Portrait of happy woman wearing bathing cap and snorkel, lake in backgroundYou may be happy to hear that the United States is inching its way up on the world happiness scale. But Denmark is still “smiles” above us as the happiest nation.

The UN’s World Happiness Report 2016 Update lists the U.S. as the 13th happiest country. That’s two spots ahead of last year. Holding steady in the top five are:
Denmark
Switzerland
Iceland
Norway
Finland
The researchers found people are happier in places where folks spread good cheer evenly. So despite the cold, Scandinavians have warmed up to sharing their happiness. Their societies boast strong safety nets, which seem to boost happiness.

Happiness measures may mean better public policy
Though the topic may seem lighthearted, it’s no joke. Societies worldwide are paying attention to data on happiness and well-being. It helps them embrace policies that support better lives. And researchers say measuring happiness tells them more about how well a society lives than other factors, such as income and education.

This New York Times article has more on the World Happiness Conference.

img Get high quality care from our special network

Grandson holding flowers behind his back for his Grandmother sitting on a sofaOver the years gastric bypass, cardiac surgery and knee replacement surgery have become fairly common.

But all surgery carries some risk. So it’s important to choose a hospital known for providing quality care.

To simplify your choice, we’ve put together a network of hospitals that specialize in these procedures. We call these facilities the Aetna Institutes of Quality.

What makes these facilities different?
To become part of Aetna’s Institutes of Quality® (IOQ) network, facilities must meet strict standards for care, quality and efficiency. We measure many factors. Everything from level of care to how often patients return to the hospital after surgery.

For complete information on the selection criteria visit the IOQ fact book at http://www.aetna.com/individuals-families-health-insurance/document-library/aetna-ioq-factbook.pdf.

How to find the Institutes of Quality
Log in to your secure member Aetna Navigator® website at www.aetna.com. And search for Institutes of Quality. You can also call the phone number on your ID card. Confirm benefits and ask if your plan covers travel and lodging benefits.

img Your mental health matters

Couple sitting on sofa with a laptop discussing a billMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. We’re working to overcome the stigma around mental health challenges. We do this by providing support and education.

Join the conversation on social media
Throughout the month, you’ll find information and resources on our social media channels. Look for us on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and LinkedIn. You can share how you stay emotionally healthy on social media with the hashtag #mentalhealthmatters. And be sure to join use for a live Twitter chat on May 26 from 2 – 3 p.m. ET by using #mhmchat. Together, we can raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Helpful resources on our website
You’ll find:
Depression and anxiety self-assessments
Quick tips to improve your mood
Information about mental health conditions
?It only takes a minute’ videos showing how others stay healthy
Just visit us at www.aetnabehavioralhealth.com.

There’s no health without mental health. Come celebrate with us this month!

img Know someone who is at risk for opioid overdose?

Couple holding hands Opioids include pain killers prescribed by your doctor and illegal drugs such as heroin. Opioid overdose can occur when someone misuses these drugs. It should not occur when taken as directed by your doctor.

Did you know?
Since 1999, the number of prescription painkillers prescribed and sold in the U.S. has nearly quadrupled.1
Opioid overdoses tripled between 2001 and 2013.2,3
About 15 million people suffer from opioid dependence. But, only 10 percent who need treatment are getting it.4
Naloxone (brand name Narcan®) is an inexpensive medicine and may help. If administered early, it may reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. And, it can prevent deaths due to an overdose.

You can reduce the risk
Get help to quit and stay clean.
Find out how to obtain naloxone for those likely to go through an opioid overdose.
Receive support, resources and training.
Learn when and how to use naloxone as a life-saving medicine.
Help is available
Our clinicians work with providers to screen those at risk. They promote education and treatment for you, your loved ones, caregivers and health care providers. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions. And you can call the member services number on your ID card to check your benefits for naloxone.

Resources
Opioid overdose prevention toolkit
Opioid overdose information
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/
2Beletsky LB, Rich JD,Walley AY. Prevention of fatal opioid overdose. JAMA. 2012;308(18):1863-1864.
3National Institute on Drug Abuse, Overdose Death Rates, Revised February 2015, https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
4World Health Organization (November 2014), http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/information-sheet/en/

img Get help for depression and substance abuse

Make the most of your health care budgetWoman laying on sofa looking off into distance
It’s hard to know where to turn when you or a loved one is struggling. If you have depression, it can interfere with daily life and cause pain for both you and those who care about you. Many people with depression can also have an alcohol or drug problem.

Help is available
If you ignore these conditions, they can get worse. An assessment may help you and your doctor decide if you need treatment. Both depression and substance abuse are treatable conditions. If you think you need help, just talk to your doctor. Or find one in your area.

Simply log in to your secure member Aetna Navigator® website at www.aetna.com. It’s an important first step on the road to feeling better.

Check out these resources
You can:
Find tips to boost your mood and assess your well-being
Look up facts about common drugs of abuse
Call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the lifeline online
Let us help you take care of your mind, body and spirt.

Find more information at https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/mental-emotional-health.html.

https://www.isp.com/blog/lgbtq-youth-online-resources/

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