December BeneBytes
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention. Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, also are among the most deadly. That's why December has been recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Taking personal responsibility for a safe ride saves lives.
As we come together this holiday season, educate yourself and others on the risks of driving while impaired and take steps to stay safe.
What can you do?
- Always choose a non-drinking designated driver — every time you go out.
- If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water.
- Never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do plan on drinking, do so responsibly. Eat plenty of food and drink water.
- If you've been drinking, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride like Uber or Lyft.
The section below is for benefits-eligible employees:
Emergency vs. Urgent Care
It always seems to happen - you or a family member gets sick during the holidays when your regular doctor is not available. When do you go to the emergency room? Or should you find a local urgent care center?
Here are some tips to help you decide the most appropriate location for your care:
Emergency rooms are for life-threatening issues.
- Symptoms such as chest pain, which could indicate a heart attack.
- A clearly broken bone that will need orthopedic treatment.
- Disorientation or symptoms that could be a serious infection or stroke.
- Severe bleeding.
If you have a clear emergency, please call 911 to get the quickest care.
Urgent care centers are for issues that cannot wait for your regular doctor.
- High fever that is not helped with Tylenol or Advil.
- A cut that needs stitches (i.e., won't stop bleeding).
- A suspected sprained ankle.
When possible, the most cost-effective care is through your primary care physician, and they know the best treatment for you because they know you and your needs.
For Rice medical plans, we offer both Aetna network urgent care centers (download the Aetna app, log in, and select Quick Care) and Teladoc virtual visits.
Please stay safe this holiday and take care of yourself!
TIAA
Book your appointment today.
Making decisions about your money can feel difficult, especially when it comes to retirement. But you don’t have to go it alone—especially since access to our financial consultants is included as part of your retirement plan.
A TIAA representative will be on campus on the following days:
- January 3, 2024
- February 7, 2024
- March 6, 2024
Please have a look at the flyer for more information on booking an appointment.
TIAA Financial Counseling Flyer
Aetna: AbleTo
Sometimes life can be overwhelming, leading to worry, stress, and sadness. These are common feelings with major life changes or chronic pain. But help is now just a phone call away.
With the AbleTo program, you’ll get virtual, personalized support that can help you feel better. You’ll learn how to better manage your emotions and improve your overall health. And your mental and physical health can improve in as little as eight weeks. Plus, this program is already included in your Aetna membership.
For more information, please see the Aetna AbleTo Flyer.
Bright Horizons
Holiday Breaks? They've Got You Covered.
When school’s closed and your sitter’s on vacation, Bright Horizons Back-Up Care can help! Use your backup care days whenever you need them; your kids will be busy with fun and engaging activities, and you’ll have productive workdays.
- Convenient child care options in nearby centers or at home
- High-quality care that fills in whenever your regular care falls through
- An affordable solution you can rely on
- Easy booking with speedy reservations under 90 seconds for last-minute care gaps or in advance
New Hire Benefits Information Sessions
Rice University offers a wide range of benefits to all benefits-eligible employees. However, maneuvering and understanding all available options can sometimes be challenging. The benefits team now has new hire sessions every other Tuesday and Thursday to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please have a look at the link below to see the dates and times for these sessions. We highly encourage your new employees to register.
To register for this month's sessions, click here.
Thank you,