PROVIDENCE HEALTH COLUMN
by Barbara Christensen

Innotivative Program Boosts Emotional Health

The business of health care these days isn't just about providing services that improve patients' physical health; it's about catering to people's emotional and mental health as well.  Providence Health Plan is keenly aware of this challenge and recently unveiled an innovative benefit program available to all PHP members.

Called LifeBalance, the program gives members the opportunity to save money on a variety of cultural and recreational activities and services in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Such activities include professional instruction, merchandise, rental opportunities, fitness clubs, event tickets, art, music and hobbies.

Providence has obtained an exclusive agreement with Portland's Absolute Recreation Management to provide the new service.  LifeBalance is a value-added benefit, which is now part of member benefits at no added premium cost.   It allows our members to focus on wellness and preventive health by taking advantave of discounts and savings the program has to offer, and participating in member events planned by ARM.

Vicki Lewis, human resources director for Don Rasmussen Co. auto dealerships, commented how excited she was about the new program.   She wanted to make a point of creating displays to show her employees what the health plan was doing for them.

LifeBalance already is giving members the incentive to try new and varied activities.  Members can choose from 129 locations for discounts and savings, with new programs being added on a regular basis.

PHP members can go to the Oregon Ballet Theatre to receive $5 off each ticket and have all the ticket fees waived.  They can join RiverPlace Athletic Club and save up to 50 percent off the initiation fee at this site as well as 63 other Northwest fitness clubs.  PHP members can go to The Bike Gallery and save 10 percent on all accessories.  And if a member wants to learn to kayak, Ebb & Flow Paddlesports is providing 15 percent off all rental equipment and instruction.

A LifeBalance directory lists all participating vendors, and includes complete information on discounts and savings.  People also can check out the LifeBalance Web site for information:  www.LifeBalanceProgram.com.

It's easy for PHP members to take advantage of LifeBalance discounts and savings.  All they need to do is show their Providence Health Plan member identification card, along with a photo ID, at participating stores.

PHP members also have access to special member events, classes and activities that are planned throughout the year.  For example, members and their families can, at a lower cost, participate in the Western Days Railroad Excursion, an all-day train ride from Hood River to Mount Hood.

Other events and activities for the summer include Seattle Mariners games, white-water rafting trips, fly-fishing classes, kayaking classes and introductory sailing classes.  In the fall, ARM will offer concert nights and special play performances.

This is just the beginning of what LifeBalance will provide PHP members.  We hope the program will encourage our members to experience and stay involved in new and rewarding activities in their communities.

Staying active and involved will help people live happy, healthy and balanced lives.

Barbara Christensen is the regional director of sales and marketing for Providence Health Plans. 

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