Managing Diabetes During the Holidays
Tis the season for eggnog, cookies and pie! It’s also one of the toughest times of year to regulate your diet if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic. If you’re one of the 34 million people in the United States who will manage diabetes this holiday season, here are some pointers to remember.
- Use sugar substitutes. If you’re responsible for the cooking this season, check out Food Network’s diabetes-conscious recipes. The recipe list covers every part of the meal from appetizers to dessert—all below 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving and sensitive to sugar intake. If you’re going to someone else’s home for the holidays, they want you to feel welcome too! Let them know that you have dietary restrictions.
- Remember that you have FREE access to the Complex Care Program. Anthem BlueCross Blue Shield is here to help you manage chronic conditions like diabetes. They know that this time of year is challenging for diabetics and can advise you on how to stay healthy. Give them a call today at (844) 241-7089 for a consultation.
- Make some time for exercise. Throw a football around the yard with the kids or go for a jog. Exercising uses your body’s glucose, which helps regulate your blood sugar. People with diabetes should aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day, five days a week. Your comfiest chair will still be empty when you’re finished with your workout.
- Alcohol is fine—in moderation. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that diabetics consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and no more than two for men. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages vary in their sugar content. Stay away from the brandy and mulled wine!
- And, for a New Year’s Resolution… Kick the cigarette habit. Smoking is never a good idea, but it’s especially harmful to people with diabetes. Diabetes already increases the risk of heart disease, and smoking only makes it more likely. As a participant in the Fund, you have access to a variety of smoking cessation resources. Visit Anthem BlueCross Blue Shield’s website to learn more.
FAQs
What are the acceptable reasons for taking a loan from my Annuity Fund account?
In certain cases, you can take out a loan from your Annuity Fund account. Reasons to take out a loan include:
- Buying or fixing a principal residence
- Medical bills that are not reimbursed by medical insurance
- Educational expenses (tuition) at an accredited school, including vocational school, at any level
- Expenses incurred for the legal adoption of a child
- Funeral expenses incurred because of the death of your Spouse or a dependent child
You are eligible to apply for a loan if you are actively employed by a Contributing Employer, and you have been so employed for at least three years. You may have only one loan outstanding at a time. An outstanding loan balance (active or defaulted) must be paid in full prior to applying for a subsequent loan (except those loans that were defaulted prior to January 1, 1996). The maximum loan amount is the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of your account balance.
For more information, please go to the Annuity Fund section of this site.