Believe it or not, nearly 38 million Americans still smoke cigarettes.

Quitting smoking can be a challenge for even the most motivated of people. That’s why the American Cancer Society dedicates Nov. 15 as the Great American Smokeout. The national event encourages smokers to start living a smoke-free life one day at a time.

It may be hard to quit smoking, but with a plan, it can be done.

Here’s a brief overview of how to address tobacco use with employees, plus easy-to-implement smoking cessation activities.

National Diabetes Awareness Month is here.

Like many diseases, it’s one that is difficult to see. Yet more than 30 million Americans are impacted by it, and it’s a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.

It can cause kidney failure, stroke, blindness, and more.

There’s also no cure for diabetes, a disease that results in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). There are a few types of diabetes — type 1 (juvenile), type 2 (adult onset), and gestational.

National Diabetes Awareness Month presents a great opportunity to educate and check-in with diabetic employees to see how you can better assist them.

Gratitude. 

It’s one word with a big meaning. 

Essentially, gratitude is being thankful for what you have or showing appreciation and kindness to others. With Thanksgiving around the corner, what better time to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your life? 

That’s why we’re introducing the 30 days of gratitude challenge.

What’s The Gratitude Challenge? 

Throughout the month of November, the “Gratitude Challenge” encourages people to deeply reflect on the topic of gratitude. By participating in a daily gratitude challenge, it helps you to consider all that is good in your life. It creates a moment for reflection and changes negative thinking patterns in your brain. Plus, it offers moments to show your appreciation toward others. 

Best of all, it’s easy to do. 

There’s no “I” in team, right?

As cheesy as that cliche is, it’s also true.

Teamwork is part of what makes companies successful. If your team isn’t getting along and feels disjointed, morale goes down, quick.

According to one Gallup study, 87% of employees are not engaged at work. As we know, disengaged employees are also less satisfied, less productive, and more likely to leave a company.

If there’s a lack of camaraderie in your office, it might be time for some team building work. 

Is sitting all day slowly killing your employees? 

Think about the average amount of time they sit in a day. Between commuting, office work, and then lounging at home, it adds up.

Research shows sitting for five or more hours a day is equivalent to smoking 1.25 packs of cigarettes. Another study showed a sedentary lifestyle is a potential risk factor for early death. 

Considering health experts have been telling us our whole lives to exercise more, eat less, and avoid smoking, the research isn’t too shocking. 

Sitting for long amounts of time has also been linked to health issues like diabetes, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels. 

Those aren’t exactly health concerns you want to sit on and ignore.

Do you ever look at famous successful business people and wonder: how do they do it?

If you’ve seen famous entrepreneurs like Mel Robbins, Tony Robbins, or Warren Buffett in action, it seems they all have endless energy to spend.

Why?

They make healthy habits a priority.  They are as busy as the rest of us, if not busier.

Mel does hot yoga regularly (and she actually hates it).

Tony does consistent meditation.

Warren sits and thinks. A lot.

While their particular habits may not appeal to you, there are plenty of options to lead a healthier, more productive life at home and work.

When was the last time you got lost in a really good book? If it’s been longer than a year, it’s time to dust off your library card. Or pile a stack into your Amazon cart.

Aside from the joys of reading to learn something new, there are neurological and mental benefits of reading, too. Studies show stress reduction, mental stimulation, memory improvement, and improved focus are just a few of the immediate benefits. 

If you enjoy reading about health and wellness in particular, then you’ll love our list of books below to keep you on the path to happy and healthy. 

Whether you’re interested in physical, mental, or spiritual health, you’ll find a book below for you. 

Happy reading! 

With Halloween approaching (and the temptation of office treats), you may be wondering how you can protect your oral health from all the sugary goodness. 

Ironically enough, October shares calendar space with National Dental Hygiene Month, making now as good as ever to review the basics of oral health. 

It’s actually as simple as four easy steps. 

Excellent oral health means more than a pearly-white smile. It means regular dental check-ups and preventive care as well. It’ll also keep your dental hygienist smiling. 

So, are you doing the “Daily 4” as you should?

Fall is here, and so is flu season. 

And, we’re afraid it’s nothing to sniffle at.

After last year’s particularly rough flu season — around 80,000 Americans died due to the flu and its complications — public health officials are urging everyone to consider vaccinations. 

If hard numbers don’t motivate your employees to consider vaccination benefits, we hope these flu shot marketing materials may encourage them. 

Or, at the very least, get them thinking and talking about flu prevention, including thorough hand washing, covering a cough, and staying home when ill. 

This year, October 7-13 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, giving employers a perfect opportunity to share available resources. The theme this year is "Cure Stigma."

Each year, around 43.8 million Americans experience a mental health condition. Now,  more than ever, it’s critical to educate employees about resources to avoid burnout and mental breakdowns and reduce suicide risk. 

Plus, it’s a wise move for businesses to invest in mental health education. A World Health Organization (WHO) study estimated “depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.”