HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Do You Have It and Not Even Know It?
Nearly 1 in 2 adults in the US have high blood pressure. Could you be one of them? Stress—something we’ve all been feeling from the COVID-19 crisis—is often blamed for high blood pressure. It’s true that stressful situations can cause blood pressure to spike temporarily, but stress doesn’t necessarily cause long-term high blood pressure unless:
- You react to stress in unhealthy ways (smoking, overeating, drinking alcohol). These habits can lead to long-term high blood pressure.
- Frequent spikes can damage blood vessels, heart and kidneys in a way that is similar to long-term high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a serious condition. It’s the primary or contributing cause of death for 1,300 people in the US every day. Don’t let that be you:
- Know your blood pressure. You can get it checked in a pharmacy or at your health care provider’s office.
- If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about medication and lifestyle changes that can help you lower your blood pressure.
- Learn how to maintain healthy blood pressure levels:
- Kaiser Permanente: Learn about high blood pressure
- Providence: Lowering blood pressure without pills
- Regence: Health and lifestyle tips
EAP COUNSELING: Let’s Talk About It
Simply talking about your problems with someone you trust can be profoundly healing. It reduces stress, strengthens your immune system and reduces physical and emotional distress.
Think of it less like seeing a doctor and more like working with a personal trainer. You can “work out” your emotions with a counselor when you are feeling overly stressed, are not sleeping well or just need to talk to someone about a relationship, work or event.
The EAP (Employee Assistance Program) gives you access to confidential, professional counseling. You have several options, so you can get the guidance and support you need in the way that is most comfortable for you.
- In-person: Have face-to-face counseling sessions with a therapist in your area.
- By phone: Talk with a counselor by phone from the convenience and privacy of your home.
- Email: Use secure email to ask questions, get information and discuss your concerns.
- Text: Get support and check-ins to boost your wellness. Text "Hi" to +1-650-825-9634 to get started.
- Crisis Line: Use this, 24/7, to help someone in crisis or in danger to themselves or others.
Connect with the EAP: Call 866-750-1327 or go to www.MyRBH.com (use access code: OEBB).
You and anyone living in your household may use up to 5 free sessions per situation, per year. There’s no cost to receive care: no copay and no deductible required. Click here for details.
YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL: Just Follow the Steps
You have the right to appeal if you disagree with a claim or eligibility decision. By law, you will get a full and fair review and a written explanation of appeal decisions in a timely manner.
Keep in mind that the appeal process ensures the School District No. 1 Health and Welfare Trust benefit plans are applied consistently and fairly to all members…not to make exceptions for special situations.
Click here to learn how to get started.
If you need to submit an appeal request, be sure to find the details in the Legal Notices booklet on sdtrust.com (click Menu, then under More, click My Rights).