Minnesota Star Tribune Benefits

If you were not able to attend the 2024 Benefits Information virtual session, here is a recorded version.

2024 Benefits Information Recording

Please start at the 14:00 minute mark.

Need a second opinion or medical advice? Our Star Tribune medical plans include access to second opinion services at no cost to you.

PPO and HSA Plan Participants: Teladoc Medical Experts will:

• Provide a second opinion if you are unsure about a diagnosis or need help deciding on a treatment option.
• Consult with you on critical trauma, ICU, and NICU cases.
• Provide personalized responses to medical questions.
• Provide education and guidance when you are evaluating treatment options.
• Provide guidance on treating mental health conditions.

Contact Teladoc at 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362), visit teladoc.com/MedicalExperts or download the Teladoc app.

Teladoc Expert Medical Service

Surest Plan Participants: 2nd.MD will:

• Obtain helpful second opinions.
• Provide medical decision guidance.
• Provide treatment reviews.

Use 2nd.MD whenever you receive a new diagnosis, are considering surgery, have medication changes, or experience chronic conditions.

Contact 2nd.MD at 1-866-841-2575 or visit 2nd.md/activate/step1/surest.

UMR has a smarter, simpler, faster way to manage your health care benefits, right from the palm of your hand.

With just a tap, you can:

• Access your digital ID card
• View your plan details on-demand – anytime, anywhere
• Find out if there is a copay for your upcoming appointment
• Call, chat or message UMR’s member support team
• Stay connect to your health care and download the UMR app today!

Simply scan the QR code or visit your app store to get started.

As summer comes to an end and children start heading back to school, family life can get hectic. It’s  important to remember – and share with your children –  some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.

Transportation

Whether your child rides a bike, walks or takes the bus to school, there are some tips to help make sure your child arrives safely at school.

• Walking to school – Take the sidewalk if one is available and walk facing the traffic. Make sure to look both ways a couple of times before crossing the street, and if you can, make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Avoid distracted walking; stay alert.
• Riding a bike – Ride on the right side of the road with traffic in single file. Make sure to come to a stop before crossing the street and, if needed, walk your bike across the street or intersection. Make sure to wear a helmet and bright-colored clothing.
• Taking the bus – Take a moment to walk to and from the bus stop with your children and talk about how to get on and off the bus. Have your child stand six feet or three giant steps away from the curb. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, make sure to discuss walking far enough in front of the bus so the driver can see them and to look before crossing the street.
• Driving your child or carpooling – Watch for other children; look for buses that are picking up and dropping off children. Never pass a bus, and stop far enough back to allow children to exit safely. Obey speed limits. Make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt. Avoid distracted driving.
• Teen drivers – Talk with them about distracted driving and set expectations with them on safe driving.

While at school

Many school-related injuries are preventable. Take a moment to discuss with your child some safety areas at school. Here are some reminders for the upcoming school year:

• Backpacks – Talk about the right way to wear a backpack – wearing both straps helps to distribute the weight on their shoulders. Don’t overfill a backpack.
• Playgrounds and Sports –  Discuss with your children about looking at their surroundings while playing and being cautious while playing on playground equipment.
• Contact Information – Don’t forget to update contact records at school and to write down important numbers for yourself as well.
• Weather and News – Make sure to keep an eye and ear out for incidents that could cause school closures or early dismissals.

For other resources:

• https://blog.americansafetycouncil.com/essential-tips-for-back-to-school-safety/
• https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe

Race to Finish Step Challenge with Wellworks July 24, 2023 – September 3, 2023 

Walk an average of 7,500 steps per day throughout the six-week challenge to earn credit towards completion of a wellness activity.

Check your progress at the Wellworks For You Mobile App!

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On average, Americans who work full-time spend nearly eight hours a day at their work site. As your employer, we want to help promote physical activity not only at home but in the workplace as well. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Moving more and sitting less have tremendous benefits for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity or current fitness level. As you start your physical activity journey, remember to consult with your doctor.

What are some benefits of being physically active?

• Adults
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Helps reduce blood pressure, feelings of anxiety and depression, and the risk of developing dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
  • Lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and cancer
  • Reduces the risk of weight gain
  • Improves bone health
  • Helps with balancing coordination and the risk of falling
• Children
  • Improves attention and memory
  • Builds strong muscles, endurance and aerobic fitness
  • Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
  • Improves bone health
  • Reduces risk of depression and high blood pressure
  • Helps regulate body weight and reduce body fat
  • Reduces the risk of several chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity

Physical Activity Recommendations 

• Preschool-aged children (3-5 years)
  • Physical activity every day, throughout the day
  • Active play though a variety of enjoyable physical activities
• Children & adolescents (6-17 years)
  • 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity  daily
  • A variety of enjoyable physical activities
  • As part of the 60 minutes, on at least three days a week, children and adolescents need:
    • Vigorous activity, such as running or playing soccer
    • Activity that strengthens muscles, such as climbing or doing push-ups
    • Activity that strengthens bones, such as doing gymnastics or jumping rope
• Adults (18-64 years)
  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking
  • At least two days a week of activities that strengthens muscles
  • Activities to improve balance, such as standing on one foot
• Pregnant & Postpartum Women
  • At least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes, five days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, such as brisk walking
• Adults with chronic conditions & disabilities
  • Get at least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes, five days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week
  • Get at least two days a week of muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups

For more information around physical activity, click the links below:

• CDC
• Physical activity for different groups
• State and local programs
• Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
• Physical activity breaks for the workplace 

Move more, sit less!

• Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity every week.
• Learn more about activities you can do to stay active while social distancing.

Wear sunscreen & insect repellent

• For sun safety, wear layered clothes and apply broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Reapply after two hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
• UV rays can damage skin cells. Too much exposure to UV light is what causes most skin cancers.
  • UV rays tend to be the strongest from 9 AM to 3 PM (standard time).
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear a hat with a brim to protect face, ears, and back of neck.
• Use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites and ticks.
• TIP: If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first. After you come indoors, check clothing, body and pets for ticks.

Keep cool in extreme heat

• Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, but it may be especially dangerous for people with chronic medical conditions.
• Stay in the shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter.

Eat a healthy diet

• Delicious fruits and veggies make any summer meal healthier.

Rethink your drink!

• Drink water instead of sugary or alcoholic drinks to reduce calories and stay safe.