Yoga May Improve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Better After 6 Weeks of Iyengar-Style Yoga

By Laird Harrison

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

May 24, 2012 (Honolulu, Hawaii) -- Young patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may feel better after practicing yoga for just six weeks, a new study shows.

Researchers reported their findings here last week at the American Pain Society's annual meeting.

"It seems to be a very feasible, practical treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis," one of the researchers, Kirsten Lung, tells WebMD. Lung researches pain at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

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The 4 most coveted summer benefits

June 19, 2012 by Christian Schappel

To make your company a more attractive place to work, here are four no-to-low-cost benefits to turn to when the weather heats up.

Staffing services provider OfficeTeam recently asked 449 working adults which benefit they’d most like to have in the summer.

Their responses:

1. Flexible schedules (41% said this is the benefit they’d most like to have)
2. The ability to leave early on Fridays (28%)
3. Activities like a company picnic or potluck (11%)
4. Relaxed dress code (5%)
5. Other (7%), and
6. Don’t know/no answer (9%).

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Did you know Pregnancy can lead to vision changes?

Many expectant mothers don't include an eye exam in their prenatal health care plan because of a persistent myth that it is not safe to have dilated eye exam during pregnancy. Not only is it perfectly safe to have a dilated eye exam during pregnancy, it's also a good idea to check for vision changes. 


Although uncommon, pregnancy can cause a slight possibility of vision changes. Since vision changes may also signal other health conditions, a thorough eye exam during pregnancy makes good sense. 


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Tip Tuesday! New Comprehensive Coverage for Women’s Preventive Care

The Affordable Care Act helps make prevention affordable and accessible for all Americans by requiring new health plans to cover and eliminate cost sharing for preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the Bright Futures Guidelines recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics.

The law also requires insurance companies to cover additional preventive health benefits for women. For the first time, HHS is adopting new guidelines for women’s preventive services to fill the gaps in current preventive services guidelines for women’s health, ensuring a comprehensive set of preventive services for women.

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Your best bet for battling worker attrition

June 10, 2012 by Christian Schappel

One thing that will retain talented workers who may feel overworked or undercompensated as a result of the recession: Benefits. 

First, the bad news

Aflac’s 2012 Workforces Report revealed there are a lot of unhappy employees out there considering moves to other companies:

• 49% of workers said they are “at least somewhat likely” to look for a new job this year
• 27% of those workers said they are “very” or “extremely likely” to look for a new job in the next 12 months
• The majority of those who say they are “very” or “extremely likely” to look for a new job describe themselves as the kind of workers companies need to retain to remain competitive, and
• 35% of workers who don’t feel their company has a reputation for being a great place to work said they are “extremely likely” to leave in the next 12 months.

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Smoothies: Blending nutritious with delicious!

By Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

For kids and grown-ups alike, a smoothie can be a sweet, tasty treat. And, here's a delicious little bonus: These fruity concoctions can also help solve two common nutrition problems.

First, there's calcium. Many American kids, teens and adults don't get enough of this mineral. It's vital for building and keeping strong bones — which makes calcium a "nutrient of concern" in this country. Second, most of us need to eat more fruit and veggies every day.

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Employees satisfied with benefits programs 9 times more likely to stay with their employer

By Marli D. Riggs

June 7, 2012

Almost half (49%) of U.S. workers are at least somewhat likely to look for a job this year, but there is undeniable evidence linking benefits offerings and employee loyalty, according to the 2012 Aflac WorkForces report.

Employees who are extremely or very satisfied with their benefits program are nine times more likely to stay with their employer, compared to those workers who are dissatisfied with their benefits program. Similarly, when asked what their current employer could do to keep them in their jobs, 49% responded, “improve my benefits package.”

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Tip Tuesday! Ode to joy: 5 steps to greater happiness

By Arleen Fitzgerald, L.I.C.S.W.

What's your joyful noise? A whisper of gratitude for a stunning sunset? A belly laugh at a child's sweet silliness? A "Yes!" for a challenge mastered?

No matter how you express it, you deserve and need joy in your life. And, whatever its source — from a drowsy pup on your lap to a parchment diploma in your hand — it doesn't just feel fabulous. Blissful moments can also give your well-being a boost.

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Walk your way to a healthier heart

By Michael Rosen, M.D.

The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other is pretty powerful medicine. In fact, experts say walking is the single most effective exercise to ward off heart disease — which happens to be the No. 1 cause of death for Americans.

Step up for your heart
Walking regularly can go a long way toward protecting your heart health — largely by helping you:

• Manage your weight
• Control your cholesterol
• Lower high blood pressure
• Relieve stress

What's more, the benefits go beyond these heart helpers. A walking program can also be a boon to your energy level, stamina and bone strength.  


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Employees satisfied with benefits programs 9 times more likely to stay with their employer

By Marli D. Riggs

June 7, 2012

Almost half (49%) of U.S. workers are at least somewhat likely to look for a job this year, but there is undeniable evidence linking benefits offerings and employee loyalty, according to the 2012 Aflac WorkForces report.

Employees who are extremely or very satisfied with their benefits program are nine times more likely to stay with their employer, compared to those workers who are dissatisfied with their benefits program. Similarly, when asked what their current employer could do to keep them in their jobs, 49% responded, “improve my benefits package.”

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IRS’ new guidance on $2,500 FSA cap: 5 keys

June 4, 2012 by Christian Schappel

The Internal Revenue Service just issued guidance for employers and administrators of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) as they plan for the new rules that take effect in January 2013. 

As you know by now, the healthcare reform law contains a rule that annual contributions to FSAs will be capped at $2,500 beginning in 2013.

And the guidance clarifies these aspects of that rule: 

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Tip Tuesday! 5 tips to tune up your willpower

By Arleen Fitzgerald, L.I.C.S.W., and Melanie Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.

If you've ever eaten ice cream while standing at the freezer — or hit the snooze alarm instead of getting up to work out — you might have thought, I have no willpower!

You have it — we all do. But, sometimes it can seem difficult to find — or appear to have abandoned us completely.

There's hope, though. You can learn how to boost — and better tap into — this inner strength to help you meet your weight-control goals.  


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Top 10: The legal issues HR needs to watch the rest of 2012

May 25, 2012 by Tim Gould

You’re just coming off a hectic holiday weekend – a good time to catch your breath and take a look at the big picture. Here’s an overview of the potential legal snares you’ll need to be aware of in the second half of 2012.

It comes courtesy of labor lawyers Richard Brann and Patrick Stanron, who spoke at the recent  LEAP conference in Las Vegas.

Click Here for the top 10 threats HR’s facing in the coming months:

IRS Provides Guidance on $2,500 FSA Limit

In late May, the IRS issued Notice 2012-40, which offers long-awaited guidance on the $2,500 limit on Health FSA salary reduction contributions. This rule is effective in 2013 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Notice 2012-40 brings clarity to several gray areas related to §9005 of the ACA. This provision created §125(i) of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the IRS publicly indicated a willingness to change the Use-or-Lose Rule. 

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FLSA Classified Material – Exempt vs. Nonexempt

First in a series of seven articles

The distinction between exempt and nonexempt status is a foundational concept under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). And yet, it is sometimes misunderstood, even by large employers. The stakes are high.

At the core of the FLSA are two basic mandates:  overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a week and payment of wages equivalent to at least $7.25 per hour. The FLSA exempts several types of jobs from those requirements...

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Tip Tuesday! Top 5 Superfoods for a Healthy Pregnancy

It’s important for you, and for your little one, that you eat a healthy diet during your pregnancy. Of course, I’d love for you to continue eating a healthy diet after your pregnancy too! A recent study found that having a good balance of probiotics in your gut can decrease the chances of obesity in your child. Here’s my list of the Top 5 Superfoods to eat during your pregnancy.

Click Here for the list and video!

Check out the latest UnitedHealthOneSM Deductible Credit Resources!

Have you visited the UnitedHealthOne^(sm) YouTube channel lately? Our latest Coffee Series video, What Is Deductible Credit?, is a quick and easy way to show your clients how UnitedHealthOne^SM Deductible Credit works.  

Click Here if you want more information on how Deductible Credit rewards your clients for being healthy and their Deductible Credit Calculator.