Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office and forgot to ask a question about a symptom you’ve been having, or brought home a new medication and couldn’t remember if you were supposed to take it with a meal?

A little preparation before your next visit can help you ensure you’re getting the most out of your doctor visits, and ensure you’re being an active participant in your health – saving you time, money and worry. You can get more from your doctor visits by following these tips:

Before you go…

• Choose the right doctor. Check if your provider is in your health plan’s network, how long it takes to get an appointment, and if they’re available for medical issues after hours.
• Create a list of questions you want answered. Prioritize the list to ensure you ask the most important questions first.
• Bring a record of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements you take regularly, as well as the names and contact information of other doctors you see.
• Take along a personal health record and other pertinent information to share.
• Ask someone to go with you to take notes or to be a second set of ears.

While at the visit…

• Arrive on time. Your appointment allots you a specific amount of time with the doctor.
• Be open and honest. Sometimes it can feel awkward to discuss certain things with your doctor. Being truthful and forthcoming can help your doctor better assess your needs.
• Share your history. Your personal and family health history may offer the doctor insight into how to manage your care.
• Get the details about tests, procedures and treatments. Ask about side effects and when to expect test results.
• Listen actively to your doctor to demonstrate that you are a partner in your care.

As the days get warmer, it becomes increasingly important to stay hydrated and keep your body cool. Whether you are spending a leisurely day at the beach or going for an outdoor run, you should make sure that you are taking the proper steps to prevent dehydration and overheating.

Tips to stay hydrated:

• Keep water on hand: Take a water bottle with you before leaving the house and drink from it throughout the day. Feeling thirsty is a signal that your body is already on the way to dehydration, so drink up!
• Snack on hydrating fruits and veggies: Peaches, oranges, cucumber, carrots, watermelon, and grapes all taste great and help to rehydrate!
• Drink water before, during, and after exercising: If you are doing low to moderate activity for less than an hour, water is sufficient. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that for every 15-20 minutes you exercise, drink 3-8 fluid ounces of water (if you’re not exceeding 60 minutes of exercise).

Know the signs of a heat-related illness: Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Extreme Heat and Your Health website to learn about the warning signs of heat-related illness. If you suspect that you or someone you are with is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

With just a little planning and preparation, you and your loved ones can stay cool and refreshed on hot summer days. Enjoy the warm weather and stay safe!

Updated April 30, 2018

The status of the clergy housing allowance continues to generate much discussion in the media and among clergy in all denominations.

On April 26, the Church Alliance – a coalition of the chief executive officers of 38 denominational benefit programs, including The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ – filed an amicus curiae brief in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals (Chicago), in the case challenging the constitutionality of the cash housing allowance exclusion for clergy.

The Church Alliance brief focuses on the jurisprudential history of permitted legislative accommodations of religion and brings to the court’s attention the particularly strong reliance interests that would render a change in the law on this point inappropriate and unjust.

The full text of the brief may be found here. Please also see the links below for additional information.

The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC) has been accepted as a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), joining more than 1,900 organizations around the world that have publicly demonstrated their commitment to responsible investment.

"Becoming a PRI signatory is a testament of PBUCC’s witness of sustainable investment," said President and CEO Brian R. Bodager. "This further aligns us with organizations working toward the greater good and a just world.”

On March 8, the Pension Boards was notified that an agreement had been reached by Cigna to acquire Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager for the UCC Non-Medicare and Medicare Supplement with Rx Plans. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.