Mmm, coffee.

If you can’t start your day without coffee, you’re not alone.

Last year, the National Coffee Association surveyed 3,000 Americans on their java drinking habits. The survey found that 64 percent of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee daily.

The amount of Americans downing this beverage is the highest it’s been in years. Thanks to its ability to wake us up quickly, it’s become the go-to beverage for working Americans for decades.

As a stimulant, coffee is known to:

• Improve memory
• Increase energy levels
• Shorten reaction times
• Boost productivity

As one of the best instant energizers, coffee is well-known for its stimulant effects, but it also has several surprising health benefits, too, like reducing pain.

Need another reason to keep up your daily coffee habit?

Read on to learn about all the positive benefits hiding in your favorite brew.

We've had years of experience holding flu shot clinics and have heard every excuse in the book for skipping out on your yearly vaccine. If you or your employees have reservations or have heard rumors about the flu shot, send this handy list to them to ensure they know the facts about getting protected from the flu. 

Excuse #1: I've heard you can get the flu from the flu shot. 

We hear this one all the time! It’s by far the most widely spread misconception about the vaccine. Flu shots are currently made in one of two ways: the vaccine is made either with flu viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ (killed) and are therefore not infectious, or with no flu viruses at all.

It's scientifically impossible to get the flu from a flu vaccine. In addition to this, the shot does not offer instantaneous protection, but rather takes a week or two to kick in. Therefore, anyone who comes down with an influenza virus right after getting the shot already had the virus in their system.  

Sugar.

Even though the word is short, the list of problems this ingredient can cause is long.

Too much sugar in your diet can cause a laundry list of issues including diabetes and obesity. Studies even show potential links to excessive added sugar consumption and Alzheimer’s disease.

But, there are also a few good things about sugar.

Confusing, right?

Here we break down all the sugary details you need to make healthier lifestyle choices when it comes to sugar, including how to pick the right sugars to fuel your body instead of fattening it.

It’s no secret the cost of healthcare is going up.

Unfortunately, healthcare benefit costs are expected to continue to rise as much as $15,000 per employee.

While healthcare benefits are one of the most important benefits for employees, it’s also one of the most expensive ones for employers. If your company is looking to increase healthcare savings, virtual care is an option to consider.

Virtual care is one way to keep the healthcare benefit option available while also saving time and money. It’s convenient, fast, and just as efficient as an in-office visit.

The adoption of virtual care can save employers big money, too.

Here we take a look at the benefits of offering virtual care as a healthcare option.

Knowing how to live a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a mystery.

In fact, with so many resources out there, there are plenty of ways to access information to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

If you don’t feel like wading through the latest scientific research, that’s okay, too. We’ve done it for you in this recent health studies roundup post.

Below, you’ll learn why upping your garlic intake is a good idea, how age really is just a number, and the best snack to grab when you’re hungry.

Ready to start living a healthier life?

Here’s a look at seven health studies to improve your choices each day:

Mental health isn’t an easy topic to talk about.

Not discussing it at all in the workplace can be harmful, though.

For one, employees lose out on valuable resources that could potentially improve or save their lives. On the other hand, employers miss the chance to break the stigma that surrounds mental illness discussions.

Considering serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year, it’s a topic too big to be ignored by companies.

This month, consider starting a mental health dialogue with employees. October’s three mental health observances offer perfect conversation starters:

• Mental Illness Awareness Week 2019
• World Mental Health Day 2019
• National Depression Screening Day

There’s no better time to start the conversations than now. Below, we share just how to build mental health awareness and empathy in the workplace.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an ideal time for employers to share resources and facts about this devastating cancer. As the second most common type of cancer for women, it’s imperative to share life-saving information this month to educate employees.

 In 2019 alone, 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed.

Of those cases, it’s estimated over 40,000 women will die.

It’s not just female employees who need to know about breast cancer, either. Male employees may have a wife, sister, or female friends they could educate.

And while rare, men do get breast cancer, too.

Since early detection can greatly reduce the chance of death, it’s critical for women (and men) to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Learn more below about important resources and breast cancer awareness facts you can share with your employees during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019.

Fall has officially arrived.

So has the start of cold and flu season, along with the temptation to stay inside and eat comfort food.

It’s the perfect season to get lazy, really.

But don’t give up on your health just yet. Keeping up your exercise routine, eating healthy, and resting enough can keep your health on track this fall season. It also will sustain your immune system if you continue your healthy habits through the end of the year.

Ready to finish the last days of the year strong?

Here are 17 fall wellness tips to keep you feeling your best!

There’s no getting around it: flu season is the worst.

Not just for employees who suffer from a bout of the flu, but also for the businesses that employ workers who catch the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu accounts for billions of dollars in medical costs and lost wages. Most employees end up in the doctor’s office or sometimes even hospitalized.

The timeline of time off can be rough, too. Employees may need up to two weeks of sick days for flu recovery — sometimes longer if there are complications.

By understanding the seriousness of the flu and taking preventative measures — like hosting a flu shot clinic— you can encourage employees to get vaccinated and stay healthy during flu season.

Here’s a look at how dangerous the flu is physically and financially:

They say “laughter is the best medicine” for a reason.

Laughing not only helps improve physical and mental health, it also strengthens relationships and enhances creativity.

Best of all, laughing “medicine” is free and fun to take.

Laughing has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, promote happiness, and provides other physical health benefits. Think of how you feel after watching your favorite comedy or after spending a few hours with a hilarious friend.

There’s nothing like a full-belly laugh.

Learn how to inject more humor into your workplace and how it can help your employees be healthier overall.