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15/11/2021

Finding your balance
By Jeanne Laktash
Which is more important: what you like to do or what you have to do? The middle-aged brain knows this is a trick question. They’re equally important (but in different ways).

Work-life balance is trying to give equal time to work versus the rest of your life. And as we juggle more responsibilities outside of the office, like caring for children or aging parents, it matters.

“People with a healthy work-life balance tend to have better mental and physical well-being,” says Lynne Ann Gallagher, behavioral health case manager at Geisinger Health Plan.

Achieving that balance is also linked to:

Less burnout
Better engagement
Reduced stress
Higher productivity
Tip the scales a little more in your favor with these tips:

1. Plan ahead. Stay on top of your workload by taking a peek at the next day’s schedule. Which meetings and projects are highest priority? Focus on them. The budget report can’t wait, but you can have that planning meeting next week. Future you will thank past you.

2. Unplug. Set boundaries, like only responding to emails during set hours or not working on weekends. “With many of us working remotely, it can be hard to have that separation,” Gallagher says. She suggests leaving work at work: “If you can, find a separate space to work in, preferably with a door. When you log off for the day, close the door and don’t open it until it’s time to log on again.”

3. Stay connected. Meeting or meeting up? When it’s your coworkers, the former keeps everyone updated, and the latter builds a personal connection. Have a little office fun with a virtual ugly sweater party — or a zany show-and-tell. Whoever has the weirdest item (hello, tiny fez) wins bragging rights. Plus, you’ll have a funny memory later.

4. Go on vacation. You might embark on a lavish getaway to some exotic locale. Or maybe binge-watching your favorite shows and eating takeout in your cat pajamas is more your speed. Either way, several days away from the grind will do wonders to rest and recharge your brain.

5. Take breaks. Stepping away from your desk for a bit gives your mind (and eyes) a rest. “Regular breaks throughout the day can improve productivity and help you engage with your work,” Gallagher says. Every 90 minutes or so, take a quick walk, meditate or do some stretching. Then return to your task with a fresh set of eyes and a clear head.

6. Make yourself a priority. Even when you’re away from work, you may be taking care of others. Don’t forget to make time for self-care. A few ideas to get started:

Schedule a massage
Have coffee with a friend
Go on a scenic drive
Get a meal at your favorite spot
Take a long nap
Read a book or magazine
Whatever you decide to do, taking time to do the things you enjoy is good for your mental health. “Self-care is crucial to our well-being,” Gallagher says.

15/11/2021

Here’s what to look out for in Medicare
Take advantage of these 5 Medicare benefits next year.
From underutilized benefits to new offerings, 2022 is your year to make the most of your Medicare plan.

Jay Kolb, Medicare sales manager at Geisinger Health Plan, weighs in on the top five benefits to look for — and use — next year.

1 – Benefit card for prescriptions
With many Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll get a monthly card to use toward over-the-counter purchases. These cards can total up to $300 per year, are given either monthly or quarterly (depending on your plan) and can be used on everyday items like:

Tylenol
Toothpaste
Approved vitamins
“The cards don’t won’t roll over into the next year,” says Kolb, "So make time to get to your local pharmacy and buy the items you need before the benefit expires.”

Bonus: If you’re looking for other prescription benefits, Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 options for Tier 1 and 2 generic prescription drugs.

2 – Flex card
Imagine what you could do with a $500 flex spending card. It can make a huge impact on your healthcare, and the Geisinger Gold flex card offers just that.

“This is new to most Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans this year and is a great benefit that members should take advantage of if they have it,” says Kolb. “It can be used to help pay for dental, vision and hearing devices.”

3 – Dental and vision benefits
Taking care of your teeth and your vision is just as important now as it was when you were a kid.

Many Medicare Advantage plans make it easy with dental benefits that include up to a $650 annual dental allowance on covered procedures — with no up-front payments. These come with most plans and need to be used in the allotted time. They also don’t roll over, so you’ll need to use them within the year.

Plus, remember to use your flex card to pay for dental, vision and hearing coverage if you’re a Geisinger Gold member.

4 – Lower out-of-pocket costs
Caps on hospitalization copays mean you’ll spend less out of pocket if you go to the hospital. A small, per-stay copay covers all hospital fees during your admittance so you won’t have to worry about added costs per day.

“These caps lower the max you’ll pay before your insurance kicks in annually, if you have multiple stays,” says Kolb. “And they cover any admission copays at the hospital so you can get the care you need, when you need it, without worrying about the cost.”

Bonus: Other ways you’ll save on getting the care you need include:

Access to a network of 29,000 doctors and 100 hospitals
Low copays for all your primary care physician visits

5 – Part B buyback
New to Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans, some plans will have a Part B buyback. Through this, you’ll get money back in your social security checks — just for having a Medicare Advantage Part B plan.

“This isn’t something you need to use,” says Kolb, “It’s just a part of your plan and you’ll automatically benefit from it when you sign up.”

15/11/2021

The flu can stop with you.
It’s as easy as rolling up your sleeve. Get your flu shot now.
We’ve all learned a lot about how to stop the spread of germs and viruses during the pandemic. In fact, battling COVID-19 with masks, social distancing and handwashing also helped reduce flu cases.

But the best weapon in our flu-fighting arsenal is still the flu shot.

It’s easy to get, protects those around you — and it’s usually at no cost to you.

“There are a variety of ways to protect yourself from the flu, but getting your flu shot still remains the best protection,” says Dr. Alison Brodginski, an infectious diseases specialist at Geisinger’s Wilkes-Barre clinic. “Getting a flu shot is fast, easy and effective.”

So, who needs one, and where can you get yours?

Chances are, the flu shot is for you.
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months or older, especially:

Pregnant women
People with asthma, heart and lung problems
People with diabetes
Anyone over 65
To be protected throughout the entire flu season, it’s best to get your flu shot before the end of October, when flu season typically begins.

But if you miss that window, don’t worry. It’s not too late. Getting the flu shot any time during flu season is better than skipping it. (But the sooner the better.)

Why get the flu shot?
Getting a flu shot takes a few minutes out of your day. But it can save you a week off work — or in some cases, your life.

And if you think you’re too young and healthy to bother, remember: Your flu shot protects vulnerable people around you, too.

Think about the benefits:

You’ll avoid putting your friends, family and co-workers at risk of the flu.
You’ll eliminate the risk of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia or a sinus infection. The flu may worsen chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or congestive heart failure.
You won’t have to miss work, school or time with loved ones due to being sick.
You’ll be protected throughout the entire flu season.
Worried about flu shot side effects? Don’t be. You won’t have the flu. Any brief, minor symptoms are just your body’s immune system kicking into high gear. Which is a good thing.

Take charge of your health
Getting the flu shot is basically part of a healthy lifestyle, like eating right, exercising and getting enough rest (all good strategies to combat the flu, too).

“That’s why Geisinger wants to make getting a flu vaccine as easy as possible for you,” says Dr. Brodginski, noting that you can get a flu vaccine and a COVID vaccine at the same time. “We believe preventing disease is always better than treating it after the fact. So, we offer options to suit every schedule and lifestyle.”

For example, if you happen to be at a Geisinger care site — for any reason — just ask for a flu shot. Taking your teen in for a well-child visit? Make the most of your time there and get the vaccine.

Or if you’re out running errands, walk into any Geisinger primary care provider’s office or pharmacy during regular office hours and ask for a flu shot.

To avoid a possible wait, you can also schedule an appointment.

We also offer drive-through flu shot events. Just drive up, roll up your sleeve, and we do the rest.

15/11/2021

15/11/2021