HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Financial Wellness

  • Sick Days: When To Stay Home

    WORK LIFE

    Image of young women in bed sick.

    You’re feeling under the weather, but you don’t want to miss work. What should you do? In some cases, it may be okay to go to work when you’re not feeling 100 percent. But other times, you should make your wellness a priority. These guidelines can help you decide if you’re well enough to work:

    Fever:

    The CDC recommends you stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone. This helps minimize the spread of illness to others. You should also skip social gatherings, shopping, and other outings.

    Sniffles and sneezing:

    Many people simply can’t miss work every time they have a minor cold. Let your symptoms be your guide. If you’re feeling well enough to work and don’t have other symptoms, such as a fever or body aches, you can go to work if necessary. But, if you have fatigue or feel that you won’t be able to safely do your job, consider using sick time.

    Vomiting or diarrhea:

    Stomach-related illnesses such as norovirus are highly contagious. Even after you stop vomiting, you could get other people sick. If you serve or prepare food as part of your job, the CDC says you should stay home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

    Remember that staying home from work may help you to recover more quickly, as your body needs rest to fight an illness. In addition, staying home will help avoid spreading illness to co-workers, customers, and others you encounter.

    Choosing to stay home may also depend on your employer’s sick day policies. Make sure you are familiar with these and abide by them.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Using This Credit Card May Be Bad For Your Health

    WELL-BEING

    Image of young women cutting up a credit card.

    High levels of credit card debt and the stress of having debt may be bad for your health, a study in Social Science & Medicine suggests. People who reported higher levels of stress about their debt showed higher levels of physical impairment and reported worse health than those with lower levels of debt.

    In the study, researchers asked people to rate their own health on a scale of very poor to very good. They rated how much they worried about their total debt. Researchers also asked how difficult it was for survey participants to do everyday activities such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. Participants also reported how many credit cards they have and whether they carry a balance from month to month.

    But it didn’t matter how many credit cards a person had, the big stress factor related to health was the ratio of credit card debt to their total family income-in other words, how much you owe compared with what you earn.

    “The stress of owing money, and knowledge that we’re paying high interest rates, may lead to increased stress resulting in worsening health,” said the director of Ohio State’s Center for Survey Research. Credit counseling is one way to reverse debt-stress.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 Ways To Be A Positive Force At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of co-workers talking.

    *Give – or share – the credit.If you are recognized for a job well done, accept it graciously, but don’t forget about those who may have helped. If a co-worker or team had a hand in your achievement, be sure to mention them.

    *Always use “please” and “thank you.”We often forget these simple words when we’re busy and trying to get through a long to-do list. But they can have a big impact on how others respond to you. A (genuine) smile also helps.

    *Don’t take feedback personally.As hard as it may be, try to accept constructive criticism gracefully. Remember it’s not a personal attack, and consider the other person’s point of view before responding or getting upset.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Eap Is At Your Service

    WORK LIFE

    Image of 2 business women shaking hands.

    In an edition of Psychology Today, Steve Albrecht, doctor of business administration, encourages employees to find out about the many services available from their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and reach out for help if needed. Dr. Albrecht has written or co-written 15 books, including Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace, and Fear and Violence on the Job. He is also a former police officer and domestic violence investigator with the San Diego Police Department.

    Dr. Albrecht gave four reasons why employees do not use their EAP services:

    1. They do not think what they say or do will be held in confidence.

    2. They see reaching out for help as a weakness. This is especially true  for men.

    3. They think they need to get permission from their boss or Human Resources to seek services from their EAP.

    4. They do not know their EAP exists.

    First, according to Dr. Albrecht, services and discussions between employees and EAP providers are kept confidential. There is an exception-an EAP counselor has a duty to warn or intervene if the employee wants to harm himself or herself or others. The company gets no reports or records of employee use of EAP services.

    Second, employees need to be reassured that EAP offers help for many very common issues that affect most people. Examples are money worries, marital issues, raising children or step-children, blended families, sick kids, and dealing with parents with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Employees can also get help for financial problems, burnout, stress-related illnesses, cancer and mental health issues. These include substance abuse, workplace conflicts, depression and suicidal thoughts.

    Third, employees simply need to call the EAP phone number and make an appointment. They do not have to tell coworkers, their boss or Human Resources.

    Lastly, Dr. Albrecht is puzzled why employees do not know about their EAP. Companies with EAP programs list their services and contact numbers on posters and brochures in lunch rooms and break rooms. New employees receive EAP information.

    To find out if your company offers EAP services, check your benefits manual or website or ask your human resources manager. Help is just a phone call away.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Listening: A Skill Well Worth Mastering

    WELL-BEING

    Image of 2 men talking and smiling.

    You’ve heard the saying, “You’re born with two ears, but only one mouth.” According to the Society for Human Resource Management, being a good listener has many advantages at work and at home. You can come up with better ideas, work with others more easily, and connect with people more deeply.

    So how is it done? Try these tips:

    *  Don’t interrupt.

    *  Don’t offer a solution or advice unless the person asks for it.

    *  Don’t think about your response while the other person is still talking. Hear them all the way through.

    *  When the other person is finished, repeat what they said in your own words. “So what I hear you saying is…”

    *  Don’t make it about you. Remember the other person wants to tell you their story first. Stop yourself from turning it into a discussion about yourself or your problem.

    Having this valuable skill can enhance all the professional and personal relationships in your life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Smart Ways To Avoid Cybercrime

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Close up image of hands typing on laptop.

    Cybercrime is a growing problem as we rely on computers and the Internet more than ever before. Many people regularly shop online, send personal information, and even control appliances or household security over the Internet.

    Though this offers convenience, it’s important to take steps to keep your information and your family safe from cybercrime. Cybercrime happens every day with hackers stealing bank information, using computers to attack others, or erasing important online information.

    The U.S Department of Homeland Security recommends:

    *  Only use the Internet on a network that is password protected. Free or open networks may leave you vulnerable.

    *  Do not send personal information, such as your social security number or bank information, over the Internet. Companies will not ask you to send information this way.

    *  Do not open or respond to emails from people you don’t recognize and never click on the links inside the email.

    *  Use long, hard-to-guess passwords for all your devices and email accounts. Change your passwords regularly.

    *  Consider scaling back your social media sharing. Tighten privacy settings so only people you know well can see your activity.

    *  If you see an email or online offer that seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Where Does The Money Go?

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of scale with bills on one side and a piggy bank on the other side.

    Regular expenses are a necessary part of life. In your household, you probably have a certain amount of money coming in and a different amount going out.

    Even if you have a rough idea of how much you spend, tracking your monthly expenses can help you find out a lot about your money. Small amounts here and there can quickly add up. For one month, write down everything you spend on bills, food, gas, clothes, and any other purchases – even your morning latte. Then, you can look for ways to cut back on unnecessary costs. Money you have left at the end of the month can be saved for an emergency fund or for future needs.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 Ways To Find Joy At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of co-workers talking and smiling.

    Your job is a part of your life. But if you’re less than happy with it, your health could take a hit. The U.S. Surgeon General states that mental and emotional well-being are critical to your overall health. Not to mention, if you find ways to be happy at work, you may find more success and satisfaction with your career. Here are a few ways to make work more enjoyable each day:

    1.Think about your motivation.Write down two reasons why you go to work each day. Look at those reasons each day to remind yourself why you’re doing it.

    2.Take note of daily progress.Big or small, think about something good that you did at work each day. Congratulate yourself for achievements or ways you’ve improved in certain areas or abilities.

    3.Find healthy outlets.Sometimes work stress can’t be avoided. If you can accept the fact that stress will happen, the next step is to find a way to cope. Find a fun new hobby, take a class, go for a walk, or try meditation.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Eat Healthy & Save On Groceries

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Illustration of grocery cart with fruit and vegetables.

    Many people assume that healthy food, such as fresh fruit, costs more than processed and less nutritious foods like crackers and cookies. Although the best foods aren’t always the cheapest, healthy foods are worth the money spent. A healthy diet can help you feel better physically and mentally, which could mean fewer doctor visits and a better quality of life. If you’d like to eat healthier but are afraid it will hurt your budget, try these tips to get the most bang for your buck at the supermarket.

    *Plan your meals.Once or twice a week, sit down and write out the recipes you’d like to cook for the next few days. Write down the ingredients and shop for only those items. You’ll be less likely to resort to takeout because you have “nothing to eat” and you can avoid unneeded purchases.

    *Buy what’s in season.There’s a reason strawberries cost more in the winter months. They become harder to grow, and they must be shipped to your store from greater distances. Instead of trying to eat “summer” foods year-round, find out what’s freshest during each season. Citrus fruits and pears, for instance, are often best during the colder months.

    *Start a garden.You don’t need a huge yard to take advantage of growing your own food. Even a few small pots on a back deck or porch can allow you to grow some of your favorite fruits or vegetables. They’ll be fresh and delicious when you harvest them, and you won’t have to buy them.

    *Stock up.Canned goods, packaged cereals and other nonperishable items can be bought in larger quantities when on sale and stored. If you’re not a fan of clipping coupons, try buying them in bulk when possible.

    *Don’t overlook store brands.Buying canned and frozen items of the generic or store brand could save you a few dollars each time you visit the grocery store. Also, consider store brand bread, pasta, juice and other items. You probably won’t taste the difference.

    *Don’t shop while hungry.Some studies suggest that shopping while hungry could lead you to purchase more food than you need. Uneaten food, even the healthy kind, is money wasted.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Make The Most Of Your Commute

    WORK LIFE

    Image of man on phone while waiting at the subway.

    A commute is just a part of life for many working people. But whether you spend that time on a bus, train, or in a car, your commute doesn’t have to be a low point in your day. Instead, use that time to make your day better! Try these tips:

    *Practice relaxation.If you’re not driving, try doing some meditation or guided imagery. You can purchase scripts and songs for your phone or other device to listen to.

    *Stay cool while driving.If you’re driving, listen to peaceful music and focus on slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. This can help relieve “road rage” while you focus on driving.

    *Wait for work time.Don’t check email or do other work tasks before you’ve arrived at work. Instead, stay “unplugged” for a more relaxing start to your day. This is especially important if you’re driving!

    *Exercise your brain.An audiobook or podcast can help you feel productive during this down time. Some mobile phone apps and podcasts can even help you learn a new language.

    Commuter-friendly snacks

    If you’re starving by the time you walk through the door each night, you can end up overeating or reaching for the first bag of chips you see. Hold off your hunger by packing a snack for your ride home:

    *  An ounce of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts

    *  A cup of fresh berries and a piece of string cheese

    *  Baby carrots or celery with hummus

    *  Plenty of water to stay hydrated, fight fatigue, and curb hunger

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine