Author Archive

FMLA

2026 September, Benefit Spotlight August 26, 2026

In 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law. This act protects your right to take leave from work when dealing with your own or a family members’ serious health condition. Eligibility for the FMLA is determined by a couple criteria:

  • Private vs. Public Sector: If you are a private sector worker or, in other words, you don’t work for the government, you would qualify for FMLA if your workplace has 50 or more employees that have worked at least 20 work weeks. You must also work at a location that has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. Public sector workers, or government employees, qualify regardless of employee count. Similarly, educational workplaces, which include public school boards and elementary, middle, and high schools (both private and public), also qualify for FMLA even if there are less than 50 employees.
  • Tenure: In order to qualify for FMLA, you must have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours at your workplace. The 12 months do not need to be consecutive, but paid time off, sick leave, and previous FMLA leave do not count towards the hour quota.

Due to the 50/75 rule, or the fact that your location must have at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius, you may be ineligible for FMLA if you work at a remote, satellite office. An estimated 40% of the American workforce are not eligible for FMLA due to working for a small employer, not meeting the month or hour requirement, or working at remote office.

Qualifying for the FMLA results in several protections:

  • Keeping Your Job: If you take FMLA leave, then you are assured your original job or an “equivalent” position. If you are given a different position following FMLA leave, then the new job must have identical pay, benefits, skill requirements, and working conditions to your previous position.
  • Continuing Health Benefits: During FMLA leave, your employer is required to maintain your health insurance coverage. The benefits should be the same ones you receive while working, so your employer will continue to pay its share of the premium, and you pay what’s left.
  • Reinstating Other Benefits: Once you return to work, your other benefits, such as life and disability insurance, sick leave, and vacation time will be restored to the level they were at before you took FMLA leave.

If you are eligible under the FMLA, you may take FMLA leave in the following situations:

  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, or Adoption: You are entitled leave for the birth of your child, plus time to bond with your newborn. Bonding leave can be taken by both parents and must occur within 12 months of the birth. Complications of pregnancy, including severe morning sickness, doctor-ordered bed rest, and routine appointments also qualify under the FMLA. You may also take FMLA leave when placing children into foster care or adoption, but the leave must occur within 1 year of placement.
  • Family Member’s Health: If a family member is experiencing a serious health condition, you may take up to 12 weeks of leave to care for your spouse, child, or parent. Your child, regardless of whether they are biological, adopted, or foster children, are covered by the FMLA’s definition of “child.” However, they must be under the age of 18. For adult children, the FMLA only applies to those who cannot care for themselves due to a disability. Siblings, grandparents, and in-laws are not considered qualifying family members.

Your Own Health: If you are experiencing a serious health condition that makes you unable to continue working, you may take FMLA leave. Inpatient care, which includes overnight hospital stays, recovery, and follow-up appointments are covered by the FMLA. Continuing treatment for on-going health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, severe stroke, or terminal illness are also covered by FMLA. Common colds, minor health issues, or routine physicals do qualify for FMLA leave. The condition must impair your ability to do your job and require meaningful medical treatment to qualify.

FMLA leave does not need to be taken in a single block. You can take intermittent leave or reduce your working hours in certain situations.

Your health and the health of your family should always be your priority in an emergency. Utilizing FMLA leave allows you to focus completely on recovery, without having to worry about job security or health insurance.

Student Loan Starter Guide

2026 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 26, 2026

For many students and families, the college acceptance letter is quickly followed by another important question: “How are we going to pay for this?” With tuition costs continuing to rise, student loans have become a reality for millions of Americans. But not all student loans work the same way, and understanding the differences before borrowing can help students make smarter financial decisions from the start. From FAFSA applications to federal and private loan options, knowing the basics can make the process feel far less overwhelming.

FAFSA: The First Step to Financial Aid

Before students consider any type of loan, completing the FAFSA should be at the top of the list. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. Many colleges also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for school-specific aid.

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans: What’s the Difference?

Once FAFSA is completed, students may be offered federal student loans as part of their financial aid package. The two most common federal loan types are subsidized and unsubsidized loans. At first glance, they may seem nearly identical, but one major difference can impact the total cost of borrowing over time.

  • Subsidized Loans: Subsidized federal loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The key advantage is that the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time, during certain grace periods, and during approved deferment periods. Because interest does not accumulate during those times, subsidized loans are often considered one of the more affordable borrowing options for students. However, there are annual and lifetime borrowing limits, and not every student will qualify based on financial need.
  • Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized federal loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and are not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, interest begins accruing as soon as the funds are disbursed. Students can choose to make interest payments while in school or allow the interest to accumulate until repayment begins. Although unsubsidized loans may still offer benefits like fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options, the growing interest can increase the overall loan balance over time.

Understanding this distinction is important because even a small amount of accumulated interest can significantly affect the total amount repaid after graduation.

Direct PLUS Loans: An Option for Families

For families who still need additional financial assistance after scholarships, grants, and federal student loans are applied, Direct PLUS Loans may help bridge the gap.

Direct PLUS Loans are federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Unlike traditional federal student loans that are borrowed by the student, these loans are taken out by the parent and remain the parent’s responsibility to repay.

One advantage of Direct PLUS Loans is that they can help cover education expenses not fully paid for through other financial aid. This may include tuition, housing, meal plans, transportation, or other school-related costs.

To qualify, parents must complete the FAFSA and pass a basic credit check. While financial need is not required, borrowers with certain adverse credit histories may need an endorser or may have to meet additional requirements.

Direct PLUS Loans typically allow families to borrow up to the school’s full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. Because of this flexibility, they can be appealing to families facing larger college expenses. However, families should still carefully evaluate how much they borrow. Interest begins accruing once the loan is disbursed, and because the loan belongs to the parent, repayment can impact long-term financial goals such as retirement savings or other household expenses.

For some families, Direct PLUS Loans can provide valuable support when used strategically. The key is understanding the long-term commitment and making borrowing decisions that align with overall financial goals.

The average public university student borrows $31,960 to attain a bachelor’s degree.

Private Student Loans: Filling the Gap

Sometimes federal aid and scholarships aren’t enough to cover the full cost of attendance. That’s where private student loans may come into play.

Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders rather than the federal government. These loans can help cover remaining education expenses such as tuition, housing, meal plans, books, and other college-related costs.

Unlike federal loans, private loans typically rely heavily on credit history and income. Because many students have limited credit, a parent or cosigner is often required to qualify for better rates.

Private loan terms can vary widely between lenders. Interest rates may be fixed or variable, and repayment benefits may differ depending on the lender. Some private loans also offer fewer borrower protections compared to federal loans. For that reason, financial experts often recommend exhausting federal aid options first before turning to private borrowing.

Students and families should carefully compare lenders, interest rates, repayment terms, and fees before committing to a private loan.

Borrowing Smart Starts Early

Student loans can help make higher education more accessible, but understanding how different loan options work is essential before signing on the dotted line.

Completing FAFSA early, understanding the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and carefully evaluating private loan options can help students make more informed financial choices throughout their college journey.

The goal isn’t simply to borrow money for school — it’s to borrow wisely. A little research upfront can help students avoid unnecessary stress later and create a stronger financial foundation for the future.

Saving for a Rainy Day

2026 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 26, 2026

Rain or shine, sometimes things just go awry. Maybe your decades old computer has finally stopped working, or rattling noise in your car has turned out to be a $500 repair. The cost of these problems may be sudden, but they’re not completely out of the blue. Rainy day funds exist to cover these types of expected expenses that aren’t included in your normal monthly budget.

Rainy day funds are separate from emergency funds in a couple different ways. An emergency fund typically contains 3 – 6 months of living expenses for large, unexpected financial events, like job loss or major medical procedures. Rainy day funds, on the other hand, range from only $500 – $5,000, depending on the size of your family. They’re designed to act as a financial buffer to keep you from spiraling into debt over a one-off expense, like vet bills, trips to the dentist, or home repairs. Rainy day funds allow you to pay in cash, rather than putting the expense on a credit card. This saves you from potentially incurring interest fees or having to take out a loan. They also work to keep your emergency funds intact, so you’re prepared for an actual emergency when one arises.

To begin your own rainy day fund, start by taking small $10-$20 pieces from your monthly paycheck and setting them aside in an easily accessible account. Or, if you’re interested in growing your rainy day funds faster, try placing tax refunds, inheritance, or other lump-sum bonuses into the account. When it comes to choosing an account, a good option might be a high-yield savings account. High-yield savings accounts are “liquid” — that is, the money is easily accessible, and you can transfer your rainy day funds to checking whenever you need to use the funds. They also offer higher interest than traditional accounts, so your funds will grow naturally on their own. Other types of accounts, like certificates of deposit (CD), may offer higher interest rates, but the funds cannot be withdrawn without penalty for a set amount of time — from a few months to several years. It’s best to avoid placing your rainy day funds in stocks, since the value can fluctuate and the money won’t be readily available. It’s important that your rainy day funds are as stable as possible. Another thing you may want to consider for your rainy day funds account is whether or not it offers debit cards, online transfers, or checks. The key to a rainy day fund is its accessibility, so choose an account that works best for you. You will also want to double-check withdrawal limits and fees, which could result in additional costs. Since the rainy day funds are relatively small in comparison to your emergency funds, every little fee counts.

Rainy day funds keep you from worrying about minor expenses, so that you can focus on your larger financial goals.

Once you meet your goal for your rainy day funds, you can safely leave it alone until the funds are needed. Since the goal of rainy funds is being a financial buffer, you don’t need to keep funneling money into the account. Instead, put the excess funds towards your emergency funds or pay off debt. Rainy day funds are your “break glass in case of fire” money, while the actual fire extinguisher is your emergency funds. You want to invest your resources in a good fire extinguisher, rather than a pane of glass.

If you need to dip into your rainy day funds, it’s important to replenish the money as soon as possible. You may need to hold off on non-essential purchases, like fast food or subscription services, until you have built your rainy day funds back up. While it may be annoying, you never know when another rainy day will strike.

Struggling to Sleep?

2026 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 26, 2026

Having trouble sleeping? You’re not the only one. Studies show that more than half of American adults struggle with at least some form of insomnia, ranging from only a couple days to several years at a time.

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of reasons, including stress, traveling across multiple time zones, or drinking caffeine too close to bedtime. But some lesser-known reasons are eating too late in the evening and taking medications that impact sleep cycles. Your body needs time to digest food and eating a large meal can throw off your natural circadian rhythm — that is, your body’s internal clock that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Medications for allergies, asthma, diabetes, and anxiety may cause REM sleep disorder (RBD), in which you physically act out your dream through speaking or moving. Both late-night meals and RBD-causing medications can negatively affect your length and quality of sleep.

As you age, certain life changes may mean that you experience insomnia more often. Your circadian rhythm naturally weakens, meaning you get tired earlier in the evening, and wake up earlier in the morning. Ongoing health issues can also disrupt sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, which become more common with age.

Close up hand scrolling on a digital tablet at night

Regardless of the reason you’re experiencing insomnia, there are a few methods you can use to help fall asleep faster:

Slow, deep breathing can help your body relax, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm that helps you fall asleep. The easiest way to do this is through diaphragmatic breathing, which utilizes your diaphragm to breathe more deeply than you can with just your lungs. The diaphragm is located at the top of your stomach, just below your rib cage. You can breathe deeply with your diaphragm by simply following these instructions:

  • Place one hand on your chest and one hand at the top of your stomach, just below your rib cage.
  • Inhale slowly, directing your breath down into your stomach. This should cause the hand on your stomach to rise, while the hand on your chest should barely move at all.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles and exhale
  • Repeat

Since most people do not utilize their diaphragm when breathing, this method may take some practice.

Another method that expands on diaphragmatic breathing is the “military method,” which comes from Olympic sprint coach Lloyd Bud Winter’s book, “Relax and Win: Championship Performance.” The method was developed during World War II as a way for Navy pilots to fall asleep in any situation in just under 2 minutes. The steps are as follows:

  • Close your eyes and begin to breathe deeply.
  • Begin relaxing your body. Starting with your face, focus on each individual muscle, breathe deeply, and let go of any tension in the area. Continue all the way down through your body.
  • Clear your mind by focusing on an image of something calming, like a beach or a hammock under a sunny sky. If you have trouble visualizing, repeating phrases like “don’t think” or “be calm” also work.

While there’s very little evidence to prove that the “military method” works as quickly and accurately as its promoted, it does utilize well-documented relaxation techniques. As mentioned above, deep breaths have a relaxing effect on the mind. But relaxing individual muscles and visualizing calming scenarios have also been shown to help you fall asleep faster. So, while you may not fall asleep in only 2 minutes, the technique still works to combat insomnia.

Your phone’s blue light messes with your melatonin levels, making your body think it’s daytime, even when it’s night. Leave at least 1 hour before bed to be completely phone-free.

If a meditation-like approach to falling asleep isn’t your thing, another option is word games. Luc Beaudoin, an adjunct professor at the Simon Fraser University in Canada, developed a technique referred to as “cognitive shuffling” that quiets the mind and helps you fall asleep:

  • Think of a neutral word with five or more letters, such as treat.
  • Take the first letter of your chosen word and imagine as many objects as you can that begin with that letter. In our case: tree, town, or telephone. Every time you think of a word, visualize that object in your mind.
  • When you run out of words, move on to the second letter in your chosen word.

The technique works because it mimics the random thought patterns your brain naturally produces as you fall asleep, as well as helping to distract your brain from ruminating on stressful things in your waking life.

While insomnia is incredibly common, persistent or chronic insomnia may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If lack of sleep is negatively impacting your quality of life, talk to your doctor.

One Man’s Recycling Is Another Man’s Treasure

2026 May, Lifestyle and Wellness April 28, 2026

According to a 2025 study conducted by WM Recycling Report, 77% of Americans report that they recycle. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows a different story. Only 32.1% of discarded material is actually recycled. An article from California Management Review may point to the answer: most people just aren’t sure what is or isn’t recyclable. While policies may change depending on your state, here’s a list of items you might not have known are recyclable:

  • Mattress: A lot of mattress components can be reused in different products. The foam and cloth can live a second life as insulation and carpet padding, the springs can be repurposed as car parts or building materials, and the wood frames can be turned into shipping pallets or mulch. Earth 911 can help you locate a recycling center near you that will take your old mattresses. For those who live in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Oregon, the government-backed Bye Bye Mattress program streamlines the process.
  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: If you have a Crest or Oral-B toothbrush, you can participate in their Recycle On Us They accept used plastic toothbrushes, toothbrush head refills, toothpaste tubes, mouthwash containers, floss containers, and floss picks. You can request a free shipping label from their website, and your old toothbrushes will be recycled into a multitude of products, including park benches and clothes. Colgate offers a similar recycling program and accepts all brands of toothbrushes or empty oral care packaging. You can find your local drop-off location through their site.
  • Carpet: Carpet is often made with synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, which break down over time and leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Most local municipality recycling centers will take carpet, but if you’re installing new flooring, ask whether the retailer will take your old carpet. Several companies, such as Antron and J + J Flooring, have reclamation programs to ensure that used carpet doesn’t end up in a landfill.
  • Car Batteries: Car batteries contain lead and acid, which can cause water and soil pollution, as well as long-term health issues. You can recycle car batteries through municipality recycling centers, but metal recycling centers and car parts shops like the AutoZone will pay you to take the car batteries off your hands.
  • Nike Shoes: Nike offers their Recycling + Donation program, which allows you to drop off your old Nike shoes or apparel at any Nike store. The shoes are then recycled or donated to those in need.
  • Packing Peanuts and Styrofoam Cups: Polystyrene, the material used in packing peanut and Styrofoam cups, breaks down into small pieces over time, which are harmful for wildlife. Polystyrene cannot be recycled at a local recycling center and must be sent to a centralized plant. The Dart Container Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of foam cups and containers, accepts the return of Dart brand polystyrene products (as well as Dart paper and plastic items). These are melted down and turned into polystyrene pellets, which can be used to make more polystyrene items.
  • HP Ink Cartridges: Similar to Nike’s recycling program, HP allows you to drop off your old HP or Samsung ink cartridges at Staples, Best Buy, Office Depot/Max, or Walmart for recycling. Their website also offers free shipping labels, boxes, and envelopes if you prefer to mail back your cartridges, as well as the option to schedule a pickup if you have more than 1,000 ink cartridges.
  • Batteries: Any batteries labelled with the word “lithium” (lithium single-use or some coin-shaped batteries) should never be put in the trash. Lithium batteries can cause fires and must be properly dealt with by a recycling company. Many local districts hold collection events for batteries and some battery manufacturers, including The Battery Network and Ridwell have mail-in programs. Some Home Depot locations have The Battery Network bins for collection in store.

Recycling provides many benefits to our environment, but did you know it also benefits our economy as well? In a single year, recycling accounted for 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages, and $5.5 billion in tax revenues.

Many companies offer easy (and free) ways to recycle your old items. With just a little effort, you can help reduce landfill waste, protect wildlife, and support the health of our environment.

Brain Healthy Snacks

2026 May, Lifestyle and Wellness April 28, 2026

We’ve all been there: it’s been hours since lunch, dinner still feels ages away, and your stomach is protesting at maximum volume. It’s easy to reach for bags of chips, handfuls of candy, or cans of diet soda, but they certainly don’t offer a lot of health benefits. Instead, why not swap out junk food for something much better for your brain? So-called brain foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B, D C, E, A, choline, iron, and iodine, all of which work together to improve your memory, mood, and concentration.

First on the list are nuts. These superfoods are easy to keep handy, don’t need to be refrigerated, and come in a variety of different flavors. Plus, each variety of nut comes with its own unique set of health benefits.

  • Almonds: Almonds are high in protein and fiber, which helps make you feel fuller faster. They’re also a great source of important nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin E. Almonds have been shown to lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar control, and promote healthy gut bacteria. A healthy serving size is about 23 almonds, or a ¼ cup.
  • Walnuts: Studies have shown that walnuts can improve cognitive function, while reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. They are rich in nutrients vital to brain health, including alpha-lipoic acid, folate, and vitamin E. A healthy serving size is 1-2 ounces a day.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: These tiny seeds have a mighty impact on our brain health. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc and magnesium, both of which are crucial for cognitive health. They also contain amino acids that lead to the creation of serotonin and dopamine, helping to regulate our moods, aid in memory formation, and support our overall cognitive function.

Next, let’s look at fruits. While they have a shorter shelf-life than nuts do, fruits are a wonderful way to incorporate a little bit of sweetness into your day. They also offer a wide variety of health benefits for both you and your brain.

  • Berries: Berries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in protecting your cells from developing diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. They also contain athocyanins, which aid in memory formation and learning. Blueberries have been shown to lower blood pressure, speed up reaction time, and improve memory.
  • Citrus: Oranges and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, an important nutrient for brain functioning. Studies have shown that it’s important to maintain levels of vitamin C to prevent age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. Plus, their sharp flavor is a great way to “wake up” throughout the day.

Still craving something sweet? Dark chocolate also offers a variety of health benefits. The nutrients inside dark chocolate are great for improving concentration and alertness. Eating about ¼ of a standard bar can help you maintain your focus on mentally demanding tasks for about an hour.

While they’re not exactly snacks, coffee and tea are another great way to supplement your healthy snacks and get your brain (and body) the nutrients they need!

  • Coffee: Coffee is a great way to improve your mood, wellbeing, concentration, and alertness. In fact, lifelong coffee consumption has been linked to the prevention of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of stroke. The maximum recommended limit for cups of coffee is 5 cups a day, or about 400 mg of caffeine.
  • Green Tea: Green tea is known for its variety of health benefits. It’s a good source of important amino acids, including L-theanine and catechins, which are both known to protect your brain health. Frequent drinkers of green tea have also been shown to be at a 64% lower risk of cognitive impairment.

While most fitness and wellbeing blogs focus on exercise and eating well for our bodies, it’s easy to forget about keeping our brains healthy. By making the small step of trading potato chips for blueberries, you can support your brain’s health, improve your mood and memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive disorders today!

More Than Just an Annoying Itch?

2026 May, Lifestyle and Wellness April 28, 2026

Most people consider mosquito-borne illness a problem for long distance travelers journeying to faraway jungles or swamps. And for the most part, this is true.

Yellow fever and malaria have been virtually eliminated from the United States due to vaccines and medication, and the Zika virus hasn’t been documented in the United States since 2019. However, there are some mosquito-borne illnesses that cause hundreds of cases per year in the United States: Chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile virus.

But the possibility of contracting mosquito-borne illness shouldn’t scare you into staying inside all summer. There are over 3,500 different types of mosquitoes on Earth and only a handful of them actually transit diseases. Even rarer, the mosquito has to drink from an animal or human carrying a very specific type of germ that can not only survive within the body of the mosquito, but multiply. The germ is then spread through the blood of the next animal or human it feeds from.

Even if you’re unlucky enough to get bitten by a mosquito carrying the mosquito-borne illness found in the United States, the symptoms are fortunately, for the most part, fairly mild. Most people who contract Zika, Dengue, or West Nile have no symptoms at all. For those infected with Chikungunya, however, most will develop symptoms. Chikungunya causes severe muscle and joint pain, which can continue for months after the infected person begins to feel better.

So, how can we stay safe from mosquito-borne illness this summer season? There are a few ways to lower your chances of getting bitten:

Ever notice how some people seem to get bitten by mosquitoes more than others? It may have to do with blood type. Studies show that mosquitoes prefer type O blood.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we still get the occasional, annoying mosquito bite. There are plenty of at-home remedies to help you deal with the itchiness and ensure the bites heal quickly.

  • Oatmeal: Oatmeal has anti-irritant properties that are perfect for dealing with pesky mosquito bites. Simply make oatmeal paste from equal parts oatmeal and water and apply it to the bite for 10 minutes before washing it off.
  • Rubbing Alcohol: This common household item soothes the site of your mosquito bite by removing the protein that causes your immune system to react with itchiness and swelling. Alcohol wipes offer the same relief and can be used on-the-go.
  • Ice: Apply an ice pack or a cold rag to the mosquito bite and keep it there for 5-10 minutes. Ice tends to give more temporary relief since, unlike rubbing alcohol, it doesn’t stop your immune system’s reaction. However, it does work in a pinch.
  • Antihistamines: Like rubbing alcohol, allergy medication like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Benadryl block your immune system’s reaction to the bite, helping you find relief from the itchy feeling.

Prescription Drug Programs

2026 May, Benefit Spotlight April 28, 2026

Prescription costs can vary widely, even for the same medication, which is why many people look beyond their insurance plan for additional savings.

Prescription discount programs have become a popular option for comparing prices and lowering out-of-pocket costs, especially for generic medications. While these programs can sometimes offer significant savings, it is important to understand how they work, when they may be more cost-effective than using insurance, and how choosing a discount option could affect your overall healthcare spending.

How do prescription discount programs work? These discounts can’t be combined with your benefit plan’s coverage, so make sure to check the price against the cost of using your insurance’s prescription drug benefit. Something else to consider: If you choose to use a discount card and are therefore not tapping into your insurance’s prescription drug benefit, the cash amount you pay for the prescription may not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum under the benefit plan.

Prescription discount cards were used in 5.4% of all prescription transactions in 2021, up from 3.3% in 2017. Industry forecasts project market value will reach $2.9 million by 2030.

GoodRx is a web- and app-based platform that allows you to search for prescription drug coupons and compare pharmacy prices. The company claims a savings of up to 80% on generics.

Optum Perks also provides coupons for medications and a searchable database for drug cost comparison at participating pharmacies near you. The Optum Perks member card, which can be used at more than 64,000 pharmacies, is free to use and requires no personal data.

Amazon Prime Rx Savings is a discount card, which is included with an Amazon Prime membership and is administered by Inside Rx. It provides discounts of up to 80% for generics and up to 40% for brand-name medication at participating pharmacies. Cost Plus Drug Company is a web-based pharmacy that claims to keep costs low by buying directly from the manufacturer. It currently only offers a certain selection of medications and accepts a handful of prescription insurance providers, but it may be worth checking the price difference between Cost Plus and your regular pharmacy.

As prescription prices continue to vary across pharmacies and providers, using discount tools alongside your health plan can help you make more informed financial decisions. Evaluating both your insurance benefit and available discount options ensures you choose the most cost-effective solution for your medication needs.

Paid Time Off

2026 January, Benefit Spotlight December 30, 2025

Taking breaks off work is vital to our health and wellbeing. But with countless activities to do and several different months to choose from, how do we know we’re utilizing our Paid Time Off (PTO) to its fullest? There’s a couple things to consider:

Timing

You might be tempted to take your PTO around federal holidays to lengthen your vacation time. In the case of Labor Day or the winter holidays, this could turn just a couple well-placed PTO days into a 9 – 10 day break! But does a longer time off work mean more health benefits? Well, not entirely. Research shows that wellness benefits peak at 8 days, so there’s not much advantage to taking 2 – 4 weeks of vacation, at least in the way of positive health impact. Instead, you would be better off taking several short vacations throughout the year, whenever you start to feel burnt out. That way you relax and refresh more consistently, maintaining higher levels of health and wellness compared to those who take a single, long vacation.

Activities

What you do during vacation is just as important as the length of your break. Unsurprisingly, engaging in work-related activities during vacation does nothing to improve your health and wellness. In fact, it means you won’t see any vacation-powered health benefits, even if you take 8 days off. So, turn off your email notifications, silence all incoming calls, and shut down your laptop. Focus entirely on your time off!

Instead, you could go for a ski trip with your family, take a solo trip overseas, or even have a staycation in your own house. Go on a trip or stay inside, it doesn’t really matter where you spend your PTO. While travel may help you mentally distance from work, there’s not a huge benefit difference between either choice.

Both physical and social activities give you a huge mental energy boost, so choose whichever you prefer. Some ideas include:

  • Camping – The outdoors is a perfect place to reset! But if finding somewhere to pitch a tent is too difficult or costly for you, why not set up camp in your own backyard? You can roast marshmallows (or microwave them, if you’re at home), hunt for fireflies, or look up at the stars!
  • Family Game Night – Settle in for a night of fun with your loved ones! Want a fast-paced, easy-to-pick-up game? Try Uno! Want something a little more tactical? Catan requires a little more set-up but is equally engaging. Puzzles are also great for all ages!
  • A Trip to the Library – Reading is a wonderful (and free) way to spend your PTO, but libraries offer much more than just books! You can also rent movies, participate in craft classes or book clubs, borrow games and toys, and even just bask in the library’s sweet silence.
  • Visiting Another City – Whether it’s a road-trip or a plane ride to a different country, travel is a great way to shake things up. Bring along your friends or family for added fun, or go adventuring out on your own. Either way, you’ll get to escape from all the boring parts of daily life, like vacuuming the house or doing the dishes.

But if none of these ideas appeal to you, research suggests that doing nothing at all is the best way to spend your time off. Compared to social and physical activity, doing nothing has the longest lasting health and wellness benefits, keeping your moods high even after you return to work. So, if you just spend your PTO lazing around the house, don’t feel bad! You’re just maximizing your vacation benefits.

Your brain is like a battery, and it doesn’t work if it’s out of juice. Taking your PTO is an excellent way to relax, refresh, and recharge. Don’t wait until December to use it all in one go, either! Be proactive about your health by sprinkling some vacation days throughout the year. Your mind and body will thank you in the long run!

Give the Gift of Health This Holiday Season!

2026 January, Lifestyle and Wellness December 30, 2025

It’s that time of year again: snowfall, chilly weather, and … sneezes. While the holiday season brings us inside to gather around the fireplace with family and friends, it means an increase in flu cases across the country.

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious virus that infects the respiratory system. It specifically targets the nose, throat, and occasionally, lungs. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, or, in some cases, death. Common symptoms of the flu include:

Jet injectors can generate the same (or more) amount of antibodies as the traditional needle injection can.

People with the flu may experience all, a couple, or, in rare cases, none of the symptoms mentioned. The flu can appear as the common cold, especially in individuals who experience only a sore throat and runny nose. However, the symptoms of the flu are often more intense than those of the common cold, and the virus sets in much more quickly after exposure.

The length of time that the virus is contagious varies from person to person. Generally, people are the most contagious during the first 3 days of feeling sick. However, some adults are contagious 1 day before they begin to feel sick and can continue to infect others from 5 – 7 days after their symptoms develop. Make sure to stay at home for at least a full 24 hours after you are fever-free.

The flu travels in tiny droplets created when a person sick with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. If these droplets land in your eyes, mouth, or nose, you could become sick within 24 to 48 hours. You could also become ill by touching a surface with the droplets and then touching your face.

The most effective way to stay safe this flu season is getting a flu shot. This lowers the risk of infection and lessens the severity of your symptoms if you do become sick. The flu shot contains the variants of the flu predicted to be the most common within the season, and a new vaccine is created every year. After receiving your flu shot, your immune system takes about 2 weeks to develop the antibodies needed to protect you from the flu. It’s recommended to get your flu shot in September or October, but it can be beneficial for you at any time. The flu still spreads during the warmer months, just less quickly.

Since the flu is a rapidly changing virus, last year’s shot may not protect you from this year’s strain. Antibodies may also decrease over time, leaving your immune system at risk for catching a serious strain of the flu. Get a new flu shot every year to ensure your body is best equipped for flu season!

If you’re not a fan of needles, there are other ways to receive your flu shot that work just as well. For those under the age of 65, you can opt for the use of a jet injector. This device uses a high-pressure, narrow stream of liquid that delivers the vaccine straight through your skin without ever piercing the top layer. There’s also a nasal spray that is approved for those between the ages 2 and 49.

According to one study, 8% of people who tested positive with the flu in the years 2017-2023 did not have any symptoms at all.

It’s especially important to receive a flu shot if you are considered a high-risk individual. You are considered high-risk if you are:

  • Over the age of 65
  • Living in a nursing home or long-care facility
  • A child under the age of 12 months
  • Pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or have recently given birth
  • Suffering from a chronic illness

In addition to your flu shot, there are other ways to minimize your chances of catching the flu. These include:

  • Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds
  • Not touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth especially)
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes
  • Regularly cleaning surfaces in your house or place of work

Avoiding crowds

Nobody wants to spend their holiday months suffering from the flu. Make sure you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones by receiving your flu shot. If your New Year’s Resolution is about staying healthy (and even if it’s not), a flu shot is the perfect way to start your year off right!

‹  Older posts