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Even today, there are many myths and misunderstandings around employee assistance programs (EAP). To understand some of this confusion, it's helpful to look back at their roots.EAPs were initially launched in the late 1930s. As the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) movement begin spreading throughout the U.S. around the same time, workers shared their experiences with colleagues, leading to further spread…

February has long been symbolized with images of hearts, and positive feelings of love and affection in celebration of Valentine's Day. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson fittingly declared February as American Heart Month to raise awareness about the risks and signs of heart disease, and to encourage healthy decision-making. While much progress has been made in the fight against cardiovascular …

2020 was a tough year, and you may be surprised to know your employees may have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the fear of dying or getting seriously ill with COVID-19, as well as the fear of being killed or injured from continued racism and discrimination in this country.    You may have employees that have PTSD from being involved in motor vehicle accidents, …

The end of year holiday season is typically considered a time of joy, reflection, and the celebration of traditions passed on through generations. As 2020 winds down as one of the most unique and unprecedented in history, many among us are still holding our collective breaths wondering, "What will come next?" "How much more change and challenges can we anticipate ahead?"  Right now, we c…

It might seem counterintuitive during a pandemic, but many doctor's offices and even hospitals have been quieter than usual since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Fear of infection is forcing some people to avoid seeking care for complaints they might normally visit a doctor to address. Others, however, are simply taking advantage of a better way to address their health needs with virtual care …

Now more than ever, employee health and wellbeing is at the front of mind. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks, and monitoring physical health symptoms are now common practices as we continue to navigate both personal and workplace environments. While these recommendations are essential to the protection of our communities, there is a lack of at…

A vaccine for a disease that's killed far too many people in the last year is available now, and it's imperative that you go get it immediately.No, I don't have an inside connection to the CDC about a vaccine for COVID-19 - I'm talking about the flu.While our attention has rightfully been elsewhere in terms of contagious sicknesses in the last several months, it is the time of year when the flu st…

First Choice Health works with employer groups from Seattle to South Dakota to design and administer health plans and Clinically Integrated Networks optimized for their unique needs, filling in gaps where traditional care teams are not necessarily able to help patients.A Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) is an arrangement in which like-minded hospitals and/or independent providers share performa…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from suicides and drug overdoses currently exceed deaths due to the COVID-19 virus, CDC director Dr.Robert Redfield warned during a medical presentation earlier this month.There is hope, though. Nearly 75% of those who attempt suicide will tell someone first, directly or indirectly, opening a door to support and help. Friend…

As many organizations, even "nonessential" ones, considered returning to their physical workplace earlier this summer, the protocols and processes they put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 seemed reasonably sound. Most companies drew initial guidance from government agencies. In June, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released Guidance on Re…