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.

Good habits are a must.

When you combine good working habits with healthy office habits, it’s a recipe for success and fulfillment in the workplace.

With some adjustment, behavioral changes like exercising, eating healthier, and staying organized can lead to feeling happier, more productive, and more satisfied.

Healthy habits can be hard to develop and keep, but are worth it for the long-term benefit. They can impact your health both mentally and physically by improving your mood and energy levels, for starters.

If you could make your life easier and healthier at work, wouldn’t you?

Read on for five healthy office habits to start using today!

The flu season is back again.

Nobody wants the flu, and public health officials are already warning this season is likely to be moderate to severe. Since the flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, it’s important to be as prepared as possible by understanding the facts about the flu and how the body responds.

The most common flu signs and symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fever (not everyone gets one)
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Want to know more about this year’s flu season? Here’s a look at some of the facts about the 2019 flu season and what to expect:

Every year, World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29.

Since Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) claims 17.9 million lives globally each year, the World Heart Federation created the campaign to educate and encourage individuals to improve their heart health.

Over a lifetime, the heart beats about 2.5 billion times. That’s a hard-working muscle. Like every other muscle in our bodies, it’s important to keep it strong and healthy.

If you’ve been looking for ways to discuss heart health with your employees, now is the time.

In honor of World Heart Day, share these 29 tips on how to keep your heart healthy: