VOL 3 | Issue 2 | March/aprIL 2012 in Charge · ginger to help ease nausea of all kinds—such as...

V O L 3 | I s s u e 2 | M a r c h / a p r I L 2 0 1 2

in ChargePower to live life to the fullest

Features

Fido Can Keep You fit

If you’re trying to increase your level of physical activity, getting a dog may help. According to a study of 6,000 people published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, dog owners are:

69% more likely to engage in leisure-time physical activity than people who don’t own dogs.

34% more likely to walk for 150 minutes or more a week than people without dogs.

2 the spice of life: spices and herbs Add More than Just flavor

4 how that extra weight May Be hurting You

7 Depression hits tough Guys and StrongWomen,Too

14 Dinner time! the Power of the family Meal

16 Are You helping or hurting Your Credit score?

Information in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician, dietitian and your financial or tax advisor.

Important Contact Information

Energize Your Life: 313.235.6229 / [email protected]

Your Benefits Resource Center (Hewitt): 866.899.4383 / www.ybr.com/dteenergy

redBrick Health 866.261.7144 / www.redbrickhealth.com/login

DTE Benefits Hotline: 877.687.2638 / [email protected]

WellLIFE EAP Counseling Services: 888.327.4347

DTE Energy Affiliate Companies: 800.969.6162

J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services 800.345.2345 / www.retireonline.com

GO GreeN! Would you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically? E-mail us at: [email protected]

in ChargEEditor-in-Chief: Susan M. Bailey, MS, CHES, CIC® Manager ~ Wellness and Health Promotion

Editorial Assistant: Jennifer Lovequist, MA, IC® ~ Health Improvement Specialist

Contributing Editors: Fuel Up and Feel Better: Lillian Korbus, RD, IC®, RYT ~ Health Improvement Specialist

In Motion: Nick Batanian, MS, IC® ~ Fitness Specialist

Nuts and Bolts of Healthcare: Doug Green ~ Manager of Health, Welfare and Occupational Health

Financial Wellness: Elizabeth Pochini ~ Manager, Retirement Income Benefits

Design: Requisite Communications, LLC

words of wisdom … to Go

10

in ChargE

each issue of in Charge is packed

with useful information and helpful tips.

To ensure you make the most out of each

issue, we’ve put together a collection of 10 key thoughts…

emBraCe tHe true spICe OF lIFe by replacing salt and sugar with spices and herbs when cooking.

12 DON’t let yOur

eyes DeCeIve yOu—take steps to safeguard your vision.

prOteCt yOurselF FrOm metaBOlIC syNDrOme by moving more, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

4

Your credit score is the wINDOw tO yOur FINaNCIal wellNess— protect it.

8The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to CHOOse

ONe tHOuGHt Over aNOtHer.9

10

36

maINtaINING pOsItIve relatIONsHIps should rank up there with healthy

eating and exercise as a necessary investment in

your health and longevity.

5 DON’t IGNOre a sNOre! It could be your wake-up call to a more serious medical condition.

sOmetImes yOu NeeD tO lOse tO GaIN—take

off the extra weight and gain quality of life.

take CHarGe OF yOur emOtIONal

well-BeING so you can feel good, be focused

and enjoy life.

7 Gather the family around the dinner table tO ImprOve HealtH, streNGtHeN tIes aND BuIlD lastING memOrIes.

The Results Through RBH’s programs, Gershon lost 28 pounds—now fitting into clothes he couldn’t wear for years (including his wedding day suit)! He also reduced his blood pressure, allowing him to avoid taking medications. Some of the other benefits have been improved mood, more fulfilling work life and better sleep. So how did he do it?

“I wanted to play with my grandkids, not just sit back on the sidelines and watch.” ~ Gershon

Like many of us, Gershon Blumstein found that as his age went up, so did his weight. He noticed he would get winded walking up a flight of stairs. His doctor also told him his blood pressure was creeping up and unless Gershon lost weight, he’d have to start taking medication. At that point, Gershon decided to do something about it. He knew he needed added support, so he turned to RedBrick Health (RBH)—EYL’s wellness partner.

Gershon’s Steps to Success • Teamed with a RBH Phone Coach through the Weight Management coaching program for added support and accountability. This was a great way to get him started and to help make weight management a habit.

• Participated in RBH’s Winter Warm-Up Challenge.

• Completed Asset Health’s online courses.

• Boosted his mental and spiritual health by participating in the Meals on Wheels Care Corp activity and teaching martial arts at the Friendship Circle for special needs children.

• Continues to track his daily physical activity through Boost™—RBH’s online tracking tool.

Congratulations, Gershon, for remaining curious, challenged and open to new experiences along your health journey. You are an inspiration to us all!

in Charge March/aprIL 2012 1

f u e l u PS

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what rewards await you? From participating in certain coaching programs to receiving a

flu shot or completing a community walk, you and your spouse can

earn drawing entries (or healthyMe credits) for taking steps to improve your health.

check it out! Download/view the list of eligible activities and their corresponding

rewards at www.dteenergy.com/eyl/myincentives.

Gershon “Gersh” Blumstein Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist DTE Energy Employee for 4 years

I admit that I was first drawn to redBrick health because of the healthyMe credits and drawing entries. But the main reason I stuck with it was that I started to see resULTs!

~ Gershon

Have you teamed with redBrick Health yet? It’s Catching On!

since redBrick health launched in september 2010, DTe energy participants have made some impressive progress along their health journeys:

• Almost5,000healthassessments were completed

• Over3,000healthscreenings were completed

• Thousandshaveparticipatedin redBrick health programs (such as online health coaching)

• Andover1,000employeeshave participated in each of the health challenges!

myhealth success How One DTE Energy Employee Teamed with

RedBrick Health to TakE ChargE of His Health… Through her interviews, health Improvement specialist, Lillian Korbus r.D.,IC®, rYT

shares the inspiring stories about DTe energy employees who have made significant health changes in their lives.

2 March/aprIL 2012 in Charge

Some of us use spices to add a little zip to our meals, but did you know they offer much more than just flavoring? Countless studies have linked

spices to the prevention and treatment of more than 150 health problems—including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Interestingly, back in 1995 there were fewer than 50 published scientific studies on the healing potential of spices. Today, there are thousands!

Worldwide, researchers have discovered that spices contain compounds that fight oxidation and inflammation—the two processes underlying most chronic diseases. In fact, some researchers say herbs and spices have more disease-fighting antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables. What’s that mean to you? In addition to including whole foods into your diet, be sure to have a diet rich in spices, too!

Here’s just a few of the top spices, their health benefits and suggestions for how to use them in everyday cooking:

Cinnamon This ancient spice has a long history of medicinal use and is an antioxidant powerhouse. Cinnamon’s unique healing abilities come from the essential oils found in its bark, which are potent antibacterial and antifungal stimulants.

HEALTH BOOST: Cinnamon helps regulate daily blood sugar and cholesterol and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. It also provides relief from colds or flu, especially when it’s mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger. It has been used to treat flatulence, nausea, diarrhea and painful menstrual periods. It’s also believed to improve energy, vitality and circulation.

GET COOkInG: Toss a cinnamon stick into beef stew or use as a stirrer for coffee, tea or hot cocoa. Put a dash of ground cinnamon on oatmeal, cereal, squash and rice pilaf. Or, try sprinkling a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar on apples, bananas, melons and oranges.

CoriandEr Also known as Chinese parsley, coriander comes from the sweet, nutty seeds of the coriander plant (not to be confused with cilantro, an herb, which comes from the strongly scented leaves of the coriander plant).

HEALTH BOOST: Eases digestive discomfort—such as abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Coriander works like an antispasmodic drug, relaxing the contracting digestive muscles. This same relaxing effect works on the arteries, which is why coriander is also linked with helping lower blood pressure.

GET COOkInG: Mix coriander seed with peppercorn in your peppermill. Coarsely grind coriander and rub it into meats or fish before cooking. Add whole or ground seeds into stews, casseroles, marinades, vinaigrettes and pickled dishes.

THE LIFE OF SPICE

Spices Ground 2-3 years

Spices Whole 3-4 years

Seasoning Blends 1-2 years

Herbs 1-3 years

Extracts 4 years

f u e l u P

M

ARCH IS

national nutrition MonthS

spices and Herbs are the New super Foods!

» health promoting » Disease fighting » Nutritious » easy-to-use » Versatile » Tasty

THE SPICE OF LIFE— 5 Super Spices and herbs that Add More than Just flavor (source: Whole Living, WebMD, harvard health)


f u e l u P

TurmEriC Turmeric, also a main spice in curry powder, is a kitchen staple in India and found in almost every dish that crosses the table—a fact that has not been lost on researchers, who observed 30 years ago that the incidence of chronic disease among people in India is significantly lower than in the United States.

HEALTH BOOST: Turmeric is the only readily available edible source of curcumin, a compound so rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that thousands of studies have shown it protects and improves the health of virtually every organ in the body, as well as safeguards our brain. It has been shown to reduce the growth of cancer cells and can be more effective at reducing inflammation than over-the-counter aspirin and ibuprofen.

GET COOkInG: Add ¼ teaspoon to water when cooking rice. Put a ½ teaspoon into oil before sautéing vegetables or making a stir-fry. Add a dash to potato soup, chicken soup or chili. Sprinkle on roasted cauliflower or whip together with low-fat mayonnaise for a tasty egg salad. Lightly dust popcorn or other snack mixes for a new flavor sensation.

gingEr Ginger is commonly used to flavor cakes, cookies, breads and beverages. It’s also good in sauces and fruit dishes, and is often used heavily in Asian cooking.

HEALTH BOOST: For thousands of years, traditional healers worldwide have turned to ginger to help ease nausea of all kinds—such as morning sickness, motion sickness and upset stomach. Ginger may also help prevent and treat arthritis, asthma, heartburn, migraines and elevated triglycerides. Note: ginger can hinder blood clotting, so do not take it if you plan to have surgery.

GET COOkInG: For motion sickness, suck on one to two pieces of crystallized ginger. Grate fresh ginger or sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of powdered ginger over cooked vegetables or tofu. Toss sliced ginger into a stir-fry. Rub ground ginger onto meat before grilling to help tenderize and add flavor. Steep a coin-size piece of fresh ginger in your tea. Sprinkle a little ground ginger and brown sugar on acorn squash or sweet potatoes before baking.

orEgano While many people think of pizza when they think of oregano, this wonderful herb can add a warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor to many different dishes, especially those of the Mediterranean cuisine.

HEALTH BOOST: A USDA study found that, gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant content of 27 fresh culinary herbs! Oregano helps treat respiratory illnesses, calms digestion and loosens mucus.

GET COOkInG: Perfect for use in many tomato-based recipes. Spice up tomato soup by adding ¾ teaspoon per can. Add ½ teaspoon to two cups of pasta or pizza sauce. (Substitute 1 teaspoon dried oregano for two teaspoons fresh.) Or, try adding 1/8 teaspoon to scrambled eggs and salad dressing.

GTakEChargE!

For Registered Dietitian Day, let’s take a moment to recognize and applaud Lillian Korbus for her ongoing dedication to helping DTE Energy employees, retirees and spouses lead healthy lives by providing ongoing nutrition education

and coaching. If you’d like added support with nutrition, feel free to call Lillian at

313.235.0087 or email: [email protected].

Have You THAnkED a Registered Dietitian Today?

MARCH 14 is Registered Dietitian Day!

Mark Your Calendar! EYL WEBInAR: ”new Reasons to Season with Spices & Herbs”

DTE Energy employees, retirees and spouses are invited to view an upcoming online webinar, called “New Reasons to Season with Spices and Herbs,” conducted by Lillian Korbus, RD, IC®, RYT—DTE Energy Health Improvement Specialist. See why spices and herbs are much more than flavor enhancers!

What You’ll Get Out of It:

P Discuss key trends driving interest in spices and herbs

PDiscover why spices and herbs are the new super foods

PLearn interesting facts about latest spice research

POffer practical suggestions for using spices and herbs as a healthy alternative for salt, fat, sugar and for flavor boosting

WHEn: Tuesday, March 13, 2012

TIME: Noon – 1pm ET OR 8pm – 9pm ET

TO REGISTER: Go to www.dteenergy.com/eyl/mylearning, or call RedBrick Health at 866.261.7144.

Lillian Korbus, RD, IC®, RYT—DTE Energy Health Improvement Specialist


how that Extra Weight

May Be hurting You: The Impact of Excess Fat on Your Body Fat, particularly around your waist, raises your risk of serious illness. If you need added motivation to lose

excess pounds, especially that spare tire, consider this…

I n M o t I o n

Excess Fat…Hurts Your heart Every major system in your body feels the stress of excess weight. The heart is the most obvious victim—with research showing that abdominal fat triggers a change in angiotensin, a hormone that controls blood vessel constriction, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.

Increases the Risk of Cancer All fat-storage cells churn out a lot of hormones and other chemical messengers that fine-tune the body’s energy balance. But as these cells swell to capacity with fat, they release larger amounts of hormones. These hormones, inflammatory proteins and chemicals, may also contribute to another serious consequence of

obesity—cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that staying trim could eliminate 90,000 U.S. cancer deaths a year. Among the varieties most clearly linked to weight are cancer of the breast, uterus, colon, kidney, esophagus, pancreas and gallbladder.

Triggers diabetes Excess weight affects another hormone— insulin—which leads to diabetes. Having diabetes increases your heart disease risk. It’s a vicious circle.

Ruins Sleep Overweight people often suffer from sleep disorders. The most dangerous is sleep apnea (see page 11). With sleep apnea, you stop breathing many times during the night. This makes your oxygen level drop, which negatively affects the heart and blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke and diabetes.

Wrecks hips, knees The sheer impact of excess weight on your lower body creates lots of problems. You’re at higher risk for bone-thinning osteoporosis. You develop hip and back issues. And, overweight children may develop fragile bones, so they’re at even higher risk for these problems.

To sign up or learn more, call 866-442-4928. Make sure to ask for the DTE Energy promotional code for the special rate.

WEIGHT WATCHERS is the registered trademark of Weight Watchers International, Inc. ©2011 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved.

Don’t Hibernate.Come Out of That Winter Cave and

Take Charge!

PMonthly Pass

PAt Work meetings

POnline subscription

PLocal meeting vouchers (for Southeast MI residents only)

DTE Energy is committed to helping you achieve your weight-loss goals and improve your overall health by offering a 50% subsidy on the following:

Choose a Weight Watchers® plan that best suits your specific lifestyle and preference!

1NeeD Help lOsING tHat exCess weIGHt? Contact a RedBrick Health Coach at www.redbrickhealth.com/login

or call 866.261.7144.

There is now conclusive evidence that obesity causes some cancers and strong evidence that it contributes to a wide variety of others.

~ Dr. Michael Thun, epidemiology

chief at the american cancer Society

2


how that Extra Weight

May Be hurting You: The Impact of Excess Fat on Your Body

staNDING BICyCle CruNCH (Muscles Targeted: Abdominals, Obliques)

Step 1 Begin this exercise by standing with your feet spaced about shoulder width apart and your hands behind your ears.

Step 2 Bring your right knee up toward your chest while bending your left elbow down toward your waist.

Step 3 Now return to the starting position and repeat this movement with the opposite knee and elbow.

3

1

3ExercisesYouCanDo Without Equipment Resistance exercises have been shown to be beneficial in keeping our muscles strong and bones healthy. Just using your

own body weight as resistance for exercises can have a great impact in these areas. Here are a few, simple exercises you can perform anywhere, without added equipment, and still complete a great full-body workout.

QuICk tIps to start exercise

» Consult your physician first. Before starting any exercise program it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor.

» you should always do some type of warm-up before exercise. Try marching in place or performing jumping jacks for 2-3 minutes beforehand.

» perform 1–2 sets of each exercise with 8–12 repetitions per set, or do as many as you can in 30 seconds.

» listen to your body. If at any point during the exercise you begin to feel discomfort or pain, sTOp.

» rest 1 min between exercises to allow the body some recovery before starting the next exercise.

plaNk (Muscles Targeted: Abdominals, Lower Back)

Step 1 Begin this exercise as if you were going to get into the push-up position, but bend your elbows and rest your weight on your forearms instead of your hands. Your body should remain in a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles and remember to keep your elbows directly under your shoulders.

Step 2 Brace your abdominals and hold this position for 15 - 30 seconds or as long as you can. Remember to breathe during this exercise. If you are a beginner, consider starting out with knees on the ground until you build strength to support your whole body if in a full plank position.

OverHeaD sQuat (Muscles Targeted: Legs, Abdominals, Lower Back)

Step 1 Begin this exercise standing tall with your feet just wider than shoulder width and hands behind your ears.

Step 2 Start to bend your knees and lower your body until your upper legs are parallel to the ground. Be sure to keep your back flat throughout the entire exercise and watch to make sure your knees do not extend beyond your toes.

Step 3 Once you have reached the bottom of the movement, extend the knees and stand back up to complete one repetition.

Demonstrated by: Rodney Sanders IT Security Engineer Information Protection Security 32 years with DTE Energy


I n M o t I o n

Step Up for a Good Cause 2012 HEART WALkHeart disease and musculoskeletal health conditions are

two of the top five most common reasons DTE Energy

employees and family members visit the doctor each

year. Regular exercise helps both of these conditions.

So why not set a physical activity goal for participating in a community

walk/run—such as the 2012 Heart Walk! DTE Energy and Henry Ford Health System are

pleased to announce they are joining forces to co-sponsor this year’s Heart Walk.

Step up and take the pledge to live a healthier lifestyle while raising the dollars

needed to fund life-saving research and initiatives. They need your support!

Join us this year at the Michigan Heart Walk: » May 12, 2012 at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit, or » May 19, 2012 at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor

Bring your energy, your passion and your family and friends—let your footsteps be heard!

Look for more information in the coming months in the DTE Daily.

The Dow Diamond/Midland

Michigan State University

Location TBD

Arcadia Creek Festival Place

St. Clair County Community College

Don’t live in the metro Detroit area? try one of these Heart walk locations:

Bay City

East Lansing

Flint

Kalamazoo

Port Huron

May 12, 2012

July 1, 2012

May 19, 2012

April 28, 2012

July 1, 2012

Be Rewarded for Participating in a

Community Run/Walk!

Earn 25 drawing entries or

25 HealthyMe credits for

participating in the Heart Walk

and submitting a completed

RedBrick Health Program

Participation Form (available at

www.redbrickhealth.com/login).

2012hEarT Walk hEarT Walk 2012

To find a race near you, visit www.runningintheusa.com.

l ve Your heart!

More Upcoming Community Walks/Runs raCe

Victors Run/Walk for Diabetes (5k)

Running Fit’s Martian Invasion of Races (26.2M run, 26.2M relay, 13.1M run, 10K run, 5K run, kids run)

Multiple Sclerosis Race (5,10k)

Gazelle Sports Indoor Triathlon

Downriver Dash (5k)

Spring Into Action Race (10, 5, 1k)

Grand Rapids Fifth Third Race (25, 10, 5k)

Komen Detroit Race for the Cure (5k)

lOCatION

Nichols Arboretum Ann Arbor, MI

Ford Park Dearborn, MI

Central Michigan Campus Mount Pleasant, MI

Maple Street YMCA Kalamazoo, MI

Wayne County Community College Taylor, MI

Lakeview High School Battle Creek, MI

Millennium Park Grand Rapids, MI

Woodward/I-75 Detroit, MI

Date

Saturday, April 7

Saturday, April 14

Sunday, April 15

Sunday, April 15

Saturday, April 21

Saturday, April 28

Saturday, May 12

Saturday, May 26

learN mOre

www.sdaumich.wordpress.com

www.martianmarathon.com

[email protected]

www.gazellesports.com/events

www.guidance-center.org/events

www.bcspringintoaction.com

www.53riverbankrun.com

www.karmonos.org

m

in Charge March aprIL 2012 7

Are you tired and irritable all the time? Have you lost interest in your work, family or hobbies? Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you find yourself frequently angry or even aggressive? Have you been feeling like this for weeks or months? If so, you may have depression.

A Medical Condition, not a Sign of Weakness Mental health issues—including depression, anxiety, stress and mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder) can strike anyone regardless of age, race, where you live, how much money you make or your level of education. In fact, many experts estimate that as many as one in five Americans will experience at least one mental health issue in his or her lifetime. But as common as mental health issues are, too many people don’t understand enough about them and how they can affect every aspect of one’s life.

It is important to understand that depression is a medical disorder just as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease are. It is a “whole-body” illness that involves your body, mood and thoughts.

Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with depression cannot just “pull themselves out of it” and get better. Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that is usually a combination of a chemical imbalance in the brain and stressful lifestyle factors.

Symptoms May Differ for MEn and WOMEnExperts say that while men and women can develop standard symptoms of depression, men often experience depression differently and use different ways of coping with symptoms.

depression hits tough Guys and strong women,Too(source: national Institute of Mental health)

Common Symptoms Displayed by WOMEn

• Crying easily and frequently • Sadness • Extreme guilt • Hopelessness

it starts slowly, but each day it grows until you wake up and just feel totally overwhelmed. You feel lost. it’s dark, the pain is 24/7 … all you know is you just want to stop feeling this way…

i’d drink and try to forget about things … but you have to deal with it. it doesn’t just

go away on its own.

~ Jack

APRIL IS nATIOnAL

Stress Awareness Month

Common Symptoms Displayed by MEn

• Anger, lashing out or blaming• Frustration• Feeling discouraged• Throwing themselves compulsively into work• Alcohol or drug abuse• Reckless behavior, taking unnecessary risk or putting themselves in harm’s way• Physical symptoms, such as chronic pain and digestive problems

Don’t live in the metro Detroit area? try one of these Heart walk locations:

Bay City

East Lansing

Flint

Kalamazoo

Port Huron

May 12, 2012

July 1, 2012

May 19, 2012

April 28, 2012

July 1, 2012

learN mOre

www.sdaumich.wordpress.com

www.martianmarathon.com

[email protected]

www.gazellesports.com/events

www.guidance-center.org/events

www.bcspringintoaction.com

www.53riverbankrun.com

www.karmonos.org


depression hits tough Guys and strong women,Too

My kids are afraid of me

I have frequent headaches, chronic pain or stomach trouble that doesn’t seem to go away and doesn’t respond to typical treatment

I get into a lot of arguments

I’ve lost interest in people and things I used to enjoy

I have trouble sleeping

I feel isolated; avoid spending time with others

I often feel overwhelmed by life

I frequently feel like no one truly cares about me or that my life is worthless

I have lost or gained a lot of weight without trying

I frequently feel sad, emotionally empty or just can’t bring myself to care about things

I cry frequently and/or easily

I sometimes think about death or taking my own life

I frequently feel tired or have low-energy

I find myself getting angry, irritated, restless or frustrated easily

I think I’ve lost my sense of humor

I find myself spending a lot of time at work as a way to avoid going home or completing important tasks

I drink too much or take more prescriptive medications than I should

I take unnecessary risks (i.e., drive too fast, don’t wear a seatbelt or participate in extreme sports)

I often feel ashamed

I don’t take good care of myself physically and/or I don’t go to the doctor even when I know there’s something wrong

I lose my temper easily and/or have been verbally/physically abusive to someone close to me

I have trouble concentrating or remembering things

I have trouble making decisions

TEST: Are You or a Loved One Depressed? read the statements below and ask yourself if they reflect your

feelings or are signs displayed by a loved one.

Beyond Feeling “Down”— When It’s Time to Get Help Everyone has their ups and downs— moments when we feel sad, worried, angry, anxious or overwhelmed. Usually those feelings go away within a day or two, but sometimes they grow into obstacles to living a healthy and productive life.

We wonder if what we’re feeling is normal, or whether we need professional help. Unfortunately, there is no single answer that’s right for everyone. However, a good rule of thumb is:

You need professional assistance if

you’ve been having symptoms every

day for more than two weeks and if

those symptoms keep you from

enjoying life, performing at work or

maintaining relationships with your

spouse, friends or your children.

Untreated, depression and other mental health issues can get worse and may have serious consequences. You could damage your physical health, or increase your risk of doing something to harm yourself or others. Fortunately, with the right diagnosis and the right treatment, most mental health issues are easily resolved, and you’ll return to feeling content with life and better able to cope with its challenges.

If you’ve checked off more than three of the statements above, you (or your loved one) may be suffering from depression.

The best way to handle depression is to take charge of your condition by seeking treatment. For your health and the sake of loved ones, take the first step and call your doctor or a WellLife EAP representative TODAY! (See next page for details.)

GTakEChargE!

(source: national Institute of Mental health)

Is your loved One Battling Depression?

having a loved one who is suffering from depression can be challenging and stressful. Watch

the redBrick health webinar, called “helping a Loved One with Depression” to learn about

useful tips and techniques to support your loved one. access the webinar at

www.dteenergy.com/eyl/mylearning/webinars.html.

in Charge March aprIL 2012 9

Helping You Manage Life’s Challenges

WellLifeEmPloyEE AssistAncE ProgrAm

Along the maze of life, everyone experiences personal, family or work-related “road blocks” now and then. But sometimes these ordinary everyday challenges, if not dealt with, can grow into bigger concerns—concerns that may overwhelm and distract you from doing your job or being there for your family. some people have the unhealthy notion that these personal issues are something to be ashamed of, bottled up, toughed out or even ignored. But doing nothing can be a step in the wrong direction and send you down an unhealthy path.

DTe energy has teamed with henry Ford health system to bring you WellLife employee Assistance program (eap)—a comprehensive counseling and referral program aimed at helping you and your household members manage life’s challenges so you can succeeD by maximizing your health and effectiveness at work and home.

About WellLife


To speak confidentially with a trained counselor, call toll-free:

888.eAP.HfHS (3 2 7 . 4 3 4 7 )Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm EST

Have an emergency? To reach a counselor after hours call 313.468.2000.

Emotional & Mental Health

• Stress, anxiety and depression• Grief and loss• Anger management • Life transitions (coping with change) • Illness and disability• Post-traumatic stress

Family Support

• Parent/child concerns• Coping with serious Illness• Single parenting support• Caregiver burnout/stress

Relationships & Marriage

• Separation and divorce• Communication problems• Conflict resolution• Domestic violence

Workplace Issues

• Job stress• Conflicts with co-workers or supervisor • Harassment

Substance Abuse/Addictions

• Alcohol and drug use• Prescription drug misuse• Co-dependency issues

Lifestyle Services *

• Financial challenges (problem gambling, credit counseling, etc.)• Legal issues• Eldercare support

*WellLife EAP counselors can provide referrals to trustworthy sources of support for these areas.

CoMiNG SooN! Watch your mailbox for your own copy of the new WellLife EAP brochure.

NOTE: Employees of DTE Energy affiliate companies have access to a different EAP service. Please call 800.969.6162 for additional information.

Help for Personal Challenges Big and Small

Helping You Manage Life’s Challenges

WellLifeEmployEE AssistAncE progrAm

services provided by Henry Ford Health system®

WORK

HOME

Family

Anxiety

FinancialGrief

Depression

balance

Life’s ChaLLenges

LOSS

KIDS

A Source of Support for You and Your familyMany of us wonder now and then whether what we are

feeling is “normal” or whether we need professional help.

As when dealing with physical health concerns, it’s best to be proactive and take charge of your emotional, social and mental well-being at the first sign of trouble. WellLife EAp counselors are standing by to help you and your household members address life’s personal challenges, including (but not limited to):

Emotional & Mental Health• Stress, anxiety and depression• Grief and loss

• Anger management • Life transitions (coping with change) • Illness and disability

• Post-traumatic stress Family Support

• Parent/child concerns• Coping with serious Illness• Single parenting support• Caregiver burnout/stressRelationship & Marriage

• Separation and divorce• Communication problems• Conflict resolution• Domestic violence

Workplace Issues• Job stress• Conflicts with co-workers or supervisor

• HarassmentSubstance Abuse/Addictions• Alcohol and drug use

• Prescription drug misuse• Co-dependency issuesLifestyle Services *

• Financial challenges (problem gambling, credit counseling, etc.)• Legal issues• Eldercare support

*WellLife EAp counselors can provide referrals to trustworthy sources of support for these areas.

Need Help Right Now? If your situation is serious and you need immediate attention, counselors can be reached outside normal business hours by calling 313.468.2000.

You don’t have to feel like this anymore. Get the support you need so you can live life with high energy, good health and passion for life— call a WellLife EAp counselor today:888.EAP.HFHS (327.4347)

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. We’ve helped thousands of employees and their family members put their problems in perspective and get the help they need to be happy and productive.

Call a WellLife EAp representative at 313.874.7122 or

toll-free at 888.EAP.HFHS (327.4347), Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. If you are unable to reach a staff member, please leave a message and they will contact you within 24 hours (excluding weekends). When leaving

a message, please make it clear if EAP staff can leave a message at the given number. To be sure you can reach us when you

need us, remove the cards below along the perforation and place in your purse, wallet or other handy location.


To speak confidentially with a trained counselor, call toll-free:888.eAP.HfHS (3 2 7 . 4 3 4 7 )Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm EST Additional hours available Have an emergency? To reach a counselor after hours call 313.468.2000.


To speak confidentially with a trained counselor, call toll-free:888.eAP.HfHS (3 2 7 . 4 3 4 7 )Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm EST Additional hours available Have an emergency? To reach a counselor after hours call 313.468.2000.

Can WellLife EAp Really Make a Difference?Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what recent employees who have used WellLife EAp have to say:“I have to admit that, as a guy, I hesitated to call. I always

thought personal problems were something to put up with

and that I should just tough it out. But when it started affecting my family, I set my pride aside. I’m glad I did. It really helped to just be able to talk through my issues with

someone who would listen and not be judgmental.”“It was great to have a helpful and sympathetic ear when I felt like no one else was there for me. The counselor was able to guide me through a very stressful situation in my life with true compassion.”

“Although my issue hadn’t affected my work yet, if it continued, it definitely would have. I went to WellLife EAp at the right time—before my issue turned into a bigger problem. I like that they helped

me get back in control by giving me the tools to deal with

my problem.”

“My problem started getting the better of me—affecting my ability to focus at work, interfering with my relationship

with my kids and straining my marriage. I was overwhelmed

and didn’t know where to turn. WellLife EAp made it easy

for me to take that first step and take charge of the situation.”

WellLife EAp Locations:• Henry Ford Health System (in Detroit)• Clinton Township

Ready? How to Get Started

• Warren (TBD)• West Bloomfield• Wyandotte Do you live outside the Metro Detroit area?

Call 888.EAP.HFHS and one of our representatives will refer you to a WellLife EAp affiliate location near you.

To be sure you can reach WellLife EAP when you need

them, cut the contact card to the left along the dotted line

and place it in your wallet or other handy location.

• It’s a source of support for DTe energy corporate employees, spouses and their household members (including kids away at school) at no charge.

• It’s a voluntary and confidential program. No information can be reported about you or your use of the eap to anyone.

• It’s about results. The goal of WellLife EAP is to get you feeling better quickly by focusing on practical solutions to problems. The service includes an initial consultation and up to five counseling sessions.

• Convenient locations. There are numerous WellLife locations in Metro Detroit plus affiliates outside Metro Detroit (call 888.327.4347 for a listing).

$


What is metabolic syndrome?Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that include too much fat around the waist (central obesity: women = waist measures over 35 inches/men = waist measures over 40 inches), elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides (a form of fat), low HDL cholesterol (healthy cholesterol), and elevated blood sugar. Together, this group of health problems increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

What causes metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle that includes eating too many calories, being inactive and gaining weight—particularly around your waist. This lifestyle can lead to insulin resistance, which is a problem with the body’s metabolism. If you have insulin resistance, your body cannot use insulin properly and your blood sugar will begin to rise. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Do You have metabolic Syndrome? (Pre-Diabetes) (source: WebMD)

GTakEChargE!

To learn more about metabolic syndrome and the steps you can take to address the condition, participate in Asset Health’s Diabetes online course. Get started by visiting: www.redbrickhealth.com/login » Health Map » More Healthy Activities.

not only do you gain priceless information you earn 25 drawing entries (or HealthyMe credits) for completing the course (up to four courses per year)!

Lack of ExerciseFamily History

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose metabolic syndrome with a physical exam, understanding your medical history and

some simple blood tests.

How is metabolic syndrome treated and can it be prevented?

The key approaches to preventing/treating metabolic syndrome are:

» Move more—try walking 30 minutes a day at least five days a week (or divide into three periods of 10 minutes each)

» Stay at a healthy weight

» Eat a healthy and balanced diet

» Take medication if prescribed.

Age

Abdo

min

al O

besi

ty

Abnormal Cholesterol Levels

High Blood Pressure

SELF TEST: Are You at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?

The following factors increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. If any of these apply to you, talk with your doctor about your personal risk level and steps you can take to reduce that risk.

ABDOMInAL OBESITY. The more excess fat around your waist the greater your risk.

AGE. Your chances of developing metabolic syndrome increase as you get older.

LACk OF ExERCISE. If you do not exercise, you are more likely to be obese and develop metabolic syndrome.

FAMILY HISTORY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES. Having parents or close relatives with diabetes is associated with metabolic syndrome.

ABnORMAL CHOLESTEROL LEvELS. Having low HDL (the good form of cholesterol) and high levels of triglycerides (another form of blood fat) is common in those with metabolic syndrome.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk.

f e e l B e t t e rRin Charge March/aprIL 2012 11

Is It Just A snore or something morE? (source: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, WebMD)

MARCH 4-10 IS nATIOnAL

Sleep Awareness Week

Having trouble sleeping?

Try the asset health online sleep course. Learn how

sleep is a foundation to your health, determine how

much sleep you need, what sleep issues you need to

address and the steps to take to enhance your quality of life. check it out

at www.redbrickhealth.com/login »health Map » More healthy activities.

rewarDs! earn 25 drawing entries or healthyMe credits when

completing an asset health online course (up to four courses per year).

Loud and frequent snoring

Periods of not breathing during sleep

Snorting, gasping or choking during sleep

Morning headaches

Awakening unrefreshed in the morning

Daytime or evening lethargy

Acid reflux (GERD: gastro-esophageal reflux)

Drowsy driving, limited attention, memory loss and poor judgment

Personality changes

Weight gain, severe leg swelling, body mass index of 25 or more

Hyperactive behavior, especially in children

Decreased size of airways and large neck

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, a serious health condition could be at the root of the problem. Sleep apnea affects 18 million Americans and is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is far more common than generally understood.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a person’s muscles and tissues in the throat and air passage relax while sleeping—reducing and blocking the flow of air into the lungs. This can occur many times per night in the sleep cycle and especially during the REM sleep stages. The body responds to this lack of oxygen by waking from sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause serious health problems and even death.

Signs You May Have Sleep ApneaOften people are unaware that they have difficulty breathing in their sleep. It is usually someone else who witnesses the person’s excessive snoring, gasping for air or sudden stoppage of breathing while asleep.

The following symptoms go hand-in-hand with sleep apnea:

Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both genders. To learn if you are getting adequate sleep, take the Epworth Sleepiness Assessment at: www.sleepdisorderchannel.com/epworth.shtml and talk with your doctor. If he or she suspects you have OSA, they may decide a sleep assessment, conducted in a sleep lab, is necessary.

Tips for a Good night’s

Sleep

1 Good sleep Hygiene

• Begintoquietdown30-60minutesbefore bed; avoid working or checking email right before bed.

• NoTV,butreadingisokay.

• Writepersistentthoughtsorworries down in a notebook so you can put them out of your mind.

• Makesureyouareinacool,darkand quiet environment.

2 understand the Connection

• Don’tdrinkoreatcaffeine4-6hours before bed.

• Avoideatingheavymealswithin2-4hours of bedtime.

• Avoidlongnapsduringwakinghours (power naps of 15-30 minutes are okay).

• Regularexercisecangiveyoumore energy and help you sleep better—but avoid working out an hour or two before bedtime.

3 Circadian rhythm

•Keeparegularsleepschedule.

•Beawareofyourownbiologicalclock and work with it, not against it.

Don’t ignore a snore ... it could be your “wake-up call” to a more serious medical condition. Untreated, sleep apnea is potentially fatal and frequently results in the following serious health problems:

Heart disease Stroke High blood pressure Diabetes

(source: WebMD)

62

8

5

4

+ P o w e r o f P r e v e n t I o n

MARCH IS

Save Your vision Month

rewarD alert! Be Rewarded for Having an Annual vision exam

You can earn 50 drawing entries or healthyMe credits by

getting an annual vision screening, which can identify health issues such

as diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

after your exam, complete the preventive care Form (available online at

www.redbrickhealth.com/login) and submit it to redBrick health to earn

your entries/credits!

The number of americans that will face significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases, such as:

• cataracts • diabeticretinopathy • glaucoma • maculardegeneration

will dramatically increase—from 28 million today to 43 million by 2020. unfortunately, despite these statistics, americans remain fairly unconcerned about vision loss.

8TipsToSafeguardYour Vision (source: American Academy of ophthalmology)

More than 20 million Americans suffer from severe vision loss. While not all eye diseases can be prevented, there are simple steps that everyone can take to help their eyes remain healthy now and reduce their chances of vision loss in the future.

To support “Save Your Vision” month, take these steps to protect your eyes:

1Wear sunglasses. UV (type A and B) blocking sunglasses delay the development of cataracts, prevent retinal damage and protect the delicate eyelid skin to prevent both wrinkles and skin cancer around and in the eyes.

Don’t smoke. Studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers

are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD)— which is the deterioration of one’s vision and ability to see details—than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts.

3Eat well. Carrots are a start, but researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD. Aim for a variety of vegetables—especially leafy green ones.

Wear eye protection. An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year, so it is critical to wear proper eye protection to avoid eye injuries during work (if your job requires it), while playing sports and doing home projects. Have a baseline eye

exam. Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Note: If you have symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you should see an ophthalmologist to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined.

know your family history. Many eye diseases cluster in families, so you should know your family’s history of eye disease because you may be at increased risk.

Care for contact lens. Sleeping in contacts that are not approved for overnight wear, using saliva or water as a wetting solution, using expired solutions and disposable contact lenses beyond their wear, can result in corneal ulcers, severe pain and even vision loss.

7Seek early intervention. Most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and AMD, are more easily and successfully treated if diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, these diseases can cause serious vision loss and blindness. Early intervention now will prevent vision loss later.


6

8TipsToSafeguardYour Vision (source: American Academy of ophthalmology)

+in Charge March/aprIL 2012 13

P o s I t I v e e n e r G Y

A long lunch with co-workers or a night out with friends may seem like a distraction from other healthy habits, such as going to the gym or getting a good night’s sleep, but recent research shows that having an active social life is incredibly important—not just for enhancing our quality of life but also for extending our life!

A review of 148 different studies totaling more than 300,000 participants across all ages reveals that adults get a 50% boost in longevity if they have a solid social network (and we don’t mean Facebook friends).

On the flipside, social isolation can have a very serious impact on your lifespan. In fact, according to this study, social isolation can be as hazardous to your health and longevity as other common health hazards. Consider this: social isolation is…

• As bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

• As dangerous as being an alcoholic

note: as eye opening as these findings are, researchers are quick to say that it is nOT recommended that one should continue participating in poor lifestyle habits and simply make more friends to just offset these bad habits!

Another finding was that the amount and complexity of relationships matter. The more friends and the deeper the relationships, the higher the rate of survival.

It’s important to note that this study didn’t take into account web-based relationships— Facebook, Twitter and other online social networks. Although researchers suspect this type of virtual connection may have some health benefits, having 600 friends on Facebook won’t give you the same health and longevity benefits as a handful of real, face-to-face meaningful social relationships.

+ w o M e n ’ s h e A l t h

good Friends,good health— Social Ties Contribute to Living a Longer, Healthier Life(sources: WeLCoA, Whole Living, WebMD)

• As harmful as not exercising

• Twice as dangerous as obesity

Tips for Putting Yourself Out There You don’t need to have dozens of friends and a packed social calendar to make a difference. and even if being social doesn’t come naturally to you, you can learn to be more social. Try these ideas:

• Eat lunch with a co-worker rather than eating alone.

• Get involved in committees, work groups or associations.

• Join a fitness center, Weight Watchers At Work or other group fitness/health class.

• Make plans with someone you haven’t seen in awhile.

• Ask a friend or co-worker to be a walking partner.

• Invite one person you would like to get to know better to have lunch.

• Start a Healthy Dinner Club or a Healthy Salad Club at work. Each participant can contribute a component of the meal.

• Join a club, organization or sports league that interests you, such as a book club, bowling league or knitting club.

• volunteer to help someone in need.

• Spend quality time with an animal friend.


As the winter hiatus comes to a close and the hustle and bustle of spring activities kick into gear, you may find your family’s stress levels starting to rise as you are each pulled in different directions—basketball games, soccer practice, volleyball tournaments, dance rehearsals and the list goes on and on.

What if you were told there is a magic answer—something that would improve the quality of your daily life, your children’s emotional well-being and your family’s overall health… something that is inexpensive, simple to produce and available to pretty much everyone? Would you be interested? Thought so. Well, that magic answer is: The Family Meal.

The most important part about the family meal, however, is not necessarily the healthy food put on the table. Although healthy

food matters, there’s another key component—family time. Sharing a meal with your family provides a valuable

opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. It’s an excellent time to “unplug” from

the hectic world around us and reconnect with one another.

The Health Benefits of Family DinnersIn addition to strengthening social wellness of

a family, research shows that time spent together around the table has significant health benefits for

kids and teens. Sharing family meals on a regular basis (4-5 times per week) can:

• Improve self-esteem.

• Decrease the risk of being overweight (due to being able to control type and amount of food).

• Broaden acceptance of a variety of healthy foods (by exposing them to and discussing healthy food choices).

• Increase a sense of security and belonging in younger children.

• Reduce the risk for depression or eating disorders, especially among teen girls (when a child is feeling down, dinnertime can serve as a mini intervention).

• Drastically lower a teen’s chance of smoking, drinking, using drugs and getting into fights.

• Lead to better grades in school.

• Reduce stress.

h e A l t h Y @ h o M e

Tips to Make the Most of Family Mealtimeremember, “family” means different things to different people. share a meal with anyone you care about…

Make shared meals a priority; put them on the calendar.

Remove distractions: turn off the tv, remove handheld video games and silence cell phones.

Eat at the table facing each other, rather than sitting side-by-side on a couch or at a counter.

Involve everyone. Play the “rose, bud, thorn” game—each person shares the best thing that happened (rose), something they learned that day (bud) and the most challenging thing that happened (thorn).

Have older kids? Try bringing up a current event and asking each person to give their view about it.

Be a good role model. Show children good eating habits and table manners.

Use the time as a positive and fun experience, avoid nagging or complaining.

Eat slowly. Don’t make mealtime about the food; make it about being together.

the Power of the family Meal dinner Time!

parents aren’t the Only Ones who like Family meals

In a 2011 survey of over 900 teens:

• 63%saideatingasafamilyis important.

• 64%agreedsharingmeals together brought their family closer.

• 71%considertalkingand spending time with family members as the best part of family dinners.

Source: National Center on Addiction and Substance


Can Stress Actually Be good for You? How Stress Can Work In Your Favor

P o s I t I v e e n e r G Y+

Stress has certainly earned its reputation, given the damage it leaves in its wake: headaches, stomach pain, high blood pressure, sleep problems, trouble focusing and much more. But did you know there is actually an upside to stress?

In normal doses, adrenaline and other “fight or flight” hormones can improve performance and even protect one’s health. Occasional doses of stress can increase alertness and motivate you to get things done—by quickening your heartbeat, improving blood flow to the brain and enhancing vision and hearing.

Some studies even show that in small amounts, stress can boost immunity and protect against age-related memory loss by keeping brain cells active. The key is to keep stress levels in moderation.

Think of it like a car…most of the time you should be in low to medium gear. You then switch into high gear during moments when you are actively engaged and there’s a degree of pressure (like under a deadline crunch). High gear is at the peak of the stress response continuum—the point where you are most productive and able to focus on tasks at hand with minimal distractions. You are likely sent into high gear by an optimal level of adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones that peak our productivity and focus.

Those powerful chemicals are there, first and foremost, to help you survive. It’s only under the circumstances of chronic stress or extreme, severe stress (where we are in “overdrive” for a long period of time) that we suffer negative effects. The body gives off signals when healthy tension becomes bad stress.

Here are some tips for keeping STRESS HEALTHY rather than damaging:

• See stress as an opportunity for growth.

• Develop techniques for “stress recovery” such as meditation, yoga, massage, hobbies, music, etc.

• Be active—movement flushes harmful chemicals from the body.

• Break activities into time blocks, allowing for periods of full engagement and periods of disengagement, or down time.

• Schedule time for yourself to replenish your energy levels.

(sources: national Institutes of health; shArP: simple strategies to Boost Your Brainpower by heidi hanna, PhD.)

! Increase in cortisol (a toxic hormone)

! Continued stress on heart and arteries

! Excess glucose produced; stored as fat

! Poor decision-making

! Desensitized to stressors

THE CHALLEnGE: How do you shut off the tidal wave of stress hormones when they become harmful? How we view stressful situations can impact the type and level of hormones the body releases. If you have a healthy attitude and response toward stress your body will more likely produce the energizing hormones as opposed to the toxic hormones.

Your goal shouldn’t be to get rid of stress altogether. it’s an unavoidable reality. rather, you should aim for the appropriate stress response—channeling stress into productive action.

~ eSTher STeMberg, researcher at the national

institutes of health

Healthy Tension (A Challenge) vs. Bad Stress (A Threat)! Increase in epinephrine and norepinephrine (energizing hormones)

! Increase in heart rate

! Increased blood glucose (providing energy)

! Improved short-term memory

! Improved immunity


A credit score is a very important number that affects many aspects of your life. This three-digit number—that ranges from 300 to

850—is a summary of the past seven years of your credit history and tells lenders whether or not you are a safe bet. In other words, your credit score determines whether you can borrow money and the interest rate you will pay.

Generally speaking, the lower your score the more risky you are as a customer—meaning it could be difficult to buy a house or a car, get a credit card or sign a cell phone contract. A good credit score, on the other hand, means you are a safe bet and lenders will more likely want to loan you money at less expensive rates.

Having a high credit score can make your life easier, so it is important to do what you can to protect it. Everyday, people make decisions that unknowingly cause their credit score to drop. Don’t be one of them! Protect your score by following these helpful tips:

f I n A n C I A l w e l l n e s sR

Dispute a credit report error. Errors can hurt your credit score more than you think. For example, an inaccurately reported late payment could bring your credit score down 60 to 110 points depending on the other information in your report. Call or write your credit agency immediately to have the error removed.

Avoid keeping high balances on your credit cards. Creditors look at the amount of your balance compared to your credit limit—called your “credit ratio.” The higher your balances are, the lower your credit ratio and that means the lower your credit score. It’s best to pay off your cards, or at least keep balances to 25% or less of the card limit to maximize your credit score. Balances exceeding 75% of your total card limit are particularly bad.

Pay bills on time. Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. The further behind you are on your payments, the more it hurts your credit score.

Don’t open new credit cards. Every time you get a new credit card, your score could fall by 10 points or more. The proper answer to the question, “Would you like to save 10% on your purchases today by opening a credit card?” is,“Thanks, but no thanks!”

GTakEChargE!

Get a copy of your credit report. You can’t start to improve your credit score until you know exactly what you need to work on. Your credit report includes a list of the accounts that are hurting your credit score. Get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is a site mandated by the Federal Trade Commission to help ensure consumers can access a trustworthy site for credit reports. Beware of other offers for “free” credit reports—often these sites have “click through agreements” where by clicking a certain button you may unknowingly give approval to release your credit information to marketing firms.

How Does Your Credit Score Stack Up?

700-850

680-699

620-679

580-619

500-579

300-499

Very good or excellent credit score

Good credit score

Average or okay credit score

Low credit score

Poor credit score

Bad credit score

Are You helping or hurting Your Credit score?

(source: WeLCoA)

by liz Pochini – DTe energy, Manager, retirement income benefits


GTakEChargE!

Minimize credit inquiries. The greater the number of inquiries, the more harm to your score. Credit inquiries are made when opening new credit cards, applying for auto loans or other lines of credit or even applying for insurance quotes online.

Leave accounts open, especially older cards and those with balances. You might be tempted to close credit card accounts that have become delinquent, but wait. Before you close any account be sure it won’t negatively affect your credit. For example, closing a credit card with a balance can hurt your credit score if the lender also stops reporting your credit limit. It’s very rare that closing a credit card will improve your credit score.

Make contact with your creditors. If you’re having trouble, talk to your creditors about your situation. Many of them have temporary hardship programs that will reduce your monthly payments until you can get back on your feet.

are Financial pressures Getting to you?

WellLife employee assistance program (eap) can help! Not only can a WellLife eAP counselor help you manage your stress, they can actually connect you to trustworthy financial advisors, credit agencies and other financial support resources. call a WellLife eAP counselor confidentially at 888.eAp.HfHS.


Are You helping or hurting Your Credit score?

(source: WeLCoA)

Pay off a debt. The amount of debt you’re carrying accounts for 30% of your credit score. Try to avoid letting debt stay on your cards—pay them off as quickly as possible.

Get professional help. Resources, like consumer credit counseling, are available to assist you. You can locate a credit counseling agency through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Your credit card billing statements now include the number to credit counseling agencies that can help you.

Be patient and persistent. Patience isn’t a factor that’s used to calculate your credit score, but it’s something you need to have while you’re repairing your credit. Your credit wasn’t damaged overnight, so don’t expect it to improve in that amount of time. Continue paying your debts on time each month and over time you will see your credit score improve.

Mark Your Calendar! EYL WEBInAR: “Financial Fitness: Are You Getting the Most from Your 401(k)?”DTE Energy employees, retirees and spouses are invited to view an upcoming online webinar, called “Financial Fitness: Are You Getting the Most from Your 401(k)?”, co-facilitated by Elizabeth A. Pochini—DTE Energy Manager, Retirement Income Benefits—and a representative from J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

P Learn about DTE Energy 401(k) Plan features and benefits

P Gain understanding on investment basics

P See the investment lineup overview

P Find out about tools and resources to help you learn to have control

P Learn how to contact J.P. Morgan

WHEn: April 10, 2012

TIME: Noon – 1pm ET (a recorded version also available at 8pm ET)

TO REGISTER: Go to www.dteenergy.com/eyl/mylearning, or call RedBrick Health at 866.261.7144.

Don’t Get stuck PAYInG More for Your healthcare

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DTE Energy CompanyOne Energy PlazaDetroit, MI 48226

PresortedFirst Class

U.S. Postage paID

Royal Oak, MI Permit no. 759

M o r e n e w s

Earn Rewards: in ChargE Quiz! You can earn 25 entries into the Quarterly Drawing, or 25 HealthyMe credits, by reading this issue

of in ChargE and taking just a few minutes to answer questions based on what you’ve read.

To access the quiz, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/InChargeMarApr2012.

You must complete the online quiz by April 15, 2012 to earn your reward.

healthy Living

dEadlinE approaching!

MARCH

31For those DTE Energy employees and spouses/same sex domestic partners participating in the healthy Living program to stay at the EnHAnCED LEvEL for medical coverage (with lower out-of-pocket costs), the March 31 deadline for a number of the requirements is quickly approaching!

If you haven’t taken any action toward meeting these requirements, you could be making a costly mistake! If BOTH you and your covered spouse/SSDP do not complete the requirements by the stated deadlines, your coverage will drop to STAnDARD LEvEL—meaning you and your covered dependents will pay more out-of-pocket when seeking health care services.

Complete your healthy Living requirements as outlined in the packet sent to homes in January 2012. Or, PPO and CDHP members can view online on the Resource page at www.redbrickhealth.com/login. (nOTe: hMO members, please refer to your hMO materials for requirements.)

Not sure if you’ve met the requirements?

PPO and CDHP members can contact RedBrick Health at

866.261.7144, or visit www.redbrickhealth.com/login and view your “Activity History” by clicking on your piggy bank

(found on the Home Page, Rewards tab or HealthMap tab).

VOL 3 | Issue 2 | March/aprIL 2012 in Charge · ginger to help ease nausea of all kinds—such as...

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