October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer and 42,000 people die from the disease (CDC). Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, before you experience symptoms and while it is easier to treat. An annual preventive mammogram is covered 100% for members of State of Delaware health plans (age and sex parameters apply). Check out other services offered to members of State of Delaware non-Medicare health plans on the Cancer Resources page.

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Getting your cholesterol levels checked is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a healthy heart. If it is determined that you have high cholesterol, it is a good idea to work with your doctor to manage it in order to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Learn more about resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan on the Heart Health Resources page.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It is important for people of all ages to be vaccinated against serious, sometimes deadly, diseases. Members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan can check out immunizations and other preventive services covered at 100% on the Preventive Care page.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Racial and ethnic minority communities face unique struggles  that can be compounded by the stigma of mental health. Learn about mental health resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan on the Employee Assistance Program and Behavioral Health/Emotional Wellbeing pages.

Effective July 1, 2024, SBO will discontinue our Facebook page. You can find all of the benefits information, resources, and tools on our website at de.gov/statewidebenefits. The site is updated regularly, so be sure to check it out to stay up to date on your benefits.

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. One in seven Americans suffers from migraines or other headaches that can be debilitating and chronic. In addition to pain, those who suffer from migraines may also experience visual disturbances, nausea, muscle weakness, and depression. Migraine requires diagnosis and it can take time to find the most effective treatment for you, so talk to your healthcare provider if you experience headaches that are severe or frequent enough to interfere with your daily life. Not sure where to go for care? Members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan can call Highmark’s or Aetna’s 24/7 Nurse Line for guidance.

On June 13 at 11:00 am, join OWAA for an overview of perimenopause and menopause. We look at definitions of what these two topics are as defined by science. During the lecture, we will discuss symptoms, over the over-the-counter treatment options for a variety of symptoms that are experienced during this period of life. As well we will look at prescription treatments, including the use of hormonal treatments in a variety of forms, as well as new medications that are specifically non-hormonal, that are being directly marketed to consumers through advertising on TV and in print ads. Additional topics include sleep issues, weight gain, and bone health.

On May 17 at 12:00pm, join OWAA and the Director of Survivorship at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Connie Holdridge, for a comprehensive webinar on awareness, prevention, and empowerment. to learn more about breast cancer, mammography screening and early detection. Explore topics such as understanding your family history, genetics, and health prevention tips to help reduce your risk. People of all ages, sexes, and genders should attend because all of us can be impacted by breast cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Remember to protect your skin from sun exposure, check your skin for warning signs, and get screened for skin cancer. Learn more about Cancer Resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan.

April is National Donate Life Month. Thousands of children and adults in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware are awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. Give others a second chance at life by signing up to be an organ donor. It takes less than a minute to say “Yes” to saving lives. The Gift of Life Donor Program is the nation's leading organ procurement organization coordinating more organ and tissue donors than anywhere else in the United States. Learn more about the Gift of Life Donor Program.

Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and many people have experienced new or worsened problems with alcohol consumption in the past few years. Learn more about alcohol and your health and explore substance abuse resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan on the Behavioral Health & Emotional Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Program pages.

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. Developmental disabilities are impairments in physical, learning, language, and/or behavior. Examples include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning or intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, vision impairment, and other developmental delays. Developmental Disability Awareness Month promotes the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life and raises awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to their communities. Learn about resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan on the Behavioral Health/Emotional Wellbeing page.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This is an opportunity to encourage the children in your life to establish good oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist for routine cleanings. Modeling these habits while children are young can help prevent oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Learn more about the dental plans offered by the State of Delaware by selecting your group (located under Benefits Menu) and then selecting Delta Dental or Dominion National.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, used to be a leading cause of death among people with a cervix. Today, however, the disease is almost entirely preventable with proper vaccination and regular screenings with a PAP smear and HPV testing. When detected early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. Learn about resources available to members of a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan on the Cancer Resources and Preventive Care pages.

Not feeling particularly cheery this time of year? You’re not alone. Many find that the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy. This can be a particularly difficult time for those who are grieving a loss, processing other trauma, or experiencing financial strain. Learn more about strategies and resources to help benefit-eligible State of Delaware employees, retirees, and their families manage holiday stress on the American Psychological Association website or the Behavioral Health/Emotional Wellbeing page (Medicare Pensioners version).

June is National Safety Month. National Safety Month is an opportunity to make a difference in your home, work, and community. Identifying risks and improving safety standards in your home or workplace protects everyone. To learn more, check out the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Safety Council, and the State of Delaware Insurance Coverage Office's monthly newsletter, Safety Matters.

March is National Nutrition Month®. Nutrition is part of the foundation for a healthy life. It is important to make informed food choices and develop healthy food and exercise habits. Proper nutrition can prevent and mitigate serious health conditions. Learn more about the nutrition resources available to members of State of Delaware non-Medicare health plans by selecting your group (located under Benefits Menu) and then selecting Highmark or Aetna.

February is American Heart Month. Monitoring your blood pressure is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a healthy heart. If it is determined that you have high blood pressure, it is a good idea to work with your doctor to manage it in order to lower your risk of suffering from a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. Learn more about American Heart Month and Heart Health Resources available to State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan members.

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. You can increase your chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before and during your pregnancy. Not all birth defects can be prevented, so this month is a time to raise awareness and highlight efforts to improve the health of people living with conditions from birth across their lifespan. Learn more about National Birth Defects Awareness Month and Maternity Support Resources available to members enrolled in a State of Delaware non-Medicare health plan.

April is Stress Awareness Month. When you are placed in a stressful situation, specific stress hormones rush into your bloodstream causing an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels. This is helpful in short-term emergency situations, but prolonged exposure to stress can be dangerous and make you susceptible to health issues such as headaches, stomach disorders and depression. Learning to cope with stressful situations and manage your overall stress can help you stay healthy. Check out the resources available to members of State of Delaware non-Medicare health plans on the Behavioral Health/Emotional Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Program pages, or view a recording of a webinar offered by ComPsych® GuidanceResources® called “Tools to Handle Stress.”