Blog Post
Live Well, Work Well - December 2023
Zywave, Inc • Dec 14, 2023
Health and Wellness tips brought to you by MFC Benefits, LLC
Learn more about how to manage financial stress during the holidays, mindful holiday eating and when the best time to work out is.
MANAGING FINANCIAL STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
If the holiday shopping season stresses you out, you’re not alone. Research by financial services company Bankrate revealed that more than half (54%) of holiday shoppers expect to feel financially burdened this holiday season as they anticipate overall high costs.
American consumers will spend an average of $1,530 this season for gifts, travel, and entertainment, a 7% increase from 2022, according to PwC.
While American consumers no longer face inflation levels like last year’s holiday season, they are still concerned about costs. Bankrate estimates that 87% of holiday shoppers plan to use at least one money-saving strategy, such as:
• Buying fewer items
• Seeking out more coupons or sales
• Starting holiday shopping earlier
• Purchasing cheaper brands
• Making gifts or crafts
• Obtaining more used or secondhand items
Financial anxiety and stress can be debilitating. Consider these Bankrate tips for managing holiday induced financial stress and anxiety:
• Discuss low-cost ways to celebrate with family and friends.
• Get comfortable with saying no to additional spending.
• Establish a realistic holiday spending budget.
• Make shopping lists.
• Download apps for rewards, discounts and cashback.
• Practice mindfulness when you’re feeling stressed.
• Find joy and practice self-care.
If you’re feeling significant stress, consider talking to a mental health professional for guidance and support.
MINDFUL HOLIDAY EATING
The holiday season often means more parties and gatherings—and an abundance of festive food and drinks. However, practicing mindful holiday eating can help you savor the season without overdoing it. This healthy approach encourages focusing on preparing and consuming food in a distraction-free environment. Thinking about the food may make you more aware of your hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating offers physical and mental health advantages, such as:
• Better body cue recognition
• Overeating prevention
• Healthier food choices
• Stress reduction
• Weight loss
Mindful eating doesn’t mean avoiding eating your favorite holiday foods. It’s simply about bringing more awareness and enjoyment to your food. Also, focus on the social aspect of gatherings and engaging in meaningful conversations. By practicing mindful holiday eating, you can enjoy the season and create lasting memories. Contact a dietitian if you need guidance with mindful eating.
WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO WORK OUT?
A new study published in the journal Obesity explored the best time of the day to exercise to gain health benefits. Findings suggest working out between 7-9 a.m. is best for weight management. Morning exercisers had a lower body mass index and waist circumference than those exercising later in the day.
Although this new research highlighted the best time of day to work out, it’s important to note that exercising at any time of the day is beneficial. Health experts say better sleep, mental health, brain health and physiological health are also important benefits of exercise. In the end, consistency is key with exercise. The type of exercise or when it’s being done isn’t as important as consistently getting in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of strength training activities. As always, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
MANAGING FINANCIAL STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
If the holiday shopping season stresses you out, you’re not alone. Research by financial services company Bankrate revealed that more than half (54%) of holiday shoppers expect to feel financially burdened this holiday season as they anticipate overall high costs.
American consumers will spend an average of $1,530 this season for gifts, travel, and entertainment, a 7% increase from 2022, according to PwC.
While American consumers no longer face inflation levels like last year’s holiday season, they are still concerned about costs. Bankrate estimates that 87% of holiday shoppers plan to use at least one money-saving strategy, such as:
• Buying fewer items
• Seeking out more coupons or sales
• Starting holiday shopping earlier
• Purchasing cheaper brands
• Making gifts or crafts
• Obtaining more used or secondhand items
Financial anxiety and stress can be debilitating. Consider these Bankrate tips for managing holiday induced financial stress and anxiety:
• Discuss low-cost ways to celebrate with family and friends.
• Get comfortable with saying no to additional spending.
• Establish a realistic holiday spending budget.
• Make shopping lists.
• Download apps for rewards, discounts and cashback.
• Practice mindfulness when you’re feeling stressed.
• Find joy and practice self-care.
If you’re feeling significant stress, consider talking to a mental health professional for guidance and support.
MINDFUL HOLIDAY EATING
The holiday season often means more parties and gatherings—and an abundance of festive food and drinks. However, practicing mindful holiday eating can help you savor the season without overdoing it. This healthy approach encourages focusing on preparing and consuming food in a distraction-free environment. Thinking about the food may make you more aware of your hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating offers physical and mental health advantages, such as:
• Better body cue recognition
• Overeating prevention
• Healthier food choices
• Stress reduction
• Weight loss
Mindful eating doesn’t mean avoiding eating your favorite holiday foods. It’s simply about bringing more awareness and enjoyment to your food. Also, focus on the social aspect of gatherings and engaging in meaningful conversations. By practicing mindful holiday eating, you can enjoy the season and create lasting memories. Contact a dietitian if you need guidance with mindful eating.
WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO WORK OUT?
A new study published in the journal Obesity explored the best time of the day to exercise to gain health benefits. Findings suggest working out between 7-9 a.m. is best for weight management. Morning exercisers had a lower body mass index and waist circumference than those exercising later in the day.
Although this new research highlighted the best time of day to work out, it’s important to note that exercising at any time of the day is beneficial. Health experts say better sleep, mental health, brain health and physiological health are also important benefits of exercise. In the end, consistency is key with exercise. The type of exercise or when it’s being done isn’t as important as consistently getting in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of strength training activities. As always, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
Download the PDF copy here.
Learn more about the Prescription Drug Report due date and the Court Ruling on Free Preventive Care. PRESCRIPTION DRUG REPORT IS DUE BY JUNE 1, 2024 Group health plans must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the federal government. This reporting is referred to as the "prescription drug data collection," or the "RxDC report." The next RxDC report is due by Saturday, June 1, 2024, covering data for 2023. Employers should confirm they are taking steps to comply with this reporting deadline, such as providing information to third-party vendors on a timely basis. The RxDC report is comprised of several files, including those that require specific plan-level information, such as plan year beginning and end dates and enrollment and premium data. It also includes files that require detailed information about medical and pharmacy benefits. RxDC reports must be submitted through an online portal maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS'RxDC website includes updated reporting instructions and other reporting resources. Employers commonly use third parties, such as issuers, third-party administrators (TPAs) and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), to submit RxDC reports on behalf of their health plans. Employers using third parties to submit RxDC reports must ensure that this reporting responsibility is reflected in a written agreement with the third party. Employers may work with multiple third parties to complete the RxDC report for their health plans. For example, a self-insured employer may use both its TPA and PBM to submit different portions of the RxDC report. A health plan's submission is considered complete if CMS receives all required files, regardless of who submits them. COURT RULING EXPECTED SOON ON FREE PREVENTIVE CARE The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to issue a decision within the next few months regarding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) preventive care mandate. The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans and health insurance issuers to cover a set of recommended preventive services without imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as deductibles. In March 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas struck down a key component of the ACA's preventive care mandate. More specifically, the court ruled that the preventive care coverage requirements based on an A or B rating y the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on or after March 23, 2010, violate the U.S. Constitution. The Biden administration appealed the District Court's decision to the 5th Circuit. A ruling by the 5th Circuit is expected soon, likely followed by an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is uncertain whether the 5th Circuit will reverse or uphold the District Court's ruling. However, for now, non-grandfathered health plans and issuers must continue to cover, without cost sharing, the full range of preventive car services required by the ACA. If the 5th Circuit rules that a key component of the ACA's preventive care mandate is unconstitutional, employers will want to consult with their issuers or TPAs to assess the impact on their health coverage. Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here. Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx
248-717-2970
Check Out Our Video
Serving the United States
Book an Appointment
Privacy Policy
| Do Not Share My Information
| Conditions of Use
| Notice and Take Down Policy
| Website Accessibility Policy
© 2024
The content on this website is owned by us and our licensors. Do not copy any content (including images) without our consent.