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MS-06-137 healthy mind healthy body SPRING 2006 YOUR OXFORD ® GUIDE TO LIVING WELL What are allergies? Healthy Bonus ® update Cocoa is hot! Heart disease: the good news

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Page 1: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

MS-06-137

healthy mindhealthy body

SPRING 2006 YOUR OXFORD® GUIDE TO LIVING WELL

What are allergies?Healthy Bonus® updateCocoa is hot!

Heart disease:

the good news

Page 2: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

Did you know?Sometime in the future, functional fashion may take on a whole

new meaning. Researchers are exploring the use of ordinary-looking

“smart”clothing to deliver medications for some chronic

conditions. Based on technology similar to nicotine and contraceptive

patches, specially formulated fabric worn next to the skin will release

appropriate medications. Other possibilities include clothes equipped

with computer chips that monitor insulin levels, heart rate and other

vital signs. One promising application is infant sleepwear that sounds

an alarm when a baby’s altered heart rate or breathing signals a possible

crisis such as sudden infant death syndrome. O

As of October 1, 2005, 99.9 percent of primarycare physicians (PCPs) participating in Oxford’s network

in the tri-state service area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut)

are either board certified or board eligible (85.4 percent board certified

and 14.5 percent board eligible). In addition, 99.8 percent ofspecialists in Oxford’s tri-state network are either board certified

or board eligible (82.5 percent board certified and 17.3 percent board

eligible). Board certification is the medical profession’s formal

recognition of a physician’s advanced expertise in a medical specialty

or subspecialty (e.g., pediatrics, neurology, dermatology, orthopedics).

To earn this certification, a physician must complete extensive additional training in an accredited, university-

affiliated postgraduate program and pass comprehensive examinations in his or her chosen specialty.

Board eligible physicians have five years in which to complete the board certification process. O

Gout, once thought to be the disease of kings and princes, is actually a

specialized form of inflammatory arthritis whose

incidence has doubled in the last 35 years. Gout causes inflammation

and pain in joints. In reality, gout shows little class distinction, although

it is more commonly found in men, especially those who are overweight,

eat lots of meat and fish and drink alcohol in excess — circumstances

once reserved for the wealthy that are more prevalent today. O

Page 3: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

healthy mindhealthy body

SPRING 2006 YOUR OXFORD® GUIDE TO LIVING WELL

CEO, Northeast Region Mike TurpinChief Medical Officer and EVP Alan M. Muney, MD, MHAVice President, Marketing Chuck GreenVice President, Marketing Communications Rebecca MadsenMarketing Manager Tracy KerznerCopy Editor Starlet ColemanEditor Justin Colby

Healthy Mind Healthy Body® is published exclusively for Oxford Health Plans by:Onward Publishing, Inc.10 Lewis Road, Northport, NY 11768Phone 631-757-3030

Publisher Jeffrey BaraschCreative Director Melissa BaraschEditorial Director Wendy MurphyArt Director Bruce McGowinDesigner Lisanne SchnellAssociate Creative Director Tamyra ZieranProject Director Bret BaraschBusiness Manager Liz Lynch

Oxford Health Plans, LLC and Onward Publishing, Inc., are not responsible for typographical errors.

This magazine provides general health information and, as such, is neither intended to replace the advice of yourphysician nor to imply coverage of referenced treatments or medications. Please consult with your physician regarding any treatment or medication that could impactyour health before proceeding with it, and refer to your benefit documents for specific coverage information.

© 2006 Onward Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

C O V E R S T O R Y

Heart disease: the good news

O F V A L U E

New choices, new responsibilities

P A T H S T O W E L L N E S S

Is there ulcer relief?

P H Y S I C I A N P R O F I L E

Unraveling mysteries — one patient at a time

S P E C I A L T O P I C

What are allergies?

N E W S Y O U C A N U S E

Oxford benefits update

P R E V E N T I O N

Cold truths

L I V I N G W E L L

Keep your family safe from carbon monoxide

New Healthy Bonus® offers for 2006

W E B N E W S

Online health assessment: new tool for Oxford Members

W E L L N E S S

Cocoa is hot!

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C O N T E N T S

Healthy Mind Healthy Body, which is designed to give you the latest information on a wide range of

health topics and your plan benefits, is available on our web site. Simply log in to your personalized account page at

www.oxfordhealth.com. As always, we encourage you to e-mail your comments to us at [email protected],

or write to: Oxford Health Plans, c/o Member Publications, 55 Corporate Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611.

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COVER STORY 4

Heart disease:the good

news

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5

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a

collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels

(vascular), including angina, heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis,

arrhythmias, and stroke (see page 6). The good news is that startling

improvements have occurred in virtually every aspect of cardiovascular

care in the past few years. Not only has medical science made huge strides

in understanding many of the underlying causes of heart disease, but

conditions for which little remedy was available only a decade or two

ago are now increasingly treatable. And, we know now that with a few

lifestyle changes, many cardiovascular diseases may be preventable.

Getting a jump on CADImprovements in treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD), also known

as atherosclerosis, are prime examples of advances in management of CVD.

CAD is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed and

rigid by the build-up of fatty deposits called plaque. These constricted

arteries increase blood pressure, making the heart and lungs work harder

to compensate for the decreased blood and oxygen levels. Doctors now

view rising blood pressure values and out-of-normal range cholesterol

and triglyceride levels as important indicators that CAD may lay ahead.

Doctors can work with their patients to improve these numbers through

diet, exercise and weight loss. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, there is

a growing array of medications available that reduce plaque, increase

vascular elasticity or thin blood to enhance circulation.

Technology to the rescue Advanced imaging tools like MRIs and CT scans also take some of the

guesswork out of knowing which parts of the cardiovascular system are in

trouble. For example, partial blockage in an artery can be located and the

channel reopened through angioplasty before permanent damage is done.

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin tube called a

catheter is carefully threaded up an artery until it reaches the affected area.

The balloon tip of the catheter is then inflated to widen the artery and a

tiny mesh scaffold called a stent inserted to hold the area open permanently.

Since stented arteries may re-clog over time, the newest stents are coated

with a slow-release drug that reduces that risk substantially.

Sometimes, however, a heart problem requires more invasive surgery.

Coronary bypass may be required where arterial blockage is extreme.

This procedure involves taking a section of healthy vessel from another

part of the body and grafting it to bypass the blockage. Years ago, surgeons

had no choice but to stop the heart and use a heart-lung machine during

bypass surgery. Today, some bypass surgeries can be performed using

endoscopy, which involves smaller incisions, robotic surgical tools and

faster recoveries for patients. Endoscopy is also being used on some valve

repairs and replacements.

Your hardworking heartThe heart is an amazing work of nature.

Scarcely larger than your fist, this specialized

muscle contracts and relaxes some 100,000

times a day, over 35 million times a year. With

each beat it circulates about six quarts of

blood, moving oxygen, nutrients, disease-

fighting agents, wastes, and a host of other

materials through its four chambers and four

valves and on to the arteries and veins.

The healthy heart goes about its work with

exquisite precision. As the chambers pump,

tiny valves open and close with split-second

timing, directed by electrical impulses sent

from the heart’s natural pacemaker, the

sinoatrial node. Oxygen-depleted blood

enters the right upper atrium, travels to the

left lower ventricle, and goes on to the lungs.

Once there, the blood quickly exchanges

carbon dioxide for oxygen and is shunted

back to the heart’s left atrium and the ventricle

below. The left ventricle, the most muscular of

the four sections of the heart, then contracts

with maximum force to send refreshed blood

to every artery, organ and cell. It takes a lot

of power to keep the blood moving; laid end

to end, all the vessels of the adult circulatory

system would extend 60,000 miles.

The heart of an average adult at rest repeats

this entire sequence about 72 times per

minute, although 60 to 100 beats are

considered within normal range. A well-

conditioned athlete or an individual taking

heart medications may have a slower beat;

excitement, a high fever, vigorous exercise,

and anger can drive the numbers considerably

higher than 100 beats per minute. The rhythm

and strength of pulse are also good indicators

of the overall status of the heart.

Blood pressure (BP), another critical indicator

of heart health, is a measure of the physical

force exerted on the interior walls of your

arteries. As heart muscle contracts, it pushes

the volume of blood along producing a higher

pressure within the vessels; between beats,

when the heart muscle relaxes, the pressure

drops. A reading below 120/80 is considered

normal for a healthy adult, but age, hormonal

activity, stress, cholesterol levels, and a

co-existing disease can increase arterial

resistance causing BP to rise.

ds

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COVER STORY 6

Other major advances are in the development of treatments

for arrhythmias. Medications continue to be the first line

of care. Also, artificial pacemakers can be inserted in the

upper chest to provide a normal heart-beat when the heart’s

own rhythm is either consistently too fast or too slow.

But pacemaker technology has recently expanded to include

the development of a device for people at risk for sudden

heart attack. A miniaturized defibrillator, not unlike the

defibrillators used on ambulances and in hospital emergency

rooms, can sense an attack before it begins and shock the

heart back into normal rhythm. Another new treatment is

radio-frequency ablation, a procedure that has proved to be

effective in treating some forms of atrial fibrillation. Using

high energy waves, a surgeon locates the tiny cluster of heart

cells (usually scar tissue) causing the arrhythmia and destroys

it to restore normal electrical activity.

Patients as partners As progress continues to be made in the management of

heart disease, the patient-physician partnership remains a

critical factor. Compliance with instructions from healthcare

providers is very important; this includes taking medications

as prescribed, carefully following any recommended changes

to diet and getting enough of the right kinds of exercise. If

cardiac rehabilitation is recommended, it means staying

the course. Rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital.

Nutrition counseling, smoking cessation and familiarization

with new medications are also common elements during

hospitalization. Later, on an outpatient basis, heart patients

are offered instruction in how to best manage their disease,

and are given supervised aerobic and resistance (strength)

exercise, as well as psychological counseling. Participation

in a rehabilitation program has been shown to play a key

role in recovery, but a surprisingly high percentage of

candidates underestimate its benefits to their long-term

health and drop out prematurely or fail to enroll entirely.

Patients who understand their condition and are diligent

in following all aspects of their treatment stand a much

better chance of living a nearly normal life. O

Principal vascular diseases Aneurysm is a bulge or weakness in the wall of an

artery or vein. A person may live with an aneurysm

for some time without acute problems, although

aneurysms tend to enlarge and become progressively

more vulnerable to rupture, particularly in people

with hypertension.

Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which arterial walls

become “hardened” or thick and inelastic, resulting in

smaller diameter channels and reduced blood flow.

Atherosclerosis is arteriosclerosis that is specifically

due to the accumulation of plaque (fatty deposits).

Coronary thrombosis is any obstruction of a coronary

artery by a blood clot.

High blood pressure (hypertension) describes higher

than optimum pressure within arterial blood vessels.

Stage I hypertension is 140/90 or slightly higher; Stage II

hypertension is 160/100 or higher. High blood pressure

can gradually — and often silently — do damage to the

entire cardiovascular system.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure

low enough to cause symptoms such as dizziness,

fainting and confusion. Dehydration, excessive urination

or sweating, heat exposure, decreased heart output,

anemia, hyperventilation, and significant blood loss due

to injury are all temporary causes of hypotension. Shock

is extreme low blood pressure; too low to sustain basic

life functions.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs most often

in the legs (though arms may also be affected) and

involves obstruction or claudication of arteries serving

these areas. As PAD develops, pain and cramping

hamper exercise and walking; eventually symptoms

are felt even when at rest.

Stroke is a sudden disturbance of blood flow in the

brain. An ischemic stroke is one in which an artery

serving some part of the brain is blocked. During a

hemorrhagic stroke, the artery ruptures causing the

brain to bleed.

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7

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) includes any pattern of

heartbeats that differ from the normal range. Heart rate that is

inappropriately fast is called tachycardia; extra slow heart rate

is bradycardia. A beat that flutters is said to be in fibrillation.

Angina is crushing chest pain or

discomfort that occurs when the heart

muscle does not get enough blood.

Stable angina typically comes on during

vigorous exercise and can usually be

relieved with rest and medication.

It may be a warning sign of a future

heart attack. Unstable angina does

not follow a pattern, comes on

unexpectedly and should be

treated as a probable heart

attack in progress.

Cardiomyopathy

describes all diseases

of the heart muscle,

including the

most common,

idiopathic dilated

cardiomyopathy, an

enlarged heart with

no known causes.

Congenital heart

disease is any heart

disease present at birth

that affects the formation

of the heart or its parts.

The defect may be apparent

during the fetal stage, but

some congenital errors are

detected only many years later.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

is the most common type of heart

disease and the leading cause of

death in men and women. The condition

occurs when the heart’s arteries become hardened

and narrow, usually due to build up of fatty deposits

(plaque), a condition also known as atherosclerosis.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a term encompassing both

CAD and its resulting complications, including angina or chest

pain, heart attacks and scar tissue created by heart attacks.

Heart attack is a non-medical term for myocardial infarction (MI).

In an MI, part of the heart muscle is destroyed due to a sudden

cutoff of its blood supply, usually as a result of

a blood clot.

Heart failure (HF), sometimes referred to as

congestive heart failure, is a condition in

which the heart has diminished capacity

to pump blood, causing vital organs to

suffer. Typical symptoms are shortness

of breath, fatigue and fluid retention

(edema); often first visible in the legs

and feet. Heart failure may develop

suddenly, but more often it

is a progressive condition

lasting many years.

HF is typically

secondary to other

cardiovascular

problems such

as CAD.

Pericardial diseases involve

the sac or pericardium that

encases the heart, and include

pericarditis (inflammation),

pericardial effusion (fluid

accumulation) and constrictive

pericarditis (stiffening). Similarly,

endocarditis occurs in the

smooth interior lining of the

heart and typically develops

from a bacterial infection.

Valvular heart disease involves

the valves of the heart. A valve may

become narrowed (stenosis), it may

leak (regurgitation) or it may not close

properly, either because of a congenital defect

or because of damage caused by an infection

such as rheumatic fever.

Diseases of the heart at a glance

Page 8: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

OF VALUE8

Today, with rising costs and

changing benefits packages,

selecting the right healthcare plan

can be difficult. At Oxford, we

want to help you simplify what

can seem like a complicated choice

and keep you informed about new

developments in health coverage.

In the coming months, you’ll be

hearing more about consumer-directed health plans

(CDHPs) — your employer may even offer healthcare

options that fall under the umbrella of CDHP.

Consumer-directed health plans give individuals

a larger stake in how their personal healthcare dollars

are spent, while offering the potential to save money in

the form of lower premiums. These plans are typically

high deductible health plans (HDHPs).

High deductible health plans have deductibles that

range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year, and in many cases

offer lower monthly premiums than traditional insurance

plans. Because Oxford recognizes the value of preventive

care, Oxford’s CDHP products include in-network

coverage for annual physicals, well-woman exams and

children’s immunizations at 100 percent, even before

the deductible has been satisfied.

In this issue, we’ll look at the health savings account

(HSA). Paired with HDHPs, an HSA is a tax-advantaged

personal bank account similar to an individual retirement

account (IRA). Used only to pay eligible health-related

claims, the HSA may be funded by your employer. You

or a family member may also contribute. Employee

contributions to HSA accounts are made through pre-tax

payroll deductions. This means funds going into the

account are tax-free and remain tax free if used for

eligible medical expenses. Interest on

HSA money is also accumulated tax free.

Most Members will draw against the

HSA using a dedicated HSA credit card

or checkbook provided by the bank

every time they incur an eligible

medical charge until the balance is

used up. Money remaining in the HSA

account at the end of a year will roll over to the next year,

retaining its tax-favored status and remaining available

should you need it, either to fill the gap in your deductible

for expenses that exceed your savings account or to

undergo an eligible elective procedure that might not be

covered under a more traditional plan. HSAs have the fur-

ther advantage of being portable, an excellent benefit for a

Member who changes jobs, and money accumulated in an

HSA account can even be saved until retirement and used

to pay Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.

Oxford recognizes that having more control over your

healthcare dollars is easier when you have easy access

to excellent decision-making tools. That’s why we

provide an outstanding suite of services such as Subimo

Healthcare Advisor™, Subimo Hospital Advisor™ and

Oxford On-Call®, our 24-hour nurse line, to help you

make informed choices about your healthcare. These

tools enable you to obtain up-to-date information on

the cost of various services and medications, and make

choices about any recommended alternatives. That way,

you can decide with your doctor how best to proceed

with your care.

If your employer offers a consumer-directed health

plan, and you want increased choice, control and

responsibility when it comes to your healthcare,

a CDHP may be the right choice for you. O

choicesresponsibilitiesNEW

Choice is good; but as new options become available, making the best choice

can be challenging.

Page 9: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

Alan M. Muney, MD, MHAis the Chief Medical Officer and an

Executive Vice President for OxfordHealth Plans. Dr. Muney received his

bachelor of science in biology andmedical degree from Brown University

in Providence, RI. He also received amaster’s in health administration fromthe University of La Verne, California.

James Dillard, MD, DC, CAcis the founding Medical Director of Oxford’s Complementary &Alternative Medicine Program and is Chairman of the OxfordChiropractic Advisory Board. He is a board certified medical doctor, a doctor of chiropractic and a certified medical acupuncturist.

PATHS TO WELLNESS 9

Usually, your digestive system goes about its work unnoticed, but

occasionally something causes the stomach to lose its protective lining

and become seriously irritated. That’s when peptic ulcers or sores develop. About one

in 10 people will suffer from peptic ulcers. If you experience burning, aching or soreness

in your stomach, late night pain similar to hunger pangs, black or bloody stool or vomit,

talk to your doctor immediately. Most ulcers heal with treatment.

A AConventional ResponseTests can diagnose ulcers and their underlying causes.

Using a flexible tube (endoscope) inserted down your throat

into your stomach, your physician will first try to get a look

at the ulcers and take a biopsy of the affected tissue. Barium

x-rays, gastric analysis and blood tests may also be used.

Diet and medicationsThe most frequently suspected culprit is the bacterium

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can cause a break-

down in the protective mucus lining. Antibiotics will

usually rid the system of this irritant. Other causes of

ulcers are alcohol consumption, smoking and reactions to

potentially corrosive drugs, any of which can cause excess

acidity and contribute to the erosion of this lining. Your

physician may prescribe an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid

or possibly a stronger ulcer-healing drug for short-term use.

A bland diet, once considered a primary weapon against all

peptic ulcers, is no longer regarded as a primary treatment.

Surgery — a last resortIn some instances, ulcers can develop potentially critical

complications requiring surgical intervention. These

include ulcers that perforate the stomach or penetrate a

solid organ, bleeding that becomes massive or persistent,

and scar tissue from chronic ulcers that creates an

obstruction in a digestive passage.

Complementary ResponseOnce conventional treatment of peptic ulcers has

begun, complementary remedies can help soothe

inflamed stomach tissue while healing takes place.

A classic remedy is a glass of raw cabbage juice taken

twice a day. Cabbage, which is high in vitamin C,

seems to inhibit H. pylori, so the juice may have

antibacterial effects, too. Yogurt containing the live

culture acidophilus also inhibits the growth of

H. pylori bacteria. Finally, deglycyrrhizinated licorice

(DLG), a chemically-modified form of licorice root,

may stimulate the production of protective mucus.

(Plain licorice is not recommended as it can raise

blood pressure.) As always, consult your physician

before beginning any alternative therapies.

Examine eating habitsGreasy foods, milk products, eating on the run, and a

diet low in fiber are all associated with stomach acidity,

so changing the way you eat may be helpful. And when

taking OTC pain relievers, consider acetaminophen.

Stress, no longer blamed as a cause of ulcers, can

inhibit good digestion. Meditation, controlled breath

work, yoga, guided imagery, massage, and regular

physical exercise are all antidotes to stress. O

QIs there ulcer relief?

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PHYSICIAN PROFILE10

“Allergies, including asthma, are on

the rise, not just in the United States,

but everywhere in the developed

world,” Dr. Robert Biondi explains.

As an Oxford participating allergist

and immunologist, Dr. Biondi is able

to track this trend first hand. For

some 35 years, he has maintained a

multi-office practice in Connecticut.

In addition, Dr. Biondi holds a

Clinical Professorship in Pediatric

Allergies at Yale University Medical

School in New Haven, where he

oversees a Pediatric Allergy Clinic.

He credits his staff with helping him

to keep the practice and clinic

running smoothly.

Unraveling mysteries — one patient at a time

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11

“We don’t know precisely why these hypersensitivities

are more prevalent today,” he continues, “but we are

definitely getting better and better at understanding

their cellular mechanisms. And that knowledge is

providing the tools for improved treatments, more

effective drugs and more consistent management of

symptoms. Unfortunately, once a patient develops an

allergy, there’s a good chance it will remain life-long,

but it doesn’t have to make the person miserable —

or in constant danger of a medical crisis — anymore.”

Detective work“When a new patient is referred to one of our offices,

their primary care physician or pediatrician has

already ruled out other likely diagnoses. So we start

by interviewing the patient (or parent in the case of

a young child), developing critical clues as we go.

We begin with a very detailed health history. First,

we identify the symptoms.” Allergic symptoms run

the gamut from occasional itchy eyes and sneezing

to chronic congestion, sinusitis, mild to severe difficulty

breathing, skin rashes, all the way to anaphylaxis.

The last of these is a potentially dangerous allergic

reaction that may include system-wide shock and

respiratory failure.

Dr. Biondi next establishes the time frame of allergic

incidents: At what age did they begin? Are they seasonal

or year-round? Are they more intense in the morning or

at night? “We ask patients to recall, if they can, other

activities that were going on prior to allergic incidents,”

he continues. “We ask whether any other member of

the family — a parent, a sibling, a grandparent — has

allergies, because there’s a strong genetic component

in this disease complex. We talk about the foods the

patient eats. A person can theoretically be allergic to

just about anything, but statistically more than 90

percent of food allergies can be traced to just eight

foods — milk, soy, wheat, eggs, tree nuts (walnuts,

pecans, pistachios, etc.), peanuts (a legume), fish, and

shellfish. We ask about pets, about the kind of heating

and air conditioning operating in the household, and

whether the patient lives in an apartment or perhaps an

old house with a damp basement. We inquire about the

kinds of vegetation surrounding the house, especially

substances that might become airborne like mown grass.

We get specifics on the kind of mattress and pillow

used, medicines taken and where the patient spends

substantial time each week — at work if an adult,

at school or daycare if a child.”

After a half hour or more of discussion, clues begin

to emerge as to the likely allergenic culprit. To

confirm or deny his suspicions, Dr. Biondi requires

some preliminary testing. Using a patch or scratch

test, he applies the suspected substance, as well as

a few other common allergens to a small area of the

skin. A rapid, mild reaction — usually a reddening

of the skin at the point of contact — indicates that

the patient has an allergy to that substance.

The investigation continues“Based on what we find,” Dr. Biondi says, “we may

follow up on the second visit with more extensive skin

and blood tests. If asthma is the diagnosis, we may also

do a pulmonary function test to determine the degree

of bronchial airway constriction. If the patient has

frequent ear infections, we may also do a tympanogram

to see if the eardrum and middle ear are affected.”

— one patient at a time

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PHYSICIAN PROFILE12

“When we have all our information,” Dr. Biondi continues, “we meet for a

summary conference at which we discuss the recommended treatment plan.

I spend a considerable amount of time explaining the cellular mechanisms of

the allergy to my patients because I’m a firm believer that the more they know,

the better able they are to manage their condition and to work constructively

with me in adjusting treatment. This is a dynamic disease, so changes are

virtually assured.”

“I start by focusing on the things the patient and family can actively avoid —

dust, animal dander, mold in the house –– if these are implicated. We talk

about how to work around certain food allergies, if necessary. But you can’t

get away from every allergen. Pollen and spores, for example, are everywhere

during some seasons. So it is sometimes necessary for a treatment plan to

include medications.”

Drug treatment typically consists of a combination of therapeutic and

preventive medications. Antihistamines, the classic example of therapeutics,

go to work mopping up the irritating histaminic compounds released by the

body in response to allergens, but these drugs work only for a short time and

only in the aftermath of an active allergic response. For people with chronic

year-round allergies, preventive drugs such as nasal sprays and lung inhalents

are also used on a regular basis to block histamine release altogether.

About 25 percent of Dr. Biondi’s patients are also candidates for allergen

immunotherapy or allergy injections. “This procedure involves injecting the

allergen under the skin,” Dr. Biondi explains. “I start with a very weak dose

at the initial treatment and gradually increase dosage strength, as well as

the intervals between injections. The body reacts by gradually becoming

desensitized to what would ordinarily cause an allergic reaction. Because

the route of entry for the allergen is new — through the skin and blood rather

than through inhalation, for example — the body responds with a different

kind of antibody, one that is more tolerable, so the patient remains symptom

free. However, allergen immunotherapy must be continuous with maintenance

doses given roughly every 28 days for desensitization to continue.”

What’s next?Dr. Biondi predicts that major advances may alter allergy therapy when

genomics — the science of how genes interact — becomes a reality. Meanwhile,

one piece of advice he gives to parents concerned about the rising incidence of

food allergies in the very young is to delay introducing certain hard-to-handle

foods. “There’s been a tendency to expose kids to some very sophisticated foods —

before the body’s system for breaking down proteins has matured — and that’s

now thought to be a factor in the growth of hypersensitivities. Peanuts, tree nuts,

fish, and shellfish all carry high allergenic risks and should be avoided in the first

three years of life. It won’t guarantee that the children will stay allergy-free, but

it may help — and young children certainly aren’t going to complain.” O

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S P E C I A L T O P I C 13

What areallergies?

Our bodies exist in a world full of harmful substances

that can cause irritation, inflammation, infection, and

disease. Fortunately, we have internal defense systems

designed to ward off most such attacks. Chief among

them is the immune system. At the first sign of invasion,

the immune system mobilizes a rapid and powerful

response that typically overwhelms the invader in the

early stages of attack. But for some people, the immune

system becomes abnormally sensitive and overreacts

to substances that are usually harmless to most people.

Triggered by microscopic agents known as allergens,

these reactions, or allergies, are caused by bits of protein

called antibodies or immunoglobulins, which float

around in the blood and lymph systems waiting to

release chemicals, such as histamines, when they

sense an unwanted substance in the body.

Types of allergies and allergic reactions

Common allergens are inhaled pollen, dust mites,

mold spores, and animal danders. Hay fever is one

example of a common minor allergy. Localized allergies,

although frustrating, are typically not dangerous.

Systemic allergies, by contrast, are potentially dangerous

and need to be monitored and controlled. Asthma, the best

known systemic allergy, involves the entire respiratory

system and is usually chronic. It can require medications,

as well as lifestyle and dietary modifications to manage.

Other systemic allergies include the extreme allergic

responses that some people have to substances to which

they have developed a hypersensitivity after multiple

exposures — bee stings, for example. People with a

history of severe, acute allergic reactions are at risk of

anaphylactic shock, during which breathing becomes

difficult, blood pressure drops rapidly and coma or even

death may occur. Because these kinds of allergic reactions

can take place when least expected, people who are

vulnerable typically carry an auto-injection kit containing

epinephrine. An instant antidote, epinephrine works by

reversing the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and slowing

its progression. The kinds of allergens that provoke severe

systemic reactions fall into four categories: injections,

such as penicillin; insect stings (honeybee, wasp,

yellow jacket, hornet); latex allergies (primarily among

healthcare workers); and certain foods (shellfish, eggs,

peanuts and other legumes).

Allergic reactions come in many forms and degrees

of seriousness. Among localized forms are:

• Allergic rhinitis, which is expressed as a runny nose,

irritation, swelling, sneezing, and/or eye irritation

• Skin reactions, including eczema, hives (urticaria)

and contact dermatitis

• Physical allergies, which are reactions to physical

stimuli including sunlight, heat, sweating, cold,

and friction

Allergies on the riseAn estimated 50 million Americans are allergic to

something, and many of them have multiple allergies.

(Most will be allergic throughout life, though children

do occasionally outgrow milder hypersensitivities).

Asthma alone currently affects some 15 million people,

a third of them children. The incidence of allergies is

growing sharply. Health experts have many theories

as to the reasons, ranging from degrading air quality

to the negative consequences of using antibiotics too

freely. Genetics also play a part; children of a parent

with allergies have a one-in-three chance of having

allergies themselves.

Whether simply irritating and inconvenient or

potentially more severe, it’s important to know that

the symptoms of most allergies can be alleviated once

the allergen has been identified. If you experience any

unusual reaction that you suspect might be an allergy,

call your primary care physician. After a preliminary

consultation, you may be referred to an allergist.

For more on diagnosing and treating allergies, see

the allergist and immunologist profile on page 10. O

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NEWS YOU CAN USE14

OOXF OR D | BENEFITS UPDATE

Update to administration of out-of-network benefits1

Oxford Health Plans is committed to helping make

healthcare more affordable for our Members. One

way to do this is to provide more information to you

about the costs of medical services and your financial

liabilities when you see non-participating providers.

As part of this effort, we are making a change to the

way we direct claim payments for services rendered

by non-participating providers. Effective April 1, 2006,

if you choose to receive services from a facility or

physician who does not participate in the Oxford

Health Plans network of providers, Oxford may

make the claim payment directly to you instead

of to the non-participating provider.2

In such cases, the non-participating provider will

be instructed to bill you for services rendered. The

reimbursement check you receive from Oxford will

represent the benefit amount payable by Oxford for

this service, and will be attached to an Explanation of

Benefits. You will be responsible for making payment

to the non-participating provider for the full amount of

the check mailed to you, in addition to any applicable

copayment, deductible, coinsurance, or other cost share

allowances, according to your benefit plan. Please ensure

your mailing address is current with your employer

and with Oxford so that claim payments for services

from non-participating providers arrive at your home

without delay.

If you choose to see a provider who participates in

Oxford’s network of providers, that physician or facility

will continue to be reimbursed directly by Oxford.

Remember that in most cases, it will be less expensive

for you to visit a participating network provider. Oxford’s

Freedom Network is one of the largest provider networks

in the tri-state area, with more than 69,000 physicians

and 230 hospitals.

If you have questions, please call Oxford Customer

Service at the number on your Oxford ID card, or

at 1-800-444-6222.

1 This applies to Oxford commercial Members who have out-of-network benefits (e.g., Point-of-Service and Freedom Plan® Members).

2 Non-participating providers will continue to be reimbursed directly for services rendered to New Jersey small group product Members and New Jersey Individual product Members.

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15

How are we doing?We are committed to providing our Members with

access to quality healthcare, and we strive to bring

you a better healthcare experience, from your contact

with our Customer Service Department to your ongoing

encounters with the physicians and hospitals in our

provider network.

This past year, the National Committee for Quality

Assurance (NCQA), the most respected independent

rating organization in the healthcare industry, again

awarded Oxford ratings of “Excellent” — NCQA’s

highest level of accreditation, in New York, New Jersey

and Connecticut. To continue this trend of excellence,

we are seeking feedback from our Members on ways to

enhance specific details of their healthcare experience.

In 2006, we will continue to work toward

improvements in:

• Processing claims and appeals more efficiently

• Member education, both in our written materials

and on www.oxfordhealth.com, by putting

information regarding how your plan works and

how you can make the most of what is available

to you in language that is clearly understandable

• Contact with your physicians and the staff in their

offices — we’re working to improve patient-doctor

communication, all of which should help ensure that

you get the care you need at the right time and place

If you have a suggestion about how we can improve

your satisfaction with Oxford, please continue to let us

know how we can serve you better. Contact us via e-mail

at [email protected] or at the

address below. We’re listening!

Member Satisfaction — Oxford Health Plans

Quality Management Department

44 South Broadway

White Plains, NY 10601

Updated Member Handbooks for New York Members

If you are a New York Member and have coverage

through your employer or purchase individual coverage

directly from Oxford, we would like to inform you that

an updated electronic version of your Member Handbook

is available on www.oxfordhealth.com. Just log in,

and click on Tools and Resources, then Your Benefit

Coverage under Practical Resources.

The new Member Handbook may contain some

language that differs from the provisions in your current

Certificate of Coverage and Member Handbook (or your

individual contract) and replaces certain sections of your

Certificate of Coverage. To request a printed copy, please

call our Customer Service Department at the number on

your Oxford ID card. You can also contact us by mail at:

Oxford Health Plans

Managed Care Act Request

48 Monroe Turnpike

Trumbull, CT 06611

Privacy notice concerning financial information

At Oxford, protecting the privacy of the personal

information we have about our customers and

Members is of paramount importance, and we take

this responsibility very seriously. The following notice

describes our policy regarding the confidentiality and

disclosure of customer and Member personal financial

information that Oxford collects in the course of

conducting its business. Our policy applies to both

current and former customers and Members.

The information Oxford collects

We collect non-public, personal financial information

about Members from the following sources:

• Information we receive from you on applications

or other forms (e.g., name, address, Social Security

number, and date of birth)

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NEWS YOU CAN USE16

• Information about your transactions with us, our

affiliates (companies under common ownership

with, controlled by, or owned by Oxford) or others

• Information we receive from consumer reporting

agencies concerning large group customers

The information Oxford discloses

We do not disclose any non-public, personal financial

information about our current and former customers

and Members to anyone except as permitted by law.

For example, we may disclose information to affiliates

and other third parties to service or process an insurance

transaction, or provide information to insurance

regulators or law enforcement authorities upon request.

Oxford security practices

We emphasize the importance of confidentiality

through employee training, the implementation of

procedures designed to protect the security of our records,

and our privacy policy. We restrict access to personal

financial information of our customers and Members to

those employees who need to know that information to

perform their job responsibilities. We maintain physical,

electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with

federal and state regulations to guard your non-public,

personal financial information.

This notice is being provided on behalf of the following

Oxford affiliates: Oxford Health Plans, LLC, Oxford

Health Plans (CT), Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NJ), Inc.,

Oxford Health Plans (NY), Inc., Oxford Health Insurance,

Inc., Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company, and

Oxford Benefits Management,® Inc.

Please note: A copy of Oxford’s Notice of Privacy

Practices can be obtained by logging on to

www.oxfordhealth.com. To request a written

copy, please call our Customer Service Department

at the number on your Oxford ID card. You can

also contact us by mail at:

Oxford Health Plans

HIPAA Member Rights Unit

48 Monroe Turnpike

Trumbull, CT 06611

Oxford cares about quality Oxford Health Plans’ Quality Management (QM)

Program is focused, in part, on monitoring access to

quality healthcare. Our QM Program is led by an

Executive Quality Management Committee and consists

of various regional committees in which QM staff and

network providers participate. Functions include:

• Identifying the scope of care and services available

through Oxford

• Developing clinical practice guidelines (e.g.,

guidelines regarding treating heart disease) and

service standards (e.g., processing precertification

requests) to measure performance

• Verifying the medical qualifications of providers

who participate in Oxford’s network

• Monitoring and evaluating the quality and

appropriateness of the services and medical care

received by Oxford Members (e.g., via ongoing

Member satisfaction surveys)

• Pursuing opportunities to improve patient safety

and customer service

• Resolving identified quality issues or concerns

If you would like to request more information

about Oxford’s QM Program and goals, please call

our Customer Service Department at the number

on your Oxford ID card.

Promoting appropriate careThrough the media or your own research, you

may have become aware that some managed care

organizations offer rewards or bonuses to providers

who limit and/or deny care. Please note that

decisions about the care you receive are based

only on appropriateness of care, service and existence

of coverage. Oxford does not compensate providers

for denials of service, nor do we offer incentives

to encourage denials. We do encourage the use of

appropriate care and services to prevent and/or treat

illnesses. For details about your specific benefit

coverage, please refer to your Certificate of Coverage.

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17

Commercial Member rights and responsibilities

As an Oxford Member, you have certain National

Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rights and

responsibilities related to your coverage. The following

information is provided for your reference:

Oxford commercial Membershave the right to:

• Receive information about

Oxford, its services, its

practitioners and providers,

and Members’ rights and

responsibilities

• Be treated with respect and

recognition of their dignity

and right to privacy

• Participate with practitioners

in decision making regarding

their healthcare

• Have candid discussions about

appropriate or medically

necessary treatment options

for their conditions, regardless

of cost or benefit coverage

• Voice complaints or appeals about Oxford or the

care provided by participating providers

• Make recommendations regarding the organization’s

Member rights and responsibilities policies

Oxford commercial Members have the responsibility to:

• Provide, to the extent possible, information that

Oxford and its practitioners and providers need

in order to care for them

• Follow the plans and instructions for care that

they have agreed on with their practitioners

• Understand their health problems and participate

in developing mutually agreed upon treatment

goals to the degree possible

In addition to the previously noted information,

Members are also entitled to rights and responsibilities

subject to applicable state law. These rights and

responsibilities are outlined in your Certificate of

Coverage. If you have questions concerning your rights

and responsibilities, please call our Customer Service

Department at the number on your Oxford ID card.

Adopting the latest technologies New treatment methods are constantly being

developed for conditions ranging from asthma to

skin cancer. The following information will help you

understand how Oxford evaluates these new medical

technologies and how decisions are made regarding

their use.

What is new medical technology?

New medical technology is defined as a newly approved

drug or medication, a new surgical procedure or new

medical equipment. Oxford continually assesses new

medical technologies. Two examples of new medical

technologies that were recently approved for coverage by

Oxford are intranasal influenza vaccine (FluMist™) and

the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD®).

Pacemaker

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NEWS YOU CAN USE18

What is the evaluation process?

Oxford’s Healthcare Services Department, led

by experienced physicians representing multiple

specialties, is responsible for evaluating new medical

technology. The process begins with a review of

the medical literature and other technical research.

The clinical staff also seeks opinions from leading

physicians and specialists in the community —

providers who have knowledge and expertise

regarding how new medical technology will be

used on a day-to-day basis. Once a thorough review

of the available information has been conducted,

Oxford’s senior medical staff meets to decide

whether or not to cover the new medical technology.

They base their decision on the strength of the

scientific evidence published in medical journals.

Representatives from all department areas then

meet to create a policy that outlines the conditions

for which the technology will be covered. Once

the policy is finalized, front-line Oxford employees

are trained regarding precertification, review, benefit

application, and claims payment. When a new policy

is implemented, Oxford notifies physicians through

a quarterly publication called the Provider Program

and Policy Update (PPU) and on our web site,

www.oxfordhealth.com. As a Member, you are

notified of important new policies through this

News You Can Use section in Healthy Mind Healthy

Body® magazine. All policies are reevaluated on a

periodic basis.

New Jersey primary care physician (PCP) and OB/GYN disenrollment process

If you are a New Jersey Member and your Oxford

PCP or OB/GYN disenrolls from Oxford’s provider

network, we will provide you with a 30-day advanced

written notification. The notification will inform

you of the disenrollment date and advise you of the

procedures for selecting a new participating PCP

or OB/GYN.

Please note: Advance notice is not required if your

PCP or OB/GYN is terminated due to quality of care

concerns, fraud or breach of the Oxford participating

provider agreement.

New Jersey IndependentConsumer Satisfaction Survey results

If you are a New Jersey Member and would like

to request New Jersey Independent Consumer

Satisfaction Survey results and an analysis of

quality outcomes of healthcare services of managed

care plans in the State you may contact:

Office of Health Care Quality Assessment

New Jersey Department of Health and

Senior Services

P.O. Box 360

Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

1-800-418-1397

Access to care We recognize that timely access to medical

services is important — whether you need a physical,

a colonoscopy or an appointment to be treated for

an unexpected illness. That’s why we’ve developed

provider service standards and regularly monitor

our provider network for compliance with these

standards. As an Oxford Member, you can expect

to see a provider for urgent care within 24 hours,

routine symptomatic care (non-urgent, but in need

of attention) within 72 hours or a regular physical

exam within six weeks. Your wait in a provider’s

office should be no more than 30 minutes. We

also set standards for the maximum number of

appointments a primary care physician should have

scheduled per hour, and how many patients he or

she can care for in the practice. Measures like

these are designed to help promote quality care.

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19

2006 Prescription Drug List UpdateThe following is an update to the Prescription Drug List (PDL) for Oxford’s three-tier prescription drug benefit.

The complete PDL is available online at www.oxfordhealth.com. The PDL Management Committee reviews

new medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as current medications when new

information becomes available. When a brand name medication becomes available as a generic, that brand name

medication may move to a higher tier. These changes may occur without prior notice and may not be reflected below.

Coverage for the listed medications may be limited or excluded based on a Member’s eligibility or plan design.

Please note: Diabetic supplies that are available through the Member’s base medical benefit will be subject to

the applicable copayment noted on the Member’s Summary of Benefits.

Changes:

The following medications have been moved to Tier 3 (highest cost option) of the PDL. This means that Members

with a three-tier prescription drug plan may pay a higher copayment as a result of the change in tier status. A listing

of Tier 1 (lowest cost option) and Tier 2 (midrange cost option) alternatives is provided.

Drug Therapeutic Use Tier 1 and Tier 2 AlternativesAllegra Allergic rhinitis fexofenadine (generic)

Amaryl Diabetes therapy glimepiride (generic)

DDAVP tablet Misc. agent desmopressin acetate tablet (generic)

Migralam Headache therapy isometheptene/apap/caffeine (generic)

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NEWS YOU CAN USE20

Oxford On-Call®

At Oxford, we realize that questions about your

health can come up at any time. That’s why we

offer you flexible choices in healthcare guidance

through our Oxford On-Call program.

With Oxford On-Call you can:

• Speak with a registered nurse who can offer

suggestions and guide you to the most appropriate

source of care

• Chat online with a nurse about your general health

questions or listen to recorded messages on over

1,100 health topics — 24 hours a day, seven days

a week

• Learn how to make the most of your doctor visits;

call Oxford On-Call before you go to your

appointment, and a nurse can help you make

a list of questions to ask your doctor

If you are an Oxford Member and you need to reach

Oxford On-Call, please call 1-800-201-4911. To access

the Health Information library, call the Oxford On-Call

phone number and choose the option for Health

Information Library. Enter PIN number 123. You may

then dial 1000 for a sample directory of topics.

It’s your health — don’t be afraid to ask

Having a clear understanding of your health

information is important to help you make the most

of your doctor visit. It is important to tell your

healthcare providers when you do not understand

the information they give you. The next time you

visit your doctor, these tips may help you to better

understand your treatment:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions Make a list

of questions to bring with you to your doctor.

The “Ask Me 3” program, set up by a team of

national healthcare groups, suggests three simple

but important questions people can ask their

healthcare providers:

• What is my main problem?

• What do I need to do?

• Why is it important for me to do this?

If you think of more questions after your visit, write

them down, and call the doctor’s office later in the day.

2. Bring a family member or friend This person may

be able to help you take notes and hear the provider’s

instructions — in case you miss something.

3. Speak up Tell your healthcare provider if you do

not understand the information he or she has given

you. Ask him or her to repeat the instructions until

you know what you need to do.

4. Repeat instructions After the healthcare provider

gives you instructions, repeat them back to him

or her to make sure you’ve got them right.

5. Ask for more information If your provider says you

have a health problem, ask for extra information

such as a hotline number, brochure or web site.

Work closely with your healthcare providers. They

can advise you on ways to lead a healthy, active life.

For more information, visit the Partnership for Clear

Health Communication web site at www.AskMe3.org.

The site features information on the “Ask Me 3”

program and how it can help you. It also has a

checklist that can help you get ready for your next

healthcare visit. O

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P R E V E N T I O N 21

Cold truths

The common cold is indeed common, with an estimated one billioncases erupting each year in the United States; that’s six to 10 sets of

sniffles for the typical child and two to four runny noses for an adult.The prevalence of the common cold has led to an abundance

of remedies and advice — some sound, some silly. Here are a few cold hard facts about colds.

200 or more different viruses are known to cause

the common cold.

Winter is high season for colds, not because of cold

weather but because we spend more time close to

one another in hot, dry indoor environments where

colds thrive.

By the time you experience symptoms, you’ve probably

had your cold for two to three days, often time enough

for you to have passed it along to the next person.

It’s not so much the actual attack of the cold virus but

the body’s response that causes most of a cold’s misery:

sneezing is an early indication of nasal irritation; the runny

nose and cough are efforts to carry away the virus before

it does more harm; the stuffiness and pressure are the

results of swollen mucus membranes and sinus passages.

Transmission of colds is easy: cold viruses, which

can survive in the open for hours, are either handed

off or blown about by people with active colds or

picked up when we touch doorknobs, telephones,

toys, and other virus-coated objects, and then rub our

hands on the two places where cold viruses thrive —

our eyes and noses.

Hot chicken soup does help provide some comfort

because steamy fluids replace fluid lost.

A single sneeze is capable of sending as many as 4,500

droplets of infected mucus up to 12 feet at a speed

of 100 mph.

Regular hand washing combined with keeping yourself

physically fit and relatively stress free are the best

preventive measures.

Antibiotics, which specifically attack bacteria, do

nothing to shorten a cold’s duration and should not

be used unless your doctor determines that a secondary

infection such as bronchitis has developed.

Echinacea, a dietary supplement, was once touted as

effective in shortening a cold but research conducted

recently by National Institutes of Health finds no

evidence to support this claim. Similarly, no full

scale study of vitamin C has shown it to be of value

as a preventive measure.

A person with a positive attitude, according to one

recent study, is less likely to catch a cold than a depressed,

nervous or angry person; a tense or sad person may

complain of cold symptoms even without a cold.

Influenza (flu) is sometimes mistaken for a particularly

nasty cold, but the fever, muscle aches, coughing,

and deep respiratory trouble that often accompany

flu make it potentially more serious. O

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LIVING WELL22

CO poisoning prevention checklist• Have at least one CO alarm with an audible warning signal

installed on every level of your home and in sleeping areas

• Ensure that fossil fuel-burning devices are properly installed and working

• Have your home heating system and chimney inspected andcleaned by a qualified technician every year

• Do not burn charcoal inside your house; even in the fireplace

• Do not use gas grills in confined areas; even in your basement or garage

• Have gas fireplaces inspected each autumn to ensure the pilot light burns safely

• Keep chimneys clear of bird and squirrel nests, leaves andresidue to ensure proper venting

• Do not operate gasoline powered engines (e.g. generators) in confined areas such as garages or basements; and never leave your vehicle, mower or other gasoline-powered equipmentrunning in an attached garage — even with the door open

• Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers

• Do not use ovens, household appliances or alternative energy sources that run on fossil fuel for heating purposes

* Original dated cash register receipt and original proofs of purchase accepted, no facsimiles. Offer good only in USA, void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Mail-inoffer only, not for store redemption. Offer is limited to one response per family, group or mailing address. P.O. Boxes without street addresses will not qualify as mailingaddresses. Multiple submissions will not be acknowledged or returned. Requests must be postmarked by 12/31/06. Allow 6-8 weeks for shipment of gift card. Offer valid for purchases made between 1/01/06 and 12/31/06. Kidde shall not be responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible or postage-due mail or requests.

Carbon monoxide (CO), a

colorless, odorless gas, is a

by-product of incomplete

burning of fuel materials such

as oil, gas and wood. A tiny

molecule, carbon monoxide

can be very dangerous —

carbon monoxide is the leading

cause of accidential poisoning deaths in America.

CO enters the body primarily through the lungs

while breathing. When CO enters the bloodstream,

it takes the place of oxygen, preventing it from

reaching the heart, brain and all of the other systems

in the body that depend on oxygen to carry out their

functions. Depending on the concentration of CO,

reactions to exposure can vary, from minor headaches

to dizziness, nausea, even convulsions.

How does carbon monoxide find its way into our

homes? CO is commonly released from poorly

maintained, incorrectly installed or faulty appliances

such as boilers, oil burners, gas stoves, and water heaters.

While these may be more common in older homes,

this dangerous gas is often found in new homes as well.

Safeguarding your homeThere are steps that you can take

to help protect your family from

the dangers of carbon monoxide

poisoning. Install an inexpensive

and widely available carbon

monoxide alarm on every floor

of your home and in sleeping areas.

Make sure that your appliances, especially water heaters,

furnaces and gas stoves are installed properly, and have

them inspected by a qualified technician annually. See the

box below for more tips on keeping your household safe.

Don’t forget about fire safetyWhile inspecting your home, take an extra moment

to make sure that there is a working smoke alarm on each

floor and in sleeping areas, and that fire extinguishers are

available throughout the house, ideally within 40 feet from

any location in the house. Many local

fire departments offer annual fire safety

inspections at no charge. Finally, make

sure your family has a fire escape plan.

For more information about protecting

your home from fire and

developing an escape plan,

visit www.nfpa.org. O

OOXFORD INFOOxford wants to help to give you a head start on protecting yourfamily. Through the Healthy Bonus® program, you can receive a $10 Home Depot® Gift Card when you purchase $80 in Kidde Fire Safety Equipment from The Home Depot.*

Simply send a dated cash register receipt, (circling the purchase prices of the Kidde products) and enclose one proof of purchase for each product found on all packages of Kidde products, and include your name, address, and Oxford I.D. number to: Cindy Rogers, Kidde/THD Promotion,1394 South Third Street, Mebane, NC 27302.

To view a full-range of Kidde Fire Safety products and equipment visit www.kiddeus.com/ProductCatalogUS.shtml.

Keep your family safe fromcarbon monoxide

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23

At Oxford, we understand that rising healthcare

costs impact our Members. We strive to contain these

trends, developing programs that aim to help reduce

healthcare costs and improve quality of care. We also

believe that there are other ways we can help Members

to reduce out-of-pocket costs, and we believe in the

power of prevention — that by taking a little extra time

to eat better, exercise and reduce stress, individuals can

remain on the path of wellness.

Our Healthy Bonus program offers access to discounts

and special offers on products that can help you make

the best kind of investment: a healthy lifestyle. Below

are some of the new discounts available to our Members.

For more information on the discounts and special offers

available, visit www.oxfordhealth.com and click on

Tools and Resources and then click Member discounts

under Manage Your Health.

MotherNature.com MotherNature.com is a leading online retailer of

vitamins, supplements, herbs, and other natural

and certified-organic healthy living products.

Oxford Members save 15 percent off the complete

selection of products, plus, no extra charge for shipping

on orders over $49! To get your 15 percent discount,

go to www.MotherNature.com and enter coupon

code OXFORD during checkout. Or call toll free at

1-800-439-5506 and mention the same code.

ShopNaturalShopNatural offers a

wide selection of natural

and organic products, including:

• Natural and organic groceries

• Vitamins and supplements

• Health and beauty products

• Gifts

Oxford Members receive

a 10 percent discount off all

products at ShopNatural. To receive this special savings,

visit www.ShopNatural.com, and enter coupon code

OXFHB6 when you place your order.

Today’s CaregiverMagazine

Today’s Caregiver magazine

is the first national publication

providing information

specifically addressing the

needs of family caregivers.

Published since 1995, the

magazine contains timely

advice from leading experts,

caregiver stories and interviews with celebrity

caregivers, such as Clay Aiken, Debbie Reynolds,

Rob Lowe, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and Barbara Eden.

Oxford Members receive a special discount of 40

percent off of Today’s Caregiver magazine’s cover price

(Oxford Member rate is just $14.50). To order, just call

1-800-829-2734 and mention that you are an Oxford

Member, or visit www.caregiver.com/oxford.

Pilates Style™ MagazinePilates Style is the first magazine dedicated

exclusively to Pilates. Pilates Style includes articles

on nutrition, health and beauty, fashion, food, home

and travel, as well as comprehensive information on

Pilates conferences, retreats and certification programs.

Oxford Members can subscribe to a one-year

(6 issues) subscription of Pilates Style for $9.95.

To receive this special offer please make checks

payable to Pilates Style and send to: Pilate Style,

PO Box 1926 Marion, OH 43306-2026. Or, subscribe

online at www.pilatestyle.com and enter key code

A6OHP to get this special price.

Offers are valid through December 31, 2006. These discounts are offered inaddition to, and separate from, your benefit coverage through Oxford HealthPlans. These arrangements have been made for the benefit of Members, and do not represent an endorsement or guarantee on the part of Oxford.Discounts may change from time to time without notice and are applicable to the items referenced only. Oxford Health Plans cannot assume any responsibility for the products or services provided by vendors or the failure of vendors referenced to make available discounts negotiated withOxford; however, any failure to receive discounts should be reported toOxford Customer Service by calling the number on your Member ID card.

New Healthy Bonus® offers for 2006

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WEB NEWS24

Online health assessment:

a new tool for Oxford Members

In January 2006, Oxford launched a new health assessment tool on our web

site. You can access this tool by logging on to www.oxfordhealth.com,

and clicking on Health Assessment under Tools & Resources > Manage

Your Health. After you enter the Oxford HealthForums site, click on the

Health Assessment icon in the right column. This tool, offered by Optum,

a UnitedHealthcare Company, incorporates risk assessment tools, including

those developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

and The University of Michigan Health Management Research Center.

Page 25: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

25

Completing the entire Health Assessment takes about

10-20 minutes. You will then receive a personalized

health report that addresses 18 key health areas.

These areas are:

• Fitness

• Alcohol

• Smoking and tobacco

• Safety: driving, home safety — includes fire safety

checklists and tips on creating a disaster plan

• Nutrition: full analysis of a user’s diet

• Body image: includes user’s body mass index (BMI),

along with an interactive graph that shows how

BMI relates to diabetes, high blood pressure and

overall health risks

• Back pain

• High blood pressure

• Cholesterol

• Stress

• Depression

• Family planning

• Pregnancy

• Family health history

• Recommended prevention measures, such as

examinations, tests and immunizations

• Cancer risks

• Diabetes

• Heart disease and heart failure

Get the most from your assessment Before you begin

your assessment, gather relevant information. If you’ve

had a health screening recently — for example, a blood

pressure reading or cholesterol check — have those

numbers on hand. Also be prepared to enter data about

your health-related behaviors. Examples are how often

you exercise and how many servings of fruits and

vegetables you eat every day.

Celebrate your strengths One of the main reasons for

taking a health assessment is to celebrate what you’re

already doing well. Perhaps you’re exercising regularly,

managing stress and taking other concrete steps to

maintain your health. If so, the results of your

assessment will confirm these wise choices.

Tell the truth without self-judgment The more candid

your responses to a health assessment, the more useful

the results.

Build your commitment to change Consider what you

stand to gain by changing key health behaviors. Visualize

positive results such as a leaner body, a higher level of

energy and a more positive mood.

Set concrete goals Based on your assessment results,

list the specific health behaviors you intend to change.

Translate broad goals into actions you can take

immediately. For example, you could:

• Eat a fresh fruit or vegetable with every meal

• Skip a half-hour TV program each day and take a

brisk walk instead

• Skip dessert or second helpings at dinner

• Reduce stress by crossing activities that create little

value off your to-do list

Take the assessment more than once Your health may

change in subtle ways from year to year or even month

to month. Taking the assessment again can help you stay

on top of these changes.

Share the results Talk to loved ones and friends about

the changes you’re making. Also share assessment results

with your doctor. The most effective use of an online

health assessment is to complement — not replace —

professional medical care.

Be patient Many attempts at behavior change fail the

first time around. Relapse is often part of the change

process. This is especially true for deep-seated habits such

as smoking. If you become discouraged, remember that

every failure teaches you about what works — and what

doesn’t work — in changing your behavior. The next

attempt you make could be the one that succeeds.

Move into action Moving into action is how you create

the most value from any assessment. By adopting new

behaviors, you create new results in your life. Taking an

online assessment allows you to measure those results

and stay in charge of your health.

Please note: Health Assessments are not a substitute

for medical care and should not be used to diagnose

health problems. Consult your physician before

making decisions about medical care. Oxford

abides by all privacy and confidential information

regulations in regards to data collected through this

Health Assessment. O

Page 26: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

WELLNESS26

Cacao beans naturally contain high levels of the

chemicals known as flavonoids. Flavonoids, also

found in abundance in red wine, green tea, apples,

and some other fruits and vegetables, are plant

compounds with potent antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants provide the body with some protection

from substances thought to damage the heart and

blood vessels as well as precursors to certain cancers.

But don’t rush out and buy your favorite candy bar;

the flavonoid content of cocoa is highly variable, so

check the label. The darker the chocolate the better —

unsweetened or baking chocolate contains up to

75 percent cocoa solids. Bittersweet chocolate, while

still dark, has a small amount of sugar, cocoa butter (fat)

and vanilla added. Look for chocolate or cocoa powder

made with untreated cocoa rather than dutch-processed

cocoa, which has been processed with alkali, drastically

reducing the beneficial flavonoid content while adding

sweeteners and other unhealthful additives. European

and Mexican brands of chocolate are a bit more expensive

than American varieties but are more likely to be

untreated and, as a result, high in flavonoid content.

Try the recipes at right for some ways to incorporate

cocoa into a wholesome meal or special treat. O

For many of us, chocolate is one of life’s little treasures.

An ancient culinary treat, cocoa was once considered so

valuable by the Mayans and Aztecs of Central America

that they used cacao beans — the source of cocoa —

as a form of currency. Now, according to preliminary

research, cocoa may be a source of valuable nutrients.

Cocoa is hot!

Page 27: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

27A little cocoa adds a touch of authenticMexican flavor to this chicken recipe.

Chicken Yucatan2 lbs. boneless, skinlesschicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 sweet potato, cut into 1⁄2 inch cubes

11⁄2 cups low-salt chicken broth

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 ounce square unsweetened chocolate, cut into small pieces

Salt to taste

4 cups cooked rice

Low-fat/fat free sour cream

Chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Lightly flour chicken.

2. Cook chicken in hot oil over medium heat until brown on all sides. Remove from skillet.

3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, onion, red pepper, andsweet potato until onion and red pepper are soft and potato begins to brown.

4. Add chicken broth, chili powder, chocolate, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until chocolate melts.

5. Return chicken to the skillet.

6. Cover and simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes until potatoes and chicken are cooked.

Serve over rice. Garnish with sour cream and chopped cilantro.

Serves 6-8

Here’s a basic homemade mix for delicious hot cocoa. Prepare this mixand store in an airtight container in acool dark place for an occasional treat.

Hot Cocoa1 cup nonfat dry milk3⁄4 cup light brown sugar1⁄2 cup unprocessed cocoa powder or shaved dark chocolate

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to taste

To make one cup, stir in 2-3 tablespoons in a cup of skim or 1% milk. Mix well and microwave on high to heat 60 seconds to just below boiling. Whisk well to blend ingredients and to raise a froth. Pour the steamingdrink into your favorite mug, and then settle down in a comfortable chair to sip, relax and restore your spirit.

Page 28: healthy mind healthy body - OXHPCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad all-encompassing term for a collection of diseases and conditions of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular),

OO X F O R D C O N TA C T I N F O

P.O. Box 7081, Bridgeport, CT 06601

HMHBSP/8717

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ONWARD PUBLISHING INC.

importantinformation

insideCheck out the latest news

about your Oxford coverage

in the Benefits Update

section of this issue and

start making the most

of your health plan.

CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-444-6222 (8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday)To reach a Service Associate, please call the toll-free Customer Service number on your Oxford ID card, or call 1-800-444-6222. If you are hearing impaired and require assistance, you may call Oxford’s TTY/TDDline at 1-800-201-4875. Please call 1-800-303-6719 for assistance in Chinese, 1-888-201-4746 for assistance in Korean, 1-800-449-4390 para ayuda en español, or the number on your Oxford ID card for assistance in other languages.

OXFORD ON-CALL® 1-800-201-4911 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)Registered nurses offer you healthcare guidance, around the clock.

PHARMACY CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE 1-800-905-0201 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)* Receive answers to your questions about pharmacy benefits, claims, prescriptions, and participating pharmacies in your area.

MEDCO BY MAIL 1-800-905-0201 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)* This mail-order pharmacy service provides a cost-effective, convenient way for Members with a mail-order prescription benefit to order certain maintenance medications.

OXFORD EXPRESS® 1-800-444-6222 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)Touch-tone phone options let you confirm eligibility, check the status of a claim, request a new Oxford ID card or physician roster, and more.

OXFORD’S FRAUD HOTLINE 1-800-915-1909 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)If you suspect healthcare fraud on the part of Members, employers or providers, please call our confidential fraud hotline.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LINE 1-800-665-4686 (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday) Oxford offers educational materials to help Members with diabetes, asthma and depression understand their condition and become active participants in its management.

ONCOLOGY PROGRAM LINE 1-800-835-8021 The Oncology Program is a case management program available to Members who are diagnosed with cancer and are in active treatmentor end-stage management. Exclusions for the program are Members who are under the age 18 or have a diagnosis of Leukemia. Members enrolled in the program receive phone calls from our team of oncology-trained, registered nurse case managers and social workers.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LINE 1-800-201-6991 (8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday)Behavioral Health Coordinators provide information such as referrals to behavioral health providers or precertification for mental health or substance abuse services.

RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET AT www.oxfordhealth.com• Log in with your user name and password to access your policy and benefit information, and perform

transactions such as checking claims’ status, selecting a primary care physician and ordering materials and Member ID cards

• Learn more about Oxford’s various wellness resources, such as our Healthy Bonus® program and Self-Help LibrarySM by logging in to our Member web site

*Except Thanksgiving and Christmas.