As part of Red River College’s group benefits, Employees in Flex Options 1, 2, 4 or 5 may have coverage for a variety of dental benefits. Your coverage is based on your Flex Option choice.

Preventive and Basic Services

• Recall exams, twice per calendar year* provided within the same year)
• (only once where a complete oral exam is also
• Bitewing x-rays, twice per calendar year*
• Complete series of x-rays, one per 24 months
• Panoramic x-rays, one per 36 months
• Complete oral examinations, one per calendar year
• (initial examination with a new dentist)
• Polishing, scaling and fluoride, twice per calendar year*
• Minor restorative services (fillings, posts, prefabricated
• crowns for primary teeth)
• Periodontal and Endodontic services
• Oral surgery

*must be separated by an interval of at least 5 months

Major Services

• Crowns, Onlays, Inlays and Veneer Restorations
• Dentures, maintenance and repairs
• Bridgework

Orthodontics

• Coverage for dependent children under child’s 18^th birthday)
• the age of 19 (treatment must start before the
• Diagnostic services and treatments

For detailed dental coverage information refer to your benefits booklet.

The above is a summary of the provisions of the group plan. In the event of a discrepancy between this summary and the group contract, the terms of the group contract will apply.

Pre-Determination of Dentalcare Benefits

Before incurring any large dental expenses ($500 or more), or beginning any orthodontic treatment, ask your dental service provider to complete a treatment plan and submit it to Great-West Life. The benefits payable for the proposed treatment will be calculated, so you know if the expenses are eligible and the approximate portion of the cost you will have to pay.

Are you prepared for Flu Season?

With the fluctuating temperatures and more time spent indoors, the flu season can sneak up on us. Health Canada suggests the flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu. Flu vaccines are free and are available at a variety of venues such as doctor’s offices, nursing stations and pharmacies.[1]

In addition to getting vaccinated each year, consider following these tips to prevent the flu this season:[2]

• Wash your hands frequently
• Use the bend of your arm when coughing and sneezing instead of your hands
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces at work and at home often
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat healthy foods and exercise
• Get lots of rest

Check out the Government of Canada website for more information here.

Fall Cooking

Try this Spiced Up Butternut Squash Soup recipe to keep you warm this fall:[3]

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 tsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp mild curry powder or paste
• 3 cups sodium reduced vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup 0% fat plain Greek yogurt (optional)

1. Peel squash and cut into quarters. Remove seeds and further cut into cubes.
2. In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and add onion, garlic and curry powder. Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes or until onion starts to soften. Add squash, broth and cilantro or parsley, if using. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for about 25 minutes or until squash is tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Stir in pepper.

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to help you and your family. You even have access to seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

It’s that busy time of year again, whether you’re moving or adjusting to a transition, LifeWorks can support you with resources to help you adapt to change. Check out this months’ recommended podcast:

• Coping with Loss

[1] Because it’s about them too. Get Vaccinated. Don’t Spread the Flu. Manitoba Health. 2016. http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html

[2] Prevention of flu (influenza). Government of Canada. 2015. http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/flu-grippe/prevention-eng.php

[3] Spiced Up Butternut Squash Soup. Government of Canada. 2014. http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/eating-nutrition/healthy-eating-saine-alimentation/tips-conseils/recipes-recettes/butternut-squash-soup-soupe-courge-butternut-eng.php