This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
Members of Anthem CU Health Plans might see a familiar name this month as our summer mailer arrives in your mailbox.
Scan the QR code to download Sydney Health today, and start exploring the wealth of wellness programs and impactful resources in the palm of your hands!
This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
Another Wondr session is coming soon! See details below for application period and session start dates.
Everything you need for easy access to your health and wellness benefits is at your fingertips. Take charge of your health from your smartphone or mobile device with the Sydney Health app.
Using Sydney Health, you can:
This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
Start with the Symptom Checker and answer a few questions about how you are feeling. The Symptom Checker intuitively uses the information you provide to assess your specific symptoms before you even see a doctor.
Next, you can use the Find Care tool to search for doctors and dentists and compare costs. The app can connect you to a board-certified doctor – anytime, anywhere – through a virtual text visit or video visit right from your phone or tablet.
This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
Find more
Get the emotional support you need — whenever you need it.
Text with a coach using the Ginger app
We’re collaborating with Ginger to help you cope with some of life’s most common challenges — from stress, grief, and low mood to issues with work, relationships, and sleep. Ginger’s highly trained emotional support coaches are accessible 24/7, so you can get the guidance you need when you need it most.
Kaiser Permanente members can use Ginger for 90 days per year at no cost, no referral needed.1,2,3
What can you do with Ginger?
Download Ginger now at kp.org/coachingapps/co
1. The Ginger coaching services described above are not covered under your health plan benefi ts, are not a Medicare-covered benefi t, and are not subject to the terms set forth in your Evidence of Coverage or other plan documents. These services may be discontinued at any time without notice. The coaching services are not available to any members under 18 years old. 2. The coaching services are neither offered nor guaranteed under contract with the FEHB Program, but are made available to enrollees and family members, 18 and older, who become members of Kaiser Permanente. The coaching services are available to members enrolled in the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program who are 18 and older. 3. The coaching services are not available to anyone enrolled in the State of Colorado’s Fee-for-Service Medicaid program and receiving primary care medical provider services from Kaiser Permanente.
Your care is personal. The way you access your Anthem health plan should be, too. That’s why our digital tools make it easy to find real-time answers and support in a manner that suits you best. Whether you prefer interactive chat, hands-free voice commands, or live chat, you now have solutions to help you feel supported during every moment of health.
Get Connected with Sydney Health
This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
–View this announcement as a PDF–
We hope you have enjoyed using Foodsmart and that you’re finding eating healthy a little easier.
Beginning February 1, 2022, Foodsmart will no longer be offered as a no-cost CU Health Plan program, but you can continue using a downgraded version of this program.
Although a few features will no longer be available to you, you’ll continue to have access to…
Have questions about your new Foodsmart account?
See below or contact support@foodsmart.com for more details.
Looking for additional nutritional and culinary resources? Check out the CU Health Plan’s list of 10 Free and Low-Cost Nutrition Resources.
Are you registered on kp.org? If not, sign up at kp.org/register to get started. Then, download the Kaiser Permanente app and sign in using your kp.org login.
Learn more about the features of KP.org and the KP app here.
This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
With Sydney Health, you can find everything you need to know about your health plan — personalized and all in one place. Sydney Health makes it easier to get things done, so you can spend more time focused on your health.
Learn more about the features of the Sydney Health app here.
This post is part of the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ digital resource campaign.
Check out the CU Health Plan’s ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ page for campaign updates.
The CU Health Plan has teamed up with Anthem, Kaiser, and Delta Dental of Colorado to distribute monthly tips highlighting the robust dashboard of digital healthcare resources available at the fingertips of CU Health Plan members receiving medical or dental coverage from any of these plan administrators.
You can access all of our monthly updates here, on our dedicated ‘Your Health, Your Hands’ campaign page, and on BeColorado’s ‘Latest News’ page under the ‘Digital Plan Resources’ category.
Anthem, Kaiser, and Delta Dental of Colorado CU Health Plan administrators make it easier than ever to manage your and your family’s healthcare needs online at your convenience.
By registering for your member portal online with Anthem, Kaiser, or Delta Dental of Colorado, members can:
Utilizing your digital member portal with Anthem, Kaiser, or Delta Dental of Colorado not only saves you time, but also enables you to keep accurate, up-to-date, and complete healthcare records. Each of these plan administrators offers a mobile app, too — so you can quickly and securely access the information you need, when and where you need it.
Set up your medical or dental member portal today, and confidently manage your individual and your family medical or dental records online from your computer or smartphone.
It’s your health. In your hands. Visit our Your Health, Your Hands page for more info!
November 2021
Exploring seasonal affective disorder
We’ve all heard of the “winter blues.” A dreary sort of feeling when summer and autumn are over, and you’ve got several months of darker, colder days ahead. While some people love the winter months, others aren’t big fans. In fact, some people struggle with the winter months so severely that they have what’s known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Let’s talk a little about how SAD affects people, and what solutions are out there.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people during winter months, and subsides during the rest of the year. SAD begins to emerge as the days get shorter and colder, and people get less exposure to sunlight. The symptoms of SAD can range from mild to severe, and include fatigue, low mood, loss of interest and motivation, and trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. Many people who struggle with SAD dread the winter months, as they know it will be a hard time for them and can affect their work and relationships.
While still not fully understood, scientists have found a link between shorter winter days and a biochemical imbalance in the human brain. In some people, the circadian rhythm — the brain’s natural process that regulates sleep and wakefulness — may fall out of step with the day-to-day schedule. Other factors that may be at play are levels of serotonin and melatonin, two chemicals in the brain that affect mood and sleep patterns.
How can seasonal affective disorder be managed?
Because exposure to sunlight is a factor, experts recommend that people with SAD experience as much daylight as possible. Whenever the sun is out, it’s a good idea to try to sit outside or even by a window for a little while. Taking a walk outside is a great option, because it exposes people to sunlight and provides physical activity. Specialized light boxes are also sometimes used to deliver what’s called bright light therapy, which mimics natural outdoor light.
Other ways to prevent and manage SAD include spending time with friends and family, or getting more exposure to one’s community. Volunteering, taking that walk with a neighbor, or even exploring a winter sport can be helpful. Creating a routine or schedule around any of these options can help keep symptoms at bay and give people something to look forward to during dreary winter months. Since SAD is a form of depression, many of the things typically recommended for people struggling with depression tend to be helpful for SAD.
Of course, the symptoms of SAD can be severe. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms that make it hard to cope with everyday life should seek the assistance of a mental health professional.
Get better sleep during winter months
If you find that your sleep gets disrupted during winter months, Sleepio may be able to help. Sleepio is an online sleep improvement program proven to help people overcome the obstacles that are keeping them from healthy sleep in just six weeks. The program uses cognitive behavioral techniques that are backed by decades of clinical research, and has been shown in studies to help people fall asleep 54% faster, spend 62% less time awake at night, and have 45% better functioning the next day. Sleepio is available to you as a CU Health Plan employee for free, and you can get started today.
A digital solution for poor sleep
If you’ve been struggling with sleep, that can impact your mental and physical well-being. CU Health Plan offers a benefit that may be able to help.
Sleepio is an online sleep improvement program proven to help you clear your mind, improve your sleep, and have better days in just six weeks. The program uses cognitive behavioral techniques that are backed by decades of clinical research, and has been shown in studies to help people fall asleep 54% faster, spend 62% less time awake at night, and have 45% better functioning the next day. Try Sleepio today and start sleeping better tonight.
Some grocery store pharmacies (e.g., King Soopers) may require customers to provide proof of insurance when receiving flu shots this season. Because of this, CU Health Plan members are encouraged to take your benefits cards with you or have a digital copy available on your phone wherever you receive a flu shot. If anyone else in your household is receiving a flu shot this season, proof of insurance may also be required for other members on your policy in order to receive their flu shot.
Members of the Exclusive, the Extended or the High-Deductible/HSA-compatible CU Health Plan have both an Anthem medical benefits card and a CVS pharmacy benefits card. Please be sure to take your CVS pharmacy benefits card with you or have a digital copy of this card available when visiting a King Soopers or other grocery store pharmacy for a seasonal flu shot.
Exclusive, Extended, High Deductible and Medicare
The flu shot is covered under Anthem plan members’ preventive care benefits at 100% when you go to a health professional in your plan. Contact your primary care doctor to get information about receiving a flu shot. Members can also get a flu shot at urgent care facilities, retail health clinics, many pharmacies or walk-in doctors’ offices in their plan.
Questions? Call the number on your Anthem member ID card or visit anthem.com to find a health professional in your plan near you. For additional questions, call the Anthem Dedicated Customer Service team at 1-800-735-6072.
CVS
CVS Caremark administers the pharmacy benefits of Anthem CU Health Plans. There will be no cost to members who receive their flu shot at any network pharmacy. Find network pharmacy locations at Caremark.com. Visit CVS.com/immunizations/flu for more information.
Questions? Contact CVS Caremark’s dedicated CU Health Plan Customer Care team at 1-888-964-0121, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Kaiser
CU Health Plan – Kaiser members may visit kp.org/flu. If members aren’t already vaccinated for COVID-19, they may be able to get both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time— and it’s safe to do so. Visit kp.org/covidvaccine to schedule a vaccination appointment, get the latest updates on booster shots, learn how the vaccines work, and more.
Kaiser members can receive a flu shot from multiple retail locations, listed below, at no additional cost through March 31, 2022. View Kaiser’s updated 2021-22 flu season flyer here..
Members have the following options to get a no-cost flu shot:
To find a flu shot location near you, visit kp.org/flu. If members aren’t already vaccinated for COVID-19, they may be able to get both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time— and it’s safe to do so. Visit kp.org/covidvaccine to schedule a vaccination appointment, get the latest updates on booster shots, learn how the vaccines work, and more.
Questions? Contact Kaiser support for 2021-22 flu season information.
Additional Flu Season Resources
Common Locations for Flu Shots
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources on 2021-22 Flu Season and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The CDC recommends that you and your family members get a flu vaccine in September or October. Because it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide protection, it is recommended that you and your family members get vaccinated before the flu begins spreading in your community.
This year, flu shots are highly recommended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Both flu and COVID-19 are serious respiratory illnesses. Because some symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.
Getting the flu vaccine later in the season is still beneficial – assuming flu viruses are prevalent – and can protect you and your family members from serious flu illness and flu-related complications.
The number of immunizations created each season are limited and it is expected flu shots will be in high demand as long as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. Employees and their families are encouraged to make an immunization appointment early in the season, before demand really starts to increase. Appointments save the time and inconvenience of waiting out long lines for walk-in immunizations, in addition to increased sanitization between patients waiting for their flu shots.
Check with your doctor directly regarding their specific flu shot administration process to determine details including flu shot availability, appointment requirements and applicable co-payment/co-insurance costs.
If your doctor is unable to provide you with a flu shot, many other locations will continue to offer flu shot immunizations this season, including pharmacy clinics such as participating CVS and Walgreens locations, and participating Walmart, King Soopers and Safeway pharmacies. Flu shot availability and administration may vary by location, so it is best to call ahead with any questions.
Check out the following information about the 2021-22 flu season, and give yourself a shot at good health!
Additional 2021-22 flu season information is forthcoming – we’ll continue to update this page as it becomes available.
Flu Shot Resources for CU Employees by CU Health Plan
Exclusive, Extended, High Deductible and Medicare
The flu shot is covered under Anthem plan members’ preventive care benefits at 100% when you go to a health professional in your plan. Contact your primary care doctor to get information about receiving your flu shot. Members can also get a flu shot at urgent care facilities, retail health clinics, many pharmacies or walk-in doctors’ offices in their plan.
Call the number on your Anthem member ID card or visit anthem.com to find a health professional in your plan near you.
For additional questions, call the Anthem Dedicated Customer Service team at 1-800-735-6072.
CVS
CVS Caremark administers the pharmacy benefits of Anthem CU Health Plans. There will be no cost to members who receive their flu shot at any network pharmacy. Find network pharmacy locations at Caremark.com. Visit CVS.com/immunizations/flu for more information.
Questions? Contact CVS Caremark’s dedicated CU Health Plan Customer Care team at 1-888-964-0121, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Kaiser
CU Health Plan – Kaiser members may visit kp.org/flu for a listing of all medical offices offering flu shots and get the most up-to-date information on flu vaccine supply. 2021-22 flu season information is forthcoming.
Members may also contact Kaiser support for 2021-22 flu season information. Members in the Southern, Northern or Mountain Colorado service areas may also get a flu shot at an affiliate provider or a community retailer. Applicable copayment/coinsurance may apply. Members should keep their receipt, download a medical claim form from kp.org, and send it in with the flu shot receipt to the address on the claim form. Members can call Member Services to have a claim form mailed to them.
Additional Flu Season Resources
Common Locations for Flu Shots
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources on 2021-22 Flu Season and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Anthem, along with other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, recently agreed to settle multi-district antitrust litigation brought by subscribers. The Court issued preliminary approval of the settlement in November 2020, and the Plaintiffs have now begun notifying potential class members. If you receive a notification and have any questions, contact:
The CDC recommends that you and your family members get a flu vaccine in September or October. Because it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide protection, it is recommended that you and your family members to get vaccinated before the flu begins spreading in your community.
This year, flu shots are highly recommended as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change and evolve on a global scale. Both flu and COVID-19 are serious respiratory illnesses. Because some symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.
Getting the flu vaccine later in the season is still beneficial – assuming flu viruses are prevalent – and can protect you and your family members from serious flu illness and flu-related complications.
The number of immunizations created each season are limited and it is expected flu shots will be in high demand as long as the COVID-19 pandemic remains an active threat.
Previous flu seasons may have had less emphasis on the advantages of making an appointment to receive your flu shot. “Walk-ins welcome!” has long been a popular approach to checking your flu shot immunization off the to-do list. Employees and their families are encouraged to make an immunization appointment early in the season, before demand really starts to increase. Appointments save the time and inconvenience of waiting out long lines for walk-in immunizations, in addition to increased sanitization between patients waiting for their flu shots.
Check with your doctor directly regarding their specific flu shot administration process to determine details including flu shot availability, appointment requirements and applicable co-payment/co-insurance costs. Some doctors’ offices may offer a tiered approach to flu shot administration that could entail scheduled appointments, drive-up immunizations, or walk-in flu shots. Your doctor can help determine the best approach for you and your family.
If your doctor is unable to provide you with a flu shot, many other locations will continue to offer flu shot immunizations this season, including pharmacy clinics such as participating CVS and Walgreens locations, and participating Walmart, King Soopers and Safeway pharmacies. Flu shot availability and administration may vary by location, so it is best to call ahead with any questions.
For CU Health Plan – Exclusive members, UCHealth primary care clinics will begin to offer patients and Exclusive plan members the flu shot beginning in mid-September. There is no extra cost when an Exclusive plan member receives a flu shot during an office visit. If a member would like to receive their flu shot from a UCHealth clinic without an office appointment, there will be a designated nurse in each clinic to administer the shot. There is no extra cost when a member receives a flu shot from this designated nurse.
Check out the following information about CU Anschutz’s on-campus flu shot clinics as well as these additional resources, which vary by CU Health Plan, and give yourself a shot at good health!
CU Anschutz On-Campus Flu Shot Clinics
Get your annual flu vaccination through the CU Anschutz Campus Health Center starting Sept. 14. Students, faculty and staff can call 303-724-6242 to make an appointment. Drive up or walk up to the tent located in the Monte Vista parking lot south of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center at your scheduled time. Please do not arrive early or late to your appointment time. Do not enter the Wellness Center building. Appointments are offered most Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 14 – Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Flu Shot Resources for CU Employees by CU Health Plan
Exclusive, Extended, High Deductible and Medicare
The flu shot is covered under Anthem plan members’ preventive care benefits at 100% when you go to a health professional in your plan. Contact your primary care doctor to get information about receiving your flu shot. Members can also get a flu shot at urgent care facilities, retail health clinics, many pharmacies or walk-in doctors’ offices in their plan.
Call the number on your Anthem member ID card or visit anthem.com to find a health professional in your plan near you. Members may also visit timewellspent.anthem.com/employee-education/cold-flu for more information on flu shot season.
For additional questions, call the Anthem Dedicated Customer Service team at 1-800-735-6072.
CVS
CVS Caremark administers the pharmacy benefits of Anthem CU Health Plans. There will be no cost to members who receive their flu shot at any network pharmacy. Find network pharmacy locations at Caremark.com. Visit CVS.com/immunizations/flu for more information.
Questions? Contact CVS Caremark’s dedicated CU Health Plan Customer Care team at 1-888-964-0121, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Kaiser
CU Health Plan – Kaiser members will receive either an email, direct mail, and/or text message about flu shots in August and September. Members may visit kp.org/flu or call the flu hotline at any time for a listing of all medical offices offering flu shots and get the most up-to-date information on flu vaccine supply.
Members can call the 24/7 Flu Hotline anytime, day or night:
Kaiser is offering a phased approach to flu shot immunizations for the 2020-21 flu season.
Beginning Dec. 1, members will need to make an appointment to get a flu shot at a KPCO medical office.
Members in the Southern, Northern or Mountain Colorado service areas may also get a flu shot at an affiliate provider or a community retailer. Applicable copayment/coinsurance may apply. Members should keep their receipt, download a medical claim form from kp.org, and send it in with the flu shot receipt to the address on the claim form. Members can call Member Services to have a claim form mailed to them.
As dedicated advocates of CU and CU Med employees’ health and wellness, the CU Health Plan, plan providers and wellness program vendors are available to virtually present to CU and CU Med teams to further discuss health and wellness benefits available to eligible employees.
CU Health Plan providers like Anthem, Kaiser, CVS Caremark, and Delta Dental of Colorado, and the CU Health Plan’s corresponding teams representing each wellness program vendor – these are the advocates who make up the wellness team dedicated to helping you improve your whole-health.
The CU Health Plan will work diligently with wellness program representatives and plan providers to craft a presentation unique to the health and wellness topics of interest to you and your colleagues. View a full list of wellness programs and program eligibility details at BeColorado.org.
Having a better understanding of the CU Health Plan’s health and wellness benefits positions you to utilize whole-health resources that can help to strengthen your physical and mental health as we navigate the new (ab)normal. If you or any other team members are interested in a presentation from the CU Health Plan, wellness program representatives or medical plan providers, please don’t hesitate to contact Info@BeColorado.org for more information.
Please see below for details provided to the CU Health Plan team regarding Kaiser’s phased approach to re-opening some of their medical offices.
Additional reading:
As Kaiser Permanente continues response to COVID-19, our highest priority remains the safety of our members, our staff, and the communities we serve. While the state of Colorado transitions to a “Safer at Home” model, Kaiser Permanente is initiating a phased approach to reopening some of our medical offices. This approach will provide additional locations for members to be seen in-person for primary and specialty care needs that can’t be met virtually.
Virtual First Puts Safety First
While we know that all care cannot be managed through a virtual visit, we encourage members to utilize our many virtual care options, when appropriate, prior to scheduling an in-person appointment.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Kaiser Permanente has been a leader in the state in offering robust virtual services to provide members with the care they need, while helping ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and physicians. As we begin increasing in-person access, we want members to take a “Virtual First” approach to accessing care.
If In-Person Care is Required
When a member arrives at a medical office, they will be greeted by a Kaiser Permanente team member for check-in. At that time, they will be given a mask if they do not already have one. We are requiring all patients, visitors, staff, and physicians to wear a mask while in the medical office.
As was always a part of our practice, each exam room and its equipment are thoroughly cleaned in between each patient visit. Given the emphasis on physical distancing, seating has been modified in waiting areas and six-foot floor markers have been established in the pharmacy lines.
What Your Employees Should Know
Virtual First is an important part of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the health and safety of our communities during these challenging times. It is still important for us to observe strong preventive measures, like physical distancing, to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus.
Kaiser’s operations will continue to evolve as the safety of our members and staff allow, and the CU Health Plan team will continue to receive updates on the latest developments.
In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to support your team in caring for their mental health. That’s why Kaiser is providing our members with access to Calm, a highly rated powerful meditation and sleep app, at no cost.
Calm helps your employees build resilience and mental fitness through better sleep, mindfulness, and meditations. Features include:
Help your employees ease into a mindfulness practice, drift off to sleep, or lower stress with help from Calm. Members can register for Calm and other Self Care resources by visiting www.kp.org/selfcareapps. Members will be made aware of Calm directly in the next few weeks through a combination of direct mail, email, text messaging and IVR (interactive voice response) messaging. Below are three flyers you can share with your Kaiser Permanente members to help them get started with Calm and MyStrength.
For more information, please contact Info@BeColorado.org.
Published 04/23/2020 in CU Connections
By Erika Durbin
For many, health care benefits may seldom come to mind until they are in demand: an illness you can’t shake, family planning or your child’s broken arm.
This is not the case for CU Health Plan Chief Administrator Tony DeCrosta, who joined CU to manage the University of Colorado Health and Welfare Trust in 2014. The trust exists to moderate health care costs for university employees and their families, without reduction of valuable benefits. The CU Health Plan is composed of DeCrosta and his team of CU staff who manage the Trust.
To continue reading this article about CU Health Plan Chief Plan Administrator, Tony DeCrosta, access this article in its entirety on CU Connections or view it here.
Ovia, CU Health Plan’s family planning, pregnancy and women’s health wellness program, has responded to COVID-19 with a first wave of additional support resources available to Ovia members. These resources include:
In addition to those resources, Ovia launched a COVID-19 support center, where members can find the latest information on the virus, get answers to their most pressing questions, and use an interactive symptom tool to monitor their health and assess their symptoms. Based on the results from that tool, Ovia Health provides each member with curated resources and guidance. Ovia plans to continue adding to these resources in the coming days and weeks.
You can find more information and visualizations of the COVID-19 support center and the rest of Ovia’s related releases in the PDF below.
Please reach out the CU Health Plan team at Info@BeColorado.org for more information.
Effective March 24, ASI is taking the precautionary measure of allowing incoming mail to remain untouched and unopen for three (3) days to ensure the safety of ASI employees opening the mail.
ASIFlex highly encourages participants to file claims electronically as this will result in quicker reimbursement to CU employees and safer processing for ASI employees. Participants can file claims via the free mobile app, online by signing into their account, or by fax at 877-879-9038. ASI asks participants to consider signing up for direct deposit and electronic communications via email or text as this will also reduce paper usage and wait times. Participants can do this online once they sign into their account.
ASICOBRA is encouraging participants to register online to make elections and enter payment information. COBRA beneficiaries can make one-time payments (with a convenience fee) or set up recurring payments with no additional fees.
ASI is posting these notices in various places on the website and within online account detail for those that have access. ASI encourages employees to set up an online account or to access the mobile app to avoid delays in claims processing. Fax submissions are also acceptable as those come through as images to be stored electronically on the account(s). Direct deposit would also be beneficial to persons filing claims at this time so they can avoid visiting a bank to cash checks.
ASI remains committed to providing uninterrupted service for all of our clients. Please check www.asiflex.com for updated information during this time.
March 12, 2020
(Updated March 23, 2020)
Anthem, Kaiser and UCHealth offer affordable, convenient telehealth options for eligible CU Health Plan members
When doctors’ offices are fully booked or your health is in debilitating condition, telehealth may prove an effective alternative to receiving in-person services from your healthcare provider. If you receive health benefits under a CU Health Plan, you may already have telehealth options available for times when commuting to an in-person visit is not a feasible option. If your issue is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room; do not seek telehealth services.
Telehealth for Anthem CU Health Plan Members
If you are a member covered under an Anthem CU Health Plan, you may utilize LiveHealth Online, Anthem’s telehealth provider. LiveHealth Online is a safe and effective way for members to see a doctor to receive medical, psychological, psychiatric and allergy-related health guidance from their homes via smart phone, tablet or computer-enabled web cam. LiveHealth Online is offered as a health plan benefit to many individual, employer-sponsored and Medicaid and Medicare members. It is also available as a cost-effective option to all consumers.
LiveHealth Online encourages people to consider telehealth for many conditions, including:
MEDICAL
PSYCHOLOGICAL
PSYCHIATRIC
ALLERGY
LiveHealth Online’s medical, psychological, psychiatric and allergy services are provided by licensed providers trained to facilitate visits online for non-life-threatening concerns. It is free to sign up for LiveHealth Online and there are no monthly fees. Patients of all ages and in all 50 states can often get the same quality care similar to the cost of an in-person visit. Telehealth offers extended availability for day, night and weekend visits to fit your schedule.
For more info, visit Anthem for CU Health Plan, LiveHealthOnline.com or call LiveHealth at 1-888-548-3432 for 24/7 support.
UCHealth Telehealth Resources
UCHealth Virtual Urgent Care is another telehealth alternative available to eligible CU Health Plan members. With UCHealth Virtual Urgent Care, you’ll be seen and treated by a UCHealth provider – without the commute to a UCHealth facility. To utilize UCHealth virtual visits, members will need a smartphone or a computer or tablet with a working webcam, speakers and microphone. For the best experience, download Virtual Urgent Care through the UCHealth app.
When to use UCHealth Virtual Urgent Care:
When not to use UCHealth Virtual Urgent Care:
After you fill out the request for a Virtual Urgent Care visit, the UCHealth virtual team will review your medical questionnaire and history to determine if Virtual Urgent Care is right for you. If not, they will recommend another option for care.
For more info, see UCHealth.org/services/virtual-visit/.
Telehealth for Kaiser Permanente CU Health Plan Members
Save a trip to your doctor’s office and schedule a virtual appointment instead. CU Health Plan members covered under a Kaiser Permanente plan can access telehealth services via phone, email, chat and video without an in-person visit.
For more info, see My.KP.org/UniversityOfColorado or KP.org/GetCare. Members may also call 303-338-4545 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed care provider or to schedule a telephone or video appointment. Additionally, members can chat with a doctor on KP.org or on the KP mobile app.
You don’t live life in one place, and it is important to have healthcare coverage that goes wherever you do. The CU Health Plan team works diligently with plan carriers to coordinate telehealth options that reduce barriers to care and increase access to care for members in need anytime, anywhere. Questions for the CU Health Plan? Contact us at Info@BeColorado.org.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
March 5, 2020
The University of Colorado and CU Health Plan remain abreast of developments regarding the coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19.
Below are some communications about the illness, provided by Kaiser Permanente and Anthem.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Questions? Please contact Info@BeColorado.org for more information.
You can get a free flu shot, with your CU Health Plan insurance ID card, right on your campus! Primary Plan members and their spouses are welcome to join one of the many free flu shot clinics happening this fall.
If you aren’t a CU Health Plan member, you can still receive a shot for just $26 and we will accept select insurance providers.
Here are the need-to-know details for this season’s flu shot clinics:
Click here for the schedule and more information.
You can be better than before with biometric screenings. CU Health Plan members are eligible to receive a free biometric screening during Friday, Feb. 15 through April 17.
A biometric screening offers insight into your overall health by measuring your body composition and lipid and glucose levels. This information can help you understand your risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Knowing where you stand can help you avoid health hazards. If you’re already living with a chronic illness, you’ll have a better picture of how you’re managing the disease and what you can improve.
You’ll get the most out of biometric screenings if you participate each year. Creating a year-to-year record helps you keep track of changes in your health, which could indicate that you need to make improvements. If you’re on an Anthem plan and have a MyHealthConnection account, you’ll have easy access to your results.
Here’s what you need to know for testing day:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will mail new health plan ID cards to CU Health Plan members the week of Jan. 21. If you are a CU Health Plan member using a plan administered by Anthem–Exclusive, Exclusive2, Extended, High Deductible/HSA Compatible or Medicare—please begin using the new card as soon as you receive it.
You can receive your new card faster by downloading the Anthem Anywhere app. The app allows you to access your ID card at any time and if the card is ever updated in the future, you will have immediate access to the latest edition of your card. You’ll also be able to find a doctor, access your Anthem health records, manage your prescription benefits and estimate healthcare costs all within the app.
Whether you prefer the old-fashioned plastic card or the digital version, the new card you receive will have the following updates:
The new ID cards will not affect prescription benefits. Anthem is issuing new cards because they recently changed the way they process prescription drug claims. Their new process should amount to better customer service for members and pharmacists. If you do not receive your card, contact the HR department.
There you are, sitting at your desk, up to your neck in last-minute TPS report requests, and famished. Your pantry was slim on groceries so takeout is the ticket today. Stepping out for something quick and healthy makes the most sense. Certainly. Then again, the office is full of free candy, cakes and pastries, and you could use extra time to tackle those extra tasks. A little something sweet does sound better than spinach. Maybe a fast snack and getting back to work makes more sense….
It’s hard to say for certain but this scenario is likely something we’ve all dealt with, especially around the holidays. This time of year can be so magical, but so stressful, and time can become a scarce commodity.
If you’re looking for guidance on healthy habits to help you through the holidays and beyond, Omada® might be the solution. And for the first time this year, it’s also available to people who have type 2 diabetes and are not currently taking insulin.
If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or heart disease—or if you have type 2 diabetes—and you’re a CU Health Plan member, the Omada program is available to you at no cost. The program provides tools, resources and smart technology at no out-of-pocket cost, including:
Make this holiday season a little easier by visiting the Omada page and signing up today.
If you don’t believe it, you can’t achieve it. Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. What you think, you become. These and countless other clichés are allusions to the power of the mind.
The sayings may be commonplace but the mind is indeed a powerful thing and when it comes to losing weight, it can be your best ally or worst enemy. Our new weight-loss program, Naturally Slim, is based on that notion.
If you’re looking for a new approach to weight loss, join the very first class starting Nov. 12. Sign-up during the registration window from Oct. 15 through Oct. 28. Classes will be offered each quarter therafter.
So how does it work exactly? Naturally Slim is a digital weight-loss program that helps you lose weight by changing how you eat instead of what you eat. It’s not a fad diet. You don’t have to sacrifice your favorite foods. Instead, you’ll learn to revamp your relationship with food.
Thoughts lead to actions and sometimes those actions aren’t helpful. When it comes to losing weight, the right thinking can have a positive impact on your success. Naturally Slim is inspired by behaviorism psychology so it’s designed to help you replace harmful habits with helpful habits.
Naturally Slim is free for CU Health Plan members. It’s a ten-week, online course that’s supplemented with support from a community of peers, access to professional counselors and ongoing education for the year following the course.
Get involved with Naturally Slim and change your mind to change your weight.
The least wonderful time of year is here – flu season. Okay, okay, there’s a lot to love about the fall and we can all delight in seeing the turning leaves but to truly enjoy the view you’ll want to avoid the flu. Each year, between 5-20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu virus.
Give yourself a shot at good health this flu season by attending one of the flu shot clinics happening throughout the month of October.
Flu shots are free for primary members of a CU Health Plan and their spouses. Non-CU Health Plan members pay just $26 for a shot and some insurances will be accepted (see the list of accepted insurance providers). If you carry health insurance but it’s not accepted at our clinics, you may be able receive a free shot at your doctor’s office.
Here are the need-to-know details for this season’s flu shot clinics:
If you’re a CU Health Plan member and you can’t make it to one of the clinics, don’t worry, you’re eligible for a free shot through your primary care provider. Visit the Plans page to find a provider.
In response to a glaring deficit in mental health services in the state of Colorado, the university is offering all employees a new option for quick access to care – The Real Help Hotline at (833) 533-CHAT (2428).
Life is full of stressful events. Pivotal moments like buying a home, having a child or going through a divorce are obvious sources of stress. But day-to-day obligations as seemingly simple as paying the bills can become overwhelming too. Beyond the typical struggles we all face, depression, anxiety, addiction and other, more serious, health problems are prevalent in modern society.
These are all matters of mental wellness.
While we know these issues exist, support and treatment is still hard to find. According to The Denver Post, “The wait to see a psychiatrist in this city [Denver] is about five months long. Colorado has only 15 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, compared with 92 primary-care physicians.”
This deficit led Governor Hickenlooper to take action in 2014 when he launched Colorado’s first statewide mental health crisis line.
While public officials and hospital systems continue to search for solutions, we believe it’s important to implement a plan of our own so that support is immediately available to all faculty and staff. That’s why the CU Health Plan recently launched the Real Help Hotline.
The Real Help Hot Line makes it easy to access professional counselors who can provide immediate crisis counseling or offer assistance finding local resources to anyone facing a problem they can’t seem to solve. The service is free and confidential, available 24 hours a day and open to all employees at organizations that offer CU Health Plans (non-CU Health Plan members included).
The number to call is (833) 533-CHAT (2428).
You may have heard the saying, “food is medicine.” The sentiment has been around for a while but is gaining popularity as the public becomes more conscious about eating habits and medical institutions emphasize food as a formal part of treatment.
The idea is that by eating healthily, we can avoid chronic illnesses and other health issues while enhancing our overall wellness and satisfaction with life.
Considering how much time and money it takes to combat illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, eating healthily seems like a wise alternative. When you realize the other positive impacts of a healthy diet – like increased energy, a better immune system and sharper focus, to name a few – the argument for a cleaner diet seems hard to fight.
There are many reasons to eat healthily yet many people struggle to do so. Why is that? For some people it’s an issue of time. Often it’s a lack of culinary capability. Maybe it’s both.
The CU Health Plan recently introduced a new wellness program that addresses both of those issues – it’s an app called Zipongo. “We wanted to make sure members have a fun, easy way to answer the age old question ‘what’s for dinner tonight?’ and we wanted to make sure the answer is always something healthy,” said CU Health Plan Wellness Coordinator Mallory Bergen.
That idea is the heart of the program, and the service goes even further. Zipongo empowers people to make better decisions about what to eat – at home, at work and on the go – by providing options like meal planning tools, a robust recipe library, instant grocery ordering, healthy meal delivery and advice on healthy menu items at restaurants.
The program is free to primary members of a CU Health Plan and up to four of their household members. Members can sign up for Zipongo at cu.zipongo.com.
“Our hope is that people gain the skills and information they need to make great food choices throughout the day, no matter where they are,” said Bergen.
CU Health Plan Members and their family members turned out for Home Run For Health 2015 at Coors Field.
Check out our CU Health Plan Diabetes Prevention program video 1!
CU Health Plan members from the University of Colorado, UCHealth and CU Medicine came together for the second annual Feel The Heat, Move Your Feet 5K on Aug. 5. The event is one of the many ways the CU Health Plan helps its members find the inspiration, information and support they need to achieve their best selves. Runners and walkers of all ages took steps (literally) toward their health and wellness goals – and had some fun along the way!
Top podium accolades went to Ben Hall and Allison Toppen, who both claimed first place in their divisions and took home $200 gift certificates to Runner’s Roost.
Check out the video coverage on our YouTube channel and visit our Facebook page to see the photo library. If you didn’t make it this year, you can get in on the action next summer! Until then, stop by the CU Health Plan website to learn about all of our wellness programs.
Dallis Howard-Crow knows that healthcare isn’t exactly an industry with easy nine-to-fives. “Our organization is taking care of patients and families; that can make for stressful and sometimes physically demanding jobs,” she said of the essential work taking place at UCHealth.
Last week, she kicked off the 2017 biometric screening events, offered through the CU Health Plan, by joining her human resources teammates and other colleagues in getting bloodwork tests and body composition measurements. The screening window will be open until April 14, but she’ll get her results within days by using My Health Connection.
The results mean she can make a better plan for her own health, and she hopes the same for everyone else. “When people get the results back, they can take that information to their healthcare providers and make plans that are personalized for them. They can also view year-to-year results if they’ve had a screening before,” she said. Dallis explained that the comprehensive picture has really been helpful for her. Having all of the results in one place with her My Health Connection account makes it easier to track cholesterol and glucose levels to make sure she’s in the right zones, or making progress toward the goals she’s set.
That’s sort of what it’s all about – helping people meet personal health goals. “It’s about that focus on the individual. At UCHealth, we have about 17,500 employees, and that means we have 17,500 individuals with different jobs, health conditions and family situations; it’s exciting to offer this and help them get to that healthy state they want to be at,” she says, “It’s about the freedom to be you.”
By partnering with the CU Health Plan, UCHealth has been able to offer a host of wellness benefits to their employees that Dallis sees as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of all staff members so they can do great work and live lives fulfilled. “The healthier we can be – mind, body and spirit – the better care and service we can deliver to the people in our community.”
Change your health, Change your life: The Omada approach
A Q&A with inspired Omada user, Pam
More than 800 people have signed up for CU Health Plan – Prevent, powered by Omada, and many of them are finding that it’s created a dramatic impact on their lives. Pam is one of those people. She’s 42, lives in Denver and was able to meet her weight-loss goals after she joined. If you’re at risk for a chronic illness like type 2 diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, the program could help you save yourself from a lifetime of unnecessary medical issues.
We asked Pam about her experience with the program, and here’s what she said:
Imagine you’re talking to someone who is considering the Omada program but hasn’t quite been convinced. What would you say to them?
I knew I had to do something and this was just another option available. But once I got started with the Health Coach and my group, it just all came together. The lessons offered actually useful information in a non-demeaning way and focused on positive things to get us started and moving. And it worked! I had to put in the effort to get started and keep going the whole time, but the Omada program made the changes easier to get through with all their support and tools. The part I was the least sure about was the group interaction and it took me by surprise. Everyone participated and made it more interesting than just a class-type format.
What makes the Omada program different from other health programs?
I feel like Omada is really positive and realistic. They know some days will just not be that great for participants, but they encourage you to keep going and still make those small changes that add up over time. I never felt like I was “talked down to” or “looked down on” because of my weight struggles. It was totally supportive and encouraging, from my coach to the group members. And everyone made an effort to be real – talking about the good, the bad and the ugly!
Tell us about the moment you realized the Omada program was going to work for you.
It wasn’t one moment in particular, but I always had a positive feeling about the entire experience. The lessons were helpful, my coach was always encouraging, team members helped with good info, tips and just listening, plus I could see that there was real progress toward my weight goals when I put everything together.
What is Wellness?
Wellness can be defined as a state of being in good physical and mental health. It’s so much more complicated than that, as many different parts contribute to the whole. For example, being physically injured and unable to walk without crutches can put a strain on not only your physical health, but also your mental health. Check out the National Wellness Institute’s Six Dimensions of Wellness and learn more about what it means to your own definition of wellness.
Be Colorado – Achieve your Best Self
We offer a full spectrum of health and wellness programs that provide support and guidance to help you achieve your best self. Check out what we have to offer on our ever-evolving programs page.
Oral and Dental Wellness
Delta Dental has loads of free resources to help maintain and improve your oral health. Check it out at Delta’s website.
Wellness for your Mind
Have you heard of mindfulness meditation? Mindfulness can be described as an active state of paying attention to the present; sounds, feelings, thoughts, etc. Practicing mindfulness is said to reduce stress, sleep better and feel more in-control. Ever wanted to give it a try? Read this how-to guide and try it today.
Cook like a Pro
The University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center offers cooking classes FREE of charge all year long on select dates! If you’re looking to cut down on takeout but new to the kitchen, this is a great opportunity for you.
American Diabetes Association Updates Movement Recommendations
Move more often! The American Diabetes Association has updated their recommendation for physical activity for people living with Diabetes. Need some motivation? Be Colorado’s Move. program offers a nice treat for getting the move on! Learn more Move.
CU Health Plan – Prevent!
The CU Health Plan has expended their Diabetes Prevention program to include a new program that not only supports individuals who are at-risk for developing Diabetes, but also those who are at risk for developing any obesity-related chronic disease such as hypertension and heart disease. Omada is a digitally-based lifestyle improvement program open to all medical CU Health Plan members aged 18 and over.
Tips for Managing Diabetes
Thankfully Diabetes is a very manageable chronic disease. There are many things a person can do to successfully manage their condition. Take a look at Kaiser Permanente’s Diabetes healthy living tips and see things you can do to help manage Diabetes.
We Dare You
Take the #DiabetesDanceDare! Every 23 seconds an American is diagnosed with Diabetes. Help the American Diabetes Association spread awareness by picking your song, getting your groove on and sharing your video!
Nation-Wide Events
Check out the American Diabetes Association’s events list this month. Just enter in your state or zip and see what Diabetes Awareness events are happening near you!
Man or Machine?
Artificial pancreas?! Read through this article and a recent CU study that acted as major step in developing this incredible technology; technology that is far closer to being on the market than we may have imagined.
More Funding for Kids
A $1.2 million grant was awarded to the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Learn more about how this money will help kids get the earliest treatment interventions possible for type 1 diabetes.
Dense Breast Tissue – What does it mean?
If you’ve ever gotten a letter in the mail after a mammogram notifying you that you have dense breasts, you may want to consider some additional testing and information gathering. Visit http://www.areyoudense.org for more information on how having dense breast tissue can increase your risk for developing break cancer.
The Pink Life Saver Mobile Mammography
Scheduled for appearances all over the front range in October, the Pink Life Saver bus provides mobile mammograms. Check out the full schedule and make an appointment today – it could save your life!
Walk it Out!
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be held on Sunday, October 23rd in Fiddlers Green Circle in Greenwood Village. This walk helps to raise funds for breast cancer awareness research. Every little bit helps, and if you don’t wish to walk you can simply donate or volunteer at the event!
You Are Not Alone
Bright Pink’s Outreach Groups provide women who are at risk for ovarian or breast cancer connections with other women living the in the Denver area who are working through similar experiences.
Men Wear Pink, Too!
Although less common, breast cancer in men is still a real concern, with 2,600 new cases diagnosed this year. In this personal Fox News story, Anthony Merka and his family urge men to get checked, too.
It’s Not Just a Problem in America
September is Childhood Obesity Awareness month! In this article highlighting two Northern Ireland families’ fight against childhood obesity, learn about how some parents in the UK are tackling this tough issue; it’s not just in America, folks!
Taking Action!
Check out the Children Hospital’s Community Action Plan for 2016!
Where Should We Start?
Throughout the month Mass Appeal of Springfield, Massachusetts will focus on ways to overcome this national health concern. Starting with an interview with Dr. Chrystal Wittcopp of the Pediatric Weight Management Program at Baystate Health, learn how to get your kids learning healthy habits!
Diet Soda Allowed Back in Schools.
After a 7 year ban, the State Board of Education decided Wednesday to allow diet sodas back on the menu at schools.
There’s more than one app for that!
Want your techy kiddos to be more interested in proper nutrition? Check out some of these great app suggestions!
Why Some Parents Reject Vaccines
Listen in on this broadcast from Wisconsin Public Radio about the issue of vaccination. Jennifer Reich, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver discusses what motivates parents to vaccinate or not vaccinate.
Get the Picture: Childhood Immunizations
Are you a parent with questions about immunizing your kids? This video discusses some vaccination myths, tips and guidelines for vaccinating your kids.
Vaccines: A History
Did you know, in the year 2000 there were NO reports of Polio across the United States? Check this site out for a history of immunizations and why it is important to get them.
So, What are Vaccines?
Learn about what a vaccine is, types of vaccines and the diseases they prevent and vaccination schedules for kids and adults. You can even see images of some of the diseases that vaccines can prevent. Ick! But, interesting.
Need Help? Check Out This Tool Kit!
Download this free toolkit from National Public Health Information Coalition. This site covers pregnant women, babies and young children, school-age children, preteens and teens and adults, discussing the specific needs of these demographics.
Are Your Kid’s Vaccinations Updated?
Children are often required to have updated vaccinations before returning to school, and school and government officials are urging parents to get their kids (and themselves!) squared away before the school year begins.
Oral Health: A vital park of Good Health
Listen and learn about how poor oral health connected with your overall health – heart heath, recovery from surgery,diabetes, Alzheimer’s, pneumonia and more. Dr. Jared Fine and Dr. Ariane Terlet also delve into income disparities, how that affects access to dental healthcare and in turn the oral health trends of children. They wrap up theinterview with education for preventing disease early-on and a Q & A from callers.
See Your Dentist Twice a Year?
How often should you see your dentist? It depends on your teeth and your oral hygiene practices! Some claim that the twice yearly recommendation was based on radio commercials for Pepsodent toothpaste. While that guideline may work for some, others can see the dentist as often as 4 times per year or only 1 time per year, depending on habits and overall health. See this American Dental Association statement and talk with your dentist to find out what is best for you.
Ever Wondered If Tooth Whitening is Safe?
The American Dental Association has developed new dental standards for tooth whitening. Check out what University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s Dr. Clifton Carey has to say about these standards.
Improving Kid’s Health in a Fun Way
Meet the Sugar Troll, test your knowledge and find out what’s going on in your community with Delta Dental’s Cavities Get Around website for kid’s oral health.
Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes—where do you land?
Forms of bristle toothbrushes have been around for almost 1500 years, while the electric toothbrush has only been on the market for about 55 years. See what the experts have to say on the great toothbrush debate!
Interested in Saving Money?
Make sure to get your dental preventive visits and brush and floss regularly! Diagnostic and preventive services are free with CU Health Plan-Dental EPO and CU Health Plan-Dental PPO, subject to exclusions and limitations.
Feel The Heat & Move Your Feet 5k!
Working on your dental health? What about your heart health?After all, it’s all connected! Get ready to Feel The Heat & Move Your Feet this August! Hosted by the CU Health Plan and Be Colorado®, this 5k is free of charge to the primary members of a CU Health Plan and their families. To learn more and to register, click here!
Delta Dental of Colorado and University of Colorado Provide Student Veterans the Heroes Clinic
Delta Dental of Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine offer dental services free of cost to veteran students of the University, changing the lives of these deserving individuals.
As part of CU Health Plan’s (CUHP) ongoing Prevention Works! campaign, we’re highlighting June as national Men’s Health Month. The purpose of the observance is to heighten awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
Men’s Health Month gives healthcare providers, public policy makers, the media and other concerned individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
Anchored by a Congressional health education program, this observance is celebrated nationwide with screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education and outreach activities.
Okay, it’s not a big secret that men lean more towards silence when it comes to talking about their feelings. That’s why a Denver-based ad agency called Cactus, in conjunction with the Carson J Spencer Foundation and the Office of Suicide Prevention at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, created Man Therapy. Man Therapy is a tool that was designed with humor to help men talk about tough topics like suicide, depression and divorce. It could help out a fella close to you, plus it’s pretty funny, so check it out!
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study presented at the 2016 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium shows how differences in colorectal cancer between younger and older patients may be distinguished genetically – a finding that could pave the way for better treatments for younger patients.
Testicular cancer is not common overall, but it is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The good news is that it has one of the highest survival rates, if found early. That’s why, as this video highlights, medical experts say prevention and overall awareness is critically important.
In need of a little motivation to move more? A new study shows that, in addition to its other health benefits, exercise appears to substantially reduce the risk of developing 13 different varieties of cancer. That is far more than scientists previously thought. And did you know that when you make the decision to Move. more could get you $25 a month? Check out Be Colorado’s very own Move. program to learn more!
Testicular Cancer can arise at any age, but research suggests that young men between the ages of 15 and 35 are especially susceptible. As this data suggests, talking to your son may be difficult, but it’s a discussion that could save his life.
There has been significant research in recent decades showing that many chronic conditions – from heart disease to prostate cancer – may be linked to everyday environmental exposures. As this report conveys, many men may not realize though that they’re at a higher risk than women for certain conditions brought on by environmental exposures.
An investigation of men undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous prostate shows there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and aggressiveness of disease. Previous research has also found a link between low vitamin D levels and prostate cancer, based on blood samples taken prior to treatment. However, the new study monitored the blood levels of vitamin D within months before the tumor was identified as aggressive during prostate removal surgery. Low vitamin D may help explain disparities between ethnic groups with prostate cancer. For example, African Americans who are more likely to experience a more aggressive form of the disease.
Benjamin Franklin coined the famous phrase, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There’s no arena where his words ring true more than in the area of health. With that in mind, in December 2015 CU Health Plan (CUHP) launched its yearlong prevention awareness campaign for Plan members with the delivery of a colorful magnet mailed directly to the homes of Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan members; it includes helpful health information personalized by age and gender. The goal was for members to post the magnet on the refrigerator (or wherever else that’s handy) as a daily reminder that, well, prevention does work. Here’s a look at the magnets for men, broken up into various age groups.
National Men’s Health Month is about taking action to be healthy and safe and encouraging the men and boys in your life to make health a priority. Denver Broncos fans will get the chance to get fit and learn about making healthy choices with the help of the Broncos. They’ve partnered up with 24 Hour Fitness, Children’s Hospital Colorado and UCHealth to host the 2016 Stadium Challenge at Sports Authority Field on Saturday, June 11. The program is part of the football team’s health and wellness effort to educate and motivate all fans to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Men’s health awareness can mean many different things – raising awareness about making healthy lifestyle choices, making regular annual visits to the doctor, getting educated on chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, starting general health conversations with their male friends and much more. One way to show your support for National Men’s Health Month is to wear the color blue on Friday, June 17. “Wear Blue Day” aims to raise awareness about the importance of male health and to inspire men to live longer and healthier lives, all while giving women an opportunity to encourage them to do so.
Wear Blue Day is a part of the year-round Wear BLUE® awareness campaign created by Men’s Health Network to create an opportunity for private corporations, government agencies, sports teams and individuals to raise awareness – and money – for education about men’s need to seek regular checkups, or testicular cancer education, prostate cancer education, or other health issues. Whether it is your friend, brother, dad, boyfriend, spouse, or boss, you may show them you care about them and their health by getting a group together to wear blue!
The 2016 Denver Undy Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 25 at Denver’s City Park. The Undy Run is a 5K walk/run and 1 mile Kids Fun Run to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Participants are encouraged to draw attention to their bottoms—and colorectal cancer—by participating in their underwear. This is a family-friendly event and all participants will receive a commemorative pair of “Undy Ru” boxer shorts! The money raised will benefit the Colorado Colorectal Screening Program, providing colonoscopies to income-eligible uninsured Coloradoans.
Men share their experiences dealing with mental health challenges as a part of The Huffington Post’s “ShameOver” campaign.
Talking about mental health is the first step to eliminating the negative stereotype around it — but for men, this can be particularly challenging. This short documentary explores mental health challenges from a male perspective.
One in every four Colorado residents struggle daily with arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation Great West Region office in Denver. Estimates on the number of people affected nationwide are expected to continue to soar, reaching 78 million (26%) adults aged 18 years or older being doctor-diagnosed with arthritis by the year 2040.
As part of CU Health Plan and Be Colorado’s yearlong “Prevention Works!” educational campaign, this month we will commemorate National Arthritis Awareness Month. May is the perfect month to learn (or review) facts about this serious health epidemic because warm weather season is approaching – a great time to get out and walk, because walking is considered one of the best exercises to alleviate pain among sufferers. It’s also important to note that all CU Health Plan Members qualify for membership discounts at a variety of gyms and fitness centers along the Front Range. Many of the facilities on our list of options have pools and some even offer water exercises, which have been shown to be an effective for those with the condition.
Arthritis is an umbrella term encompassing more than 100 conditions affecting joints and connective tissue. As there are different types of arthritis, there is no uniform set of symptoms. In general, arthritis and other related conditions are characterized by:
Symptoms may develop gradually or can appear suddenly. Conditions are clinically diagnosed by assessing medical history, symptoms, radiographs and laboratory results.
This month the Arthritis Foundation is holding several walks nationwide this month, including here in Colorado, to increase knowledge of the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Walk is the signature event to build public awareness and raise funds to fight this condition that affects 52.5 million U.S. adults, more than 1 of 5, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention.
While there are a lot of misconceptions out there about arthritis, the facts are:
REFERENCE LINKS
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activity-overview.html
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/walk-with-ease/about.php
http://www.projectenhance.org/EnhanceFitness.aspx
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/interventions/physical-activity.html
http://www.walktocurearthritis.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1144991&lis=1&kntae1144991=1E5B2E3A8B074E7E840FCD39C7F0F671
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-basics
http://becolorado.org/programs/discounts-at-local-gym-fitness-centers#sthash.76fORLvD.dpuf
Sports or occupational based injuries to joints can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Jobs that have repetitive motions, for example repeated knee bending, place individuals at higher risk. Avoiding injuries to joints can reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
Protect Your Joints
Early diagnosis and professionally guided management is critical to maintaining a good quality of life, particularly for people with inflammatory arthritis. Essential disease modifying drugs are beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis conditions and are available only by prescription.
See Your Doctor
Research confirms that maintaining a healthy weight can limit disease progression and activity limitation. For every pound lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee. A modest weight loss (5% or 12 pounds for a 250 pound person) can help reduce pain and disability.
Watch Your Weight
Details of the types of physical activity that is appropriate for individuals living with arthritis can be found at: Physical Activity for Arthritis.
There are exercise programs, such as EnhanceFitness and Walk with Ease, that can help people with arthritis increase their physical activity safely and comfortably.
It is recommended that people with arthritis undertake 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 times a week, or a total of 150 minutes per week. The 30 minutes can be broken down into three ten-minute sessions throughout the day.
Research shows physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.
Be Active
The promising news is that taking just a few simple steps (literally and figuratively) may help keep pain away:
