It’s that time of year! Despite how unpredictable and stressful the year has been, the holidays are here, and the end of the year is drawing near.

Employees who wish to receive the 2025 Health Savings Account (HSA) Company Contribution will need to participate in the new Healthy Citizens Well Points Program and earn points in 2024. As the conclusion of the 2024 Well Points Program draws near, please be aware of the following dates (based on employee-status) so you don’t miss out on a 2025 HSA Company Contribution.

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November is American Diabetes Month® and, at the American Diabetes Association, we’re recognizing all the mothers, fathers, friends, and children who live every day with diabetes or prediabetes. Join us and help make sure each and every one of them gets the support they need to keep going strong.

November is Men's Health Month. Men will die on average 4.5 years earlier than women and for reasons that are largely preventable, which means that it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s five ways you can give yourself the best chance at living a healthy and long life.

November is National Healthy Skin Month

Quitting smoking isn’t easy! It takes time and a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day #1!

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A Yearly Flu Vaccine is the #1 Way to prevent the Flu

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood and is used to screen for prostate cancer. The test is for screening purposes ONLY and does not constitute a diagnosis. You will need to follow up with your physician if the test indicates high levels of PSA.

Onsite Blood Drives - Langsdale Donate to Save Lives & Earn Well Points You will be awarded 50 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.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to shedding light on the devastating impact of domestic violence and advocating for those affected. As we come together to raise awareness, it’s crucial to remember that healing is a long and often challenging journey for domestic violence survivors. Whether you’re looking to support a friend, a family member, or your community at large, here are four meaningful ways to help victims of domestic violence heal during this important month and beyond. 1. Educate Yourself and Others Understanding domestic violence complexities is essential. Take the time to educate yourself about the different types of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and digital. Local resources like local shelters and assistance providers in your community provide valuable information. Share what you learn with your social circles to foster awareness and empathy. The more we know, the better equipped we are to support those in need. 2. Listen Without Judgment Leaving an abusive relationship is a highly personal decision but all survivors benefit from having trusted people during this time. Since those experiencing abuse are often isolated by their abusers, it’s imperative to know how to support survivors on the path to safety. One of the most powerful things you can offer a domestic violence survivor is support. Here are some ways to support a survivor: Create a safe space for them to share their experiences without fear of judgment or blame. Let them express their feelings while validating their emotions. Many victims feel isolated and unheard; your willingness to listen can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Help them create a safety plan. 3. Encourage Professional Support Domestic violence survivors are often left with emotional scars that outlast the physical effects. Some are at an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or other stress-related mental health issues. Counseling and support from family and friends can help survivors break the isolation of domestic violence. Healing from domestic violence often requires professional intervention. In counseling sessions, survivors can share their feelings, thoughts, and fears in a safe and confidential environment. Counselors are non-judgmental third-party advisors who listen and assist survivors in working through their traumas. In addition to coping with their remaining anxiety, trauma specialists can also help survivors relieve stress and find ways to cope. Encourage your friend or family experiencing domestic violence to seek help from counselors, therapists, or support groups that specialize in trauma and abuse. You can assist by researching local resources, offering to accompany them to appointments, or helping them find online support communities. Professional guidance can provide victims with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. 4. Raise Awareness and Advocate for Change Remember, it is important to support survivors and victims of domestic violence not just during this awareness month, but every day. Together, we can help their healing journey. Here are some ways you can raise awareness about domestic violence and support survivors: Participate in local events. Donate your old electronics or hold a fundraiser in your community to support survivors. Request print materials or download digital materials to share with your networks. Engage in social media campaigns and conversations using the hashtag #HealHopeCenter. Write to your local representatives about the importance of funding for shelters and support services. By raising awareness and pushing for policy changes, you contribute to a larger movement that seeks to end domestic violence and protect survivors. Educate yourself and others on domestic violence statistics and issues to better support survivors. By speaking out and taking action we can help create a safer and more supportive society for all. For more ideas to raise awareness in your community, visit our partners, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP) for more ideas.

If you already have 1000 Well Points, CONGRATULATIONS! You can skip this article.

Early detection saves lives. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99%. But what is early detection? Early detection means finding breast cancer at an early stage, before it has a chance to spread and is easier to treat. The 3 Steps to Early Detection guide clearly explains the 3 steps involved in the early detection of breast cancer: breast self-awareness, well-woman exams, and mammograms. By regularly following these 3 steps, you can increase your chances of finding breast cancer at an early stage when it’s easiest to treat.

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A mammogram helps you and your doctor better understand your breast health. Care teams at Ascension St. Vincent recommend annual mammography screenings beginning at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, ask your doctor if you should have a breast screening test before you turn 40. By getting to know you and your health history, we can recommend the breast screening that’s right for you.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

We're Joining the Fight to End Diabetes! We want to lead. We want to inspire. We want to empower. We want a cure. We're teaming up to change the future and make a positive impact on the lives of those who are affected by diabetes. As a corporate team, we’re committed to walking and fundraising together to support over 37.3 million people in the United States with diabetes. Most of us know someone or have a loved one impacted by this disease, and we won't stop fighting until there's a cure. When we bring together our dedicated team members and generous donors, our power as a group far outweighs what any of us could do alone.

A Message from Mark Jacob: As you may know, I have been a member of the American Heart Association for a number of years. I am also currently the Chairman of the Board for the Metro Indy AHA Board. And even though this entire organization continues to show me how important their life-saving mission is, it became real to me in 2021, when I had and survived an Aortic Dissection. Being one of the largest health research organizations in the nation, their research provided the roadmap that saved my life. So many of us have a family member or know of someone affected by heart disease. For these reasons, I am ‘Walking for Our Hearts and our Futures” and hope you will join me.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.