Northwest Carpenters Health and Security Plan

Health Library

Our Health Library offers basic information about common illnesses, how to prevent them, and what can be done to control symptoms. This information is not a replacement for going to the doctor. It is provided to help plan members have better conversations with providers and better outcomes from their healthcare decisions.

• Asthma

  1. Asthma Action Plan (National Institutes of Health)
  2. Asthma at a Glance (National Institutes of Health)
  3. How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School? (National Institutes of Health)
  4. How Asthma-Friendly Is Your Child-Care Setting? (National Institutes of Health)
  5. How to Control Asthma Triggers (National Institutes of Health)
  6. How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (National Institutes of Health)
  7. How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler (National Institutes of Health)
  8. How to Use a Nebulizer (National Institutes of Health)
  9. How to Use a Peak Flow Meter (National Institutes of Health)
  10. How to Use a Diskus Dry Powder Inhaler (National Institutes of Health)
  11. How to Use a Flexhaler Inhaler (National Institutes of Health)

• Back Pain

  1. Practice Guidelines for Low Back Pain (American Chronic Pain Association)
  2. Opiod Induced Constipation (American College of Physicians)
  3. Medicines to relieve chronic pain (CW)
  4. Medications for Treating Constipation
  5. FDA Guide to Safe Use of Pain Medicine
  6. Back Pain Tests and Treatments (CW)

• Colon Cancer

  1. Questions to Ask Your Doctor (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  2. Screening Saves Lives (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Congestive Heart Failure

  1. What is Congestive Heart Failure? (American Heart Association)
  2. Living With Heart Failure (University Hospitals Case Medical Center)
  3. Know the Facts About Heart Disease (National Institutes of Health
  4. How to Read Food Labels to Cut Back on Sodium (American College of Cardiology)
  5. Sodium: The Facts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  6. My Medication Record

• COPD

  1. Breathing Better With COPD (National Institutes of Health)
  2. COPD Action Plan (American Lung Association)
  3. COPD Management Plan (American Lung Association)
  4. How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (National Institutes of Health)
  5. How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler (National Institutes of Health)
  6. How to Use a Nebulizer (National Institutes of Health)
  7. How to Use a Peak Flow Meter (National Institutes of Health)

• Coronary Artery Disease

  1. Coronary Artery Disease (National Institutes of Health)
  2. Numbers That Count for a Healthy Heart (American Heart Association)
  3. Recommended Screenings/Risk Factors (American Heart Association)
  4. What You Need to Know About High Cholesterol (National Institutes of Health)
  5. Heart Attack (NIH)
  6. Living Well with Heart Disease (NIH)
  7. Reading food labels for lower salt intake
  8. Sodium: The Facts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  9. Women's risk level for heart disease (AHA)

• Crohn's Disease & Colitis

  1. Crohn's Disease (National Institutes of Health)
  2. Diet, Nutrition & IBD (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
  3. Frequently Asked Questions About IBD (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
  4. Finding a Specialist or Treatment Center (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
  5. Recently Approved Treatments (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
  6. Smoking and the Digestive System (National Institutes of Health)
  7. Ulcerative Colitis (National Institutes of Health)
  8. Sit or Squat Restroom Finder App (Charmin) — Need to go, on the go? This app can help you find a public restroom nearby and plan ahead when traveling.

• Diabetes

  1. What Are Diabetes Complications (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  2. The Heart Connection (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  3. A Continuous Disease (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  4. The A1C Test (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  5. Tests and Exams Every Diabetes Patient Should Get (Oregon DHS)
  6. Medications for Type 2 Diabetes (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  7. Managing Type 2 Diabetes—The Basics (NDEI)
  8. Managing Type 2 Diabetes—Healthy Eating Plans (NDEI)
  9. Insulin Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  10. Getting the Support You Need (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  11. Foot Care (National Diabetes Education Initiative)
  12. Create a Personalized Diabetes Management Plan (National Diabetes Education Initiative)

• Employee Assistance Program

  November 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  October 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  September 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  August 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  July 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  June 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  May 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  April 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  March 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  February 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  January 2024 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  December 2023 Newsletter — English | Spanish
  

  Archive

• General Safety

  1. Consumer Protection Information Database - Search this database of more than 22,000 consumer brands to learn about the ingredients and health effects of products commonly used for personal care, cleaning, maintenance, pet care, lawn and garden, and more.
  2. Which Helmet for Which Activity? (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission)

• Kidney Disease

  1. Questions & Answers About Kidney Disease (National Institutes of Health)
  2. How Well Are Your Kidneys Working (National Institutes of Health)
  3. Eating Right For Kidney Health (National Institutes of Health)
  4. Food Tips and Health Eating Ideas (National Institutes of Health)
  5. How to Read a Food Label (National Institutes of Health)
  6. Phosphorous (National Institutes of Health)
  7. Protein (National Institutes of Health)
  8. Potassium (National Institutes of Health)
  9. Sodium (National Institutes of Health)
  10. Your Kidney Test Results (National Institutes of Health)

• Kidney Stones

  1. Kidney Stones (MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia)
  2. What to Ask Your Doctor (MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia)
  3. Self Care for Kidney Stones (MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia)
  4. Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention (National Institutes of Health)

• Medication Safety

  1. Opiod Induced Constipation (American College of Physicians)
  2. Medications for Treating Constipation
  3. Guide to Safe Use of Pain Medicine (FDA)
  4. Medicines to Relieve Chronic Pain

• Men's Health

  Benefits, Programs & Services

  1. Preventive Health Services – Under the Carpenters Health and Security Plan, benefits are available for preventive health services including periodic health and cancer screenings, certain vaccines and immunizations. When provided by network providers, covered services are not subject to the annual deductible, coinsurance or office visit copayment.
  2. Quit For Life® — Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Your health plan offers a free program to help you quit for good. Learn more about Quit For Life.
  3. Participant Advocate – Would you like some help locating a doctor or other health provider close to where you live or work? It's just one of the ways your Participant Advocate can help you and your dependents access your health care benefits.
     Health Library – Browse the library for useful information about a variety of health topics, such as back pain, kidney stones, tobacco cessation, nutrition, mental health, medication safety, and more.

  Risk Factors

  1. Alcohol Use Calculators (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) – How much alcohol is really in your drink? How many calories? What's the cost to you per week, month, or year? Find out here.
  2. Cancer and Men (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) РCancer is the leading cause of death for men between the ages of 45 and 85. Learn what you can do to prevent the most common forms of cancer. Espa̱ol (Spanish)
  3. Colorectal Cancer Awareness (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) РColon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and the risk increases with age. Find out when to get screened and what can be done to prevent colon cancer. Espa̱ol (Spanish)
  4. Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (National Cancer Institute) –This five-minute questionnaire about your diet, physical activity, medical history, and family history can help you estimate your risk of colorectal cancer. Just keep in mind that only a qualified medical provider can make an accurate diagnosis.
  5. Depression Screening (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs) – This 10-question survey can help you determine if you have symptoms of depression. You can print your results to give to a physician or mental health care provider. No information is collected, stored or sent over the Internet.
  6. Men and Mental Health (National Institute of Mental Health) – Men are less likely than women to receive treatment for a mental disorder. Unfortunately, men are more likely to die from suicide. Learn to recognize symptoms of common mental disorders affecting men.
  7. My Family Health Portrait (United States Surgeon General) – Use this interactive tool to enter, save, and update your family health history so you can share it with your health provider and other family members.
  8. My Life Check (American Heart Association) – What's your Heart Score? This interactive online tool offers a fun and interesting way to assess your heart health and gain a better understanding of your risk of heart disease and stroke.
  9. Prostate Cancer Screening: Questions For the Doctor (healthfinder.gov) РDo you have questions about prostate cancer screening? Here's information to help you start a conversation with your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening. Espa̱ol (Spanish)
  10. Risk Snapshot (Siteman Cancer Center) – Find out your risk of 12 cancers and 6 other important chronic diseases. This interactive tool doesn't tell you if you'll get a disease or not, but it does show you ways you can lower your risk.
  11. Substance Abuse Screening (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs) – Complete this short questionnaire about your experience with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It is designed to assess your risk for substance-related health problems and difficulties in other areas such as relationships and finances. You can print your results to give to a physician or mental health care provider. No information is collected, stored or sent over the Internet.
  12. The Top 10 Reasons Men Put Off Doctor Visits (American Heart Association) – Regular checkups, vaccinations, and preventive screenings can add years to your life. Instead of making excuses, make an appointment.

  Handouts

  1. Blueprint for Men's Health (Men's Health Network) – More than half of premature deaths among men can be prevented, but first you need to know the risks and warning signs. This book discusses the main health issues facing men. Learn to recognize the symptoms, and gain some practical, easy-to-implement prevention and treatment strategies. It just might save your life.
  2. Men & Depression (National Institute of Mental Health) – What is depression? How are men's symptoms different than women's? What causes it? What treatments are available? This brochure provides answers to these and other questions so you are more capable of helping someone with depression, whether it's yourself or someone you care about. English Spanish
  3. Tips for Good Health in Later Life (Health in Aging Foundation)– On average, women live five years longer than men. Experts believe this disparity is largely due to the fact that women take better care of themselves. These tips for men can add years to your life, and add life to your years.
  4. Understanding Prostate Changes: A Health Guide For Men (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) – Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems. The three most common are prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), and prostatitis. This guide explains the symptoms, risk factors, and screening tests, and also offers suggestions for talking with your doctor.
  5. What Women Need to Know About Men's Health (Men's Health Network) – Men's health issues can have a significant impact on family and friends, too. Unfortunately, men aren't always comfortable talking about these issues. With this brochure, you can educate yourself about sensitive men's health issues, pass along information to loved ones, encourage them to take it seriously, and who knows—maybe even save a life.
  6. Your Head: An Owner's Manual (Men's Health Network) – Covering three broad categories of mental health problems—depression, anxiety, and stress—this guide explains symptoms, DIY coping strategies, and how to seek help from a professional, if necessary.

  General Information

  1. A-Z Men's Health (Men's Health Network) – Browse this list for information about the many health risks facing men and what can be done to prevent them from becoming serious health problems.
  2. Men: Eat Right, Stay Healthy (American Academy of Family Physicians) – Use this ad-free website to learn what to eat and what to avoid in order to stay healthy.
  3. Men: Take Charge of Your Health (healthfinder.gov) РMost men want to be healthy and strong, but unhealthy choices and risky behaviors can prevent them from being their best. Here's a road map to better health that is evidence based, actionable, and easy to use. Espa̱ol (Spanish)
  4. Men's Health (Medline Plus) РA service of the National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus presents high-quality health and wellness information that is trusted, easy to understand, and free of advertising. Espa̱ol (Spanish)

• Mental Health

  Help Lines

  1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 – If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide—whether you are in crisis or not—free and confidential emotional support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (también en español)
  2. Veteran's Crisis Line – Are you a veteran or former service member in crisis? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. No matter what you are experiencing, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. Text and live chat are also available.
     Benefits & Providers
  3. Aetna.com Provider Directory – Benefits for behavioral health services are available to eligible participants and dependents under the Carpenters Health and Security Plan. The patient's share of the costs will be lower if services are received from a participating network provider. Use the Aetna online provider directory to locate behavioral health professionals and facilities in your area. The directory is also available on the Aetna mobile app. Text APPS to 23862 for a link to download the free app.

  SuPPOrt

  1. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Happens in the Best of Families (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  2. Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) English Spanish
  3. Helping a Loved One With Mental Illness (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  4. How to Cope With Sheltering in Place (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) English Spanish
  5. How You Can Play a Role in Preventing Suicide (U.S. Surgeon General)
  6. Navigating a Mental Health Crisis (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) English Spanish
  7. Starting the Conversation (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  8. Talking With Children - Tips for Parents During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) English Spanish
  9. Talk, They Hear You—Answering Your Child's Questions About Alcohol and Substance Abuse (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  10. Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) English Spanish
  11. Why You Should Talk to Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs (Substance and Mental Health Services Administration)

  Agencies & Organizations

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration (SAMHSA) – An agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. (1-877-726-4727)
  2. National Alliance on Mental Illness – The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
  3. Mental Health America (MHA) – Founded in 1909, MHA is committed to addressing the needs of the mentally ill and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Their website offers dozens of free, anonymous and confidential tools to help individuals understand and learn more about their mental health.
  4. Youth.gov – A cooperative effort of 21 federal agencies, this website is a one-stop-shop for information, programs, and services oriented to improving the health and well-being of young people.

• Nutrition

  1. SugarScience (University of California San Francisco): The authoritative source for evidence-based, scientific information about sugar and its impact on health.
  2. Hidden Sugar in Packaged Foods (SugarScience)
  3. Added Sugar in Beverages (SugarScience)
  4. Liver Damage from Too Much Sugar (SugarScience)
  5. Facts About Sugar (SugarScience)
  6. Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH (National Institutes of Health)

• Tobacco Cessation

  1. Reasons to Quit
  2. Fact sheets
  3. Quit For Life®
  4. Support
  5. Tools
  6. Videos
  7. Games & Activities
  8. Organizations
  9. Government Agencies