Florida Blue Offering Resources During COVID-19

by Ryan Laude, Client Advisor

If you’re feeling a little stressed or anxious about COVID-19, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re experiencing the unknown. Below are free Florida Blue resources to support you and help you get the care you need during this time.

Someone to lend an ear: Talk to a specially trained counselor about any stress or anxiety you may be feeling. They are available to you 24/7 at no extra cost. Counselors can be reached at (833) 848-1762 or visit their website at ndbh.com.

Feeling under the weather? Stay safe at home and take advantage of a virtual visit: Avoid the doctor’s office and other possibly sick patients when you have a non-emergency illness like a sinus infection, sore throat, allergies or upset stomach. Check with your employer to see if Teladoc is included in your benefits. Medications, except controlled substances, can be prescribed.

Please note: If you’re seeking a referral for the coronavirus test, keep in mind that you cannot get a referral for the coronavirus test through Teladoc. You must consult your local doctor by phone.

COVID-19 Well-being Assessment: You can now check for COVID-19 symptoms and related risk factors on floridablue.com. Use the new interactive symptom checker located at the bottom right-hand side of your device. In addition to checking your symptoms, the tool will recommend next steps and provide valuable resources for you.

Next Steps:

Visit the Florida Blue COVID-19 page to stay up-to-date on the latest information about COVID-19, including:

• Ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting and spreading the virus.
• Options for avoiding doctors’ offices by using virtual care for non-emergency illnesses.
• Links to valuable websites, helpful videos and an evolving list of current COVID-19 testing sites.

We will continue to share information as it becomes available and keep you informed.

Ryan Laude is a Client Advisor at Gulfshore Insurance specializing in employee benefits. Ryan works with a wide range of businesses to create the best funding options that fit their needs. Comments and questions are welcome at rlaude@gulfshoreinsurance.com

Gulfshore Insurance® Named Blue Zones Worksite

by Gulfshore Insurance

NAPLES, FL (October 27, 2017) – Gulfshore Insurance announced it has been named a Blue Zones Project Approved™ Worksite by Blue Zones Project® – Southwest Florida, a designation indicative of its commitment to helping Southwest Florida residents achieve even healthier lifestyles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the designation was held October 26, where the agency joined more than fifty companies in the area that have made the movement towards healthier choices.

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Heat Safety is always a Hot Topic in Florida

by Gulfshore Insurance

Before we know it, the summer months will be in full swing. Remember, those who work outdoors are at a much higher risk for heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, skin cancer and more. Skin cancer affects more than two million people every year and invasive melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, will kill more than 10,000 Americans this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is one death every 52 minutes. As an employer, are you doing enough for your crew?

Know the warning signs of heat-related illness:

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Weakness, dizziness or fainting
• Unusually elevated heart rate
• Fast and shallow breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps

Protect your employees with these helpful tips:

1. Rotate workers on a job site in and out of non-shaded areas, especially during the height of hazardous UV rays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Daylight Time).
2. Consider including heat safety and skin cancer education in your regular safety training.
3. Educate employees on the early signs of heat exhaustion, dehydration and skin cancer.
4. Encourage employees to look out for each other to detect wooziness, inability to focus, unsteadiness and reddening of the skin.
5. Use and make sunscreen readily available to your employees as well as other PPE, like UV-resistant sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and re-fillable water containers.
6. Create mandatory water breaks to re-hydrate the crew and provide them with plenty of water.
7. Create and enforce policies about heat safety so employees know the company is serious about safety.

To Learn More, visit OSHA.gov

Gulfshore Insurance Recognized As An American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Company

by Gulfshore Insurance

Gulfshore Insurance has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) as a Gold Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company for the sixth year in a row.

Through the Start! Fit-Friendly worksite program, AHA recognizes employers who go the extra mile for their employees’ health. At Gulfshore Insurance, all employees have access to a wellness coach, employee walking groups, healthy food options in the lunch room, and health-awareness seminars. “We’re committed to creating a culture of health in the workplace. Thanks to these initiatives, more Gulfshore Insurance employees are reporting increased physical activity, less stress, and improved health. In addition, employees today are more knowledgeable about their own health than ever before,” said Michelle Gleeson, Vice President and COO.

The American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies program is a catalyst for positive change in the workplace. Employers throughout the nation can be part of the Start! initiative by demonstrating progressive leadership by making the health and wellness of their employees a priority.

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8 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

by Gulfshore Insurance

It’s the beginning of the holiday season and, with the holidays, comes stress. Each year we feel a mix of joy and anxiety when we approach the days before Thanksgiving. The holidays can bring stress starting in November and go straight through until the New Year. We experience a combination of stressors related to financial costs of the holidays, family coming to stay and the conflicts it may bring, year-end work related stress, and the stress of trying to have the perfect meal and holiday all together. If you’re one of those people who feel the pressure of the holidays, here are 8 tips to help feel balanced, happy and stress free:

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