Nature Improves Health & Wellbeing
…their life indoors. Studies suggest that the disconnect between nature and children appears to be related to an increase in childhood obesity, attention issues, and anxiety. 5 benefits of connecting with nature Connecting with nature is associated with several health benefits. Spending more time in nature may: Decrease stress Improve mood Relieve attention fatigue Encourage kindness & generosity Motivate more physical activity Fortunately, spending a few moments in nature can help reverse some negative side effects of spending too much time inside. You don’t have to plan a huge camping trip or extravagant nature outing to reap the benefits. You…
Use them or lose them
Use Your Vision Benefits Before They Expire Have new or unused vision benefits? Follow these three tips to get the most out of your vision plan. That means low out-of-pocket costs while seeing your eye doctor and getting high-quality eyewear. 1. Know what your plan covers. To find out what your vision plan covers, simply log in to your vision plan account for your detailed benefit information. 2. Get an annual eye exam. An annual eye exam is your yearly check-up of your vision and eye health. An eye exam can also uncover early signs of serious health conditions such…
MAP
…deal with a range of personal issues. MAP counselors provide short-term counseling, generally up to six counseling sessions, at no cost to you. Services include: 24/7 EAP line In-person, video, or telephone counseling by licensed providers Mercy counselors can help with: Strained relationships Stress at home or at work Anger, resentment Budgeting and debt management Parenting concerns Addictions Depression and anxiety Conflicts/communication problems Grief and loss If you are eligible for health benefits under the Plan, services are free and confidential for you and your covered dependents. If additional treatment beyond the scope of MAP is necessary, your MAP counselor…
New Maternity Leave Benefit
…beyond the 26-week maximum? No, 26 is the maximum – up to 13 weeks before the expected delivery date and up to 13 weeks after the expected delivery date. Does this work in tandem with Short Term Disability (STD)? No, the new Maternity Leave Benefit replaces Short Term Disability Benefits for the same pregnancy—you cannot receive both. Are there any exclusions? Yes, Non-Bargained Office, In-House Employees, and participants covered under COBRA are excluded from this benefit. Contact Mid-America Carpenters Benefits if you have any questions. STLKC Southern Region: (314) 644-4802, Option 1 *Physician certification required to be eligible for the benefit….
Summer Chiropractic Tips
…less active during the winter months. It is good to know when to stop and take a break. If you develop an injury, it is a good idea to visit the Carpenters Wellness Center to help determine the underlying cause of injury and receive treatment. To schedule an appointment with a Carpenters Wellness Center chiropractic provider, please call 314.955.WELL (9355). Resources “10 Reasons Gardens Matter.” Northern Gardener Blog. Minnesota State Horticultural Society, April 15, 2019. https://northerngardener.org/10-reasons-gardens-matter/ Pamela J. Bennett, M.S & Josh Winn, M.S. “Does Gardening have health benefits?” Ohio State Health & Discovery. June 15, 2023. https://health.osu.edu/health/general-health/health-benefits-of-gardening https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20current%20Physical,and%20vigorous%2Dintensity%20physical%20activity. https://waldegraveclinic.co.uk/protect-back-whilst-mowing-lawn…
Premium Plan – Vision Plan Improvements
Effective January 1, 2026 Vision Benefits under the Premium Plan just got better! For a full Schedule of Benefits, including benefits for non-VSP providers, visit our website at here. An overview of the updates when using a VSP provider are reflected below. Significant changes are shaded in green. For questions about your vision coverage, please contact Participant Services at 314.644.4802, option 1….
Pharmacy Benefit: Maintenance Medications
…Auto-refills and refill reminders available Ask about auto refills and refill reminders Talk with an Express Scripts pharmacist by phone 24/7 Coverage is the same as Express Scripts home delivery To receive a 3-month supply and avoid paying more, log in or register on express-scripts.com/90day. The 31-90-day copay schedule is listed below. The full Prescription Benefit Schedule, which is the same for both the Premium and Basic plans, may be found in the Premium Schedule of Benefits and on the Basic Schedule of Benefits. If mail order or the Restricted Retail Pharmacy Network is not used for your maintenance medications,…
