July 2022
It’s summertime! The kids are out from school, the days are long and warm, and it’s time to go to the beach or the park and get some sun! But not too much sun…
With a surface temperature of around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit – almost as hot as the ceramic plate you just threw in the microwave for a minute – the sun is a wonderful part of our daily lives. Sunlight feeds the plants, gives us vitamin D, can boost our serotonin, and even prolong our lives! But those warm, embracing rays don’t come without their dangers.
UV (Ultra Violet) radiation comes in three forms – UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC are shorter wavelengths that get completely absorbed by our ozone, while UVB and UVA are the ones that can penetrate through and reach our skin. Too many of these rays can damage our skin and potentially cause burns, premature aging, or cancer with prolonged exposure. Sunburns can be very harmful to your skin, not to mention uncomfortable and even painful afterward, so here are some tips for keeping safe in the summer sun:
- Try to limit your time out in the sun from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the time when the sun’s rays are typically the strongest.
- Wear clothing that covers more of your skin from the sun, e.g., pants, long-sleeves, hat.
- Your eyes are especially sensitive to the sun, so wear a hat or sunglasses when it’s bright out.
- Using broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher and apply as suggested on the bottle.
The sun’s rays do pose very real risks to the health of our skin, but there are many mental and physical benefits of having the warm embrace of the sun kissing our skin. It’s important to be cautious when going outside, but that doesn’t mean to refrain from going at all. Put on some sunscreen, a hat, and enjoy that picnic, hike, or day at the beach and enjoy the sunny summer while also being protected!
Sources:
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- Cool Cosmos (2021). How Hot is the Sun. Cal Tech. https://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/ask/7-How-hot-is-the-Sun-
- Peterson, Amberlee Lovell (2021). 7 Health Benefits of Sunlight. Select Health. https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/07/7-health-benefits-of-sunlight
- CDC (2021). UV Radiation. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/uv-radiation-safety/index.html
- USFDA (2021). Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses
Physical & Mental Health Resources
brought to you by Anthem and Stronger Together
Working with national organizations to create innovative resources that advance health equity and help people where they live, learn, work, and play. These resources are free and available to everyone.
SHARING COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE
(FREE WORKSHOP AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH & SPANISH)
This four-part workshop series comes with an easy-to-use leader guide and was created to help Latino communities come together to start a conversation about stress and how it affects our daily lives. It uses a holistic approach to emotional stability and builds on cultural strengths to balance key items – community, body, mind, and spirit.
Access workshop series here
This workshop program is supported by Elevance Health and Pfizer Inc. and was created by Venus Ginés, M.A. P/CHWI, President/Founder, Día de la Mujer Latina Inc.™
TAKING ACTION FOR OUR HEALTH (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
This interactive website helps Hispanics/Latinos better understand why they are at increased risk for heart disease, prediabetes, depression, and cancer, and how to protect their family’s health through preventive health screenings. It also provides information and resources to help get screened. Available in English and Spanish.
Access website and resources here
Developed by a collaboration of the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Elevance Health, Hispanic Federation, and Pfizer Inc.
Healthy Eating
Recipe of the Month
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 8 cups of ripe, cubed, seedless watermelon
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 2 ounces feta cheese crumbles
- ½ a lemon
- basil leaves
- Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Chop the watermelon into cubes. Slice the cucumbers (half-moon slices if using a larger cucumber). Chop the basil. Zest the lemon.
- Arrange the watermelon and cucumber on a platter. Sprinkle with feta crumbles, lemon zest, and sea salt. Taste and adjust flavors as desired (you may add black pepper or olive oil to your liking). Serve immediately.
- If making ahead, refrigerate the cubed watermelon separately (it releases a lot of water after cut). Then assemble the salad directly before serving.
Carrier News & Views
Resource Spotlights
Kaiser Benefit Spotlight
CALM
Full access free for Kaiser Members click here
How to restore your work-life balance
Choosing to prioritize rest in a world that celebrates busyness is not easy. It requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and healthy self-regard. We can all work better, be more productive, and have happier lives if we learn how to adopt a balanced mindset around work and rest.
Our work is an important part of our lives, and it’s often common to overexert ourselves when we have important deadlines to meet or personal financial goals on the horizon. Balancing work and rest in our lives can help us stay positive and get more done at work, which creates more space in our life for downtime, creative play, and improving our relationships.
Know that your health is our top priority and making time to recover from stress and make time for rest should be yours. In Calm, Kaiser members’ partner in mental well-being, find tools and lessons for restoring your work-life balance:
- Learn to slow down from Dr. Alex Pang in The Power of Rest masterclass, where he shares how you can avoid burnout and use rest to get more done by working less
- The next time you have a spare half hour to rest, use a guided Nap Meditation to relax your body, close your eyes for a few minutes, then get gently woken up by birdsong
- Having trouble finding breaks in your workday? Try a quick (11-minute) Back Care session with Calm Body to alleviate tension in your back and take a moment to breathe
Sun Safety
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to skin cancer and speed up aging. Below are a few tips from Kaiser on sun safety to help you and your families stay healthy.
Get sun smart
Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer — and it’s also to blame for up to 90% of the visible signs of aging.* But you don’t have to shun the sun completely. Just be smart about the time you spend outside on sunny days.
Block it out. Wear sunblock with SPF 30 or higher — every day, and on every body part that’s not covered by your clothes. And remember: If you can see light through the shirt you’re wearing, UV rays can get through, too.
Don’t let the forecast fool you
You don’t have to be at the beach to burn, and summer’s not the only time when sun safety matters. Sun damage adds up day after day — evenwhen it’s cloudy — so make sun protection part of your everyday routine.
Check your shadow
Not sure if it’s a good time to hang outside? Use the shadow rule. If your shadow is shorter than you are, it means the sun’s harmful rays are at their strongest — and it’s time to head for the shade.
Visit www.kp.org/sunscreen
*Skin Cancer Foundation
Anthem Benefit July Spotlights
Substance Abuse
Substance misuse among pre-teens and teens
It’s more than kids experimenting
Who misuses drugs, alcohol, or tobacco?
Any young person is vulnerable, especially through life changes into puberty and adulthood. The child with an issue could be the:
- Student athlete who is given an opioid for pain after a surgery and becomes addicted.
- Academic scholar who takes her friend’s ADHD medicine to boost her grades even more.
- Preteen who uses her mom’s prescriptions to ease the pressure of fitting in. She has a family history of dependence and doesn’t know it.
- Frustrated teen who parties with alcohol and pot to rebel against his overly protective parents.
- Middle schooler who huffs (sniffs) glue or paint as her YouTube or TikTok challenge.
- Insecure teen who starts vaping nicotine with an older teenage neighbor.
Why it happens
Young people of all ages use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for different reasons. It might be to:
- Fit in
- Feel good
- Cope
- Perform better
- Try something new
They can find themselves susceptible to addiction, based on a lot of things — many they can’t control:
- Family history of dependence
- Pain following surgery or injury
- Failing/poor academics
- Social difficulty
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
- Trauma, early life stress, or sexual/physical abuse
- Lack of supervision at home
What you can do
Be aware of substances you have at home.
Lock up alcohol, prescriptions, and other substances. Keep them out of sight. Educate yourself about what common household items kids use to get high. Watch for items that run out quickly, go missing, or end up in your trash.
Pay close attention to behavior changes.
If you notice significant changes like those listed below, share your concerns with family, friends, teachers, and your family doctor.
Talk with your whole family about the dangers of a substance use disorder.
Be truthful and open with kids and teens; keep talking about it. Brainstorm situations showing how to say no to peer pressure. Make them aware of reasons why they might be more vulnerable to substance use disorder or addiction, such as family history.
Be active in your kids’ lives. Set clear rules. Be a good role model.
Attend school events. Stay involved. Show you care, but let your loved ones know your limits are firm. What they see you do affects their decisions. Show them different ways to handle stress, express emotions, and have fun without alcohol.
Speak to your family doctor or other health professional right away if you’re concerned someone you know could be misusing substances.
For more information, visit www.startyourrecovery.org
What to look for
- Different behavior for no real reason — withdrawn, hostile, depressed, always tired
- Different set of friends
- Missing classes or declining grades
- No interest in school activities
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Escalating problems in relationships with friends and family
To find a treatment program, go to www.samhsa.gov
Additional information on Alcohol and Drug use
To learn more about what your health insurance carrier offers, create an account using the information below
ANTHEM MEMBERS
- Log on to www.anthem.com/ca
- Click Health & Wellness
KAISER MEMBERS
- Log on to www.kp.org
- Click Health & Wellness
Financial Wellbeing
Welcome to Principal, Covenant Care’s financial wellbeing and 401K partner
Free Webinar Series – Webinars are held the third Wednesday of every month.
Financial education in under 30 minutes
Your financial goals are unique and so is your path to get there. Our award-winning* webinar series is here to help along the way. In less than 30 minutes, you can learn more about a financial topic that matters to you. Register for an upcoming webinar or catch up on your time with a library of replays.
July Webinar
Investing beyond the basics
Amp up your investing knowledge by learning about more complex strategies, like understanding some of the behavioral science behind investing, why systematic investing may be helpful, and how to invest based on personal values. Join the July webinar to learn investing beyond the basics.
July 20th
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. PDT
Cost: Free
Language: English
Webinar ID: 9b68a83b280f
Dial-in Info:
Dial-in Number: +1 (312) 248-9348
Dial-in ID: 139765
Dial-in Passcode: 7863
Looking for a replay?
Couldn’t make the live event or want to watch the webinar again? View available topics for replay.
Join live and chat with Principal representatives to get answers to your specific questions.
The subject matter in this communication is educational only and provided with the understanding that Principal® is not rendering legal, accounting, investment advice or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, investment or accounting obligations and requirements. Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Co. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., 800.547.7754, member SIPC and/or independent broker-dealers. Principal Life, Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. and Principal Securities are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
© 2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc.
Quick Links
All Employees
- Calm Meditation App
Free section for all, to access, click here - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- from UNUM & Health Advocate. We are here for you 24/7 – 1-800-854-1446; www.unum.com/lifebalance – The EAP can help provide COVID-19 support, grief counseling, stress/anxiety relief, and more, and is available to all employees
- Medical Bill Saver Advantage via your EAP – 1-800-854-1446; www.unum.com/lifebalance and is available to all employees
- For the latest on COVID 19– CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
- Financial Education Webinars from your 401K provider. View what’s coming up or watch a replay anytime at Principal.com LearnNowOnDemand
Kaiser Members
- Kp.org is a valuable resource for information and member communications, as well as a link to any telehealth services. If you have already done so, please register on kp.org. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/register
- Calm Meditation App
Full access free for Kaiser Members click here - MyStrength
Free to Kaiser Permanente members
to help support their emotional well-being.
Members can simply go to kp.org/selfcareapps and click ‘Get Started’ to register and use myStrength on their desktop, tablet or smartphone. - Class Pass – Learn More
- For COVID-19 Information and updates visit: CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19: Learn how to protect yourself and get care
- Kaiser Coronavirus Hotline (available 24/7) – (877) 813-7297. After speaking with a Kaiser Permanente representative, you will be directed to the appropriate care options.
- Kaiser Members- Getting Care: It’s important to contact KP before coming in. Members should call the Appointment and Advice Call Center if they are feeling sick. They will be guided through a specific screening protocol over the phone. Depending on the answers provided, the member will be directed to the most appropriate care, while protecting other members, patients and employees.
- Kaiser Virtual Care – Manage your care with kp.org
No matter what life throws your way, you can connect to care where and when you want it. E-visits, telephone, and video appointments are simple and secure ways to get care and save yourself an office visit. They even be tracked in your electronic health record. All you need is a computer, smartphone, or mobile device. Click here to get access to care. - Kaiser Members- access to E-visits- Log in at kp.org/appointments or go to Get Care on the KP mobile app
- Maternity Advice Line Phone Number – Southern California 1-888-KPONCALL (1-888-576-6225)
Anthem Members
- Member Login
- Anthem Coronavirus Information – www.anthem.com/ca/coronavirus
- Anthem Sydney Care mobile app. Download the Sydney Care mobile app from the App Store or Google Play click here to learn more
- Prevent Diabetes Virtual health coaching through Sydney Health – click here
- Anthem/Aunt Bertha social support services
Our partnership with Aunt Bertha provides you with a solution to help connect you and your family to social services in your communities if you need it. You can find services such as help with food, housing, job training, and transportation by visiting Aunt Bertha and entering your ZIP code. - Anthem Skill – Ask Alexa for your health plan info.
Get quick, hands-free help with the Anthem Skill. Whether you need a new ID card or get curious if you’re about to reach your deductible, just say the words, “Alexa, ask Anthem…” to get quick answers about your health plan. The Anthem Skill works through Alexa-ready devices, like an Amazon Echo or on your mobile device using the Amazon Alexa app.
Enable the Anthem Skill today!
Live your best life!
Karen Martin
Senior Director, Human Resources and Benefits
Covenant Care California, LLC