8 Ways to Improve Your Health in the New Year

From ALLtech medical partner Regence BlueShield

If your New Year’s resolutions include a goal to improve your health in 2024, here are eight things you can do this year with a little help from ALLtech Benefits’ medical partner Regence:

  1. Select a primary care provider if you haven’t yet. Having a doctor established now makes it easy to get care when you need it. It can take a while to get in for an initial appointment, so schedule it right away. If you need help finding an in-network primary care provider, try Regence’s find a doctor tool or call the number on the back of your member ID card.
  2. Get an annual wellness visit with your primary care provider, which is covered by most ALLtech medical plans with no out-of-pocket costs. Your doctor can assess your overall health and give you guidance on how to improve. This baseline can be very helpful as you plan health, fitness and weight loss goals for the year.
  3. Take care of your mental health. Make self-care a priority. If you’re struggling and need help, ALLtech covers a variety of mental health care services and resources, such as one-on-one counseling, group therapy, medication, as well as self-guided well-being tools and virtual care options. Learn more about ALLtech’s Employee Assistance Program, Wellspring EAP, and virtual behavioral health resources available through MDLIVE.
  4. Get all your age-appropriate recommended health screenings, such as screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. Most screenings are covered through ALLtech with no out-of-pocket costs if you meet criteria. Talk to your doctor about which screenings you should get this year and sign in to your account on regence.com to learn more about your coverage. It may take a few months to get in for some screenings, so get them scheduled early.
  5. Get vaccinated. Getting all your age-appropriate recommended vaccinations will help you avoid illness so you can focus on improving your health. Most vaccinations are covered through ALLtech with no out-of-pocket costs if you meet criteria. Some vaccinations, like the flu shot, are covered annually. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for help deciding which vaccinations you should get.
  6. Participate in a wellness program. The Regence Empower app is a wellness program available to ALLtech members, but you can use it even if you’re not part of an employer plan. The app can help you track your progress on things like sleep, stress, food and exercise. You can also use it to participate in health challenges and find links to podcasts and helpful health-related information. Download the Regence Empower flyer for more information.
  7. Familiarize yourself with all the care options covered by your health plan. Make sure you know when you should head to the emergency room versus an urgent care or your doctor’s office, versus the virtual care and telehealth options available with your ALLtech plan. Knowing the difference could save you time and money, and it’s better to figure it out now instead of when you’re sick.
  8. Consider nutrition counseling. Most Regence plans cover one-on-one nutrition counseling with a dietitian to help you improve your diet. The counseling can be especially helpful if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or renal kidney disease. Benefits vary by plan and can depend on applicable state or federal mandates. To learn what’s available for you, sign in to your account to chat online or call us at the number on the back of your member ID card.

Log in to your account at regence.com or call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about all your insurance coverage.

ALLtech Retains Top Fundraising Spot for Hike-a-Thon 2023!

This year’s Hike-a-Thon was all about breaking records, with a whopping $244,755.78 raised to support trails during the annual fundraiser that ALLtech was proud to sponsor and participate in.

For the third year in a row, the ALLtech team was also proud to be awarded for raising the most money for a company team! ALLtech has been supporting the annual fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association (WTA) since 2019, helping raise more than $20,000 under the leadership of ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer.

“We believe — and the science supports — that getting outdoors in nature is good for the body and the mind,” says Myer, who was recognized earlier this year in WTA Magazine for his advocacy and passion for trails.

In addition to breaking fundraising records in 2023, Hike-a-Thon also celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary during the monthlong event in August. You can read more about this year’s Hike-a-Thon in the WTA post 15,000+ miles and $244,000+ raised: a recap of our biggest Hike-a-Thon yet, which offers the following highlights:

  • Hike-a-Thoners registered: 635
  • Teams registered: 127
  • Miles hiked: 15,596 miles — that’s more miles than Mount Rainier is tall!
  • Elevation gained: 2,590,237 feet
  • Dollars raised for trails: $244,755.78 — a new Hike-a-Thon record!

Why ALLtech Supports Hike-a-Thon and Washington Trails Association

At ALLtech, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

To learn more, please watch our below video: Trails for Everyone, Forever.

Video: Get Out, Give Back with ALLtech Benefits at Hike-a-Thon

Each year in August, the team at ALLtech Benefits takes some time to get out and enjoy the outdoors, while also giving back to the amazing trail system in Washington state. For the fifth consecutive year, ALLtech is sponsoring and participating in Hike-a-Thon to support the Washington Trails Association (WTA), and we invite you to join our ALLtech fundraising team so together we can help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives participants the opportunity to hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington. Not interested in hiking? You can still show your support for trails by joining Hike-a-Thon and helping us spread the word.

Over the years, ALLtech has raised more than $20,000 to support WTA and our state’s trails, and the ALLtech team is the reigning top fundraiser for a company team. Committed to the health and wellness of our members and the greater community, ALLtech Benefits is looking for like-minded folks to join our Hike-a-Thon team, or maybe you want to form your own and challenge us for the title?

It’s easy to register for Hike-a-Thon, and it’s free! When you choose whether to register as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers, consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues – or you can join or donate to the ALLtech team at give.wta.org/alltech-hikes.

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphic

ALLtech Invites You to Join Us on the Trails for Hike-a-Thon!

The ALLtech team is gearing up to retain its spot as the top fundraiser for a company team in the annual Hike-a-Thon challenge to support the Washington Trails Association (WTA) this August! Committed to the health and wellness of our members and the greater community, ALLtech Benefits is once again sponsoring the annual fundraiser and participating as a team to help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

“We believe — and the science supports — that getting outdoors in nature is good for the body and the mind,” says ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer, who was recognized earlier this year in WTA Magazine for his advocacy and passion for trails. Under Myer’s leadership, ALLtech has raised more than $20,000 to support trails over the years, a number he is eager to watch grow throughout the August challenge.

ALLtech partners Delta Dental of Washington and AP Insurance & Benefit Solutions are not immune to Myer’s infectious support of Hike-a-Thon, with both also sponsoring the fundraiser this year for the third year in a row.

“Once again, AP is making a commitment that supports the well-being of our team and of the community as a whole,” said Keith VanderZanden, Executive Vice President and Practice Leader of AP Insurance & Benefit Solutions, the wholesale benefits division of Newfront.

How You Can Participate in Hike-a-Thon

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicHike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives hikers the opportunity to raise funds for Washington Trails Association. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

Registration is free and simple, with plenty of tips available via the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit. You will have the opportunity to choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team!

Why Support Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

Its robust website, wta.org, is the go-to source for Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure. But the wealth of resources expands well beyond recommending your next hike, including Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more.

WTA also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support WTA, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

Need Hiking Tips?

It’s never too early to start planning your Hike-a-Thon destinations, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started! Of course, the best place to turn to is wta.org, where you can use the Hiking Guide to find a hike based on region, length, user ratings and other features, or check out the site’s Trip Reports or recommendations based by season.

Keep an eye on our ALLtech News or Twitter feed for hiking tips and more in the weeks to come. We’ll see you on the trails!

Head Outdoors for Your Mental Health in May

Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition. During Mental Health Month this May, ALLtech Benefits encourages you to take advantage of the healing power of nature by heading outdoors.

Green Space Abounds

You don’t need a picture-perfect outdoor experience to get the benefits of nature. Even being in the presence of indoor plants is worthwhile – studies have found this to improve focus, memory and stress tolerance.

  • Take a walk in the park. While being in the wilderness is especially nice, even city parks, a small garden, or sitting under a tree can support your mental health.
  • Bring the outdoors in. Adding greenery to your space can have a similar effect to seeing plants outdoors – and some, like snake plants and bamboo palms, can purify your air.

Seek Natural Light

Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin and vitamin D, which are associated with boosting mood and focus and reducing stress. Without enough sun, these levels can drop, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Light exposure also has a direct impact on your body’s sleep-wake cycle, and consistent sleep is one of the most important factors in your well-being.

  • Enjoy the sunshine. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of sun on your arms and legs a few times a week allows your body to generate all the vitamin D you need.
  • Try a light box. Light therapy can help with symptoms of depression and sleep disorders. The bright light from a light box mimics natural sunlight, causing the brain to produce serotonin and regulate your internal clock.

More Wellness Resources

Dedicated to improving the wellness of the tech community, ALLtech’s diverse plan designs feature virtual care resources that are focused on mental health, including 24/7 virtual care through MDLIVE that includes confidential, convenient online therapy at $0 co-pay on most plans.

ALLtech also partners with Seattle-based nonprofit Wellspring EAP to offer an employee assistance plan (EAP) that includes one-on-one meetings with a counselor and an extensive online platform, featuring stress-reduction webinars and videos, legal and financial resources and more.

To learn more, fill out our Request a Quote form or call 206.602.3558. For more Mental Health Month resources, visit Mental Health America.

ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team Again Awarded a Top Fundraiser

For the second year in a row, the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon team was awarded for raising the most funds for a company team during the August 2022 Hike-a-Thon to support the Washington Trails Association (WTA).

“We are so proud of the ALLtech team for showing such strong support for the Washington Trails Association,” said ALLtech Hike-a-Thon team member Ken Myer, who is also the trustee of ALLtech Benefits. “Hike-a-Thon is always such a fun event and the work of the WTA aligns so closely with our mission. Our trail system is a treasure and getting out in nature is so good for our health.”

The coveted prize ALLtech team members are gearing up for is an invitation to join WTA Interim CEO Jaime Loucky on a hand-picked hike and learn insider information on WTA’s work for the next year. Read more about the prizes that were awarded to both individual participants and teams.

The ALLtech team was one of 70 registered for this year’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon, the second-largest ever. Click the above image or check out the corresponding WTA blog for a recap of winners and other notable numbers, including:

  • Hike-a-Thoners registered: 521
  • Miles hiked: 13,640 miles
  • Elevation gained: 2,347,847 feet
  • Dollars raised for trails: $212,113

Why ALLtech Supports Hike-a-Thon and Washington Trails Association

At ALLtech, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

In addition to participating as a team, ALLtech also was a sponsor of the 2022 Hike-a-Thon, along with partners Delta Dental of Washington and Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefit Solutions. To learn more, please watch our below video: Trails for Everyone, Forever.

Mount Shuksan

Close Out Hike-a-Thon 2022 with Stunning Views from Lake Ann

As the final weekend of Hike-a-Thon kicks off, ALLtech would like to give an early thank you to its amazing team and many donors who are all working together to help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

Since 2019, ALLtech has been participating in the annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser each August to support the Washington Trails Association and its belief that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health.

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicTogether with GeekWire — the exclusive partner for ALLtech’s unique employee benefits program — we are again hitting the trails all month long as the ALLtech team.

Among some of our more beloved hikes is the above video recommendation from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer to head to Lake Ann in the North Cascades.

“You’ll get an absolutely stunning view of Mount Shuksan,” Ken says about the 8.2-mile hike, which he also explains starts with a downgrade and ends with an upgrade.

For more specific directions and other tips, check out the Lake Ann hiking guide from the Washington Trails Association, where you can also view recent trip reports and more information to prepare for your hike.

Join or Donate to the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team

Even though Hike-a-Thon officially ends on August 31, you can join or donate anytime until then, and you have until September 7 to complete your mileage log. For more information or to register, visit the Hike-a-Thon website and check out their resources including the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit and FAQ.

More importantly, if you’re looking for a team to join or to donate to, please consider the ALLtech team!

Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on the trails!

Looking for Majestic Views on Your Next Hike? Head to Lake Ingalls

Whether you’re participating in Hike-a-Thon to support Washington Trails Association or are just looking for a beautiful escape to the mountains, consider the above video recommendation from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer.

“If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that we really do cherish the time we spend out on the trails and in nature,” he says. “It’s good for the heart – physically – and good for the soul.”

Ken, who is a proud member of the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon team, recommends Lake Ingalls in the Teanaway, a 9-mile hike described beautifully by Washington Trails Association (WTA): “The lake is a spectacular sky-blue and surrounded by rocks that fall in giant slabs into the water’s sandy floor. Ingalls Peaks reach high above the lake on the one side, while Mount Stuart stands majestically to its northeast. There are few places as lovely as this.”

Join or Donate to the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicAt ALLtech, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever. We hope you’ll consider joining the challenge or just be inspired to enjoy the amazing trail system that spans throughout the Pacific Northwest.

For more information or to register for Hike-a-Thon, visit the Hike-a-Thon website and check out their resources including the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit and FAQ.

More importantly, if you’re looking for a team to join or to donate to, please consider the ALLtech team!

Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on the trails!

Lake 22

Head to Lake 22 for the Start of Hike-a-Thon

Today launches the start of the Hike-a-Thon fundraiser to support the Washington Trails Association, and ALLtech is encouraging you to get involved or just get moving with the above hike recommendation for Lake 22 from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myers.

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphic“Lake 22 is one of my favorite hikes,” Ken says of the 5.4-mile trail that features old-growth forests despite being easily accessed in the North Cascades. You can learn more about the hike as you get to know the resources available through the Washington Trails Association, whose Hiking Guide includes descriptions of trails and user Trip Reports, including for Lake 22.

In addition to helping Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure, you can turn to the wta.org site for Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more. Washington Trails Association also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support Washington Trails Association, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

Which is why ALLtech is joining the fun for the fourth consecutive year, both as the ALLtech team and as a sponsor.

Connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and the ALLtech team believes that supporting Washington Trails Association through Hike-a-Thon will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

We hope you’ll consider joining us for the challenge if you haven’t already. It’s easy to register with plenty of resources including the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit and FAQ. And we’d gladly take you on the ALLtech team!

Keep an eye on the ALLtech Twitter feed for hiking tips and more in the weeks to come. We’ll see you on the trails!

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team to Help Support Trails for Everyone, Forever

ALLtech is once again taking its commitment to health and wellness to the trails by sponsoring the Hike-a-Thon fundraiser to support the Washington Trails Association. To make an even bigger impact, we are also inviting you to join our ALLtech fundraising team so together we can support the trails we love while hiking throughout August.

Connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and the ALLtech team and its partners – including fellow sponsors Delta Dental of Washington and Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefit Solutions – believe that supporting Washington Trails Association through Hike-a-Thon will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

How You Can Participate in Hike-a-Thon

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicHike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives hikers the opportunity to raise funds for Washington Trails Association. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

Registration is free and simple, with plenty of tips available via the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit. You will have the opportunity to choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team!

Why Support Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

Its robust website, wta.org, is the go-to source for Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure. But the wealth of resources expands well beyond recommending your next hike, including Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more.

Washington Trails Association also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support Washington Trails Association, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

Need Hiking Tips?

It’s never too early to start planning your Hike-a-Thon destinations, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started! Of course, the best place to turn to is the Washington Trails Association’s website, wta.org. Use the Hiking Guide to find a hike based on region, length, user ratings and other features, or check out the site’s Trip Reports or recommendations based by season.

Keep an eye on our ALLtech News or Twitter feed for hiking tips and more in the weeks to come. We’ll see you on the trails!