TRUST REPORT The Trustees of the Alaska Teamster-Employer Welfare Trust recently met and adopted some improvements to the Plan. Among the changes are: Alternative Medicine Coverage. The Trustees of the Health Plan recently amended the Plan to cover fiber supplements prescribed by a physician in lieu of traditional cholesterol- lowering prescription drugs. Although the medical community has been slow to accept alternative medicine or treatments, there appears to be a gradual shift in the attitude toward non-traditional medicine. The Trustees of the Health Plan will continue to examine these alternatives and modify the plan when it is practical and affordable. New Fairbanks' Options. Fairbanks members and their families may now use the services of Fairbanks Urgent Care Center to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. Eligible members and their dependents pay only $10 per person, up to a maximum of $25 per family, for each visit. The following services are provided between the Trust and the Center: Illness assessment and treatment, including treatment of minor infections, Injury assessment and treatment, including short-term and minor urgent care, Women's health care, Children's sport's physicals and immunizations, Minor surgery, such as suturing minor lacerations, Complete physical exams, including diagnostic, laboratory and x-rays for referrals to your physician, and Wellness and health promotion counseling. The contract does not cover all treatment, such as ongoing treatment of chronic illnesses, workers' compensation claims, and treatment of infants who are one year of age or younger. The Center provides many services not covered by the contract and will charge the Plan directly. If you have any questions, please contact the Fairbanks Urgent Care Center at 452-2178 or the Alaska Teamster-Employer Welfare Trust Customer Service at 1-800-478-4450. The Center is located at 1867 Airport Way in Fairbanks. Immunization Coverage Increased. The Health & Welfare Plan now covers the cost of immunizations, up to $500.00 per year, not subject to the deductible or co-payment. Covered immunizations include flu, pneumonia, polio, tetanus/diphtheria, hepatitis vaccines and measles, mumps, and rubella. Health Care Issues and Options. Maintaining our personal health and the health of our families should be a goal that we all share. As a result of our decisions and actions, we have the ability to maintain and improve the quality of our personal lives and the opportunity to help hold the line on rising medical costs that affect us all. We would like to give you some information about serious, preventable medical issues facing Alaskans and let you know about some options that will help us all do a better job of improving our health. Alaska has the second highest rate of Hepatitis A in the U.S. Alaskans are encouraged to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, especially children and people who travel to or work in the Bush. Hepatitis A is spread by not washing your hands thoroughly or by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. The vaccine requires two shots, six to nine months apart. Many Alaskans find themselves suffering from serious health problems that lead to chronic medical conditions. All too often, these serious medical conditions are caused by lifestyle choices, including obesity, smoking, and alcohol abuse. While we often think these actions are just personal decisions, they have a significant impact on the cost of our medical plan and the services we can afford to offer in our Plan, not to mention the impact on our families, the workplace, and our society. Treatment of heart disease is one of the largest medical plan expenses for Union plans in Alaska. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol abuse are major contributors to heart disease. Current research shows that people, who are considered to be obese because their weight exceeds 20% of their ideal weight, have nearly twice the chronic health problems compared to those of normal weight. The incidence of serious health problems as a result of obesity is even greater than heavy drinkers or smokers. Obesity has become a very serious problem for many adults. In the U.S., it is estimated that 40% of males and 60% of females are obese, and the problem is growing among our children. Obesity in children has been linked to a tenfold increase in Type 2 diabetes between 1982 and 1994. One of the ways we can choose to improve our health and the health of our children is by choosing to get fit. Teamster members in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, and Wasilla can choose to enroll at the Alaska Club. As a Teamster, with proof of membership, it costs you nothing to enroll if you have never been an Alaska Club member and only $25 to enroll if you were an Alaska Club member. The monthly dues range from as low as $42 to $150, depending on the type of membership you choose. For more information on becoming a new member or renewing a membership, in the Anchorage area call 337-9550 and in Fairbanks, call 452-6801. Be sure to check with your physician before starting an exercise program. Anchorage Health Fair Report. The Anchorage Health Fair was held Saturday, May 19, 2001, with the largest turn out yet. While we don't yet know the successes for this year, here are some of the highlights from last year: One confirmed case of prostate cancer that was detected with a simple blood test, a PSA, which every male over 50 should have annually. If the detection had been delayed until symptoms appeared, his prognosis would have been dismal. Now, he is fighting to overcome this silent killer. Two people with diabetes who hadn't suspected this disease because the symptoms were mild. Five people with thyroid conditions that required treatment. ã One confirmed H-Pylori Antibody, the bacterium that causes up to 90% of ulcers. This contagious bacterium is treatable with antibiotics.