Benefits
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 A Life Well Lived: CalHR Benefits Newsletter — July 2026 

July is all about preventive care! Take time this month to stay ahead of your health with routine checkups, healthy habits and proactive wellness choices.

See Well. Smile Well. Live Well. 

Protect your health, your smile and your sight by scheduling your preventive screenings. Regular dental and vision checkups are quick, easy and help detect issues early, before they become serious.

By completing your screenings, you can:

• Support oral health with early detection, which is linked to heart health and overall wellness.
• Detect early signs of conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure during eye exams.
• Protect your overall health!

Each month during the campaign, participating dental and vision carriers will randomly select eligible participants who completed their preventive screening to receive a wellness resource.

Complete your dental and/or vision screening anytime between June and September, or report a visit completed earlier in the year, to be eligible. The more you stay on top of your preventive care, the more you support your overall wellbeing.

To book an appointment, contact your current provider or click a carrier logo below to find a new dentist or optometrist and schedule today!

Once you have completed your dental or vision preventive care visit, log in to your Live Well portal and complete the Summer Screening Series Form. The form must be completed to qualify for a wellness resource. 

Keep Your Smile Healthy

Taking care of your teeth is an important part of preventive care for your overall health.

Good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems, while also lowering risks linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

The good news? A healthy mouth doesn’t require an expensive or complicated routine. Simple daily habits can make a big difference.

Tips for Better Oral Health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss once a day to help remove plaque between teeth.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
• Use mouthwash to freshen breath and reduce plaque. 
• Drink water throughout the day, especially fluoridated water when available. 
• Eat tooth-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich foods and lean proteins.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, these can contribute to tooth decay. 
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products. 
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to catch issues early! 

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy at Every Age

Protecting your vision is an important part of preventive care at every stage of life. While some vision changes are natural, healthy habits and routine eye exams can help protect your eyesight for years to come. Keep reading to find eye-health tips for every age. 

• 20s & 30s: Build healthy habits early. Wear sunglasses, protect your eyes from injuries, reduce screen strain and schedule annual eye exams.
• 40s: Watch for signs of presbyopia, such as trouble reading up close or seeing in low light. Don’t ignore vision changes.
• 50s & 60s: Stay alert for age-related eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. Managing overall health is key.
• 70s & Beyond: Focus on safety, fall prevention, and maintaining independence as vision changes become more common.

No matter your age, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy vision. Read the full article below for more eye health tips and age-specific guidance.

Live Well: Becoming Heart Smart

A healthy heart plays an important role in your overall wellbeing, helping you stay active, energized and healthy throughout life. Even though heart disease affects millions of people each year, many risk factors can be prevented or managed through healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, good nutrition, stress management and routine health screenings. 

Your heart health matters. Small, healthy choices made over time can lower your risk and improve your overall wellbeing. Here are some simple ways to support your heart health: 

• Move Your Body: Regular physical activity helps strengthen your heart, improve circulation, boost energy, and support overall health. 
• Plan Ahead: Schedule routine checkups, prepare healthy meals, and organize your week to reduce stress and make healthy choices easier. 
• Manage Stress: Try activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or hobbies you enjoy. Managing stress can help reduce strain on your heart. 
• Keep Your Mind Active: Learning new skills, solving puzzles, or challenging yourself in new ways can support brain health and overall well-being. 
• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to help support heart health and maintain a healthy weight. 

For helpful tools and resources on each of these topics, visit Live Well, powered by Grokker. You’ll find support to help you make progress, no matter where you’re starting. Not registered yet? Start here! 

Meet Your New Employee Assistance Program: Whole You

Whole You, the State of California’s new Employee Assistance Program powered by Spring Health, launches this month! Access confidential support at no cost, including therapy, coaching, financial and legal consultations, caregiver support, identity theft and self-guided wellness tools. 

Financial Tip: Preventive Care = Savings

It is easy to put off preventive care like dental checkups, eye exams, and routine visits when you feel fine or have a busy schedule. However, skipping these appointments can lead to bigger and more expensive health problems later. Preventive care helps catch issues early, when they are often easier and less costly to treat.

According to the University of Chicago, studies show that for every dollar spent on preventive dental care, $8 to $50 can be saved in restorative and emergency treatments. These savings can make a major difference for low-income families.

As a member of VSP, you can save an average of $489 each year on eye exams, lens enhancements, and frames. Use the VSP Calculator to see what your personalized savings add up to.

Schedule your preventive care appointments today to save money in the long run. 

Live Well in 2026

This July, focus on preventive care that supports your whole health including dental checkups, vision exams, mental wellbeing and more. Prioritizing preventive care now helps you stay healthier, feel your best and save money.