Author Archive

Protect Your Sight With Every Bite

Keesha Maybank 2025 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 21, 2025

As people age, their eyesight deteriorates.

Some causes are health-related, such as diabetes, while others, like presbyopia, are natural and unavoidable. Maintaining a healthy diet and managing insulin levels early can help slow the decline of vision. One of the most beneficial supplements for eye health is carotenoids, which protect vision and are found in yellow, orange, and red pigmented fruits and vegetables.

Carotenoids Aid Eye Health

Carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds that exist in various forms, classified into two groups: xanthophylls and carotenes. Xanthophylls are particularly important for eye health and include non-provitamin A antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in the retina and help absorb blue light. Vegetables rich in these nutrients include kale, corn, spinach, avocado, and egg yolks. Incorporating these foods into a daily diet can help prevent, slow, or even reverse eye damage.

If carotenoids are not consumed regularly, eye health can decline over time, potentially leading to macular degeneration or even blindness.

What Is Macular Degeneration or AMD?

Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye condition that impairs central vision, making it difficult to see fine details. It is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. People over the age of 50 who suffer from AMD experience damage to the macula, a structure located at the back of the eye responsible for central vision.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Approximately 90% of individuals with AMD have the dry form, which can progress into the more severe wet form over time.

Symptoms may develop gradually and go unnoticed in the early stages. Some common signs of AMD include:

  • Difficulty seeing in low or dim lighting
  • Low vision
  • Reduced color perception or low saturation
  • Straight lines appearing curved or wavy (e.g., road lines)
  • Blank or dark spots in the field of vision

How to Prevent or Treat AMD

There are several ways to prevent macular degeneration. As mentioned earlier, consuming carotenoids can help reduce and prevent vision deterioration. Other preventive measures include regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

If diagnosed with AMD, treatment options are available, but there is no cure. Alternatives include:

  • AREDS 2 – A specialized multivitamin formula containing lutein and zeaxanthin
  • Surgery – Implanting a telescopic lens in one eye to magnify the field of vision
  • Vision Rehabilitation – Working with an occupational therapist or ophthalmologist to optimize remaining vision

Even if you have good vision, it is recommended to schedule routine eye exams. Many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms, making early detection crucial. Consulting with an eye care provider ensures proper monitoring and timely intervention.

Key Takeaways

Maintaining a steady intake of carotenoids is a simple yet powerful way to protect vision and prevent macular degeneration. While genetics and aging influence eye health, lifestyle choices — such as nutrition, exercise, and regular eye care — play a significant role in preserving long-term visual clarity.

Incorporating carotenoid-rich foods into daily meals helps safeguard against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) while also supporting retinal function, allowing individuals to maintain sharper vision as they age. With increasing technology use, prolonged exposure to blue light from screens can strain the eyes, making carotenoids even more essential in shielding the macula from potential damage.

Beyond diet, staying active and minimizing oxidative stress through regular exercise and proper hydration enhances the body’s ability to absorb and utilize carotenoids effectively. The key is to adopt preventive habits early, ensuring strong and resilient vision well into later years.

By making carotenoid consumption a priority, scheduling routine eye exams, and committing to healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can strengthen their eyesight, preserve visual clarity, and reduce the risk of AMD. Investing in eye health today promotes greater independence, mobility, and overall wellbeing in the future.

Approximately 90% of individuals with AMD have the dry form, which can progress into the more severe wet form over time.

Considering a Limited Purpose FSA?

Keesha Maybank 2025 September, Benefit Spotlight August 21, 2025

Making out-of-pocket payments for frequent trips to the eye doctor and dentist can add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars — even with health insurance.

A High-Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP) often results in lower monthly premiums but can lead to significant healthcare expenses. A limited-purpose (also called limited-use) flexible spending account (LPSA) can help offset these costs, making regular or specialized treatment more affordable. While not everyone may benefit from an LPFSA, those who frequently pay for vision and dental treatments can significantly reduce their expenses with this type of account.

What Is an LPFSA?

A limited-purpose flexible spending account functions similarly to a general healthcare FSA, which employers offer to help employees save money on healthcare expenses. However, it provides more specific benefits for individuals with vision and dental needs. To determine whether an LPFSA is the right choice, it’s essential to weigh its advantages and disadvantages before enrolling.

Pros of an LPFSA:

  • 2025 contribution limit: Set to $3,300
  • Eligible expenses: Covers braces, fillings, eyeglasses (prescriptions), teeth cleaning, and eye exams
  • Tax-free funds: Contributions reduce taxable income
  • Employer contributions: Some companies contribute to employees’ LPFSA accounts
  • HSA compatibility: Employees can have a Health Savings Account (HSA) alongside their LPFSA to maximize savings
  • Additional expenses covered: Funds may be used for supplements, dental, and menstrual products

Cons of an LPFSA:

  • Eligibility: LPFSAs are only available to those enrolled in an HDHP with an HSA
  • Employment requirement: Self-employed or retired individuals do not qualify
  • Expiration of funds: Funds typically expire at the end of the year. For 2025, a rollover of up to $660 may be allowed, depending on the plan
  • Loss of funds upon job change: If you leave or are terminated, funds cannot be transferred to another account

Should You Enroll in an LPFSA?

The average out-of-pocket medical expense per capita in the U.S. has more than doubled from 1970 to 2022 and continues to rise. In 2024, Americans spent an average of $1,142 on medical bills, with individual costs varying based on healthcare needs. What sets an LPFSA apart from other FSAs is the ability to pair it with an HSA, which can maximize savings significantly.

Benefits of an HSA

Having an HSA alongside an LPFSA can increase savings over time. Unlike FSAs, health savings accounts (HSAs) are tax-free, never expire, and remain yours even if you leave your job. This means that withdrawals will not be taxed as long as the funds are used for eligible medical expenses. Since HSA funds roll over annually, pairing an LPFSA with an HSA allows individuals to save money year after year while reserving their HSA contributions for future expenses. This approach is ideal for those whose medical expenses are equal to or less than the $3,300 LPFSA contribution limit.

Drawbacks of an HSA 

To qualify for an HSA, individuals must be enrolled in an HDHP. HSAs are only compatible with LPFSAs, meaning other flexible spending arrangements do not qualify. Additionally, individuals cannot contribute to an HSA if they:

  • Are claimed as a dependent on someone’s tax return
  • Have Medicare coverage
  • Are included in a spouse’s healthcare plan

The IRS also limits contributions to HSAs. In 2025, singles can contribute up to $4,300, while families with HDHP coverage can contribute up to $8,550.

Choosing the Right Healthcare Plan

Making informed decisions about healthcare savings can lead to significant financial benefits in the long run. By carefully evaluating the advantages of an LPFSA and pairing it with an HSA, individuals can maximize tax savings while covering essential medical expenses. Planning ahead and utilizing employer-sponsored benefits ensures greater financial security, especially for those with frequent vision and dental needs. Ultimately, choosing the right healthcare plan means balancing current expenses with future savings, allowing individuals to feel confident in their financial and medical decisions. Taking proactive steps today can lead to better financial stability and improved healthcare access over time.

Since HSA funds roll over annually, pairing an LPFSA with an HSA allows individuals to save money year after year while reserving their HSA contributions for future expenses.

Kids, Screens, and the Obesity Puzzle

Keesha Maybank 2025 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 21, 2025

In the past decade, time spent on phones and tablets has increased exponentially worldwide.

Gen Z (ages 13 to 28) has been reported as the group with the highest screen time, averaging approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes per day. Gen Alpha (ages 0 to 12), often referred to as “iPad kids,” is the most tech-savvy generation, with 39% of toddlers to pre-teens spending an average of 3 hours a day on screens. These high levels of screen time have contributed to the ongoing battle against childhood obesity by reducing physical activity, encouraging the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, and causing sleep deprivation. Each of these factors can negatively impact a child’s health, school performance, concentration, and ability to socialize.

Lack of Physical Activity and Obesity

Over the last quarter-century, the rate of obesity among children in America has tripled, with the lack of physical exercise being one of the primary causes. When children are less active, they are more likely to gain weight, although genetics, hormones, and other factors can also play a role. Excessive screen time typically involves prolonged sitting or lying down, which slows the body’s metabolic rate. Over time, this sedentary behavior can lead to weight gain, hypertension, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The rise of targeted food advertising has made it easier for companies to market their products to children rather than to adults. Young children have difficulty distinguishing between programming and advertising, making them more susceptible to persuasion. Once an advertisement influences a child, they may request the product from their parents, who often comply. Studies show that three out of four food advertisements directed at children promote unhealthy options high in sugar and fat. This type of marketing has led to an increased consumption of junk food. Additionally, the widespread use of social media and image-enhancing filters has caused many adolescents to struggle with body image. In an attempt to control their weight, some engage in harmful dieting behaviors that potentially may lead to obesity. Over time, these unhealthy habits can result in diabetes, heart problems, low self-esteem, bullying, and depression.

Without proper regulation of screen time, children may suffer from sleep deprivation, another significant factor in obesity. Many children develop an addiction to technology, making it difficult for them to manage their time effectively. Insufficient sleep can disrupt hormone balance, interfering with the body’s ability to regulate appetite. These imbalances can increase hunger, leading to excessive calorie intake and weight gain. Additionally, poor sleep patterns can affect concentration, mood, and overall cognitive development, making it harder for children to perform well in school and maintain social connections.

Studies show that three out of four food advertisements directed at children promote unhealthy options high in sugar and fat.

Cut Down on Screen Time

Experts recommend limiting children’s screen time to a maximum of two hours per day. Parents and caregivers should encourage children to participate in physical activities, such as sports and exercise programs, to maintain a healthy metabolic rate. Incorporating nutritious foods, including more fruits and vegetables, into daily meals can also prevent obesity and promote long-term wellness. Family mealtimes without screens can foster mindful eating habits and discourage a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, establishing and monitoring a consistent sleep schedule will help children regulate their screen time, ensuring they get adequate rest each night.

Parental guidance plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s relationship with technology and overall health. Parents who set clear boundaries for screen time and actively engage in their children’s activities help create a balanced lifestyle. By modeling healthy habits, such as limiting their own device use, encouraging outdoor play, and preparing nutritious meals, parents can positively influence their children’s wellbeing. Educational conversations about digital consumption, media literacy, and the effects of excessive screen time can also empower children to make healthier choices on their own. Establishing a supportive environment where children feel motivated to adopt active and mindful behaviors will reduce the likelihood of long-term health complications associated with prolonged screen exposure.

Ending Substance Abuse: Know Your Options

Keesha Maybank 2025 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 21, 2025

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from substance abuse or a related disorder.

Substance abuse, also known as drug addiction, is a condition that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medications. A myriad of factors can contribute to addiction, including past trauma, peer pressure, mental health disorders, illness, and experimentation. Recognizing that you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem is the first step to overcoming it. The next step involves seeking treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Treatment Options at Your Fingertips

Not every case of substance abuse is the same. Some individuals struggle with addiction alongside a mental health disorder, while others may require specialized prescription plans or rehabilitation programs. To determine the most effective treatment approach, it is best to consult a healthcare provider or mental health specialist who can provide a thorough assessment. However, it is beneficial to be aware of all available treatment options.

Detoxification – The first step in combating addiction and preventing relapse involves detoxing the body from harmful substances. Medical detox helps stabilize withdrawal symptoms and supports a smooth transition to further treatment.

Inpatient Rehab – For those requiring intensive care, inpatient rehab facilities provide 24/7 monitoring and support. These programs remove individuals from environmental stressors, offer professional guidance, and help them remain substance-free long term. Treatment options may include cognitive behavioral therapy, peer support groups, and strategies for managing co-occurring disorders.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) – Depending on the level of care needed, some healthcare professionals may recommend PHPs rather than inpatient rehab. These programs are less time-intensive, allowing patients to return home after treatment sessions. Patients typically attend treatment for at least six hours per day, receiving similar care to inpatient rehab.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) – IOPs require 9 to 20 hours of treatment per week, making them more flexible than PHPs. Designed for individuals who can manage work and daily responsibilities while recovering, IOPs offer structured support without full hospitalization.

Side Effects

While seeking treatment is essential to overcoming addiction, it is equally important to be aware of potential side effects. Detoxing from drugs can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort such as headaches, nausea, and intense cravings. Healthcare providers may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. For instance, methadone and clonidine are often used to treat withdrawal from alcohol-related substances.

Conclusion

Overcoming addiction is not a journey that should be faced alone. Support from family, friends, and professional counselors plays a significant role in recovery. Loved ones can encourage positive behavior, hold individuals accountable, and provide emotional guidance during challenging moments. Building a reliable support system improves the chances of long-term sobriety and psychological wellbeing.

Preventing substance abuse requires proactive intervention and education. Schools, communities, and families play an integral role in educating young individuals about the dangers of drug addiction. Early prevention efforts, such as drug awareness programs, mental health counseling, and positive reinforcement, can help reduce the likelihood of substance dependency later in life. Additionally, promoting healthier coping mechanisms — such as exercise, mindfulness, and creative expression — can provide individuals with alternatives to substance use when facing stress or emotional struggles. Addressing risk factors early and offering continuous support creates a stronger foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing.

If you or a loved one is facing substance abuse, consult a doctor or healthcare provider about treatment options. Some approaches may be more suitable than others, so it is important to understand available programs and collaborate with professionals to find the best path forward. By creating a personalized plan, individuals can take control of their lives and work toward lasting recovery.

In 2023, an estimated 54.2 million people aged 12 and older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in the past year. Only 23% of those received the treatment needed.

Going Gluten Free

Keesha Maybank 2025 July, Lifestyle and Wellness June 18, 2025

What Is Celiac Disease?

You may have heard of celiac disease, but what exactly is it? Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine. While there is no known cause, celiac disease triggers a negative reaction in the immune and digestive systems when gluten is ingested. Since the disease is chronic, there is no cure; you can’t just “grow out of it.”

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barely, rye, and other grains, as well as products like vitamins, supplements, and skin and hair products, among others. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, and approximately 60-70% of Americans are undiagnosed and suffering.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

There’s a wide variety of symptoms for celiac disease. Some people may have multiple symptoms, and others may have none but still suffer from intestinal damage. Some symptoms affect the digestive system, and others affect other parts of the body. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some of the most common symptoms of celiac disease are:

  • Constant diarrhea or constipation
  • Weight loss
  • Gas
  • Pale, bad-smelling stool
  • Anemia (feeling tired)
  • Skin rashes

There are two ways to diagnose celiac disease. The first method is through an antibody test, where a healthcare professional will take a blood sample and send it off to a lab. Doctors can identify the presence of celiac disease based on the levels of specific antibodies. Someone suffering from the disease will have antibody levels read higher than average. The second way to test for celiac disease is through a medical procedure called an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, the doctor takes a sample of the small intestine, and the tissue is examined for celiac disease.

Causes

While there is no known cause for celiac disease, doctors do know that the disease almost always occurs in people with one of two gene variants — DQ2 AND DQ8. Not all people with DQ2 and DQ8 genes develop celiac disease after ingesting gluten, though. Celiac can develop at any age after gluten is introduced to the body through foods or medications.

Treatment

The only way to safely manage the symptoms and prevent damage to the small intestine and every other organ in your body is by removing all gluten from your diet. Not only is gluten in foods, but it’s also in other common products like toothpaste and mouthwash, communion wafers, cosmetics, Play-Doh, preservatives, modified food starch, and malt flavoring.

It’s important to read food and product labels to ensure you are not consuming anything with gluten. Even the smallest amounts can trigger a reaction; however, cutting out gluten entirely doesn’t always fix the problem. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, 50% of diagnosed patients still suffer from symptoms even on a completely gluten-free diet.

If celiac disease goes untreated, it can lead to severe health conditions like type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, anemia, infertility, and miscarriage, among others.

The Future of Celiac

As far as the future goes, those suffering from celiac disease are hoping for a medical miracle. Gluten is everywhere, and avoiding it is nearly impossible — especially due to cross-contamination.

In the past decade, the mere talk of a healing medication for celiac patients has turned into more than a dozen research trials involving tests for new medications on patients. If scientists, doctors, and other medical engineers could create medicine to combat the symptoms of celiac disease and further protect the health of the small intestines, millions of individuals would be able to experience a new quality of life.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, any food product that is labeled “gluten-free” cannot contain more than 20 parts per million of gluten, which is the safe threshold of gluten consumption for people with celiac disease.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, more children have celiac disease than Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, and Cystic Fibrosis combined.

Shield Your Skin

Keesha Maybank 2025 July, Lifestyle and Wellness June 18, 2025

Most people know that being in the sun without the proper protection can be harmful to the body’s biggest organ, the skin.

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increased risk of developing skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were an estimated 100,640 new cases of skin melanomas and 8,290 related deaths in 2024.

SPF 101: Sunscreen Basics

Sunburn happens when the sun’s invisible UV rays damage the skin. Using sunscreen with the right amount of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) can help protect you from the sun. Everyone, regardless of age, should use SPF 30 or higher; however, the ingredients in the sunscreen are just as important in determining its effectiveness. According to Northwestern Medicine, SPF 30 blocks 97% of sun rays while SPF 50 blocks 98%; meaning, the higher the SPF, the smaller the difference.

When choosing between a broad-spectrum sunscreen as opposed to regular SPF sunscreen, it is recommended to choose broad-spectrum products. Northwestern Medicine said that broad-spectrum sunscreens protect the skin from both UVB (burning rays) and UVA (aging rays), while SPF sunscreen only protects against UVB. Consumers are also encouraged to stay away from sunscreen products that contain oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, as these ingredients can be harmful to hormone health and increase chances of developing skin cancer.

According to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), only 17% of people said they use sunscreen daily, 31% said at least weekly, and 42% said at least monthly.

Safe Practices to Avoid Skin Damage

There are several things you can do to ensure you are keeping your skin protected from the sun. Whether it’s your wardrobe or knowing when to stay inside, here are some tips to stay safe.

  • Wear long-sleeved, lightweight pants and shirts, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
  • Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating.
  • Check expiration dates on sunscreen bottles; most expire after three years.
  • Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Seek shade whenever possible.

According to CaroMont Health, even on gloomy days and during the winter, 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds and penetrate the skin. Don’t be fooled by the weather — the sun is a powerful force of Mother Nature any time of year.

Sun Poisoning: Severe Sunburns

Sun poisoning is a term used to describe a severe sunburn. Symptoms of sun poisoning are the same as a typical sunburn, but they’re much more serious. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 33,000 sunburns are reported that require emergency room visits annually.

Symptoms of Sun Poisoning:

  • Dehydration
  • Skin Infection
  • Headache, nausea, vomiting
  • Fever or chills

If you are experiencing symptoms of sun poisoning:

  • Get out of the sun to prevent further sun exposure.
  • Take a cool shower and apply cool compresses to the affected areas to cool down the body.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water and electrolyte drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate the body.
  • Apply aloe vera or soothing lotions to help calm and hydrate the skin.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with pain and inflammation.
  • Protect blisters with a clean, loose bandage, and do not pop them.
  • Seek medical attention if you develop a high fever, severe pain, confusion, or show signs of dehydration.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a recent survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults found that 67% incorrectly believe that SPF 30 sunscreen offers twice as much protection as SPF 15 sunscreen.

Be Sun Smart!

Adopting sun-safe habits to protect your skin can help you stay healthy during the heat of the summer and the cold of winter. The hottest months of the year pose the biggest threat to our skin, and it’s important to know how to combat the sun’s powerful rays to avoid damage.

After Service: Health Challenges

Keesha Maybank 2025 July, Lifestyle and Wellness June 18, 2025

Many people have a family member, relative, or friend who is a veteran.

Some people don’t know a veteran at all. Regardless of whether you know one or not, have you ever stopped to consider how crucial it is to support the health of those who have fought for our country?

The impact military service has on mental and physical health is significant. The unique risks, stressors, and environments veterans experience while on duty put them at a higher risk of suffering from physical and mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and substance abuse.

Physical Health

Chronic pain — a common health issue experienced by veterans — is pain that lasts longer than 3 months and is usually due to an injury, disease, or infection but sometimes has no known cause. A 2018 report released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 50 million U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain.

More commonly found in veterans than in the general population, chronic pain causes decreased work productivity, disability, and higher healthcare costs. Chronic pain can contribute to mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, among others. According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 50% of U.S. veterans experience chronic pain, making it one of the most common health complaints among this population.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) to help veterans with chronic pain. The National Library of Medicine explains that CBT-CP is about changing one’s response to and relationship with pain so it has a less harmful impact on functioning and quality of life. Click here to learn more about CBT-CP and to hear from a veteran who used CBT-CP to combat chronic pain.

Mental Health

Experiencing stress after a traumatic event is human nature, but PTSD is much more severe than stress. People who suffer from PTSD relive traumatic events in their minds in the form of flashbacks and nightmares. PTSD also brings along relationship issues, emotional numbness, sleep problems, anger, substance abuse, and reckless behavior.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), about 8 of every 100 women and 4 of every 100 men will have PTSD at some point in their life. Women have a higher chance of developing PTSD because they are more likely to experience traumatic events — like sexual assault — than men.

VA offers three forms of trauma-based therapy that are used to treat PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). According to the National Center for PTSD, 53 of 100 patients who receive one of these treatments will no longer have PTSD.

According to Mission Roll Call, only 45% of the 18 million veterans in the country use the VA.

Healthcare for Our Heroes

Veterans in the United States have access to healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is one of the United States’ largest integrated healthcare systems — consisting of 172 medical centers and 1,138 sites of care — and provides help to more than 8.3 million veterans each year. These medical centers offer services you would see in a traditional hospital, like surgery, mental health care, pharmacy services, and physical therapy, among others.

Veterans can also apply for a healthcare plan through the VA, which covers healthcare needs from checkups with a primary care provider to appointments with specialists like mental health providers and cardiologists. Like a traditional benefits plan provided by an employer, VA healthcare offers coverage for a wide variety of services like vision, dental, long-term care, and more. For more information on eligibility and benefits, visit the VA website at va.gov/health-care/.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and Press 1

Available 24/7, 365, the Veterans Crisis Line assists veterans in crisis — feeling hopeless, suffering from anxiety, depression, participating in risky behavior, etc. — and helps connect them to medical services or other resources they need.

According to VA News, as of July 2024, more than 8 million calls, 975,000 chats, and 399,000 texts have been received through the Veterans Crisis line since its launch in 2007. Simply dial 988 and press 1 to be connected to a trained responder during a crisis. Call the number, save a life. Learn more about the Veterans Crisis Line at veteranscrisisline.net.

Protecting Those Who Protected Us

Serving in the military is a selfless, heroic, and brave act, but when soldiers return from service, many suffer from some intense mental and physical conditions. According to the National Library of Medicine, a survey conducted in 2016 on 9,000 newly separated veterans found that 53% reported chronic physical conditions and 33% reported chronic mental health conditions.

It is important to be educated on what veterans experience after service to be able to help them the best we can. Informing others about common conditions and spreading the word about useful resources can better a veteran’s quality of life.

According to 2021 VA data, there were about 17 veteran suicides per day, or 6,392 a year;  veterans commit suicide at a 57% higher rate than non-veteran adults.

Urgent Care vs. Standalone ERs

Keesha Maybank 2025 July, Benefit Spotlight June 18, 2025

Have you ever found yourself in a situation of not knowing if you should go to an urgent care or an emergency room?

While they seem similar, the two differ in several ways. Knowing where to go can help you save time and money.

Standalone ERs should be utilized by those experiencing life-threatening conditions. If you require immediate medical attention, the ER is your best bet. Urgent Cares, on the other hand, are the middle ground between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room, according to Mayo Clinic. If the injury or illness is not life-threatening but it can’t wait until you can see your PCP, head to an Urgent Care. The following list goes into detail on some factors to consider before choosing where to go.

Standalone ER

Severity: Life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe abdominal pain, head injuries, and uncontrolled bleeding

Hours: 24/7

Cost: More expensive due to a higher level of care and resources available

Staffing: Board-certified emergency physicians and nurses trained in emergency care

Urgent Care

Severity: Mild conditions like sprains, minor cuts, urinary tract infections, and earaches

Hours: Typically operate during normal business hours with some weekend and evening hours; not 24/7

Cost: Less expensive than ERs; shorter wait times

Staffing: Mainly physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners, and sometimes physicians

The next time you find yourself in a situation trying to decide where to go, reference this list so you can make the best decision based on your needs.

What Is Balance Billing?

Keesha Maybank 2023 November, Benefit Spotlight October 30, 2023

Balance billing is not a well-known term, but if you may have experienced it, especially if you’ve had a medical emergency and received emergency services.

Simply put, balance billing is when a medical provider sends you a bill for the remainder of an invoice that your insurance provider did not cover. This happens commonly with out-of-network providers – medical providers who are not under any contracts with your insurance provider and who will cost more to see.

For example, say you have an emergency appendectomy. Depending on the situation, you probably don’t have time to research a provider or find out whether everyone involved in your appendectomy is in-network – you’re concerned with getting to the emergency room as fast as you can. If the anesthesiologist, the hospital, or someone else involved with the procedure is out of network, you may receive an unexpected bill in the mail after the procedure.

The good news is that as of 2022, you have some protection against these kinds of bills if you receive emergency care, non-emergency care from out-of-network providers in an in-network facility (e.g., if your theoretical anesthesiologist was out of network even though the hospital itself is in network), or air ambulance services from an out-of-network provider. Click HERE to learn more about what rights you have under the No Surprises Act and HERE to ask questions or get help regarding surprise medical bills.

What is a “surprise medical bill” and what should I know about the No Surprises Act? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)
Balance billing – Glossary | HealthCare.gov

Dementia and Women

Keesha Maybank 2023 November, Lifestyle and Wellness October 30, 2023

Dementia, which affects more than 55 million people worldwide, is far more than just forgetting things.

Causing memory loss, a change in behavior, or even losing the ability to stay alert during conversation, among other things, dementia symptoms become more noticeable with time.

Dementia doesn’t discriminate who it affects, but women are more prone to being diagnosed. According to the Alzheimer’s Research Initiative, a woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 45 is approximately 1 in 5 compared to 1 in 10 for me. There are a few thoughts on why that is:

  1. Women have been known to live longer than men, and since dementia more frequently attacks those of an older age, women are more likely to be affected by dementia.
  2. Women, who make up two-thirds of those with dementia, are also considered to be more at risk to for the diagnosis due to lifestyle factors, genetic factors, and the lack of research for women.
  3. The hormone estrogen is believed to protect women from poor brain health and the effects of memory loss, like Alzheimer’s. As a woman ages, however, their levels of estrogen decrease, so the protection that estrogen provides also decreases, making women more vulnerable to dementia.
  4. While the ApoE4 gene can be found among all genders, two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s have the ApoE4 gene. Research is still being done to learn more about this relationship.

Women can lower their chances of being diagnosed by implementing new habits into their everyday lives that encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle. First, squeezing a 30-minute walk into your daily routine, moving your body, and just being active can help stimulate the brain and improve mental health. Secondly, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a low blood pressure not only prevent obesity, heart disease, and strokes, it can also be tied to decreasing the risk of dementia. Studies have shown that the “Mediterranean Diet” has also been linked to reducing the chance of dementia. Lastly, simply by being social and having conversations every day can slow the progression of dementia.

What’s coming down the pipeline for dementia research? Some recently approved medications have been found to remove a plaque from the brain that reduces cognitive and functional decline, slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. While there is no cure, there are different medications, memory care senior living centers that prioritize the care of elders with dementia, and clinical trials that help researchers learn more about this condition.

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