FALL 2024 Kern Legacy Health Plans You’ve probably heard you should walk 10,000 steps a day. But no matter where you are right now, increasing your daily step total by any amount can boost your health and make you feel better. Walking is an easy way to get active. People of all ages and levels of fitness can do it. All you need are comfortable shoes. Easy ways to move more Getting in more steps is simpler than you may think. Try these strategies: ● Go outside. Walking in a tree-filled neighborhood or park can help you get fresh air and keep you mentally sharp. ● Be ready. If your everyday shoes aren’t great for walking, keep sneakers in your car. ● Enlist friends. Instead of meeting for a bite or a drink, meet for a walk instead. ● Try an activity monitor. A pedometer or a smartwatch can inspire you by telling you how many steps you’re currently getting and helping you set goals. ● Park farther from the store. You’ll have an easier time finding a spot, and you’ll get some extra steps. ● Don’t wait when you can walk. The time you spend waiting for things—like your kid’s piano lesson—is a great time to be moving. Why walking is good for you Increasing your daily steps can unlock a lot of great health benefits, including: ● Better heart health and reduced risk of heart disease. ● More stable blood sugar, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. ● Improved mental health and mood. ● Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. ● Stronger muscles and better balance. There is no health report card that measures the exact number of steps you take each day. Try reminding yourself that every extra step counts. Whenever you start a new fitness routine, talk to your health care provider, especially if you aren’t currently exercising. If walking isn’t right for you, they’ll help you figure out another way to get more active. Sources: American Council on Exercise; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; JAMA Network Join us for our Annual Health Fair. This is the perfect time to meet our Kern County Health Administrators and Health & Wellness Team. They will be available to answer any questions you have regarding your health plan benefits. Mark your calendars for the Retiree Health Fair on Thursday, Oct. 10, and the Active Health Fair on Friday, Oct. 11. Questions? Call Kern County Health & Wellness at 661-868-3182 or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. Take steps toward better health SAVE THE DATE
8 things to know about prostate cancer If you’re a man, you have a roughly 1-in-8 chance of getting a prostate cancer diagnosis in your lifetime. Though it’s a serious condition, the prostate cancer death rate is half of what it was 30 years ago, thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. Here are eight facts you should know about prostate cancer today. Symptoms It’s important to be aware of symptoms when it comes to cancer prevention. Here’s the rundown on the signs of prostate cancer. 1 Early-stage prostate cancer typically has no symptoms at all. (That’s why you need to get screened.) 2 Later-stage symptoms can include frequent, difficult or painful urination. You might also have erectile dysfunction or pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis and upper thighs. Screening Getting screened is essential to catching prostate cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Just keep in mind that screening tests aren’t perfect. False positives are common. If your test results are positive, stay calm and follow your provider’s advice about the next steps. 3 There are two types of screening tests: a digital rectal exam and a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. 4 If either of those tests show abnormalities, you may need more testing, such as a transrectal ultrasound or a biopsy. Types of prostate cancer If a biopsy shows that you have prostate cancer, the next step is staging. This tells you how aggressive the cancer is and if it’s spread. Here’s how it breaks down: 5 Stages I and II are early stages of prostate cancer. The cancer hasn’t spread beyond the prostate. 6 Stages III and IV indicate that the cancer is more advanced and has spread to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer treatment If you receive a diagnosis, know there are treatments available to help. Talk to your provider to choose a treatment plan that is right for you. 7 Sometimes the best treatment for prostate cancer is no treatment. This plan is called watchful waiting, and it means your provider will check the growth of cancer often. If there’s no growth, there’s no need for treatment. 8 When treatment is needed, it will often involve radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy to shrink the cancer. Your provider may also recommend surgery to remove your prostate. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute For a complete list of contracted urology providers, visit www.kerncountyhealth benefits.com or call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
Mammograms: Make time for the test In today’s busy world, it’s easy to put off screening tests, like mammograms. But if you’re a woman, it’s crucial to remember this: Breast cancer is typically easier to treat when found early. And while mammograms aren’t perfect, these x-rays still are the best tool we have for finding breast cancer in its beginning stages. They can detect breast tumors that are even too tiny to feel. Who should get a mammogram? The American Cancer Society recommends women at average risk for breast cancer be screened according to these guidelines: Women between ages 40 and 44 should have the choice to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can continue with yearly mammograms. Or they can choose to start having a mammogram every other year. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or be screened more often. Factors that are considered high risk include: ● Having a family history of breast cancer. ● Inheriting a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. ● Having had radiation therapy to the chest area between the ages of 10 and 30. ● Having breasts with a lot of dense tissue. You should also learn how your breasts normally look and feel. Breast self-exams are not a substitute for a mammogram. But they can alert you to any lumps or changes in your breasts. If you see or feel anything different or unusual, tell your primary care provider. Don’t delay Take the time right now to schedule your next mammogram. Having regular screenings is key to early detection, which helps save lives. Ask your doctor when and how often you should be screened. Additional sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention OCTOBER
Give your brain a boost with gratitude Some days, it’s really tough to stay positive. Between the news, problems at work, and day-to-day tensions with family and friends, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel stressed and overwhelmed. There’s a good reason our brains notice and remember the bad things that happen. It’s a survival skill. But negativity can build up and feed on itself, causing us unneeded stress and unhappiness. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to cultivate more positivity in your life. Retrain your brain Did you know that people who track what they are grateful for at least once a week are more upbeat and have fewer complaints than others? See for yourself! Here are a few easy gratitude habits that can help you be more positive and feel better about your life: Keep a gratitude journal. Writing down what you’re grateful for can make you feel happier, more connected to others and genuinely appreciative. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just jot down a few of the blessings—big or small—in your life today. Nothing coming to mind? You can also reflect on the events and people who’ve made a positive difference in your life in the past. Write a thank-you letter. This is such a gift to a person who really helped you—and to yourself. Write about what they did, how it affected you and what it still means to you. Reading it out loud to them can deliver an even more dramatic boost in happiness, research says. Share the good news. When something great happens in your life, don’t keep it to yourself. You’ll enjoy it even more when you tell other people. Bring it home. Over dinner, try asking, “What went well for you today?” Or start a new birthday tradition where everyone says something you appreciate and admire about the person who’s celebrating another year. Real change If you feel stuck in negative thought patterns, just remember: Your brain is able to change. And that’s something to be grateful for too. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; HelpGuide; Mental Health America Mind your emotional health You know that protecting your physical health is important. But how about your mental health? Isn’t that important too? Absolutely! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress and other challenges, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can start with your primary care provider, who can connect you to a mental health professional or counselor. Many people benefit from counseling. In the meantime, there are also steps you can take in your everyday life to manage stress and perhaps find a little more happiness. Here are some strategies to try: Get plenty of rest. Sufficient sleep may help relieve stress and lower your risk for anxiety and depression. Most adults need from seven to nine hours of nightly shut-eye. Lean into your social circle. Social connections can act as a buffer against stress and make life more enjoyable. If something’s bothering you, try talking with a trusted friend. You can also make social connections by joining a club or volunteering. Make time for what you love to do. That could be anything from listening to music to working at a hobby. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mental Health America WE ALL NEED HELP! For a list of your Plan’s behavioral health providers, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call your Employee Assistance Program. EAP counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long. All you have to do for help is call 844-416-6386 or visit anthemeap.com and enter “County of Kern” to log in.
● A uniquely designed, two-tiered benefit health plan. ● Extensive network of Kern County providers. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. ● A high-deductible health plan. ● Health savings account (HSA) for eligible members. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. ● Both in-network and out-of-network benefits. ● Nationwide coverage from the Anthem Network. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. ● A low deductible with 20% co-insurance. ● Nationwide coverage from the Anthem Network. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. 2025 Open Enrollment OCT. 7 THROUGH NOV. 8 The 2025 Open Enrollment for Kern County Health & Wellness is just around the corner. This is the only time of the year you can make changes to your benefits, without a permitting event, for the next calendar year, commencing Jan. 1, 2025. Do not make the mistake of letting Open Enrollment pass you by without making an informed assessment of your current needs. Assuming that you do not need to make changes to your benefits because your circumstances have not changed can be a very costly mistake. Take the time to assure yourself that you are where you need to be. Did my plan make changes? Review the benefits offered to you on your current plan. Did anything change? Are the rates different? Is there a better choice available to fit your needs? Without taking some time to review all the Kern Legacy Health Plans, you cannot be sure the plan you have is the right plan to best suit your needs. You may find that changing your current health plan will continue to provide you the benefits you require while possibly saving yourself hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year. What changes can I make? During Open Enrollment 2025, you can: ● Change your medical or dental plans. ● Enroll in benefits you are currently not enrolled in. ● Add or remove a dependent from coverage. ● Elect or change voluntary benefits. ● Decline health coverage (if you meet cancellation criteria). Other things to remember ● Is your life insurance beneficiary up-to-date? ● Have you had a change of address? Incorrect addresses can result in important County information being missed. ● Have you married or divorced? A former spouse or stepchildren are no longer eligible for health coverage as of the date your divorce was finalized.
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and members of KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3182. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans A life insurance policy with no beneficiary will likely end up in probate court to determine how your money is distributed. This can be a lengthy and costly process. To avoid probate court and make sure your money stays in your control, it is important that you designate a person, or persons, as the beneficiary to your life insurance policy. There are two types of beneficiaries. A primary beneficiary is the first person, or persons, to receive your life insurance benefit in the event of your death. A contingent beneficiary will receive your life insurance benefit if the primary beneficiary dies before you do. Although multiple beneficiaries can be listed as either primary or contingent, it is imperative that you list your desired allocation for each beneficiary. Regardless of how you allocate your money, the percentages must add up to 100%. For example, you can allocate 50% to your spouse, 25% to your daughter and 25% to your son. To update the beneficiary to your County-paid life insurance (Guardian) or your voluntary life insurance (Voya), visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. Click on “Active Employees,” then scroll down to “Forms,” followed by “General Forms.” For additional help, call Kern County Health & Wellness at 661-868-3182. What happens to life insurance without a beneficiary?
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