Taking Time Off is Good for Employee Engagement

The pandemic couldn’t stop summer from arriving! As vacation season kicks off, it is a good time for HR teams to encourage the value of taking a break. As we all know, vacations are important for emotional and physical health of employees. In fact, studies show that they build a far more engaged, happy, and…

LGBTQ+ health challenges

LGBTQ+ Confronted by Increased Disabilities and Reduced Medical Care

As we celebrate Pride Month this June, the world’s LGBTQ+ communities have many hard-won achievements to recognize. In the United States, where the Pride movement began, acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is greater than in many other countries. Yet, the weight of continued discrimination and poor physical health and mental distress is taking a unique toll…

The Rising Tide of Mental Health Support. Plan. Prepare. Protect.

The Rising Tide of Mental Health Support

Ian Bridgman Editor’s Note: The Council for Disability Awareness board member, Ian Bridgman, makes a point in this post that few in the group disability insurance industry are willing to discuss publicly: Are US carriers ready to remove the 24-month mental health claim limitation? It is most likely an understatement to say we need more…

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…

Employee facing the sun in a workspace

Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Workplace

It’s the final stretch of winter for people in the northern parts of the U.S., and while the light-filled days of spring are closer, a significant number of people in your workforce may still be struggling with seasonal affective disorder. The American Psychiatric Association reports that approximately five percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder…

worried young man in a wheelchair being comforted by a counselor

The Connection Between Disability and Mental Health

For those living with a disability, it can be easy to focus so intensively on your physical heath that other considerations may fall to the wayside. The unfortunate reality, however, is that persons with disabilities are also at significant risk of developing mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But no matter the…