Latest Health News

Sleep habits: More important than you think.

Are you getting enough sleep? If you're like most Americans, the answer is "no," according to the National Sleep Foundation's annual "Sleep in America" poll. Energize Your Life points out that chronic sleep deprivation, for whatever reason, significantly affects your health, performance, safety, and pocketbook.

Retirees and surviving spouses must complete the benefits program dependent audit by March 19, 2010

By now, retirees and surviving spouses should have received a Dependent Eligibility Verification package by mail to their homes.  Please pay close attention to this information. 

Please Note: Covered dependents who are on a medically necessary leave as defined by Michelle’s Law, sponsored dependents or covered under a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO) are not included in the audit.  There is no action needed for these dependents.

As the materials indicate the company is conducting an audit of our benefits program to ensure that all covered dependents currently on record are eligible to receive health and welfare coverage. 

In order for eligible dependent coverage to continue uninterrupted, retirees and surviving spouses must complete the audit process by March 19, 2010. This means that all required forms and supporting documentation must be mailed or faxed to our benefits administrator by this date.  Dependents who have not been verified will be dropped from DTE Energy benefits coverage, effective 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2010. 

If you have not yet received your Dependent Eligibility Verification package, or if you wish to have another copy of the information, you may obtain the materials from the Your Benefits Resources Web site.  Please make sure you follow the instructions completely and submit the required documentation by the deadline.

For more information, contact the Dependent Verification Center toll-free, 866.788.2580. Representatives are available to help retirees and surviving spouses from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

It's cold outside! Watch out for hypothermia and frostbite.

We're half way through winter, but the threats of hypothermia and frostbite are far from over. Whether you're working or simply spending time outdoors, exposure to cold, wet conditions can cause these potentially serious illnesses.

Dr. Robert McCurren, emergency room physician at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, cautions that wet or inadequate clothing, falling into cold water and even having an uncovered head during cold weather can all increase your chances of hypothermia.

"Hypothermia commonly occurs at very cold environmental temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40 degrees) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersed in cold water," he said. "Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas, and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation."

Dr. McCurren reminds us to dress in layers - a heavy coat, extra socks, gloves and a hat. "Pay attention to warning signs from your body. If you have numbness in your hands, feet or face, it's time to get inside." For more information about the prevention and treatment of these cold-weather illnesses, see Dr. McCurren's "Recognize Signs of Frostbite, Hypothermia" column in the News Herald.

Do you know someone whose life has been impacted by heart disease or stroke? Support them and others by joining employees, retirees, family and friends as a Team Captain for this year's American Heart Association (AHA) Start! Heart Walks.

Your role as team captain doesn't require much time. Just recruit your former co-workers, family and friends to donate money or time to walk with you to raise funds for heart research and education.

Retirees will have the opportunity to participate in two area AHA walks. The Washtenaw County walk at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor and the Southeast Michigan walk at the Southfield Municipal Complex will both start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 15. If you’re interested in being a Team Captain or participating in either AHA Michigan Start! Heart Walks register on the AHA Web site or by calling the DTE Energy AHA coordinator Wilma Davies, 313.235.9906, or AHA’s Ryan Davis, 734.483.1697.

Doug Green, manager, Benefits Administration, has been appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Self-Insurers' Security Fund, Second Injury, Silicosis, and Logging Industry Compensation Fund Board of Trustees.

The Board represents employers authorized to act as self-insurers.

In her letter to Green, Governor Granholm wrote, "I have every confidence that you will find great personal satisfaction in this important position and that the State of Michigan will continue to benefit from your background and experience." Green's term was effective December 7, 2009 and expires April 30, 2012.

Congratulations, Doug!!

The National Safety Council reports that according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), shoveling and snowblowing can be potentially dangerous to your health if not performed properly.

AAOS recommends taking the following precautions when shoveling snow:

• Warm up before beginning. Stretches and a light 10 minute muscle warm up are recommended. Take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate.
• Avoid shoveling heavy, packed snow. Shoveling often and early will help prevent buildup and lighten your load.
• Remember that shoveling is intense exercise that raises your blood pressure and heart rate. If you are older than 40 or have a history of heart problems, it is best to consult a doctor before shoveling.
• Choose the right shovel. It should be comfortable and right for your height.
• Push the snow rather than lift it and be sure not to throw the snow over your shoulder or sideways, as a twisting motion can put stress on your back.

If you are snowblowing:

• Read the instruction manual before you begin.
• Shut the engine off when refueling or leaving the snowblower unattended.
• Never, never stick your hand into a snowblower chute. If snow or ice become lodged, shut the engine off and dislodge any debris with a solid object.
• Be aware of where the power cord is when operating a snowblower.
• And remember, this, too, shall pass.