SUMMER’S HERE! Have some good—SAFE—fun in the sun

The sunny days of summer are the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Northwest. But those blue skies can quickly turn grey when accidents happen. Here are a few reminders to help you avoid an unexpected illness or injury.

  1. Stay Cool in the Sun. Heat can be especially dangerous for people with chronic medical conditions. Keep out of the sun when possible. Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks.
  2. Wear Sunscreen & Insect Repellent. Even a single sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and cover up in the sun. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites and ticks.
  3. Safety First Around Water. Drowning causes about 3,500 deaths per year in the U.S.; 20% of them are children. Prevent accidents with safe habits: learn to swim, wear life jackets, and supervise children at all times near water. Know and follow boating rules. Be prepared to save a life by learning CPR.
  4. Walk Wisely. A pedestrian dies every 88 minutes in the U.S. Stay safe by always keeping an eye on traffic. Cross at crosswalks or intersections. Walk on a sidewalk or path, not in the street. Don’t use cell phones or earbuds while walking near traffic.
  5. Cycle Safely. Portland loves cyclists, but if you ride, stay safe. Wear a helmet and clothing that makes you visible to others. Be aware of all traffic around you. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Obey street signs, signals, and road markings as if you are driving a car.
  6. Wear sunglasses. Sun damage can be harmful to your eye health and put you at risk for a corneal sunburn, redness and irritation and long-term effects like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, blindness and even eyelid skin cancer. While style and comfort play a big role in choosing the right pair of sunglasses, the right lenses can make a big difference. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection sticker or buy from a reputable retailer.

HEALTHINESS IS MANLINESS: June is Men’s Health Month

On average, men die five years younger than women, and they die at higher rates from nine of the top 10 causes of death. But many of the leading causes of death among men can be prevented, which means that by taking care of yourself, you can live a longer, healthier life. Here’s how.

  1. Take charge of your health by making good lifestyle choices. Don't smoke. Eat a healthy diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Get moving. Limit alcohol. Manage stress.
  2. Stop avoiding the doctor. Don't wait to visit the doctor until something is seriously wrong. Your doctor can be your best ally for maintaining health and preventing disease.
  3. Get recommended preventive care such as cancer screenings, vaccinations, and other health evaluations. Your Health Plan covers recommended preventive care at 100%.

Here’s how your Health Plan helps men achieve their best health:

GOT QUESTIONS? The Trust Administrative Office (managed by Zenith-American) has answers

The answers to most FAQs are easy to find online. Watch our short video to learn how to go right the source to get the answer you need. Just remember 1-2-3:

  1. If it’s personal information, go to zenith-american.com. Log in with your secure password and you’ll be able to see your personal information like what health plan you’re enrolled in or who you have covered as a dependent.
  2. To use your benefits, go to your Carrier’s website. Register for a secure personal account with your carrier (Kaiser Permanente, Providence or Regence). Search for a provider, get benefit coverage details, see health information, claims, past Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), and more.
  3. For general information about your Trust benefits, go to sdtrust.com. You can get contact information, learn how to enroll for benefits or update your benefits if you have a midyear qualifying event, get forms, view your benefit handbook, and much more.
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