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Your PEBB Connection for March 2008
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Tips for a Healthy Brain
 
As we age, we need to think about keeping our brains in shape, too. Follow these tips to help keep your brain—and your body—vibrant and healthy throughout your life.
 
What to do:
 

Exercise your body regularly, and get involved in fun, physically active leisure pursuits.
 
Stay socially engaged with friends, family and your community.
 
Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids (see recipe below)
 
Keep your mind exercised! Engage in active learning and pursue new experiences.
 
 
Maintain a positive attitude and a sense of control over your life.
 
Take steps to manage stress at work and at home.
 
Mind your numbers:  lose extra pounds, lower high cholesterol, and keep your blood glucose and blood pressure under control.
 
Get adequate sleep.
 
Get medical attention for any potential health problems.

Recognize that occasional memory slips (like forgetting a name or where you put the keys) are entirely normal

.

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
What not to do:
 
Drink to excess, smoke, or use illicit drugs.
 
Ignore sudden changes in mental status.
 
Avoid going to the doctor if you notice changes in your physical or mental health.
 
Overlook the possibility of prescription drug interactions that can affect mental functioning.
 
Think you’re too old to take up something new!
 
Source: Staying Sharp (AARP and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives)
 
 


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Marinated Wild Oregon Salmon
 

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is said to be good for both body and brain. Try this recipe using wild Oregon salmon.
 
Ingredients
2 cups olive oil
¼ cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic
3 shallots
2 lemons (zest & juice)
2 tablespoons black pepper
¼ cup Italian parsley
 
 
 
Directions
Chop ingredients very fine. Marinate salmon (whole, steaks or filets) for one hour. Then cook the salmon any way you’d like. Planked, grilled or baked are all good options.
 
 
 
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Improved Autism Coverage
Beginning this year, medical plans in Oregon must cover speech, occupational and physical therapy to treat autism the same as any other medical condition. This removes previous age limits from PEBB medical plans. See the coverage description in your plan’s member handbook or evidence of coverage, available on the PEBB Web site.




 

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New for FSA Debit Card Owners

 
You can now use your healthcare flexible spending account debit card at hundreds of pharmacy outlets. Use the card to pay for prescription and over-the-counter drugs and other healthcare supplies.
 
Check out the list of outlets on the ASIFlex Web site, http://orpebb.asiflex.com. The site also explains how to use the card. Be sure to check out the advice on documenting purchases for tax reasons.
 
 
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Connect with your Board
 

 The Board now schedules time for public (member) comments during the noon-hour portion of monthly meetings. This is an opportunity for you to bring issues to the Board’s attention and to provide input on Board decisions. The Board meets on the third Tuesday of the month; check the meeting schedules and agendas here: http://oregon.gov/das/pebb/meetings.shtml. 
 
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Add Value to Your Benefits
The more you know about your benefits, the more you can use them to your benefit.
 
Review your healthcare plan at least once year. PEBB’s Web site posts your plans’ member handbook or evidence of coverage. Review the summary of benefits to know what’s covered and your portion of the cost. Go over the plan’s list of limitations and exclusions. Think about how they might apply to you.
 
Ask your doctor. For example, if your doctor prescribes a new drug, ask if it’s in your plan’s formulary – the list of preferred and generic drugs. If not, ask if a less-costly formulary drug would work as well in your case.

 
Ask your plan. If your provider recommends a test, screening or procedure, check to see if it’s covered in your plan. If you have any question about how it will be covered, call your plan’s customer service number and get a clear answer before going forward.
The more you know about local hospitals, the more you can choose quality care.
 
Find out how your hospital rates on quality.  The Leapfrog Group Web site shows where Oregon hospitals are on the way to reaching goals for safe, quality patient care. www.leapfroggroup.org.
 
 Check for cost. When it comes to quality, higher cost doesn’t always mean better care. Oregon’s Office of Health Policy and Research lists costs for common services at many hospitals in the state. www.oregon.gov/ohppr/rsch/comparehospitalcosts.shtml

  
 
 
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Note for TriCare Members

   
New federal regulations mean that PEBB members with TriCare coverage can no longer opt out of medical coverage. If you opted out of PEBB medical coverage for 2008 because you have TriCare coverage, please contact your payroll or benefits office to enroll in a PEBB medical plan.
 
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