Health Observances July 2022 – Catholic Health Trust

In 1994, The UV Index was adopted by the United States National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the World Meteorological Organization and World Health Organization. In 2002, the Global Solar UV Index was standardized, and then in 2008, the American Academy of Ophthalmology named July UV Safety Awareness month.

Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the month of July. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).

The UV Index forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun.

What many do not realize is that unprotected sun exposure can affect both our skin and our eyes! Here are some ways to protect yourself from the sun:

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

Clothing: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays.

Hat: For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.

Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Sunscreen: Put on broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.

Feeling like something isn’t quite right? Conifer Health Solutions and its Personal Health Nurses (PHNs) are the perfect option for you and your family’s health needs. To get started, call Patricia Mullen at 1-800-459-2110 X2247 or 410-919-4428.

Enrolled in our Medical Plan? Our EAP through Health Advocate provides confidential access to a Licensed Professional Counselor for short-term counseling for any stressful issue any time you need it.

Hard to make time in your busy schedule? Our designated telehealth provider, MDLIVE, offers online behavioral health visits to address all kinds of conditions, including Stress!

Schedule your annual preventive care visit now!

Getting your preventive screening tests is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVENTIVE CARE

Screenings can help find diseases early, when they may be easiest to treat and before you have symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether—and when—you should get these common screening tests based on your age, health history, genetics and other personal risk factors.

The Trust’s health plans cover a set of these preventive services at no cost to you. That’s no copayment, no co-insurance, and no deductible to receive recommended preventive health services, such as screenings, vaccinations, and counseling.

For example, depending on your age, you may have access to preventive services such as:

Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests
Many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies
Counseling on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthfully, treating depression, and reducing alcohol use
Regular well-baby and well-child visits, from birth to age 21
Routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, polio, or meningitis
Counseling, screening, and vaccines to ensure healthy pregnancies
Flu and pneumonia shots

IMPORTANT
These services are only covered at 100% when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.

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