October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - HAVE YOU HAD YOUR MAMMOGRAM?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month started in October 1985. The American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries initiated the movement with the help of former First Lady Betty Ford, who had survived breast cancer a decade earlier. Ford was diagnosed and had a mastectomy soon after her husband, Gerald Ford, became president in 1974. Her case brought more attention to breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month was intended to educate women about early detection — promoting mammograms as the primary tool — and taking charge of their breast health. The campaign’s primary color wasn't always pink. Awareness ribbons and their designated colors to show each cause's support have long been part of the global culture. In 1991 Charlotte Haley of Simi Valley, California, began hand-making peach-colored breast cancer awareness ribbons in her dining room. She distributed them at supermarkets asking people to wear them as a call to action. In 1992 Alexandra Penney, editor in chief of the Self magazine, came up with the idea of using pink ribbons as part of the magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness issue with the slogan: "Wear this ribbon & make a difference." The visibility and awareness Self magazine brought is celebrated globally to this day, while Haley is still remembered as the creator of the first peach breast cancer ribbon. "Cancer wherever it strikes the body, also strikes the spirit, and the best doctors in the world cannot cure the spirit. Only love and understanding can accomplish this important role." -Betty Ford Walking the talk with breast cancer Walking the talk with breast cancer Uncertainty never stopped her. Jackie Aguilera is ready to make the best of life with breast cancer. Read Story Mammograms: what you need to know Mammograms: what to know Dr. Treneth Baker from Kelsey-Seybold advises about the importance of having regular mammograms. Read More Be aware and take care with Cigna Be aware and take care with Cigna Stay vigilant and on top of your health with these breast cancer advice, signs, and risk factors. Read More Get your annual mammogram at no cost Your annual mammogram at no cost Annual mammogram screenings are recommended for women starting at 40. Find out how to get yours. Read More Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment Chew on this: Types of ABC treatment Check out this infographic to understand advanced breast cancer treatment options and why all treatment plans are different. Read More Benefits News & Notices On-site Cigna representatives Your Human Resources Benefits office has on-site Cigna representatives to assist you with claims, primary care physician changes, and inquiries about Cigna medical and dental plans. Available at 611 Walker 4th Floor between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. You may reach them by phone, email, or in person. Learn More Q&A banner My child just turned 26 and has no health insurance plan. Can they stay covered on my health plan? Your dependent or adult children may only remain covered under your employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance until they reach age 26. Coverage will terminate at the end of the month in which your dependent turns age 26. If your dependent was covered under your plan(s) at that time, he or she will receive an offer to continue their coverage under COBRA. COBRA provides coverage continuation for up to 36 months at the COBRA rate. Your dependent will receive a mailing from WJA COBRA Administration (a subcontractor of TASC) shortly after coverage ends. Complete the form for life insurance conversions within 31 days from the date of loss of life insurance coverage if you are interested in keeping additional life insurance. *The only exception with reference to continuing coverage after age 26 is if the adult child is deemed disabled. You must begin the transition within 30-60 days before the dependent’s 26th birthday. son and father in living room Complete form two woman shaking hands What is needed to change my dependent’s name? Your spouse’s/ child’s name cannot be changed without a copy of the social security card or Individual’s Taxpayer Identification card (ITIN) verifying their name has been legally changed. Please remit a copy of their social security or ITIN card, along with your name and employee number. A Human Resources team member will make the change and request new ID cards from the health carriers on your behalf. Open PDF Benefitplace tools and resources Benefitplace tools and resources HR Benefits continues to provide ongoing support HROne Connect HR Benefits webpage Benefitplace Quick Reference Guides Explore EAP Explore EAP October explores what depression is and how it affects us. Read More Benefacts Benefacts Additional resources to expand your knowledge on breast cancer. Read More   Wellness Checklist   COH Employee News Wellness Connection Benefits Pulse HR Benefits Published by the City of Houston Human Resources Communications & Benefits Divisions. The publication features benefits, education, and wellness articles to keep you educated and informed on “All Things Benefits.” Benefits Pulse Contributors Raymond Brantley - Division Manager Resources - Benefits Division Sean Small – Wellness Manager/Chief Health Education Officer Annetta Vaughn – Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Manager Yvonne Norwood – Assistant Customer Service Manager Victor Varela – Graphic Designer Victor Varela – Copy Editor Leslie Denton-Roach – Publication Manager Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn