GOT GERD? You’re Not the Only One

The holidays are a time of year when we tend to indulge in rich foods and beverages. Unfortunately, this can be a recipe for heartburn and acid indigestion, classic symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

GERD is a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. This backwash is known as acid reflux, and it can irritate the lining of the esophagus. Besides heartburn and acid indigestion, GERD symptoms may include regurgitation, noncardiac chest pain, nausea, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and asthma symptoms.

Although nearly everyone has acid indigestion occasionally, if it occurs frequently, GERD can damage your esophagus and cause further health complications, including esophageal cancer, inflammation, and harm to vocal cords.

If you experience acid reflux at least twice a week for several weeks or take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than two times a week, see your doctor. GERD isn’t just an inconvenience — it can do real harm, but it is treatable with medical care.

Try these tips to reduce discomfort:

  • Avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux: spicy foods, fatty or greasy foods, chocolate, mint, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, garlic, onions, carbonated drinks, caffeine drinks, and alcohol.
  • Eat smaller meals, which digest faster and don’t produce as much acid.
  • Eat dinner several hours before lying down.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes or consider losing weight if needed.
  • Quit smoking and drinking alcohol, two habits that weaken the esophageal sphincter, make the stomach more acidic, and slow digestion.
  • If you experience acid indigestion: Take an over-the-counter antacid, stand up, take a sip of water, and loosen your waistband.

#GERDAwarenessWeek: November 24-30

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PREDIABETES: Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults has prediabetes. Without making any lifestyle changes, prediabetes will likely lead to type 2 diabetes, a common but serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart disease, neuropathy, or eye disease.

Could you have prediabetes? 80% of people with prediabetes don't even know they have it. Your risk is higher if you are over 45 years old, are physically active less than 3 times a week, are overweight, or have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes. Start with the Prediabetes Risk Test to determine your risk. Then take these steps:

  1. Find out if you have prediabetes. Ask your doctor if you should get a blood test, the only way to know if you have it.
  2. If you have prediabetes, take action to prevent type 2 diabetes. Lower your risk by losing a small amount of weight if you are overweight (5% to 7% of your body weight) and get regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week).
  3. If you have type 2 diabetes, control your condition. You may be able to manage diabetes with healthy eating and being active, or you may need medication. Work with your health care team to learn how to check your blood sugar and stay on target to prevent or delay diabetes complications.
  4. Take advantage of your Health Plan resources (see below). Participating in a program can help you make lasting lifestyle changes. (People lowered their risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% through the CDC Prevention Program!)

Wherever you are, act now to avoid long-term diabetes-related health problems. You’ll be glad you did!

November is #AmericanDiabetesMonth

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YOU’RE ENROLLED! Now What?

If you enrolled during the Annual Enrollment period this fall, the selections you made take effect in the new Plan Year:

  • Active Employees and Early Retirees: The new Plan Year begins January 1, 2025
  • Substitute Teachers: The Plan Year began October 1, 2024

You can make the most of your benefit coverage (and make sure your claims are paid on time) by taking a few steps to connect with the Health Trust, your Health Plans, and providers. See our infographic for easy-to-follow steps (be sure to click on “Get More Info” for details).

Tip: If your contact information (phone, address or e-mail) changes, you could miss out on important benefit information. Avoid delays by keeping everything up to date with the Trust Administrative Office, PPS, your providers, and your union. Follow our Change of Address checklist to make sure you don’t miss anyone.

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