This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2007-2009. 2012, 2014, 2017-2018 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

• • Both sides of the body being affected at the same time
• • Inflamed joints that affect the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand. Other affected joints can include the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
• • Fatigue, occasional fever and a general sense of not feeling well
• • Pain and stiffness that lasts for more than one hour after waking in the morning or after a long rest.

Treatment

Highly effective drug treatments are available to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but early treatment is critical. Current treatment methods focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, stopping or reducing joint damage and improving patient function and well-being. In addition, treatment usually involves some combination of exercise, rest, joint protection and physical or occupational therapy. Surgery is an option if joints are damaged and painful. Overall, a balance of rest and exercise can help conserve energy, as well as maintaining range of motion and use of the joints.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, refers to inflammation of the membranes lining the joints. It is a systemic disease that affects the entire body, including the blood, lungs and heart.

Causes

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is categorized as an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s natural immune system does not operate as it should. It attacks healthy joint tissues, causing inflammation and subsequent joint damage. There are several factors that are believed to contribute to this disease, putting certain people at higher risk:

• • Genetics or hereditary factors—Certain genes in the immune system may be involved in determining whether or not rheumatoid arthritis develops.
• • Environmental factors—Rheumatoid arthritis can be triggered by an infection, like a virus or bacterium in people who have an inherited tendency for the disease. However, it is not a contagious disease.

Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joint linings, which leads to pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function. It can also cause inflammation of tear glands, salivary glands and the linings of the heart and lungs. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis differ, but commonly include the following:

• • Inflamed joints that feel tender, warm and swollen Download pdf

Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance professionals at Deutsch & Associates, LLC

Brought to you by Deutsch & Associates, LLC

Many households were stressed about their finances before the pandemic, but the past year has remained just as challenging. As a result, many Americans are still financially stressed out, which can negatively impact their mental health. If you are experiencing financial stress, know that you’re not alone.

According to a recent study, 50% of respondents said they feel stressed when discussing their finances. This type of stress occurs due to numerous reasons, and it isn’t always because of a lack of money or resources. Financial anxiety occurs across all income levels. Research shows that financial stress and anxiety are often linked to low levels of financial literacy, problematic financial behaviors and decreased financial security.

Financial anxiety and stress can be debilitating. Consider these coping tips from the U.S. Department of Labor:

• • Increase your financial literacy. Some individuals are anxious because they aren’t comfortable deciphering financial information. If you feel this way, it may be helpful to seek out financial
• wellness programs that address money management topics and ways you can save.
• • Create a budget—and stick to it. A budget can make you feel more in control of your money, thus improving your mental health, stress, anxiety or frustration. This resource may also help you build up your savings over time and feel less stressed about your finances in the future.
• • Switch from credit to cash. It may help to remove credit cards from your wallet and delete these cards from electronic payment systems and apps. If you’re not comfortable using cash during the pandemic, stick to using your debit card and live within your means.
• • Address the topic head-on. Financial stress will not just go away—and doing nothing may only create more problems. It’s essential to fight the urge to avoid dealing with financial stress. In the long run, you’ll do more harm by not taking control.

If you’re concerned about your financial situation, reach out to a financial advisor. Further, if you’re feeling significant stress, talk to a mental health professional for additional guidance and support. Download pdf

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional or financial advisor for appropriate advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparing for Open Enrollment With a Hybrid Workforce

As open enrollment season approaches, many employers are finding themselves with hybrid workforces due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a mix of employees working on-site and remotely, it’s imperative employers make necessary adjustments to secure a successful open enrollment.

What Employers Can Do

Here are a few ways an employer can prepare for open enrollment with a hybrid workforce:

• • Communicate early. Open enrollment will look different this year. When employers communicate early, employees have more time to review changes, engage with resources and prepare for a successful enrollment.
• • Reach all employees. Using channels such as an employee intranet or a benefits website can help ensure that benefits resources and communications reach all
• employees. In addition to on-site events, a virtual open enrollment fair or webinar can help educate those working remotely.
• • Offer one-on-one informational meetings. Some employees may prefer to meet with someone in a one-on-one setting to discuss benefits options. Such meetings can also be done virtually and might be referred to as “virtual office hours” or a “virtual desk.”
• • Provide both on-site and virtual enrollment options. Some employees may desire an in-person enrollment experience, whereas others might be eager to enroll virtually. Employers should consider the user experience of enrollment platforms, including how employees can receive technical support when needed.

Every workplace is unique in how its employees interact with open enrollment and benefits.

For more open enrollment resources, contact us today.

EEOC Extends EEO-1 Deadline for 2019 and 2020 Data to Oct. 25

Provided by Deutsch & Associates, LLC

Employers have even more time to submit equal employment opportunity (EEO-1) workforce data from 2019 and 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced on Aug. 18, 2021.

The 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 reports were previously due by Aug. 23, 2021, which was an extension from the original deadline of July 19, 2021. Employers now have until Oct. 25, 2021, to complete their submissions. According to the EEOC, this new deadline is final, and no additional extensions will be made.

The EEOC’s collection of the 2019 and 2020 data—the portal for which opened on April 26, 2021—had been delayed numerous other times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the EEO-1 Report is usually due by March 31 every year.

Employers Subject to EEO-1 Reporting

In general, a private-sector employer is subject to EEO-1 reporting if it:

• • Has 100 or more employees;
• • Has 15-99 employees and is part of a group of employers with 100 or more employees; or
• • Is a federal contractor with 50 or more employees and a contract of $50,000 or more

Employer Action Items

Employers subject to EEO-1 reporting requirements should ensure that they complete their EEO-1 submissions by Oct. 25, 2021. These employers should also review the EEOC’s home page and website dedicated to EEO data collections for additional information. Downlaod pdf

Contact Deutsch & Associates, LLC today for additional resources.