Assistance and resources for personal, family and work issues

Real-Life Help @yourservice

Monthly Webinar • Tuesday, March 19th

March 2013Exclusively for Health Advocate Members

Teaching Teens to Bounce BackSome teenagers appear to be tough as nails. But, they can still be shook up by normal stressors like a social snub or a flubbed test. Don’t be put off when they react by being sullen or angry. Here’s how you can help them build resiliency when the going gets tough:

• Find chances for open communication. For example, a car drive can provide an opportunity for them to express their troublesome situations and feelings.

• Suggest journaling. Art or other expressive activities can help them work through their feelings.

• Help them see the bigger picture. Remind them of the positivity in their life, like the love of their family and friends.

• Reassure them of your faith in them. Emphasize that it’s their hard work that really counts.

• Remind them of how they successfully handled past hardships. And, that they’ll be successful again.

If the stressors are more serious or your teen seems unable to bounce back from a setback, talk to your EAP Licensed Professional Counselor.

Stand Up to Job StressAt one time or another, we all experience job stress, even with a job we love. The copier doesn’t work. The client is rude. Or, maybe the job you’re actually doing doesn’t match your job description. Whatever the source, when stress turns to strain, it can harm your moods, your motivation and even your heart health! If possible, try to address the situation. For example, talk to your supervisor about making adjustments that can help you do your work more effectively. At other times, change your response. Take a break—go for a brief walk, chat with a coworker about a non-job topic or simply sit quietly with your eyes closed. In this issue, you’ll learn how to bounce back from stress overload by changing your thinking, your habits and even your diet.

Use Laughter to Lift Work Tension The old saying, “laughter is the best medicine” can apply to the workplace. Humor can be a wonderful antidote for diffusing tense or angry moments that can sometimes arise. Just make sure the levity isn’t offensive and is focused on the situation rather than on making fun of the people involved. However, poking fun at your own imperfections can show that you don’t take yourself too seriously and can invite others to be more relaxed around you. Allow coworkers to come up with silly ideas to problems. Silliness can sometimes help good solutions to emerge. For more troublesome problems with coworkers, talk to your EAP Licensed Professional Counselor for ways to address them.

Health AdvocacyYour Personal Health Advocate can help untangle medical bills, find qualified doctors, locate eldercare services and much more.

EAP+Work/Life ProgramTalk to a Licensed Professional Counselor to learn coping skills. You may be referred to the appropriate professional for in-depth, long-term help.

Use self-search provider databases, get 4,000 updated and authoritative articles, view video clips, attend monthly online seminars and more.

Just call 866.799.2728

Health Advocacy

EAP+ Work/Life Program

Monthly WebinarTuesday, March 19th12 pm and 2 pm ET

“Building Resiliency 101”Learn how to react healthfully to stress at home and at work to lessen its impact on your health and wellbeing.

You can register at HealthAdvocate.com/members

• Enter the name of your organization and click “Submit”

• Click on the umbrella icon at the bottom of the page under “EAP+Work/Life”

• Click “Online Services”

• Scroll to online seminars, choose “Building Resiliency 101”

• Select your registration session

• Click “Register” on the “Welcome to e-learning center” page

• Enter your name, other information and submit

*Please note: Webinars are available only in English.

Avoid BurnoutFeeling blah about your job? Snapping at coworkers or clients? Overwhelmed from balancing work and life responsibilities? If these classic signs of burnout aren’t addressed, it may lead to extreme fatigue, depression, insomnia, headaches and worse. These tips may help:

• Refresh your motivation. Rediscover enjoyable aspects of your work.

• Request support. For example, ask your supervisor about a flexible work schedule.

• Recharge your batteries. Take short breaks throughout the day. Spend time away from work doing things you enjoy. And, get regular exercise!

• Review your interests and skills. You may need a job that’s less demanding (or more demanding) and is a better match for you.

©2012 Health Advocate, Inc.HA-CM-1108051©2013 Health Advocate, Inc. HA-CEM-1301001-MAR

Not sure why you received a bill for a service? Can’t make sense of the figures? A Personal Health Advocate can help you:

• Review your health plan’s coverage for in- and out-of-network providers and services

• Explain your out-of-pocket costs

• Check for errors and help resolve the problem on your behalf

• Request an itemized bill from your provider, if necessary

• If needed, help negotiate payments with the provider

Remember, your Personal Health Advocate can help with a full range of healthcare and insurance-related issues.

Connect to us

Your Health Advocate Member Website is Available 24/7Online Health Information on demandYour Health Advocate member website is packed with important information about your Health Advocate benefit. For example, you can download our “Get Started Guide” to better understand the program, or watch our member video.

You’ll also have access to articles about a variety of health and wellness topics.

To read the articles, just visit the “Health Information” icon on your Health Advocate member website.

Confused by Your Medical Bill?

To see the articles, go to:

• HealthAdvocate.com/members

• Click on the “Health Information” icon

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