August 2023 eNews

Photo of an executive director writing with a pen.

Executive Director's August Message

With the Hollywood writers and actors on strike, there’s a lot less new content to stream on TV. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the rest of the summer outdoors. I’m planning a trip to hike around the Columbia River up in Washington state. This trip has been on my bucket list, so I’m escaping the heat wave that’s taking over the south and heading up to Washington before their rainy season. The Bay Area has also experienced record heat waves, so be sure to lather up with sunscreen when you go outside, which can be purchased with your healthcare FSA account.

If you’re a parent with students at home, you are probably gearing up for back-to-school. This is the perfect time to take your kids to get an annual eye exam and new pair of glasses through your VSP vision insurance. One in four students can’t see the board at the front of the class, which is why August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. It’s a great time to have your whole family get their eyes checked together. When I was a young mother, I was always struggling to find time between my job and my sons’ school and sports teams practice and game schedules to get all their doctor’s appointments lined up. Eye exams often get overlooked in the back-to-school frenzy, but it’s extremely important. Your child will have a hard time learning if they can’t see the board.

As we wrap up another summer, please remember to take time for yourself. That’s what my Columbia River trip is about. I get to have a few days where I’m not strategizing for work, or answering calls or emails. I’m just focused on my breath and the next step until I finish my trek.

Be well,
Abbie Yant, RN, MA

Photo of the steps of San Francisco City Hall.

Health Service
Board (HSB) Meeting

The August Health Service Board (HSB) Regular Board Meeting will be on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 1:00pm.

Summer Sun Safety Month

This month learn about ways you can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) from sunlight.

Did you know, that most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV sunlight? UV Sunlight is invisible and comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

Protect your skin from UV Sunlight, follow these helpful tips from the CDC to stay safe:

Shade: Reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.

Clothing/Accessories: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV sunlight. For the most protection, wear a hat that has a wide brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.

Sunglasses Protect your eyes from UV sunlight and reduce the risk of cataracts. Use your VSP Benefits and take action to get your yearly preventive eye and vision examination.

Sunscreen: Put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside.

Children's Eye Health & Safety Month

As children grow, their eyes change quickly. Paying attention to their eye health as they are still developing can help catch problems early.

To learn more, please visit:
www.nei.nih.gov/kids.

Avoid Waiting On-Hold for SFHSS Member Services

Did you know you can get most of your eligibility questions answered on sfhss.org? If you still prefer to call and cannot get through, please leave just one (1) voicemail as multiple voicemails will delay a response back to you.

If you want to confirm your enrollment has been processed, please visit the Employee Portal and select My Benefits from the left-hand navigation bar to view your current enrollment. Please note: It may take up to 30-days for the system to reflect your new enrollment request.

If you received a delinquency notice and would like to make a payment, please use the City and County of San Francisco’s Payment Portal to bring your account up-to-date.

You can also schedule a consultation with a health plan expert during their office hours just for SFHSS members.

If you need to submit supporting documents to SFHSS such as Medicare enrollment, birth certificate(s), marriage certificate, or domestic partner certificate or declaration, you can fax a copy to (628) 653-4701.

You can also mail or drop-off a copy at our drop box located at 1145 Market Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Our drop-box is accessible Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm.

Please do not send us original documents as they will not be returned to you.

Are You Planning to Retire Soon?

You may be eligible for retiree health benefits as you transition from active employment to retirement.

Follow our simple Planning to Retire steps to ensure a smooth transition for your health benefits. To see how much your benefits might cost when you retire, check out our new Retiree Health Premiums Calculator to help you plan.

Additional Well-Being Resources:

Well-Being Activities (Virtual)

Yoga Tuesdays - 5pm-5:45pm
Zumba Thursdays - 5pm-5:45pm
SF Bodhi Meditation Center Sessions - Mon-Sun 9:05pm-10pm
SF Main Library: Meditation - Wednesdays - 12pm-12:30pm
Midafternoon Meditation - Wednesdays - 2pm-2:20pm

Personal Development (Webinars)

August 9: Using Guided Imagery for Wellness and Stress Reduction
August 16: The Benefits of Acupressure
August 22: 10 Strategies for Improving Your Finances
August 24: KP Health Talks Hypertension: Your Heart is in Your Hands

Health & Wellness
(Articles & Podcasts)

Check out this month's free offerings

Image of a group of black employees sitting in a circle at workshop.

Working While Black Healing Circle

Tuesdays, 5/16 through 8/1
12pm–1pm

Join the meeting or dial +1-415-655-0003, 2632 608 1231

Meeting number: 2632 608 1231
Password: WWB365

Click here for more details.

Protect Your Skin and Eyes During the Summer

You can purchase sunscreen, prescription sunglasses, and more through your Flexible Spending Account.

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