young female professional stressed at work

Could Workplace Stress Become A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

According to a CBS News article, it has been estimated that roughly 8.3 million Americans suffer from some form of psychological distress such as a general hopeless or nervous disposition or even clinically diagnosable depression and anxiety-related disorders such as PTSD. While the cause for the sudden uptick in depression, anxiety, addiction, and general stress has been linked to everything from overzealous doctors, supervisors, and hostile work environments, to politics and the economy, and the concern over the ever-increasing amount of “screen time” Americans spend per day, the truth is that no one is able to one-hundred-percent identify the source.

While psychology experts and the media keep digging into just what is causing the rise in stress-related disorders and situations, many of those suffering are plagued with the maybe more important question of what are we going to do about it?

The State Of Workplace Stress In America

Whether people are truly experiencing more stress, depression, and anxiety than in decades past or just simply admitting it more and seeking treatment, is unknown. What is known is that it is happening and those suffering are looking for help.

So, what happens when one’s work or workplace is considered a major stressor? This can be especially true in the legal profession where studies estimate 28 percent of lawyers and legal professionals struggle with depression, anxiety, and even in some cases addiction. Could that professional experiencing extreme stress seek to claim their elevated levels of stress as a workers’ comp. claim?

The idea may not be as far-fetched as it sounds and is already on the books in at least one U.S. state.

Thanks to California Labor Code 3208.3, it has become possible for employees to file workers’ compensation claims due to high levels of stress— known as a psychiatric injury. If a person filing a claim is able to prove that they are under a debilitating amount of stress in relation to their work, they may be awarded workers’ comp. payments.

However, under California law, there are some stipulations when it comes to attempting to file a workers’ comp. claim for psychiatric injury.

  • The claimant must have at least six months of work history with the employer.
  • The psychiatric condition being filed is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
  • The claimant can prove that the events of, and surrounding, your employment are the predominant cause of your psychiatric condition (51 percent or higher).
  • The claimant’s psychiatric condition was not caused by good faith, non-discriminatory personnel actions by your employers (e.g. criticism of your attendance or work, change in assignments, or decisions about raises and promotions).
  • The claimant’s psychiatric condition was not caused by the litigation process.
  • The claimant’s psychiatric condition was filed after termination or notice of termination from their job unless the employer knew about the psychiatric injury or treatment for a psychiatric disorder prior to termination.

What This Could Mean For Your Business

As the stigma surrounding mental health concerns continues to wane, it only makes sense that more and more courts will undoubtedly preside over more workers’ comp. psychiatric injury cases. Reach out to someone who may need help today.

closeup of someone at their laptop holding a coffee cup

Invisible Disabilities And The Battles Within

Throughout the history of civilization, there have always been things that we did not understand— things that we believed to be real but couldn’t see. Faith, love— even germs all spring to mind though we may not have always had a scientific name for them.

While the human race has come a long way from our earliest beginnings, the simple truth is that science is ever-evolving and new things are discovered every day. Just as today we may laugh at some of the ancestral medical practices of the middle ages, our descendants may one day do the same to us.

The same could also be said for the discovery and further understanding and treatment of ailments previously attributed to an imbalance of the four humors or even demons.

The New Science On Invisible Disabilities

Most recently there has been a renewed focus on debilitating illnesses and diseases that may not always visible to the naked eye or even some advanced diagnostic testing techniques available to doctors and hospitals throughout the world. These ailments have been given the term invisible disabilities.

According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, in simple terms, an invisible disability is considered to be a physical, mental, or neurological condition that limits one’s mobility or senses to the point where the severely impact the individual’s everyday life and activities. Unlike other disabilities, invisible disabilities are imperceptible to onlookers and therefore can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgment.

For example, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, “Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has come a long way since the 1980s when it was widely dismissed as ‘yuppie flu’ and was suspected by many health care providers of being a psychological rather than a physiological condition.” To date, there is no definitive test for CFS and it is instead considered to be diagnosed but exclusion.

Another well-known illness for which there is no definitive test to confirm its existence is fibromyalgia. The reigning Queen of Pop (disagree, if you dare) Lady Gaga, has recently (and very publicly) brought the topic of fibromyalgia front and center in the media. Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, has struggled with the illness for years, and though invisible— she has chosen to bravely document her struggle with its debilitating effects in the recent Netflix documentary Five Foot Two and has even been forced to cancel a number of shows on her most recent Joanne tour due to the incredible debilitating pain associated with the illness.

Mental illnesses such as individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and more are also considered to have an invisible disability (if the symptoms they experience are severe enough); however, in these cases there are often more definitive ways of testing and diagnosing cases.

In addition to those previously listed, below are a number of other known invisible disabilities. Please note that though extensive, this is in no way to be considered a complete list of possible invisible disabilities.

  • Allergies
  • Arachnoiditis
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Brain injuries
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Chronic pain
  • Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
  • Coeliac Disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
  • Endometriosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
  • Food allergies
  • Fructose malabsorption
  • Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Lupus
  • Lyme Disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Migraines
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Narcolepsy
  • Personality disorders
  • Primary immunodeficiency
  • Psychiatric disabilities
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Schnitzler’s Syndrome
  • Schizophrenia
  • Scleroderma
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Spinal Disorders
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Transverse Myelitis
  • Ulcerative Colitis

Testing The Odds

According to Disabled World, it is estimated that approximately ten percent of Americans have been diagnosed with a medical condition that could be labeled as an invisible disability. “Ninety-six percent of people with chronic medical conditions live with a condition that is invisible. These people do not use a cane or any assistive device and act as if they didn’t have a medical condition. About twenty-five percent of them have some type of activity limitation, ranging from mild to severe; the remaining seventy-five percent are not disabled by their chronic conditions.”

medical professional holding a pink piggy bank

Is An HSA Right For You?

Over the past ten years, Health Insurance has been a hot-topic issue in political arenas and dinner tables alike all throughout the country. From navigating the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations and compliance details to researching the available insurance offerings themselves, individuals all over are trying to find the best plan benefits for their budget.

Could an HSA be just the thing?

What Is An HSA?

A Health Savings Account is more commonly referred to as an HSA.  An HSA is designed to act as a tax-deferred savings account to help you cover out-of-pocket expenses.  It can even be used for non-covered insurance expenses provided they fall under the IRS Qualified Medical Expense (QME) list.  This list includes elective procedures, such as Lasik eye surgery.

The general idea is that every month you contribute a set amount into your account and as your HSA grows you receive added financial protection for future healthcare needs, while also tax-sheltering more money.  This is a win-win.  Many banks will also allow you to invest the money you save into Mutual Funds for higher returns.

In order to take advantage of an HSA, you must first participate in an HSA-compatible plan, better known as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

Adding Additional Benefits To Your Health Plan

Unlike a traditional savings account HSA’s have a triple tax benefit:

  1. The contributions that go into your HSA are not taxed.
  2. Any interest your HSA earns is tax-free
  3. If you make a withdrawal on your HSA to help cover the cost of a qualified medical expense, you can rest easy knowing that that money will also be tax-free.

Another benefit of an HSA is the fact that there is no deadline on when you need to use the money in your account. Because of this, many are reaping the benefits of their HSA’s well into retirement.

Making The Decision

Ultimately, the only person who can decide if an HSA is right for you, is you. In some cases, your employer might even offer a contribution match to your HSA account up to a certain dollar amount per year, which could help your savings out if you are already putting in the maximum as indicated by the IRS.

young african american man needing health coverage outside of open enrollment

What Are My Options if I Lose Healthcare Coverage?

Maintaining health insurance coverage is a vital step in your plan to remain financially secure. However, there are times in life when your health coverage may be interrupted. When this happens, it’s imperative that you find affordable health insurance coverage quickly in order to protect yourself and your family.

Why Would My Coverage Be Cancelled?

There are a few factors that could contribute to the loss or interruption of health insurance coverage. If an individual does not pay their premium, their policy may be canceled. This is not always a result of poor money management; if there has been a significant change in income or other pressing financial obligations, it is easy to redefine financial priorities and let those monthly insurance premiums slide. It is also possible that individuals can lose their coverage when a grandfathered plan is canceled. However, the loss of a job that provided insurance coverage is the more likely reason someone may lose their benefits.

These factors are very hard to foresee, and therefore can be very stressful when you learn that your health insurance coverage is going to be affected. However, as soon as you find out your coverage is being canceled, there are steps you can take quickly to make sure you maintain health insurance coverage for you and your family and protect your financial stability.

Option #1: Continue Existing Coverage through COBRA

COBRA is a Federal law that makes it possible for individuals who were covered under company health insurance plans to maintain those existing plans following a job loss. In order to take advantage of COBRA benefits, the individual must pay the full monthly health insurance premium amount. These amounts are usually substantially higher than what you were previously paying because in most cases the employer was paying a portion of your monthly premium. The COBRA plan, however, does ensure that your existing policy will stay intact for up to eighteen months following a job loss. This is crucial for many individuals who have severe health problems and would be in financial jeopardy if they lost their coverage for even a short amount of time.

Option #2: Purchase a New Plan on the Insurance Exchange

If an individual loses health insurance coverage due to the loss of a job, purchasing a new health insurance plan on the insurance exchange could be better, and more affordable, answer to your problem. The Insurance Exchange is a multi-carrier private exchange offering a wide range of health insurance choices for individuals and their families.

These types of benefits are time-sensitive, so it is best to begin the process before losing your insurance coverage. Although insurance exchanges usually have set open enrollment periods (running from November to February), those who suffer from a job loss are offered a Special Enrollment Period to allow them to obtain coverage within a specific time frame after the job loss occurs.

Which Do I Choose?

The most cost-effective solution for most people is to seek a new plan entirely. Insurance plans on the exchange offer generally lower monthly premiums than what you’d pay for your existing plan under COBRA. However, it is crucial that you do not waste time, as the special enrollment period for these plans is 60 days from the qualifying event or last date of coverage. It is important to act quickly to get the best selection of plans and ensure you are able to obtain coverage within the required time frame.

healthy elderly couple over the age of 50

9 Health & Fitness Tips For Those Over 50

Today’s mid-life looks quite different than generations past — 50 really can be the new 30. Medically, we know more about the body and how to maintain optimal health at every age. While there are a vast number of changes and improvements for people to live a healthier lifestyle, here are nine important health tips for those in their 50s and beyond.

  1. Perform Mental Gymnastics. Your mental state is imperative to good health. Choose activities that keep your analytical skills sharp and always seek to learn new things. Not only does this make your day-to-day life more interesting, but it may help to decrease the chances of dementia later in life.
  2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene. This is something that many don’t associate with good health, but gum disease is linked to serious health conditions, including various forms of cancer and heart disease. Did you know that 3 out of 4 Americans have some form of gum disease?
  3. Increase Exercise. Regular exercise helps overall health in a number of ways, including regulating blood sugar and combating high blood pressure. If you’re not exercising regularly, find a low-impact regimen or activity you are comfortable with and start from there. It’s also important to keep increasing your exercise activity as you get more comfortable. If you’ve been doing ten laps at the pool for months and it’s easy for you, it might be time to add ten more to make your body work harder. (Note: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.)
  4. Make Dietary Changes as Needed. As we age, we’re at a higher risk for heart- and pulmonary-related diseases. There are a number of things we can do to reduce risks, chief among these being a change in diet. As we age, we should reduce salt intake, cut down on unnecessary sugars, and add more natural fruits and vegetables to our daily intake.
  5. Get Regular Checkups. As you pass 50, it’s more important than ever to see your physician regularly. Many health risks can be diminished by early detection. Ask your doctor what tests you should expand upon if your family history indicates a high risk for any specific illness.
  6. Get Your Specialty Health Screenings. Outside of the regular yearly check-up, men should make certain to get checked for prostate cancer and women should be screened for breast and ovarian cancers. Early detection is key to success in treatment.
  7. Get Enough Sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep is imperative to overall health. Inadequate sleep puts you at a greater risk for cognitive decline, makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight and to avoid type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep also puts you at greater risk for depression and increases your chances of having a heart attack.
  8. Participate in Regular Social Activities. Regular activity is important to overall health, both physically and emotionally. As people age, they sometimes take themselves out of social settings and this can lead to depression. It’s important to stay active, whether that means running around with grandkids or volunteering in your local church.
  9. Take Your Vitamins. A great diet is a start, but most people will not get all of the nutrients they need from simply eating well. As you age, make sure your dietary supplements contain all of the vitamins you need, like calcium for bone mass and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain healthy brain function.

These tips can help to maintain a healthy lifestyle in your 50s and beyond.

mother and daughter practicing good oral hygiene

The Link Between Gum Disease and Health Conditions

Most people want a straight, white smile because it looks better, or makes them look younger. What many people don’t realize is that good oral health is an indication that your body is healthier as well. There is a correlation between periodontal disease and a number of illnesses. According to one recent study, those with serious gum disease were up to 40% more likely to have a chronic health condition.

Doctors and dentists today are aware of these cross-overs in conditions and will often recommend that patients get checked for other illnesses that correlate, which is one good reason to be proactive with scheduling regular dental checkups.

Three Conditions Affected By Your Oral health

There are known links between many different conditions, but those with gum disease are at a higher probability of also having these three common and serious illnesses.

  • Diabetes. Diabetes and periodontal disease go hand in hand. Inflammation of the gums is known to negatively impact the body’s ability to process and use insulin. In this particular case, the conditions will exacerbate each other — diabetes causes the body to lack the ability to fight infection, including gum infections, while inflammation inhibits the ability to regulate sugar.
  • Heart Disease. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease suffer from periodontal disease — a high enough correlation to take precautionary measures. Get a regular, thorough exam if you suffer from any form of gum disease. While the cause still isn’t clear, there is some speculation that having periodontitis raises the risk of developing heart disease.
  • Osteoporosis. It’s a natural warning sign that both osteoporosis and periodontal diseases are forms of bone loss. Osteoporosis tends to impact more women, while men have a higher incidence of gum disease. However, some researchers today are testing out the theory that gum disease inflammation may trigger bone loss in other areas of the body, besides the jaw.

Outside of these known conditions, there are also common medications that can impact oral health. More specifically, some side effects can be detrimental to teeth and gums over time. Side effects to be aware of and mention to your dentist include dry mouth, abnormal bleeding, altered taste, oral sores or inflammation, enlarged gums and cavities, and any medication that is known to contribute to bone loss.

Schedule Your Check-Up

Information is power. The important thing is to realize that scheduling regular dental and medical check-ups can help you to maintain optimal health and stay on top of any potential problems before they become life-changing. 

female cancer patient hugging daughter

What Breast Cancer Awareness Month Means for Your Health

Regardless of whether breast cancer runs in your family history or not, there are some preventative measures you should be taking and some things you should know about the second most common type of cancer in women.

The Importance of Early Detection

Breast cancer occurs in progressing stages, becoming increasingly difficult to treat with each stage. This is why detecting breast cancer as early as possible is so important. At the age of 40, most women should begin having annual mammograms done as a means of detecting potentially cancerous growths in breast tissue. For women with a family history of breast cancer, however, annual mammograms may be recommended to begin even sooner.

For women under 40, regular self-breast exams are also recommended. Giving yourself a monthly exam, in addition to being on the lookout for sudden pain or changes in the breasts, can help with early detection before an annual clinical breast exam is done.

Common Myths About Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, there are many myths floating around about breast cancer that put many people (not just women) at greater risk. For example, it’s a commonly perpetuated myth that only women can get breast cancer. Unfortunately, men can have breast cancer, too — and due to lack of information on male breast cancer, their mortality rates are extremely high.

Another all-too-common myth about breast cancer is that if you find a lump, you must have cancer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Abnormal growths in a breast are usually benign (not cancerous), so if you find one, you shouldn’t panic. Schedule an appointment with your doctor quickly if you do find anything abnormal in one or both of your breasts, and they can schedule a mammogram for you if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most common questions women have in regards to breast cancer is, “what can I do to reduce my risk?” There are plenty of steps that can be taken to reduce one’s risk of breast cancer, such as:

  • quitting smoking
  • decreasing alcohol consumption
  • getting 30 minutes or more of daily exercise
  • reducing or managing stress in your life

Of course, there’s no surefire way to avoid getting breast cancer. Even women who have no family history of breast cancer can get it; in fact, most women who have breast cancer don’t have it in their family history. Taking steps to identify and treat cancer early is the single best thing a woman can do to protect herself. This means scheduling an annual exam with your doctor (and a mammogram, if you are of recommended age) as well as giving yourself monthly breast exams.

Sadly, breast cancer takes the lives of approximately 40,000 people each year. If your current health insurance policy doesn’t cover preventative care for breast cancer (or if you don’t have insurance), now is the time to find a policy that works for you.

picking a healthy fresh orange

Simple Tips for Making Healthier Eating Choices

In today’s world of readily available processed and fast foods, it’s more difficult than ever for busy people to make healthy eating choices. However, with more than two-thirds of Americans classified as overweight or obese, there has never been a greater need for a balanced, nutritious diet. If you struggle to make the right eating choices day after day, the good news is that there are a few simple tips you can follow to get on the right track.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Start by realizing you can’t make drastic diet changes overnight and expect them to be easy to stick with. Instead, set yourself up for long-term success by gradually transitioning into a healthier diet. Rather than giving up soda and sugary drinks cold-turkey, consider reducing your intake of them week by week until you’ve weaned yourself down to your desired amount.

Moderation is Key

When most people think of healthy diets, they think they’ll need to deprive themselves of the foods they know and love. However, this shouldn’t be the case. The key is to enjoy the foods you love in moderation. Allowing yourself a small snack every now and then (such as a slice of pizza or a scoop of your favorite ice cream) will allow you to fulfill cravings and avoid feeling like you’re depriving yourself.

Reduce Sugar and Salt

Added sugars and salts are a huge problem in the average American’s diet, with excess intake resulting in an increased risk of depression, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Make a conscious effort to read the labels on your food packaging and avoid excess sodium and sugar when possible. This may mean cutting back on your soda intake, avoiding processed foods (which tend to have lots of added salt), and choosing snacks that have no added sugar.

Eat Colorful Fruits and Veggies

Get the vitamins and nutrients you need while filling up on fewer calories by incorporating more colorful fruits and veggies into your diet. Consider replacing your typical starchy side of rice or potatoes at dinner with a large helping of roasted veggies or fresh fruit salad. Your body will thank you!

Eat More Healthy Carbs and Whole Grains

Many people trying to eat healthily think they need to avoid carbs altogether, but this isn’t the case. The key is to make sure you’re eating healthy carbs, such as those that come from legumes, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. On the flip side, try to reduce your intake of unhealthy carbs, such as:

  • white flour
  • white rice
  • refined sugars

Fiber Up

Last but certainly not least, load up on fiber; most Americans don’t get enough of it in their diet. Foods that are high in fiber will keep you full for longer and provide you with steady energy throughout the day. Getting enough fiber can also reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

These are just a few simple ways in which you can begin eating healthier and, as a result, feeling more energetic!

woman filling out health forms

Qualified Medical Expenses for Health Spending Accounts

Consumer-Directed Health Care

Health spending accounts are used to pay for medical expenses that your healthcare plan doesn’t cover, such as deductibles or copays. They’re part of what’s called consumer-directed health care. Consumer-directed means you manage more of the money you spend on health care costs.

There are several types of health spending accounts, including:

  • A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-favorable savings account for medical expenses and is typically used in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance plan. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), unused money in your HSA isn’t forfeited at the end of the year; it can be rolled over and used for the following year’s qualified health expenses. You can only have an HSA if you enroll in an HSA-compatible health plan.
  • A flexible spending account (FSA) is set up by your employer. They own the account, but you get to decide which qualified medical expenses to pay for with your FSA. What makes it flexible? It works with most of PPO employer-sponsored health plans. Unused money in the FSA at the end of the year may have to be forfeited. In addition to medical expenses, FSAs can often be used to pay for childcare expenses, as well as other expenses.
  • A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is a benefit fund set up by your employer. Your employer contributes a certain amount of money each year for you to use for medical expenses not covered by your health plan. Only your employer can fund an HRA. In most cases, if all of the money is not used by the end of the year, the HRA can be rolled over to the following year – as long as the employee stays on the same plan.

Money is deposited in these accounts tax-free and is taken out tax-free or tax-deductible. You can use it to pay for qualified medical expenses. A debit card may also be available depending on your plan. Where they differ is the kind of health plan they work with, who owns the account, who controls it and who can put money into it. Here is a comparison chart showing some of the similarities and differences:

HSA HRA FSA differences

Examples of Qualified Medical Expenses

If you have one of these health savings accounts, it’s important to be aware of what is considered a qualified medical expense to be able to use these funds. A qualified medical expense is one that can be purchased with tax-free money through your health savings account.

Some examples of qualified expenses include:

  • insulin and diabetic supplies
  • eye surgery (including laser eye surgery)
  • doctor’s fees
  • fertility enhancement (including in-vitro fertilization)
  • first aid supplies and bandages
  • dental treatment (x-rays, fillings, extractions, dentures, braces, etc.)
  • braces and supports
  • wheelchairs and walkers
  • contact lenses and reading glasses
  • prescribed medications
  • sleep aids

Note that some qualified medical expenses require a prescription from your doctor. If you’re thinking about purchasing something with your health savings account, it’s recommended that you first check to ensure that the expense is qualified and what the procedure is for getting it covered (such as sending a copy of your prescription or receipt or filing a reimbursement request form).

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