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Great American Smoke Out is Nov. 19!

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s a fight you can win. By using one or more of the following ideas, you increase your chances of quiting for good!

Self-help materials are available to help you quit smoking, no matter where you are in the process. These materials can help you learn how to prepare for your quit attempt, develop strategies to cope with cravings and prevent relapse once you have quit. The self-help materials offer proven methods that are easy to follow and can keep your motivation high.

Support programs can be found in a variety of forms – group smoking-cessation programs, Internet resources, referral programs or support groups. To learn about the options available in your community, contact the American Cancer Society at 1 (800) 227-2345, or visit cancer.org.

Telephone counseling is a proven, confidential counseling method that will support and help you stay focused on your reasons for quitting.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can relieve many of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person stops smoking. Prescription medicines like Bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Chantix) can also help you quit. Using medication can double your chance of successfully quitting. Talk to your doctor about a strategy that might work for you.

Mesa Public Schools benefit plans provide a tobacco/smoking cessation benefit:

Coverage is extended for over-the-counter or prescription tobacco/smoking cessation products (such as nicotine gum or patches). The drugs are payable only through the Prescription Drug Program using a network retail pharmacy at the plan’s usual retail co-pay or co-insurance. You must present a written prescription from a physician for over-the-counter or prescription tobacco/smoking cessation products to the retail pharmacist. This benefit is not available as a reimbursement for products you purchase at a nonnetwork location and is also not available through the plan’s mail order program. Benefits are payable as follows:

• Chantix: maximum of six months of coverage in any 12-month period
• Zyban, Buproprion: maximum of three months of coverage in any 12-month period
• All other tobacco cessation products whether over-the-counter or prescription strength: maximum $300 per person in any 12-month period.

Join the Great American Smoke Out, and quit today!

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Worries: 10 Ways to Calm Your Nerves

The number of sick people is climbing. People are on edge. But don't let the "what ifs" take over. Keep your nerves in check by following these 10 tips:

1. Stay informed. Many people are talking about H1N1 flu. But some of this information is misinformation. Make sure you get the facts about H1N1 flu from reliable sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates its H1N1 flu Web site daily. Go there for the most current information.

2. But don't stay glued to your television or computer. Take a break from the news if it is making you feel more anxious or depressed. Fill your time with activities that make you happy and take your mind off your worries.

3. Keep things in perspective. According to the CDC, most cases of H1N1 flu have been relatively mild in the U.S. And the virus is responding to treatment. Call your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms. If you are diagnosed with H1N1 flu, chances are you'll fully
recover.

4. Have healthy habits. Good health protects you from certain illnesses. Live a healthy lifestyle:

• Get enough sleep.
• Exercise regularly. Check with your doctor before you increase your activity level.
• Eat nutritious foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Manage your stress.

5. Be prepared. Being ready for a crisis may reduce some of your anxiety:

• Stock up on food, water and other supplies. Store enough nonperishable food, water and other household items that will last two weeks if possible.
• Keep supplies on hand that you may need in case of illness. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medication and medical supplies.

6. Talk to your kids. There's a good chance they're nervous too. You can help ease their worried minds. Answer all of their questions about the outbreak honestly. Keep their routine as normal as possible. They learn how to handle stress by watching you. Cope well, and they will follow your lead.

7. Stay connected. Keep up your normal social routine. Doing so may be a welcome distraction. Share your concerns with your friends and family. They may be able to offer you advice and support. If you cannot leave your house, keep your social networks intact through phone and e-mail.

8. Have faith in the experts. U.S. and world public health officials have been preparing for a possible flu pandemic for years. They have the ability and resources to deal with a worldwide outbreak. They're working hard to stop the spread of the H1N1 flu and reduce the severity of the virus.

9. Be resilient. Resilience is your ability to cope with hard times and stress. Remember how you got through a difficult situation in the past, and use those skills to help you now.

10. Get help. If you feel extremely anxious or if your fears are interfering with your life, seek help. Your primary doctor may be able to refer you to a mental health professional.

Buy Discounted Phoenix Suns Tickets

Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Amar'e Stoudemire lead the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns against the best competition in the NBA this season at the US Airways Center. Be a part of all the exciting action and, as a Mesa Public Schools employee, receive discounts of up to 57 percent off the face value of tickets in both the lower level and the 200 level for you, your friends and your family!

• $75: Lexus Club seats (regularly priced between $126 and $176, based on game)
• $59: Lower level curve and baseline seats (regularly priced between $96 and $132, based on game)
• $34: 200 level sideline seats (regularly priced between $46 and $71, based on game)
• $27: 200 level curve seats (regularly priced between $30 and $57, based on game)

To access these discounted, no-fee offers exclusively for Mesa Public Schools employees, follow these easy steps:

• Log onto www.suns.com/mpstix.
• Click on the Suns logo on the Mesa Public Schools welcome page.
• Search for tickets by selecting the game(s) of your choice on the Event page.
• Enter your special Mesa Public Schools offer code. The code is MPS. Click verify.
• Access the offer by creating your own personal account and password. If you already have an account, enter the e-mail address and password you created when setting up your original account. You can use the same account for both Suns and Mercury offers.
• Look for tickets based on quantity, seat location and price.
• Complete the transaction, and print your tickets from your home or office computer. There's no need to wait in line or pick up your tickets elsewhere.

Questions?

Please contact Colby Zobell at (602) 379-7523 or czobell@suns.com or

Julia LaManna at (602) 379-7805 or jlamanna@suns.com

Enjoy the convenience of auto payroll

No more checks to write. No more worries about paying your bill on time. Horace Mann offers the convenience of payroll deduction for your auto insurance premiums. You will receive a 10 percent discount on your auto insurance when you sign up for payroll deduction. Payroll deduction gives you the advantage of a 12-month policy term as opposed to a six-month term if directly billed. The number of deductions in your policy term is determined by your school district’s pay mode. The Educator Advantage Package® is included at no extra charge for district employees. Educator Advantage® includes:

• no deductible for covered vandalism losses on or near school property or while at a school-sponsored event if you purchase comprehensive coverage
• replacement coverage if your new car is declared a total loss within the first year of ownership
• additional emergency road service coverage if you purchase emergency road service with your policy
• liability coverage in case you have to transport students in a vehicle that Horace Mann insures

Request a quote, and see how Horace Mann’s auto payroll can make life a little easier.

Fitness Works Offers Discounts to MPS

Fitness Works has become the most recent exercise gym to offer corporate discounts for Mesa Public Schools employees.  For more information click here.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Now Available

Scottsdale Healthcare has received their shipment of seasonal flu vaccine serum, and is now able to administer vaccines at Mesa Public Schools.  There will be two clinics as follows:

Employee Benefits Journal is published for employees of Mesa Public Schools, an equal opportunity organization.
The district does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex,
marital status, handicap/disability or national origin.

The Journal is produced by the Employee Benefits Department. Questions and comments are welcome. Please write to Andrea Billings, Employee Benefits Director, Mesa Public Schools, 63 E. Main St., #101, Mesa, AZ 85201-7422.