The employer is not the only one responsible for making sure that your teen is safe on the job. You and your child should also take a proactive role in ensuring that he or she does not suffer any injuries or illnesses. Help your child make his or her first experiences in the working world valuable.

Stay Involved

• Recognize that teens (and all workers) are entitled to a safe and healthy working environment under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act). Do not assume that your teen is aware of his or her rights or that the employer is educating their employees of these rights.
• Take an active role in the employment decisions of your child. Know where he or she is working and what duties are being performed. Frequently talk with your child about what he or she did at work and address any problems or concerns.
• Talk with your teen about the training and supervision that takes place in the workplace. Encourage your child to participate and to take this seriously.
• Watch for signs that the job is taking too much of a physical and mental toll on your teen. If there is a loss of interest in or energy for other activities, the job may be too demanding. Other signs of concern may include increased stress levels, anxiety, fatigue, depression and use of alcohol or other drugs.
• Talk to your teen about the importance of balancing school and work responsibilities.
• Support your teen in reporting hazards to management, to OSHA or to your state’s Department of Labor when work environments appear to be unsafe.
• Ask your child about the equipment that is used on the job and the dangers associated with operating that equipment.

Know the Facts

• Know the Federal Child Labor Laws and State Child Labor Laws for your area. Call 866-4USADOL for more information or visit www.youthrules.dol.gov.
• Share information with other parents about child labor laws and what to look for when assisting teens in finding a part-time job.

Photo Credit via Flickr @ahhyeah

Unless your child has classic asthma symptoms, like coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing, you might not know that he or she has asthma. Fortunately, childhood asthma is treatable. With the right medications and action plan, a child with asthma can enjoy normal activities with few disruptions.

Risk Factors

Both genetic and environmental factors can increase your child’s chances of having asthma. Children with a family history of asthma are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Other environmental factors that may increase your child’s chances of developing asthma include:

• Previous allergic reactions (stuffy nose or skin rash) to environmental allergens
• Exposure to tobacco smoke
• Living in a large urban area with increased exposure to environmental air pollutants
• Family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), hives or eczema
• Low birth weight
• Obesity

Signs & Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of childhood asthma are:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest congestion
• Chest tightness

Additional signs and symptoms of asthma in infants include:

• A rattling cough
• Recurrent bronchitis with croup, bronchiolitis or pneumonia

Your child may only experience one sign or symptom. Because symptoms of asthma can be related to other disorders or illnesses, your doctor will consider the frequency of the symptoms along with other factors before making a diagnosis.

Triggers

The most common asthma triggers for children include:

• Irritants – Tobacco smoke, exercise, weather changes, cold air and environmental pollutants
• Allergens – Dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold
• Virus/Illness – Upper respiratory infections, rhinitis, sinusitis and gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Diagnosis

If you suspect your child may have asthma, it is important that he or she be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Make an appointment if you notice:

• Constant or intermittent coughing
• Coughing associated with physical activity
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when exhaling
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing, which may or may not be associated with exercise
• Complaints of chest tightness
• Repeated respiratory infections – pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
• Complaints such as “My chest feels funny” or “I’m always coughing”
• Coughing during sleep or that wakes the child during sleep
• Coughing/wheezing that accompanies crying, laughing, yelling or strong emotional reactions and stress.

Treatment

While asthma can never be completely cured it can be successfully controlled. Well-controlled asthma means that your child has:

• Minimal or no symptoms
• Few or no attacks
• No limitations on physical activities or exercise
• Minimal use of fast-acting inhalers
• Few or no side effects from medications

Treating asthma involves both preventing asthma symptoms and treating an asthma attack in progress.

• Preventive medications reduce the inflammation in your child’s airways that can lead to symptoms.
• “Relief” medications quickly open airways that are swollen and limiting breathing.

Prevention

Careful planning and steering clear of asthma triggers are the best ways to prevent asthma attacks.

• Avoid triggers. As much as possible, avoid the allergens and irritants that your child’s doctor has identified as asthma triggers.

• Ban smoking around your child. Exposure to tobacco smoke during infancy is a strong risk factor for childhood asthma and attacks.
• Encourage your child to be active. As long as your child’s asthma is controlled, regular physical activity conditions the lungs to work more efficiently.
• Have a plan. Work with your child’s doctor to develop an asthma action plan, and make sure all of your child’s caregivers — child care providers, teachers, coaches, and the parents of your child’s friends — have a copy.
• Use a peak flow meter. This tool can detect decreases in lung function before your child feels any symptoms, giving you important information on how to treat his or her asthma from day to day.

Coping Skills

It can be stressful to manage a chronic condition like asthma in your child. Keep these tips in mind to make life as normal as possible:

• Encourage normal play and activity. Don’t limit your child’s activities out of fear of an attack. Work with your doctor until you are confident that the asthma is under control.
• Make treatment a regular part of life. If your child has to take daily medication, don’t make a big deal out of it; it should be as routine as eating breakfast or brushing teeth.
• Be calm and in control when facing asthma symptoms. Don’t get rattled if you see asthma symptoms progressing. Focus on the asthma action plan and involve your child in each step so that he or she understands what’s happening.

Emergency Care
Even if a child hasn’t been diagnosed with asthma, seek medical attention immediately if he or she has any trouble breathing. A severe asthma attack is a medical emergency. Seek emergency care if the child is:

• Breathing so hard he or she has to stop mid-sentence to catch their breath
• Using the abdominal muscles to breathe
• Widening the nostrils when inhaling
• Laboring hard to breathe (abdomen is sucked under the ribs during inhalation)

Safety at School

• Make sure your child’s school is aware of and understands your child’s condition. Thoroughly explain medications and side effects, triggers and behavior regarding the condition.
• When only minor asthma symptoms are present, parents can send their child to school as long as normal daily activities can be performed. The child must be able to take medication at school, and parents should be easily reachable in case of an emergency.

Did You Know…?

A Federal law makes it possible for most people to continue their group health coverage for a period of time after leaving a job. This option is called COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). You can continue to receive coverage for up to 18 months, but will be paying the full premium.

Independent Practice Association (IPA) – A group of independent practicing physicians who band together for the purpose of contracting with HMOs, PPOs and insurance companies for their services.

In-Network –Typically refers to physicians, hospitals or other health care providers who contract with the insurance plan (usually an HMO or PPO) to provide services to its members. Coverage for services received from in-network providers will typically be greater than for services received from out-of-network providers, depending on the plan.

Long-Term Care Insurance – Insurance policies that cover the costs of providing nursing care, home health care services, and custodial care for the aged and infirm.

Managed Care – A system of health care delivery that is characterized by arrangements with selected providers, ongoing quality control and utilization review programs, and financial incentives for members to use providers and procedures covered by the plan.

Maximum Benefit – The maximum dollar amount that an insurance company will pay for claims, either for a specific service or procedure, or during a specified period of time.

Medically Necessary – A term used to describe the supplies and services needed to diagnose and treat a medical condition in accordance with the standards of good medical practice. Many health plans will only pay for treatment deemed medically necessary. For example, most plans will not cover elective cosmetic surgery.

Out-of-Network – Typically refers to physicians, hospitals or other health care providers who do not contract with the insurance plan (usually an HMO or PPO) to provide services to its members. Depending upon the insurance plan, expenses incurred for services provided by out-of-network providers might not be covered, or coverage may be less than for in-network providers.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum – The total amount paid each year by the member for the deductible and coinsurance. After reaching the out-of-pocket maximum, the plan pays 100 percent of the allowable charges for covered services the rest of that calendar year.

Point-of-Service Plan (POS) – A type of HMO that allows the patient to see either in-network or out-of-network providers. However, the patient pays more out of pocket when using an out-of-network provider.

Pre-Admission Certification – Also called “precertification” or “pre-admission review.” Approval granted by a case manager or insurance company representative (usually a nurse) for a person to be admitted to a hospital or inpatient facility before admittance. The goal is to ensure that individuals are not exposed to inappropriate health care services, or services that are not medically necessary.

Pre-Existing Condition –Any medical condition that was diagnosed or treated within a specified period immediately before a health insurance policy became effective. These conditions may not be covered for a specified period of time under the new policy.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) – A type of managed care plan in which doctors and hospitals agree to provide discounted rates to plan members. Patients are typically reimbursed 80 to 100 percent for treatment received within the network, versus 50 to 70 percent outside the network.

Primary Care Physician (PCP) – A health care professional who is responsible for monitoring an individual’s overall health care needs. Typically, a PCP serves as a gatekeeper for an individual’s medical care, referring him or her to specialists and admitting him or her to hospitals when needed.

Reasonable and Customary Charges – The commonly charged or prevailing fees for health services within a geographic area. If charges are higher than what an insurance carrier considers reasonable and customary, the carrier will not pay the full amount and instead will pay what is deemed appropriate for the particular service. The remaining charges then are the responsibility of the patient.

Self-Insured – A health benefits plan in which the employer is responsible for the cost of its employees’ health care. Typically, a third party provides administrative services for the plan to the employer group.

Waiting Period – A period of time in which your health plan does not provide coverage for a particular pre-existing condition.

Waiver – A rider or amendment to a policy that restricts benefits by excluding certain medical conditions from coverage.

Summer is in full swing, which means plenty of time enjoying the outdoors. However, don’t forget to protect yourself and your family against summer risks.

Sun Safety

Time in the sun brings many risks, particularly skin and eye damage from the sun’s rays. Remember these tips:

• Always wear sunscreen with at least 15 SPF and reapply often (read the label for specifics). Use SPF 30 or higher for children.
• Protect skin when the sun is strongest (10 am to 4 pm) – stay in the shade if possible or under an umbrella or large-brimmed hat.
• Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection when outdoors to protect your eyes.
• Check your medications – some increase sun sensitivity so you may need to take extra precautions.

Heat Protection

High summer temperatures can cause illnesses such as heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. This risk is even greater if engaging in physical activity or working in hot weather. Make sure to:

• Drink plenty of fluids, but not caffeine or alcohol. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Try to schedule vigorous activities for early morning or evening hours.
• If you are being active in the heat, take time to rest in the shade or indoors, and pay attention to your body. Don’t overdo it!
• Never leave children in a parked car, even with the windows open.

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Fireworks are a staple of many Fourth of July and other celebrations, but it is important that you take precautions to ensure your special event is safe and free of accidents.

The risks

Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be – which is a primary reason that injuries occur. Fireworks not only injure the users, but can also affect bystanders.

Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction and may explode on or near someone instead of up in the air. Sparklers are also a huge risk, as they burn at very high temperatures and are often given to children too young to use them safely. All fireworks pose potential risks of burn, blindness and other injury.

Tips for safe use

When using fireworks, always plan carefully in advance for who will shoot them and what safety precautions you will have in place. Here are some suggestions to ensure safety and avoid accidents:

• Use fireworks and sparklers outdoors only.
• Only use fireworks if they are legal where you live (check local laws).
• Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter or combine them, and do not use homemade fireworks.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away.
• Wear safety goggles when handling or shooting off fireworks.
• Do not shoot fireworks off if under the influence of alcohol.
• Never give sparklers to young children and watch all children carefully.
• Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children and what not to do (throw, run or fight with sparkler in hand).
• Point fireworks away from homes, trees or bushes.
• Never try to relight a dud (a firework that didn’t properly ignite).
• Soak all firework debris in water before throwing away.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released MyPlate, a new icon representing healthy eating – found at www.choosemyplate.gov. It replaces the food pyramid.

This new plate does not prescribe a number of servings for each food group, but instead depicts recommendations of a healthy

food balance. Fruits and vegetables take up half the plate; grains and proteins share the other half (grains occupy a larger space than proteins). A small circle of dairy is next to the plate.

In conjunction with MyPlate, the USDA announced general healthy eating guidelines:

• Balance your calories. Enjoy your food, but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.
• Increase healthy foods. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Make at least half of your grains whole grains. Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk.
• Reduce less healthy options. Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

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Health care reform prohibits plans from having an annual limit on benefits, but some plans have been granted temporary waivers from this provision.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a process for plans that have already received waivers and want to renew those waivers for plan years beginning before Jan. 1, 2014.

Extension applications must be submitted by Sept. 22, 2011. Any plans that have not yet applied for a waiver must also apply by that date. Visit The Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight for more information.

If you need additional assistance, contact us by phone at (361) 855-2500 or by e-mail at info@arvakinsurancegroup.com.

Offering a consumer-driven health plan can yield substantial cost savings for both your company and employees. Many employers have tranistioned to this type of plan as a health care cost-containment strategy. However, the actual transition can be difficult and effective employee communication is paramount.

A major reason that consumer-driven health plans are cost effective is because employees become much more conscious of their health care spending when under these types of plans. A survey finds that these employees are more likely to:

• Receive preventive screenings
• Check whether a plan would cover care
• Ask for a generic drug instead of brand name
• Talk to their physician about options and costs for treatment or prescriptions
• Check the price before receiving care
• Check the quality rating of a doctor/hospital

By engaging in these proactive behaviors, employees directly impact their own (and the company’s) bottom line.

However, getting started can be a challenge for employers. The best way to gain employee support (and secure solid enrollment numbers) is employee education. They will have many questions about this new plan and may be apprehensive about switching from the comfort of a traditional plan.

It is essential that you answer questions not only about the basics of the plan and how it can benefit them, but also how to actually use it once enrolled. Explain contribution and withdrawal rules, the financial benefits, what to do during an office visit, how to find lower cost alternatives, etc. – plus, provide general consumerism education and suggestions to help them become more cost-conscious.

The higher your employee enrollment in your new plan, and the more empowered your employees feel to control their own costs, the more your company will benefit financially – effective, ongoing employee communication is the key to succeeding at this transition.

Effective Sept. 1, 2011, insurers seeking rate increases of 10 percent or more for non-grandfathered plans in the small group and individual markets must publicly disclose the proposed increases, along with justification for the increases. (Effective Sept. 1, 2012, the 10 percent threshold will be replaced with a state-specific threshold to reflect trends particular to that state.)

The increases will be reviewed by either state or federal experts to determine if they are unreasonable. States with effective rate review systems will conduct reviews, but if a state does not have the resources, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will conduct them.

Increases are considered unreasonable if found to be any of the following:

• Excessive: The premium charged for the health insurance coverage is unreasonably high in relation to the benefits provided.
• Unjustified: Justification data provided by the insurer is incomplete, inadequate or otherwise does not provide a basis upon which the reasonableness of an increase may be determined.
• Unfairly discriminatory: Premium differences between insureds within similar risk categories that are not permissible under state law or do not reasonably correspond to differences in expected costs.

This rule is designed to make more information available to consumers regarding premium increases. Details on the outcome of all reviews for increases of 10 percent or more, including the justification for the increase, will be posted on the HHS website.

In addition, HHS will publish forms that insurers must use to propose rate increases and inform consumers about the proposed increases.

For more information or help concerning this update, please call us at (361) 855-2500.