| Prevention 101: Flu Shot | Check out Prevention 101, our ongoing wellness series. Click below for this month's guide.
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| About Us | |
A not-for-profit ministry of
Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust Inc.
Church of the Brethren Insurance Services provides ancillary coverage for ministers and other employees of congregations, districts, and camps. Medical and ancillary plans are available to Brethren-affiliated employer groups. Long-Term Care insurance is available for all members of the Church of the Brethren and employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated agencies, organizations, colleges, and retirement communities.
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Contact Us
1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
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Greetings!
 Welcome! Can you believe it's December already? Time really flies! As the Christmas season begins, we hope you will take a moment to de-stress and count your blessings.
We at Brethren Insurance Services wish all of you a blessed and safe Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year!
Take a few minutes to read this month's newsletter, which focuses on flu awareness and prevention.
Don't forget: If you are enrolled in a Medical Reimbursement or Dependent Care account, please remember to use any remaining funds in the account by Dec. 31 to avoid forfeiture of these funds. If you have any questions about your account balance, please contact us!
Please let us know how you like the newsletter, and if there is any information you would like to have included!
Don't hesitate to contact any one of your Brethren Insurance Services team at 800-746-1505 or via e-mail at insurance@brethren.org.
A very Merry Christmas to each of you! |
Holiday Health and Safety Tips
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips.Wash your hands often.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Stay warm.
Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.Manage stress.
The holidays don't need to take a toll on your health. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Practice time management. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook.Travel safely.
Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to your child's height, weight, and age.
Watch the kids.
Children are at high risk for injuries that can lead to death or disability. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they're eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly.
Prevent injuries.
Injuries can occur anywhere and some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations in a high place. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.
Handle and prepare food safely.
As you prepare holiday meals, keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
Eat healthy and be active.
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the vast array of tempting foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Try to be active for at least 2 1/2 hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least one hour a day.
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