Tips on Health, Wellness, and APWU Health Plan Benefits.

Seasonal affective disorder: Ways to ease seasonal depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by changing seasons. Most people with SAD begin to experience symptoms during the fall as the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter. The condition may worsen throughout the winter before ending in the spring. SAD is not simply a case of the “winter blues.” Rather, it’s a form of depression that affects your daily life and changes the way you think and feel. Fortunately, many treatment options are available.

Shingles vaccine FAQ: Questions and answers about the Shingrix vaccine

medical conditions

Shingles is a common viral infection that causes a painful skin rash. Although it isn’t life-threatening, it can be very painful and last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In the United States, healthcare providers diagnose more than 200,000 cases of shingles each year. The good news is that a widely available vaccine can help reduce the risk of developing shingles.

How to spot the warning signs of a stroke

healthy habits, high blood pressure, medical conditions

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, preventing the tissue from getting the oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Making healthy lifestyle changes and working with your doctor to control your risk factors can greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

10 tips to help you lose weight

exercise, healthy eating, weight loss

When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s natural to want to shed pounds quickly. While fad diets and rapid weight loss plans can help you lose weight fast, you’re unlikely to keep it off for the long haul. Losing weight gradually is the healthiest and most effective way to get to and maintain a healthy weight. Making permanent lifestyle changes will help ensure you don’t gain back the weight you’ve lost.

10 tips for making healthy choices at any restaurant

healthy eating, healthy habits

Restaurant food tastes great, but many of the ingredients and cooking methods that enhance the flavor and texture of popular dishes add extra fat, calories, and sodium. Use these 10 tips to control how much you eat and make healthier choices when dining out.

5 tips for a safe and healthy summertime

healthy habits

Summer is filled with fun outdoor activities that make the most of the long, lazy days and warm weather. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a picnic in a park, going fishing, or taking the kids on a bike ride, stay safe and healthy with our summer safety tips for the whole family.

How to quit smoking: 5 tips to help you resist tobacco cravings

cancer, healthy habits, plan benefits

Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth and can lead to nicotine addiction. If you use tobacco, you know you should quit. In fact, most adults who smoke cigarettes want to quit. And most adults who smoked cigarettes in the past have successfully quit. If you’ve tried quitting but started smoking or chewing tobacco again, a solid plan can improve your chances of quitting for good.

The mental health benefits of exercise: How physical activity can ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety

exercise, mental health

Exercise is good for your body. It can help you maintain a healthy weight and decrease your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. But exercise is also good for your mental health. It can reduce tension and stress, improve your concentration, and stabilize your mood. People who exercise feel more energetic throughout the day and sleep better at night. But did you know that regular physical activity can also help you manage depression and anxiety?

Living with asthma: How to keep your asthma under control

medical conditions

If you have asthma, exposure to certain triggers can cause a flare-up or an attack. Avoiding your triggers and making an asthma action plan can help you prevent an attack before it happens—and steer clear of the ER.

6 ways to eat well on a tight budget

healthy eating

Eating a healthy diet is essential for your physical health and emotional wellbeing. When you’re living on a tight budget, finding nutritious, affordable food can be a challenge. While fast food may be tasty and filling, it also tends to be loaded with calories, saturated fat, and added sugars. And despite what some may think, fast food is rarely cheaper than eating healthy, home-cooked meals. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to can enjoy healthy food without breaking the bank.