The new three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) number 988 will launch on July 16. Similar to dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis will be able to call or text 988 and be connected immediately to trained counselors who will listen, provide support and connect people to resources if…
Monkeypox is making headlines and alerting health experts as cases appear in the United States. So, what is it? Monkeypox, a viral disease passed to animals and humans, is very rare in the United States. It’s usually found in Central and West Africa. As monkeypox cases rise in Europe and the United States, health authorities…
Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases a report ranking pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the FDA. This report is designed to help consumers make healthy and informed choices and reduce their exposure to toxic pesticides. The report includes a list…
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is not only important for maintaining a healthy weight and one’s general health but can also help prevent chronic diseases and conditions like the following: Cardiovascular Disease Heart disease is the world’s leading killer. All fruits and vegetables are good choices for the prevention of heart disease…
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). Issuers and plan sponsors are generally required to pay the PCORI fees annually by July 31 of…
The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released new resources on workers’ rights to leave for mental health conditions under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In a press release, the DOL said it published the new guidance in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Highlights Mental…
On April 28, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) filed its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2023. This final rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that apply for the 2023 benefit year. Finalized standards in the rule include: Updated annual limitations on cost…
The U.S. government announced on May 16 that it has obtained the funding for another round of free COVID-19 tests for U.S. households. This is the third round of free at-home tests to become available from the federal government. The first round of free tests, which were delivered in January and February, brought four free…
To address the infant formula shortage amid medical device and health care company Abbott Nutrition’s voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas, the Biden administration is working to ensure that formula is safe and available for families across the country. President Biden spoke with several retailers and manufacturers—including Walmart, Target, Reckitt and Gerber—to discuss ways…
Chronic conditions are health conditions that require ongoing management over an extended period of time. Some have very few symptoms, while others severely limit a person’s ability to perform everyday routine tasks. Regardless, chronic conditions may deeply affect those who suffer from them. Many chronic conditions affect the workforce today, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and…