Healthy Holiday Eating – Go Ahead, Indulge a Little

The holidays are here. The season of giving, spending, celebration, and for many, the season of high calorie overeating. According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American gains about a pound between Thanksgiving and the beginning of January. Even though the weight gain isn’t as high as…

Patient in examination room facing a long wait to see a physician

How the Physician Shortage is Affecting Those With Disabilities

The physician shortage is a real, persistent, and worsening problem, not only in the United States, but around the globe. Studies suggest that there is currently a worldwide deficit of more than 4.3 million healthcare providers. And it is typically the most vulnerable populations who are most starkly affected, including those individuals who are living…

Building a Resilient Workforce During Periods of Adversity

Building a Resilient Workforce During Periods of Adversity

By Tracey Ferstler, PhD, Head of Return to Health, Global Claims, MetLife   COVID turned the world as we know it upside down, and people who work in and around absence management and disability insurance are looking for answers on what’s next.  Will we return to normal or is this our new normal?  What is unique…

Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

Is Autumn Making You S.A.D.? Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

For many, the first day of autumn kicks off a season of apple picking, foliage tours, and evenings by the fire pit. But for others, it signals the beginning of a months-long struggle with depression, brought about by a significant reduction in sunlight. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a form…

Research - Foregone or Delayed Medical Care During the Pandemic

From The CDA Research Files: Foregone or Delayed Medical Care During the Pandemic: July 2020 and February 2021

By Fred Schott Editor’s Note: In this third post from The Council for Disability Awareness’ research files, Fred Schott reviews the trends seen around delayed or forgone medical care (due to the pandemic) during July 2020 and February 2021.   July 2020 The U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey revealed a great deal about the pandemic’s impact…

How Mindfulness Empowers Us to Skillfully Engage in Difficult Conversations

By Cheryl Jones, Director of Mindfulness at Aetna As if the intensity of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic with its health and economic implications wasn’t enough, we now find ourselves in the midst of rising racial and political tensions. It feels as though our sanity and our humanity are at risk. I believe mindfulness (awareness that…

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…