The TriCom Monthly, Vol. 6: Voluntary Benefits

Welcome to the sixth edition of TriCom’s monthly newsletter! Every month, we’ll highlight a type of supplemental insurance or benefit that we provide for both our internal staff and all our consultants. To participate in UV Safety Awareness Month, we’re putting the spotlight on our voluntary benefits.

UV Safety Awareness Month

Did you know Bob Marley died from melanoma under his toenail?

It’s only getting hotter outside, and UV indexes are increasing by the day. So it only makes sense that July is officially UV Safety Awareness Month. Because excessive UV exposure is the root cause of most skin cancers, like melanoma, being safe in the sun is paramount, especially in July and August when temperatures really start ramping up.

There’s another side of that coin, too. Protecting your eyes from high UV rays means having great vision in the long term. When the sun is high and bright, your skin and eyes are often at risk. Fortunately, TriCom gives you ways to help you take care of both.

What to Know about TriCom’s Voluntary Benefits

Through TriCom’s voluntary benefits, you have access to additional vision and critical illness coverage. Our vision insurance is offered through Mutual of Omaha, and the service provider is Eye Med. Critical illness coverage includes many things, such as skin cancer, so be sure to ask your employer what your specific options are.

Voluntary benefits can include a wide range of things, such as:

• Additional vision and dental insurance
• Critical illness coverage
• Disability insurance
• Accident insurance
• And more

Here at TriCom, you can make sure you’re taking care of your skin and vision by enrolling in our voluntary benefits program. Speak with your HR representative for further details about your particular options.

3 Key Steps for UV Safety

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can take these three steps to follow best practices regarding UV safety.

1. Seek shade when available: By staying out of the sun and in the shade, you can reduce your exposure to UV radiation by up to 95%, according to a 2024 study by the National Library of Medicine.
2. Wear sun-protective clothes: Donning clothes with high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can prevent melanoma and keep your exposure to UV radiation low. Dark or bright colors, unbleached cotton, and loose-fitting apparel are all conducive to a high UPF.
3. Wear sunscreen: A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can work wonders, blocking about 97% of UV rays. Be sure to apply at least two tablespoons or one ounce 30 minutes before going outside.

By implementing these precautionary measures and getting proper coverage (from the sun and through TriCom’s insurance), you’re already well on your way to UV safety! For more information, contact your HR representative, or contact us online now.