Video: 3 Parks for Getting Out in Nature from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer

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As a sponsor of the GeekWire Summit from October 13-29, 2020, ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer took advantage of his time in front of the camera to share resources that truly embody the value ALLtech places on wellness.

“Getting out in nature, and hiking and walking, is just so good for the soul and for our physical condition,” he says in the video from ALLtech medical providers Regence BlueShield, also a sponsor of the GeekWire Summit. “We’ve got a beautiful place to do that, especially in the fall.”

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors while avoiding some of the more crowded parks, Myer recommends three parks in the Puget Sound area:

“I encourage you all to take advantage of our wonderful trails,” Myer adds, “and if you need more information, check out the Washington Trails Association.”

Counseling via Email, Text, Phone or Video for Whole-Person Health

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At ALLtech, the wellness of our members is at the heart of all we do. Our focus on prevention comes with tips and tricks to boost your immune system, suggestions to encourage healthy living by spending time outdoors, and this year more so than ever, a focus on supporting your mental health.

As our daylight hours continue to dwindle and the reality of social distancing over the holidays sets in, ALLtech is reaching out to make sure members know there’s always someone available to talk, whether it’s over the phone, video, email or even text.

MDLIVE, available at $0 co-pay through most ALLtech medical plans starting in 2021, can connect you 24/7 to a doctor, counselor, psychiatrist or dermatologist to treat a range of non-emergency medical care, including behavioral health issues.

ALLtech offers even more through its partnership with Wellspring EAP, a Seattle non-profit that is focused on improving members’ quality of life through counseling, legal and financial services, and more. This year, Wellspring has diversified its services by offering members access to behavioral health counseling via phone, video email or text through BetterHelp.

By offering both live and scheduled appointments, BetterHelp further enhances the resources already available through Wellspring, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

To learn more about this unique resource available to ALLtech members, download the BetterHelp flyer from Wellspring. If you’d like to learn more about enrolling in ALLtech, fill out our Request a Quote form.

Hiker standing in autumn forest photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Get Outside with Fall Hikes for Vibrant Color

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Whether you are willing to travel far to enjoy autumn leaves or prefer to stay close to home, we have gathered a few ideas to help you get outdoors and enjoy the season with help from the Washington Trails Association, whose list of fall hikes includes:

  • Golden Hikes for Fall: “Autumn hiking is golden in more ways than one. Besides the leaves and larches burning brightly on alpine slopes, the shorter days mean you’ll catch more sunrises and sunsets.”
  • Late Fall Hikes for Vibrant Red: “Hyper-bright huckleberries and vibrant vine maples; fall is when the mountains of Washington shed their green reputation in favor of multi-color displays. Winter may be right around the corner, but there is still time to savor the flaming colors of the leaves.”

Before planning your trip, take heed in the WTA’s advice to pack the 10 essentials and check conditions before you head out, including their Hiking in the Time of Coronavirus page with updates on trail and facility closures, along with tips on how to #RecreateResponsibly. To find the area with the most color, you might also want to check the Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

And because we care about your wellness first, be sure to bring the doctor with you by registering in advance for telehealth, which is offered through MDLIVE for members enrolled in ALLtech.

Video: Why an Eye Exam is About More Than Just Vision

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From ALLtech vision care providers VSP Vision Care Inc. 

Perhaps you don’t wear glasses or contacts and haven’t had any issues with your eyes. So, you think, “Why would I need to go to the eye doctor every year?” You might be surprised to know that there is more to an eye exam than just checking your visual clarity. Here are three reasons why you should visit your eye doctor every year.

1. Detecting Early Signs of Chronic Diseases like Diabetes

Your eyes reveal a lot about your overall wellness. An eye exam can detect early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Regular eye exams are critical because what may seem like a vision-related problem might be an indication of a broader health issue.

2. Some Eye Diseases Are Symptom-Free

What do glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration all have in common? All these conditions share a common characteristic—no early warning signs. Getting an annual eye exam can help detect health conditions before they progress and may help preserve your vision.

3. Your Vision Might Not Be as Clear as You Think

You may think your vision is clear, but many people are often surprised to discover they aren’t seeing as well as they thought they were. You may not notice that your vision changed, but an eye exam can reveal if you need glasses or contacts – or an update to your current prescription to ensure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

Need an eye exam but not sure where to go? Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a VSP network eye doctor near you. If you need to make an appointment to see an eye doctor, but don’t have vision benefits, visit VSPDirect.com to learn how VSP Individual Vision Plans can help you save money on your next eye exam and glasses.

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

Protect Yourself and Others with a Flu Shot This Year

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Between the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of flu season, health experts warn of a potential public health crisis that you may be able to help prevent by getting a flu shot this fall.

While development continues on a COVID-19 vaccine, you can help do your part to slow the spread of both viruses by getting a flu shot, social distancing, wearing a mask in crowds, washing hands and cleaning often-used surfaces, according to our partners at Regence BlueShield:

To minimize the potential strain on hospitals from both flu and COVID-19 patients, the CDC urges everyone older than 6 months to get vaccinated. “By getting that flu vaccine, you may be able to then negate the necessity to have to take up a hospital bed,” says Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC. “And then that hospital bed can be more available for those that potentially get hospitalized for COVID.”

For ALLtech members enrolled in medical through Regence BlueShield/Asuris Northwest Health, flu shots are fully covered at in-network doctors’ offices, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Read more in the article Protect yourself and others with a flu shot this year during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about enrolling in ALLtech Benefits, available exclusively to GeekWire member companies, please fill out our Request a Quote form.

GeekWire Article Highlights Virtual Care from ALLtech

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“In the midst of a global pandemic, virtual care is more than just convenient.”

So begins the new GeekWire article “Visit the Doctor Without Leaving Your House with Virtual Care from ALLtech,” which highlights the benefits of telehealth and offers tips and resources to help you make the most of your access.

ALLtech, which is available exclusively to GeekWire members, offers primary care telehealth to members through MDLIVE, as well as virtual behavioral health counseling and other emotional health services through its partnership with Wellspring EAP.

To learn more about ALLtech’s virtual care offerings, check out the GeekWire article or request a ALLtech quote.

Hikers at Discovery Park in Seattle.

Geeks on Trails Team Named Top Fundraisers for WTA Hike‑a‑Thon 2020

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Geeks on Trails logoThroughout August 2020, the eight dedicated members of the Geeks on Trails team raised funds to help support the Washington Trails Association (WTA) in its annual Hike-a-Thon event.

Geeks on Trails, a team created jointly by GeekWire and ALLtech, is proud to announce that it has been named the top fundraising team for the second year in a row, raising a total of $8,575 to support Hike-a-Thon 2020.

“As a team, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health,” says Geeks on Trails Captain Ken Myer, “and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure they achieve their vision of  trails for everyone, forever.”

GeekWire and ALLtech, which offers health benefits through GeekWire’s membership program, would like to thank all of its donors for their contributions, including the following ALLtech partners:

  • Delta Dental of Washington, with a $2,500 donation
  • Regence BlueShield/Asuris Northwest Health, with a $1,000 donation
  • Wellspring EAP, with a $300 donation

This year’s Hike-a-Thon had the highest participation ever, with 743 hikers who raised a record $176,854 to support trails throughout Washington state – the highest total ever for the event.

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

If you missed your chance to donate during Hike-a-Thon, you can still give to help protect Washington trails at wta.org.

ALLtech Medical Carrier Keeps You Up-to-Date on COVID-19

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Looking for up-to-date information on COVID-19? ALLtech medical carrier Regence* BlueShield offers plenty of tips and resources to help keep you informed on its COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates page.

Get links for state and federal government sites, employer resources and more, and you can learn how Regence is taking steps to support members through:

  • COVID-19 testing and treatment
  • Enhanced support for high-risk members
  • Enhancing coverage for virtual care

ALLtech members enrolled in medical coverage can find links to more information on how to create a Regence.com account or how to download the Regence app.

Be sure to also keep an eye on the Regence blog for the latest news on coronavirus and more.

*For members of Asuris Northwest Health, a subsidiary of Regence BlueShield that services the Asotin, Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties, please see the Asuris COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates page.

Forest enshrouded in wildfire smoke.

4 Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Wildfire Smoke

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From ALLtech vision care providers VSP Vision Care Inc.

4 Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Smoke VSP infographicWith the onset of wildfire season, decreased air quality could leave your eyes feeling like allergy season is back. Symptoms affecting the eyes such as itching, red, burning and watery eyes can all be caused by smoky air conditions.

Limit your exposure to smoke and prevent eye irritation with the following tips:

  • Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes refreshed and help get rid of dust and particles that can irritate eyes.
  • Don’t rub your eyes. You might transfer dust and ash from your hands or face to your eyes and that could scratch or irritate them. It’s also helpful to wash your hands regularly. If you wear contacts, this is no time to skimp on your contact lens hygiene – it’s always important to wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses so that the surface of your lenses stay free of eye irritants.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to keep the air indoors clean. Running your air conditioner may also help but be sure to keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing in additional smoke. However, if it’s too warm to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed and you do not have air conditioning, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seeking shelter elsewhere.
  • The CDC also recommends limiting indoor air pollution by refraining from using anything that burns, like fireplaces, gas stoves and candles. Vacuums can also stir up dust already present in your home. Air filters are also recommended for those with respiratory conditions.

If you believe you have an eye infection or injury, get medical attention as soon as possible.

With the swiftness of wildfires, things can often get left behind during an evacuation. If you find yourself in need of replacement eyewear or eye care due to a natural disaster, help is available. Visit vspglobal.com/disasteroutreach for more information.

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Video: It’s Easy to Access Virtual Care Through ALLtech

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Virtual care is a quick and convenient way to visit with a doctor and get a diagnosis, treatment plan and even a prescription sent to your pharmacy.

Through ALLtech, members enrolled in medical through Regence BlueShield/Asuris Northwest Health have access to care over the phone, video or secure instant messaging – all from the comfort of home.

Watch the above video to learn how easy it is to register and sign up for an appointment to virtual care through MDLIVE.