• 6 in 10 U.S. adults live with at least one chronic condition and 4 in 10 adults live with two or more. *
• 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition each year. **
• Up to 80% of heart disease and type 2 diabetes cases may be preventable through lifestyle changes. *
• Only about half of adults receive recommended preventive services. ***
• Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%. ***

1. Stay Up to Date on Preventive Care

Preventive care remains one of the most effective ways to protect long-term health. Annual exams, age-appropriate screenings, and routine lab work help identify concerns before symptoms develop. Early detection allows providers to recommend treatment or lifestyle adjustments that may reduce complications later. Review your health plan benefits and speak with your provider about screenings based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Preventive visits are valuable even when you feel well.

2. Build Consistent Movement into Your Routine

Regular movement supports cardiovascular health, joint function, and energy levels. It also plays a role in reducing stress and improving mood. Health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, yet many adults spend long periods sitting. Consider practical ways to stay active during the workday. Take brief walking breaks, stretch between meetings, or choose stairs when available. Small adjustments practiced consistently can strengthen endurance and overall health.

3. Support Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Mental health is closely connected to physical health. Ongoing stress may contribute to sleep disruption, elevated blood pressure, and reduced immune function. Building habits that support emotional well-being can improve resilience and focus.
Setting boundaries around work time, taking regular breaks, using available PTO, and staying connected with supportive people are meaningful steps. Many employers also offer behavioral health benefits or Employee Assistance Programs. You can explore additional insights in our recent blog on Supporting Mental Health and Wellness.

4. Choose Balanced Nutrition to Fuel Your Day

Nutrition influences energy, concentration, and disease risk. A balanced approach that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports heart health and metabolic function. Gradual improvements are often more sustainable than drastic changes. Increasing fiber intake, reducing added sugars, and maintaining steady hydration can positively influence overall health over time.

5. Protect Time for Sleep and Recovery

Sleep supports immune health, cognitive performance, and emotional regulation. Most adults benefit from seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Insufficient sleep is associated with increased risks of chronic disease and workplace fatigue. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen use before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can improve rest quality. Recovery allows the body and mind to function more effectively each day.

Healthy Habits Built a Stronger Foundation

World Health Month serves as a timely reminder that global health efforts connect directly to individual action. Prioritizing preventive care, movement, nutrition, mental well-being, and sleep supports sustainable health over time. Health employees contribute to safer workplaces, stronger families, and more productive communities.

Sources:

* CDC Chronic https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/index.html
** CDC Mental Health https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about-data/index.html
*** CDC Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

• Approximately 12 million Americans aged 40 and older have vision impairment, including 1 million who are blind. *
• Nearly 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only about 50% visit an eye doctor annually. *
• An estimated 6.8% of children under age 18 have a diagnosed eye or vision condition. *
• About 1 in 3 adults does not get recommended eye exams. **
• Digital eye strain affects more than 50% of people who use computers regularly. *
• By 2050, the number of Americans with vision impairment is expected to double due to aging and chronic disease trends. *
• Up to 80% of vision loss is considered preventable or treatable with early detection. ***

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are one of the most effective ways to protect your vision. Many eye diseases (including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy) develop without early symptoms. Comprehensive exams can detect changes before vision loss occurs, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes. Adults should follow their optometrist’s recommendations that are based on age, risk factors, and existing health conditions, while children should receive regular screenings to support learning and development.

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule for Screen Time

With remote work and digital tools now part of everyday life, screen exposure has significantly increased. Prolonged device use can cause digital eye strain, leading to dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and neck tension. To reduce strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, reducing glare, and positioning monitors at eye level can also help minimize eye fatigue.

3. Fuel Eye Health with Proper Nutrition

What you eat directly impacts your eye health. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids help support retinal function and may reduce the risk of age-related eye disease. Leafy greens, colorful vegetables, citrus fruits, fish, nuts, and seeds are all excellent choices. A balanced diet not only benefits your eyes but also supports heart health and blood sugar control, which are two factors closely linked to long-term vision protection.

4. Protect Your Eyes from UV and Blue Light Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays helps protect your eyes year-round. For those spending long hours on digital devices, blue-light–filtering lenses or dark screen settings may help reduce strain, particularly in the evening hours when light exposure can disrupt sleep cycles.

5. Manage Chronic Conditions and Lifestyle Risks

Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can significantly affect vision health. Managing these conditions through regular medical care, physical activity, and medication adherence reduces the risk of complications like diabetic retinopathy or vascular-related eye damage. Avoiding smoking is equally important, as tobacco use increases the likelihood of developing cataracts and optic nerve damage.

Save Your Vision Month is a reminder that eye health is not separate from overall health. Clear vision supports productivity, safety, independence, and quality of life. Prioritizing things like regular exams, healthy habits, and early intervention, can help detect issues sooner and reduce long-term complications, preserving your sight for years to come.

Sources:

* https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth
** https://www.nei.nih.gov
*** https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-vision

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. for men and women. *
• About one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States. *
• In 2023, over 919,000 Americans died of cardiovascular disease, accounting for roughly 1 in 3 deaths.*
• Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (a major driver of heart disease and stroke). *
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the most common form of heart disease, resulting in death for hundreds of thousands yearly. **
• High blood pressure affects nearly 50% of adults, but only about one in four has it under control. *
• Heart disease and stroke together kill more people than all forms of cancer and accidents combined. ***

1. Get Moving: Aim for 150 Minutes of Activity Weekly

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or even taking the stairs count toward your weekly goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Even short bursts of activity throughout the day can add up to big benefits, so finding movement you enjoy will help increase the likelihood of sticking with it long term.

2. Nourish Your Heart with Healthy Eating

A heart-healthy diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as those in nuts, seeds, and fish). Limiting sodium, added sugars, saturated and trans fats can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol (two crucial factors in heart disease risk). Preparing meals at home and choosing fresh ingredients whenever possible makes it easier to control what goes onto your plate and into your body.

3. Know Your Numbers: Screenings Matter

Understanding your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your heart. These numbers are key indicators of your cardiovascular health and can help reveal risks before symptoms arise. Regular check-ups and screenings empower you to work with your healthcare provider to address potential issues early.

4. Don’t Smoke and Limit Alcohol

Smoking and tobacco use profoundly damage the cardiovascular system by narrowing arteries, increasing blood pressure, and reducing oxygen delivery to your heart muscle. Quitting smoking (or avoiding it all together) is one of the most impactful heart-protective changes you can make, with positive benefits beginning almost immediately. Additionally, while some may think moderate alcohol has protective benefits, excessive or regular use contributes to raised blood pressure and increased risk. Moderation and mindful choices are key to maintaining your heart health.

5. Manage Stress and Prioritize Sleep

Chronic stress triggers inflammation and hormonal changes that can raise heart disease risk over time. Incorporating calming techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or spending quality time with loved ones can all help regulate your nervous system and protect your heart. Likewise, quality sleep (about 7–9 hours per night for most adults) plays a vital role in cardiovascular health. Poor sleep contributes to high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk for heart disease.

American Heart Month is more than a reminder; It’s a call to action. Heart disease is preventable in many cases, and small, consistent lifestyle changes can lead to big health improvements over time. Whether you swap sugary drinks for water, sign up for a walking challenge, or schedule a routine health screening, each step brings you closer to a healthier heart.

Let this February be a time to invest in your cardiovascular well-being, celebrate progress, and support others in their heart health journey, too. Your heart works hard for you every day and it’s time to return the favor!

Sources:

*  https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
** https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5055577/
*** https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-remains-leading-cause-of-death-as-key-health-risk-factors-continue-to-rise

• Over 38 million Americans live with diabetes*
• More than one in five adults with diabetes is undiagnosed*
• Prediabetes affects nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults*
• Age-standardized prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. rose ~18.6% from 2012 to 2022 (from 10.2% to 12.1%)**
• The annual cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is estimated at $412.9 billion

Make a Personalized Self-Care Plan

Work closely with your healthcare team to build a realistic, individualized plan. Include your target blood sugar (A1C), medications, monitoring schedule, and lifestyle goals.

Monitor and Understand Your “ABCs”

Stay on top of your ABCs: A for A1C (average blood glucose over time), B for blood pressure, and C for cholesterol. Keeping these in check lowers the risk of complications from diabetes like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Adopt Smart Nutritional Habits

Choose whole, minimally processed foods that are rich in fiber, along with lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Be mindful of portion sizes and carb timing as eating carbs later in a meal can help blunt blood sugar spikes.

Move Daily, Even in Small Increments

Physical activity helps insulin work better and keeps blood sugar more stable. The best part? You don’t even need long workouts. Frequent and consistent short bursts or activity, walking breaks, or light resistance training add up and contribute to improved outcomes.***

Manage Stress and Emotional Well-Being

Stress, poor sleep, and emotional strain can all push blood sugar out of balance. Develop coping strategies (meditation, journaling, support groups), prioritize an adequate amount of rest each night, and seek mental health resources when needed.

Sources:

* https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
** https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797%2824%2900136-3/fulltext
*** https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199

https://www.brmsonline.com/blog/wellness/2025/supporting-healthy-lungs https://www.brmsonline.com/blog/wellness/2025/supporting-healthy-lungs#respond Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:27 +0000 https://www.brmsonline.com/?p=14327 About every second of the day, your lungs play a vital role in keeping you alive. They work hard oxygenating the body and removing carbon dioxide, which means doing your part to keep them healthy is equally as vital! From secondhand smoke to diseases, there are a number of conditions that can affect your lung...

The post Join BRMS in supporting healthier lungs first appeared on BRMS.]]> body{font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#78797b;line-height:1.6;padding:0;margin:0}.container{max-width:1200px;width:100%;margin:0 auto}.l-section{padding:20px 10px}.content{font-size:15px;line-height:16px;padding-bottom:8px}.image{max-width:100%;height:auto;padding:20px 0}.list{margin:0;padding-left:30px}.list li{padding-bottom:12px}ul li::marker,.list li::marker{color:#188CD0}h2,h3{font-size:16px;line-height:20px;margin:16px 0 8px;padding:0 20px}p{padding:0 20px 10px}.bold{font-weight:700;padding-bottom:0;margin-bottom:0}.divider{border-top:1px solid #78797b;padding:20px 10px}.footer{font-size:12px;text-align:center;padding:8px 40px 16px}.footer a{text-decoration:none;color:#77787b}.social{width:12px;float:right}.pb-1:not(#add-higher-specificity){margin-bottom:1rem}

About every second of the day, your lungs play a vital role in keeping you alive. They work hard oxygenating the body and removing carbon dioxide, which means doing your part to keep them healthy is equally as vital! From secondhand smoke to diseases, there are a number of conditions that can affect your lung health. Join BRMS as we work to support better breathing and healthier lungs through helpful tips and insights.

• Over 35 million people in the U.S. live with a chronic lung disease.*
• Around 10 million people develop tuberculosis each year.**
• Close to half a million Americans die from tobacco-related diseases each year.*
• Asthma affects around 26.8 million Americans, resulting in billions of dollars in healthcare costs.*
• Over the past decade, smoking rates among adults have fallen by 17%.***

Go for Good Nutrition

What you eat can help protect your lungs from the inside out. Foods rich in antioxidants like leafy greens, berries, and nuts, can combat inflammation and keep your immune system strong, making it easier for your body to fight off illnesses that may affect your lungs. A balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of colorful produce can also provide the nutrients your lungs need to function at their best. Choosing healthy foods is a simple way to give your respiratory system an everyday boost.

Get Your Annual Vaccines

Vaccines not only help you avoid seasonal sickness, but they serve as a key defense for your lungs as well. Annual flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and pneumonia vaccines can help your body ward off serious infections that put stress on the respiratory system. For people with asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung conditions, staying up to date on vaccinations can be especially important. By making vaccines part of your yearly routine, you give your lungs an added layer of protection and help safeguard your overall health.

Exercise Your Lungs

Exercise not only keeps your body in shape, but it strengthens your lungs, too. Aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming challenge your respiratory system and improve both lung capacity and efficiency over time. Even simple daily movement, like taking the stairs or doing light stretches, can support healthier breathing. Making consistent aerobic exercises part of your regular routine also helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions, ultimately boosting energy levels and making it easier to live life fully.

Breathe the Fresh Air

The air you breathe has a big impact on your lung health. Whenever possible, avoid environments filled with smoke, heavy pollution, or strong chemical fumes, as they can irritate and damage your lungs over time. Using air purifiers indoors, steering clear of secondhand smoke, and choosing outdoor spaces with cleaner air are small but effective ways to safeguard your breathing. Protecting your lungs from environmental stressors today can make a noticeable difference in your long-term well-being.

If You Smoke, Take Steps to Quit

On that note, one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your lung health is quitting smoking, or encouraging loved ones around you to quit. Tobacco damages your lungs with every puff, but the good news is your body begins healing almost immediately after you stop. Within weeks, your breathing improves and your risk of lung disease starts to decline. Quitting may be difficult, but support groups, medications, and healthcare resources can help you succeed.

Breathing is something we can easily take for granted, but every day your lungs are working hard to keep you alive and energized. You can help your lungs stay healthy just by incorporating small changes each day. Let’s work together to promote healthier lungs and futures!

Sources:

* https://www.lung.org/about-us/our-impact
** https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/World-Lung-Day-2019-Fact-Sheet-v2.pdf
*** https://www.lung.org/research/trends-in-lung-disease/tobacco-trends-brief

The post Join BRMS in supporting healthier lungs first appeared on BRMS.]]> https://www.brmsonline.com/blog/wellness/2025/supporting-healthy-lungs/feed 0 https://www.brmsonline.com/blog/hr-news/2025/five-things-your-tpa-should-do-during-renewal-season-2 https://www.brmsonline.com/blog/hr-news/2025/five-things-your-tpa-should-do-during-renewal-season-2#respond Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:51:49 +0000 https://www.brmsonline.com/?p=14241 Five Things Your TPA Should Do During Renewal Season Health plan renewal season always brings around a unique kind of puzzle. With many moving parts to consider, keeping track of them all will undoubtedly keep you busy. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to make sure your third-party administrator (TPA) is on top...

The post Prepare for Renewals with BRMS first appeared on BRMS.]]> body{font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#78797b;line-height:1.6;padding:0;margin:0}.container{max-width:1200px;width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px}.l-section{padding:20px 10px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px}.content{font-size:15px;line-height:16px;padding-bottom:8px}.image{max-width:100%;height:auto;padding:20px 0}.bold{font-weight:700;padding-bottom:0;margin-bottom:0}.divider{border-top:1px solid #78797b;padding:20px 10px}.footer{font-size:12px;text-align:center;padding:8px 40px 16px}.footer a{text-decoration:none;color:#77787b}.social{width:12px;float:right}.pb-1:not(#add-higher-specificity){margin-bottom:1rem}p{padding:0 0 10px;margin:0 0 12px}.wp-block-list,ul{margin-top:0!important}.entry-content ul,.wp-block-post-content ul,.post-content ul,.l-section ul,.l-content ul,.wp-block-list{list-style:disc!important;margin-top:0!important;margin-bottom:12px!important;padding-left:2em!important}p:has(+ ul){margin-bottom:0!important}.entry-content ul li::marker,.wp-block-post-content ul li::marker,.post-content ul li::marker,.l-section ul li::marker,.l-content ul li::marker{color:#188CD0!important}h3{font-size:30px;line-height:1.4;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-.05em;font-family:'Open Sans',sans-serif;margin:0 0 1.5rem;padding-top:1rem}

Five Things Your TPA Should Do During Renewal Season

Health plan renewal season always brings around a unique kind of puzzle. With many moving parts to consider, keeping track of them all will undoubtedly keep you busy. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to make sure your third-party administrator (TPA) is on top of things.

A TPA plays a critical role in helping their organization navigate each renewal season. They can evaluate the performance of benefits plans, using analytics to optimize them for the best outcomes. They’re also able to negotiate better terms with vendors and identify cost-saving opportunities all while ensuring regulatory compliance. Ultimately, by leveraging their industry expertise and data-driven insights, TPAs can make all the difference during renewal season—so long as you have one that knows what they’re doing.

To call a renewal season successful, you’ll want to make sure your plan remains compliant, cost-effective, and efficient. Here are five of our TPA to-do’s during renewal season to help ensure that success.

Examine Your Plan Regularly

Making sure that your plan is working is the primary duty of your TPA. It’s even better when your TPA keeps a constant eye on your plan to make sure it’s truly the right fit for your company as it is. Regular plan reviews help ensure that your benefits align with both your company’s goals and your employees’ needs—and let your TPA know if a change needs to happen.

Your TPA should…

• Conduct thorough audits of your current plan to assess performance.
• Identify areas of improvement such as costs, coverage gaps, and efficiency.
• Ensure the plan is compliant with current regulations and industry trends.

Partner with Industry Leaders

Your TPA should be a partner, one that you trust to help you and your company continue running smoothly. In turn, your TPA should have a few strong partners of their own in their pocket. Collaborating with the top industry leaders gives your TPA an edge, allowing them to bring the most up-to-date and effective strategies to the table when it comes to your benefits.

Your TPA should…

• Maintain relationships with key industry players including insurers, health providers, and more.
• Leverage partnerships to gain insights into emerging trends, technologies, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Keep ahead of the curve and integrate best practices and innovative solutions into your plan during renewal.

Review and Update Compliance Requirements

Earlier, we mentioned that keeping you safely in compliance is a duty of your TPA. In today’s healthcare landscape, with regulations constantly changing, that duty is more important than ever. Keeping your plan compliant isn’t just a legal obligation your TPA should worry about, but it protects your company from potential fines or lawsuits.

Your TPA should…

• Stay informed about changing healthcare laws, tax regulations, and other relevant compliance issues.
• Review and update your plan documents accordingly.
• Ensure that all necessary filings are completed on time and in full.

Administer Different Types of Plans

A key part of ensuring a smooth renewal season? Flexibility. From managing widespread, diverse employee needs to different regulatory requirements, your TPA needs to be able to administer a plan that fits. It also helps to know that your TPA isn’t stuck in place—the more flexible your TPA is, the more likely you are to get a plan that works best for you.

Your TPA should…

• Ensure the ability to administer a wide range of plans.
• Tailor the approach for different plan types to provide the best value and experience for employees and employers alike.
• Offer strategic advice on how to optimize each plan type for specific employee groups.

Clearly Communicate Changes

Part of being a reliable TPA partner—a big part—is clear communication. This is even more important during renewal season when plans are being evaluated and altered. Clear communication helps ensure that employees understand their benefits, which leads to higher satisfaction and better engagement with the plan.

Your TPA should…

• Provide timely and clear communications to employees about any changes to the plan.
• Help design educational materials or training sessions for HR teams, employees, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure ongoing support to answer any questions employees may have about the renewal process.

At BRMS, we pride ourselves on serving as a trusted and valued partner to our clients. From our personalized service to our cutting-edge technology, we make sure you head into each renewal season feeling prepared and supported. With over thirty years in the industry, we have significant experience in the ups and downs of renewals. Our longevity gives us a firm footing in the steps we take with you next, approaching renewals with tested and true strategies. We’re here to be a true partner—supporting you with superior customer service, and backed by our own strong partnerships with networks and vendors that make a difference on a plan’s bottom line.

Interested in how we can help you get through this renewal season on top? Reach out today and let’s talk.

---

© BRMS. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

The post Prepare for Renewals with BRMS first appeared on BRMS.]]> https://www.brmsonline.com/blog/hr-news/2025/five-things-your-tpa-should-do-during-renewal-season-2/feed 0