Category: Our Perspective

Proper protection from UV rays could be the difference between developing skin cancer later in life, or not.

For many of us, summer means longer days and more time spent outdoors. Science tells us that spending more time in nature can be an excellent way to support physical, mental and cognitive health. These benefits are moot, however, without proper protection from the sun’s strong ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer across the United States, despite it being one of the most preventable, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation¹. Most of these cases have to do with overexposure to — and lack of protection from — the sun². Around 80% of skin aging is attributed to sun exposure, and it’s estimated that one in every five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer before they turn 70¹.

While summer months rightfully spark conversations around sun safety, the risk remains all year long. UV rays from the sun shine on us through all seasons, reflecting off various surfaces and permeating even the cloudiest days². Keep reading for tips from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources on how to stay protected year-round.

Understand when you’re most exposed. According to the CDC, the sun’s rays are strongest between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. during standard time (which falls in the summertime for most states) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during daylight savings time (from early November to early March)².

The UV Index changes day by day and is tracked and shared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The UV Index scale runs from 1 to 11, with 1 representing the lowest risk of UV radiation and 11 representing extreme risk³. The index is also associated with time of day — for example, if the UV Index is 8 or more, it would be wise to either stay inside during midday or take extreme precaution to protect yourself and loved ones from sun exposure.

Sunscreen is your friend! The CDC recommends that people apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with 15 SPF or higher before spending time in the sun, and reapplying every two hours. You may need to reapply sunscreen in shorter intervals if you’re swimming, sweating or drying off.

Seek shade, especially on sunnier days. You can find shade under a tent, tree or tall structure, or create your own by wearing protective clothing including hats and sunglasses. Long sleeved shirts and pants or skirts that provide protection without overheating your body are great choices, as are protective headwear and eyewear, for those spending long amounts of time in sunny weather².

Stay away from indoor tanning beds. The UV radiation that powers indoor tanning beds is a proven carcinogen¹. In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reevaluated its classification of UV tanning devices, upping their status from Class I, or low risk, to Class II, or moderate to high risk, for human health¹. Additionally, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States annually are linked to indoor tanning¹. Is a temporary tan really worth permanent damage?

Talk about sun exposure with your doctor. Annual checkups with a dermatologist are recommended to stay on top of skin health and identify potential issues early.

Regardless of how you enjoy sunny days this season and beyond, staying protected is paramount. Check out more sun safety tips from the EPA here.

Sources:

[1] The Skin Cancer Foundation (2024). “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics: What You Really Need To Know.” Accessed June 9, 2024, from https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/.

[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Sun Safety Facts.” Accessed June 9, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.

[3] Environmental Protection Agency (2024). “UV Index Scale.” Accessed June 9, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-0.

The pursuit of health and wellness doesn’t need to be “every man for himself.” Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference for mens’ health.

June is Men’s Health Month in the United States, serving as an important opportunity to highlight the health risks unique to men and ways in which they can be addressed through simple, everyday actions and a little intention.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, men are more likely than women to smoke, drink alcohol in excess, make risky or unhealthy life choices, and procrastinate routine or situational medical care¹. These likelihoods are in part responsible for the 13.8% of American men ages 18 and over who are considered “in fair or poor health,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)².

More specifically, studies have shown 30.9% of men had consumed five or more drinks in a single day at least once in the previous 12 months, and 13.2% currently smoke cigarettes. Obesity and hypertension rates among US men are also high at 41.6% and 50.5%, respectively².

A 2017 study on mortality in the United States revealed men die five years earlier than women on average³. According to the CDC, the leading causes of death for men are heart disease (similarly to women), cancer, and unintentional injuries resulting from accidents².

Luckily, these risks are relatively easy to assuage for men who take their health and wellbeing into their own hands. This includes actions like being mindful about eating more healthfully, regularly moving the body, avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke and limiting alcohol intake, scheduling annual medical exams and getting screened for health issues early on, and taking steps to manage stress, which can contribute to heart and mental health issues, weight gain and high-blood pressure⁴.

All in all, health and wellness is very much a reciprocal process — you get out of it what you put in. Implementing small changes, like the ones above, is a great way for men to start prioritizing their own health and wellbeing, and to inspire other men around them to follow suit.

Sources:

[1] US Department of Health and Human Services (2024). “Men: Take Charge of Your Health.” Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Accessed May 14, 2024, from https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/men-take-charge-your-health.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Mens Health.” US Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed May 14, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm.

[3] Murphy, Sherry L. et al. “Mortality in the United States, 2017.” NCHS Data Brief No. 328. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. November 2018. Accessed May 14, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db328-h.pdf.

[4] US Department of Homeland Security (2023). “June is Men’s Health Month.” Accessed May 14, 2024, from https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/news/2023/06/14/june-mens-health-month.

Three years of data shows lowered A1c levels, improved adherence to preventive care screenings, and decreases in diabetes distress scores.

WellSpark Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs connect individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to health coaches who focus on weaving effective diabetes self-management practices into daily habits, which can lead to sustainable improvements.

Annually, WellSpark evaluates the aggregate results of the company’s diabetes management programs for all participants from its employer client groups. Across three years of data, from the beginning of 2021 through the end of 2023, these health coaching programs demonstrated consistent improvement in health and wellbeing for people living with diabetes, including mitigating the potential negative effects of this chronic condition.

Lowering A1c for the win
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), A1c is a blood test that measures a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It’s a common test for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes and is one of the main tests to help individuals and their health care team manage diabetes¹. Even a slight reduction in A1c levels translates to lower medical costs and fewer deaths. A 1% drop in A1c translates to a 15-20% decrease in the risk of heart attack or stroke². A 1% drop in A1c also translates to a 25-40% reduction in the risk of diabetes-related eye or kidney disease².

More than 60% of participants in WellSpark’s 12-month diabetes management programs improved their A1c over the last three years, lowering it by an average of 1.4%.

“I have been able to lose a total of 44lbs incorporating healthy food and exercise on my own. I have learned about my diabetes and decreased my A1c from 8.9 to 5.9 over the past year. I’ve learned a lot about reducing carbohydrates which had been a problem for me, because rice was a huge part of my life and my culture. It was great to ask questions and have the nurse wellness coach available to me without judging me.”

A participant in WellSpark’s one-on-one DSMES health coaching program

Prioritizing preventive care
The CDC states that preventive care services could save more than 100,000 lives in the U.S. each year³. Chronic diseases alone, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, are responsible for 7 out of 10 American deaths annually⁴. Yet, many people in the United States don’t get recommended preventive healthcare services, even though these services are often available at no charge for individuals who have health insurance.

Diabetes presents daily demands – managing blood sugar levels, diet, and a complex medication routine – making adherence to recommended preventive care screenings additionally challenging.

Because preventive care is an important part of overall wellbeing, adherence to recommended screenings is an important data point to track. Over the past three years, WellSpark’s diabetes management program participants’ overall adherence to diabetes-related preventive care services was above average at 93% or more. These services include physician follow-up visits, foot care visits, retina eye screenings, and kidney function screenings. National averages for these services range from 51% to 91%.

Decreasing diabetes disease distress
The most common psychological issue among those with diabetes is Diabetes Disease Distress – an emotional response to diabetes, including increased worry, stress, concern, and fear among people struggling to manage the disease. According to the National Institute of Health, individuals with a reduction in diabetes-related distress had significantly greater improvement in A1c, medication adherence, self-care activities, and self-confidence⁵. And a 1% reduction in A1c was associated with a 13% reduction in diabetes-related total healthcare costs⁶. Over the past three years an average of 32% of WellSpark program participants reported reduced disease distress because of the program’s support.

Future cost avoidance
Diabetes can be costly to individuals with the disease as well as for employers who provide health insurance coverage. WellSpark’s accredited diabetes management programs, verified by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), are focused on future cost avoidance, help individuals make lifestyle and behavioral changes that improve their overall wellbeing, and can lower their cost of care. WellSpark works closely with employers to tailor programs to the unique needs of each workforce, incorporating variations of one-on-one and group health coaching options.

“While not exclusively a workplace problem, employers have a unique opportunity to address diabetes and its biological, psychological, and social factors that impact the health of their workforce. By taking action and bringing essential diabetes resources to their workforce, employers can improve overall employee health and wellbeing while also better managing healthcare costs.”

Andi Campbell, President of WellSpark Health

In addition to tracking the data shared here ― A1c levels, preventive care adherence, and diabetes disease distress ― the majority of WellSpark disease management participants also improved their blood pressure, lost weight, and adhered to diabetes self-monitoring guidelines.

By taking time to really understand the sum of everything in a person’s life ― the biological, psychological, and social factors ― WellSpark’s health coaching programs help individuals unlock the barriers that prevent them from making lasting change, give them the support they need to form new health and wellbeing habits, and better manage their diabetes.

Learn more about the disease management health coaching programs WellSpark offers: https://www.wellsparkhealth.com/solutions/

Sources:

[1] Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Retrieved March 21, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html
[2] A −1% change in absolute % HbA1c translates to 21% fewer deaths from stroke, 37% fewer eye and kidney complications, and 14% fewer heart attacks. Using the Milliman model; this −1.6% change in mean A1c (in the study population) converts to an estimated cost savings of $192,110 for a 12-month period or $1,256 annual savings per member in program; Diabetes management with a care coordinator improves glucose control in African Americans and Hispanics, Wayne S. Rawlins, Michele A. Toscano-Garand, and Garth Graham; J Educ Health Promot. 2017 May 5;6:22.
[3] Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) Access to Health Care, Retrieved March 21, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/healthcareaccess/
[4]Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). Retrieved March 21, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/center/index.htm
[5] National Institute of Health, Retrieved March 22, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5398174/
[6] Nation Institute of Health, Retrieved March 22, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8873294/

Burning the candle at both ends? Research says poor sleep habits could cost your health.

The term “beauty sleep” may sound like just a posh way to refer to a good night of rest, but the origins of this idiom actually relate to the restorative health benefits of getting quality shut-eye. These benefits go beyond a physical sense of well-restedness to include improved mental processing, weight management, a stronger immune system, reduced stress and improved mood¹. Consistently getting enough sleep could even lower a person’s risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety².

There are many factors that could impact someone’s ability to sleep, and they vary from person to person. Some of them are simply demographic, while others are occupational or socio-economic. Some are preventable, like late-day consumption of caffeine or alcohol, while others are caused by sleep disorders, underlying health issues, or chronic stress and anxiety. In a 2017 study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers Nicola Magnavita and Sergio Garbarino suggest loneliness could lead to problems sleeping, as well³.

“In the complex relationship between wellbeing, health and productivity, sleep impairment can act as a moderator,” Magnavita and Garbarino wrote. “Sleep disturbances may be both the cause and the consequence of reduced wellbeing and may therefore set up a vicious circle with relevant consequences for productivity and, in the longer term, the safety and health of workers.”

Taking steps to regain control of your sleeping habits could help break this cycle and set you up mentally and physically for better health and wellbeing. The National Institute of Health’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion provides several tips for individuals looking to improve their sleep¹:

• Establish a consistent schedule for waking and sleeping
• Avoid exercising a few hours before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine later in the day, and alcohol right before bed
• Get in the swing of a relaxing before-bed routine, such as a warm bath, reading, or something else you find calming
• Avoid bright lights and loud noises (i.e. from the TV, computer or phone) in the bedroom

For those who have tried these tips and still have trouble falling or staying asleep, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detailed common sleep disorders on its website.

In the end, research has drawn a clear line connecting healthy sleeping habits with healthy people, and vice versa. If you feel that you could be getting better sleep, try implementing small changes to your morning and nighttime routines to determine what works best for you. Or meet with a WellSpark Health Coach to find some strategies to improve your sleep habits.

Sources:

[1] Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP). “Healthy Living: Get Enough Sleep.” US Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed April 15, 2024, from https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep.

[2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep.” Accessed April 15, 2024, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep.

[3] Magnavita, Nicola, and Sergio Garbarino (November 2017). “Sleep, Health and Wellness at Work: A Scoping Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 11, 6, p. 1347. Accessed April 15, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111347.

Loneliness has been deemed an epidemic, and its effects are associated with increased health risks and reduced employee performance. How can employers cultivate a culture of connection in the workplace?

The COVID-19 pandemic may be behind most of us, but according to US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, there’s another epidemic sweeping the nation: one of loneliness. In fact, this condition preceded the pandemic, with more than 50% of American adults reporting feelings of loneliness pre-COVID, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Forced isolation during the pandemic only served to exacerbate the issue, which continues to run rampant today.

This feeling of disconnection and isolation can have serious ramifications for mental and physical health and, in turn, the health of our society as a whole. A lack of social connection can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, dementia, susceptibility to illness, and even premature death. For example, the negative health effects of loneliness can be compared to smoking 15 cigarettes per day¹.

“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders,” Dr. Murthy said. “Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”²

In an advisory shared by Dr. Murthy in May 2023, numerous studies were cited as evidence of how social connectedness benefits all of us. Specifically for working Americans, fostering inclusivity has been linked to lower levels of chronic stress and burnout in the workplace. Additionally, connectivity has been shown to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, creativity, competence, innovation and job performance¹.

So, what can employers do to cultivate a culture of connection in the workplace? The US Surgeon General offered many suggestions, starting with prioritizing socialization at all levels of an organization¹. Employers can also:

• Empower company leaders and managers to nurture connection across teams and initiatives
• Use existing support programs to educate employees on the power of social connection at work
• Promote a workplace culture that addresses whole-person wellness and inclusion
• Enact policies that respect work-life balance
• Explore ways to keep employees connected amid hybrid or remote work¹

For employers to succeed in fostering social connection in the workplace, it’s important to tailor efforts to specific work environments and cultures. Additionally, striving for continuous improvement will help ensure employees are supported through this epidemic of loneliness now and in the future.

Helping employees foster better human connections in their lives is good business. Learn how WellSpark helps employers improve the health of their workforce through employee support ― individual, group and text ― to promote a culture of wellbeing.

Sources:

[1] Surgeon General’s Advisory (May 2023). “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.” US Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed March 31, 2024, from https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf.

[2] US Department of Health and Human Services (May 2023). “New Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm about the Devastating Impact of the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States.” Accessed March 31, 2024, from https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Awareness of the risks and symptoms cannot be overstated.

Heart disease impacts roughly 60 million women across the United States, indiscriminate of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite being the leading cause of death for women, with one in every five female deaths attributed to heart disease in 2021, only half of American women are aware of this risk¹.

Women have specific risk factors for heart health, disease and failure, many of which are caused by gender-specific hormone changes and anatomy. Therefore, more widespread public awareness about the signs, symptoms and risk of heart disease in women, as well as a more gender-equitable approach to understanding women’s heart health in the medical community, are both needed to address these staggering statistics.

Understanding signs and symptoms

According to the CDC, there are three common types of heart disease in women. The most common is coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and poses a greater risk to women after menopause. Arrhythmia is another common heart disease, and refers to a heart that beats irregularly, too quickly or too slowly. Lastly, heart failure is the third most-common serious health disease among women¹.

While some women have no symptoms, there are several to look out for, including¹:

• A dull or heavy ache or discomfort in the chest (angina)
• Neck, jaw or throat pain
• Back or upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Excessive tiredness

These symptoms shouldn’t be taken lightly, but in the case of no symptoms, women who are experiencing signs of a heart attack — including chest, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations (a fluttering feeling in the chest), swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen — should seek immediate medical attention¹.

Risk factors unique to women

Women have long been underrepresented in medical research, including when it comes to understanding cardiovascular health and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association². Several health circumstances unique to women can impact their heart health. These include starting menstruation or menopause early, the use of oral hormonal birth control, pregnancy complications and outcomes, and polycystic ovary syndrome¹, as well as being “disproportionately affected by inflammatory and autoimmune disorders,” which has been known to impact heart health².

According to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Natural Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, women have anatomically different hearts compared to men. Structurally, women have smaller hearts with thinner muscular walls, and smaller blood vessels than men, and are more likely to manifest coronary microvascular disease, which impacts smaller arteries of the heart and can make identifying the disease more difficult³.

There are several other risk factors unique to women’s heart health, including anemia, high blood pressure — which affects more than 56 million women in the United States¹ — endometriosis, mental health problems, metabolic syndromes and obesity³. Additionally, women with diabetes and/or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, as well as women who smoke, are at a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease, even more so than men with the same predispositions, according to the NIH³.

Understanding these specific catalysts, as well as educating the general public on signs, symptoms, and the level of risk, are key to creating gender-equitable approaches to women’s heart health.

Sources:

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Women and Heart Disease.” Accessed Jan. 14, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm.

[2] American Heart Association (May 9, 2022). “Report calls out gaps in women’s heart disease research, care.” Accessed Jan. 14, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/09/report-calls-out-gaps-in-womens-heart-disease-research-care.

[3] National Institute of Health (NIH). “Women and Heart Disease.” National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Accessed Jan. 14, 2024, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women.