If so, you aren't alone! Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern — most often appearing in the fall and winter and easing as spring approaches, and the sun makes more of an appearance. Millions of people experience SAD each year, but if you'd like to change that for yourself, keep reading.

If you've yet to earn those 1000 Well Points necessary to be eligible to receive a 2026 Health Savings Account (HSA) company contribution, this message is for YOU!

Let’s face it — the holiday season is full of joy, love, and… sugar. Lots of it. From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving pies and endless December cookies, we’re surrounded by sugary indulgences from October through New Year’s Day. And while a treat here and there is part of the fun, the blood sugar spikes and crashes that often follow can leave us feeling less than festive.

Whether you need Well Points, or need accountability during the most food-centric time of the year (hello, holidays!), your health coaches are here to support you!

If you had free access to a personal health coach, would you use it? Good news—you already do! That's a value of hundreds of dollars that comes built into your employee benefits, for $0! Not only is the coaching free, but improving your health and wellbeing can save you thousands in medical costs along the way.

Let’s be honest — food labels are the everyday version of fine print. They’re the tiny nutrition-packed novels hiding on the back of every cereal box, soup can, and “all-natural” snack bar. But what do they really mean? Is “low-fat” actually better? What’s with all the unpronounceable ingredients? And how did sugar manage to get 62 different aliases? If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a package wondering if you’re about to make a healthy choice or fall into a cleverly marketed snack trap, you’re not alone.

Ever wondered what health coaching would be like, but never quite made the time to see for yourself? Here's what others are saying about what they valued from their own coaching experience:

A movement called "Plastic Free July" began in 2011, and for the past 14 years it has encouraged everyone, you and me included, to take their challenge to say no to single-serve plastics in the month of July, as well as swap some products out and lower overall plastic use even beyond the 31 days. While this effort is very important to marine life--and I'm sure we all care about the turtles--it hits even closer to home than many realize.

It's July! The month of the 4th, summer celebrations, family vacations, cookouts, and... Social Wellness Month! What an appropriate time, when the sun is shining (or perhaps we should say beating?) down on us, it seems easier to connect with others. And according to studies, our society could use a lot more of that--deep connections that are the antidote to loneliness and feelings of isolation.

Don't let the summer heat get the best of you! Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or someone you know shows signs of having a heat-related illness.

Did you know you get free, unlimited health coaching sessions as an employee benefit here at Citizens?

The American Heart Association is working to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. They strive to save and improve the lives of all Americans. “All” Americans includes people of all backgrounds and across the spectrum of all diversity elements: sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, faith, socio-economic levels, and physical and cognitive disabilities. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) people are members of every community. They are diverse, come from all walks of life, and include people of all races and ethnicities, all ages, all socioeconomic levels, and from all parts of the country. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination and denial of civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse and suicide, to name a few. Many forms of mental health issues can affect heart disease, which is why it’s important that we gain a thorough understanding of the health challenges faced by this vulnerable community. For more information, and to learn how you can contribute to creating a healthier world for all, visit American Heart Association's website.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, "an estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2025. Seventy-four percent are age 75 or older."

If there ever was a time to go outside, it's now! Great Outdoors Month® in June beckons us to go out and explore all that nature has to offer. Celebrated all over the U.S., the month is dedicated to the country’s diverse landscapes, which boast dense forests, long winding rivers, tranquil lakes, rocky mountains, and much more. We are surrounded by so much technology every day, and the hubbub and fast-paced life of the 21st century have left many of us drained of energy. Therefore, visiting and exploring the great outdoors will provide us with a much-needed new lease on life, both mentally and physically. There are an abundance of health benefits to getting outside, and better yet--connecting with nature. No matter where you live, you can find something fun to do in the outdoors with your loved ones!

Have you ever told someone to “take a deep breath” when you thought they needed to calm down? Perhaps it was your spouse, child, or friend. Regardless of whether they appreciated your advice or not, it was sound and backed by science! The real question is, however, how often do you practice your own advice?