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Volume I Issue 9  
In This Issue
Reduce Work Stress
Pay Less
Member Tip of the Month
Readership Survey Results
Stop Smoking Tips
Healthy/Light Recipe
 
strawberry sherbet
 
Physical Activity
Health Observance
April is Stress Awareness Month
 
April is national stress awareness month.  Click here to read more about the causes and effects of stress and for a link to a stress assessment.
Good Nutrition: How to Combat Stress with Good Nutrition*
As we get busy and stressed, we tend to make poor nutritional choices that can actually increase our stress levels and cause other problems. Here are ten tips for getting good nutrition and maintaining a more healthy diet, even under stress. After a few weeks, they'll become habit and you won't even have to think about good nutrition. And your body-not to mention your stress level-will feel the difference!
 
Click here to continue reading.
 
*Source: About.com
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Ham

April 20, 2010 
Reduce Work Stress by Prioritizing and Organizing
Bald man smilingWhen you face job and workplace stress, there are a few simple steps you can take to regain control over yourself and the situation. Your growing sense of self-control will be perceived by others as the strength it is, leading to better relationships at work. Here are some suggestions for reducing job stress by prioritizing and organizing your responsibilities.
 
Click here to continue reading.
Pay less for your medications - use safe, effective generics. 
pills, coinsCompared to their equivalent brand name prescriptions, FDA-approved generics:
  • Contain the same active ingredients
  • Have the same strength and purity
  • Meet the same FDA manufacturing standards
  • Could save you as much as 60 percent of your out-of-pocket costs
Ask your provider if a generic medication would work for you.
 
Copays for Brand Name Medications vs. Generics
When a generic medication is available, and you choose to take the brand name equivalent, you will be responsible for a $10 copay plus the difference in cost between the brand name and generic medication.  

Click hereto continue reading.
Member Tip of the Month
woman with headsetIn-Network Surgical Benefits

Have you ever received an unexpectedly large bill after surgery?  It's important for members to understand how in-network surgeries are covered by the State Health Plan. 

State employee, Susan, had questions about her  radiology bill after having knee surgery.  Susan received a bill from the radiologist who assisted with her surgery.  Before her surgery, she made sure her medical specialist had obtained prior approval and certification, so she did not understand why she received such a large bill from the radiologist.

Click here to continue reading.
Readership Survey Results
woman at computerThank you to everyone who completed the readership survey in the February issue of Member Focus! We appreciate your taking the time to let us know which kinds of articles are most useful, and for your suggestions and topic ideas for future Member Focus stories.

The survey results show that:
  • over 90% of our readers take the time to read each issue
  • over 90% are satisfied with the content of Member Focus
  • 93% of respondents think that it is important for the State Health Plan to provide Member Focus to members
Click here for more results.
Stop Smoking Tips
Many State Health Plan members are trying to stop smoking.  The first step when trying to quit is to ask for help.  A good place to start is the QuitlineNC. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free advice and support.  Other tips to help you as you quit smoking are listed below.
 
TIP #1:  Adopt a Positive Activity
Be happy that you have committed to a healthier lifestyle. Keep busy by walking, reading a good book or treating yourself with the money you save from not buying cigarettes.

Click here to read more.
The information presented in this e-newsletter is intended for information purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. This information should not be used to treat or diagnose a health condition. Always seek advice from a trained health care provider.