The Scoop Identity Theft nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 5 Good Reasons ... ·...

4
Fund Office Member Services: (Effective May 30th, 2017) – NEW Call In Hours: M – F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm TOLL FREE (866) 400-5200 Walk-in Hours: M – F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Visit our website: www.oefi.org OPERATING ENGINEERS TRUST FUNDS – PENSION, HEALTH & WELFARE AND VACATION/HOLIDAY FUNDS I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12 FALL 2017 The Fund Office wants to thank all of our married members for their cooperation in the spousal audit being conducted by HMS . We know it can be an inconvenience to provide the requested documentation, but it’s important that we enforce the rules of the Fund that only legally married spouses are eligible for benefits. With rising costs of health care, it’s also important that the Fund not pay benefits for individuals not eligible for coverage. Plain and simple, it is fraud to not notify the Fund Office when a member becomes divorced and leaves their ex-spouse on the medical, dental and prescription drug plans. So far, 116 members have acknowledged that they are no longer married and we expect this number to climb to 200 by the time the project is completed. This will translate into a savings of over $1-million per year in benefits being paid to ineligible individuals covered by the Health & Welfare Fund. If you are having trouble geng through to the Fund Oce Member Services Department, try calling between: 10:00 and 11:00 am or between 2:30 and 3:30 pm. These mes typically have lower call volumes compared to the rest of the day. The Member Services Department is open between: 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is: (866) 400-5200. Grief & Loss Anger Management Domestic Violence Who is MHN? MHN has over 30 years’ experience in providing behavioral health, substance abuse, wellness and Member Assistance Programs. They maintain a nation-wide network of more than 62,000 licensed practitioners and 1,450 facilities. They provide a toll-free access line 24/7 to speak with a licensed clinician live. Choosing a provider Finding a MHN Network counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist is easy. Members can call MHN toll-free (800) 327-0577 anytime for help finding a provider. Or, you can use the provider search feature on MHN’s member website (www.members.mhn.com) – just enter company code OEFI to access our benefits. Although members can still obtain care outside of the MHN Network, we recommend using a Network provider whenever possible. When using a Network provider: The member’s portion of the cost will be much lower. The member knows the provider meets high standards of education, training and experience. If the member has any problems with the provider, MHN can step in to help. There are no claims to file. Launched earlier this year, this new benet provides condential, professional short-term counseling services for you and your eligible family members. The Member Assistance Plan (MAP) provides up to eight (8) counseling sessions for each incident/ issue per year per eligible person. There are no co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles for these counseling sessions. If it is determined that further care is necessary and appropriate, coverage will be provided at 90% if a MHN Network provider is used or 70% if a provider is used that is not part of the MHN network. Below is a summary of some of the types of issues that can be handled as part of the MAP: Marriage, Family & Relationship Issues Stress & Anxiety Depression Alcohol & Drug Dependency Other Emotional Health Issues BEST TIMES TO CALL THE FUND OFFICE Health & Welfare Fund Spousal Audit STUDIES SHOW THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE VERY STRESSFUL Most of us love the Holiday season, but it can also be very stressful to many of us. That’s where the Fund’s Member Assistance Plan through MHN can help.

Transcript of The Scoop Identity Theft nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 5 Good Reasons ... ·...

Page 1: The Scoop Identity Theft nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 5 Good Reasons ... · 2017-12-14 · health and well-being. Here are five reasons to not feel guilty the next

Fund Office Member Services: (Effective May 30th, 2017) – NEW Call In Hours: M – F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm TOLL FREE (866) 400-5200Walk-in Hours: M – F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm • Visit our website: www.oefi .org

OPERATING ENGINEERS TRUST FUNDS – PENSION, HEALTH & WELFARE AND VACATION/HOLIDAY FUNDSI.U.O.E. LOCAL 12

FALL 2017

The Fund Of f i ce wants to thank a l l o f our marr ied members for the i r cooperat ion in the

spousal audi t be ing conducted by HMS . We k n o w i t c a n b e a n i n c o n v e n i e n c e t o p r o v i d e t h e r e q u e s t e d d o c u m e n t a t i o n , b u t i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t h a t w e e n f o r c e t h e r u l e s o f t h e F u n d t h a t o n l y l e g a l l y m a r r i e d s p o u s e s a r e e l i g i b l e f o r b e n e f i t s . Wi t h r i s i n g c o s t s o f h e a l t h c a r e , i t ’ s a l s o i m p o r t a n t t h a t t h e F u n d n o t p a y b e n e f i t s f o r i n d i v i d u a l s n o t e l i g i b l e f o r c o v e r a g e . P l a i n a n d s i m p l e , i t i s f r a u d t o n o t n o t i f y t h e F u n d O f f i c e w h e n a m e m b e r b e c o m e s d i v o r c e d a n d l e a v e s t h e i r e x - s p o u s e o n t h e m e d i c a l , d e n t a l a n d p r e s c r i p t i o n d r u g p l a n s . S o f a r, 116 m e m b e r s h a v e a c k n o w l e d g e d t h a t t h e y a r e n o l o n g e r m a r r i e d a n d w e e x p e c t t h i s n u m b e r t o c l i m b t o 2 0 0 b y t h e t i m e t h e p r o j e c t i s c o m p l e t e d . T h i s w i l l t r a n s l a t e i n t o a s a v i n g s o f o v e r $ 1 - m i l l i o n p e r y e a r i n b e n e f i t s b e i n g p a i d t o i n e l i g i b l e i n d i v i d u a l s c o v e r e d b y t h e H e a l t h & We l f a r e F u n d .

If you are having trouble ge� ng through to the Fund Offi ce Member Services Department, try calling between:

10:00 and 11:00 am or between 2:30 and 3:30 pm.

These � mes typically have lower call volumes compared to the rest of the day. The Member Services Department is open between:

8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

The toll-free number is: (866) 400-5200.

Page 4 The Scoop I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:You can use this form to change your address.

It can be mailed to the address �rinted at the bo� om of the form or fax it to the Fund Offi ce @ (626) 356-1047. It must include the member’s signature and one of the following: register #, OE #, or last 4-digits of the member’s SS#.

Please note that your change of address must be received by the 15th of the month in order for your Pension Check to be sent to your new address the following month.

Name Register #, OE# or Last 4-Digits of Member’s SS#

Street

City State Zip Code

Member’s Signature

Telephone Number

Can you nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forward, or backwards.

MAIL FORM TO:Operating Engineers Trust Funds

P.O. Box 7063, Pasadena, CA 91109or fax to (626) 356-1047

Identity Theft

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be tasteless. This is especially true if you’re aware of the numerous health benefits of chocolate--dark chocolate, that is. Study after study proves that dark chocolate is a superfood to be reckoned with. A nutrient-rich powerhouse, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

A must-have addition to your eating regimen, dark chocolate touts numerous health benefits for women. From curbing cravings to improving brain function, dark chocolate will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also improve your overall health and well-being.

Here are five reasons to not feel guilty the next time you consume this sweet treat.

• Lower Blood PressureNearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women and women are actually more likely than men to have high blood pressure once they hit age 65. A 2014 Harvard study of 1,106 people found that dark chocolate (consisting of 50 to 70 percent cocoa) lowered blood pressure in all participants. The study also found that participants with hypertension experienced the greatest decline. Furthermore, dark chocolate also raised insulin sensitivity, which aids in lowering the risk of diabetes.

• Improved MemoryAre you having trouble with your memory? Don’t fret, dark chocolate can help. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School found that older adults who drank two cups of cocoa for a month had improved blood flow in the parts of their brain responsible for memory and thinking.

• Decreased DepressionWomen are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. Luckily for women, dark chocolate can help improve symptoms of depression by helping release serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Not to mention, dark chocolate increases endorphins, which are hormones that activate the body’s opiate levels. In layman’s terms endorphins make you happy.

• Better SkinWe’ve all heard that chocolate is bad for your skin, but dark chocolate actually contains antioxidants that help protect your skin against free radicals, which impact the way your skin ages. Dark chocolate is also a low glycemic food, which means that it can safeguard against both acne and inflammation. If that weren’t enough, consuming dark chocolate will also keep your skin moist and well-nourished.

• Weight LossDue to its bittersweet taste and antioxidant levels, pure dark chocolate may suppress your appetite. According to a Netherlands study, researchers found that women who ate or just smelled dark chocolate reported decreased appetites. Furthermore, researchers in Copenhagen found that participants who consumed 100 grams of chocolate (either milk or dark) were 15 percent less intrested in the pizza they were offered later on.

5 Good Reasons To Eat Chocolate

ABAGNALE BANKS THEFT

PASSPORT MALWARE

V ICT IM

L IAB IL ITYPERPETRATOR

FRAUDSCAM

ACCOUNT

CRED ITOR PASSWORDS

CRED IT CARDIDENT ITYFORGED

LENDING LAW

• Grief & Loss• Anger Management• Domestic Violence

Who is MHN?MHN has over 30 years’ experience in providing behavioral health, substance abuse, wellness and Member Assistance Programs. They maintain a nation-wide network of more than 62,000 licensed practitioners and 1,450 facilities. They provide a toll-free access line 24/7 to speak with a licensed clinician live. Choosing a provider

Finding a MHN Network counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist is easy.

• Members can call MHN toll-free (800) 327-0577 anytime for help fi nding a provider. • Or, you can use the provider search feature on MHN’s member website (www.members.mhn.com) – just enter company code OEFI to access our benefi ts. Although members can still obtain care outside of the MHN Network, we recommend using a Network provider whenever possible. When using a Network provider: • The member’s portion of the cost will be much lower. • The member knows the provider meets high standards of education, training and experience. • If the member has any problems with the provider, MHN can step in to help. • There are no claims to fi le.

Launched earlier this year, this new bene t provides con dential, professional short-term counseling services for you and your eligible family members. The Member Assistance Plan (MAP) provides up to eight (8) counseling sessions for each incident/issue per year per eligible person. There are no co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles for these counseling sessions. If it is determined that further care is necessary and appropriate, coverage will be provided at 90% if a MHN Network provider is used or 70% if a provider is used that is not part of the MHN network. Below is a summary of some of the types of issues that can be handled as part of the MAP:• Marriage, Family & Relationship Issues • Stress & Anxiety• Depression

• Alcohol & Drug Dependency• Other Emotional Health Issues

BEST TIMES TO CALL

THE FUND OFFICEHealth & Welfare Fund Spousal Audit

STUDIES SHOW THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE VERY STRESSFULMost of us love the Holiday season, but it can also be very stressful to many of us.

That’s where the Fund’s Member Assistance Plan through MHN can help.

ABAGNALE ABAGNALEBANKS THEFT

PASSPORT MALWARE

V ICT IM

L IAB IL ITYL IAB IL ITYPERPETRATOR

FRAUDSCAM

ACCOUNT

CRED ITOR CRED ITORPASSWORDS

CRED IT CARDIDENT ITYFORGED

LENDING LAW

Page 2: The Scoop Identity Theft nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 5 Good Reasons ... · 2017-12-14 · health and well-being. Here are five reasons to not feel guilty the next

Page 2 The Scoop I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12 I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12 The Scoop Page 3

Visit Your Doctor Online – Your Covered Benefit Something to Grin AboutDon’t Forget your FLU Shot

Good smiles make people happy and regular dental care can keep you healthy

Getting routine vaccines is the best defense against common illnesses like

the flu, pneumonia and shingles.As a convenience to our members, the Health & Welfare Fund has arranged for several vaccines to be provided at CVS pharmacies. This service allows you to walk into your local CVS pharmacy and receive vaccines and immunizations directly from the immunizing pharmacist on duty, at no cost to you.The following list shows the free vaccines available through this program:• Seasonal Infl uenza Vaccine (available thru April 30, 2018)• Zoster (shingles)• Tetanus, Diphtheria Toxoids, Pertussis• Hepatitis A & B• Measles, Mumps, Rubella ,Varicella• Pneumococcal (pneumonia)• Human Papillomavirus• MeningococcalWe recommend calling your local CVS pharmacy prior to your arrival to ensure availability of the particular vaccine you need and to check if the immunizing pharmacist is on duty.If you should have any questions about this program you can call the Fund Offi ce Member Services Department:Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm CALL: (866) 400-5200.

Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive. They can also tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether you may be at risk for certain chronic diseases. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications like stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease also show higher rates of pre-term, low birth-weight babies. Other research shows that more than 90% of all systemic diseases like diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and kidney disease have oral symptoms, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, poor oral hygiene can even lead to other health problems. Mouth infections can lead to oral and facial pain, as well as problems with the heart and other major organs. Also, because digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, poor oral health can ultimately lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders. What You Can Do

In addition to brushing and flossing at least twice per day, avoiding smoking and smokeless tobacco, eating healthy and seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, improper jaw alignment, as well as growth and development problems in children.

Secure your social security number (SSN). Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or write your number on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary.

Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online.

Contact the three credit reporting agencies to request a freeze of your credit reports.

Collect mail promptly. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.

Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or fi nancial statements are late, contact the sender.

Enable the security features on mobile devices, especially if you have contacts, banking websites and applications saved.

Update sharing and fi rewall settings when you’re on a public wi-fi network. Consider using a

virtual private network, which can give you the privacy of secured private network.

Review your credit card and bank account statements. Promptly compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.

Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards, to prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.

Store personal information in a safe place at home and at work.

Install fi rewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.

Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess easily. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases

Review your credit report once a year to be certain that it doesn’t include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.

Prevent Identity TheftTake steps to protect yourself from identity theft: Let Us Give Thanks

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough,

and more. It turns denial into

acceptance, chaos to order,

confusion to clarity. It can turn a

meal into a feast, a house into

a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Easier and less expensive than urgent care

Did you know you can have a visit with a doctor online, anytime with no copay or deductible? Now a covered benefit in the Operating Engineers Health & Welfare Fund Anthem Blue Cross PPO Plan.

LiveHealth Online: • Is available in most states, including CA and NV

• Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

• Is available anywhere you have a computer or mobile device with Internet access (at home, on the job or on the go)

• Provides access to in-network, board-certifi ed doctors

• Allows doctors to ePrescribe utilizing local pharmacies

• Is secure, convenient and easy-to-use

• Just register on www.LiveHealthOnline.com, choose a doctor and start a session

• The indicated $49 charge will be waived for all individuals eligible under the Health & Welfare Fund Anthem BlueCross PPO Plan

LiveHealth Online is the trade name of Health Management Corporation, a separate company providing telehealth services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Page 3: The Scoop Identity Theft nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 5 Good Reasons ... · 2017-12-14 · health and well-being. Here are five reasons to not feel guilty the next

Page 2 The Scoop I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12 I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12 The Scoop Page 3

Visit Your Doctor Online – Your Covered Benefit Something to Grin AboutDon’t Forget your FLU Shot

Good smiles make people happy and regular dental care can keep you healthy

Getting routine vaccines is the best defense against common illnesses like

the flu, pneumonia and shingles.As a convenience to our members, the Health & Welfare Fund has arranged for several vaccines to be provided at CVS pharmacies. This service allows you to walk into your local CVS pharmacy and receive vaccines and immunizations directly from the immunizing pharmacist on duty, at no cost to you.The following list shows the free vaccines available through this program:• Seasonal Infl uenza Vaccine (available thru April 30, 2018)• Zoster (shingles)• Tetanus, Diphtheria Toxoids, Pertussis• Hepatitis A & B• Measles, Mumps, Rubella ,Varicella• Pneumococcal (pneumonia)• Human Papillomavirus• MeningococcalWe recommend calling your local CVS pharmacy prior to your arrival to ensure availability of the particular vaccine you need and to check if the immunizing pharmacist is on duty.If you should have any questions about this program you can call the Fund Offi ce Member Services Department:Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm CALL: (866) 400-5200.

Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive. They can also tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether you may be at risk for certain chronic diseases. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications like stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease also show higher rates of pre-term, low birth-weight babies. Other research shows that more than 90% of all systemic diseases like diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and kidney disease have oral symptoms, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, poor oral hygiene can even lead to other health problems. Mouth infections can lead to oral and facial pain, as well as problems with the heart and other major organs. Also, because digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, poor oral health can ultimately lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders. What You Can Do

In addition to brushing and flossing at least twice per day, avoiding smoking and smokeless tobacco, eating healthy and seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, improper jaw alignment, as well as growth and development problems in children.

Secure your social security number (SSN). Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or write your number on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary.

Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online.

Contact the three credit reporting agencies to request a freeze of your credit reports.

Collect mail promptly. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.

Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or fi nancial statements are late, contact the sender.

Enable the security features on mobile devices, especially if you have contacts, banking websites and applications saved.

Update sharing and fi rewall settings when you’re on a public wi-fi network. Consider using a

virtual private network, which can give you the privacy of secured private network.

Review your credit card and bank account statements. Promptly compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.

Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards, to prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.

Store personal information in a safe place at home and at work.

Install fi rewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.

Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess easily. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases

Review your credit report once a year to be certain that it doesn’t include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.

Prevent Identity TheftTake steps to protect yourself from identity theft: Let Us Give Thanks

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough,

and more. It turns denial into

acceptance, chaos to order,

confusion to clarity. It can turn a

meal into a feast, a house into

a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Easier and less expensive than urgent care

Did you know you can have a visit with a doctor online, anytime with no copay or deductible? Now a covered benefit in the Operating Engineers Health & Welfare Fund Anthem Blue Cross PPO Plan.

LiveHealth Online: • Is available in most states, including CA and NV

• Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

• Is available anywhere you have a computer or mobile device with Internet access (at home, on the job or on the go)

• Provides access to in-network, board-certifi ed doctors

• Allows doctors to ePrescribe utilizing local pharmacies

• Is secure, convenient and easy-to-use

• Just register on www.LiveHealthOnline.com, choose a doctor and start a session

• The indicated $49 charge will be waived for all individuals eligible under the Health & Welfare Fund Anthem BlueCross PPO Plan

LiveHealth Online is the trade name of Health Management Corporation, a separate company providing telehealth services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Page 4: The Scoop Identity Theft nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 5 Good Reasons ... · 2017-12-14 · health and well-being. Here are five reasons to not feel guilty the next

Fund Office Member Services: (Effective May 30th, 2017) – NEW Call In Hours: M – F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm TOLL FREE (866) 400-5200Walk-in Hours: M – F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm • Visit our website: www.oefi .org

OPERATING ENGINEERS TRUST FUNDS – PENSION, HEALTH & WELFARE AND VACATION/HOLIDAY FUNDSI.U.O.E. LOCAL 12

FALL 2017

The Fund Of f i ce wants to thank a l l o f our marr ied members for the i r cooperat ion in the

spousal audi t be ing conducted by HMS . We k n o w i t c a n b e a n i n c o n v e n i e n c e t o p r o v i d e t h e r e q u e s t e d d o c u m e n t a t i o n , b u t i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t h a t w e e n f o r c e t h e r u l e s o f t h e F u n d t h a t o n l y l e g a l l y m a r r i e d s p o u s e s a r e e l i g i b l e f o r b e n e f i t s . Wi t h r i s i n g c o s t s o f h e a l t h c a r e , i t ’ s a l s o i m p o r t a n t t h a t t h e F u n d n o t p a y b e n e f i t s f o r i n d i v i d u a l s n o t e l i g i b l e f o r c o v e r a g e . P l a i n a n d s i m p l e , i t i s f r a u d t o n o t n o t i f y t h e F u n d O f f i c e w h e n a m e m b e r b e c o m e s d i v o r c e d a n d l e a v e s t h e i r e x - s p o u s e o n t h e m e d i c a l , d e n t a l a n d p r e s c r i p t i o n d r u g p l a n s . S o f a r, 116 m e m b e r s h a v e a c k n o w l e d g e d t h a t t h e y a r e n o l o n g e r m a r r i e d a n d w e e x p e c t t h i s n u m b e r t o c l i m b t o 2 0 0 b y t h e t i m e t h e p r o j e c t i s c o m p l e t e d . T h i s w i l l t r a n s l a t e i n t o a s a v i n g s o f o v e r $ 1 - m i l l i o n p e r y e a r i n b e n e f i t s b e i n g p a i d t o i n e l i g i b l e i n d i v i d u a l s c o v e r e d b y t h e H e a l t h & We l f a r e F u n d .

If you are having trouble ge� ng through to the Fund Offi ce Member Services Department, try calling between:

10:00 and 11:00 am or between 2:30 and 3:30 pm.

These � mes typically have lower call volumes compared to the rest of the day. The Member Services Department is open between:

8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

The toll-free number is: (866) 400-5200.

Page 4 The Scoop I.U.O.E. LOCAL 12

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:You can use this form to change your address.

It can be mailed to the address �rinted at the bo� om of the form or fax it to the Fund Offi ce @ (626) 356-1047. It must include the member’s signature and one of the following: register #, OE #, or last 4-digits of the member’s SS#.

Please note that your change of address must be received by the 15th of the month in order for your Pension Check to be sent to your new address the following month.

Name Register #, OE# or Last 4-Digits of Member’s SS#

Street

City State Zip Code

Member’s Signature

Telephone Number

Can you nd the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forward, or backwards.

MAIL FORM TO:Operating Engineers Trust Funds

P.O. Box 7063, Pasadena, CA 91109or fax to (626) 356-1047

Identity Theft

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be tasteless. This is especially true if you’re aware of the numerous health benefits of chocolate--dark chocolate, that is. Study after study proves that dark chocolate is a superfood to be reckoned with. A nutrient-rich powerhouse, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

A must-have addition to your eating regimen, dark chocolate touts numerous health benefits for women. From curbing cravings to improving brain function, dark chocolate will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also improve your overall health and well-being.

Here are five reasons to not feel guilty the next time you consume this sweet treat.

• Lower Blood PressureNearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women and women are actually more likely than men to have high blood pressure once they hit age 65. A 2014 Harvard study of 1,106 people found that dark chocolate (consisting of 50 to 70 percent cocoa) lowered blood pressure in all participants. The study also found that participants with hypertension experienced the greatest decline. Furthermore, dark chocolate also raised insulin sensitivity, which aids in lowering the risk of diabetes.

• Improved MemoryAre you having trouble with your memory? Don’t fret, dark chocolate can help. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School found that older adults who drank two cups of cocoa for a month had improved blood flow in the parts of their brain responsible for memory and thinking.

• Decreased DepressionWomen are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. Luckily for women, dark chocolate can help improve symptoms of depression by helping release serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Not to mention, dark chocolate increases endorphins, which are hormones that activate the body’s opiate levels. In layman’s terms endorphins make you happy.

• Better SkinWe’ve all heard that chocolate is bad for your skin, but dark chocolate actually contains antioxidants that help protect your skin against free radicals, which impact the way your skin ages. Dark chocolate is also a low glycemic food, which means that it can safeguard against both acne and inflammation. If that weren’t enough, consuming dark chocolate will also keep your skin moist and well-nourished.

• Weight LossDue to its bittersweet taste and antioxidant levels, pure dark chocolate may suppress your appetite. According to a Netherlands study, researchers found that women who ate or just smelled dark chocolate reported decreased appetites. Furthermore, researchers in Copenhagen found that participants who consumed 100 grams of chocolate (either milk or dark) were 15 percent less intrested in the pizza they were offered later on.

5 Good Reasons To Eat Chocolate

ABAGNALE BANKS THEFT

PASSPORT MALWARE

V ICT IM

L IAB IL ITYPERPETRATOR

FRAUDSCAM

ACCOUNT

CRED ITOR PASSWORDSCRED IT CARD

IDENT ITYFORGED

LENDING LAW

• Grief & Loss• Anger Management• Domestic Violence

Who is MHN?MHN has over 30 years’ experience in providing behavioral health, substance abuse, wellness and Member Assistance Programs. They maintain a nation-wide network of more than 62,000 licensed practitioners and 1,450 facilities. They provide a toll-free access line 24/7 to speak with a licensed clinician live. Choosing a provider

Finding a MHN Network counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist is easy.

• Members can call MHN toll-free (800) 327-0577 anytime for help fi nding a provider. • Or, you can use the provider search feature on MHN’s member website (www.members.mhn.com) – just enter company code OEFI to access our benefi ts. Although members can still obtain care outside of the MHN Network, we recommend using a Network provider whenever possible. When using a Network provider: • The member’s portion of the cost will be much lower. • The member knows the provider meets high standards of education, training and experience. • If the member has any problems with the provider, MHN can step in to help. • There are no claims to fi le.

Launched earlier this year, this new bene t provides con dential, professional short-term counseling services for you and your eligible family members. The Member Assistance Plan (MAP) provides up to eight (8) counseling sessions for each incident/issue per year per eligible person. There are no co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles for these counseling sessions. If it is determined that further care is necessary and appropriate, coverage will be provided at 90% if a MHN Network provider is used or 70% if a provider is used that is not part of the MHN network. Below is a summary of some of the types of issues that can be handled as part of the MAP:• Marriage, Family & Relationship Issues • Stress & Anxiety• Depression

• Alcohol & Drug Dependency• Other Emotional Health Issues

BEST TIMES TO CALL

THE FUND OFFICEHealth & Welfare Fund Spousal Audit

STUDIES SHOW THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE VERY STRESSFULMost of us love the Holiday season, but it can also be very stressful to many of us.

That’s where the Fund’s Member Assistance Plan through MHN can help.

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