Sources: Live Strong. livestrong.com/article/240340-why-a-positive-role-model-is-important-for-children. Accessed 9 May 2016.Big Brothers and Sisters of America. bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.6065577/apps/s/content.asp?ct=13982827. Accessed 9 May 2016.

SMART FACTS24 million

children in America live in homes without their biological father.

52%Children with a strong family home

and role model are 52% less likely to skip school.

46%Children and teens with strong role models

are 46% less likely to use illegal drugs.

IN THIS ISSUE2 Stop Illness Before Symptoms Arise3 Chew on This: Dental Coverage4 Harvest of the Month: Bell Peppers

HEALTHY ROLE MODELSby Jenna Mears

Every year in May and June, we celebrate moms and dads for everything they do. One of the most important parts of being a parent or child caregiver is being a good role model. Are you being the best role model you can be to someone who looks up to you?

Here are some ways to be a role model to children:

Healthy Living. Eat properly and exercise regularly. This not only improves your health, but sets a great example for children.

Serving/Volunteering. Get out in the community and serve others. Better yet, take your kids with you! This builds family unity, teamwork skills, and teaches your children to meet others’ needs.

Respect and Listening. If you want your children to be respectful and good listeners, make sure you are being respectful to them and listening to them too. Listening can be one of the most difficult aspects of leadership, but also one of the most important.

Positive Attitude. Negativity lives around every corner in society today. Keep this out of your child’s life as much as possible. Instead, display a positive and reassuring attitude.

Right Relationships. We all have important relationships. Some of them may be complicated by parents, step-parents, brothers, sisters, etc. Seek to be right in your relationships instead of just being right. Set a good example by showing kindness in the face of an argument.

Source: All Pro Dad. allprodad.com/10-ways-to-be-a-role-model-to-your-children. Accessed 9 May 2016.

JUNE 2016

2 LIVING SMART NEWSLETTER

It's a stereotype that men avoid doctors, even when they do not feel well. So it is especially difficult to talk about the importance of preventive screenings, which are meant to catch health issues before symptoms arise. The leading causes of death in males in 2013 (the most current year the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported) were heart disease, cancer, accidents, lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Most of those causes have a screening test that can help prevent or treat the disease with early diagnosis.

Based on your family history and other risk factors, your care plan and preventive screening timeline might look different than someone else your age and gender. Having a strong relationship with your primary care physician will ensure that you are keeping up with the necessary screenings for your specific situation. The general guidelines are below:

Medical history - Establish a baseline and review annually

Physical exam - Annually, unless otherwise directed by physician

Blood pressure - Every one to two years or at each office visit

Height and weight - At each office visit

Cholesterol levels - Every five years for adults age 20 and over

Diabetes - Routinely if risk factors apply; every three years after age 40 if normal reading

Hearing test - Periodically

Eye exam - Annually, unless otherwise directed by physician

Teeth cleaning - Every six months

Digital rectal exam - Annually starting at age 50

Screen stool for occult blood - Annually starting at age 50

Colonoscopy - Every 10 years, if normal, starting at age 50

PREVENTIVE SCREENS SPECIFICALLY FOR MEN:Self-testicular exam - Monthly

Clinical testicular exam - Annually, unless otherwise directed by physician

Prostate digital exam - Consult with your physician

PSA test - Consult with your physician

The CDC found in a 2014 study that married men were more likely than unmarried men to have had a health care visit within the past 12 months, possibly due to encouragement from their partner. While you certainly do not need to be married to make an appointment with your physician or to empower a loved one to do so, this study showed how important the encouragement of healthy habits is. National Men’s Health Week is June 13-19. To celebrate, call and schedule your annual physical with your physician, or remind the men in your life to do so.

For more information about the screening tests that might be recommended for you, visit healthfinder.gov/myHealthfinder and talk to your doctor about next steps. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db154.htm. Accessed 13 May 2016.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/healthy-men/healthy-men.html. Accessed 13 May 2016.Standford University. bewell.stanford.edu/mens-health. Accessed 13 May 2016.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. healthfinder.gov. Accessed 13 May 2016.

STOP ILLNESS BEFORE SYMPTOMS ARISEby Kelly Thomson, MSHP

3GO LIVE SMART© POWERED BY FIRSTPERSON

True or False: Going to the dentist is all about your teeth.

False. Sure, your dentist spends a lot of time on your teeth, and examines your gums. However, when the dentist pokes around inside your mouth, he or she is also looking for signs of serious diseases, ranging from diabetes and heart disease to cancer.

Unfortunately, a lot of people miss out on this healthcare frontline check-up because they don’t visit the dentist. While some of them dodge the dentist because of fear or time constraints, a lot do it because they don’t have or understand dental coverage.

Coverages vary from plan to plan, so it’s important to review your health plan document to see what coverage you have (if you’re not sure, contact your HR Department). Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Dental coverage is usually separate from general health coverage. Having a health plan does not automatically mean you have a dental plan.

• Plan structures vary. Even if you know you have dental coverage, be sure you understand the type of coverage you have, what it pays for, and at what rate.

• Some plans allow for the dentist to bill directly; others require that you pay in advance and get reimbursed.

• Even if you don’t have dental coverage, remember that dental care is eligible for payment through your health spending account.

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY JUNEThe 29th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) is celebrated in honor and support of those who have survived cancer, those recently diagnosed, and the families and communities who have been affected by cancer. The NCSD Foundation provides free resources, education, networking, and guidance for NCSD events on the first Sunday in June and can help you find an event in your area or plan one of your own. Please visit www.ncds.org for more information.Source: National Cancer Survivor's Day. ncsd.org. Accessed 12 May 2016.

FINANCIAL CORNER WITH PETE THE PLANNERWho are your financial role models? Maybe it’s your parents, grandparents, a teacher, or an employer. Whether you had a financial role model or not, YOU can be a role model for someone. You may not feel like your financial life is perfect enough to justify it, but the truth is you’re more than qualified to be a mentor.

Most young adults don’t learn about financial responsibility in school, so their only hope of learning more is through the people in their lives. Encourage young people to pay off debt, make smart housing decisions, and start contributing to retirement today.

While a few simple words can change the course of someone’s financial life, actions always speak louder than words. Live your financial life wisely and those around you will notice. When you are respected for your financial choices, young people will be even more likely to respond to your advice.

CHEW ON THIS:DENTAL COVERAGEby John Thomas

4 LIVING SMART NEWSLETTER

Bell peppers add color to a variety of dishes, including salads, stir-fries, and veggie trays. Bell peppers are most abundant and flavorful in the summer and early fall, so now is a great time to include them in meals and snacks.

The vegetable comes in a variety of colors including green, red, yellow, orange, purple, and even brown and black. They are a great source of vitamins C and E and contain carotenoids which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. While bell peppers can be eaten at any stage of development, their vitamin content is maximized and they are more flavorful when they are fully ripe.

How to SelectChoose firm peppers with smooth skins and avoid those with wrinkles or cracks. Regardless of the color of the pepper, optimally ripe bell peppers have deep, vivid colors, feel heavy for their size, and are firm enough to yield only slightly to pressure.

How to StoreStore unwashed bell peppers in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for 7-10 days. Bell peppers are sensitive to

moisture loss, and it can be helpful to include a damp cloth or paper towel in the crisper drawer to help them retain their moisture.

How to PrepareWash the pepper in cold water before cutting. If it has been waxed, scrub it gently with a natural bristle brush. Use a paring knife to cut around the stem and remove it. They can be cut into various shapes and sizes depending on the recipe.

HARVEST OF THE MONTH: BELL PEPPERSby Rachel Savieo

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:Three Pepper Pizza

Ingredients (makes 6 servings):

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

1/3 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup water

1 (12-inch) prebaked refrigerated pizza crust

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

11/2 cups diced green, red, and yellow bell pepper (about 3 small peppers)

1/2 onion, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Combine seasoning, tomato paste, and water in a small bowl; stir well.

3. Spread over pizza crust. Top evenly with cheese. Sprinkle bell pepper and onion evenly over cheese.

4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese melts. Cut into six wedges, and serve.

Nutritional InfoPER SERVING: 236 calories, 6.1g fat, 2g saturated fat, 0g monounsaturated fat, 0g polyunsaturated fat, 36.2g carbohydrates,

10.3g protein, 352mg sodium, 10mg cholesterol, 2.1g fiber

Source: My Recipes. myrecipes.com/recipe/three-pepper-pizza. Accessed 13 May 2016.

Sources: Martha Stewart. marthastewart.com/275370/bell-pepper-recipes. Accessed 11 May 2016.World's Healthiest Foods. whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=50&tname=foodspice. Accessed 11 May 2016.