Getting Kids Excited About Veggies!
We know what you’re thinking: “That’s impossible!” But luckily for many Oregon fourth-graders, PacificSource’s Wellness Coordinator Charis Allenbaugh believed that kids could and would get excited about eating vegetables if they could see and be a part of the entire process.
PacificSource funded the Veggie U program in eight Oregon classrooms last year, and is continuing the program in eight classrooms this year. Veggie U offers kits complete with seeds, soil, flats, root view boxes, grow lights, and even worm farms. These materials allow students to get hands-on experience with every stage of vegetable planting, growing, and harvesting. Since the students invest so much time and effort into growing these vegetables, they’re more likely to eat them, and to try other new, healthy foods.
“We’ve noticed that our kids have started taking more vegetables in the lunch line,” said one fourth-grade teacher. “I’ve also heard from several parents that their children are asking for different vegetables once they get home. That alone has been worth the time to offer the program.” We asked the kids who participated what their favorite part of the program was. Besides eating the yummy vegetables they grew themselves, their clear choice was the worm farms!
It’s exciting to see such a great program be embraced by kids, teachers, and parents. Veggie U has the potential to benefit the lives of hundreds of children in the communities we serve, and PacificSource is proud to sponsor it.
Take Advantage of Your Preventive Dental Benefits
Did you know that dental cleanings are covered at little or no cost to you when you visit an Advantage Dental Network dentist? That’s right. Depending on your dental plan, you can get two or more free cleanings per year, or only pay a small percentage of the cost. If your dentist isn’t in the Advantage Dental Network, your cleanings are still covered, with little out-of-pocket cost to you.
Why should you take advantage of your preventive dental benefits and have your teeth cleaned? In addition to being covered at little or no cost, it will help you:
- Keep your smile bright and white. Your hygienist can remove most tobacco and coffee stains from your teeth, leaving them clean and bright. Plus, you get that great feeling of freshly polished teeth.
- Prevent gum disease. Current trends and studies are showing a relationship between gum disease and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Pregnant women with gum disease are three- to five-times more likely to have premature babies.
- Save money. Your dentist or hygienist can detect early signs of problems with your teeth and gums. Creating a treatment plan early can save you time, money, and pain in the long run.
Honestly, we can’t think of a reason not to make a dentist appointment today! To check to see if your dentist is part of the Advantage Dental Network, or to find a contracted dentist, visit PacificSource.com and click the Find a Provider link at the top of any page.
Be sure to review your policy for a full explanation of benefits. If you have any questions, please contact one of our Customer Service Representatives:
Oregon (866) 373-7053
Idaho (800) 688-5008
Sources:
“Periodontal Disease and Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease.” The First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Its Follow-up Study. Tiejian Wu, MD, PhD; Maurizio Trevisan, MD, MS; Robert J. Genco, DDS, PhD; Joan P. Dorn, PhD; Karen L. Falkner, PhD; Christopher T. Sempos, PhD. Arch Intern Med. 2000; 160:2749-2755.
“Oral Health During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Health Professionals.” Sacramento, CA. California Dental Association Foundation; February 2010.
“An Examination of Periodontal Treatment and Per Member Per Month (PMPM) Medical Costs in an Insured Population.” David A. Albert, Donald Sadowsky, Panos Papapanou, Mary L. Conicella, Angela Ward. BMC Health Services Research. 2006, 6:103.
What is a contracted dentist?
A contracted dentist (sometimes referred to as an in-network dentist) is a dental professional who is a member of the Advantage Dental Network. The Advantage Dental Network includes more than 950 dentists in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. When you see a contracted dentist, you’ll just pay your plan’s copayment, deductible, and/or coinsurance. You will usually not be responsible for any amount that exceeds contracted fees on covered services.
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Make the Most of Dentist Visits
With a little preparation, you can make the most of your dental visits. We’ve created a guide to help you before, during, and after your appointment so that you can be an informed, confident patient, ready to take charge of your dental care.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
- Make a list of your questions and concerns, all medications and supplements you take, and any allergies you have.
- Check your insurance benefits.
During Your Appointment
- Explain why you’re there.
- Answer your dentist’s questions clearly and completely.
- Listen to your dentist’s diagnosis and recommendations.
- Ask questions about any tests or procedures your doctor recommends.
- Ask any remaining questions from your list.
- Know what happens next—make sure you’re clear about the next steps.
After Your Appointment
- Do your part. Follow directions and schedule appointments.
- Watch for possible problems or new symptoms.
- Call back with new questions or concerns if you need to.
Access Your Benefit and Claim Information 24/7
You can access your benefit information and claim history through our secure website for members—InTouch—24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Use InTouch to check your out-of-pocket total, order replacement ID cards, change your address, and more. Access a wealth of health resources through the InTouch Health Manager, powered by WebMD®. For more information and a demo, visit our Welcome to PacificSource Health Plans page and click the “Using InTouch for Members” topic.
This Member Newsletter is provided for general information only, and is not to be used to determine benefits. Your benefits are determined only by your policy. Please refer to your plan materials or our Customer Service Department for specific benefit information.