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Alzheimer's Disease
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We hear a lot about this degenerative disease, but what are the signs, symptoms, and treatment options? How can you help a friend or family member with the illness? Read more below.
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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, their family and friends, 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!
Thankfulness is the word of the season. We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve you, and we hope that your insurance needs are being well served by our team. Thank you for letting us walk with you through your health care needs.
Another word of the season is "Alzheimer's." November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to explore the symptoms of this devastating illness. We've included a piece in this month's edition that takes a look at the way food can help improve one's memory retention, and our health guide (which is to the left of this message) offers a basic overview of the disease.
Speaking of food, how does the stuff we put in our bodies affect our likelihood of developing diabetes? November is also American Diabetes Month, and so we have included a piece that can help you if you have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Even if you think you're doing the right thing to avoid diabetes, this article is for you.
It's finally here --- open enrollment! Your human resources staff will be guiding you through the enrollment process for medical and ancillary insurance registration, which will be effective Jan. 1, 2013. We've included an overview of those services below.
Have a fulfilling Thanksgiving!
Scott, Tammy, and Connie
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Memory and a Healthy Diet
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There are certain foods that can increase the chances of keeping your brain healthy as you age. If you want to remain mentally sharp as you age, consider adding the following foods to your diet ---
Glucose
- Your body metabolizes glucose when eating healthy sugars and carbohydrates.
- Opt for fruits that are rich in natural sugars.
Fish
- Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good brain function and development.
- Fish and fish oil is linked with a lower risk of dementia and stroke, can help slow cognitive decline, can enhance memory as you age, and can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and lower cholesterol.
Nuts and chocolate
- Nuts are rich in vitamin E, which is attributed to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
- Dark chocolate (consumed in moderation) contains antioxidants, which can enhance concentration.
- Opt for an ounce of nuts and chocolate daily to reap the health benefits without consuming excess calories.
Avocados and whole grains
- Avocados and whole grains enhance blood flow to stimulate brain cells.
Blueberries
- Blueberries protect the brain from stress and may reduce the effects of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Blueberries may increase your learning capacity and motor skills as you age.
Apples
- Apples are rich in the antioxidant quercetin, which protects against Alzheimer's disease. Don't peel your apples, though, as the skin contains the most quercetin.
Spinach
- Some studies have shown that spinach can prevent and even reverse memory loss.
- Spinach is high in folic acid, which protects against Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
Iron-rich foods
- Iron deficiency negatively affects learning, memory, and attention.
- Eat dark, leafy greens, beans, lean meat, and soy to boost the iron in your body.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.© 2008-2012 Zywave Inc. All rights reserved.
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Pre-diabetes:
Don't let it lead to Type 2
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Before being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, most people develop "pre-diabetes," a serious medical condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal.
People with pre-diabetes often have no signs or symptoms, or don't recognize them because they develop slowly over a period of time.
Risk Factors
If you are overweight and age 45 or older --- You should be checked for pre-diabetes during your next routine medical office visit.
If your weight is normal and you are over age 45 --- You should ask your doctor during a routine office visit if testing is appropriate.
If you are under age 45 and overweight --- Your doctor should recommend testing if you have any other risk factors for diabetes, including ---
- High blood pressure.
- Low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides.
- History of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
- Family history of diabetes.
- You belong to an ethnic or minority group at high risk for diabetes, including African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, or Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.
Screening and Diagnosis 
Screening guidelines for pre- and Type 2 diabetes are as follows ---
- Fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dl or lower is considered normal.
- Fasting blood glucose elevated to 100 - 125 mg/dl indicates pre-diabetes.
- Fasting blood glucose elevated to 126 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.
If your blood glucose levels are in the normal range, follow-up tests should occur every three years. If your results indicate pre-diabetes, you should be re-tested every one to two years after your diagnosis.
Prevention and Treatment
If diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you can and should do something about it. Studies show that people with this condition can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, including ---
- Moderate weight loss (reducing total body weight by 5 to 10 percent).
- Regular exercise (30 minutes a day, five days a week).
For some people with pre-diabetes, early enough intervention can actually return elevated blood glucose levels to the normal range.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.© 2008-2012 Zywave Inc. All rights reserved.
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What's being offered during
2013 open enrollment through Brethren Insurance Services?
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Medical: Open enrollment will take place in November for Brethren Medical Plan participants. Specific details will be provided by your employer's human resources representative just prior to open enrollment.
Dental: Choose from one of three dental plan options for you or your family. These plans can cover checkups and other preventive services, as well as fillings, oral surgery, and orthodontia. This coverage is offered in partnership with Delta Dental of Illinois.
Vision: Three plan options are available to you and your family through EyeMed Vision Care. These plans offer various levels of coverage for eye exams, lenses, and frames.
Supplemental Life: This insurance is available to members who already have Life insurance coverage through Brethren Insurance Services. This age-rated product is available for up to $10,000 of additional insurance for those who have not yet reached their maximum Life insurance benefit amount.
Short-Term Disability: This product covers most of the gap between the onset of disability and the start of Long-Term Disability coverage. This plan will pay up to 60 percent of your salary - up to $1,250 per week. (Note: Any sickness or injury for which you received medical treatment, consultation, care, or services --- including diagnostic procedures --- or took prescribed drugs or medicines to treat during the three months immediately prior to your effective date of insurance is not covered for the first 12 months the policy is in effect.)
For eligibility requirements specific to your employer, please contact your employer's human resources representative. For general information, visit brethrenbenefittrust.org/insurance.
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