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.

Low Vitamin D levels can impact your blood sugars by increasing insulin resistance, meaning the body is unable to respond to or use the insulin that it’s producing. Many studies have looked at the role of vitamin D in diabetes and have shown an association between low levels of vitamin D and increased risk for type 2 diabetes and its complications. And what’s concerning is that low levels of vitamin D—also dubbed the “sunshine” vitamin—are all too common, especially among older adults and people of certain ethnic/racial groups.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. While sunshine is essential for your body to process vitamin D, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can quickly damage your skin, no matter your skin tone. Only about 5-30 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen a couple times per week is sufficient to produce adequate Vitamin D. People with lighter skin will only need the minimum and those with darker skin will need more time in the sun.

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?

Weighing yourself on a traditional scale only tells you one thing: your total weight. Body composition, on the other hand, gives you a much more detailed picture of your weight health because muscle is denser than fat. Someone with lots of muscle can weigh more than someone with a lot of extra fat, even though they look leaner.

JUNE ONSITE OFFICE HOURS

Onsite Blood Drive - Steam/Perry K Donate to Save Lives & Earn Well Points You will be awarded 25 Well Points Reasons to Donate Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives. The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. One donation can help save more than one life. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

Citizens Energy Group recognizes employees are its most valuable resource. To best support employees and families with prediabetes and diabetes, we have created a custom program to help you achieve your best health. Your quality of life matters to us. Know the warning signs and symptoms of diabetes and diabetes complications so you can take action to improve your health.

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.

This year’s 2025 Men’s Health Month theme is centered on closing the Empathy Gap in men’s health through advocacy, awareness, and action.

It's time to join team Citizens for Corporate Challenge! On Friday, June 20, join your coworkers to duke it out against other Indiana organizations in a variety of competitive and fun events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is a great way to team-build and foster camaraderie amongst your coworkers in today's remote-work environment AND you can also earn Well Points for participating!

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!

Take action for your own mental health Mental health can’t wait. Taking action for your personal mental well-being—whether by setting boundaries, reaching out for support, or practicing self-care—can make a lasting difference. This Mental Health Month, prioritize yourself and explore the resources that can help you build resilience, manage challenges, and thrive.

It's time to join team Citizens for Corporate Challenge! On Friday, June 20, join your coworkers to duke it out against other Indiana organizations in a variety of competitive and fun events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is a great way to team-build and foster camaraderie amongst your coworkers in today's remote-work environment AND you can also earn Well Points for participating!

What is a Healthy Citizen?

MAY ONSITE OFFICE HOURS

The 2025 Healthy Citizens Well Points Program opens on January 1, 2025. The program rewards employees and spouses for health-promoting and disease-preventing behaviors performed in 2025. Employees and spouses are eligible to participate in the 2025 Healthy Citizens Well Points Program to be eligible to earn a Health Savings Account (HSA) company contribution.