February 08, 2010
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Swine Flu Prevention

Updated On: Oct 29, 2009 (11:54:00)

 

Prevent Swine Flu
 
 
 
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat.  In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1 N 1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1 N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
 
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1 N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms  and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N 95 or Tamiflu):
 
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications) .
 
2. "Hands-off-the- face" approach.  Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
 
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1 N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.  Simple gargling prevents proliferation.
 
In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one.  Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
 
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.* Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
 
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.   
 
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can.
 
*Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
 
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list.

You never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.

2010 Federal Employee Health Benefits Program Premiums

Updated On: Oct 09, 2009 (08:42:00)

 

On September 29, 2009, OPM announced premium increases for enrollees in FEHBP for 2010. According to OPM, the average cost of premiums for FEHBP enrollees will rise by 8.8 percent in 2010. The increase for enrollees in some popular plans like Blue Cross/Blue Shield will rise even more. The Blue/Cross Blue Shield standard plan will rise by 15 percent for self-only coverage and
12 percent for family coverage. 
 
OPM needs to do a better job of leveraging its large risk pool to obtain better prices from insurance carriers. NTEU is actively participating with Congress to find legislative solutions to this problem, including alternative ways for OPM and consumers to receive better prices on prescription drugs. A separate memo will provide an update on these efforts.  
 
 Federal employees and retirees need to closely examine their current coverage and consider any needed changes during the upcoming Federal Benefits Open Season which runs from November 9, 2009 to December 14, 2009. Attached are copies of the FEHBP premiums for 2010 for fee-for-service plans and health maintenance organizations. NTEU encourages you to examine your own and your family’s expected health needs early to determine the best health insurance plan. 
 
OPM also indicated that premiums for the popular dental program under FEDVIP will rise by an average 4.2 percent, and the vision program will go up by 2.4 percent. Additional information can be obtained about the FEDVIP program by going to www.opm.gov and clicking on “Insurance Programs.” OPM updates its site regularly as we get closer to the open season period; however, it is not too soon to start researching your options.
 
If you have any questions on this subject, please call Gail Amidzich in the Legislation Department at 202-572-5500, ext. 7048.

Download: 2010Non-PostalFEHBPPremiumRates(FFS)(Attach_1)[1].pdf, 2010Non-PostalFEHBPPremiumRates(HMOs)(Attach_2)[1].pdf
Journeyman 12 Pay Increase Update

Updated On: Sep 04, 2009 (10:48:00)

Please log in to view the update on Journeyman 12 Pay Increase on your member home page!



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