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April 2014 Health Care Reform
Posted on: April 1, 2014Categories: HR & ComplianceThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalizes large employers that do not offer minimum essential coverage to full-time employees and their dependents. Large employers that offer this coverage may still be responsible for a penalty if the coverage is unaffordable or does not provide minimum value. Recently the IRS published final regulations on the employer mandate and clarified the definition of hours of service for employers. This clarification will help employers when determining who is a full ti ...
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Which meditation style is right for you?
Posted on: March 24, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7So which style of meditation is right for you? Here are five to help you pick one that sticks. 1. You’re a People Person (Sometimes to a Fault) Practice: Metta Meditation For this meditation practice you’ll bring loving kindness into your heart and then shine it out to everyone. Got it? You do this by sitting for five minutes and focusing your attention on loving thoughts and feelings. Use deep inhales to fill yourself up with loving thoughts, then let that love flow through you and out of ...
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Vitamin D May Lower Cholesterol
Posted on: March 17, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7Many observational studies have suggested that vitamin D may have benefits for heart health. Now a randomized trial has found that vitamin D appears to reduce levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Researchers randomly assigned 576 postmenopausal women to either a daily dose of 400 units of vitamin D and 1,000 milligrams of calcium, or a placebo. They followed them for three years. By the end of the study, published in Menopause, the vitamin D group had significantly higher serum levels of ...
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March 2014 Health Care Reform
Posted on: March 12, 2014Categories: HR & ComplianceA waiting period is the period of time that must pass before coverage becomes effective for an employee or dependent who is otherwise eligible to enroll in the plan. Under the ACA, all calendar days are counted beginning on the enrollment date, including weekends and holidays. However, if an individual enrolls as a late enrollee or special enrollee, any period before the individual’s late or special enrollment is not a waiting period. The waiting period limit does not require an employer to o ...
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Alternatives to Milk
Posted on: March 10, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7Whether you're looking for a solution to lactose intolerance, fretting over the carbon footprint of big dairy farming or just want a little variety, you're in luck--the options in the faux milk section seem to grow daily. But with confusing terminology adorning the cartons and popular misconceptions about some products' health benefits, choosing the milk alternative that's best for you can make training for a marathon seem simple. Use this guide to maximize your buying power: Learn which alterna ...
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10 Great Post-Workout Snacks
Posted on: March 3, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7How important is your post workout snack? It's everything! Forget about all of your hard work if you're neglecting your body's needs in the hour-long window followingexercise. What you put in your body can aid recovery of muscles, prevent soreness and assist in muscle gain. Don't cheat yourself! Below are 10 great post-workout meals and snacks that won't disappoint your taste buds. 1. Chocolate Milk Need an excuse to drink this childhood favorite? Here it is: the balance of different prote ...
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11 Reasons Why You Should Drink Coffee
Posted on: February 26, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7Coffee is consumed everywhere, and judging by the amount of Starbucks locations in the United States alone, we love our caffeine. And that's fine. In fact, there are many advantages to being one of the 54 percent of Americans over 18 who drink coffee everyday. Coffee can be pretty amazing for your brain, your skin and your body. Read on to discover 11 reasons you should wake up and smell the coffee... Americans get more antioxidants from coffee than anything else. According to a study done ...
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Children’s Oral Health
Posted on: February 17, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7Despite the fact that it is almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. More than 40 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth, and more than two-thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds have had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Although overall rates of tooth decay have decreased over the past four decades, decay has actually increased in preschool age children in recent years. The good news is there are safe and effect ...
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Winter Weather Safety Tips
Posted on: February 10, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7As winter storm systems are scheduled to collide in the Carolinas, we’re reminded that winter weather is still upon us. If you find yourself stuck in the snow or ice over the next few days, use the following preparedness tips to stay safe. If you do get stuck in the snow: Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna to make your vehicle visible. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep one wind ...
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Health Care Reform-February 2014
Posted on: February 5, 2014Categories: HR & ComplianceThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires non-grandfathered fully insured health plans to satisfy nondiscrimination rules regarding eligibility to participate in the plan and eligibility for benefits. This requirement was originally set to take effect for plan years beginning on or after Sept. 23, 2010. However, in late 2010, the IRS announced that the nondiscrimination requirement for non-grandfathered fully insured plans is delayed indefinitely, pending the issuance of regulations (or other admin ...
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February is American Heart Month
Posted on: February 3, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States annually. February is American heart month. What better time than now to be begin your journey to better heart health? Engage family and friends to join you. Don’t become overwhelmed with changes. Do what you can succeed at. Eat healthy. Choose healthy meals and snacks. Maintain a healthy weight: Th ...
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Healthy Super Bowl Party
Posted on: January 29, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7Everyone is ready for the big game, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise your health to enjoy the game. So whether you are cheering on the Seahawks or Broncos, below are some tips to ensure you party is a success! Eat healthy Choose healthy snacks and drink water before the celebration. If joining others, take healthy snacks with you to prevent overindulging. If you’re hosting a party, add healthy snacks to your menu. Include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apple halves or carr ...
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Cigarettes More Dangerous Than Ever
Posted on: January 20, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7A newly released US Surgeon General’s report shows that cigarette smoking is even more hazardous than previously thought. The report reveals that smoking causes more diseases, kills more people and costs the United States more in medical bills and other economic losses than has previously been reported. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids president Matthew L. Myers said cigarettes were more deadly today than they were 50 years ago because of actions taken by the tobacco industry. Citing the repor ...
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How to Ease Into Healthy Eating
Posted on: January 13, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7You want to become a healthier person and you know your diet could use a major overhaul. But where do you start? Should you go cold turkey and give up all of your bad eating habits, or should you gradually make changes to your diet? If you're someone who is new to healthy eating, the task of transitioning from eating junk food every day to eating healthy meals and snacks can seem insurmountable. However, the hardest part is just getting started. After you make the decision that you're going t ...
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December 2013 Health Care Reform
Posted on: December 10, 2013Categories: HR & CompliancePrior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) becoming law, it was common practice for insurance companies to vary the price of premiums based on things like health status, demographics, industry and the amount of time someone has been on a plan. While those practices are currently still in effect, they will be banned for some plans starting Jan. 1, 2014 In addition to premiums rising, there will be additional tax provisions. Click the links below to see full legislative briefs on both premium cost an ...
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10 Healthy Holiday Gifts
Posted on: December 10, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7The holiday season is upon us, and you may still have a few names left on your shopping list. Give more than a gift this season – give something that can promote good health at the same time. Here are 10 ideas that may help make healthy living easier or more fun: 1. The video-game lover: Xbox Kinect. ($199 to $250) The Kinect has motion-activated sensors so you can play video games without a controller — they can, after all, cause injuries. Instead of sitting in a chair, you can g ...
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Health Care Reform-November 2013
Posted on: November 19, 2013Categories: HR & ComplianceResponding to pressure from consumers and Congress, on Nov. 14, 2013, President Obama announced a new transition policy for 2014. Under the new policy, individuals and small businesses whose coverage has been canceled (or would be canceled) because it does not meet the ACA’s standards may be able to re-enroll or stay on their coverage for an additional year. However, this one-year reprieve may not be available to all consumers. Because the insurance market is primarily regulated at the state ...
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Simple Sitting Adjustments for Less Back Pain
Posted on: November 12, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7Americans spend a lot of time sitting – working on computers, watching TV, commuting to work, and more. Americans also spend a lot of time and money at the doctor’s office due to back pain – about $50 billion each year. According to the American Chiropractors Association, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office after upper-respiratory infections. Is there a connection between so much sitting and back pain? Possibly. Chiropractor John J. Triano says that ...
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6 Jobs that Burn the Most Calories
Posted on: November 5, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for most adults. Exercise has been linked with the reduction of stress, improvement in sleep, and weight loss. With many of us in sedentary jobs and juggling outside activities such as school, children and errands, it can feel like exercise is impossible to squeeze in. Take a fun look at the most active jobs in America. 1. Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor No surprise here. Personal ...
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Pre and Post Exercise Meals
Posted on: October 22, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7Whether you're an athlete or just starting an exercise routine, it is important to understand nutrition's role. What you eat and drink, and when, can make all of the difference in how you perform, recover and improve. Nutrition for Energy Eating a balanced diet and getting the proper amount of calories, nutrients and fluids will give you the energy and stamina you need to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to understand what certain types of foods can and cannot do ...
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