KNOW YOUR BMI: Know Your Health Risks
Did you know that 42% of Americans are considered obese? Being overweight increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain types of cancer.
It’s important to know if you are at a healthy weight. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated from your height and weight and estimates the amount of body fat you have. Use a BMI calculator to find your BMI. Then check here to see what it means:
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5–24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0–29.9 |
| Obese | 30.0 and above |
If your BMI is 25.0 or higher, even a small weight loss—just 5-10% of your current weight—will significantly lower your risk of developing weight-related diseases.
Your waist size also matters. Women with a 35″ waist (or greater) and men with a 40″ waist (or greater) have a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even with a normal BMI.
The American Medical Association (AMA) notes that while there is a significant correlation between BMI and the amount of fat mass in the general population, relative body shape and composition differences across race/ethnic groups, sexes, gender and age span must be considered when applying BMI as a measure of fat mass. (Source: American Medical Association)
If appropriate, act now to lose weight. Then, at your annual checkup, talk to your doctor about any weight-related health risks you may have.
Your Health Plan provides resources—at NO cost to you—to help you manage your BMI including discounts for gym memberships, health coaching, and programs for healthy eating. See Trust “Whole Body Wellness” infographic to learn more or click on the links below.
Resources:
- Kaiser Permanente:
- Providence:
- Delta Dental:
EYES ON YOU: Protect Your Vision
As you age, it is normal to notice changes in your vision. For example, you may need glasses for reading and your prescription for distance vision may change.
But no matter how old you are, you can protect your vision with a few simple habits:
- Get an annual eye exam, to detect eye problems early.
- Wear UV sunglasses outdoors on bright days.
- Use eye protection, if needed, for sports, hobbies, and work.
- Eat eye-healthy foods: carrots, leafy vegetables, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
- Maintain normal blood pressure.
- Manage diabetes, if you have it.
- If you smoke, quit.
Your benefits cover an annual eye exam at a low (or no) cost to you when you use an in-network provider. Get the details on your coverage at sdtrust.com. Then celebrate #HealthyVisionMonth by scheduling a vision exam today.
Resources:
- Kaiser Permanente: Tips for Good Vision
- VSP: Eye Health & Wellness
YOUR BENEFITS CAN HELP: When You Need It the Most
Dealing with catastrophic health issues, such as a life-threating illness, injury, or death, is unfamiliar territory for most of us. That’s why the Trust steps in to help with services and benefits like these:
- Case Management: Coordinating care received from several providers.
- Palliative Care: Pain relief for people with serious illnesses.
- Hospice Care: End-of-life care.
- Advance Health Care Directive: Legally protecting your future medical care choices.
- Terminal Illness: Care during an incurable illness that is likely to lead to death.
- Death of a Covered Participant who is covered by Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) or Long-Term Disability (LTD).
- Grief Support: Healthy ways to cope with grief and learn to heal.
If you or your dependent are facing a catastrophic health issue, we encourage you to:
- Visit the Trust’s website page Life-Threating Illness, Injury and Death for more information.
- Talk to a counselor to discuss coping strategies. Choose an in-network therapist for an in-person or virtual visit, or use the EAP’s free, confidential counseling benefits.
- Talk with your health care provider about the services available to you or call your Health Plan carrier’s Customer Service team for more information.