me at cterry@iu17.org, and I can always call you if you need someone to talk to.

As you know most offices are closed within districts and IU’s with all the school closures.  I have however set up shop in my house with my computer and most everything I need.  I am still available to answer questions and and if you are interested in health coaching we can still do that via zoom or teleconference.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need to talk.  My email is cterry@iu17.org.

Please stay safe, wash your hands and you can still get some fresh air and walks in!  Take care!

Carmen

The confidential fax line has a new number.  When faxing documents for Carmen for the wellness program, please use

570-320-1348

Thank you!

Carmen

Please upload the preventative screenings into the Health Advocate system.  This includes cervical, mammogram, vision, dermatology, colonoscopy and prostate screenings.  Click on Receive preventative screenings on your home page To-Do list and you will see where it says to upload and put in the date.

This does not include your annual physical examination which still is sent to me.

Thanks!

Please check the 18-19 BeHIP tab for directions to log in or register on the Health advocate site to start earning points.

Yes you are still seeing last year’s points.  They will close down tomorrow night.  They had to open up the system to finish a reporting tool for me, so continue to track as normal and on Friday, September 1st, you will see your normal point totals for the 17-18 year.  Sorry for the confusion.

We have changed the login slightly as everyone is now under one organization which makes it easier for me to run challenges with the full group.

Login Directions:

Go go Healthadvocate.com (do not use the previous members.healthadvocate.com)

Click on Member login up top right or down below in middle

Use Organization LCIC (do not put school anymore)

Type in your username and password

If you are having difficulty, please try using another browser.  If that doesn’t work, please contact 1-866-695-8622.  That is the health advocate number and they should be able to help you.

Have a wonderful summer.

Carmen

Federal guidelines state that incentive money from wellness programs are considered as income and must be taxed.  Most districts/Penn College will be paying through payroll as we must follow federal guidelines.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.  We want to make sure that this program stays in place and continues to grow which means we must be in compliance with all rules and regulations.

I have also provided this link if you would like to read more:

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/wellness-incentives-taxable.aspx

Blue365 offers access to health and wellness deals exclusive to Blue members. One of the ways it offers deals is through the healthways gym membership program.  

https://www.blue365deals.com/

See below

The Offer

https://www.blue365deals.com/healthways-national-standing-25-monthly-fee-access-network-9000-gyms-nationwide