WHA's Health & Wellness Blog

Be Salt Savvy

Pass on the Salt with these 7 Tips

A dash, a pinch, an extra shake on that…Salt is part of the American meal, but dietary guidelines* say we should consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium each day (that’s one teaspoon). However, the average American consumes more than 3,400 mg of sodium daily!

Your body needs a little salt to function, but not too much. It’s a mineral that helps balance the fluid in your body and supports muscle function. But a salty diet can lead to chronic health conditions including high blood pressure (also known as “hypertension”) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). People living with high blood pressure/hypertension should try to limit the salt intake, so talk to your doctor what's right for you.

Quiet Your Inner Critic

Don't Let Your Negative Self-Talk Get You Down

Even if you don’t think about your inner critic much, chances are you’ve talked with it today. Or maybe it talked at you. You may not even notice that it’s there, but it is chattering away and may leave you feeling low. So, how do you manage your inner critic? Let’s learn what your inner critic is and how to spot it. 

2024 Individual Plans

Shopping for a Health Plan? WHA adds more in 2024

If you are shopping for an individual/family health plan, you’ll see several new benefits and programs available at no added cost as part of WHA’s 2024 individual plan. WHA offers these programs across all metal tiers. Here’s what you’ll want to compare in 2024 Individual Plans to help decide on what’s the right plan for you and your family:

Mental Health Boost

7 Ways to Make Someone’s Day

We all have those days: the train is late…a pop quiz in class…your boss is disappointed and you seem to always be on a deadline. The list goes on. It can be hard to feel happy when it seems like there are so many factors working against us.

Consider WHA Medicare Advantage Plan in 2024

MyCare Medicare Advantage plans

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, now is the time (Oct 15 - Dec. 7, 2023) to consider health plan options, including WHA’s MyCare plans. Learn the range of coverage in this blog post and how to enroll.

Student Care

What Your College Student Should Know About Getting Care

Leaving for college is a challenging, exciting, and very likely stressful time for parents and their college-bound teens. Among the many things to plan for (and pack), make sure they know how to access care if they get sick or are injured while away from home.

Emotional Wellness

Tips to Build Your Resilience

Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change.

Sun Safety

Let the Sunshine In, but Not the Harmful UV Rays

July's strong sun is here, so protect yourself against damaging UV rays:

Brain Boost

Knowledge is Power: 10 Ways to Love Your Brain 

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. So, WHA is passing on Alzheimer's Association's organizations helpful tips on 10 Ways to Love Your Brain. Start now. It's never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

Beat the Heat

Athletes, Babies, Elderly - Know the Signs of Heat-related Illnesses 

Summer fun is upon us but it also comes with high temperatures. Did you know, that when working or playing in the heat, you should drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15–20 minutes? Be careful as the temperatures start to climb when you are working, exercising (or playing sports) outdoors this summer.

Road Trip Tips

Stay Safe & Well

Of course, parents always try to plan ahead but there are always last-minute details – and surprises – that arise when hitting the road for a long weekend with the family. Make sure you pack these important items for when someone in your family gets sick while on the road or for when things happen that are out of your control -- like the weather, natural disasters, or even...a flat tire

National Stroke Awareness Day

Learn the signs of a stroke so you can act FAST

Years ago, men and women over age 50 were getting strokes. But today, with a rise in obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, there is a rise in younger adults having strokes.

Controlling Asthma

Tips to manage your asthma and ease triggers

Springtime allergens can also cause an asthma attack. You can decrease frequent asthma attacks and use these tips to understand how to reduce asthma symptoms.

Preventive Care

Step Up to Get Your Checkup

Going to a regular preventive check-up with your doctor is vital to staying healthy. Some might say, “I’m healthy so I don’t need to see my doctor.” But, good health starts with getting medical care so you can prevent health problems before they start.

Health Conditions That Get Added Support

Did you know that WHA offers a program to help manage a disease/condition that is at no added cost to members?

If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, coronary artery disease (CAD), or diabetes (type 1 or 2), you may be eligible for extra support and resources to help you manage your condition.

Tips for Fighting the Sunday "Scaries"

Tips for Fighting the Sunday "Scaries" 

Yep, it's actually a thing. The "Sunday Scaries (what most of us think of as the Sunday blues) is when you have feelings of anxiety or dread the day before heading back to work on Monday. According to a LinkedIn survey, 80 percent of professionals say they experience the Sunday Scaries, with over 90 percent of Millennials and Gen Z reporting they feel it.  

2023 Wellness Kick-Off

Take Steps: Personal Health Assessment, Set Goals, and Save Money 

Here are the steps to kick off 2023 with the help of your WHA plan that keeps your health and well-being in top shape!