Dear AFSPA Family,
Welcome to the start of the summer! It’s the season to enjoy eating outdoors, tending the garden, hiking a trail with friends, going for an outdoor run, or enjoying a lovely day at the beach with family. Summer brings longer hours of daylight, which means more daytime to be outside to enjoy nature’s beauty and fresh air.
Family Health and Fitness Day – June 10
What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than by spending some time in the great outdoors? Each year, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recognizes the second Saturday in June as Family Health & Fitness Day. This day is an opportunity to discover numerous ways to stay fit and active. For the month of June, I encourage you to take a walk to visit your local park or trail, cook a healthy meal with the family, play outside with the kids, and have some fun while staying active. Members enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) can earn wellness rewards by participating in various wellness activities, including participating in the Lifestyle and Condition Coaching and Digital Coach Programs and tracking their physical activity by connecting their activity device in the tracker activity at Myactivehealth.com/FSBP. Learn more about earning wellness rewards here.
June is Men’s Health Month
Father’s Day is quickly approaching and now is the perfect time to encourage the men in your lives to take care of themselves. Men are far less likely than women to visit the doctor for regular checkups. Early detection of health issues can help improve men’s health and life expectancy. Members enrolled in FSBP have access to our generous wellness reward program where you can earn wellness rewards after completing a health risk assessment, completing an annual physical and biometric screening, and completing other healthy actions, including receiving the flu shot, a colorectal cancer screening, tracking physical activity, and more. Don’t leave money on the table. Take advantage of these programs.
June is Pride Month
We at AFSPA proudly support the LGBTQ+ community and the inclusion and acceptance of all. We offer various benefits and wellness programs to FSBP members and their dependents that may help with the physical, emotional, and mental needs of our LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about our wellness programs and gender-affirming surgery and hormone therapy plan benefits in our 2023 FSBP Brochure.
Join us for a FREE webinar on Estate Planning for the LGBTQ+ Community on Wednesday, June 7th. This session will provide tips for how LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can make sure assets are distributed to whomever they wish. This webinar will be offered in three separate session times: 8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm ET. Register here.
Listen to the AFSPA Talks podcast episode about LGBTQ+ Youth. This episode covers everything from the coming-out process for children to parents’ reactions to their children’s identities, gender dysphoria, and more.
Please continue to connect with us to learn more about how you can maximize your benefits and coverage through our blogs, weekly podcasts, social media platforms, and our free educational webinars. You can also read past issues of our newsletters on our website, which consist of Plan updates and other important health topics and information.
Lastly, I would like to wish all fathers and father figures an early Happy Father’s Day. I hope you enjoy the start of your summer with your loved ones. As always, thank you for being a valued member and for your continued confidence in our ability to serve you and your family.
To Your Health,
Paula S. Jakub, RHU
CEO, AFSPA
