Supporting Physical and Mental Health This May
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Getting regular exercise is essential, but how much exercise is really needed for good health? The good news is that studies are showing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week provides many of the same benefits as strenuous exercise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity) and two or more days per week of muscle strengthening activities for all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, chest, shoulders and arms). It is also recommended that children and adolescents are active for at least 60 minutes every day.
Activities that are considered vigorous intensity include jogging, running, swimming laps, riding a bike fast or uphill, or playing sports such as tennis or basketball. Moderate exercise is less intense, and includes activities such as walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, or bicycling on level terrain.
A moderate-exercise program may help improve:
- Heart and lung efficiency
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Fat burning
- Quality of sleep
- Overall well-being
- A reduction of other health risks
To assist members in meeting their physical fitness goals, the International Health Fund (IHF) has implemented the One Pass program, the newest addition to the BAC Cares wellness program. UnitedHealthcare’s One Pass Select® is a voluntary, subscription-based fitness and well-being program designed to support healthier lifestyles by offering members flexible access to a nationwide network of gyms, fitness studios, and digital workout content. Through tiered monthly memberships, members can use multiple fitness locations, take live and on-demand classes, and customize their experience based on their needs and budget, with no long-term contracts. To enroll in One Pass IHF members should sign in or register for the myUHC site at: member.uhc.com, then select the One Pass tile.
Mental Health Support
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. The construction industry consistently experiences higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide compared to many other professions, making access to mental health resources not just valuable, but essential.
To support members and their mental health, the IHF medical provides barrier free access to mental health services. Telemedicine visits with mental health providers in UnitedHealthcare’s Virtual Visit network are covered with just a $5 copay. Additionally, outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder visits are covered with the same $5 copay.
IHF participants also have access to the Calm Health app at no cost. The Calm Health app is a wellness and mindfulness app designed to help individuals reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being.
Together, these resources reflect our commitment to supporting the total health and well-being of BAC members –both physically and mentally.