rt summer newsletter 06/07

the newsletter for rt health fund members

summer 2007

walk your way to a healthier heartNews, health, advice aNd much more...

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the newsletter for rt health fund members | summer 2007

from the CEO Happy New Year and all the best for a healthy and productive 2007.

we are thrilled to bring you this new-look newsletter, reflecting our exciting new image and filled to overflowing with information about your health fund and your health.

as custodians of your fund we are committed to ensuring its future, and a significant step in making sure that we can successfully attract new members has been the adoption of our new branding, you can read more about our new-look on page 2.

Part of our commitment to members is to make it as easy as possible for you to use your health fund, and one of the first steps we’ve taken toward making it easier is the

We’d love to hear from you

Our service is delivered by people like you. Our team are all experts in our products and processes, and absolutely committed to doing everything possible to give members the care and service they need. Your feedback lets us know how we’re doing – and tells us what’s important to you and where we need to improve. If you have any comments or suggestions about any aspect of rt’s service, whether it’s something we’re doing well, something we need to improve, or something you’d like us to do differently, we’d love to hear from you.

To have your say email us at [email protected] or call us on 1300 886 123, post to ‘membertalk’, 46 Burwood Road, Burwood 2134 – or just have a chat next time you visit a branch.

(Please note: rt health fund retains the right to publish any letters or emails received. Unless expressly requested within your letter or email, your name, suburb and state will also be published.)

contents1introduction of hicaPs claiming. we have successfully implemented our new operating system (on time and on budget) and can now begin to progressively issue new member cards for use with hicaPs over the coming months. You’ll find more about hicaPs, how it works and why it’s so convenient for you on page 4.

in this issue we also update you on the outcomes of our 2006 aGm, which was an extremely valuable and enjoyable evening for all who attended. and, we introduce some new sections designed to help support you in looking after your health and wellbeing. leading natural health practitioner, author and speaker Jennifer Jefferies shares some strategies for getting your health plans on track for the New Year.

i hope you enjoy our new format and new look. Your feedback is so valuable to us, which is why we’ve introduced a new ‘membertalk’ section where we ask for your feedback and will share your comments – both positive and negative – with other members in future issues.

we look forward to hearing from you.

Glenn campbellchief executive officer

membertalk

2 – rt’s New look celebrates our rich historYTake a look inside your new brand

4 – rt JoiNs hicaPsNew on-the-spot claiming for members

5 – aGm 2006Coming together to look after the fund’s future

6 – start Your New Year with a healthY New PlaNJennifer Jefferies, natural health practitioner, shares her simple steps to a healthier lifestyle

9 – rt iN the commuNitYrt gets active in recent community events

10 – makiNG Your health cover easierSome of your most common questions answered

12 – walk Your waY to a healthier heartThe Heart Foundation shows us how to walk our way to health

13 – fast aNd healthY meals for busY PeoPleTry these suggestions from Jennifer Jefferies

Editorsimone tregeagle

dEsigNscope design Group scopedesign.com.au

the health information available in ‘be well’ is intended as a general reference source. information provided should be carefully evaluated for its source, accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for your purposes, and you should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

Railway & Transport Health Fund Limited (ABN 93 087 648 744) is a registered health benefits organisation.

62

10

4

5

13


from the CEO Happy New Year and all the best for a healthy and productive 2007.

we are thrilled to bring you this new-look newsletter, reflecting our exciting new image and filled to overflowing with information about your health fund and your health.

as custodians of your fund we are committed to ensuring its future, and a significant step in making sure that we can successfully attract new members has been the adoption of our new branding, you can read more about our new-look on page 2.

Part of our commitment to members is to make it as easy as possible for you to use your health fund, and one of the first steps we’ve taken toward making it easier is the

We’d love to hear from you

Our service is delivered by people like you. Our team are all experts in our products and processes, and absolutely committed to doing everything possible to give members the care and service they need. Your feedback lets us know how we’re doing – and tells us what’s important to you and where we need to improve. If you have any comments or suggestions about any aspect of rt’s service, whether it’s something we’re doing well, something we need to improve, or something you’d like us to do differently, we’d love to hear from you.

To have your say email us at [email protected] or call us on 1300 886 123, post to ‘membertalk’, 46 Burwood Road, Burwood 2134 – or just have a chat next time you visit a branch.

(Please note: rt health fund retains the right to publish any letters or emails received. Unless expressly requested within your letter or email, your name, suburb and state will also be published.)

contents1introduction of hicaPs claiming. we have successfully implemented our new operating system (on time and on budget) and can now begin to progressively issue new member cards for use with hicaPs over the coming months. You’ll find more about hicaPs, how it works and why it’s so convenient for you on page 4.

in this issue we also update you on the outcomes of our 2006 aGm, which was an extremely valuable and enjoyable evening for all who attended. and, we introduce some new sections designed to help support you in looking after your health and wellbeing. leading natural health practitioner, author and speaker Jennifer Jefferies shares some strategies for getting your health plans on track for the New Year.

i hope you enjoy our new format and new look. Your feedback is so valuable to us, which is why we’ve introduced a new ‘membertalk’ section where we ask for your feedback and will share your comments – both positive and negative – with other members in future issues.

we look forward to hearing from you.

Glenn campbellchief executive officer

membertalk

2 – rt’s New look celebrates our rich historYTake a look inside your new brand

4 – rt JoiNs hicaPsNew on-the-spot claiming for members

5 – aGm 2006Coming together to look after the fund’s future

6 – start Your New Year with a healthY New PlaNJennifer Jefferies, natural health practitioner, shares her simple steps to a healthier lifestyle

9 – rt iN the commuNitYrt gets active in recent community events

10 – makiNG Your health cover easierSome of your most common questions answered

12 – walk Your waY to a healthier heartThe Heart Foundation shows us how to walk our way to health

13 – fast aNd healthY meals for busY PeoPleTry these suggestions from Jennifer Jefferies

Editorsimone tregeagle

dEsigNscope design Group scopedesign.com.au

the health information available in ‘be well’ is intended as a general reference source. information provided should be carefully evaluated for its source, accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for your purposes, and you should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

Railway & Transport Health Fund Limited (ABN 93 087 648 744) is a registered health benefits organisation.


You may remember in our spring 2006 newsletter, we published some of rt’s new ‘brand charter’. This important document is the result of research conducted with members (and other key industry stakeholders) to identify what it is that rt means to them, and what role the fund should be playing in providing health cover to its members. The next step in the process has been to create a new look for rt that presents it in a way that is consistent with this powerful brand charter.

As the first registered health fund in Australia, rt has always been at the leading edge of the industry. It is an organisation that began with great vision and passion, and has continued to thrive for almost 120 years thanks to the ongoing commitment of many dedicated and loyal members and staff. The ‘old’ rt brand had been in place for many years and no longer represented the organisation in an up-to-date way. We needed something that communicated what rt is all about in a more modern context, while still embracing its rich history. We are now delighted to introduce rt’s new look.

The new brand again positions rt as an organisation at the forefront of our industry. The fund’s transport history and current-day charter are represented by the new rt ‘wheel’, featuring routes, paths or tracks which are soft and rounded to represent the friendly and caring side of the fund. The use of lowercase lettering is modern and gives the brand a clean and simple look that is designed to appeal to a new generation of members – something that is essential to the fund’s future. This ‘uncluttered’ approach is also indicative of the type of simple, straightforward and honest communications that we are committed to continuing to provide to our members. With both tradition and the future in mind, we have chosen purple as the brand’s new colour – it is unique and represents the fund as strong, but warm and caring. Our new tagline – be well. get well. stay well.– sums up the important role that the fund has in helping members to manage their health, as well as to provide care and assistance when they are unwell.

rt’s new look celebrates our rich history

since the commencement of the new board and a new CEo, there has been much work going on to improve and modernise rt’s processes and operations so that we can serve you better. A key part of this work has been identifying and expressing the real meaning and value of rt in a new-look brand.

2

“ The new brand expresses the real meaning and value of rt and again positions us as an organisation at the forefront of our industry.”

rt’s charter and new look combine to make up our new brand, which acts as a beacon to assist us in improving your fund in a number of important ways, such as: – Continuing to improve our systems and operations

so that we make it easy for members to deal with us.– Improving our communications so that our health

cover products and processes are easy for members to understand.

– Making it easy and convenient for members to use the fund by improving services and facilities.

– Representing the fund in a way that is professional and appealing to potential new members and talented staff.

– Improving the fund’s competitiveness and raising awareness among potential new members.

– Creating a shared purpose and increased trust among the rt team and the community.

To celebrate the launch of our new look we have re-created our popular pocket calendars in the new brand, and enclosed one for you with this newsletter. You will continue to see more of rt’s new look appearing on our communications over the coming months as we gradually introduce it across all of our materials.

3

Check out the rt pocket calendar included with this

edition of ‘be well’.

If you have any questions about the new rt brand, or if you would like to share your feedback, please email your comments to [email protected] or post to BrandChat, 46 Burwood Road, Burwood 2134.


You may remember in our spring 2006 newsletter, we published some of rt’s new ‘brand charter’. This important document is the result of research conducted with members (and other key industry stakeholders) to identify what it is that rt means to them, and what role the fund should be playing in providing health cover to its members. The next step in the process has been to create a new look for rt that presents it in a way that is consistent with this powerful brand charter.

As the first registered health fund in Australia, rt has always been at the leading edge of the industry. It is an organisation that began with great vision and passion, and has continued to thrive for almost 120 years thanks to the ongoing commitment of many dedicated and loyal members and staff. The ‘old’ rt brand had been in place for many years and no longer represented the organisation in an up-to-date way. We needed something that communicated what rt is all about in a more modern context, while still embracing its rich history. We are now delighted to introduce rt’s new look.

The new brand again positions rt as an organisation at the forefront of our industry. The fund’s transport history and current-day charter are represented by the new rt ‘wheel’, featuring routes, paths or tracks which are soft and rounded to represent the friendly and caring side of the fund. The use of lowercase lettering is modern and gives the brand a clean and simple look that is designed to appeal to a new generation of members – something that is essential to the fund’s future. This ‘uncluttered’ approach is also indicative of the type of simple, straightforward and honest communications that we are committed to continuing to provide to our members. With both tradition and the future in mind, we have chosen purple as the brand’s new colour – it is unique and represents the fund as strong, but warm and caring. Our new tagline – be well. get well. stay well.– sums up the important role that the fund has in helping members to manage their health, as well as to provide care and assistance when they are unwell.

rt’s new look celebrates our rich history

since the commencement of the new board and a new CEo, there has been much work going on to improve and modernise rt’s processes and operations so that we can serve you better. A key part of this work has been identifying and expressing the real meaning and value of rt in a new-look brand.

2

“ The new brand expresses the real meaning and value of rt and again positions us as an organisation at the forefront of our industry.”

rt’s charter and new look combine to make up our new brand, which acts as a beacon to assist us in improving your fund in a number of important ways, such as: – Continuing to improve our systems and operations

so that we make it easy for members to deal with us.– Improving our communications so that our health

cover products and processes are easy for members to understand.

– Making it easy and convenient for members to use the fund by improving services and facilities.

– Representing the fund in a way that is professional and appealing to potential new members and talented staff.

– Improving the fund’s competitiveness and raising awareness among potential new members.

– Creating a shared purpose and increased trust among the rt team and the community.

To celebrate the launch of our new look we have re-created our popular pocket calendars in the new brand, and enclosed one for you with this newsletter. You will continue to see more of rt’s new look appearing on our communications over the coming months as we gradually introduce it across all of our materials.

3

Check out the rt pocket calendar included with this

edition of ‘be well’.

If you have any questions about the new rt brand, or if you would like to share your feedback, please email your comments to [email protected] or post to BrandChat, 46 Burwood Road, Burwood 2134.

rt’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is such an important event for the organisation and our members, providing the opportunity for the board and management to inform members of the organisation’s achievements, strategic plan and financial health. It is also the time to address important issues relating to the governance of the fund. We thank everyone who attended and who lodged their votes on resolutions and the election of board members by proxy. The following is a summary of the outcomes of the meeting.

board member NomiNatioNs The board nomination process and voting on resolutions was independently run by the Australian

Electoral Commission. Two board positions were up for election this year and only one correctly submitted nomination was received for current

board member, Robert (Bob) Glover. Bob was reappointed to his position on the board.

resolutioNsOne ordinary resolution was put forward for

acceptance and was passed by members. This resolution, relating to the remuneration of board

members, will see the aggregate remuneration for directors remain at the same level as last year.

sPecial resolutioNs Three special resolutions were put forward for acceptance and all three were passed by members:

Special Resolution 1 – prevents any director serving on the board for a period exceeding 12 years. The board and members agreed that this period of time is adequate for a director to make a contribution to the fund, while the limit facilitates the introduction of new skills to the board.

Special Resolution 2 – extends the term of each director elected at or after the 2006 AGM from two years to three years, giving directors more time to gain a full understanding of the fund and its business, while retaining knowledge and skills within the board after each election, and enabling directors to implement longer-term initiatives.

Special Resolution 3 – clarifies the category of people eligible to join rt to include all people in the transport and electricity industries and their family members.

AGM 2006

on 22 November last year, rt health fund presented our 117th annual report at the Annual general Meeting, and gave members, staff and the board the chance to discuss the fund’s performance and future plans.

5

what is hicaPs? HICAPS is an electronic claims and payments system that gives members the convenience of on-the-spot claiming with many ancillary healthcare practitioners. Using HICAPS, following your consultation your new rt member card can be swiped through the HICAPS terminal (which is much like a credit card or EFTPOS terminal) by your practitioner. Your claim details are instantly (and securely) transferred to rt and the amount of your rebate is calculated on the spot. Then, you simply pay the difference (if any) between the cost of your consultation and the amount of your rt rebate. HICAPS doesn’t increase your health cover contributions and there’s no cost to you for using the service as often as you like.

If your practitioner doesn’t use HICAPS, you simply complete your claim form and submit it to the fund in the same way that you always have.

wheN will it be iNtroduced?Many members have been asking us to provide the HICAPS service for some time. In fact, in the online member satisfaction survey that we conducted last year, access to HICAPS was overwhelmingly the most common suggestion we received. At the end of last year, rt invested in a new operating system, which not only improves the fund’s efficiencies, but also enables us to provide access to HICAPS.

We’ll be sending out new rt member cards to all members between April and July this year. This progressive approach is to ensure that we can efficiently respond to any member queries as the system is introduced. You don’t need to do anything, we’ll automatically post your new card to you – and, as soon as you receive it, you’re ready to start claiming via HICAPS.

where caN i Get more iNformatioN?You can find out more about HICAPS by visiting www.hicaps.com.au or speaking to our Member Care Team on 1300 886 123.

rt joins HICAPS

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the services and facilities available to our members, we are pleased to announce the arrival of HiCAPs. rt’s operations Manager, Jeff Walton, answers some of our members’ most-asked questions.

“ HICAPS saves you time because you don’t need to complete claim forms and wait for your rebate from the fund – and it leaves more money in your pocket, because you only pay the difference between the consultation fee and the amount of your rt rebate.”

4

Example rt member card highlighting member number.


“ The AGM is such an important event for the organisation. The evening was a valuable one, with a number of members presenting their views, as well as enjoying dinner, drinks and some informal discussion.”

rt’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is such an important event for the organisation and our members, providing the opportunity for the board and management to inform members of the organisation’s achievements, strategic plan and financial health. It is also the time to address important issues relating to the governance of the fund. We thank everyone who attended and who lodged their votes on resolutions and the election of board members by proxy. The following is a summary of the outcomes of the meeting.

board member NomiNatioNs The board nomination process and voting on resolutions was independently run by the Australian

Electoral Commission. Two board positions were up for election this year and only one correctly submitted nomination was received for current

board member, Robert (Bob) Glover. Bob was reappointed to his position on the board.

resolutioNsOne ordinary resolution was put forward for

acceptance and was passed by members. This resolution, relating to the remuneration of board

members, will see the aggregate remuneration for directors remain at the same level as last year.

sPecial resolutioNs Three special resolutions were put forward for acceptance and all three were passed by members:

Special Resolution 1 – prevents any director serving on the board for a period exceeding 12 years. The board and members agreed that this period of time is adequate for a director to make a contribution to the fund, while the limit facilitates the introduction of new skills to the board.

Special Resolution 2 – extends the term of each director elected at or after the 2006 AGM from two years to three years, giving directors more time to gain a full understanding of the fund and its business, while retaining knowledge and skills within the board after each election, and enabling directors to implement longer-term initiatives.

Special Resolution 3 – clarifies the category of people eligible to join rt to include all people in the transport and electricity industries and their family members.

AGM 2006

on 22 November last year, rt health fund presented our 117th annual report at the Annual general Meeting, and gave members, staff and the board the chance to discuss the fund’s performance and future plans.

5

what is hicaPs? HICAPS is an electronic claims and payments system that gives members the convenience of on-the-spot claiming with many ancillary healthcare practitioners. Using HICAPS, following your consultation your new rt member card can be swiped through the HICAPS terminal (which is much like a credit card or EFTPOS terminal) by your practitioner. Your claim details are instantly (and securely) transferred to rt and the amount of your rebate is calculated on the spot. Then, you simply pay the difference (if any) between the cost of your consultation and the amount of your rt rebate. HICAPS doesn’t increase your health cover contributions and there’s no cost to you for using the service as often as you like.

If your practitioner doesn’t use HICAPS, you simply complete your claim form and submit it to the fund in the same way that you always have.

wheN will it be iNtroduced?Many members have been asking us to provide the HICAPS service for some time. In fact, in the online member satisfaction survey that we conducted last year, access to HICAPS was overwhelmingly the most common suggestion we received. At the end of last year, rt invested in a new operating system, which not only improves the fund’s efficiencies, but also enables us to provide access to HICAPS.

We’ll be sending out new rt member cards to all members between April and July this year. This progressive approach is to ensure that we can efficiently respond to any member queries as the system is introduced. You don’t need to do anything, we’ll automatically post your new card to you – and, as soon as you receive it, you’re ready to start claiming via HICAPS.

where caN i Get more iNformatioN?You can find out more about HICAPS by visiting www.hicaps.com.au or speaking to our Member Care Team on 1300 886 123.

rt joins HICAPS

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the services and facilities available to our members, we are pleased to announce the arrival of HiCAPs. rt’s operations Manager, Jeff Walton, answers some of our members’ most-asked questions.

“ HICAPS saves you time because you don’t need to complete claim forms and wait for your rebate from the fund – and it leaves more money in your pocket, because you only pay the difference between the consultation fee and the amount of your rt rebate.”

4

Example rt member card highlighting member number.


“ The AGM is such an important event for the organisation. The evening was a valuable one, with a number of members presenting their views, as well as enjoying dinner, drinks and some informal discussion.”


In my work as a naturopath I treat clients from the perspective of restoring balance in their lives. There’s no pill or potion that you can take to do that, what will do it is regular and consistent good food, good rest and good play, and my 7 Steps to Sanity® are the basic keys for integrating good food, good rest and good play into your life.

the 7 stePs to saNitY®

step 1 – respect YourselfStart by realising that you need to look after yourself first, otherwise you’ll be of no use to others – there’s a reason why airlines tell you to fit your own oxygen mask first in case of an emergency – if you’re not okay, you can’t hope to be of service and assistance to others. It’s not selfish, it’s essential to look after yourself first.

step 2 – feed your bodyAlthough few of us really think about it, the food we eat is fuel for our bodies. It forms the very building blocks of our bodies and it keeps us alive and well. These days we tend to eat for so many different reasons – because we’re bored, lonely, unhappy, happy, to be sociable – but rarely do we remember to eat because we need to nourish and fuel our bodies. It’s time we started to think differently about what we choose to put into our mouths.

There’s always a lot of discussion and debate about what the right diet is, but in truth, the formula for healthy eating is a very simple one:– Every day, drink two litres of water. If you want to

drink tea, coffee and alcohol too, that’s fine, just balance it by drinking an additional glass of water

for every cup or glass of tea, coffee and alcohol.– Six days a week eat foods as close to nature

as you can – that means unprocessed and lightly cooked.

start your new year with a healthy new plan

the start of a new year is a great time to set some healthy new goals. And even if your New Year’s health resolutions have already fallen by the wayside, it’s not too late to get them back on track for a new, healthier you. Jennifer Jefferies, natural health practitioner, best-selling author and speaker shares some simple steps for putting a health plan in place that anyone can stick to.

“ ...we need to make having fun a priority.”

6

– One day a week eat whatever you want. If you’re going to splash out make it count and eat the best, most divine and luxurious treats you can find and enjoy every mouthful – but only one day per week. It’s not what you do 10 per cent of the time that matters, it’s what you do 90 per cent of the time – so be healthful six days a week, and treat yourself on the seventh.

step 3 – move your bodyMost of us don’t move our bodies nearly as much as we should – we weren’t designed to sit behind a desk, or to be confined to a small space for 40, 50, 60 or more hours per week – yet that’s exactly how most of us spend our lives. (Remember to always consult your medical practitioner before starting any type of exercise.)

step 4 – Play moreDo you ever take a look at yourself in the mirror and wonder when you became so serious? Life has a way of weighing us down and we forget that we’re supposed to be having fun, or even how to, so we need to make having fun a priority. You might even find that you become more productive when you’re balancing all that hard work with a little enjoyment – and you’ll be better company too.

step 5 – Get a lifeIt’s funny how we manage to achieve everything we need to for our work and families, but when it comes to ourselves we’re prepared to let our health and happiness slide. It’s time to make the decision to ‘get a life’, and to look after every aspect of our lives as though life was the most precious thing we have.

step 6 – do it Now!As much as we tend to procrastinate doing the things we don’t like doing, we also procrastinate doing the things we would love to do – and all that procrastination is taking up a lot of time and energy! Whether it’s something you’ve been dreading, or something you’ve always wanted to do but never gotten around to, make the decision to do it now. Life really is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, so don’t waste it by worrying about things you know you have to do, or depriving yourself of the things you really want to do. Identify those things you’ve been putting off, and choose to make them happen now.

“ ...my 7 Steps to Sanity® are the basic keys for integrating good food, good rest and good play into your life.”

7

Why not take the leap and do that one thing you’ve always dreamed of?


In my work as a naturopath I treat clients from the perspective of restoring balance in their lives. There’s no pill or potion that you can take to do that, what will do it is regular and consistent good food, good rest and good play, and my 7 Steps to Sanity® are the basic keys for integrating good food, good rest and good play into your life.

the 7 stePs to saNitY®

step 1 – respect YourselfStart by realising that you need to look after yourself first, otherwise you’ll be of no use to others – there’s a reason why airlines tell you to fit your own oxygen mask first in case of an emergency – if you’re not okay, you can’t hope to be of service and assistance to others. It’s not selfish, it’s essential to look after yourself first.

step 2 – feed your bodyAlthough few of us really think about it, the food we eat is fuel for our bodies. It forms the very building blocks of our bodies and it keeps us alive and well. These days we tend to eat for so many different reasons – because we’re bored, lonely, unhappy, happy, to be sociable – but rarely do we remember to eat because we need to nourish and fuel our bodies. It’s time we started to think differently about what we choose to put into our mouths.

There’s always a lot of discussion and debate about what the right diet is, but in truth, the formula for healthy eating is a very simple one:– Every day, drink two litres of water. If you want to

drink tea, coffee and alcohol too, that’s fine, just balance it by drinking an additional glass of water

for every cup or glass of tea, coffee and alcohol.– Six days a week eat foods as close to nature

as you can – that means unprocessed and lightly cooked.

start your new year with a healthy new plan

the start of a new year is a great time to set some healthy new goals. And even if your New Year’s health resolutions have already fallen by the wayside, it’s not too late to get them back on track for a new, healthier you. Jennifer Jefferies, natural health practitioner, best-selling author and speaker shares some simple steps for putting a health plan in place that anyone can stick to.

“ ...we need to make having fun a priority.”

6

– One day a week eat whatever you want. If you’re going to splash out make it count and eat the best, most divine and luxurious treats you can find and enjoy every mouthful – but only one day per week. It’s not what you do 10 per cent of the time that matters, it’s what you do 90 per cent of the time – so be healthful six days a week, and treat yourself on the seventh.

step 3 – move your bodyMost of us don’t move our bodies nearly as much as we should – we weren’t designed to sit behind a desk, or to be confined to a small space for 40, 50, 60 or more hours per week – yet that’s exactly how most of us spend our lives. (Remember to always consult your medical practitioner before starting any type of exercise.)

step 4 – Play moreDo you ever take a look at yourself in the mirror and wonder when you became so serious? Life has a way of weighing us down and we forget that we’re supposed to be having fun, or even how to, so we need to make having fun a priority. You might even find that you become more productive when you’re balancing all that hard work with a little enjoyment – and you’ll be better company too.

step 5 – Get a lifeIt’s funny how we manage to achieve everything we need to for our work and families, but when it comes to ourselves we’re prepared to let our health and happiness slide. It’s time to make the decision to ‘get a life’, and to look after every aspect of our lives as though life was the most precious thing we have.

step 6 – do it Now!As much as we tend to procrastinate doing the things we don’t like doing, we also procrastinate doing the things we would love to do – and all that procrastination is taking up a lot of time and energy! Whether it’s something you’ve been dreading, or something you’ve always wanted to do but never gotten around to, make the decision to do it now. Life really is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, so don’t waste it by worrying about things you know you have to do, or depriving yourself of the things you really want to do. Identify those things you’ve been putting off, and choose to make them happen now.

“ ...my 7 Steps to Sanity® are the basic keys for integrating good food, good rest and good play into your life.”

7

Why not take the leap and do that one thing you’ve always dreamed of?

step 7 – chill outUnderstand and accept that you are only human, and you are going to get off track and make mistakes sometimes, so give yourself a break. Start by not beating yourself up for your so-called imperfections. If you do find yourself doing something that you know is counterproductive, don’t send yourself on a guilt-trip over it, instead choose to be pleased that you noticed and that you’ve given yourself the opportunity to change track. Putting yourself through feelings of guilt and worry is one of the most damaging things you can do for your health – so why compound the problem? If you’re not on track, be pleased that you noticed, and correct your course.

As we head into a new year, instead of feeling stressed and harassed by all of the people you have to do things for, why not choose instead to feel grateful for all of the people in your life – you might just find that your new approach not only changes your experience, but theirs too.

“ Every day, drink two litres of water...”

�

We have five copies of Jennifer Jefferies’ best-selling 7 Steps to Sanity® to give away.Simply be one of the first five people to send us your feedback for our new ‘membertalk’ section, and you’ll receive a copy of this fantastic book. See inside front cover for details about how to send in your contributions.

You can read more from Jennifer Jefferies at www.jenniferjefferies.com.

� rt in the community

The rt team taking a hands on approach to wellbeing, supporting Railcorp’s Safety Competition 2006.

rt helps keep Railcorp’s fitness ‘on track’ by feeding and supporting the 2006 City to Surf team.


As the health fund for transport industry employees and their families, rt is proud to support transport industry community events.

step 7 – chill outUnderstand and accept that you are only human, and you are going to get off track and make mistakes sometimes, so give yourself a break. Start by not beating yourself up for your so-called imperfections. If you do find yourself doing something that you know is counterproductive, don’t send yourself on a guilt-trip over it, instead choose to be pleased that you noticed and that you’ve given yourself the opportunity to change track. Putting yourself through feelings of guilt and worry is one of the most damaging things you can do for your health – so why compound the problem? If you’re not on track, be pleased that you noticed, and correct your course.

As we head into a new year, instead of feeling stressed and harassed by all of the people you have to do things for, why not choose instead to feel grateful for all of the people in your life – you might just find that your new approach not only changes your experience, but theirs too.

“ Every day, drink two litres of water...”

�

We have five copies of Jennifer Jefferies’ best-selling 7 Steps to Sanity® to give away.Simply be one of the first five people to send us your feedback for our new ‘membertalk’ section, and you’ll receive a copy of this fantastic book. See inside front cover for details about how to send in your contributions.

You can read more from Jennifer Jefferies at www.jenniferjefferies.com.

� rt in the community

The rt team taking a hands on approach to wellbeing, supporting Railcorp’s Safety Competition 2006.

rt helps keep Railcorp’s fitness ‘on track’ by feeding and supporting the 2006 City to Surf team.


As the health fund for transport industry employees and their families, rt is proud to support transport industry community events.


1. what should i do if i Need to Go to hosPital?When you first become aware that you may need to go to hospital, give rt a call. We can advise you of your entitlements and answer any questions you may have about your impending stay.

If you are taken to a public hospital in an emergency situation, you do not have to be treated as a private patient, but (provided that you have private hospital cover) you can choose to transfer to private treatment at any time. As a private patient, you may receive a bill if your treating doctor chooses to charge above the schedule fee.

Remember, rt was the only health fund in Australia last year to pay 100 per cent of hospital benefits to members. You can be assured that with rt you are receiving the most comprehensive hospital cover available.

2. if i am treated bY mY choice of doctor iN either a Public or Private hosPital, will i have to PaY a ‘GaP’?Medicare has a set schedule of fees that apply to every service performed by a doctor (it’s called the Medicare Benefits Schedule, or MBS). Medicare pays 75 per cent of the schedule fee for every service and health funds are only able by law to pay the remaining 25 per cent. Out-of-pocket, or ‘gap’, payments arise because many doctors charge over the MBS for some services.

If you have rt hospital cover, you can use additional cover called Access Gap. Your doctor agrees to set the fee for their service in advance, so that you will either have no out-of-pocket expenses, or at least know the exact cost prior to your treatment. Individual doctors can decide whether or not to use Access Gap, so this is something you need to ask each doctor who will treat you, prior to having treatment. Our team can help you with more information about Access Gap, so please contact us before going to hospital.

making your health cover easier

We understand that health cover can be confusing, and especially when its something that you don’t use often, or haven’t had to use for a long time, it can be difficult to know how it works or what to do. rt’s Member service Manager, Lisa McPherson, answers some of your most common questions.

10

3. i have beeN a member of rt for maNY Years. whY doN’t You offer me a discouNt oN mY health cover?Private health funds operate within a very strict legal framework. The major concept underpinning health insurance is that it must be fair for all members of a fund. To ensure this, all funds must adhere to a principle called ‘community rating’, which means that they must offer every member the same health insurance product for the same price, regardless of age, health risk factors, length of membership or any other factor. There are only a few circumstances where rt can offer members a small discount, and these must be based on payment options only (for example, where you are a member of a group and your paymaster deducts membership fees for rt and sends a single payment).

4. how caN i Get the most out of mY extras cover wheN receiviNG deNtal treatmeNt?Dental treatments are paid according to a schedule of fees that has been set for each dental item number. The rt rebate is based on the standard fee for each treatment, however, dentists may charge any amount they deem appropriate.

Once you become aware that you will require dental work, you should request that your dentist supply a quote with item numbers and costs for each treatment required. If you then give rt a call, we can let you know how much you would be entitled to for each item.

Most dentists use the HICAPS claiming facility, so as HICAPS claiming becomes fully operational for rt members over the next few months, you will be able to simply swipe your membership card after your dental treatment and pay only the difference between the cost of the services and your rt rebate.

Remember, your rt team is available to answer any questions you have about how to use your health cover. Contact the team on 1800 886 123, email us at [email protected] or drop into your nearest branch for a chat.

“ rt was the only health fund in Australia last year to pay 100 per cent of hospital benefits to members.”

11

(Source: Independant Actuarial Report 2006)


1. what should i do if i Need to Go to hosPital?When you first become aware that you may need to go to hospital, give rt a call. We can advise you of your entitlements and answer any questions you may have about your impending stay.

If you are taken to a public hospital in an emergency situation, you do not have to be treated as a private patient, but (provided that you have private hospital cover) you can choose to transfer to private treatment at any time. As a private patient, you may receive a bill if your treating doctor chooses to charge above the schedule fee.

Remember, rt was the only health fund in Australia last year to pay 100 per cent of hospital benefits to members. You can be assured that with rt you are receiving the most comprehensive hospital cover available.

2. if i am treated bY mY choice of doctor iN either a Public or Private hosPital, will i have to PaY a ‘GaP’?Medicare has a set schedule of fees that apply to every service performed by a doctor (it’s called the Medicare Benefits Schedule, or MBS). Medicare pays 75 per cent of the schedule fee for every service and health funds are only able by law to pay the remaining 25 per cent. Out-of-pocket, or ‘gap’, payments arise because many doctors charge over the MBS for some services.

If you have rt hospital cover, you can use additional cover called Access Gap. Your doctor agrees to set the fee for their service in advance, so that you will either have no out-of-pocket expenses, or at least know the exact cost prior to your treatment. Individual doctors can decide whether or not to use Access Gap, so this is something you need to ask each doctor who will treat you, prior to having treatment. Our team can help you with more information about Access Gap, so please contact us before going to hospital.

making your health cover easier

We understand that health cover can be confusing, and especially when its something that you don’t use often, or haven’t had to use for a long time, it can be difficult to know how it works or what to do. rt’s Member service Manager, Lisa McPherson, answers some of your most common questions.

10

3. i have beeN a member of rt for maNY Years. whY doN’t You offer me a discouNt oN mY health cover?Private health funds operate within a very strict legal framework. The major concept underpinning health insurance is that it must be fair for all members of a fund. To ensure this, all funds must adhere to a principle called ‘community rating’, which means that they must offer every member the same health insurance product for the same price, regardless of age, health risk factors, length of membership or any other factor. There are only a few circumstances where rt can offer members a small discount, and these must be based on payment options only (for example, where you are a member of a group and your paymaster deducts membership fees for rt and sends a single payment).

4. how caN i Get the most out of mY extras cover wheN receiviNG deNtal treatmeNt?Dental treatments are paid according to a schedule of fees that has been set for each dental item number. The rt rebate is based on the standard fee for each treatment, however, dentists may charge any amount they deem appropriate.

Once you become aware that you will require dental work, you should request that your dentist supply a quote with item numbers and costs for each treatment required. If you then give rt a call, we can let you know how much you would be entitled to for each item.

Most dentists use the HICAPS claiming facility, so as HICAPS claiming becomes fully operational for rt members over the next few months, you will be able to simply swipe your membership card after your dental treatment and pay only the difference between the cost of the services and your rt rebate.

Remember, your rt team is available to answer any questions you have about how to use your health cover. Contact the team on 1800 886 123, email us at [email protected] or drop into your nearest branch for a chat.

“ rt was the only health fund in Australia last year to pay 100 per cent of hospital benefits to members.”

11

(Source: Independant Actuarial Report 2006)

Being physically active is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle, and walking is the most accessible and popular way that most people can become more active. For good health, the Heart Foundation recommends that you walk for 30 or more minutes on most, if not all days of the week. To maximise the benefits, walking should be continuous (for at least 10 minutes) and at a brisk pace.

walkiNG caN helP You feel Great Walking can help improve your mental health and wellbeing. Walking with family, friends, neighbours, and workmates is a great way to unwind, share stories of the day and make new friends. Remember, dogs love walking too, so don’t forget your four-legged friend. Walking can also improve your: – stress levels– muscle strength and flexibility– fitness and posture– bone strength and balance– respiratory function– concentration and memory

walkiNG is social aNd fuN, aNd caN eveN make our commuNities safer Walking is a great way to meet your neighbours and spend time with family and friends. Communities that walk together can be friendlier and safer places to live.

health beNefits At any age, walking can provide a range of health benefits. It improves the way your heart and lungs work, reduces the impact of several heart disease risk factors and helps rehabilitation following heart attack and stroke. Walking can also help in the prevention of: – coronary heart disease– stroke– type 2 diabetes– some forms of cancer– high blood pressure– elevated cholesterol– osteoporosis

For more information about healthy walking, and an excellent range of healthy heart resources visit www.heartfoundation.com.au or call the Heart Foundation’s Heartline on 1300 36 27 87.

walk your way to a healthier heart

staying well doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or even working up a sweat, according to the Heart Foundation, simply walking more can bring enormous healthy benefits.

“ ...walk for 30 or more minutes on most, if not all days of the week.”

12

For breakfast:

ProteiN Power shake Mix in a blender:– 1 piece of fruit (such as banana or mango)– 1 handful of almonds (for protein and good fats)

– Milk or water – 1 dessertspoon of flaxseed oil (for good fats)– Cinnamon or nutmeg to taste

ProteiN PaNcakesBeat 2 tablespoons of raw rolled oats into 2 egg whites and cook on a hot pan (no oil), then simply top with chopped fruit, low-fat cottage cheese and some real maple syrup or honey.

For lunch:

wraPsGo for wholemeal rather than white, and make it yourself or duck out to the local sandwich bar. Try some mashed avocado (to give you your good essential fatty acids for the day), and add chicken or tuna and plenty of peppery rocket for flavour. If you make it at home, bring some of your favourite dressing

and add it just before you eat.

salmoN or tuNa aNd saladThis is fast and easy. There are some tasty

tins of tuna and salmon these days, grab a small tin of your favourite flavour and toss it into a prepared salad. If you’re too busy

to make the salad, keep a stash of tuna or salmon in your desk draw or cupboard and buy

a small salad from the supermarket or local take-away, it’ll only take a minute to throw it all together.

fast and healthy meals for busy people

too many of us don’t take the time to eat a proper breakfast and lunch, whether it’s because we’re too busy or because we are on our own and don’t bother to sit down to eat. According to naturopath Jennifer Jefferies, these are the most important meals of the day – without them you won’t be performing at your best. try these fast and healthy suggestions next time you’re feeling too rushed to eat a proper meal, and your body will thank you for it.

13


Being physically active is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle, and walking is the most accessible and popular way that most people can become more active. For good health, the Heart Foundation recommends that you walk for 30 or more minutes on most, if not all days of the week. To maximise the benefits, walking should be continuous (for at least 10 minutes) and at a brisk pace.

walkiNG caN helP You feel Great Walking can help improve your mental health and wellbeing. Walking with family, friends, neighbours, and workmates is a great way to unwind, share stories of the day and make new friends. Remember, dogs love walking too, so don’t forget your four-legged friend. Walking can also improve your: – stress levels– muscle strength and flexibility– fitness and posture– bone strength and balance– respiratory function– concentration and memory

walkiNG is social aNd fuN, aNd caN eveN make our commuNities safer Walking is a great way to meet your neighbours and spend time with family and friends. Communities that walk together can be friendlier and safer places to live.

health beNefits At any age, walking can provide a range of health benefits. It improves the way your heart and lungs work, reduces the impact of several heart disease risk factors and helps rehabilitation following heart attack and stroke. Walking can also help in the prevention of: – coronary heart disease– stroke– type 2 diabetes– some forms of cancer– high blood pressure– elevated cholesterol– osteoporosis

For more information about healthy walking, and an excellent range of healthy heart resources visit www.heartfoundation.com.au or call the Heart Foundation’s Heartline on 1300 36 27 87.

walk your way to a healthier heart

staying well doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or even working up a sweat, according to the Heart Foundation, simply walking more can bring enormous healthy benefits.

“ ...walk for 30 or more minutes on most, if not all days of the week.”

12

For breakfast:

ProteiN Power shake Mix in a blender:– 1 piece of fruit (such as banana or mango)– 1 handful of almonds (for protein and good fats)

– Milk or water – 1 dessertspoon of flaxseed oil (for good fats)– Cinnamon or nutmeg to taste

ProteiN PaNcakesBeat 2 tablespoons of raw rolled oats into 2 egg whites and cook on a hot pan (no oil), then simply top with chopped fruit, low-fat cottage cheese and some real maple syrup or honey.

For lunch:

wraPsGo for wholemeal rather than white, and make it yourself or duck out to the local sandwich bar. Try some mashed avocado (to give you your good essential fatty acids for the day), and add chicken or tuna and plenty of peppery rocket for flavour. If you make it at home, bring some of your favourite dressing

and add it just before you eat.

salmoN or tuNa aNd saladThis is fast and easy. There are some tasty

tins of tuna and salmon these days, grab a small tin of your favourite flavour and toss it into a prepared salad. If you’re too busy

to make the salad, keep a stash of tuna or salmon in your desk draw or cupboard and buy

a small salad from the supermarket or local take-away, it’ll only take a minute to throw it all together.

fast and healthy meals for busy people

too many of us don’t take the time to eat a proper breakfast and lunch, whether it’s because we’re too busy or because we are on our own and don’t bother to sit down to eat. According to naturopath Jennifer Jefferies, these are the most important meals of the day – without them you won’t be performing at your best. try these fast and healthy suggestions next time you’re feeling too rushed to eat a proper meal, and your body will thank you for it.

13


Constant ‘accidental’ exercise throughout the day can be just as beneficial as a gym class.

You don’t need to join a gym or worry about scheduling large blocks of time for exercise, just make sure that you’re moving your body as often as possible throughout the day – so get up from your desk and walk over to speak to a colleague instead of phoning or emailing, and at home, get busy around the house and garden for a great ‘accidental’ workout.

did you know?

7 Steps to Sanity® Jennifer Jefferies

Documents

rt summer newsletter 06/07