Delaware Valley Trusts Member Newsletter Trust Connections

2nd Quarter 2019

Inside this issue:

P2 Wellness Works: Healthy Gut, Healthy Everything P3 Stressed? Food Can Help! P4 “MPOETC Adopts Policy on Medical Marijuana P4 The Coverage Corner: Why Vaccinate Your Child P6 New Opiate Exposure Control Training Resource for Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS

P6 Do I Need a Spotted Lanternfly Permit? P7 From The Risk Control Department Blotter P7 Health Center CareHere App Makes Appointment Scheduling Easier! P8 Select US CPSC Recalls

In December 2018, the Delaware Valley Trusts’ established the Phyllis Lieberman Women’s Trailblazer Scholarship to honor the late Phyllis Lieberman, a long-time manager of Whitpain Township and founding Executive Committee Member of the Delaware Valley Insurance Trust (now known as the Delaware Valley Property & Liability Trust). The purpose of the scholarship program is to promote the advancement of women in local governmental leadership.

The scholarship and application process was announced earlier this year. We received an overwhelming response, and as a result, the

Executive Committee for each Trust agreed to increase their contribution in order to increase the number of scholarship awards from one to three. The Scholarship Committee, comprised of Trust Executive Committee members and Trustees, carefully reviewed all applications and selected three winners.

We are pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2019 Phyllis Lieberman Women’s Trailblazer Scholarship:

Erica L. Batdorf, Township Manager, West Vincent Township

E.J. Lee, Borough Manager, New Hope Borough

Becki Wilhelm, Finance and Benefits Director, Warwick Township

Applications for the 2020 Phyllis Lieberman Women’s Trailblazer Scholarship will be available no later than March 2020. The scholarship is expected to be awarded annually on a competitive basis to qualified applicants currently employed by a governmental entity that is a member of one or more of the Delaware Valley Trusts (DVHT, DVWCT or DVPLT) and selected by the Delaware Valley Trusts’ Scholarship Committee. Please contact Carol Bigham, Director of Member Services, at cbigham@dvtrusts.com for more information.

Bob Solarz, Executive Director

Delaware Valley Trusts’ Phyllis Lieberman Women’s Trailblazer Scholarship Award

Pictured above (left to right): Becki Wilhelm, Erica Batdorf

and Bob Solarz.

2

Wellness Works DELAWARE VALLEY HEALTH TRUST

Q2 2019: HEALTHY GUT, HAPPY EVERYTHING

Wellness Events

May is Mental Health Month Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable. A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions.

May 31 – World No Tobacco Day Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of lung cancer. Ten years after quitting smoking, the risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

June is Men’s Health Month

Men die at higher rates than women from 9 of the top 10 causes of death, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Be sure to schedule your regular checkups and encourage others to do the same!

Reduce Your Risk: Colon Cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer for both men and women in the United States. Timely, regular screenings can decrease your risk by almost half. Screenings not only reduce the likelihood of precancerous polyps from becoming cancerous, but they also improve the effectiveness of treatment. The American Cancer Society recently revised the recommended screening age to 45 for men and women to encourage earlier detection and prevention.

If you are at least 45 years old or have a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about the screening that would be best for you. You can also earn a $150 incentive from the Health Trust for completing a preventive colonoscopy! Log onto www.dvtrusts.com and click “Wellness Program” under “Member Resources” for more information.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Cancer

Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening, 2018

3

SUPERFOOD: MANGOS

Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties,

mangos support healthy heart function, improve

immunity, eyesight, skin and hair health, and digestive

health.

Peach Mango Salsa

4 peaches, diced

4 tomatoes, diced

1 mango, diced

½ cup diced red onion

1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped

1 lime, juiced

Using a large bowl, combine the peaches, mango, red

onion, tomatoes, jalapeno, and lime juice. Serve with

choice of meat, fish, or chips.

Source: Kitchen, W. O. (2018, March 07). Peach Mango Salsa.

HEALTHY GUT, HEALTHY EVERYTHING TIPS ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GUT

We have heard the expression “go with your gut,” but have you ever wondered where this expression came from? The gut can influence your intuition, which affects mood and overall health. Inside the gut are trillions of healthy bacteria, fungi and viruses called microbes. The genes inside these microbes significantly impact how our bodies operate. Every human being has a unique microbe population “microbiome”, which is determined by age, genes, stress, diet, gender and overall health status. Think of the microbiome as an organ that impacts the digestive system, immune system, and cognitive function.

Research has also revealed that there is a complex relationship between the gut and the brain. Studies have shown that microbiota interact with the central nervous system and that poor gut health may be associated with depression, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Having a healthy and balanced microbiome can reduce chronic inflammation and strengthen the immune system. So…how do you maintain a healthy gut? Try to exercise regularly and eat foods rich in fiber like vegetables, fruits, beans and lentils.

Source: Ross, J. (2017, May 19). Gut Bacteria and Health.

Q2 2019 HEALTHY GUT, HAPPY EVERYTHING

DVHT Wellness │ Lauren Detweiler, Jenna Glassman & Elisa O’Hanlon

wellness@dvtrusts.com │T: (267)803-5721 │ F: (267)803-5796

STRESSED? FOOD CAN HELP!

Did you know that the foods we eat can contribute to higher stress levels? As cortisol levels increase, it is human nature to gravitate towards foods that contain high levels of processed flour, refined sugar, salt, or caffeine. During stressful times, keep the junk food at bay by choosing healthy alternatives that will satisfy your cravings.

Here are some healthy stress-busting foods:

Leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are great sources of magnesium, which can help reduce fatigue and irritability.

Foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as broccoli, berries, carrots, and spinach can help increase immunity and reduce indigestion.

Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and soybeans can help protect against heart disease.

Sources: Funston, L. (2016, March 02). 12 Superfoods for Stress Relief Henderson Brothers (2008). Eat a Low-Stress Diet.

THE SURPRISING BENEFIT OF YOGA Yoga is a great way to keep your health on track! In fact,

think of yoga as a massage for your organs. The twisting

postures help enhance digestion, reduce bloating and

assist in flushing out toxins. Try these poses for a tummy-

friendly yoga flow.

Standing forward bend (Uttanasana)

Camel Pose (Ushtrasana)

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Source: Weingus, L. (2017, January 17). How To Use Yoga To Detox Your Gut.

4

MPOETC Adopts Policy on Medical Marijuana By: Peter Erndwein, Director of Risk Control

In March 2019, the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (“MPOETC”) took a firm stance on whether police offiers may use medical marijuana by adopting a policy impacting Pa. police officers certified under Act 120. In its policy, MPOETC resolved that:

“…use of medical marijuana and/or possession of a medical marijuana certification under the Medical Marijuana Act are prohibited under federal law and therefore shall be basis for denial of a municipal police officer’s certification under 37 Pa. Code §203.11(a)(1) and revocation pursuant to 37 Pa. Code §203.14(3).”

A copy of the full resolution is available from the MPOETC website: https://mpoetc.psp.pa.gov/MPOETC%20Newsletters/MPOETC_Newsletter_2019_03.pdf Armed with this bright line official determination, public employers can feel more confident when reviewing medical marijuana accommodation requests from Act 120 certified officers. When faced with employees who fall into this category, public employers should encourage their employees to ask their doctor for alternate medication choices compatible with their employment. Police officers now join Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) holders for which medical marijuana use is prohibited. As recommended in the DVPLT Spring 2018 “The Employment Counselor” publication, requests for medical marijuana accommodations by other public employees must be carefully reviewed, ideally in consultation with a competent employment attorney. For a copy of the publication, please email cbigham@dvtrusts.com. Questions on the MOETC policy? Contact the Risk Control Department at 215-706-0101.

Q: Why vaccinate your child against measles, mumps, and rubella? A. Confirming your child has received all of

their recommended vaccinations including

measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is the best

protection you can give your child to fight disease

and prevent death. Scientists, public health and

health care professionals have confirmed vaccines

are safe and effective. Serious adverse reactions

following a vaccination are rare. The disease-

prevention benefit outweigh the risk of side-effects.

In addition to protecting the child from

complications and possible death, an immunized

child can protect your family and others who may

be immunocompromised. An immunized child also

protects future generations. Vaccines can

eradicate or minimize the worldwide spread of

disease.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention recommends children get two doses of

MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12

through 15 months of age, and the second dose at

4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should

also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. Two

doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective

at preventing measles.

Delaware Valley Health Trust (DVHT) members

with questions regarding the MMR vaccine and

other vaccinations should contact their health care

provider.

For coverage questions, consult your individual

plan benefits or contact your dedicated DVHT

claims specialist.

Sources: Five Important Reasons To Vaccinate Your Child; https://www.vaccines.gov/getting/for_parents/five_reasons https://cdc.gov https://aenta.com

The Coverage Corner

5

New Opiate Exposure Control Training Resource for

Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS

By: Peter Erndwein, Director of Risk Control

While the war on opiates rages on, law enforcement officers and other first responders continue to

experience high potency narcotic exposures. While effective exposure controls are available, the

nature of emergency response activities can make 100% exposure control challenging. During a

police response, for example, exposure controls are typically deployed if there is advance knowledge

that high potency narcotics may be on location or as soon as the presence of such materials is

recognized and after all other potential officer safety threats have been neutralized.

In March 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention – National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health (“CDC-NIOSH”) issued a new

training resource intended for law enforcement and

other first responders. The roughly 13 minute video

entitled “Illicit Drugs, Including Fentanyl: Preventing

Occupational Exposure to Emergency Responders”

depicts an actual officer suffering the effects of an

unanticipated exposure (see image). The officer’s

partner administered Narcan and thankfully the

intoxicating effects were reversed.

We encourage emergency responders to watch this video to better understand the risks and

what they can do to protect themselves from exposure to high potency illicit drugs.

The video can be accessed on the NIOSH YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2mhmLsd79E&feature=youtu.be

First responders should take particular note of NIOSH’s recommendation regarding N-, R- or P-100

rated respiratory protection. The letters designate how well the respirator performs in an atmosphere

where oil mists may be present (not usually a concern unless in an industrial environment). The

“100” rating denotes a filter meeting the definition of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Accordingly, 100-rated respirators and impermeable heavy duty nitrile gloves are preferred minimum

personal protective equipment where fine powders of high potency illicit drugs may be present.

For a summary of current CDC-NIOSH recommended exposure control best practices, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fentanyl/risk.html

Questions? Contact the Risk Control Department at 215-706-0101.

6

The Spotted Lanternfly (“SLF”) has been getting heavy media exposure recently. This non-native leaf hopping insect was first identified in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Due in part to our favorable climate, a lack of predators and its reproductive prowess, SLF populations have exploded and the insect has rapidly become a multi-state agricultural plague. Of particular concern is that SLF are known to feed on 80 species of plants including high-value fruit and timber trees. In an effort to preserve the Commonwealth’s billion dollar agriculture economy as well as control the spread of SLF in the region, the Pa. Department of Agriculture (“DOA”) issued a formal quarantine order in May of 2018. The SLF quarantine area has grown to encompass 14 counties from Philadelphia to Dauphin. For a map showing the extent of the current quarantine, please visit: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/quarantine/Documents/Lycorma%20Quarantine%20Map.pdf.

Among other mandates, the quarantine order requires businesses, agencies, and organizations located or working within the quarantine area who move vehicles, products or other conveyances within or out of the quarantine area to possess a permit. Managers/supervisors with covered operations are required to complete an online permit course (essentially a train-the-trainer course). After completion which includes passing a quiz, the participant receives a certificate which serves as the organization’s temporary permit. The manager/supervisor is now considered a “trainer” responsible for training other employees on how to prevent the spread of SLF on products, vehicles and other conveyances. Note: the DOA does not require individual employees to take the online permit course. DOA indicates official permits are mailed to the permittee 2-3 weeks after completing the online program. For more information on obtaining a SLF permit or the online permit course, visit: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/quarantine/Documents/Spotted%20Lanternfly%20Permit%20Requirements%20and%20Guidance_031519.pdf

and https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/quarantine/Pages/default.aspx. Questions? Contact the Risk Control Department at 215-706-0101.

Do I Need a Spotted Lanternfly Permit? By: Peter Erndwein, Director of Risk Control

7

From the Risk Control Department Blotter By Peter Erndwein, Director of Risk Control

The Risk Control Department regularly provides technical assistance and guidance to Workers’ Compensation and Property & Liability Trust members to help them manage risk and reduce losses. Below are a few examples of these services provided to our members in the last quarter:

Administration

Information on CPR/first aid training options.

Guidance on FBI criminal background checks for new hires.

Guidance on ways to improve security at the receptionist/main lobby area.

Provided resources on sexual harassment prevention training.

Law Enforcement

Guidance on rabies vaccination for animal control employees.

Guidance on vehicle crash prevention and discipline policies.

Resources on preventing “death by cop” suicides.

Guidance on body fluid cleanup practices.

Parks & Recreation

Guidance on playground warning signage.

Guidance regarding proposed volunteer event.

Assistance with playground fall and gym padding concerns.

Public Works/Highway

Guidance on confined space, respirator use, PPE and chemical right-to-know training.

Guidance with requirements for ambler strobes on work trucks.

Guidance on public works crew wearing shorts.

Workers’ Compensation and Property & Liability Trust members with questions regarding the above are encouraged to contact their lead Risk Control Consultant: Peter Erndwein (perndwein@dvtrusts.com), Linda Poole (lpoole@dvtrusts.com) or Mike Pacana (mpacana@dvtrusts.com) or call 215-706-0101.

The Delaware Valley Health

Trust Health Center operated

by CareHere now offers even

more convenient appointment

scheduling through the

CareHere app.

Health Trust enrollees and their

covered dependents can visit

the Center for well and sick

visits, annual physicals, sports

physicals, routine lab work,

maintenance medication refills,

and much more.

Enrollees and their spouses can also receive a $150 incentive for completing a biometric

screening at the Center. Experience quality primary care with the best patient experience.

Download the CareHere app at CareHere.com/App or through the App Store or Google Play.

You can also log onto www.CareHere.com or call 877-423-1330 to make an appointment. The

Health Center is located at 719 Dresher Road, Suite B, Horsham PA.

8

Honda recalls portable generators due to fire and

burn hazards (Model EU2200i Companion and EU

2200i Portable Generators).

Hazard: The portable generator

can leak gasoline from the fuel

value, posing fire and burn

hazards.

DETAILS

Kuboto recalls zero turn mowers due to fire hazard.

Hazard: The throttle cable can

make contact with the internal

electric wiring, posing a fire

hazard.

DETAILS

HP expands recall of batteries for notebook

computers and mobile workstations due to fire and

burn hazards.

Hazard: The lithium-ion batteries can

overheat, causing fire and burn hazards.

DETAILS

Harbor Freight Tools recalls 12v rechargeable

flashlights due to overheating and burn hazards.

Hazard: The flashlight can

overheat while recharging,

posing a burn hazard to

consumers.

DETAILS

DeWalt recalls drills due to shock hazard.

Hazard: The drill ’s wiring can contact internal moving

parts, causing a shock hazard.

DETAILS

John Deere recalls attachment kit for compact

utility tractor snow blowers and brooms due to

injury hazard.

Hazard: The attachment kits are

missing the product Operator’s Manual

which details proper attachment and

use of the product, posing an injury

hazard.

DETAILS

Select recalls issued by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Health Trust - dvhtclaims@dvtrusts.com

Workers’ Compensation Trust - dvwctclaims@dvtrusts.com

Property & Liability Trust - dvpltclaims@dvtrusts.com

Wellness Programs/Submissions - wellness@dvtrusts.com

or call our main number at (215) 706-0101

Recall details and additional information can be found at https://www.cpsc.gov/recalls