THE BEST TIME FOR CANCER SCREENING? Before You Need It

About 2 million new cancer cases (that’s 5,600 each day) will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Many types of cancer, including breast, colon, cervical, and prostate cancer, develop silently, with no symptoms in the early stages. By the time you feel something is wrong, the disease may have already progressed, making treatment more difficult.

Early detection through screenings allows doctors to catch cancer when it’s most treatable, significantly improving survival rates. Routine screenings, such as mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies, and skin checks, can detect abnormalities before they turn into serious problems. Some screenings can even prevent cancer altogether, like colonoscopies, which can remove precancerous polyps before they become dangerous.

Skipping screenings doesn’t just put your health at risk—it could cost you years of your life. A simple test today could mean more time with your family, more birthdays, and more memories.

Take charge of your health by scheduling an annual checkup, when you can talk to your doctor about the screenings that are right for you. Your Health Plan covers an annual checkup and recommended screenings at no cost to you when you go to an in-network provider.

April is #NationalCancerPreventionAndEarlyDetectionMonth

Resources:

FLOSS LIKE A BOSS: Keep Your Smile and Health in Check

Flossing once a week may reduce stroke risk by up to 44% and lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) by 12%. Who knew that flossing your teeth (once every seven days!) could have such an impact on your heart health?

Yet many of us aren’t exactly dependable when it comes to flossing...

  • About one-third of adults floss every day; one-third floss once a week; and one-third don’t floss at all.
  • Nearly half of adults aged 30+ have periodontal disease, which is linked to inadequate flossing habits.
  • Over half of Americans lie about how often they floss (spoiler: your dentist can tell).

Sloppy oral hygiene does more than just cause cavities and bad breath—it can have serious consequences for overall health. In addition to heart disease, poor dental care is also linked to a higher risk of diabetes, respiratory infections, and dementia.

Practice the everyday basics for a healthy mouth: brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a healthy diet, limit sugary drinks, don’t smoke, and get regular preventive dental checkups. For Active Employees enrolled in a Dental Plan, routine exams and cleanings are covered at 100%, up to the Plan Maximum if you go to an in-network provider.

Resources:

OMADA HEALTH: A Simple Way to Take Control of Your Health

Omada Health is a digital program for people who are living with prediabetes (or are at risk for it), diabetes, high blood pressure, or joint and muscle pain. It's all about making healthier lifestyle changes, like eating better, moving more, and managing stress.

With Omada, you get personalized coaching from health experts, free equipment like smart scales and exercise bands, access to easy-to-use apps, and ongoing support. The program is designed to help you build lasting habits that can improve your overall health in the long run.

Now you can get the details on Omada anytime on the Trust website. Go to sdtrust.org, click Menu (upper right), then My Benefits, then Omada Health Management Program.

Remember, Omada is available at no cost to you and your eligible dependents, age 18 and over.

Resources:

Share this Post:
Go back to Trust Blog home page