September 2021
Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. By reading the warning signs, you can take the first steps toward preventing a loved one from killing themselves—and even begin to give them hope. Here’s an example of a suicidal situation to help you recognize the signs and symptoms:
Franklin, age 49, has been under intense stress over the past several months, resulting in an inability to concentrate and meet project deadlines. Last year, he and his wife separated, and Franklin was forced to move out of the home they shared. His work performance dropped, and he was passed over for a huge promotion he had been working tirelessly to earn. To make things worse, when the divorce was finalized, Franklin’s wife was awarded full custody of the children. Franklin confides in his brother that he feels hopeless, and that the world would be better without him in it. He has begun to give away significant items and has had his attorney draft a will. Franklin’s brother helped him find counseling from a licensed therapist and encouraged him to make a call to the suicide prevention line prior to making any major changes.
BRINGING HOPE
If you know someone struggling with thoughts of suicide—or have wrestled with suicidal thoughts yourself—you’re not alone. One person living in the U.S. commits suicide every 11.1 minutes, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the country. Contrary to what many may believe, suicide is preventable. You just need to read the signs, which can include the following:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Talking or feeling hopeless, depressed, trapped, in pain, or a burden on others
- Using alcohol or drugs more frequently
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing from others
- Experiencing mood swings
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Suicide is 100% preventable but requires assistance from the community, law makers, family and friends to advocate for life. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the national suicide prevention line at 1.800.273.8255 to be connected with a trained counselor immediately.
Check out these online resources and smartphone apps!
#NotOK https://www.notokapp.com/
It’s okay to be notOK. notOK App® is a free digital panic button to get you immediate support via text, phone call, or GPS location when you’re struggling to reach out. Meet Hannah and Charlie, the brother-sister team who created the NotOK App– click here to read about their story.
What is it?
We’re a pre-crisis tool. pre·cri·sis | \ ˌprē-ˈkrī-səs \ definition: of, relating to, or existing before a crisis. For those in need: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We firmly believe in Mental Health First Aid and suggest everyone take a class to better identify and assist when people are experiencing a mental health crisis. Check here for classes in your area.
Trusted contacts – “Trusted Contacts” are friends, family members, counselors, or anyone else the notOK™ user feels they can trust and count on. It is an honor and a huge responsibility. It’s the start of having those tough and uncomfortable conversations.
download for iOS download for android
#Please Stay https://pleasestay.us/
We Need You Here. We really do. In fact, we made all of this just for you. You’re that important. We hope you can feel our support.
“An anchor is something you can hold on to for another day or minute — it doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, it can be a smile from a stranger, steak tacos, rugby…” Anchors are everywhere, you just have to start looking ..
Take the #PleaseStayPledge today to pledge to find resources to support your wellness and search for the anchors. Even when it’s hard, you are worth it. Sign today at www.pleasestay.us You are worth the effort. You are worth taking the time to find the right routine for you, the resources that help you feel better, the anchors. Take the #PleaseStayPledge today: www.pleasestay.us Self-care is an essential act of kindness. Find evidence-based self-care tips, resources to support your mental wellness, and a few suggestions for anchors you can hold onto in your life through the #PleaseStayPledge: pleasestay.us . There are anchors you can hold onto all around you. You just have to search for them. Pledge to search for the anchors and find resources for support through the #PleaseStayPledge: pleasestay.us Self care isn’t a treat, but an everyday affirmation of kindness to yourself. Join the #PleaseStayPledge today to pledge to find resources to support your wellness and search for the anchors: pleasestay.us
For more resources, click https://bornthisway.foundation/resources-for-help/
Family Health
Free resources for parents
Mom Brain: How to Outwit the Emotions of Motherhood
Free virtual event brought to you by VIvvi . Join Clinical Psychologist and author of Mom Brain, Dr. Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco as she shares science-based strategies to help you understand and navigate “Mom Brain.”
View a recording of the virtual event here
Financial Wellbeing
Welcome to Principal, Covenant Care’s new financial wellbeing and 401K partner
Free Webinar Series – Webinars are held the third Wednesday of every month, 9 a.m. PST
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.
This month’s Webinar
Wednesday, August 15, 2021, 9:00 a.m. PST
About this Webinar
Do you have children who are planning on going to a university or trade school now or in the future? Or are you thinking of furthering your own education? Join us for the September webinar and learn five simple steps to help plan, save, and pay for higher education. We’ll cover scholarships, financial aid, 529 plans, student loans, and more. Set yourself up for success in the classroom and beyond.
Featured Presenters:
Kevin Hansen
Director, Advisor Consulting – Principal Global Investors
Kevin is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), responsible for developing and delivering educational content on a broad range of financial planning topics. He conducts seminars for investor groups and provides education to financial professionals throughout the United States. He serves as a subject matter expert on topics including Social Security, Medicare, education planning and 529s, and advanced tax and distribution concepts. Kevin has 32 years of experience in the financial services industry, joining Principal in 2004.
Kevin previously held positions with Wells Fargo Investments, Brenton Investments (an Iowa-based bank broker/dealer), and American Express Financial Advisors. He earned his B.B.A. in Finance from Iowa State University. He holds FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, 24, 53, 63, and 66 securities licenses. He has obtained the CFP® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designations from the College for Financial Planning.
Can’t make an upcoming webinar? View a replay anytime at Principal.com LearnNowOnDemand
Winner of the 2020 IMEA Star Awards, Participant Webinars, Experiential Education category, large asset level.
Topics and dates are subject to change.
Insurance products and plan administrative services are provided through Principal Life Insurance Company, a member of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
PT436A-09 | © 2020 Principal Financial Services, Inc. | 12/2020 | 1435367-122020
Healthy Eating
Low Sugar Simple Green Smoothie
This superpower simple green smoothie is ultra-nourishing and delicious. It’s a creamy, low sugar green smoothie that’s high in fiber and protein. And it’s great brain food and will help you feel full until your next meal. Blend one up while you’re up for a quick stretch break from your desk! Check out the video!
Prep Time 5 mins / Total Time 5 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk
- 1/4-1/2 cup ice cubes (optional)
- 1/2 frozen banana and/or stevia, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach or baby kale (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch sea salt
- Optional add-ins: spirulina, power greens or other “green” powder and/or collagen powder
Instructions
In a blender, combine the Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk, ice cubes (if using), banana and/or stevia, greens, nut butter, flax seeds, chia seeds and a pinch of sea salt. If using any add-ins, throw them in. Blend on high until the smoothie is very smooth: 30 seconds – 2 minutes, depending on your blender. Pour the smoothie into a glass. Enjoy it right away, or let it sit for up to 1 hour before drinking (the smoothie will thicken as it sits).
Source: https://fromscratchfast.com/low-sugar-simple-green-smoothie-recipe/
Carrier Spotlights – News & Views
For Kaiser Members
September Focus from Kaiser – Flu Prevention
2020–2021: A flu season like no other
Along with the flu, this fall and winter may bring a new wave of COVID-19 cases. While a flu vaccine won’t protect you and your workforce from COVID-19, it can reduce the risk of the flu and help conserve potentially scarce health care resources needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Research also shows it’s possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.1 And while COVID-19 has proven deadlier than the seasonal flu virus, the flu can be deadly, too. Over the past 3 flu seasons for which data is available, the flu was responsible for an estimated 44,495 deaths, on average, each season.2
During the 2018-2019 flu season, 35.5 million Americans got sick with the flu, 16.5 million Americans had to see a doctor for the flu, and 46 thousand children were hospitalized with the flu.
Benefits of getting the flu vaccine
By getting a flu vaccine, you’re helping to keep your co-workers, residents and patients healthy and your business strong. You’re also helping to reduce your health care costs. During the 2018–2019 flu season, flu vaccines helped:
- Prevent 4.4 million flu illnesses and 3,500 deaths
- Avoid 2.3 million medical visits and 58,000 hospitalizations
- Overall, the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor due to the flu by 40% to 60%.3
Flu shots also available at retail locations
Due to the pandemic, this year Kaiser Permanente is focused on new ways to deliver flu shots to our members safely and conveniently, including offering more outdoor and drive-thru vaccination clinics. Visit kp.org/flu for more information.
Is it the flu or COVID-19?
The coronavirus and the flu can cause similar symptoms. Before visiting a Kaiser Permanente facility for testing or in-person care, your employees should first schedule an e-visit, phone appointment, or video visit. Our clinicians can help determine if an in-person appointment or COVID-19 testing is needed.
Click her for a cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms checklists.
For Anthem Members
Flu Prevention- for tips, click on the links below-
Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, 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
- 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
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
- 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