Posted May 21, 2012 14:01:50 CDT

For The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan and the National Railway Carriers and United Transportation Union Health and Welfare Plan

Why wellness? Why now?

by G. Dourisseau

Small Lifestyle Changes May Lead to Big Health Improvements

For National Health and Welfare Plans

Did you know?

• 70% of all health care costs are a direct result of lifestyle behavior
• The United States spends more dollars on healthcare than any other industrialized nation, but our citizens are not the worlds healthiest!
• Our nation’s population is largely sedentary
• Obesity is reaching monumental proportions
• Tobacco and alcohol use continue to be popular
• Stress is a “worldwide epidemic”
• The typical adult has 7 chronic health conditions

Why Wellness?  It’s about prevention!

• 80% of cardiovascular disease and diabetes is preventable
• 60% of cancers are preventable
• 90% of obesity is preventable

Reduce your risks of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases through healthy lifestyle choices.

START TODAY BY ASKING YOURSELF:

• How healthy am I?
• Could I be healthier?
• Am I at risk?
• How can I reduce my risk?

Next, learn more about where to focus your time and energy to help reduce your health risks. By completing a Health Risk Assessment, whether you are trying to stop smoking, lose weight or just trying to be a happier, healthier you – your medical carrier can provide you with the necessary tools needed to meet your goals of reaching a healthier lifestyle.

Simply access your medical plan’s website to complete a Health Risk Assessment. It’s fast, easy and confidential.

To get started:

• Register/create an account – First-time users will need to register or create an account in order to properly log in to the website as a member.
• Once you are registered – You may access your medical carrier’s website:

Aetna www.aetna.com	Log in or register with “Aetna Navigator” or call Railroad Employees National Plan: 800-842-4044 or United Transportation Union: 888-332-8742.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield www.highmarkbcbs.com	Select “Your Health” tab and then “Improve Your Health” to launch the Wellness Profile or call 1-866-267-3320.
United Healthcare www.myuhc.com	Sign in and click on “Health and Wellness” to launch the Health Assessment tool or call 1-877-201-4840.

Once the assessment is complete, a personalized action plan will be provided to help guide you through the steps towards living a healthier life! 

With support from your insurance carrier - Aetna, Highmark BCBS or United Healthcare - there are many tools available to you, which include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal and online wellness coaching
• Smoking cessation assistance
• Healthy meal choices and recipes