13 ways to maintain wellness during the holidays

Gathering with family and friends is a part of what can make the holidays so special. Office parties, holiday celebrations and dinner gatherings with friends offer the opportunity to create lifelong memories. 

Genetic testing: How iGeniE streamlines result delivery for providers and patients

The landscape of prenatal genetic screening is rapidly evolving, with more conditions, complexity and positive results than ever before. While this information empowers patients, it also creates new challenges for providers. Explaining nuanced genetic concepts is time-consuming, and the concepts can be difficult for patients to grasp in a single appointment. According to a recent scientific study, 88% of patients agree that video explanations make results easier to understand.1

Getting the right care to all for colorectal cancer screenings - How Labcorp worked with a large national plan to improve member health

In an effort to increase testing availability and lower death rates associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), a large national plan partnered with Labcorp to close their colorectal cancer screening gaps in care to more effectively improve member health. They partnered with us because of our successful, nearly 10-year relationship with them and because they’d come to expect excellent results from Labcorp—knowing that everything we do is rooted in science.

Approximately 1 in 3 employees improve blood pressure through employer-sponsored wellness program

Serious health risks are on the rise across the U.S. Heart disease and stroke are two leading causes of death for Americans, and high blood pressure increases the risk for both of these diseases.1 Working with a large healthcare organization, we’ve found that the combination of biometric screenings and health coaching is helping employees reduce their risk of heart disease, specifically by improving blood pressure by one risk category level. This could mean improving from an “elevated” level of 125/80 mm Hg to a “normal” level of 110/70 mm Hg.

Colorectal cancer screening: Considerations when implementing your program

Colorectal cancer screening Considerations when implementing your programAccording to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Yet an estimated 60% of CRC deaths are preventable for those who follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines.

5 food intolerance workarounds to accommodate gluten-free friends

With the holidays around the corner, you’ll be trying to plan family gatherings, potlucks, work and other social events with friends before you know it. This brings to mind comfort foods. Comfort foods are like a warm hug, and classics such as casseroles, meatloaf, baked goods, cheesy pastas and other “stick-to-your-ribs” dishes are appealing. However, more people than ever are transforming their diet for health reasons or due to food allergies and food intolerances. 

Creating meaningful interoperability in patient electronic health records

My background in the electronic health record (EHR) space ranges from implementing EHR technology into physician practices to building reporting solutions in support of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ “meaningful use.” This was a main source for the influx of physicians adopting EHRs and creating and sharing structured, reportable data. Since then, our industry has made massive investments in interoperability solutions, and we have seen many initiatives attempting to connect health systems. However, as I engage with healthcare providers and executives, I see a continued challenge in defining how we deliver data and achieve meaningful interoperability. To improve the experience, we should look for ways to increase connectivity, accessibility and ease of use. 

Why a biometric screening is essential

What is a biometric screening?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines biometric screening as “themeasurement of physical characteristics such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), bloodpressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose that can be taken at the work site and used as part of a workplace health assessment.” This information becomes the baseline to monitor and evaluate changes in an employee’s health each year. 

Understanding advancements in employee drug testing: DOT approves oral fluid

Effective since June 1, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s new rule gives employers the option of using a urine or oral fluid test and indicates that oral fluid is permitted for all DOT modalities. It also has recently been approved for use by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in federal workplace drug testing programs. Read more about the DOT’s rules and regulations here.

Understanding chronic inflammation (and four ways you can manage it)

Inflammation is the result of your immune system’s response to injury or damage—a normal and healthy start to the body’s healing process. Acute inflammation refers to the body’s immediate response to an injury (such as a cut), resulting in temporary redness and swelling. Chronic inflammation, however, occurs when the body continues to send out inflammatory cells when there is no immediate damage or danger.Inflammation is the result of your immune system’s response to injury or damage—a normal and healthy start to the body’s healing process. Acute inflammation refers to the body’s immediate response to an injury (such as a cut), resulting in temporary redness and swelling. Chronic inflammation, however, occurs when the body continues to send out inflammatory cells when there is no immediate damage or danger.