IMPORTANT PROGRAM DEADLINES

HSA/HRA Deadline: NOV 18th Premium Incentive Deadline: DEC 31st

BREAKING NEWS:

See next page for details

June Newsletter

HealthQuest Point Change Information…… Page 2

Coaches Corner………………………………………. Page 3

Keeping a Level Head……………………………... Page 4

Health Quest Health Center News…………. Page 5

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)………. Page 7

June Calendar…………………………………………. Page 9

For account creation questions or needs, please call the 24/7 phone line at 1-888-275-1205, option 3 For HSA questions please email KDHE.benefits@ks.gov

HealthQuest Rewards: Easier to Earn Than Ever Before!

On Tuesday, June 16, the Health Care Commission (HCC) voted to reduce the number of

HealthQuest credits required for eligible members enrolled in the State Employee Health Plan to

receive the 2021 premium incentive discount. The credit requirement was reduced from 40 to 20,

and HSA/HRA Dollars awarded for each HealthQuest credit completed has been increased from

$10 to $20 per credit, up to the maximum of $500 per member. This change applies only to the

2020 plan year .

What actions do I need to take?

□ Make sure you have created a NEW HealthQuest account in 2020.

□ Check your current HQ credit balance by logging into the portal

and viewing the incentives summary located at the top right of your

main page.

□ If you have 20 credits or more, Congratulations! You have earned your 2021 premium discount!

What does this mean?

You now only need 20 credits to receive your 2021 premium discount of $480, and employees on Plans C, J, N and Q only need 25 credits to

receive $500 dollars in HealthQuest HSA reward dollars!

Helpful tips to ensure you earn your rewards!

□ Complete your Personal Health Assessment (10 credits)

□ Complete your 2020 HealthQuest overview and quiz (3 credits)

□ Complete 5 Learning modules for 1 credit each (5 credits)

□ Complete a Biometric Screening Service (up to 23 credits)

o Home Test Kit, Onsite Event, or Physician Form

□ Use your HealthQuest Portal to navigate many other options for

earning points, such as on-demand webinars, Health Coaching and

more.

JuneCoaches CornerStay informed and in control.

June is Men’s Health Month, a great time to

learn about two of men’s biggest health risks:

heart disease and prostate cancer.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is caused by Atherosclerosis, or

hardening of the arteries, and is the leading

cause of death among men, affecting 1 in 5

men on average under the age of 65.

• What steps can you take to protect yourself from heart disease?

• Check your cholesterol levels regularly

and keep them within a good range.

• Total cholesterol under 200• HDL (good cholesterol) above 40

• Exercise at least 30 minutes each day.

• Stop smoking.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is developed in the prostate

gland in the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer is typically a slow growing

cancer, but it is one of the leading causes of

cancer for men over the age of 50.

• What steps can you take to protect yourself from prostate cancer?

• Prostate cancer risk is dependent on

several factors including family history,

age, and ethnicity.

• Maintain a low-fat diet, and limit dairy.

• Regularly see your doctor for annual

checkups, and talk to them about

prostate cancer risk and family history.

Sources: MayoClinic.org, WebMD.com

Health Quick Tips

Exercise for 30 minutes a day to reduce your risk for heart disease and

cancers

Eat more fruits and vegetables to help lower

cholesterol and replace high-fat

foods

Maintain a healthy weight

to prevent prostate cancer

and protect your heart

Questions? Contact HealthQuest at 1.888.275.1205, option 3, or HealthQuest@Cerner.com.

Keeping a Level Head Stress can cause men to go into “fight or flight” mode, but it’s also important to stop and evaluate their stress as well. Keep stress in check by becoming mindful of how you respond to it and how you manage it.

Start building resiliency to stress by focusing on the following:

• Listen to your body, and recognize signs of stress.

• List all of your physical, behavioral, and mental responses.

• Reflect on whether the reason for stress is real or an irrational thought.

Next, plan ways to manage your stress when it strikes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Stay present in the moment. Breathe calmly and deeply while observing the little details around you to become fully focused on the present.

• Prepare yourself. Eating healthy, limiting alcohol, and having regular sleep and exercise can help reduce and manage stress.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find support by talking with friends and family or by scheduling time to speak with a medical professional.

Needing someone to talk to about stress? Schedule a free Health Coaching session on your HealthQuest Portal.

Source: MayoClinic.org, Healthline.com

Questions? Contact HealthQuest at 1.888.275.1205, option 3, or HealthQuest@Cerner.com.

my.marathon-health.commy.marathon-health.com

Depending on where you live, your employer and/or entire community may be in the early stages of reopening or easing COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, you may have concerns about reintegrating back into society in a way that makes you and those around you safe.

Here are some basic strategies you can follow to help protect all parties:

Likewise, with the weather getting nicer, people are eager to get outside too. Some activities that enable everyone to practice social distancing are:

• Kayaking/canoeing/paddle boarding

• Running/walking during less popular times of the day

• Hiking

• Biking

• Rollerblading

• Gardening

Return to Work and Play

HealthQuest Health CenterThe Sleep, Health, Weight Connectionby Wendy Petusevsky, registered dietitian

Did you know that, on average, 50 million of us do not get enough sleep? And with everything going on in the world lately, it would surprise no one if that number was currently much higher.

The average American gets just 6 ½ hours of sleep per night. Studies have shown that sleep keeps the waistline trim. When you are sleep deprived, you produce more ghrelin, a hormone that tells you to eat. Some studies have shown that we consume 400 more calories the day after a night of inadequate slumber.

Here are some nutrition tips for a good night of sleep:

• Avoid caffeine at night.• Avoid a large meal, spicy food, and alcohol if you

have heartburn at night.• Some foods may help you to sleep better: fish,

yogurt, whole grains, bananas, and chickpeas.

If you are tired from not getting enough sleep, you may decide to skip your workout! Diet and activity are very important parts of a healthy lifestyle. So remember that sleep is a critical part of your road to wellness.

my.marathon-health.commy.marathon-health.com

Health Center News

HealthQuest Health Center is providing some in-person appointments.

Please do not walk into your center to request an appointment. You must be screened telephonically (over the phone) before any in-person visits take place.

• A face mask covering your nose and mouth must be worn in the center at all times.

Virtual (video) and telephonic (telephone) visits also available.

HealthQuest Health Center901 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 785-783-40808am-5pm, Monday- Friday

At Marathon Health, we know that this time is challenging for many of us. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during times of uncertainty. We hope the tips below help you navigate some of the feelings created by this constantly-changing situation.

Stress Management Tips:

• Sleep – Stick to your bedtime routine.• Acts of kindness – Email someone you are grateful

for each day.• Connect with others – Reach out through calls,

texts, or set up virtual get-togethers. • Support – Reach out to counselors or virtual

support groups.• Breathe – Take three deep breaths in and out

when overwhelmed.• Do something you truly enjoy – Make sure to

practice proper social distancing when participating in your chosen activity!

Remember, don’t shy away from your emotions. It is important for you to understand what may be causing your stress so that you are better able to refocus your mind in the future. If you feel like you need help with your stress, call your center and speak to your Marathon Health provider. We’re here to help.

Looking to learn more about how to deal with stress? The Marathon eHealth Portal has programs and educational resources to help you and your family. Log on today at my.marathon-health.com.

Stress Can’t Stop Your Success

Copyright © 2020 ComPsych Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only.ComPsych complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Benefits of Family MealsBesides being a great way for family members to connect, eating meals together also helps teach children which foods are good for them and how much they should eat. Studies show that family meals have many other positive effects on children, including:

• Higher intake of essential nutrients

• Less snacking on unhealthy foods

• Positive effects on the learning processes, including increased focus, better school performance, improved language skills development and a higher level of vocabulary

• Reduced depression and anxiety

• More positive sense of self

• Better resistance to negative peer pressure

• Less likelihood of using alcohol or drugs

Family meals are a great time to provide excellent examples of values and manners to your children. It is as easy as displaying the manners yourself and sharing stories that demonstrate the values you place importance on.

For even more benefits, get your kids involved in shopping for and preparing family meals. Cooking builds self-esteem and teaches important skills, such as math, reading, science and fine motor abilities. In the kitchen, you can experience quality time together, create closer bonds and cherished memories—and improve the quality of your meals at the same time.

Here when you need us.Call: TTY: 800.697.0353Online: guidanceresources.comApp: GuidanceNowSM

Web ID:

Copyright © 2019 ComPsych Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only.ComPsych complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Here when you need us.Call: TTY: 800.697.0353Online: guidanceresources.comApp: GuidanceNowSM

Web ID:

Go Mobile! Access your GuidanceResources program anytime, anywhere!Our mobile version of GuidanceResources® Online, GuidanceNowSM, gives you fast, easy access to your Employee Assistance Program.

Check it out!Download the app• Search GuidanceResources (one word)

• Install GuidanceNow

• Tap Login and enter your username and password

2020

JuneSUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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7

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9

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30

Source: MayoClinic.org, WebMD.com

Wear a cloth face covering, and maintain a 6-foot distance from everyone when outside.

List how you’ve handled stress in the past to better prepare yourself for next time.

1

Make time for you. Reduce stress by doing at least one thing that you enjoy each day.

2 3 4 5

Father’s Day

Staying active for at least 30 minutes a day can help reduce stress and heart disease.

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6Start a low-fat diet by using leaner cuts of meat and reduced-fat dairy products.