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Flu Shot
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 The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that a flu vaccine is necessary each flu season. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly vaccine. At the end of summer there is very little seasonal flu activity. Flu season usually begins in October and can last through May.
Get vaccinated before flu season starts. It is especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. It is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
To learn more about the flu vaccine, visit the CDC web site, and submit your "Flu Ends with U" Vaccination Pledge! |
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Top-Rated Medicare Plans Grow in 2013
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By Lisa Zamosky at WebMD
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that in 2013 there will be more Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans with high-quality ratings than were available this year. As a provision of the Affordable Care Act, the government is using a five-star rating system to help consumers identify high-quality Medicare plans. In addition, insurers earn bonus payments based on their ratings.
As you might expect, one star is the lowest ranking a plan can receive; five stars is the highest. To rank the plans, a mix of information reported by insurers, consumer surveys, and Medicare records are compiled.
More High-Quality Plans in 2013
Now is the season of Medicare Annual Enrollment, the time to review your Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plan options and to make changes, if appropriate. This year, you'll have more highly ranked health plans from which to choose:
- In 2013, 116 Medicare Advantage plans will have a five-star rating, up from 97 in 2012
- 127 Medicare Advantage plans with four or five stars - the top two rankings - will serve 37% of people enrolled in these plans. That's 21 additional high-performing plans than was available this year, covering an additional 9% of beneficiaries
- Next year, 68% of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to a plan with a rating of either four or five, up from 51% in 2012
- For 2013, 26 Medicare Part D drug plans covering 18% of enrollees have received either four or five star ratings. That's double the number of highly rated Part D plans available this year
- Finally, in 2013, the number of plans Part D plans rated either a four or four-and-a-half-stars will jump from nine to 22 Encouraging the Use of High-Ranking Plans
If you're currently enrolled in a plan that has been receiving three or less stars for a few years running, expect a letter from the government encouraging you to switch to a higher-scoring plan.
And that option is extended throughout the year. Although the Medicare Annual Enrollment period runs from October 15th through December 7th, people interested is switching to a five-star Medicare Advantage and/or Part D drug plan are allowed to do so any time during the year, even outside of the open enrollment period.
To check the ranking of your existing plan, or one you're considering, log onto Medicare.gov to use the Medicare Plan Finder tool. Plans with a five-star rating will be identified with a gold star icon. Those that have performed poorly will be identified with an icon best described as an upside down triangle with an exclamation point in the middle of it.
Read the full online article by clicking here.
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Wellness Tip of the Month
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Brought to you from Alicea Glover at:
"Fall" Safely into Cold Weather Exercise
Unfortunately and or fortunately for those of you not in Hilton Head, temperatures where you reside have begun to cool off. Although, personally, the cool temperatures inspire more activity outside (kindly noting and reminding you that Hilton Head Island weather is nowhere near the frigid northern weather). The crisp air may invite invigoration, breath, and motivation to get and stay warm- but for many it encumbers the engagements of fair weather enjoyable activities and exercise.
Therefore, in efforts to improve your comfort and safety while transitioning into the season and exercising in the cold, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends the following:
Cover your Head-
Your head should be covered while exercising in the cold, because heat loss from the head and neck may be as much as 50 percent of the total heat being lost by your body.
Cover your Mouth-
To warm the air before you breathe it, use a scarf or mask. Do this especially if breathing cold air causes angina (chest pain) or you are prone to upper respiratory problems.
Stay Dry-
Wet, damp clothing, whether from perspiration or precipitation, significantly increases body-heat loss.
Layer Clothing-
Several thin layers are warmer than one heavy layer. Layers are also easier to add or remove and thus, better regulate your core temperature. The goal is to keep the body warm and minimize sweating and avoid shivering.
Keep your Feet Dry-
Use a fabric that will wick perspiration away from the skin. Polypropylene, wool or other fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and retain insulating properties keep the body warm when wet.
Stay Hydrated-
Dehydration affects your body's ability to regulate body heat and increases the risk of frostbite. Fluids, especially water, are as important in cold weather as in the heat. Avoid consuming alcohol or beverages containing caffeine, because these items are dehydrating in nature.
Avoid Alcohol-
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases heat loss so the odds of experiencing a hypothermic event increase. Alcohol can also impair judgment to the extent that you may not make the best or brightest decisions in a cold weather emergency. It's best to leave the alcohol behind when you head out into the cold.
Alicea Glover is responsible for H3@Work, a corporate wellness program, facilitated by Hilton Head Health (H3), designed to take the inspiration of H3's Healthy Lifestyle™ program, delivered to your door. To learn about all the benefits of corporate wellness call (843)785-3919. 'Like' Hilton Head Health on Facebook and 'Follow' us on Pinterest!
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H3 Healthy Kitchen Recipe of the Month
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From Chef Jen and the
Cool-weather season is finally here! That means it's time to bring out the sweaters, large coffee mugs, and yummy fall spices! This light apple crisp recipe from Chef Jen in the H3 Healthy Kitchen will not only impress all your guests during your next holiday party, but will fill your entire house with delicious cinnamon apple aroma!
'Like' H3 Healthy Kitchen on Facebook for more low-calorie seasonal recipes!
We love Hilton Head for all the outdoor adventure it offers, but as the temperature drops don't forget to explore some of the fun indoor offerings Hilton Head is known for as well!
Join us on November 20th for a limited edition 'Holiday Traditions' themed Chef's Table in the H3 Healthy Kitchen. This multicourse dinner served with wine promises to be both entertaining and full of delicious fall flavor!
H3 Healthy Kitchen is designed to enhance the overall culinary experience through fine dining and interactive cooking classes. With an explosion of authentic flavors from around the world, you would never guess that dining in our kitchen is actually healthy for you! Check out our events calendar for a schedule of upcoming fine dining Chef's Table experiences and hands-on cooking classes.
Planning your company's holiday party? Our Healthy Kitchen is the perfect venue for corporate parties, team building exercises, community events, bridal and baby showers, as well as birthday celebrations. Please call (843) 785-3919 for information on our private dining packages.
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Property & Casualty Corner
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Brought to you by:
 Are you covered for a Dog Bite Claim?
With dog bite claims accounting for over one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars in 2011, Lowcountry Insurance Services is reminding dog owners to take preventative measures to protect themselves from the potentially serious financial consequences of aggressive canine behavior.
The cost of dog bite claims rose a whopping 53.4 percent from 2003 to 2011 according to the Insurance Information Institute. Rising medical expenses as well as the growing size of legal settlements are among the factors driving the significant increase in the cost of claims. With this costly increase, it's more important than ever for homeowners to take the necessary steps to limit their financial exposure.
In many cases, dog owners are covered to an extent from canine-inflicted injuries with a homeowner's insurance policy. However, before adopting, rescuing or buying a dog, we recommend checking with your insurance agent to see if the breed you are planning to add to the household can be covered.
Some breeds pose a higher risk of injuring someone and insurers may exclude them from coverage. The company also recommends dog owners talk with their agent to ensure they have adequate coverage. "We believe that policyholders will benefit from having an independent agent review their insurance coverage to ensure they have adequate protection against the alarming increase in lawsuits over bites by family dogs," said Mark Desrochers, president of The Hanover's personal lines business.
Desrochers recommended dog owners should consider obtaining an umbrella policy to add additional liability coverage. Dog bites and attacks can cause serious damage and can result in very expensive jury awards and court settlements.
Umbrella policies not only provide an extra level of protection, but they are also relatively affordable. For example, increasing coverage with a $1 million-dollar personal umbrella policy can cost between $100 and $300 per year.
There are other steps a dog owner or prospective dog owner can take to prevent problems as well. To reduce the chances of a dog biting someone, the Insurance Information Institute recommends considering the following steps:
* Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for the insured's household and neighborhood.
* Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. A dog with a history of aggression is inappropriate in a household with children.
* Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful of or apprehensive about a dog. If a child is or seems fearful or apprehensive, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
* Have the dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered.
* Socialize the dog so it knows how to act with other people and animals.
* Teach children to refrain from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
* Play non-aggressive games with the dog, such as "go fetch." Playing aggressive games like "tug-of-war" can encourage inappropriate behavior.
* Avoid exposing the dog to new situations in which the homeowner may be unsure of its response.
* Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
* Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
Owning a dog is a very rewarding experience for millions of families. Taking some precautions to prevent aggressive actions, as well as consulting with Lowcountry Insurance Services, an independent agent to ensure the right coverage will add more peace of mind.
Call Lowcountry Insurance Services at (843) 522-2020
We will make sure you are protected!
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Harbour Health Insurance Solutions is a proud member of both the:
Are you a Chamber member? Call us to take advantage of special group and individual insurance options exclusively for Chamber members! 
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We want your feedback!
Good or Bad, Complaint or Compliment, please let us know what you think we are doing right and if you think we can improve on anything.
We strive to ensure that you are pleased with our work and we truly appreciate any remarks that will help both improve our operations and promote our best qualities.
CLICK HERE to let us know about your experience with Harbour Health
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