On Thursday, March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden directed states to make all adults, ages 18 and older, eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations by May 1. The directive came during Biden’s first prime-time address, one year after the COVID-19 pandemic began and hours after signing his administration’s $1.9 trillion relief bill into law. The president announced…
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a drastic toll on individuals’ health routines. Many people have postponed preventive care during the pandemic, waiting for a safer time to visit a doctor. That time may be coming soon, so employers should be ready for health claims to surge in 2021. This potential surge is evidenced by several…
For more than 70 years, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May. Mental health—how you think, feel and act—can change over time due to factors like workload, stress and work-life balance. Although the past year has been challenging, the mental burden of the pandemic has enabled more transparency and empathy around mental health….
Consuming too much of anything is bad for you, but alcohol is among the worst. Over-indulging in alcohol increases your risk for injuries, unhealthy weight, disease and even some types of cancer. That’s why it’s so important to practice responsible drinking habits. With this in mind, consider the following tips: Set a reasonable drinking limit…
Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause many negative health effects. “Excessive consumption” means more than two drinks per day for a man under 65 and more than one drink per day for a woman under 65. In the short-term, alcohol depresses the central nervous system, lowers inhibitions, impairs speech and reduces muscle coordination. In extreme…
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law March 11, 2021, provides a 100% subsidy of premiums for employer-sponsored group health insurance continued under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) and similar state continuation of coverage (mini-COBRA) programs. ARPA subsidies cover the full cost of COBRA or mini-COBRA premiums from April 1, 2021, through Sept….
President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law on March 11, 2021. Along with providing financial relief for individuals, state and local governments, schools, businesses and for other purposes, the law contains the following measures of special interest to employers and their employees: American Rescue Plan Contains Employment-related Provisions A subsidy…
The foods and beverages you consume have a significant impact on your health. Diet-related chronic diseases—such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer—are prevalent among Americans and pose a major public health problem. In fact, 60% of adults have one or more diet-related chronic diseases. Every five years, the U.S….
Crystal Neumann measures her success not only in the weight she has lost, but in the immense confidence and diligence she has gained. The American College of Education employee lost nearly 40 pounds, reduced her cholesterol levels, eliminated medications, transformed herself physically and mentally and has undeniably created a healthy path she refuses to let…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released interim COVID-19 vaccine considerations. Notably, the guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals who meet certain criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following exposure to someone with COVID-19. According to the CDC, vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19…