The Health Column

Accessing resources to support your mental health and wellness

When you need mental health support, the last thing you want are obstacles getting in the way....

Soap vs. sanitizer: The truth about hand hygiene

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically shifted the way we approach hand hygiene. What was once a basic,...

The silent grief of miscarriage and pregnancy loss

Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal and often silent grief. Yet it’s an experience that touches...

Can someone have a photographic memory like Mike Ross from Suits?

Have you ever wondered how a TV character like Mike Ross from Suits can recall every detail of law...

What role does health insurance play in cancer care?

Just as cancer care is specific to the patient, health insurance is also specific to the member....

Recovery and relapse: a journey of discovery and strength-building

In 2020, more than 40.3 million people in the United States struggled with Substance Use Disorder (...

Understanding the difference between preventive and diagnostic care

When it comes to healthcare or health insurance, you may have heard the terms preventive care and ...

Six tips to better accommodate autistic patients

Healthcare settings can be overwhelming for anyone, but that can be especially true for autistic...

Trailblazers of change: Trans voices throughout history

At Mass General Brigham, our mission is to dismantle barriers to care inside and outside our walls...

Have you heard of a menopause doula?

Throughout history, American women have gone through the perimenopause and menopause transition...

Employers: Here’s what you need to know about supporting pregnant employees

Did you know that women make up 57.6% of the US workforce? As an employer, you can collaborate with...

Eating for energy: 7 ways to boost your daily nutrition

In today’s fast-paced world, feeling tired and sluggish is all too common. Whether you're juggling...

How changing the clocks affects your health: The surprising impact of daylight-saving time

Losing an extra hour of sleep may not be the worst consequence of "springing forward" at the start...

Challenging misconceptions about eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone. However, they’re...

Doing good makes for a healthier and happier heart

American Heart Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about heart disease and share tips for...

Essential winter safety tips for navigating New England weather

Winter in New England can be both magical and brutal. From the charm of snow-covered streets to the...

Cancer prevention: 4 screenings you should know about

Whether it’s a family member, friend, colleague, or ourselves, many of us have been impacted by...

Want a health boost? Listen to this type of music.

If you've ever felt a surge of well-being while listening to classical music, you're certainly not...

Virtual primary care visits increase access and convenience for patients

Virtual care continues to grow in popularity for patients and providers. Almost 9 in 10 healthcare...

Dealing with change in the new year

The new year can be a time of reflection and change. With this fresh start comes the opportunity to...

Have you been screened for cervical cancer?

Did you know that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women? However, with...

Mentoring prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders to thrive

Mentorship is so important for mentees and mentors. While it creates an opportunity for mentors to...

Make a health plan in the new year

As we move into a new year, there’s no better time to prioritize your health and well-being. In a...

Tips for combatting the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Did you know the Winter Solstice happens on Saturday, December 21? With the fewest daylight hours...

Wondering what gift to buy kids of different ages and abilities in your life?

This holiday season, parents, caregivers, family, and friends search for unique gift ideas for the...

A day in the life of a volunteer and the surprising health benefits that come with

Volunteering gives you the chance to help those in need. But did you know it can also have a...

Understanding HIV and AIDS

World AIDS Day, observed every December 1, aims to raise awareness about human immunodeficiency...

A look back: 2024 top healthcare and coverage trends

Change is constant in healthcare. Ongoing studies lead to new learnings, discoveries, and...

Navigating family gatherings during the holidays

The holiday season is often a time of joy and togetherness. However, stressors can lead to holiday...

Create a plan to quit smoking

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 34 million adults in the United States...

What caregivers need to know about working with health insurance

Caregivers often step in to manage personal affairs, including health insurance. In recognition of...

Living with diabetes: Guidance towards a healthier life

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 38 million people...

Navigating an adult ADHD diagnosis

As a child, you may have heard phrases like “easily distracted” or “can't sit still.” For some,...

The evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare

As National Pharmacy Week approaches, it’s the perfect time to spotlight pharmacists' vital role in...

How to find the right mental health solution for you

Did you know that the average delay between symptom onset of a mental illness and treatment is 11...

Celebrating Customer Service Week

In recognition of National Customer Service Week, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the...

This program is expanding access to Down syndrome specialty care

More than 95% of people in the U.S. with Down syndrome live more than two hours away from a Down...

Seven strategies to prevent substance-use relapse

Recovery is important to us at Mass General Brigham Health Plan. That’s why we are one of the first...

4 Alternative therapies for pain management

Chronic pain affects millions of individuals annually. According to the CDC's 2021 report, more...

Preventing suicide within the LGBTQ+ community

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of...

Home Hospital patients get inpatient care where they are most comfortable—in their homes.

There’s an old saying among doctors about patients recovering in hospitals, “The longer you stay,...

Pink eye: Keep a look out for these signs and symptoms

As we recognize Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, let's focus on a common issue that affects...

How to safely navigate health advice on social media

Social media is a great way to follow the latest tips and tricks. Whether learning a new recipe or...

Stay well and healthy: Get caught up on all your recommended vaccines

Back-to-school is a time for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. Parents stuff backpacks with...

Breastfeeding fact check: Dispelling common myths

You’re a new mom on an exciting journey and want to give your baby the best possible start in life....

How to help children (and parents) with healthy eating during the summer months

When the last school bell rings, it signals the start of summer recess. While many kids consider...

Do you know the health benefits of sweating?

As temperatures rise this summer, Massachusetts residents are spending more time outside. But with...

Can preventive exercise reduce the risk of a sports injury?

Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are 4-8 times more likely to occur in women...

Essential summer safety tips

As we settle into summer, it's time to enjoy the sunshine, dip into refreshing waters, and take in...

Unlocking the secrets to pelvic health: Understanding your body's core

When you first hear the term "core strength," you might think of toned abdominal muscles. While...

Improving health outcomes among at-risk populations

Employers that prioritize equity can benefit from better employee engagement, increased creativity,...

Understanding Alzheimer’s: Warning signs and support

As our population ages, the number of adults living with Alzheimer's disease is on the rise....

Share these resources with employees during Pride Month

The month of June recognizes Pride Month! It is an opportunity for employers and individuals to...

Uterine cancer risk factors and when to see a gynecologist

Did you know the fourth most common cancer for women and the most common gynecologic cancer in the...

Suicide prevention: Can employers play a role?

May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. This recognition is a way to build an...

Mentorship fosters collaboration between demographics

Whether you’ve tried their cookies or seen the green uniforms from afar, you’ve likely had some...

Pregnancy and menopause support are essential employee benefits

Your workforce is made up of a diverse set of individuals, many of whom experience or support...

Loneliness epidemic: How to help kids who feel isolated

Have you heard about the loneliness epidemic? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has...

6 ways to relieve stress at work

Whether you’re in-office or remote, stress impacts work performance and can affect your personal...

The path to recovery may be an individual one—but it’s best not walked alone

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and an ideal time to raise our understanding of alcohol use and...

Building trust with patients who have autism

Building trust takes time with every patient. But given that April is Autism Acceptance Month, it’s...

How to use blue zone habits to improve your health

National Geographic explorer and journalist Dan Buettner visited Okinawa, Japan in 2000. He wrote...

Why health literacy matters, and how to strengthen your own

Today, health information is available at our fingertips. A simple online search can give you...

Patients who struggle with weight loss or exercise goals find success with the Healthier You program

March is a time of new beginnings, the end of winter, and the official start of spring. How...

5 tips for submitting prior authorization requests

What services require prior authorization? Where can I submit a request? How do I check the status...

Find out which health and wellness topics are trending

The Mass General Brigham Health Plan blog helps better educate our members, brokers, employers, and...

Did you know getting enough sleep can help prevent heart disease?

February is American Heart Month, which is a good time to assess heart-healthy habits. For example,...

Tips for preventing burn injuries in the kitchen

Cultivating better habits throughout the house is important, but it's especially key in the...

Easy ways to make your diet more heart-healthy

With Valentine's Day right at its center, it's not surprising that February is also American Hearth...

Try these sleep tips for better health

Have you decided what your New Year resolutions are yet? Almost everyone can benefit from better...

Start taking advantage of your health plan benefits

Do you know about all the perks that come with your health insurance card? While health insurance...

Here’s how donating blood impacts your community

The month of January is National Blood Donor Month. It’s an annual celebration that highlights how...

Top differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, just over 65 million people are...

Comparing coverage: What's the difference between an HMO, PPO, and EPO?

There are many acronyms used in health insurance that define different plan selections. For...

Holiday help part 2: Managing stress

Although December doesn’t involve a time warp that makes hours shorter than the rest of the year,...

Holiday help part 1: Dealing with grief

Since the holiday season tends to be when we see friends and family more often, it can be...

How volunteering affects your health

Mass General Brigham is committed to working with community residents and organizations to make...

For Alzheimer’s prevention and management, consider these nutrition strategies

Since November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, it’s a good time to highlight a major area...

Caregiver tips: how to make homes safer and more comfortable for loved ones

Caregiving is an essential role taken on by family and friends for their loved ones. The task can...

Prevent or delay the development of diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month. It’s also an opportunity to develop or refresh your...

Are you getting the most out of your health benefits?

Every member is on their own unique health journey— and that’s where your health benefits come into...

Reclaiming your life: empowering strategies for managing depression

Depression is a common mood disorder that affects an individual's emotions, thoughts, and...

What are the best treatments for ADHD?

October Is National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month. ADHD is a...

This is how employers can support employees dealing with pregnancy loss

Trigger warning: Infant and pregnancy loss

Are you empowering patients with these health literacy strategies?

October is Health Literacy Month — an opportunity for providers and health teams to discover fresh...

Work toward optimal health with Burnalong: your personalized wellness journey

Mass General Brigham Health Plan is committed to empowering individuals to take control of their...

How families and friends can support a loved one in recovery

September is National Recovery Month, an event started in 1989 to promote awareness of substance...

The researched benefits of social connections on senior health

Robust social connections are important at any age, but seniors can be at particularly high risk...

The big benefits of meeting your employees' behavioral health needs

A 2023 study on workplace mental health found that more than two-thirds of employees want their...

School restart: Helping kids adjust to a new morning routine

Even if your kids have a reason to get up early over summer break — whether it’s getting dropped...

Nurture your mind: Prioritizing mental health

True wellness involves nurturing the body and the mind. Mental health is a crucial component of...

Common health insurance terms and what they mean

Health insurance can be complex, with numerous terms and acronyms. So, wouldn’t it be helpful to...

Vaccination is essential for people of all ages

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to revisit why vaccinations...

The effects of bias on women's health

Everyone deserves equal access to quality healthcare. Unfortunately, patients can face disparities...

Unveiling the hidden connections: How vision impacts your health

Challenges with vision can range from annoying to alarming, particularly if you’re experiencing...

Summer tips to shield yourself from sunburns

Sunshine offers major benefits when it comes to how the body processes vitamin D, but ultraviolet...

Why aphasia awareness matters—and what to know about this condition

About one million people in the U.S. currently have aphasia, and it’s estimated that nearly 180,000...

This clinic expands healthcare access for individuals with Down syndrome

In collaboration with Mass General Brigham, members at Mass General Brigham Health Plan have access...

Healthcare disparities within the LGBTQ+ community and how to address them

Pride Month is a time dedicated to celebrating the dynamic and diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual,...

Supporting women's health at Mass General Brigham Health Plan

Did you know Mass General Brigham Health Plan offers a comprehensive women’s health portfolio?...

Endometriosis and how to manage pelvic pain

An estimated 1 in 10 menstruators has endometriosis. Stephanie Morris, MD, is a Mass General...

Mental health education starts in the classroom

In recognition of Mental Health Month, we met with Khadijah Booth Watkins, MD, MPH of The Clay...

Early signs of dementia in women

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Many people...

Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental...

When irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flares, here's how to put out the flames

For many who are living with "irritable bowel syndrome," or IBS, the disorder is far from a minor...

3 Ways to recognize Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, highlighting the contributions and challenges of those who've...

Recognizing occupational therapy month

In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month in April, let's take a deeper look at this specialty...

5 winter weather safety tips

For those who live in northern locations where snow shovels and shoes with good tread replace...

You are what you eat: the connection between diet and mental health

Supporting your mental health may include therapy, wellness checks, managing chronic conditions,...

How to get involved during Eating Disorders Awareness Week

This year, the National Eating Disorders Association recognizes Eating Disorders Awareness Week...

How to protect yourself from the Flu, RSV, and Covid-19 this winter

With colder weather driving people indoors there is increased exposure with decreased immune...

What employees want most from their employer in 2023

When looking at employee benefits, it's helpful to start with the macro trends happening in...

Wondering how often to get screened for cervical cancer?

In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) issued new guidelines for cervical cancer screening,...

Revamp your winter skin care with these 5 tips

Whether you live in a place that requires multiple clothing layers to stay warm or you're in a...

5 healthy habits to kick off the new year

The start of a new year is often filled with a fresh burst of resolve, but every January also...

Here's what to know about the accuracy of TV medical shows

You're watching your favorite medical drama, and the action is brisk, particularly if the show is...

What does full coverage in health insurance really mean?

With no shortage of health plans, understanding your choices in health insurance can be...

Six wellness strategies for colleges and universities

If you're part of a college or university administration, it's likely you can name several...

Understanding the health benefits and challenges of breastfeeding

In recognition of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we want to expand breastfeeding education by...

The 3 biggest health risks affecting teachers

With major changes in the past few years due to COVID-19 restrictions, many teachers have had to...

5 of the most frequent health risks among firefighters

Right after fighting a blaze, firefighters often feel the short-term effects of smoke and heat,...

This is how stress can affect police officers' health

Few would be surprised to hear that stress is common in police work. One study in Frontiers in...

Uncover the disparities women and BIPOC face in healthcare

As part of Women's Health Month, we're focusing on the inequities women of color face within our...

Can financial stability boost your health and wellness?

When considering health and wellness strategies, the most likely changes tend to be nutrition,...

Autistic doctors, we’re not exactly as portrayed on TV

When I open up about my referral for an autism spectrum disorder assessment, I draw on examples...

Did you know that yoga can boost your immune system and increase productivity?

Have you tried yoga before? No matter your level of experience, yoga works with everybody....

Learn about the program designed to prevent or delay the development of diabetes

Mass General Brigham Health Plan and The Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center offer the ...

Five tips to ensure providers’ success with new Authorization Process for High-Tech & Cardiac Imaging

Providers: effective July 18, 2021, there was a new Authorization Process for High-Tech & Cardiac...

15 Instagram accounts to follow featuring some of today's top doctors

Social media platforms like Instagram have given healthcare professionals a direct line to patients...

Our guide to limited networks

Limited network plans are becoming increasingly popular health care options among employers and...

How to write clear emails to patients

Since the pandemic began, you’ve likely been writing many more emails than usual to your patients,...

Turning 26? Here’s how to find your own health insurance plan

Young adults can be covered by their parents’ health insurance until they turn 26. After that,...

How to find a new doctor and take the stress out of changing PCPs

Having a Primary Care Provider (PCP) who can help ensure you get the care you need to stay healthy...

Urgent vs. emergency: Understanding your options for care

Thanks to the booming popularity of urgent care, retail health clinics, and telemedicine offerings,...

Six tips to help your patients prevent cervical cancer

Although January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, knowing how to prevent cervical cancer is...

5 tips for regaining focus at work after the holidays

Now that the holidays are over and it’s time to go back to work, you may be finding it difficult to...

The 5-minute guide to travel vaccines

Summer vacation season is almost here, and some of your patients may ask about travel vaccines.

How to talk to your patients about Coordination of Benefits

Coordination of Benefits (COB) is the process used to determine the primary and secondary plan when...