Greetings AFSPA Family,

Let’s ring in May with healthy minds and some exciting new developments here at AFSPA! From Mental Health Month to the launch of our new podcast, I am happy to share what is in store for the next few weeks.

Mental Health Month 

May is Mental Health Month. The annual movement aims to fight the stigma and educate the public about mental illness, as well as advocate for policies to support those who it affects.

The past year took a significant toll on the mental health of many of us. In fact, FSBP’s Behavioral Health costs increased almost 25 percent, with the largest increase (83 percent) being attributed to Adjustment Disorder. Adjustment Disorder is an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful life event that results in feeling sad or hopeless – a perfect description of what many of us experienced or continue to experience as we adjust to this “new normal.”

In response, AFSPA continues to promote its Mental Wellness Leads to Better Physical Health theme, And I’d like to remind you that FSBP offers several programs to help meet our members’ individual mental health needs. Read more about these programs on our website.

Hinge Health for Musculoskeletal Conditions

The prevalence of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions continues to rise during the pandemic. This is a result of many of us being less active while home – especially those of us working while seated in front of a computer. Twenty-six percent of our membership is suffering from back pain, neck pain or joint disorders. In fact, lower back pain ranks #3 for both our one-on-one support and digital support programs.

We are pleased to add to that roster by partnering with Hinge Health. This offers no-cost virtual exercise and physical therapy instruction under our pain Management Program. Hinge Health is available to FSBP members and dependents 18 years and older within the U.S. (Medicare Part B enrollees are not eligible).  In addition, the program is working through local licensing regulations in many foreign countries in hopes of an international rollout in the future.  If you have questions or to see if you qualify for this program, call Hinge Health at (855) 902-2777 or visit hingehealth.com/fsbpnopain.

Foreign Service Cup Recipient

I would like to congratulate our longstanding AFSPA Chairman and SLF Board of Directors member Thomas M. Tracy, for being the recipient of the 2020 Foreign Service Cup, presented by DACOR, an Organization of Foreign Service Professionals. This prestigious award, which honors foreign-service retirees who have made significant contributions to the field, will be  presented to Mr. Tracy at Foreign Affairs Day on Friday, May 7. This annual event is being  held virtually this year due to COVID-19, but you can request to watch it by sending an email to ForeignAffairsDay@state.gov.

New AFSPA Podcast

We are thrilled to announce we will be launching a podcast station on May 10. Chief Operating Officer Kyle Longton will be leading discussions about health and wellness topics and sharing important information that benefits our members. Stay tuned to our social media channels over the next few days for special previews about this exciting new project.

National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week is May 9 through 15. The federal government’s Office on Women’s Health created National Women’s Health Week to motivate women and girls to prioritize their health.

This is a great time to take advantage of FSBP’s cervical and breast cancer screening wellness incentives; you can earn a $25 wellness reward for completing each screening. Find more information on the FSBP Wellness Programs and Incentives webpage.

While I’m on the subject of Women’s Health and May events, I would like to wish all the mothers and mother figures a Happy Mother’s Day on May 9th. Your efforts, care and love do not go unnoticed. Be sure to take time for yourselves to invest in your health. Also remember that the AFSPA family is always here to help you do just that.

To Your Health,

Paula S. Jakub, RHU
CEO, AFSPA
Executive Director, Senior Living Foundation