arrival of fall doesn't give reprieve to seasonal allergy ... · even though you can buy some...

Managing Fall Allergies

Here are a few tips for easing fall allergy

symptoms:

Stay indoors with the doors and

windows closed when pollen is at its

peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to avoid

being exposed to your allergy

triggers. To keep track of the pollen

count in your area, visit the

American Academy of Allergy,

Asthma, and Immunology web site

at www.aaaai.org.

Before you turn on your heat for the

first time, have your heating ducts

cleaned. Particles of mold and other

allergens can become trapped in the

vents over the summer and will fill

the air as soon as you crank up the

furnace.

Use a high efficiency particulate air

(HEPA) filter in your heating system

to remove pollen, mold, and other

particles from the air.

Use a humidifier to keep the air in

your home between 35 and 50

percent humidity.

Wear a mask when you rake leaves

To Your Health

A rrival of Fall Doesn 't Give

Reprieve to Seasonal Allergy

Sufferers

Seven Tips to Improve Your

Memory

Pharmacy Corner

Safety First

The Alternative

For Your Benefit

Printable version of Healthy

Foundations

Published by Trustmark Life

Insurance Company for employers

and employees with a health plan

administrated by Starmark, Trustmark

Group Benefits or Trustmark Affinity

Markets. Plans are fully insured by

Trustmark Life Insurance Company.

For more information call the number

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EDITORIAL TEAM

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Lake Forest, IL 60045

847.615.1500

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Arrival of Fall Doesn't Give Reprieve to SeasonalAllergy Sufferers

The flowers are no longer blooming, and the air has

turned crisp and cool. But much to the dismay of the

more than 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal

allergies, the arrival of the fall pollen season brings no

relief until the first frost ends the growing season.

Th e Ca us e Fa ll A ll er gi es

Male plants release tiny cells called pollen into the air in

order to reproduce. When these pollen or other allergy

triggers get into the noses of certain people, their

immune system mistakes them as foreign invaders and

releases antibodies – helpful substances that normally

identify and go after bacteria, viruses, and other

illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the

allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called

histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny

nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.

Ragweed, which is the most common outdoor allergen

in the fall, is most prevalent throughout the Northeast,

South and Midwest, and commonly found in fields and

along roadsides. In urban areas, ragweed grows in

abundance in vacant lots. Each ragweed plant produces

one billion pollen grains per average season, and the wind

can carry those grains up to 400 miles due to their

lightweight texture. So even if it doesn’t grown where

you live, ragweed can still make you miserable if you’re

allergic to it.

Mold is another culprit, because its spores can easily

get airborne. Mold thrives in damp areas, both indoors

and outdoors. The piles of damp leaves that line yards

and streets in the fall are breeding grounds for mold, as

are damp basements and bathrooms at home.

Dust mites – microscopic, spider-like insects – are yet

another common indoor allergen. They are most

prevalent during the humid summer months, but can get

stirred into the air the first time you turn on your furnace

in the fall. From the air, dust mites can make their way

into your nose, triggering sneezes, wheezes, and runny

noses.

Ch il dr en a nd F al l A l le r g ie s

For children, the start of a new school year can also

mean the beginning of fall allergy symptoms. Dust mites

to avoid inhaling mold spores.

Source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; WebMD

and mold both flourish in schools. Add to that chalk dust,

which can get airborne with the bang of an eraser and

trigger wheezing in children with asthma.

Wh at a r e t he S ym pt o m s o f F al l

A l le r g ie s ?

Allergy symptoms caused by ragweed, pollen, or mold are called allergic rhinitis (hay fever). These

symptoms include:

Runny nose

Watery eyes

Sneezing

Coughing

Itchy eyes and nose

Dark circles under the eyes

People with allergies to ragweed can also develop an itchy throat and mouth – a condition called oral

allergy syndrome (OAS) – when they eat banana, cucumber, melon, or certain other fruits and

vegetables.

Even though you can buy some allergy medications without a prescription, it's a good idea to talk to your

doctor first to make sure you choose the right medication. Some antihistamines can make you feel

sleepy, so you need to be careful when taking them during the day. Read the packaging label – some of

these products are only meant to be used for a few days.

400 Field Drive | Lake Forest, IL 60045 | 847.615.1500 | www.trustmarkins.com

PLAN AVAILABILITY AND/OR COVERAGE MAY VARY BY STATE.

Copyright ©2009 Trustmark Life Insurance Company. Information in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from

Trustmark Life Insurance Company. The articles contained within this newsletter are not a promise of coverage and are not meant to replace professional medical

advice or service. Personal health issues should be discussed with your physician. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance or Policy for complete benefit

information.

To Your Health

A rrival of Fall Doesn 't Give

Reprieve to Seasonal Allergy

Sufferers

Seven Tips to Improve Your

Memory

Pharmacy Corner

Safety First

The Alternative

For Your Benefit

Printable version of Healthy

Foundations


Insurance Company for employers

and employees with a health plan

administrated by Starmark, Trustmark

Group Benefits or Trustmark Affinity


Trustmark Life Insurance Company.

For more information call the number

on your medical ID card.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

400 Field Drive


847.615.1500


Seven Tips to Improve Your Memory

Having trouble remembering where you placed your keys,

why you walked into a room or your new neighbor’s

name? You're not alone. Everyone forgets things

occasionally. Still, memory loss is nothing to take

lightly. The good news is there are simple things you can

do every day — from staying mentally active to including

physical activity in your daily routine — to improve your

memory today.

No. 1: Stay mental ly activeJust as physical activity helps keep your body in shape,

mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in

shape — and memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles.

Read a section of the newspaper that you normally skip.

Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument. Volunteer at a local school or

community organization.

No. 2: Socialize regularlySocial interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss.

Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and others — especially if you live alone.

When you're invited to share a meal or attend an event, go!

No. 3: G et organizedYou're more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered and your notes are in disarray. Jot down tasks,

appointments and other events in a special notebook or calendar. You might even repeat each entry out

loud as you write it down to help cement it in your memory. Keep to-do lists current, and check off items

you've completed. Set aside a certain place for your wallet, keys and other essentials.

No. 4: FocusLimit distractions, and don't try to do too many things at once. If you focus on the information that you're

trying to remember, you'll be more likely to recall it later. It might also help to connect what you're trying

to remember to a favorite song or another familiar concept.

No. 5: Eat a healthy dietA heart-healthy diet is as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole

grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as lean meat, skinless poultry and fish. What you drink

counts, too. Not enough water or too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.

No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routinePhysical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain — which may help keep your

memory sharp. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day. If you don't have time for a full

workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.

No. 7: Manage chronic condit ionsFollow your doctor's treatment recommendations for any chronic conditions, such as thyroid problems,

high blood pressure and depression. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely

to be.

When to seek help for memory loss

If you're worried about memory loss — especially if memory loss affects your ability to complete your

usual daily activities — consult your doctor. He or she will likely do a physical exam, as well as check your

memory and problem-solving skills. Sometimes other tests are needed as well. Treatment will depend on

what's contributing to the memory loss.

Source: The Mayo Clinic






information.

Pharmacy Corner

What to Ask Your Doctor

When Get ting a

Prescrip tion

In Case of Emergency

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To Your Health

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Healthy Foundations


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employers and employees with a

health plan administrated by

Starmark, Trustmark Group

Benefits or Trustmark Affinity


Trustmark Life Insurance

Company.

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number on your medical ID card.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

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847.615.1500


What to Ask Your Doctor When Getting a Prescription

Understanding the importance your medication plays in your

treatment will help you get the most benefit from your

prescription. It is important to take an active role in your

healthcare by working with your doctor, nurse and pharmacist

to learn as much as possible about your prescription.

The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

recommends asking these questions when you are prescribed

a new medication:

What is the name of the medicine?

What is it supposed to do?

Is it OK to substitute a less-expensive generic drug for

the name brand?

Will it achieve the same effect?

What is the dose of the medicine?

Are there foods, drinks, other medicines, or activities I should avoid while taking this drug?

What are the possible side effects? What should I do if they occur?

How many refills of this prescription can I get?

What should I do if I miss a dose?

What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose?

Is there written information I can take home? (Most pharmacies have information sheets that you can use

as an at-home reference.)

You can help ensure you are receiving the correct medication by asking the doctor to confirm the medication

and dosage. And the AARP offers the following tip: Ask your doctor to write on your prescription form the

reason for your medication and the brand and generic names of your medication. This helps the pharmacist

double check that you receive the correct medicine.






Pharmacy Corner

What to Ask Your Doctor

When Get ting a

Prescrip tion


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The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

recommends that consumers be aware of their medication

needs as they prepare for any type of emergency. Use the

following tips to help ensure you will be ready:

Keep a list of all your medications in your wallet (include

lists for your immediate family members, and drug

name, strength, dosage form and regimen).

Wear your medical-alert bracelet or necklace.

Store 3-5 days of medications that are important to your

health.

Include any medications used to stabilize an existing

medical condition or keep a condition from worsening or

resulting in hospitalization, such as medications for

asthma, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes,

psychiatric conditions, HIV, and thyroid disorders.

Carry these with you, if possible, in a purse or briefcase

in labeled containers.

Don’t store your medications in areas that are susceptible to extremes in heat, cold and humidity (e.g., car

or bathroom). This could decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Use child-resistant containers and keep your purse or briefcase secure.

Rotate these medications whenever you get your prescriptions refilled to make sure they are used before

their expiration date.

Refill your prescriptions while you still have at least a 5-7 day supply of medications left. Keep in mind that

some sources, such as mail-order pharmacies, have a longer lead-time to refill.

If your child takes medications, talk to your school system to find out their emergency preparedness plans.

If you are being treated with a complex medication regimen, talk to your physician or pharmacist to create

appropriate emergency preparation plans. Such regimens include injectable medications, including those

delivered by pumps (e.g., insulin, analgesics, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition), medications delivered by a

nebulizer (e.g., antibiotics, bronchodilators), and dialysis.



Safety First

Preparing Your Home for

W inter

Tips for a Fun and Safe

Haloween

Change Your Clock.

Change Your Bat tery.

The Alternative

For Your Benefit

To Your Health

Pharmacy Corner


Healthy Foundations









Company.



EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

400 Field Drive


847.615.1500


I

Preparing Your Home for Winter

With the winter months (and snow) just around the corner,

now is a good time to plan ahead and prepare to winterize your

home before the “really” cold weather strikes. Here are some

handy suggestions on how to set up and prepare your home for

winter.

The furnace is one place that should get professional

attention. It needs to be inspected and all corresponding

ducts should be cleaned. Stock up on filters and make

sure your thermostat is properly programmed.

Remember to remove flammable items from around the

furnace.

Your fireplace needs to be in order as well. Clean the

soot away and add a screen or cap on top to keep

creatures away. Examine your fireplace damper to make

certain that it is functional. Keep your stockpile of

firewood in a dry place outside your home.

Make a thorough examination of the exteriors of the house. Check doors and windows for cracks and

crevices. Watch out for the smallest of entry points around pipes. Repair all openings appropriately to

prevent cold air from entering the house. Replace cracked or broken window panes. Take off summer

screens and install storm windows.

Carefully examine and clean the roof, gutters and down spouts to clear them of all debris. Install screens

around openings to keep away leaves and twigs. Check flashing to keep water off your home. If you expect

the temperatures to drop, add extra insulation on the roof and attic. Replace tiles on the roof if required.

Take care of all equipment you will be using in the winter. Make sure things are in working order and ready

for use. Service your snow blowers and ice choppers. Clean up or replace worn-out rakes and snow

shovels. Buy bags of ice-melt and sand to have them handy for use.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and follow the regulations in your area regarding these safety

tools. Keep extra smoke detector batteries and install the carbon monoxide detector near the furnace or

water heater. Buy a fire extinguisher or replace any that are older than ten years.

Learn how to prevent frozen pipes. Be aware of the location of the water main in your home that might need

to be shut off in an emergency. Insulate any exposed plumbing pipes and drain air conditioner pipes. f you're

going to be away on vacation, leave the heat on at a minimum of 55 degrees.

Prepare outdoor spaces by trimming trees and sealing driveways, brick patios and wood decks. Also,

prepare emergency kits that will see you through the winter. Stock up on candles, matches, torches, extra

batteries, first-aid kits, bottled water and non-perishable food items and blankets.

Source: SafetyEd.com

Safety First

Preparing Your

Home for Winter

Tips for a Fun and

Safe Haloween

Change Your

C lock. Change

Your Bat tery.

The Alternative

For Your Benefit

To Your Health

Pharmacy Corner


Healthy Foundations

Published by Trustmark

Life Insurance

Company for employers

and employees with a

health plan administrated

by Starmark, Trustmark

Group Benefits or

Trustmark Affinity

Markets. Plans are fully

insured by Trustmark Life

Insurance Company.

For more information

call the number on your

medical ID card.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

400 Field Drive


847.615.1500


Tips for a Fun and Safe Halloween

For many people, autumn events like Halloween are fun times to dress

up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy

treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious

snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. Below are some

basic tips both children and adults should use to help make the

festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going Trick-or-tricking?

Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of raisins, trail mix or pretzels. For party

guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables and cheeses.

Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical

activity.

Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.

Keep candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains. Place them

on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






information.

Safety First

Preparing Your Home for

W inter

Tips for a Fun and Safe

Haloween

Change Your Clock.

Change Your Bat tery.

The Alternative

For Your Benefit

To Your Health

Pharmacy Corner


Healthy Foundations









Company.



EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

400 Field Drive


847.615.1500


Change Your Clock. Change Your Battery.

Nearly 403,000 home fires occurred in the U.S. in 2008,

resulting in 2,755 deaths, 13,560 serious injuries, and $8.6

billion in direct damage.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),

most of these tragedies could be avoided if smoke detectors

were maintained properly. In fact, 63 percent of home fire

deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no smoke

alarms that work. The main culprit: missing or dead batteries.

As we head into high fire season, when you change your clock

on November 1, which is when we revert to standard time,

take the time to also change the battery in your smoke

detectors. A working smoke detector alerts you and your

family during the early stages of a fire. Smoke spreads fast

and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. And remember, all smoke detectors need to be

checked at least once a month.

NFPA offers the following smoke alarm safety tips:

Choose a smoke alarm that bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home,

including the basement.

Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low,

replace the battery right away.

Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they

are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

Test your smoke alarms at least every month, using the test button or an approved smoke substitute and

clean the units, in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.

An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is

generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms, or a

combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization), should be installed in homes.

Be sure that all doors and windows that lead outside open easily and that everyone in the home knows the

escape plan.

Consider home fire sprinklers when building a new home or doing a major renovation.

Top Ten Reasons Yogurt May

Benefit the Body

May Help Reduce Osteoporosis

Risk

As an excellent source of calcium,

yogurt, eaten regularly, may reduce

the risk of osteoporosis, the thinning

and loss of bone mass that affects 25

million Americans as they age.

Yogurt is an excellent dairy food

choice for women who limit their

intake of milk and cheese, and has

many advantages over supplements.

1.

Lactose Intolerant? Yogurt May

Help

Studies have shown that the live and

active cultures present in yogurt

allow it to be eaten by many of the

more than one quarter of American

adults who ordinarily experience

lactose intolerance with other dairy

products. Some of the symptoms of

lactose intolerance include

abdominal cramping, bloating and

diarrhea.

2.

Immune Boon

Ongoing studies have shown live and

active culture yogurt may enhance

the immune systems of certain

individuals.

3.

The Alternative

The Benefits of Yogur t

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EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

400 Field Drive


847.615.1500


The Benefits of Yogurt

Doctors have long recognized yogurt as a healthy, wholesome

food for the whole family. And now, a growing body of medical

and scientific evidence points to yogurt's healthful properties.

Few foods help meet your nutritional needs at every stage of

life better than live and active culture yogurt. Because it

comes in so many flavors and varieties, yogurt can appeal to

every member of the family.

What is Yogurt?Yogurt is cream or milk that has been fermented with live

enzymes and bacteria at a consistently warm temperature.

The milk attains a pudding-like consistency, and the lactose is

converted to lactic acid. This is what gives yogurt its slightly

acidic flavor.

A nutrient-dense food, yogurt is a good source of protein - an

average 8-ounce serving contains between 8 and 10 grams of

protein, or 16 to 20 percent of the Daily Recommended Value

(DRV). In fact, after culturing, the amount of protein in yogurt

often exceeds that of fluid milk. Yogurt is also an excellent

source of calcium. Some yogurts contain up to 35 percent of

the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for calcium.

Beyond these important nutrition basics, scientific research

shows that the live and active cultures found in yogurt may

offer many more health attributes. The words "live and active

cultures" refer to the living organisms - Lactobacillus

bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus - which convert

pasteurized milk to yogurt during fermentation.

Increased yogurt consumption might help increase one’s

resistance to immune-related diseases such as cancer and

infection, particularly gastrointestinal infection.

Yogurt VarietiesYogurt products come in a wide variety of flavors, forms and

textures. The common terms associated with yogurt products

available today include: lowfat and nonfat; Lite (light); Swiss

or custard; frozen; contains active yogurt cultures;

heat-treated; liquid or drinkable; made with active cultures;

and sundae or fruit-on-the-bottom.

For your health, keep yogurt stocked in your refrigerator for a

nutritious snack or meal, any time, every day.

Versatile and Convenient

Keep yogurt stocked in your

refrigerator to use as a substitute for

mayonnaise and sour cream in tuna

and other salads; top waffles or

pancakes with fruit yogurt; make

desserts more healthful by choosing

frozen yogurt. Perfect for today's

busy schedules, nothing is as

convenient to carry with you on a

hike or put in a lunch bag as yogurt.

For the commuter, it's the perfect

portable protein boost.

4.

Combats Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections affect nearly

12 million women each year.

Research suggests that regularly

eating yogurt containing L.

acidophilus may decrease yeast

growth and infection in certain

individuals.

5.

Colon Protection

Preliminary studies show increasing

one's dietary intake of lowfat,

calcium-rich dairy products such as

yogurt may reduce the risk of colon

cancer.

6.

Calcium-Rich

It’s a fact: calcium is an essential

nutrient, and yogurt is an excellent

source of calcium. An average

eight-ounce serving of live and active

culture yogurt contains

approximately 30 percent of the Daily

Recommended Value for calcium.

7.

Protein-Dense

An average eight-ounce serving of

live and active culture yogurt

contains approximately 20 percent of

the Daily Value for protein. So

protein-dense, yogurt is now

considered a meat alternative by the

United States Department of

Agriculture in its school meals

programs.

8.

Taste Kids and Parents Love

Yogurt is one food that gets the

"thumbs up" from both parents and

kids. It's a calcium-rich food that

will help kids grow and start them on

the road to good bone health in later

life.

9.

Variety

With nearly 50 different flavors and a

wide variety of textures or “styles,”

there's a yogurt for everyone.

10.

Choose from fruit-blended or fruit on

the bottom yogurts, yogurts with

toppings and add-ins, or light

versions of yogurt sweetened with

aspartame. Try frozen yogurt or

yogurts with cereal and novelty

toppings for kids.

Source: National Yogurt Association






information.

Protecting Yourself and Others

from the Flu

The single best way to help prevent

spreading and getting the flu is to

observe good health habits. If you get the

flu, try to protect others in your family

and at work. The flu is very contagious,

so it's important to practice good

hygiene to minimize the chance of

passing it on to someone else.

If you come down with flu-like symptoms

stay home for at least 24 hours after your

fever is gone, except to get medical care

or other necessities. (Your fever should

go away without the use of

fever-reducing medicine.)

If you have a severe illness or are at high

risk for flu complications — due to

pregnancy, respiratory disease

(particularly asthma), cardiovascular

disease, diabetes or

immuno-suppression — contact your

healthcare provider to seek care.

Recognize the Symptoms of the

H1N1 Virus

Influenza usually comes on suddenly and

may include these symptoms:

Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Body aches

For Your Benefit

H1N1 Resources Now

Available to al l Trustmark

Customers and Insured

O ctober is National

B reast Cancer Awareness

Month

To Your Health

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H1N1 Resources Now Available to all Trustmark


This flu season, we’re faced with two strains of the virus: The

H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu. To help employers and

employees with preparation and prevention, Trustmark has

developed an H1N1 communications toolkit.

Employers are invited to access Trustmark’s online H1N1

Toolkit. The toolkit will help you prepare for and answer

questions about the H1N1 flu virus and how it might affect your

workplace. The toolkit contains business planning documents

and sample employee communications in both English and

Spanish. Please consult the toolkit to help protect you and

your employees as flu season approaches.

In the toolkit you will find:

Statistics regarding the seriousness of the upcoming flu

season

Planning documents (an eight-page workbook and a

one-page document)

An employee letter in both English and Spanish

Posters in English and Spanish

An employee handout from the American College of

Physicians, which is available in English and Spanish

Employee cards outlining flu symptoms and precautions.

These materials were designed to help you prepare for the flu

season. Feel free to customize these communications to meet

your business needs. If you have any questions, please

contact your Trustmark representative.

For more information about the H1N1 flu virus, visit the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health

Organization special H1N1 sites.

Headache

Chills

Fatigue

Possible vomiting and diarrhea

For answers to questions about the

H1N1 flu and/or flu symptoms,

covered members can call a special

24/7 nurse line at (866) 384-6877.

The line is available seven days a

week.






information.

Never had a mammogram

before? Here are some helpful

facts:

What is a mammogram, and why

should I have one?

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray

of the breast. It is still the best tool we

have to find breast cancer early and save

lives. All women age 40 and older should

have a mammogram every one to two

years.

What if I notice any changes in my

breast?

Mammograms are very useful, but they

cannot find all problems. If you notice a

change in your breast, like a lump,

thickening or liquid leaking from the

nipple, call your doctor or clinic right

away. Many breast changes are not

cancer, but only a doctor can know for

sure.

What about my results?

Your results should be mailed to you

within 30 days. If you don’t get them call

the clinic to ask for them. If you want a

second opinion, or if you change doctors,

the law gives you the right to keep

original the mammograms.

Source: The Food and Drug

Administration's Office of Women's

Health

For Your Benefit

H1N1 Resources Now

Available to al l Trustmark


O ctober is National

B reast Cancer Awareness

Month

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EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The month is almost over. Ladies, have you had your

mammogram? The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(NBCAM) program is dedicated to increasing awareness about

the importance of the early detection of breast cancer through

a nationwide campaign held each October.

During NBCAM, member organizations join forces to spread

the message that early detection of breast cancer through

clinical breast examination and mammography screening for

women over 40, and for women 20 years of age and older,

breast self-examination, followed by prompt treatment, saves

lives.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009 there will

be an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer

and 40, 170 deaths from the disease. Breast cancer is the

most common cancer among women in the United States,

other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of

cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some

time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from

breast cancer is about 1 in 35. But there is good news. Breast

cancer death rates are going down. This is probably the result

of finding the cancer earlier and improved treatment. Right

now, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the

United States.

According to NBCAM, mammography screening remains the

best available method to detect breast cancer early. However,

no medical test is always 100 percent accurate, and

mammography is no exception.

For more information about mammography screening, please

refer to the American Cancer Society's Web site. For

screening locations, visit The American College of Radiology.

To Your Health

Pharmacy Corner

Safety First

The Alternative

For Your Benefit


Healthy Foundations









Company.



EDITORIAL TEAM

Headquarters

400 Field Drive


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Editor

Erin Polis

847.283.2496

[email protected]

Editorial Team

Charlie Cabanski

Director, Large Group Sales

Maura DeNuccio

Associate Director, Benefits

Jennifer Herman

Sr Pharmacy Strategy Specialist, Managed Care

Chris Killian

Assistant Vice President, Operations

Iwona Kubik

Graphic Designer, Creative Services

Carlee Scott

Senior Writer, Corporate Communications

Mariann Straw

Client Manager

Vicki Welninski

Senior Manager, Technical Resources

Medical Editor

M.J. Muszynski, M.D. MPH

Vice President, Medical Director

Copyright ©2009 Trustmark Affinity Markets Marketing and Administration, Inc. Information in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part

without permission from Trustmark Affinity Markets. The articles contained within this newsletter are not a promise of coverage and are not meant to replace

professional medical advice or service. Personal health issues should be discussed with your physician. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance or Policy for benefit

information.

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