Category Archive

2025 October

Lantern (Formerly SurgeryPlus)

Lynn White 2025 October, Benefit Spotlight August 12, 2025

Lantern is a benefit program offered by some employers to help employees and their families access high-quality, non-emergency surgeries.

Think of it like a concierge service for surgery — handling everything from finding a top-rated doctor to coordinating your travel (if needed). Lantern covers over 1,500 planned surgical procedures, including those in categories like spine, general surgery, orthopedic, ear, nose, and throat, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and injections.

The program partners with a nationwide network of carefully selected surgeons and facilities that meet strict quality and safety standards. And here’s the best part: when you use Lantern, your costs could be dramatically reduced — or even eliminated completely depending on your employer’s plan. This isn’t just a different way to schedule surgery. It’s a better, smarter, more supportive experience from start to finish.

Benefits

  • Lower (or No) Out-of-Pocket Costs – One of the biggest perks of Lantern is the cost savings. When you use the program, you may pay little to nothing out of pocket. That means no surprise bills later, and no guessing what your surgery is going to cost. Everything is explained upfront, so you can focus on healing.
  • Access to High-Quality Surgeons – Lantern doesn’t just partner with any providers. Every surgeon in the network has been vetted for training, experience, and outcomes. So instead of sorting through hundreds of options on your own, you’re matched with a specialist who’s proven to deliver great care.
  • Full-Service Support – From the first phone call to your post-surgery check-up, Lantern is with you every step of the way. You’ll be assigned a Care Advocate who will schedule appointments, help with paperwork, and even assist with travel arrangements if the best provider isn’t local. It’s like having a personal assistant just for your surgery.

How to Use Lantern

Getting started with Lantern is easy, and your HR team or benefits provider can confirm if it’s part of your plan. Once you’re enrolled, just follow these steps:

  1. Call the Lantern Member Services Line: You’ll speak with a friendly Care Advocate who will walk you through the process and ask a few questions about your needs.
  2. Get Matched With a Top Surgeon: Based on your procedure and location, you’ll be paired with a high-quality provider. If travel is required, they’ll help you plan that too — and in most cases, those travel costs are covered!
  3. Schedule and Prepare: Your Care Advocate will coordinate everything, from the consultation to surgery day and follow-up appointments. You’ll know what to expect every step of the way.

If you or a family member has a planned surgery coming up, check with your HR department or benefits provider to see if Lantern is available to you.

Hysterectomy and Bone Health

Lynn White 2025 October, Lifestyle and Wellness August 11, 2025

Hysterectomy continues to be one of the most common surgical procedures among women in the United States, with over 600,000 operations performed each year.

Estrogen drop accelerates bone breakdown and slows bone formation, making postmenopausal women especially vulnerable to osteoporosis.

As of 2021, approximately 14.6% of women aged 18 and older had undergone a hysterectomy. The prevalence rises significantly with age, exceeding 40% among women aged 75 and older. While the procedure can offer essential relief from various gynecological conditions, understanding its long-term impact — particularly on bone health — is crucial.

When the ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy (a procedure known as oophorectomy), estrogen levels plummet, triggering early menopause. Even if the ovaries are left intact, changes in blood supply can still impair hormone production, subtly affecting bone strength over time. It is essential for women considering or recovering from a hysterectomy to be informed about these risks and to adopt strategies that promote strong, healthy bones.

Why Osteoporosis Occurs

Osteoporosis occurs more frequently in women due to biological and hormonal factors that influence bone density throughout life. Women naturally have smaller, thinner bones and lower peak bone mass compared to men, which means they start with less bone “in reserve” as they age. Estrogen, a hormone that plays a key role in maintaining bone strength, declines sharply during menopause. This hormonal drop accelerates bone breakdown and slows bone formation, making postmenopausal women especially vulnerable to osteoporosis. Additionally, women who experience early menopause or undergo oophorectomy face an even greater risk due to the sudden loss of estrogen.

Other contributing factors include lifestyle, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Women with a family history of osteoporosis, low calcium intake, or sedentary habits are more likely to develop the disease. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, eating disorders, and autoimmune diseases can also interfere with bone metabolism. Long-term use of medications like corticosteroids or certain cancer treatments may further weaken bones.

How to Strengthen Bone Health

After a hysterectomy — especially if it involved the removal of the ovaries — prioritizing bone health becomes essential. Here are several effective strategies for strengthening bones and maintaining skeletal health post-surgery:

  • Weight-bearing exercises – Activities like walking, dancing, stair climbing, and resistance training help stimulate bone growth and improve balance, reducing fracture risk.
  • Calcium and vitamin D – Aim for at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily and ensure adequate vitamin D through sunlight, diet, or supplements to support calcium absorption.
  • Healthy diet – Focus on leafy greens, dairy, legumes, and fortified foods. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can weaken bones.

Conclusion

A hysterectomy can be life-changing for women suffering from chronic gynecological issues such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, or uterine prolapse. The procedure often results in significant relief, allowing women to regain control over their health and well-being. In cases involving cancer or increased risk of cancer, hysterectomy may be both preventive and lifesaving. Many women experience improved emotional and physical health following surgery.

While the benefits of hysterectomy can be substantial, it’s important to acknowledge and prepare for its long-term impacts on bone health. By incorporating regular exercise, a calcium-rich diet, vitamin D, and healthy lifestyle habits, women can build and maintain stronger bones. These proactive measures foster resilience, promote independence, and support quality of life well into the future.

By incorporating regular exercise, a calcium-rich diet, vitamin D, and healthy lifestyle habits, women can build and maintain stronger bones.

Drug Take Back Programs Save Lives

Lynn White 2025 October, Lifestyle and Wellness August 11, 2025

Since 1999, drug overdoses have claimed the lives of more than one million people in the United States.

Each year, approximately 100,000 individuals die due to drug overdoses, with opioids being the most commonly identified substance in these deaths. According to a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over half of the respondents who used opioids reported that they obtained the drugs from a friend or relative’s prescription. About 25% stated they received them from a healthcare provider, while less than 5% said they got them from a drug dealer or a stranger. These numbers highlight how accessible prescription opioids have become within households and social networks, contributing significantly to the national overdose crisis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that from 2019 to 2021, the median number of drug overdose deaths among children increased by a staggering 109%. Several contributing factors may be responsible for this rise, including unaddressed mental health issues, sudden life transitions, peer pressure, and a growing curiosity to experiment with substances. Alarmingly, some children under the age of 14 have been reported to accidentally consume medication after mistaking colorful pills for candy. In many cases, children gained access to prescription drugs due to leftover medication from surgeries or treatments, or because they found unsecured prescription bottles belonging to relatives. These unfortunate incidents stress the importance of proper medication storage and disposal within homes.

One of the most effective ways to reduce overdose risk is to ensure that unused or expired prescription drugs are disposed of responsibly. That is why prescription drug take-back programs are such a vital public health initiative. By giving individuals a safe and convenient way to discard medications, these programs help eliminate opportunities for misuse, theft, or accidental ingestion.

What Are Take Back Programs?

In 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) launched the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a campaign aimed at clearing out expired or unwanted prescription drugs from homes across the country. The initiative involves setting up secure and accessible drop-off locations in communities, allowing people to safely dispose of medications that might otherwise pose a risk. These drop-off points are widely available and may include:

  • Kiosks at Pharmacies – Many major pharmacy chains, such as CVS and Walgreens, provide secure drop boxes. Most homes in the U.S. are located within five miles of a participating location.
  • Local Law Enforcement Agencies – Police departments often have permanent drug disposal kiosks available in their lobbies to assist the community year-round.
  • Mail-Back Envelopes – Some pharmacies, community organizations, and government agencies offer free pre-paid envelopes so individuals can safely mail their unwanted medications for proper disposal.

For those who do not have easy access to a take-back location, there are alternative home disposal methods that can reduce the risk of drug misuse:

  • Mix the medication with an unappealing substance such as used coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt.
  • Remove pills from their original container and seal them in a different container, like a resealable plastic bag.
  • Use a permanent marker to obscure personal information and drug names on the label before discarding the packaging.

The Importance of Proper Disposal

It’s critical for households to regularly review and clear out expired or unused medications. Leaving prescription drugs in accessible places poses a significant risk to children, visitors, and family members. Disposing of medications improperly — like tossing them in the trash without precautions — can result in others retrieving them from garbage bins, potentially leading to harmful consequences. Additionally, improperly discarding prescription bottles without removing personal data can expose individuals to identity theft.

Take action today by tracking the medications in your home and locating the nearest drop-off site. You can call the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center at 800-882-9539 for more information about these drug take-back locations. By participating in take-back programs and spreading awareness about safe disposal, you’re playing a part in combating the overdose epidemic — one prescription at a time.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day campaign involves secure and accessible drop-off locations in communities, allowing people to safely dispose of medications that might otherwise pose a risk.

Supporting a Loved One Through Depression

Lynn White 2025 October, Lifestyle and Wellness August 11, 2025

Depression affects more than 280 million people globally and is a leading cause of emotional suffering.

In the United States alone, around 21 million individuals have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. However, researchers believe this number is likely higher, as many people experiencing symptoms of depression may not seek professional help or receive a formal diagnosis. Depression is a common yet complex condition that can present in different ways depending on the individual. Recognizing its signs and understanding the treatment options available is essential for minimizing its impact. Without timely diagnosis and care, depression can contribute to the breakdown of relationships, loss of interest in once-loved activities, and, in the most tragic cases, suicide. Because of its prevalence and severity, it’s critical to know how to identify depression and support those around us who may be struggling.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Although grief and sadness after trauma or a significant loss are natural, these feelings usually lessen with time. When sadness lingers for more than two weeks and begins to disrupt daily life, it may indicate major depressive disorder. Symptoms may include ongoing fatigue, loss of interest in social activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, and persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. However, different types of depression exhibit unique features.

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) – This chronic form of depression is marked by a consistently low mood that lasts for at least two years. While the symptoms may not be as intense as those of major depression, their long-term nature can significantly affect work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Common signs include low self-esteem, disrupted sleep, reduced energy, and difficulty concentrating. Many people with PDD believe their condition is simply part of their personality, which delays diagnosis and treatment.
  • Bipolar Disorder – This disorder involves cycles of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Manic episodes may include increased energy, impulsivity, or irritability, while depressive episodes often bring sadness, fatigue, and disinterest in daily activities. These extreme mood swings can interfere with one’s ability to function and are typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often worsening in fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms may include low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, and a depressed mood. In some cases, SAD appears during the spring or summer and presents with agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Light therapy and counseling are common treatments.
  • Postpartum Depression (PPD) – PPD is a serious condition that affects individuals after childbirth, beyond the typical “baby blues.” It can develop during pregnancy or within the first year after delivery and often includes anxiety, mood swings, exhaustion, and feelings of detachment from the baby. Treatment can involve therapy, medication, and support groups, and recovery is possible with proper care.
  • Psychotic Depression – This severe form of depression includes psychosis — hallucinations or delusions — alongside depressive symptoms. These psychotic experiences often mirror the person’s emotional state and can be difficult to detect, as those affected may hide their thoughts. Treatment usually requires both antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, often delivered under close medical supervision.

Helping a Loved One Recover

Recovery from depression is possible, especially when treatment begins early. Most depressive disorders are managed successfully through a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Supporting someone through this journey requires empathy, patience, and education. Encouraging them to seek professional help, offering a listening ear, and avoiding judgment can foster a supportive environment. Often, the most powerful way to help is by simply being there, offering consistent care, understanding, and reassurance that they are not alone. Your support can be life changing.

Most depressive disorders are managed successfully through a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.