Six Health Benefits of Raising Chickens

Raising chickens has almost an infinite number of benefits. These benefits range from simple companionship to self-sufficient food production.   Raising and keeping chickens even has several health benefits that can positively impact those with mental or physical disabilities. In fact, several universities such as the University of Minnesota are utilizing therapy chickens during exam…

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Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Employees with Disabilities

By Gene Lanzoni Assistant Vice President Group & Worksite Marketing – Thought Leadership Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Making workplaces accessible to employees with disabilities goes well beyond physical modifications to the workspace. Employers should also actively seek to make jobs overall more flexible to meet the demands of a diverse workforce.   In…

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My Final Lesson About Mental Health in the “New Normal”

In observance of Mental Health Month, I’ve been writing on the lessons I’ve learned about mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. (You can read about Lessons 1 to 3 here and Lessons 4 to 7 here.) The seventh and final lesson to living in the “new normal” following the easing of lockdown restrictions is in…

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Protecting Your Future with Disability Insurance

Author: Phil Bruen, vice president, Life & Disability, Group Benefits, MetLife The impact of COVID-19 on the workforce has only reinforced the importance of leave and the value of income protection offered through disability insurance. Many workers are without jobs or having their hours reduced, so employees are justifiably anxious about the pandemic’s economic effect…

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Clarifying the Connection between Short-Term Disability & COVID-19

By Diane Russell, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Consumer Strategy   There has been plenty of confusion related to COVID-19 around the country. Working remotely, schooling at home, shelter-in-place, social distancing and other factors have created a situation none of us could have planned for. As head of Marketing & Consumer Strategy for Lincoln…

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The Next Four Things I Learned About Mental Health Amid the Pandemic

In this second installment of a three-post series about mental health during a pandemic, Fred Schott of The Council for Disability Awareness picks up from where he left off in part 1, and shares four additional things he’s learned about life during a pandemic. 4. There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely  …

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The Coronavirus and the Individual Disability Income Market

By Bob Herum, Ameritas second vice president of DI and GSI Sales and Marketing The United States is approaching two months since COVID-19 descended upon us, and the U.S. economy was blind-sided by the effects of the virus. Millions of American workers have been laid off, furloughed or told to work from home. Millions of…

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The First Three Things I Learned About Mental Health Amid the Pandemic

Introduction On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the spread of the new Covid-19 viral disease to be a pandemic. But it wasn’t until the following day, March12, that the stark reality of the new situation became clear to the 330 million residents of the U.S.A. Tom Hanks declared he and his…

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Ask Me Anything about Social Security Disability Insurance

As the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 altered how we work, live and move about our communities, Americans started sending an increasing number of questions to The Council for Disability Awareness about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). We turned to one of our member company experts – Ted Norwood of Integrated Benefits, Inc.…

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Paid Leave on the Rise: Why Disability Insurance Is Still Important

Many states across the United States have either initiated or passed legislation to offer paid medical and family leave to employees. If you have access to this benefit, you may question if you need supplemental disability insurance. The short answer is YES. While paid leave may offer financial assistance in specific situations, the need for…

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Helping Business Owners Prepare for Uncertain Times

When the unexpected, such as an injury or illness, suddenly occurs, small business owners may be greatly affected, both personally and professionally. Think about the investment you’ve made in your business. Chances are, it’s not simply a business to you, but rather, your life’s work.   For many business and practice owners, their business provides…

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Caring in a Crisis: How You Can Support Employee Mental Health through the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Cara McNulty, DPA, President, Aetna Behavioral Health As we adjust to our new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental wellbeing of employees should remain a top priority for employers. Each employee faces a unique set of circumstances that may have negative implications for their mental health. Many employees are juggling childcare or caregiving…

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