10.2008 | IN THIS ISSUE
Learn More About Your Benefits
You're Invited to the 2nd Annual SAHA Jazz Festival
Meetings Scheduled to Help Employees Learn More About Benefits
Preventing Colds and Flu
| n Learn More About Your Benefits, Ways to Avoid Cold and Flu By Maj. Gen. Alfred Valenzuela  This month marks a very important time of year for our employees – open enrollment meetings for benefits are scheduled the week of Oct. 13 (see below for dates/times). The meetings, mandatory for all regular full-time employees, give you the opportunity to ask our HR staff and representatives from the insurance companies questions. You must attend at least one session to receive your enrollment materials. We’re all aware that the cost of living is continually increasing, including the cost of health insurance. Unfortunately, these costs are increasing universally in businesses and organizations in San Antonio and across the country. I’m pleased to share with you, however, that our staff worked very hard to minimize cost increases such as co-pays for primary care visits and prescription drugs. You can learn more about these changes by viewing the documents on open enrollment in the “Around SAHA” section on our intranet. Speaking of health, cold and flu season is right around the corner, so be sure to read the article below on how to prevent colds and flu. On another note, you may recall in the September issue of this newsletter, we asked you to nominate yourself or a co-worker to be spotlighted in a profile on our intranet. We’re hoping this will be a great way for you to learn more about one another. Please send your nominations to Caren Cuellar at caren.cuellar@saha.org or call ext. 6165. In closing, I’ve enjoyed meeting many more of you in small group meetings over the last few weeks, and I look forward to meeting those of you I have not yet had the chance to visit. |
n Meetings Scheduled to Help Employees Learn More About Benefits It’s that time of year again – open enrollment for your 2009 benefits. Meetings are scheduled throughout the week of Oct. 13 allowing you the opportunity to learn what’s changing, what’s the same and to ask questions. Below is the open enrollment meeting schedule. Please note that it is mandatory for all full-time employees to attend one of these sessions. For more information on open enrollment, view the documents on SAHA’s intranet in the “Around SAHA” section. Monday – October 13, 2008 Boardroom 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Tuesday – October 14, 2008 Boardroom 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Wednesday – October 15, 2008 Boardroom
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n You’re Invited to the 2nd Annual SAHA Jazz Festival |
n Preventing Colds and Flu The average adult has two to four colds every year. Although colds are bothersome, they usually don’t lead to serious illness. The flu is a different story, however: about 35 to 50 million Americans get the flu each year. Every year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu and its complications, such as pneumonia. How it all starts When someone with a cold sneezes or coughs, droplets of liquid containing the cold virus are released into the air. If you breathe in these droplets or even touch them, you can become infected. Like the cold virus, the flu virus can be easily transferred from one person to another through the air or through direct contact. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as colds and flu. Your best bet is to prevent getting sick by protecting yourself. To avoid catching or spreading a cold or flu: h Get a flu vaccine annually. h Wash your hands frequently, especially after coming in contact with someone who has a cold or the flu, or after using shared objects such as a telephone, pens, pencils, door handles, and kitchen tools. Use a hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option. h Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. h Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu. The most common way to catch a cold or the flu is through contact with an infected person. h Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. h Don’t share eating utensils, cups, glasses and towels – including kitchen towels – with anyone h Stay away from crowds. Practice other healthy habits: h Eat healthy foods, such as five servings of fruits and vegetables and three servings of dairy products each day. h Take a vitamin. Studies have shown that a daily multivitamin, along with a healthy diet, can boost immunity. h Get plenty of sleep. Everyone’s sleep needs vary. However, most healthy adults are built for 16 hours of wakefulness and need an average of eight hours of sleep a night. h Stay physically active. Moderate amounts of aerobic exercise – such as brisk walking or jogging – during cold and flu season may boost your body’s defense against viruses. h Manage stress by evaluating the causes of your stress and determining the best ways to relieve it. If you get a cold or the flu: h Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see what treatment is right for you. Often symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications. h Drink lots of fluids. h Stay home if possible and get plenty of rest. For more information about preventing and treating the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu. Source: Humana.com
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Once again the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) is inviting the general public to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy live music at the 2nd annual Jazz Festival.HUMAN RESOURCES |
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Diana R. Gutierrez Director Human Resources 477-6121 |
Gerald T. Avila Assistant HR Director 477-6125 |
Elton Lott Senior HR Manager 477-6327 |
Ann McKinney Recruiter 477-6491 |
Crystal Montana Worker's Compensation 477-6116 |
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Denise Golson Compensation 477-6120 |
Millie Clapp Benefits 477-6083 |
Lora Havrda Trainer 477-6525 |
Marvin
Williams Trainer 477-6534 |
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For further information, please contact:
human_resources@saha.org