STRAIGHT TO THE HEART: You Can Control Your Cholesterol
About one in three of us have high cholesterol, doubling our risk for a deadly heart attack or stroke. Without any signs or symptoms, plaque could be building up in your arteries right now, creating deposits that reduce blood flow.
Anyone can have high cholesterol, and everyone can take action to lower it or maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Here’s how:
- Get your cholesterol checked. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to get a blood test. Get one every 4-6 years; more often if your doctor recommends it.
- Ask your doctor about cholesterol-lowering medications. Several types of prescription drugs can effectively lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and reduce your health risks.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. Choose vegetables, beans, seafood, whole grains, and nuts…and avoid solid fats, added sugars, refined grains and red meat.
- Be active. Get at least 30 minutes of brisk activity (like walking) most days of the week.
- Stop smoking. When you quit, “bad” cholesterol will go down and “good” cholesterol will go up, slowing new plaque buildup.
- Limit alcohol. If you do drink, women should limit it to one drink a day; men to two drinks.
- Lose extra weight. Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can lower your cholesterol levels.
#NationalCholesterolEducationMonth
BENEFITS APPRECIATION: Know the Value of Your Benefits
The SD-1 Health & Welfare Trust, Portland Public Schools, and your bargaining group work together to offer you an outstanding benefit package that is a significant part of your total compensation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, benefits account for about 32% of total compensation for U.S. workers, with salary making up the other 68%. (2018) In other words, PPS and your bargaining group help provide an amount equal to one-third of your paycheck for your benefits!
Your benefits through the Trust include (depending on your work status):
- Health Benefits (Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision)
- Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Long-term Disability
Your benefits through PPS include (depending on your work status):
- Credit Union Membership
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Mileage Reimbursement
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Professional Development
- Retirement Planning and Resources
- Weight Watchers Subscription Subsidy
You can view details for all of your benefits from the Trust website at sdtrust.com.
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT: Get Informed and Choose Wisely
Every year, you have an opportunity to change your benefit selections and add or drop dependents for the upcoming Plan Year. Or, if you aren’t already enrolled, this is the time to sign up for coverage:
- Substitute Teachers Annual Enrollment ends this Friday, September 18
- Active Employees and Early Retirees Open Enrollment: October 12-30
Please read the Benefit Guide in the packet you’ll receive in the mail prior to your enrollment period to understand your options, what’s changed and how to enroll. Our online video library can also help you make the best benefit choices for yourself and your family:
- Choose Your Health Plan: HMO, PPO, or EPO? Which health plan is right for you and your family? Watch this video to learn the difference.
- Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: View this video to see Trust benefits that protect you and your family financially if you die or are permanently injured.
Did you know? You can always find videos, infographics, and blog articles on the Trust website. Go to sdtrust.com, click MENU (upper right corner) then BLOG.
Still have questions? Please contact the Trust Administrative Office, now managed by Zenith American Solutions. They are ready and happy to help!