It’s never too early to start thinking about flu season, which is right around the corner. Experts are signifying that the United States may have an early start to the flu season this year. When colder weather arrives, the rates for influenza typically increase, with the peak season being between December and February.

As Hurricane Ian approaches the western coast of Florida, forecasts warn of a potentially life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds, heavy rain, flooding and possible tornadoes. Weather experts expect Ian to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Cape Coral late Wednesday, Sept. 28, into the early morning hours of Thursday, Sept. 29.

Burnout—known as a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion—has always been an issue within the workforce, but it has become more prevalent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, people are increasingly anxious and stressed. According to Mental Health America, the number of people who sought help for anxiety during 2020 increased 93% from the previous year.

So many of today’s everyday items—dinnerware, electronics, toys, clothing—are made with plastic. Not surprisingly, more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, and at least 14 million tons end up in the ocean each year, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. From there, the particles can be ingested by animals and risk entering the human food supply chain. As such, the reality is that microplastics are everywhere, including the water, soil, air and even your food.

According to HR services provider ADP, salaries have been rising rapidly, nearly on par with inflation. Year-over-year pay raises increased by 7.6% leading up to August 2022, compared to an average of around 2% in early 2021. While pay has increased overall, its growth has flattened since April.

If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone. Nearly 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to a study conducted by The Lancet medical journal. But just because you’re experiencing back pain now doesn’t mean you will be in pain forever. Consider these tips to manage the pain and start incorporating healthy habits for your back into your everyday routine.

Whether it’s a stroll in the park or a bike ride through the woods, being outdoors can positively impact your well-being. There are numerous ways nature can boost your mood and overall health.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) increased 8.3% year over year in August 2022, remaining uncomfortably rapid for the month. The CPI didn’t ease as much as expected by economists, putting continued inflation-related financial pressure on consumers.

Financial stress can be a burden, but it can also negatively impact your mental health. During this period of increased inflation, it is especially important to understand the relationship between financial and mental wellness so you can apply strategies to help you improve both areas of your life.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule establishing a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for people age 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing impairment. This will enable millions of Americans to buy hearing aids online and in retail stores without needing to see a doctor for an exam or a prescription or visit an audiologist for a fitting adjustment.

On Aug. 24, 2022, the Biden-Harris administration announced a student debt relief plan that provides a one-time student loan debt cancellation targeted at low- and middle-income families. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) will provide up to $10,000 in debt relief for non-Pell Grant recipients and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, according to the plan.

The latest Gallup and West Health poll found that 38% of American adults—an estimated 98 million—are forced to choose between health care and other basic needs. Rising health care prices are driving people to delay or skip medical care, drive less, skip meals and borrow money.

Lower back pain is one of the most common health conditions in the world, as well as a leading cause of disability. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 1 in 4 adults will experience lower back pain for at least one day during a three-month timespan.

You’ve probably noticed that your health care costs have risen steadily over the past few years. Of course, this trend can significantly impact your budget. Although it’s difficult to control all the factors contributing to these rising costs, stretching your health care dollars is easier than you think.

Taking time to be mindful of your eating process and not focusing on restricting calories could enhance your awareness of the experience, improve your relationship with food and help you lose weight. Mindful eating can be an essential practice in today’s multitasking world.

While spending time in the sun offers health benefits and may be part of your daily routine, you have to be careful to protect yourself from its ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays not only cause sunburn, but they can also damage your eyes and hurt your vision. This article provides more information about how the sun can hurt your eyes, when you should be wearing sunglasses and what you should look for when buying a pair.

Three separate downpours across three states from July 25th to August 1st destroyed homes and businesses, killed crops and left at least 39 people dead. Each of these downpours was a one-in-a-thousand historic rainfall event, prompting climate experts to warn that the frequency and intensity of these storms are increasing.

On Aug. 19, 2022, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) jointly released a final rule implementing the ban on surprise medical billing under the No Surprises Act (NSA), which was enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA).

Whether a stroll through the park or a day spent hiking, general exposure to green spaces is linked to numerous physical and mental benefits—including improved attention, lower stress and better mood. As such, spending time in nature can help remote employees be more focused, inspired and creative. You don’t have to go on a two-hour hike or even break a sweat. You can benefit just from being outside among trees and other green spaces for roughly five minutes a day.

On Aug. 12, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act. President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law shortly. While this bill is primarily aimed at fighting inflation and reducing carbon emissions, it also contains a number of reforms that will impact health coverage.