The ubiquitous presence of microplastics raises numerous concerns for the environment and human health. As scientific studies document microplastics’ harmful effects, liability issues for businesses contributing to such pollution may arise.

Stop-loss provider Sun Life released its 2022 list of high-cost claims, revealing the COVID-19 pandemic’s widespread impact on Americans’ medical care, mental health and infant care. Sun Life analyzes its claims data annually to help self-funded employers understand trends and potential impacts of the highest-cost medical and injectable drug claims. According to the report, 71% of all stop-loss claims in 2022 came from the following top 10 conditions, diseases or disorders:

A study by the American Institute of Stress found that more than half (55%) of Americans feel stress daily. Persistent stress can cause headaches, depression, insomnia, a weak immune system, fertility problems, and other mental and physical health issues. Given these side effects, you may be exploring ways to effectively manage your stress. One way to do so is with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), an eight-week course designed to improve daily mindfulness.

Workers in the United States are hesitant to use their paid sick leave, even when they are truly sick, according to a new study by HR software company BambooHR. In fact, 9 in 10 people worked while sick during the past year, while nearly half said they shouldn’t have.

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, happiness is a goal for many. However, happiness is not an isolated concept; it’s complex and connected to your overall physical and mental health. By understanding and nurturing the links between your health and happiness, you can be on your way to an enriched and balanced life.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the consumer price index increased 3% year over year in June, falling to its lowest rate in more than two years. The latest reading marked inflation’s deceleration for the 12th consecutive month, an encouraging sign for Americans and the Federal Reserve (Fed).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found in its June jobs report that U.S. employers added 209,000 nonfarm jobs in June, below the Dow Jones’ estimate of a net gain of 225,000 jobs. This is the first time in 15 months that reported nonfarm jobs have not met or exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. June’s number of added jobs was nearly 100,000 below May’s revised gains of 306,000. June’s job growth is the lowest monthly gain since December 2020.

Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes, resulting in costly repairs and even total property loss. Hurricane season starts May 15 on the west coast and June 1 on the east coast and along the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that vehicle thefts in the United States are on the rise, with more than 1 million motor vehicles stolen in 2022—a 25% increase from previous years. In partnership with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the NHTSA encourages all vehicle owners to be extra vigilant in their security practices to prevent theft.

Warm weather and sunny days are among the best parts of summer, but it’s often possible to have too much of a good thing. When enjoying the season, it’s important to do so safely and responsibly. After all, extended exposure to high temperatures could be dangerous.

The results of the 10th annual Cost of Care Report show that child care has become unaffordable for most U.S. families. Of 3,000 surveyed parents, 67% are spending 20% of their annual income or more on child care, up from 51% in 2022. This marks the 10th year in a row child care costs have risen.

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that nearly half (43%) of insured adults who rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” were unable to receive necessary mental health services or medication in the past year. Amid a shortage of mental health professionals, many patients are struggling to find mental health care services. Insurance issues, such as lack of coverage and availability, may exacerbate the problem, KFF found.

Wildfires burning since Aug. 8 on Hawaii’s Maui Island will likely result in the second-largest insured loss in the state’s history, according to a brief from catastrophe modeling firm Karen Clark & Company (KCC).

When an emergency arises on the job, evacuating the workplace can be challenging. However, preparing in advance to safely exit the area can help ensure a smooth and successful evacuation. Consider the following emergency evacuation best practices.

Sunlight can enhance your body’s vitamin D production, boost your mood, regulate your immune system and lower blood pressure, among other benefits. But prolonged exposure to sunlight can be harmful, causing painful sunburns and increasing your risk of skin cancer. Such risks are greatest in summer when the sun is higher in the sky and ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are at their peak.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations to prevent serious diseases. Immunizations are often associated with children, but adults may also be at risk for diseases. Without vaccinations, you or your loved ones are at a greater risk of catching a vaccine-preventable disease.

In many parts of the United States, the risk of wildfires begins early spring and continues into the fall. Being prepared for fire activity is crucial if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Wildfires can be a serious threat to lives and property—and smoke pollution can affect your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wildfire smoke mostly consists of fine inhalable particles known as PM2.5, which is of greatest concern to public health.

Self-discipline is an important skill that can enable you to reach personal and professional goals. Developing self-discipline is like strengthening muscles; it can be improved with practice. This skill can help make difficult tasks seem more manageable as you achieve your goals.

Summer offers boundless opportunities to spend time outdoors and try new activities. No matter your age, being active can improve your physical and mental well-being, and research shows that combining exercise with outdoor time may yield greater benefits, such as improved cognitive function. This article highlights fun ways to stay active and increase your time outdoors this summer.

Preventing workplace injuries and fatalities is crucial for organizations of all sizes and across sectors. Without safety initiatives in place, organizations could experience increased incident rates, higher workers’ compensation costs, reduced productivity levels and diminished staff morale. Fortunately, various technological solutions can help organizations mitigate potential hazards and protect their employees from harm.