Wellness in August: Something to smile about

Wellness in August: Something to smile about

(Carpenters Rewards: 100 points)

Did someone say, "Lazy days of summer?" Looking around, it's clear that people find lots of ways to stay busy in August, whether they're working, packing for vacations, enjoying summer activities, preparing children for school, or all of the above. With so much going on in your "lazy" summer lives, we're keeping the Wellness agenda short and sweet in August—but not too sweet, because it's all about maintaining a healthy smile.

Smiling is good for your health. It boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure. Your smile enhances other people's perception of you, which in turn enhances your own feelings about yourself. Those positive feelings can be therapeutic for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety.

In August, make an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning. It will do more than prevent gum disease and help you avoid costly dental procedures. Maintaining a healthy mouth also minimizes growth of harmful bacteria that can travel through the blood stream and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and pregnancy complications.

Your health plan's benefits for exams and cleanings are a sweet deal. As an eligible participant, you can receive an exam and cleaning every six months for no out-of-pocket cost (subject to the dental fee schedule maximum), making it a very affordable way to maintain your overall health, not to mention your smile. If you participate in Carpenters Rewards, it's also a way to earn 100 points toward a $100 gift card.

On the topic of prevention, we're happy to add that your health plan also pays generous benefits for physical exams. If you find yourself feeling more motivated than lazy in August and haven't done so already this year, schedule a physical exam. It's an important opportunity to review health risk factors and obtain information and advice on how to maintain optimum health. (Like a dental exam, it's also a way to earn 100 Rewards points.) If you're a participant, spouse or domestic partner, your exam is covered at 100% and not subject to the annual deductible, office visit copayment, or annual coinsurance. For dependent children through age 25, physical exams are covered at 90% and not subject to the annual deductible; however, they are subject to office visit copayments and annual coinsurance. All services are subject to the Preventive Health Benefit Schedule.