APG Newsletter January 2024

NEWSLETTER

HUMAN RESOURCES

JANUARY 2024

April McIntosh

AskHR!

Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name.

Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.

DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL?

Contact Human Resources.

KATHARINE GLASS

APG Vice President of HR kglass@adamspg.com 865.981.1101

DEB BROOKS

HR Manager - APG West dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com 360.416.2187

GWEN DAVIS

HR Manager - East gdavis@apgenc.com 252.366.8139

HEATHER MCCALMONT

HR Manager - Wisconsin, MD, OH hmccalmont@adamspg.com 608.755.9442

THÉRÉSE ZADNIK-KLECKER

HR Manager - APG Central therese.zadnik-klecker@adamspg.com 763.712.3559

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO & WIN! SUBMIT TO SUBMITNEWS.ADAMSPG.COM.

Submit a photo to be featured in the monthly newsletter. Each month, the person whose photo is selected for the front cover will win a $25 gift card!

Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety

Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Count The New Year brings an opportunity to take a fresh look at issues we’ve been wrestling with and a chance to tackle them again. Here are a few suggestions for some achievable goals for the new year:

REMINDER

OF UPCOMING COMPANY HOLIDAYS NEW YEAR’S DAY

Monday, January 1, 2024

MEMORIAL DAY

Monday, May 27, 2024

INDEPENDENCE DAY Thursday, July 4, 2024

• The No. 1 New Year’s resolution in any year is ... getting in shape: There is no real mystery here—it all comes down to diet and exercise. It is a fact that 95 percent of those who try to crash diet the pounds off are not successful in the long run. Try simple changes to eliminate calories, like reducing your portions by just 10 percent and adding just 20 minutes of a simple exercise like walking to your daily routine.

• Get a physical examination from your doctor: Men are the worst offenders here—they are far less likely than women to have a regular physical. Even if you feel fine, silent problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure could reduce the length and quality of your life.

• Take a look at your financial health: Now is a good time to make sure you have the right amount of life and property insurance to protect yourself or your family. Consider whether you are a candidate for long-term care insurance. Check your investments to see if they are in line with your long-term goals. Look at your credit history and resolve to reduce high-interest debt.

• Get your legal affairs in order: If you have been promising to make out a will, set an appointment with an attorney today.

• Try to be a better listener: Whether at home or at work, listening is a gift you can give that costs you nothing. Listening does not involve solving the other person’s dilemma—that is their job.

When offering support by listening actively, you can give family and friends just what they need to approach their own concerns in a new way.

• Reach out to your elderly relatives: They may covet their independence—but they still need your help. Open a conversation aimed at finding out what kinds of assistance they might need and would accept. Even simple things like help with lawn care or shoveling snow can be a good first step.

• For those with young children, try to take the words “hurry up” out of your vocabulary: Sit yourself down and strategize ways to make your morning and bedtime routines a little slower and saner. Your kids will thank you.

CONGRATS

TO OUR DECEMBER WINNER

• Consider volunteer work: There is certainly no shortage of need in the world—resolve to do your part to make the world a better place. If you choose a volunteer activity like helping rehab a home for the homeless or coaching a baseball team, you get the benefit of adding exercise as you help the world.

SETH ROWE

SUN NEWSPAPERS The Question Was: How many ghosts show up in A Christmas Carol?

The Answer Was: 4

2

How many total LED lights are in the Times Square ball?

SEND IN YOUR ANSWER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

Submit your answer to AskHR@adamspg.com.

The winner will be drawn on January 15, 2024.

Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety

10 TIPS

Often, people turn to high-caffeine beverages and energy drinks to give them the boost they need to get through the day. However, many of these drinks are loaded with refined sugars and high amounts of caffeine, which can cause a burst of energy, then a rapid crash.

1. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

7. CHOOSE WHOLE GRAINS, LIMIT SUGAR

Getting between seven to nine hours of sleep per night is optimal.

However, the actual time a person falls asleep is also important. Sleeping from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. may not be as restorative as sleeping from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. This is because many restorative processes, including hormone secretion, body temperature and digestion, are linked to natural light exposure. Aim to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends.

Eating whole grains provides a slow and steady release of fuel (carbohydrates) into the bloodstream, keeping energy levels consistent and balanced throughout the day. Refined-flour products, sweets and other high-sugar foods cause a spike in blood sugar, which allows for a temporary energy boost that is then followed by a rapid decrease in blood sugar.

This rollercoaster of high and low blood sugar leaves a person depleted.

Learn lifestyle strategies that help eliminate this rollercoaster effect while

FOR INCREASING ENERGY boosting energy throughout the day.

2. GET MOVING A brief bout of exercise (as little as 10 minutes) can improve energy levels and a person’s mood. Physical activity, even walking, is a great energy booster. Walking can be done anywhere and only requires a good pair of shoes. To achieve health benefits, it is recommended that adults engage in about 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, each week.

8. TURN COFFEE INTO A PROTEIN DRINK Put skim or reduced-fat milk in coffee instead of creamer. The protein in milk helps sustain energy levels, as well as provides some bone-building calcium. Create a healthy breakfast by pairing it with healthy fat, such as an ounce of almonds.

9. INCREASE MAGNESIUM INTAKE

People who skip breakfast are essentially running on empty. Research has shown that breakfast eaters have more energy throughout the day, in addition to more success with weight loss and maintenance. Keep breakfast healthy by incorporating sources of lean protein, healthy fats and whole grains, such as wholewheat toast with peanut butter and a banana.

Eating a varied and healthy diet is important to ensure nutrition needs are met; however, if energy levels are not where they should be, it could indicate a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an important mineral needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It can specifically affect energy levels because magnesium is necessary to break down glucose for use by the body as energy. Recommended daily amounts–400–420 mg for men and 310–320 mg for women–can be obtained by eating a variety of foods such as whole grains, beans, milk, fish and nuts.

4. STAY HYDRATED

10. ACHIEVE PH BALANCE

Even slight dehydration can leave a person feeling tired and lethargic.

Keep a tall glass of water or a water bottle with you throughout the day.

Note that hunger is sometimes mistaken for thirst, but fatigue can also be a mask for thirst. Cut down on alcohol intake because it dehydrates and can also interfere with deep sleep.

After being digested, absorbed and metabolized, foods release either an acid or an alkaline base (bicarbonate) into the blood. Grains, fish, meat, poultry, shellfish, cheese, milk and salt all produce acid. Fruits and vegetables produce alkaline. A diet high in acid-producing foods causes an imbalance between acid and alkaline, which could lead to loss of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium as the body tries to restore equilibrium. This imbalance is thought to affect immune systems and decrease energy levels. To ensure a balance, be sure to eat a diet that includes lots of alkaline foods, such as leafy green vegetables, beets, celery, figs, dates and cantaloupes.

3. EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

5. REDUCE STRESS Stress has a major impact on energy levels. Stress can leave a person feeling both mentally and physically exhausted. Even low but chronic levels of stress will negatively affect a person over time. Try to take 20 minutes for yourself every day just to relax. Turn the TV and computer off, sip some tea, and read a book or listen to music.

6. CHOOSE HEALTHY SNACKS It is important to snack throughout the day. However, make smart snack choices. Have a couple of snacks that combine protein, fiber and a little fat, such as an apple and string cheese or yogurt and nuts. This helps to sustain energy levels throughout the day. The carbohydrates provide an energy boost, protein keeps your energy up and the fat makes energy last.

RESOURCES ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH: NUTRITION.GOV: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE:

WWW.EATRIGHT.ORG WWW.NIH.GOV WWW.NUTRITION.GOV WWW.USDA.GOV

HERE WHEN YOU NEED US CALL: ONLINE: APP:

888-628-4824 GUIDANCERESOURCES.COM GUIDANCENOW SM

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Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety

PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES PREVENTATIVE CARE SERVICES BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD MINNESOTA Detailed descriptions

How often and what kind of preventive care services you need depends upon your age, gender, health, and family history. Not all items on this list are covered benefits for all products or groups with Blue Cross or Blue Plus. Coverage for certain items and services may only be provided for plan and policy yearsand after a certain Pharmacy coverage for upon members with gender, pharmacy benefit other Prime How often what kind of date. preventive care services you may needdiffer depends your age, health, and managers family history.

Notthan all items onTherapeutics. This listnot arerepresent covered benefits for alltests products or groups with Blue Cross Blue Plus.

Coverage items and services may only be your health plan listthis may all possible or benefits, and inclusion of aorservice or item on thisfor listcertain does not guarantee coverage.

Check provided policyon years date. Pharmacy may for members with pharmacy benefit managers benefits orfor callplan theand number the after backaofcertain your member ID cardcoverage for details ondiffer coverage.

Additional requirements may apply. other Tests ordered during a than Prime Therapeutics. This list may not represent all possible tests or benefits, and inclusion of a service or item on this list does preventive visit that are not considered preventive care may be subject to deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance.

Additionally, not guarantee coverage. Check your health plan benefits or call the number on the back of your member ID card for details on coverage. treatment or tests forAdditional an existing condition may or illness notordered preventive care and are subject deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance.

Make requirements apply.are Tests during a preventive visit thattoare not considered preventive care may be subject to sure to review all tests deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance.

Additionally, with your healthcare provider for medical necessity.treatment or tests for an existing condition or illness are not preventive care and are subject to deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance. Make sure to review all tests with your healthcare provider for medical necessity.

CATEGORY GENERAL PREVENTIVE CARE

Preventive medical exams and counseling

DESCRIPTION Preventive physical/medical exam – age and gender appropriate medical history and physical exam, counseling or anticipatory guidance and risk-factor interventions.

May include the following benefits (not an all-inclusive or restrictive list): • Blood pressure measurement • Skin cancer counseling to reduce ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure • Skin exam – for melanomas, sores, lesions • Aspirin use and counseling for certain adults aged 50-59 years with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, based on risk assessment.

• Prostate cancer digital rectal exam, depending on risk assessment according to the healthcare provider.

• Domestic violence screening and counseling • Height, weight, body mass index (BMI)

CARDIOVASCULAR, METABOLIC SCREENING TESTS, AND CHRONIC CARE TESTS/DEVICES (CERTAIN MEN AND WOMEN) Ultrasound screening, depending on age and risk assessment Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound Cholesterol (lipid) profile

Cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) testing for individuals diagnosed with heart disease, depending on age and risk assessment.

Blood glucose, glucometer for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, hemoglobin A1C, and retinopathy screening tests Diabetes screening test CATEGORY DESCRIPTION CARDIOVASCULAR, METABOLIC SCREENING TESTS, AND CHRONIC CARE TESTS/DEVICES (CERTAIN MEN AND WOMEN) (continued) AsthmaNOTE: management Peak flow testing (peak flow meter) PLEASE This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For Liver disease bleeding disorder the most up to and/or date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number International normalized ratio (INR) testing management located on the back of your ID card.

COUNSELING AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OR SCREENING Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13 May include: • Screening and counseling to reduce alcohol use • Drug use assessment Alcohol, drug and tobacco misuse • Screening and counseling to prevent tobacco use and tobacco-caused disease o Tobacco cessation counseling sessions o FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications, when prescribed and provided innetwork Blood infection Hepatitis B & C virus (HBV and HCV) screening Depression Screening for depression May include: Intimate Partner Violence • Counseling and screening for interpersonal and intimate partner violence May include: • Behavioral counseling in primary care to promote a healthy diet • Nutrition counseling Nutrition, healthy weight, and physical activity • Screening and counseling for obesity • Falls prevention counseling for older adults

Lung infection Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Sexually transmitted infections (STI), risk reduction counseling and screening

Vision* and hearing

Tuberculosis (TB) screening Counseling and testing May include: • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) • Chlamydia • Gonorrhea • Syphilis Vision screening – glaucoma, acuity, refraction Hearing screening – screening test, audiometry and pure tone

*Note - The preventive vision benefit only applies for employer-sponsored health plans. There is no coverage for adult routine eye exams in non-grandfathered individual health plans.

PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For

4 the most up to date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number located on the back of your ID card.

Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION IMMUNIZATIONS For details on doses, recommended ages, and recommended populations, see prevention guidelines at cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules. Listed below are most commonly utilized immunizations – list may not be all inclusive COVID-19 vaccines Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, poliovirus vaccines Influenza vaccines Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines Hepatitis A vaccines May be offered singly or grouped Hepatitis B vaccines Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines Pneumonia vaccines Meningitis vaccines Zoster (herpes shingles) vaccines Rotavirus vaccines CANCER SCREENING TESTS Ages 45-75. May start younger if at risk.

May include one or more of the following: • Stool test for blood (once/year) • Air contrast barium enema • Sigmoidoscopy/Flexible – sigmoidoscopy Colorectal cancer screening • Proctosigmoidoscopy • Colonoscopy • Stool DNA • CT Colonography • Bowel preparations (pharmacy benefit) Ages 50 to 80 using low – dose computed tomography (LDCT), depending on smoking history, as Lung cancer screening determined by health care provider.

May include: • Digital rectal exam (DRE) usually performed as part of preventive medical exam Prostate cancer screening • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) – when appropriate as determined by joint decision-making between the member and the physician based on individual risk.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION WOMEN'S HEALTH (ALSO SEE PREGNANCY-RELATED) PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For the most up to date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number Preventive physical/medical exam – age-appropriate medical history and physical exam, located on the back of your ID card.

Preventive gynecological exam counseling or anticipatory guidance and risk-factor interventions.

May include evaluation of breasts and abdomen as well as pelvic exam.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13

Well-woman visits

Ages 12 to 65

Contraceptive methods and counseling

Counseling for contraception and specific FDA-approved contraceptives, including over the counter, when prescribed and provided in-network. Religiously exempt groups and certain plans may exclude this benefit.

Contraceptive management

Digital application for contraceptive management.

Counseling for BRCA and BRCA testing

Genetic counseling for women at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA lab tests BRCA lab tests subject to medical necessity criteria in Blue Cross medical policy “Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (VI-16)”

Counseling regarding and use of medication to reduce risk of breast cancer

For women at elevated risk, may be part of "Well-Woman visit" Generic Tamoxifen and raloxifene with a prescription when medically necessary and provided innetwork.

Osteoporosis screening

Bone density measurement (once every two years)

Cervical cancer screening

May include: • Pap test (starting at age 21) and/or: • HPV testing (starting at age 30)

PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For the most up to date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number located on the back of your ID card.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13

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Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION WOMEN'S HEALTH (ALSO SEE PREGNANCY-RELATED) (continued) Breast cancer screening

Mammogram, two dimensional (2D or three dimensional (3D)), unilateral or bilateral

PREGNANCY-RELATED Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling

May include: • Primary care interventions to promote breastfeeding • Breastfeeding support supplies and counseling, including coverage of purchase of a manual or electric breast pump

Routine prenatal tests

Such as: • Gestational diabetes mellitus screening • Presence of bacteria in the urine • Hepatitis B • Iron-deficiency anemia • Screening for Rh incompatibility

Alcohol, drug and tobacco misuse assessment and counseling, preventive medicine counseling and/or risk factor reduction interventions

May include: • Screening and counseling to reduce alcohol misuse • Drug use assessment • Screening and counseling to prevent tobacco use and tobacco-caused disease o Tobacco counseling during pregnancy o FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications, when prescribed and provided innetwork • Preventive medicine counseling and/or risk factor reduction interventions

Such as: o Chlamydia infection screening Sexually transmitted infections (STI), risk reduction o Gonorrhea screening and screening o Hepatitis B screening o Hepatitis C screening for high-risk individuals o HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) screening CATEGORY DESCRIPTION o Syphilis screening PREGNANCY RELATED (continued) For women planning pregnancy, part the of "Well-Woman visit" PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore maymay not be reflect most up to date information. For Counseling supplementation Folic supplements for women withBlue a prescription when Service providedatin-network the most upfortofolic dateacid information about benefits that may beacid available to you, please contact Cross Customer the number located on the back of your ID card.

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Preventive physical/medical exam – age and gender appropriate medical history and physical Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13 exam, counseling or anticipatory guidance and risk-factor interventions.

Preventive medical exam for children and adolescents (Bright Futures)

Depression screening Nutrition, healthy weight and physical activity

Vision and hearing

Behavioral health assessment

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May include the following benefits (not an all-inclusive or restrictive list): • Blood pressure screening • Skin cancer counseling to reduce ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure • Skin exam – for melanomas, sores, lesions • Iron supplementation recommendation for children at increased risk for iron-deficiency anemia o Iron supplements for children ages 6 – 12 months • Sickle cell screening • Family violence screening and counseling • Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) • Safety and injury prevention • Assessment of risk of lead exposure Screening for depression May include: • Behavioral counseling in primary care to promote a healthy diet • Nutrition counseling • Screening and counseling for obesity • •

Vision screening – glaucoma, acuity, refraction Hearing screening – screening test, audiometry and pure tone

Includes: • Alcohol, drugs and tobacco • Intellectual and mental disorders • Depression • Behavioral Health Assessment

PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For the most up to date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number located on the back of your ID card.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13

Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety CATEGORY CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS (continued) Tooth decay and cavity prevention

Tuberculosis testing

DESCRIPTION • •

Fluoride supplements for children whose water supply lacks fluoride, ages 6 months to 6 years old with a prescription.

Topical application of fluoride varnish birth through 6 years old

Testing for tuberculosis (TB) for children

PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For the most up to date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number located on the back of your ID card.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13

PLEASE NOTE: This document was last updated on January 1, 2023, and therefore may not reflect the most up to date information. For the most up to date information about benefits that may be available to you, please contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number located on the back of your ID card.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

C2760R13

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Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER

Human Resources & Safety

TAKE IT WITH A PINCH OF SALT A N D M AY B E A S H OV E L

Slip and fall injuries increase whenever we’re dealing with winter weather. Here are a few tips to keep you on your feet in and around the workplace when it comes to snow and ice.

Always remove snow prior to applying deicers. Shovel, blow, or sweep first; the chances of a refreeze diminish, and slush build-up is minimized.

Focus on aggressive mechanical removal of snow. The less snow, the less deicer required. This will lend itself to a safer surface.

Do site assessments, document drainage problems, and fix them

USE THE PROPER TOOL FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL:

in the summer (e.g., roof that drips on steps, downspout that drains to sidewalk).

Always remove snow prior to applying deicers. The less snow, the less deicer required for a safer walking surface.

If temperatures are predicted to fall to 15 degrees or less, consider using liquid deicer, or sand for more effective ice removal and prevention.

Wear reflective outerwear like a high visibility safety vest with a reflective component when working around vehicle traffic.

USE HAND-HELD SPREADERS TO DISPERSE DEICERS. SPREADERS:

• Push shovel (no sides) for pushing snow.

• Provide more even distribution.

• Scoop shovel (sides) for lifting snow.

• Save money with reduced salt application.

• Broom or blower for light fluffy snow.

• Save infrastructure: less salt, less corrosion.

• Ice scraper for use under ice and compaction.

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DON’T FORGET INSIDE ENTRYWAYS. • Make sure the entry mats are flat on the floor and are in good condition. Replace it immediately if there are holes in the mat.

• Entry areas may require more frequent cleanup due to snow being tracked in and melting.