Pay it forward this holiday season

 The holiday season is often filled with joy, but it can also be difficult for many people, especially those facing financial or personal challenges. One of the most meaningful ways to spread holiday cheer is by paying it forward—small acts of kindness that can make a big difference to someone in need. Here are some practical ways to give back during the holiday season:

Donate to organizations that are meaningful to you
One of the most impactful ways to give back during the holidays is by donating to organizations that align with your values. Consider these ideas:

• Bringing food to a local food bank or supporting a canned goods drive
• Donating money or supplies to a women’s shelter
• Participating in a holiday toy drive and/or sponsoring a family
• Donating pet food to your local animal shelter

No matter the size of your donation, your contribution can make a meaningful difference to individuals, families, or animals in need.

Give your time
Volunteering is one of the most personal and rewarding ways to pay it forward. Here are just a few ideas to get you started thinking about how and where you might want to get involved:

• Many organizations need extra hands during the holiday season to serve meals at shelters or organize donations at food banks
• Do you have a senior center near you? See if they are looking for people to come sing carols to the residents
• Look for local events you could help out at—for instance, are there any gift-wrapping events at your nearby mall that you could wrap gifts at to benefit a charity?
• Seek out opportunities to send a little holiday cheer—are there any organizations looking for people to write holiday cards for troops abroad, veterans, or hospital patients?

Spread joy through small acts of service
Not every act of kindness needs to involve money or time-intensive efforts. Simple gestures like these can make a world of difference:

• Checking in on a friend and sending a “thinking of you” card
• Offering a helping hand to someone—even a small gesture like bringing a neighbor’s blown-down-the-street recycle bin back to their house is meaningful

Remember, acts of kindness don’t have to be grand; often, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that are the most impactful.

By paying it forward this holiday season, you can not only help those around you but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with giving.

Honoring our nation’s veterans and helping them stay healthy

 Veterans Day is celebrated each year on November 11 to honor and recognize all who have served in our nation’s military, providing an opportunity to thank them for their service, contributions, and sacrifices. While many organizations offer promotions or discounts to veterans on Veterans Day, there are a number of other benefits and services available to support those who served. If you or a loved one has honorably served in the military, it is important to know that you or they may be eligible for several health-related benefits to help you get and stay healthy, even after you’ve completed your time in the service.

How do I know if I qualify?

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, also known as the VA, any veteran who has served since October 1981 and has completed the full period for which they were called to active duty is eligible to receive VA healthcare benefits. However, there are other exceptions, including for those who served in certain locations and time periods during the Vietnam War or were exposed to toxins or related hazards while serving in the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or other combat zones since 9/11. For more details to help determine eligibility, visit the VA’s website here.

What types of benefits are available?

For those eligible, the VA provides coverage and access to a wide range of healthcare services. This may include vision and dental care, as well as preventive care and exams, surgery and treatment, mental health services, and more. While the specific benefits package may vary depending on the individual veteran’s situation and eligibility, the VA works closely with each veteran to ensure they get the care they need to get and stay healthy. More information about the types of available health and medical benefits can be found here.

The VA has medical centers and clinics nationwide and also includes in-network access to community facilities including providers, urgent care, and emergency care when needed. To find a location near you, explore the map here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

How do I apply?

There are a number of options to start your application to receive VA health benefits. Regardless of which option you choose, the VA notes you’ll likely need to have the following information handy:

• Social Security numbers for you and any qualified dependents
• Your military discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents), military service history information, and details about exposure to any toxins or other hazards
• Insurance card information for all insurance companies that cover you, including any coverage provided through a spouse or significant other. This includes Medicare, private insurance, or insurance from your employer
• Gross household income from the previous calendar year for you and any dependents
• Your deductible expenses for the past year, including certain healthcare and education costs

Ways to apply:

1. By phone – contact the VA at 877-222-8387, a toll-free number, for more information and assistance
2. Online – you can start and submit your application online here: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/introduction
3. By mail – you can complete the application and mail in per the instructions here
4. In-person – bring the completed application into the nearest VA location, which can be found here

There are also trained professionals and representatives available to help you or your loved one navigate the application process. Get more information about how to connect with someone here.

The important thing is ensuring veterans are aware that they are eligible for these types of benefits through the VA. They have served our country proudly, for which we are all grateful, and these benefits are available to help support them beyond their service. If you or a loved one may quality, be sure to reach out to the VA with any questions and to begin the application process to determine eligibility and benefits.

Recognizing workplace bullying

 Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can take many forms, and it often goes unrecognized, leaving employees feeling confused, isolated, and helpless. Recognizing the signs of bullying is the first step toward addressing it and creating a healthier work environment. While some instances of bullying are overt, others can be much more subtle, making it difficult for both the victim and their colleagues to identify the problem.

Common types of workplace bullying and what they look like

Verbal abuse. This may include insults, derogatory comments, or being consistently spoken to in a demeaning manner. This type of behavior can make an employee feel humiliated or unworthy, affecting their confidence and self-esteem. Unlike constructive feedback, verbal abuse serves no purpose other than to belittle or degrade the individual on the receiving end.

Exclusion. This can happen when an employee is deliberately left out of meetings, important discussions, or social events. Exclusion can make a person feel isolated and disconnected from the team, which can be detrimental to their sense of belonging and job satisfaction. It may be subtle, such as withholding information necessary for completing tasks or excluding someone from decision-making processes, but the impact is often significant.

Sabotage. This could involve deliberately setting someone up for failure by giving them unrealistic deadlines, withholding critical information, or undermining their work in front of others. Sabotage can make it difficult for the target to perform their job effectively, causing frustration, anxiety, and even making them question their own abilities.

An intense level of micromanagement. While feedback is an essential part of any job, there’s a difference between constructive criticism, which is done with the intention of helping someone learn and improve, and criticism that’s mean-spirited. Bullying often involves unfairly targeting one individual with excessive oversight or nitpicking. This can make the employee feel like they’re under constant scrutiny, leading to increased stress and a decline in their work performance.

Bullying’s impact on the workplace

The effects of workplace bullying go beyond the individual victim. It can damage workplace culture, lower morale, and reduce overall productivity. When bullying goes unchecked, it creates a toxic environment where employees feel unsafe, unvalued, and unmotivated.

Recognizing the signs of workplace bullying is crucial to addressing the issue and fostering a more positive, inclusive, and productive work environment. If you notice these behaviors, whether directed at yourself or others, reach out to your employee assistance program or a licensed counselor for guidance and support.

Adopt a new mindset for better well-being

 A new year is just around the corner. It’s a great time to make a few mindset updates so that you’re ready to take on your New Year’s resolutions and handle any challenges that might arise. Try these ideas to adjust your mindset–they can help you stay on track with your specific resolutions as well as achieve better overall well-being.

Stop viewing challenges as roadblocks—instead, see them as opportunities to grow. Rather than operating from a “fixed” or rigid mindset believing you’re simply not able to change things, adopt a “growth” mindset. Identify what didn’t work and see slip-ups as learning experiences to do better next time.

Adjust your inner self-talk from “I can’t” or “I won’t” to “I can” and “I will.” Choosing positive self-talk helps stoke self-confidence and your chances of achieving what you set out to do. Instead of saying “I can’t make good presentations,” tell yourself, “I will prepare better and make more effective presentations.”

Switch from settling for “what is” and focus on “what could be.” Explore your choices and work-arounds for any obstacles. For example, if you want to work out regularly but the gym is too pricey, join a local walking/hiking group to build stamina.

Change from dwelling on your mistakes to focusing on your successes. Recall and remind yourself of what went right when you faced small or large challenges in the past.

View your body’s stress signals as motivation. For instance, think of your racing mind and pounding heart when facing a job-related change as a challenge to take steps to ensure success.

Remember, you can always change your thinking to move toward better well-being!

A new approach to holiday gift-giving

 Many of us go to great lengths to find the perfect presents for our loved ones. It can be overwhelming sorting through the constant barrage of shopping commercials, gift guides, and other alerts pressuring us to get the right gift and get it now. To save yourself the stress and anxiety of frantic shopping, here are a few ideas to help you think a little outside the box this holiday season and find gifts that everyone on your list will love:

• Something from the heart. A great gift doesn’t have to cost a lot. Why not give them something homemade? Are you a great baker? Make everyone on your list a dozen of your famous cookies, delivered in a holiday tin or basket. Enlist your kids to produce one-of-a-kind artwork for the grandparents or make a calendar of family photos. Use your talents to create unique gifts that will be more meaningful to the recipient than a new scarf.
• A gift in their name. Think about what’s important to the person you’re shopping for, whether it’s their pets, the environment, or another specific cause. Then look for an organization working to make a difference in that area, and make a donation in your loved one’s name. Knowing that the gift they received made a difference to a cause close to their heart will likely mean a lot to them (probably more than that new kitchen gadget would!).
• A unique experience. What better gift could you give than time spent with you? Treat someone to a fun and unique outing that they may not have thought to do otherwise. From concert tickets and museum exhibitions to food tastings and pottery painting classes, the list of potential ideas is endless. Gift new parents a date night out (with babysitting covered by you!) or send your in-laws to a new exhibition you think they’d enjoy. The memories of a fun experience will last much longer than a box of holiday chocolates.

This holiday season, give everyone on your list unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that they will treasure all year long!

Other helpful resources

For more outside-the-box gift ideas, check out the sites below:

• DIY Gift Ideas
• Charity Navigator
• Experiential Gift Ideas

From everyone at Health Advocate, we hope you and your family have a fun and safe holiday season!

Healthy resource roundup, January 2025

 There are a number of important health observances happening this month. We have compiled a variety of resources so that you have quick, easy access to tips and information to help you get healthier. For some observances, we’re also including helpful information for organizations who want to promote them to their employees!

Blood Donor Month

• From the American Red Cross, read a blood donation FAQ
• From the Health Advocate blog, learn more about donating blood

Cervical Health Awareness Month and Cervical Cancer Screening Month

• From the National Cancer Coalition, get an overview of cervical cancer, learn about the HPV vaccine, and learn more about Cervical Health Awareness Month
• From the American Cancer Society, learn more about cervical cancer by clicking here
• From the Health Advocate blog, “Should you get screened for cervical cancer?”

Glaucoma Awareness Month

• From GetEyeSmart.org, learn about glaucoma
• From the Health Advocate blog, “What can you do to prevent glaucoma?”

Healthy Weight Week: January 19-25

• From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, learn more about having a healthy weight and assessing your weight
• From the Health Advocate blog, “Weight loss basics,” “Ways to help kids maintain a healthy weight,” and “Understanding weight loss plateaus”

More from the Health Advocate blog

• Adopt a new mindset for better well-being
• Struggling with your resolution? These tips can help!
• How to take care of your financial health this year
• Tips to stay safe this winter
• Ways to make self-care a priority
• January is Soup Month! Get hearty, healthy soup recipes here.
• January 21 is Granola Bar Day. Learn how to make your own healthy granola bars!

Tips for making the most of your telehealth appointment

 In recent years, the use of telehealth has skyrocketed. Oftentimes it’s more convenient to have a telehealth visit versus a traditional in-person appointment because there’s no time spent traveling or waiting at the doctor’s office, and you can even complete your visit while at home with your kids or pets (no need for a sitter!). These are all great pros in favor of telehealth. However, in order to get the most benefit from these virtual visits, keep these key tips in mind:

Before your appointment:

• Confirm the visit is covered by your insurance plan. Many health plans are expanding access to telehealth, but it is still important to double check in advance to be sure you don’t receive an unexpected bill later on.
• Test your technology in advance! Try logging into any necessary accounts, ensure your internet is working properly, and confirm your computer or phone is charged and ready to go. While glitches are sometimes unavoidable, it still helps to do what we can to prepare.
• Set yourself up for success. Plan to take the call in a quiet spot without background noise or distractions. Consider using headphones/earphones if needed.
• Prepare questions or concerns in advance, and make sure to write them down so you don’t forget anything you want to discuss with your provider. Also have a list of medications you’re taking handy, as it may come up during the visit. Consider taking photos of things you want to show the provider in advance, like any skin issues or bruises.

During the appointment:

• Invite a loved one to join you if comfortable doing so. Having another set of ears is always helpful to remember what was discussed, and they may have noticed or think of things you don’t.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Ask what the next steps are. Is a follow-up needed? Should you be seen in-person?

After the appointment:

• Take care of any follow-up tasks, like scheduling your next appointment (virtual or in-person) or picking up any prescriptions.
• Check your Explanation of Benefits when it arrives to make sure the appointment was covered as expected.

Telehealth is a fantastic tool when used appropriately, such as for short follow-up visits or instances that do not require procedures like blood draws. But remember, it’s still important to do in-person appointments when needed. Not everything can be seen by a camera, and urgent issues–like chest pain or trouble breathing–should be addressed immediately in person.