Welfare Notes - January 2005

Protect Yourself from Overexposure to the Sun
The World Health Organization warns us of the dangers of overexposure to sunlight. Overexposure to sunlight is often found to be an underlying cause for harmful effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system. 

Studies show that the risk of malignant melanoma is linked to genetic and personal characteristics and person’s UV exposure behavior. While cataracts appear to different degrees in most people as they age, sun exposure appears to be a major factor for cataract development. There is also increasing evidence that the defenses of the immune system may be affected by UV radiation exposure.

Corrective steps can be taken to help limit the risks and in some cases prevent harmful effects of overexposure to the sunlight. 

Wearing a hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and back of the neck. Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UV-A and UV-B protection will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. Tightly woven, loose fitting clothes will provide additional protection from the sun.  Using sunscreen of SPF 15+ and reapplying it every two hours will also help.

Health & Welfare Reimbursements
Pensioners who pay health premiums in advance will be reimbursed under the Annual Pensioners Allowance a maximum of three months (quarterly) at a time.

Addresses and Phone Numbers
We have recently heard from some pensioners of mail being returned to them indicating a wrong address for the SUP Welfare Plan. The current address for the SUP Welfare Plan is still 450 Harrison Street, Room 202, San Francisco, CA 94105. Please be sure to let us know of any problems you may have and also keep us informed of changes in your address, work status, and dependent changes. The SUP Welfare Plan’s phone numbers are 415-778-5490 and 800-796-8003. 

Phone numbers for the Pension and Supplemental Office changed several years ago, but some calls are still being made to the old numbers. The phone number for pension information is 415-437-6889. The phone number for supplemental benefit information is 415-437-6870.

SUP Welfare Plan Staff
Michelle Chang, Administrator
Steve Messenger, Training Representative
Patty Martin
Brian Farmer
Virginia Briggs
Michael Jacyna

450 Harrison Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
E-mail: supwelfarerep@hotmail.com