For Benefits Questions
please contact:

East Longmeadow
Corrine Tranghese
email
(413) 525-5400
----------------------
Hampden
Pam Courtney email  
(413) 566-2151 x100
----------------------Longmeadow
Erica Gelinas
email
(413) 565-4128
----------------------
Wilbraham
Amy Delisle
(413) 596-2800
email
----------------------
H-W Regional School District
Judith Ingerson
email
(413) 596-3884
----------------------LPVEC
Cheryl Decoteau
email 
(413) 735-2200
 

Health Care Benefit Comparisons

SVRHT Benefit Comparison- FY10
SVRHT Benefit Comparison- FY11
Effective 7/01/10

SVRHT Retiree Benefit Comparison-FY10
SVRHT Retiree Benefit Comparison- FY11  
Effective 7/01/10

SVRHT Retiree Supplemental Plan Comp
SVRHT Retiree Supplemental Plan Comp Effective 7/01/10

LPVEC Benefit Comparison

For questions about these plans, see your benefits coordinator listed on this webpage.

SVRHT Medication Lists

Network Blue NE, Blue Care Elect PPO or Medex III
Health New England EPO or Medi-wrap

Wellness Matters
The Wellness Newsletter
of the SVRHT

May/June 2010

Mar/ Apr 2010
Jan/Feb 2010
Nov 2009
Sept/ Oct 2009

Please log onto your health insurers website.  Each site has a wealth of information.
Health New England
Tufts
Blue Cross Blue Shield-MA

Tobacco 
One important change you can make to improve your overall health and increase life expectancy is to quit using tobacco products now.  Former smokers have a lower risk for lung cancer than do current smokers.  In one to nine months after quitting smoking, your lungs will function better.  And after 10 years, your risk of lung cancer is nearly the same as someone who never smoked.
 
No matter what your age or how long you smoked, quitting will help you live longer..  People who stop smoking before age 35 avoid 90% of the health issues attributable to tobacco.  Even those who quit later in life can significantly reduce their risk of dying at a young age.
 
Ex-smokers can also enjoy a higher quality of life with fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses, better self-reported health status, and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia.

Written by the American Heart Association

Are You Sick of Smoking? some new smoking cessation programs and resources

Get more information:

Mass Dept of Public Health

     1-800-TRY-TO-STOP
1-800-879-8678
www.trytostop.org

Blue Cross Blue Shield MA Living Healthy- Smoke Free Program

Physical Activity 

We all know by now that physical activity is an important part of maintaining good health.  But how much activity do we really need?  Over the course of the next few months the SVRHT Wellness Program will provide educational programs and activities that teach you everything you need to know about exercise, but for now keep the following recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association in mind:

Do moderately intense cardio 30 minutes/ day, 5 days/ week
OR
vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes/ day, 3 days/ week
AND
Do 8-10 strength training exercises, two sets each of 8-12 repetitions twice a week

Get more information:

BCBS HMO (MA) offers a fitness benefit for members that provides up to $150 that can be used toward member-ship or exercise classes at a health club.

Tufts offers discounted membership to the Appalachian Mountain Club and participating fitness centers and Curves locations.  Log onto their website for additional information about discounts.

Health New England will reimburse up to $150 per family per calendar year for fitness center membership.

Weight Management 
Although appearance is one reason to maintain a healthy weight, the most important reasons are related to health.   Even moderate weight excess (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults ages 30 to 64.  The American Heart Association now recognizes obesity as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease.  In addition, even moderate weight gain may increase a person’s chance of the following conditions: Type 2 Diabetes,  some types of cancer, sleep apnea, asthma and arthritis. 

The most effective way to maintain weight is through a combination of regular physical activity, a sound nutrition plan and stress management.

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Get more information:

BCBS HMO (MA) provides up to $150 toward fees paid for a qualified Weight Watchers or hospital-based weight loss program.

Tufts Health Plan offers a variety of fitness and nutrition discounts including: Curves, participating fitness centers, Nutrition Counseling, traditional Weight Watchers meetings as well as on-line programs, and participating hospital-based Wellness Centers.  Log onto their website for additional information on discounts.

Health New England will reimburse up to $150 per calendar year for Weight Watchers meetings.  Log onto their website for additional information.