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# FirstCall

High-Quality Employee Assistance Program That Empowers Employee Productivity 

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.firstcalleap.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Payday Loans Online Are Misused Style No Payoff Plan Intact](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2022/11/payday-loans-online-are-misused-style-no-payoff-plan-intact/) - A large number of aware that several families across the nation had their finances cut in half, if not more than that. Take the in order to ask for help generating your budget a becoming successful. Payday loans online are a fast way to get some cash. Some people who have second thoughts about obtaining
- [Essay Writing Strategies for Pupils With Urgent Papers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2022/10/essay-writing-strategies-for-pupils-with-urgent-papers/) - When pupils have a urgent newspaper, they generally attempt to write just as much as they could without really expecting to get a very large grade for it. But things are a little different should you employ a well-known academic essay author at site. Make sure you follow these suggestions to ensure your analisi grammaticale
- [How to Choose a Professional Research Paper Writer](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2022/10/how-to-choose-a-professional-research-paper-writer/) - There are lots of areas of a research paper that needs skilled writing hands and a well-developed study paper vocabulary. Writing papers is an artwork. The ideal combination of words, sentences, paragraphs, and lists all plays an important role in the creation of a quality research paper. A good writer knows all these aspects and
- [Custom Essay Writing Service](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2022/10/custom-essay-writing-service/) - Are you having trouble writing an essay on english grammar checkerline? If so, then essay checker free here are some tips that will give you a hand. If you think that this is really a waste of time for you, then do it. A article written online can be submitted to some article directory; however,
- [Thematic Organization of Essay Writing](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2022/10/thematic-organization-of-essay-writing/) - Writing an essay requires training, subject, and attention to detail. An essay is, in general, simply a written piece that present the author's opinion, usually in service of some punctuation checker claim, but again, the exact definition is somewhat vague, exposing everything from a newspaper column into check for punctuation errors a book, pamphlet, or
- [Tax day stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/03/tax-day-stress/) - The Pennsylvania Psychological Association offers tips for managing money stress With the looming IRS tax deadline on April 15, more Americans are experiencing financial stressors and may be dealing with them in unhealthy ways, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Stress related to tax deadlines can increase reliance on the unhealthy behaviors many people
- [Successful workplace negotiation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/04/successful-workplace-negotiation/) - Do you cringe whenever you have to ask for something from your manager or someone from another department? Instead of asking, you can negotiate to get whatever you need, and as a result everyone will benefit. “If you think about it, you’re already a good negotiator because everyone negotiates in their personal lives with family
- [The lost art of negotiation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/04/the-lost-art-of-negotiation/) - Are you frustrated by not getting what you need or want? If you're like most people, you probably don't get it because you cringe at the thought of confrontation. Others get what they want by being demanding or manipulative, but they damage their relationships in the process. There's a better way—negotiate. This act can help
- [Manager's guide to motivation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/05/managers-guide-to-motivation/) - Motivation is crucial to good management. But different things motivate different people, and if you're a manager, understanding what motivates your staff is the key to everyone's success. "You can't force someone else to be motivated," says Carol W. Ellis, author of Management Skills for New Managers. "What you can do is provide a work
- [Make the most of leadership opportunities](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/05/make-the-most-of-leadership-opportunities/) - Leadership opportunities at work can crop up unexpectedly. They're unpredictable and sometimes blend in with the surroundings so they can easily get overlooked. "Leadership isn't a position, it's a way of being. It's about seeing what isn't there and making it happen," says Roxanne Emmerich, CSP, CMC, author of "Thank God It's Monday: How to
- [Attitudes of winning employees](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/05/attitudes-winning-employees/) - Change is constant in corporate America. Companies are merging, restructuring and downsizing. Uncertainty is pervasive, and even small changes can throw you off balance. As an employee, you must have the inner resources to survive these turbulent times. “The one thing you can control, and the one thing you can choose every day, is your
- [Do you have a healthy attitude?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/05/do-you-have-a-healthy-attitude/) - Having a positive outlook, a foundation of faith, and healthy relationships with loved ones can improve your health. No one's sure exactly how some of these factors contribute to good health, but study after study shows they do. "People who are basically optimistic feel better and live longer than those who aren't," says James S.
- [Alcohol use among teens is epidemic](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/06/alcohol-use-among-teens-epidemic/) - The leading substance abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. "Alcohol is far and away the top drug of abuse by America's teens," says Joseph A. Califano Jr., chairman and president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. "By any public health standard, America has an
- [Stop the spread of germs at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/08/stop-the-spread-of-germs-at-work/) - Illnesses such as the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. They’re usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They also can spread when a person touches cold or flu viruses deposited from another person on a desktop, doorknob, desk, telephone receiver,
- [Seven ways to avoid the flu](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/08/seven-ways-to-avoid-the-flu/) - You don't want to spend this winter battling a runny nose, a nagging cough, or a fever. But colds and flu come with the season, right? They don't have to. Try this advice: Get a flu shot "The best time to get the flu vaccine is in October or November, but getting the vaccine later
- [Resolving to break an addictive habit?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/09/resolving-to-break-an-addictive-habit/) - No matter the addiction—drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, alcohol or more—people who want to kick their habit in the new year might find help in a new Harvard University publication. "Overcoming Addiction: Paths toward recovery" offers guidance for breaking unwanted addictive habits. The advice applies universally, because what all addictions have in common, the Harvard experts
- [The power of resilience](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/10/the-power-of-resilience/) - When tragedy strikes with the death of a loved one, a serious illness or a job loss, some people fall apart, while others adapt to such life-changing events more easily. Being resilient is what makes the difference. "Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy or significant stress—it means
- [How to feel good when your life isn't perfect](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/10/feel-good-life-isnt-perfect/) - Most people have thoughts and dreams about how their lives ought to be. When things don't work out the way they had pictured, they tend to blame other people or situations. They don't realize that the bad feelings come from their own thinking. "When things are bad, people say to themselves, 'Things aren't the way
- [Blue and broke for the holidays](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/11/blue-and-broke-for-the-holidays/) - That's the holidays this year, with many people both blue and broke—the usual melancholy compounded by the highest jobless rate in three decades and a jackknifing stock market. "Mental health problems are common and spike more often during the winter months not only because of the holidays, but also because of seasonal affective disorder," said
- [Reduce the effects of aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/reduce-the-effects-of-aging/) - To help peel off the years, participate in activities that provide the following benefits. Be sure to talk with your health care provider before beginning any exercise program. Once you get clearance to begin, remember to start gradually and build to a level that challenges without hurting you. Exercise needs Cardiovascular capacity. Thirty to sixty
- [Retire these 10 myths of aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/retire-these-10-myths-of-aging/) - How do you see yourself in old age? Still with mountains to climb and worlds to conquer? Or do you see yourself in a front-porch rocker with friends and family, treated with respect and love? Or perhaps alone in an institution, with no privacy and little dignity? Beliefs and myths about this stage of life
- [On the road to retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/on-the-road-to-retirement/) - Phase Feeling Managing the feeling Tell yourself Denial Loss Acknowledge that retirement will bring change “Thoughts of retirement might make me anxious but I can get through it!” Resistance Fear & self-doubt Acknowledge the uncertainty and develop a menu of options “I will learn as much as possible to make my life meaningful.” Exploration Energized
- [It's time for boomers to face the facts](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/its-time-for-boomers-to-face-the-facts/) - Sorry to have to tell you this, baby boomers, but you're not kids anymore. And even though the 80 million boomers are rewriting the script for aging—staying more active than any earlier generation—they can't stop the clock. Age brings many changes, and boomers must change with it. They have to find a new balance, adjusting
- [Cool off hot tempers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/cool-off-hot-tempers/) - You've had a long day, and you're in a hurry to get home. Traffic is crawling, and you have to stop for groceries. After waiting forever in the checkout line, it's your turn—and the cash register goes on the blink. That does it. You're ready to lose it. Millions of us lose our tempers every
- [Recognizing domestic violence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/recognizing-domestic-violence/) - Domestic violence is behavior someone uses to control a spouse, partner, date or elderly relative through fear and intimidation. It can involve emotional, sexual and physical abuse, as well as threats and isolation. In most cases, men are the abusers. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds
- [Understanding domestic abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/understanding-domestic-abuse/) - Through domestic violence, an abuser establishes power and control over another person. Such behavior occurs when the abuser feels entitled to control his or her victim. Although the most common form of abuse is males abusing female partners, females can abuse male partners, and abuse also takes place in same-sex relationships. Acts of such violence
- [Domestic violence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/domestic-violence/) - What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is a term used to describe violence and abuse by family members or intimate partners such as a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend, or date. Other terms used for domestic violence include the following: intimate partner abuse family violence child abuse battering courtship violence marital
- [Stop dating abuse before it starts](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/stop-dating-abuse-before-it-starts/) - Seeing your teen off on a date can give you the jitters. Unfortunately, parents also must consider a particularly unnerving topic: teen dating violence. It's worrisome, but it's not inevitable. You and your teen can avoid potentially perilous situations and reduce the risk for problems. Abuse is defined by the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)
- [Keeping employees safe at home](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/04/keeping-employees-safe-at-home/) - Domestic violence isn't just a personal issue, says psychologist David Hayes, PhD. It's a business issue. "Estimates vary, but one common figure is that domestic violence in the United States costs $6 billion a year through employee turnover, health-care costs and decreased productivity," says Hayes, a consultant in the employee assistance program at Bank One
- [Creative problem solving 101](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/04/creative-problem-solving-101/) - Don't despair if the same frustrating problems shackle you at work time and time again. Perhaps you're bored with your job or concerned because the competition is passing your company by. Be aware that you can solve these problems with creativity. Whether you realize it, you already have creative ability. "Ninety-eight percent of people are
- [Do you have a problem solving problems?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/04/do-you-have-a-problem-solving-problems/) - Every workplace has challenges, from frustrating coworkers to work overloads. One reason such issues keep hanging around is a lack of creative solutions. “Ideas on how to solve workplace problems rarely pop into your head when you’re on the job,” says John Putzier, author of Get Weird! 101 Innovative Ways to Make Your Company a
- [How to have a healthy summer vacation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/04/how-to-have-a-healthy-summer-vacation/) - This summer, whether traveling across country or around the world, you'll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan ahead to stay healthy. "While you can't prevent every health problem, there's much you can do to keep you and your family healthy when you're away from home," says Elizabeth M. Whelan, MPH ScD, president of
- [Being a caregiver](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/being-a-caregiver/) - What is a caregiver? A caregiver provides assistance in meeting the daily needs of another person. Caregivers are referred to as either "formal" or "informal." "Formal" caregivers are paid for their services and have had training and education in providing care. This may include services from home health agencies and other trained professionals. "Informal" caregivers,
- [Caregivers need to care for themselves](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/caregivers-need-to-care-for-themselves/) - More than 50 million Americans are involved in some form of helping elderly family members or friends with their daily routines, according to the Administration on Aging. If you're part of this group, whether you call yourself a caregiver, or simply a good daughter or son, you know that caring for an aging parent or
- [Caring for the caregiver](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/caring-for-the-caregiver/) - Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be adult children, spouses, siblings, friends or neighbors, who help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding and clothing. The caregiver may be the only person who can take a loved one to doctors' appointments. The long-distance caregiver may call weekly, help with expenses or support
- [Planning the care of your aging parents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/planning-the-care-of-your-aging-parents/) - If your parents are in their golden years, keep in mind that even gold can lose some of its glow with the inevitable effects of old age. Sooner or later, older loved ones will need assistance. "It's never too early to start planning for their future care," says Virginia Morris, author of How to Care
- [Change your attitude to accomplish more](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/change-your-attitude-to-accomplish-more/) - When things go wrong, it doesn't have to ruin your day. In fact, with the right outlook, you can prevent many problems from ever happening. When mistakes occur or something goes wrong, "remember that you're the person who controls your reactions," says Ed Foreman, a motivational speaker and president of Executive Development Systems in Dallas.
- [There are many roads to Resilience](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/there-are-many-roads-to-resilience/) - The number and intensity of stressful experiences notwithstanding, most returning personnel and their families are able to bounce back successfully. However, even those who have learned resilience skills should not expect homecoming to be effortless or free of strong emotion. It is quite normal to experience days or several weeks of mild to moderate symptoms
- [Easy ways to organize your workspace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/easy-ways-to-organize-your-workspace/) - Maintaining an organized office can reduce your stress and increase your productivity. Review the following strategies if you struggle with keeping files, documents and computer peripherals in their places. Keep your desk clear An uncluttered desk removes distractions and helps keep your mind focused on tasks that need immediate attention. The only things that should
- [Get the most out of your day at the office](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/get-the-most-out-of-your-day-at-the-office/) - Julie Alexander, president of Great Days Presentations in Garland, Texas, and author of Make Life Count! 50 Ways to Great Days, asks people in her seminars to complete this sentence: "I have a great day at work when…" "Most people complete this sentence by adding, 'I have a great day at work when I get
- [Managing your biggest time wasters](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/managing-your-biggest-time-wasters/) - Reducing outside interruptions is crucial to premium performance at work. But what can you do if phone calls, visits from co-workers and rambling meetings waste hours of your work time every day? "You can defend yourself by learning simple techniques that will help you manage time-wasters," says Stephanie Winston, president of The Organizing Principle, a
- [Conquering the paper tiger](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/conquering-the-paper-tiger/) - If your desk is covered with papers, files, catalogs and mail, it's easy to get discouraged as piles seem to grow on their own. "When your work space is a mess, the basic disorder can begin to symbolize your other feelings as well—as though you're weighed down by everything else in life," says Stephanie Winston,
- [Recovering from addiction: a life long process of growth](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/recovering-from-addiction-a-life-long-process-of-growth/) - by Eric Brown, Director, Center For Additive Diseases, Main Line Health The word “cure” is not associated with the process of overcoming an addiction. Instead, we refer to the concept of “recovery”, inferring a life long process to avoid the relapse into drug taking behavior. Recovery focuses on avoiding a relapse, such as a change
- [Downtime: make the most of your breaks](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/downtime-make-the-most-of-your-breaks/) - You're rushed. You're overbooked. You're going at top speed. Yet the more you do, the less you seem to get done. But there's a way to stop this stressful cycle. "Pull the plug and give yourself some downtime," suggests Maryann Troiani, PsyD, a psychologist in Barrington, Ill., and co-author of "Spontaneous Optimism: Proven Strategies for
- [Coping with the death of a co-worker](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/coping-with-the-death-of-a-co-worker/) - Our co-workers are very much like an extended family. We spend most of our waking hours with them, forging special bonds of trust and friendship that are unlike our other relationships. As a result, it's not surprising that a co-worker's death can be difficult to deal with—especially if you were close to the person or
- [Mind/body health: job stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/mind-body-health-job-stress/) - Jobs and careers are an important part of our lives. Along with providing a source of income, they help us fulfill our personal aims, build social networks and serve our professions or communities. They are also a major source of emotional stress. View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Signs of substance abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/signs-of-substance-abuse/) - Performance Inconsistent quality of work Poor concentration Lowered productivity Increased absenteeism Unexplained disappearances from the jobsite Carelessness, mistakes Errors in judgment Needless risk taking Disregard for safety Extended lunch periods and early departures Behavior Frequent financial problems Avoidance of friends & colleagues Blaming others for own problems Complaints about problems at home Deterioration of personal appearance
- [If you are sexually harassed](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/if-you-are-sexually-harassed/) - If you are sexually harassed, use the three "R"s: Respond Remain professional. Be direct with the harasser. Let your feelings be known about the inappropriate behavior as soon as possible. Tell the harasser that his/her words, actions or behavior make you feel uncomfortable. Tell him/her to stop. Record Be prepared to provide the facts. (Who,
- [How depression impacts the workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-depression-impacts-the-workplace/) - 10–20 percent of your employees may suffer from clinical depression… a treatable mental health condition that prevents the person from thinking as clearly, working as hard, concentrating as well or functioning as competently as he/she normally would. The annual health and disability cost of people with depression was $5,415.00 per year in the year 2000.
- [Symptoms of depression](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/symptoms-of-depression/) - Persistent sad, "empty" or anxious mood Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" Sleep disturbances Eating disturbances Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts Irritability Excessive crying Chronic aches and pains If a person
- [Managing today's step-family](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/managing-todays-step-family/) - If you are a member of a step-family, you know how difficult it can be to integrate all of the new members and adjust to the new boundaries and rules. The following ideas may help you make a successful transition during this challenging process. Have patience. Establishing new families takes time. Just because you love
- [Parenting your teen with less stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/parenting-your-teen-with-less-stress/) - How to maintain communication Even though teens need to separate from their parents during adolescence, they also need to know that the safety net of home and family is always there for them. If the lines of communication are shut down, they are not yet capable of surviving emotionally; they need support and input. Let’s
- [How people change](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-people-change/) - What Is happiness? If you are thinking about changing your life for the better, one way to start is by identifying your goals. You are probably hoping to find some version of happiness or emotional well-being. That might look like any combination of the following: A sense of freedom Self-esteem Self-confidence Happy to get up
- [Supervisor's guide to identifying potentially violent employees](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/supervisors-guide-to-identifying-potentially-violent-employees/) - Employees who are at risk for workplace violence may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors*. Supervisors should be alert to these behaviors and document and address them as appropriate. The Employee Assistance Program is available to assist employers with handling these issues. Attendance problems Decreased productivity Inconsistent work patterns Lingering depression Poor on-the-job relationships
- [How to give effective performance feedback](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-to-give-effective-performance-feedback/) - Consequences of not giving effective feedback Let’s take a look at some typical examples of what goes on in work environments when managers don’t give good feedback. Example #1: John has been working at his new job for one month. On his first day at work, Wilma, his boss, showed him what to do and got
- [Relationship reunions after deployment: go slowly](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/relationship-reunions-after-deployment-go-slowly/) - by Paula Thomas deLong, MA, CEAP, Manager, FIRSTCALL EAP Due to current world conflicts, American military personnel are being deployed to near and remote parts of the world. The military person is not the only person who undergoes change. Co-workers will have to undertake additional responsibilities, children will be challenged into new family roles and
- [When should a supervisor intervene](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/when-should-a-supervisor-intervene/) - Anyone can experience difficulty in the workplace. Supervisors need to be alert to difficulties which may become persistent performance problems. When obvious changes in behavior and performances occur, it is time to utilize FirstCall, your Employee Assistance Program. Absenteeism __ Unauthorized leave __ Leaving work early __ Excessive sick leave __ Peculiar excuses for absences
- [12 rules for constructive communication](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/12-rules-for-constructive-communication/) - Destructive communication erodes self-esteem and harms relationships. Such communication patterns may be destructive, but, sadly, plenty of people fall into the trap of indulging in them. If you and your relationship partners follow these rules and steer clear of the traps of destructive communication, you will almost certainly feel better about each other and your
- [Employee assistance programs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/employee-assistance-programs/) - Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are one of the most effective ways to deal with alcohol and other drug problems in the workplace. They can enhance the work climate of an organization and promote the health and well-being of everyone involved. EAPs are usually multifaceted programs designed to assist employees with personal problems that affect their
- [20 tips on assertive communication](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/20-tips-on-assertive-communication/) - Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further in life than being passive or aggressive. But few of us were actually taught how to be assertive. Here are some helpful tips. Choose the right time. Imagine you’re dashing down the hall on your way to a meeting. Lisa passes by. You call out,
- [How to stop procrastinating](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-to-stop-procrastinating/) - You will have the greatest success if you first take some time to observe your own procrastination patterns. Once you have accomplished that, choose a few of the strategies outlined here. Keep working at it until you understand what you need to do to stop putting things off. Set specific goals The most effective goals
- [Why people procrastinate](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/why-people-procrastinate/) - What makes you procrastinate? All of us procrastinate on occasion. For some people, it's a chronic problem; for others, it's only a problem in certain life areas. Procrastination is always frustrating because it results in wasted time, lost opportunities, disappointing work performance, and generally feeling bad about yourself. When you procrastinate, you allow less important
- [Getting past procrastination](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/getting-past-procrastination/) - Who hasn’t used the ancient method of “time management” known as never doing today what you can put off until tomorrow? But procrastination doesn’t feel good. When an unfinished chore is hanging over your head, it’s like living under your own personal cloud. The next time you are having trouble getting started, ask yourself why
- [Romantic relationships in the workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/romantic-relationships-in-the-workplace/) - Many romantic relationships begin in the workplace. They can, however, affect the operation of an organization. There are many issues to consider: First… does your employer have a policy that will affect your decision to take the plunge and accept a date or propose a date with a co-worker? What happens if the romance ends?
- [Loving your job… and your co-worker](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/loving-your-job-and-your-co-worker/) - Brittany loves her job as administrative assistant to Mark at the Quality Accounting Firm. She also thinks that an added bonus is that she and Mark are “in-like” and have been dating for the last three months. A good job, great love life…what else could you ask for? Romance is a wonderful thing. We’ve all
- [Job applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/job-applicants-and-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/) - Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a qualified applicant or employee with a disability. The ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employees and to state and local government employers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the
- [How to create a positive work environment](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-to-create-a-positive-work-environment/) - Positive versus negative workplaces We have all worked in places where we grew to dread getting up in the morning, and a few of us have had the pleasure of working for a boss who makes us feel like we can do anything. Let’s take a look at the differences between a positive and a
- [How to manage conflict at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-to-manage-conflict-at-work/) - Kinds of workplace conflicts Let’s start by identifying where conflicts happen. Think about the kinds of conflicts that happen around your workplace. Disagreements over turf (who should do what) Disagreements over policy (how things should be done) Conflicts of personality and style Common ways of dealing with conflict These are some of the ways we
- [Workplace bullying: what everyone needs to know](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/workplace-bullying-what-everyone-needs-to-know/) - What is workplace bullying and who is affected? Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable actions of individuals (or a group) directed towards an employee (or a group of employees), which is intended to intimidate and creates a risk to the health and safety of the employee(s). Workplace bullying often involves an abuse or misuse of
- [Learning how to forgive](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/learning-how-to-forgive/) - No one gets through life without being hurt by another person. We all have experienced the pain of a thoughtless remark, gossip, or lie. If you have experienced an unhappy marriage, the devastation of infidelity, or suffered physical or emotional abuse, you know what it feels like to be hurt. It is tempting to hold
- [Nine steps to forgiveness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/nine-steps-to-forgiveness/) - Is forgiveness the way to happiness? Each of us can recall times when we were hurt and the way we have dealt with those events impacts our happiness and well-being. Some people form grievances and become stuck in a cycle of pain and despair. Holding on to grudges and unresolved anger can be unhealthy. Recently,
- [The road to resilience](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/the-road-to-resilience/) - Resilience—the ability to adapt in the face of trauma, adversity, tragedy or even significant ongoing stressors—is receiving considerable attention of late. While not a new concept, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have underscored the importance and relevance of resilience to the present times. And given the public's apparently increased thirst for information related to resilience,
- [25 ways to combat job stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/25-ways-to-combat-job-stress/) - Here are some ways to cope with job stress which you might consider. Begin with the easier and simpler ones to build your confidence before you embark on a more ambitious program of change. Start off you day with a nutritious breakfast. Occasionally, change your routine by meeting a friend/co-worker for breakfast; allow enough time
- [Cost-cutting tips](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/cost-cutting-tips/) - Buy bread at bakery thrift shops. Ask your doctor about generic equivalents for your prescription drugs. Cut back on expensive gifts. Shop year round at sales to stock up on holiday and birthday gifts. Discover great “finds” at garage sales—but check items carefully, and stick to your needs. Visit clothing thrift shops for your children’s
- [It's time to think positive](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/its-time-to-think-positive/) - Picture a rose bush in full bloom. What did you notice first: the roses or the thorns? A rose bush has plenty of both. But if you focused on the roses and overlooked the thorns, you were thinking positive. There is a lesson here. Thinking positive is a choice. It's a decision to appreciate the
- [Relaxing ways to de-stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/relaxing-ways-to-de-stress/) - We live in tense and stressful times. "But you can easily avoid adding to the turbulence," says Mike George, meditation teacher and author of 1,001 Ways to Relax. "In fact, you can become one of those people for whom the world has a great need; those who can stay calm in a crisis, cool in
- [Why worry when you can be concerned?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/why-worry-when-you-can-be-concerned/) - Are you worried, or just concerned? The distinction is an important one, says Terence J. Sandbek, PhD, a psychologist specializing in the treatment of worried people. "If you keep thinking about the problem and don't take action, you worry. If you take appropriate action, that's concern." The key is change, says Dr. Sandbek. If you
- [Deskercise for the office bound](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/deskercise-for-the-office-bound/) - Most people who exercise regularly say that being active makes them feel healthier and more energetic. And that's not limited to joggers or tennis players. Many office workers are doing simple exercises at their desks, with surprisingly healthy benefits. These activities give you a mental boost, fight stress and promote flexibility, health experts say. The
- [For peace of mind, act instead of react](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/for-peace-of-mind-act-instead-of-react/) - Some people's lives seem like a soap opera. But though endless crises and confrontations can be entertaining on TV, they make for frustrating, unsatisfying lives. If you'd rather have peace of mind than daily dramas, you need to take charge of the script. "Learn to act for yourself instead of just responding to what's happening
- [How to develop a 'can-do' personality](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/how-to-develop-a-can-do-personality/) - Some people handle tough jobs without breaking a sweat. Others seem to give up before they even get going. What's the difference between a can-do and a won't-try person? "It's usually a matter of bravery," says Paul Hauck, PhD, an Illinois psychologist and an advisory member of the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. "Can-do people
- [Strategies to living the life you want](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/strategies-to-living-the-life-you-want/) - You may have a profession at which you excel and a nice house in a good neighborhood. But it may be time for some serious reevaluation if you still wonder when the fun starts or what you'll be when you grow up. Success doesn't necessarily lead to fulfillment. Unless you take time to formulate your
- [Looking at happiness as a choice](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/looking-at-happiness-as-a-choice/) - Are you a person who can act on tough questions? Questions like: What am I grateful for? What choices do I have? What actions can I take to improve my life? What are my primary strengths? How can I live a more balanced life? People who can act on these questions likely also describe themselves
- [Changing your life through better money management](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/changing-your-life-through-better-money-management/) - Life is a challenge. As the saying goes, just when you're about to make ends meet, someone moves the ends. While it can be a struggle to pay bills, make the rent payment and provide food and clothes for the family, we keep on doing our best. Ultimately, the life we want—a better place to
- [When paying the mortgage is a struggle](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/when-paying-the-mortgage-is-a-struggle/) - The possibility of losing your home because you can’t make the mortgage payments can be terrifying. Perhaps you’re having trouble making ends meet because you or a family member lost a job, or you’re having other financial problems. Or maybe you’re one of the many consumers who took out a mortgage that had a fixed
- [Hints for homeowners: how to recognize a foreclosure rescue scam](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/hints-for-homeowners-how-to-recognize-a-foreclosure-rescue-scam/) - (NAPS)—The recent mortgage crisis has left the door open for fraudulent foreclosure “rescue” professionals who use half-truths and outright lies to sell services that promise relief and then fail to deliver. If you think you may be facing foreclosure or know someone who is, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants
- [Computer safety](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/computer-safety/) - You may be careful about locking your doors and windows, and keeping your personal papers in a secure place. Depending on what you use your personal computer for, an identity thief may not need to set foot in your house to steal your personal information. You may store your Social Security number, financial records, tax
- [Finding happiness for the holidays](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/finding-happiness-for-the-holidays/) - by Wanda Woodward, Department of Psychiatry, Bryn Mawr Hospital, a part of Main Line Health December seems to have three of the most significant religious and cultural celebrations for the entire year. We have Hanukah and Christmas, which carry religious meaning, and Kwanza, which is of cultural importance. Even if you don’t personally celebrate one
- [Job loss stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/job-loss-stress/) - by Edward Murphy, PsyD, Director, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Psychology Associates One of the realities we face in today's world is the uncertainty of job stability. Over one-sixth of the American workforce in the past five years has lost their employment due to downsizing, getting dismissed, restructuring, or company bankruptcy. Among a variety of life
- [Safety checklist: how does your family rate?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/safety-checklist-how-does-your-family-rate/) - Keeping your family safe and sound can be as easy as following simple safety rules consistently. The following checklist from the National Safety Council can help you assess your family's adherence to essential safety precautions. If you say "false" after any of these statements, correct the safety issues they address. General safety No one in
- [Teach your children safety, awareness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/teach-your-children-safety-awareness/) - You always have an eye on your children. And when they're not with you, your thoughts are with them. When your kids visit the mall, walk home from school or hang out with friends, you worry about strangers. You want to keep your children safe, yet not make them virtual prisoners in their own home.
- [Ten ways to keep your family safe](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/ten-ways-to-keep-your-family-safe/) - Recent world events may have you feeling especially concerned about your family's safety. The biggest threats to safety, though, are very close to home. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle accidents, falls, accidental poisoning, drowning, and choking are the leading causes of unintentional death in the United States. Don't overlook some of
- [Are you 'street smart?'](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/are-you-street-smart/) - To be healthy, you need to be safe—and wherever you live, street crime can threaten your safety. The U.S. Department of Justice says violent crime decreased throughout the latter half of the 1990s. Still almost 2 million people a year are victims of violent crime. What can you do to protect yourself? Plenty, say experts.
- [Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-children/) - What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD, also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s). The symptoms of hyperactivity, when present, are almost always
- [Increase your computing comfort](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/increase-your-computing-comfort/) - Your workstation may be playing havoc with your health. Long hours of typing and slouching in your chair can lead to aches and pains in your hands, wrists, back, and neck. “Musculoskeletal problems, including repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are certainly a growing problem in the workplace,” says Trevor Schell, an ergonomist
- [Holiday blues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/holiday-blues/) - The holidays can be a time of joy, happiness, and celebration with family and friends. For many people, however, the holiday season is a time of sadness, gloom, and even depression. These feelings can be a result of many factors. Some common causes of holiday blues are the loss of a family member or friend,
- [How do I know if I'm stressed?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/how-do-i-know-if-im-stressed/) - Check the list below for some of symptoms of stress: Physical symptoms—any recent onset of the following symptoms? Trouble sleeping Head/neck aches Unexplained rashes Rapid breathing Upset stomach Intestinal discomfort Tense muscles Clenching teeth Emotional symptoms—are you experiencing any of these mood changes? Frequently worried Impatient/irritable Fear of catastrophe Sad mood Frustrated Resentful Overwhelmed Behavioral
- [Ability to concentrate isn't what it used to be](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/12/ability-to-concentrate-isnt-what-it-used-to-be/) - When you are rolled into the operating room at the hospital, you want to know that the surgeon is ready to concentrate on your procedure. When you board a jetliner for your next vacation destination, you want to know that the tower crew is rested and ready to direct the pilot through dense airport traffic.
- [A joint approach to treat ADHD](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/12/a-joint-approach-to-treat-adhd/) - Most people would point to Fred Grossman, PhD, as an authority on childhood behavior because of his 30 years as a school psychologist in Portland, Ore. But he draws some of his expertise from home. His daughter once displayed all the impulsive and inattentive conduct typical of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Today, she’s a respected chiropractor.
- [Attention deficit disorder in adults](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/12/attention-deficit-disorder-in-adults/) - Restless. Messy. Easily distracted. These are just some of the words used to describe people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD). According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), five to 10 percent of children and three to six percent of adults throughout the world have ADD. Experts
- [ADHD is more than child's play](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/12/adhd-is-more-than-childs-play/) - Children occasionally daydream, squirm in their seats, or leap before they look. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behave this way so frequently and severely that it can cause serious problems. It can be tempting to call these children bad or spacey. Yet their problems are symptoms of a real—and treatable—brain disorder. Is it really ADHD?
- [Developing super self-confidence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/12/developing-super-self-confidence/) - Your past performance provides a valuable foundation for your future success. Here’s how to use your experience to create self-confidence, the belief that you can accomplish challenging goals. To accomplish a specific goal—whether, for example, you’re vying for a new position at work, training for a bike race or preparing to move to a new
- [Five-minute stress solutions](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/01/five-minute-stress-solutions/) - How does your day end? Do work worries and problems accompany you home and distract you from your family or peace of mind? Would you like to find a way to let go of the after-effects of your job so you can better appreciate and enjoy your life beyond nine to five? “It’s easy to
- [A seven-step plan for weight loss](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/a-seven-step-plan-for-weight-loss/) - More than two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, according to the Weight-control Information Network. Each year, countless studies investigate various weight-loss tactics, such as low-fat versus high-fat diets, the benefits of snacking, and the importance of exercise for weight loss and maintenance. Data from large groups whose members lost weight on their own,
- [Balanced ways to attain a healthy weight](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/balanced-ways-to-attain-a-healthy-weight/) - Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese and many are trying to slim down. But in the battle of the bulge, more people are losing than winning these days. Whether you have tried to lose weight on your own or with the help of a weight-loss program, the focus is too often on
- [Coping with food cravings](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/coping-with-food-cravings/) - If you've ever felt like you had to have a candy bar, some potato chips, or a bowl of ice cream, you've had a food craving—an intense desire for a certain food or foods. Some people experience such cravings only now and then, while others have them daily or weekly. Depending on the person and
- [Everyday ways to lose weight](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/everyday-ways-to-lose-weight/) - Moderately intense activities, such as walking briskly from your parked car to the mall entrance and taking your dog for a quick jog after dinner, won't help you train for a sport. But they can help you achieve and maintain a healthful weight and improve your overall fitness level. They can also help reduce your
- [Keeping your cool when parenting teens](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/03/keeping-your-cool-when-parenting-teens/) - Adolescence is a difficult time for young people. During those years, they face physical changes; peer pressure; exposure to drugs, alcohol and sexual relationships; and increased expectations and scrutiny from parents and teachers. But, as difficult as it is being a teenager, being a parent of one may be even harder. After years of being
- [Put peer pressure in its place](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/03/put-peer-pressure-in-its-place/) - In the whirl of adolescence, peer pressure can get the best of children and push them to do things that they don't really want to do. Whether this pressure comes from friends or other kids at school, parents can counter it, if they're ready to help. It's natural that children get some guidance from outside
- [Talking sex with your teen](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/03/talking-sex-with-your-teen/) - With studies showing that almost half of America's teenagers have experienced sexual intercourse by the age of 18, educating kids about sex is something all parents need to do. Parents must be prepared to help their teens with emerging sexual issues. Otherwise their teens could be risking early pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional turmoil.
- [What if my son/daughter tells me he/she is gay?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/04/what-if-my-son-daughter-tells-me-he-she-is-gay/) - If you’re like many parents, your first reaction is “How will I ever handle this?” Most parents aren’t prepared for the words, “Mom, Dad. I’m gay.” Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is here for you. We hope this will help you understand your child’s sexuality and its meaning to you and
- [Tips to prevent sexting](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/04/tips-to-prevent-sexting/) - "Sexting" usually refers to the sharing of nude photos via cellphone, but it can happen on other devices and the Web too. The practice is far from normative among young people, but when it does come up, great care is needed. Sexting can have serious psychological or even legal consequences if teens or kids are
- [Substance abuse in the workplace: intervention techniques](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/05/substance-abuse-in-the-workplace-intervention-techniques/) - If substance abuse is contributing to an employee’s poor performance, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. An employee’s use of alcohol or drugs may be the root of the performance problem; however, substance abuse on the part of someone close to the employee also could be the source. Regardless, abuse of
- [Over-the-counter medication and work: not a great combination](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/05/over-the-counter-medication-and-work-not-a-great-combination/) - You may not realize that common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can cause serious side effects. These side effects can put your health at risk and interfere with your everyday activities. Some of these side effects can be felt or sensed by you, but others can't. Side effects you can usually feel are dizziness, drowsiness, double vision,
- [Social drinking vs. problem drinking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/05/social-drinking-vs-problem-drinking/) - Some people can drink liquor for hours on end and stay sober, while others become tipsy after just one drink. So how can you tell if you or someone else is a problem drinker? "If a person drinks repeatedly and the drinking causes personal, professional or family problems, they may have the disease of alcoholism,"
- [Stages of substance abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/05/stages-of-substance-abuse/) - People who become addicted to drugs or alcohol typically go through predictable stages of abuse. Understanding these stages can help you recognize a problem and seek help before substance use becomes a dependence. Experimentation Alcohol or drug use starts with experimentation or voluntary use. In this stage, the use is infrequent and, in the case
- [Identifying potential crisis situations](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/06/identifying-potential-crisis-situations/) - To investigate a potential drug or alcohol crisis situation, the supervisor should ask himself/herself the following questions: What exactly do you see? Does there appear to be illegal activity, policy violations or unusual behavior taking place? Is a group of people involved or a single employee? Are you the direct supervisor to anyone involved in
- [Exercise and the aging person](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/07/exercise-and-the-aging-person/) - Exercise benefits persons of all ages There are numerous benefits of following a regular exercise program—even for individuals who are challenged by such conditions as joint pain, back pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis—or individuals who are recovering from an injury or surgery (e.g., joint replacement, arthroscopy). Exercise has also been shown to be beneficial to people
- [Living wills offer peace of mind](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/07/living-wills-offer-peace-of-mind/) - A living will tells others how you want to be treated when it comes to life-sustaining measures. It is used when a person becomes terminally ill or unable to communicate or make decisions, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) says. Such a will doesn't always tell doctors to withhold or end treatment. In fact, it can
- [Bullies go high-tech](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/08/bullies-go-high-tech/) - You can now add bullying to the list of things made easier by technology. Teens today live much of their lives on the Internet. Online bullying, also called cyberbullying, can involve using the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send text or images that are intended to embarrass or hurt the other person. Cyberbullying
- [Grief and loss](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/09/grief-and-loss/) - Grief is a natural human response to the loss of a loved one. It can manifest itself in many ways. Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss. It is normal for both the dying person
- [Helping your children cope with death](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/09/helping-your-children-cope-with-death/) - The death of a loved one is difficult for anyone. But for children, such a loss can be devastating. Many parents wait until a death occurs to work with their children on dealing with the idea of death. But that can be especially difficult if the parents are dealing with grief themselves. Taking time to
- [Life after loss: walking the path to wholeness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/09/life-after-loss-walking-the-path-to-wholeness/) - You expect to grieve when a loved one dies, but grief also can occur following a divorce, a move from a beloved family home, being downsized from your job or any other loss that makes a major impact on the quality of your life and happiness. Whatever the nature of your loss, active grieving can
- [Providing support for the bereaved](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/09/providing-support-for-the-bereaved/) - There are many things you can do to assist a bereaved person. These include: Sending cards or flowers Preparing food Providing child care Mowing the lawn Contributing to a cause which is meaningful to the family Offering transportation You may also consider the following when providing for the bereaved: Be available. Sometimes, grieving persons do
- [When a family grieves](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/09/when-a-family-grieves/) - After a loss, family members often deal with their grief in different ways. Grief can draw families closer together. Sometimes, it can pull them apart. No one can adequately prepare you to handle your grief, let alone a spouse's or a child's grief. Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you
- [Are you a compulsive shopper?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/10/are-you-a-compulsive-shopper/) - These days, shopping is as much a form of entertainment as going to the movies or playing video games. Between mall culture and convenient credit, it's easy to spend your time spending money. Shopping shifts into high gear around the holidays. Some people view shopping as a sport, some as a chore. For others, the
- [Breaking the habit: obsessive-compulsive disorder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/10/breaking-the-habit-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/) - If you've ever caught an episode of the TV series Monk, you know about the strange behavior of Adrian Monk, the Defective Detective. The title character has obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Without treatment, OCD is crippling and disabling. The average person with OCD suffers more than seven years before seeking help, often because he or
- [Q and A: obsessive-compulsive disorder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/10/q-and-a-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/) - People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors (compulsions), which they feel they cannot control. Rituals such as hand washing, counting, checking or cleaning are often performed in hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these rituals, however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing
- [Obsessive-compulsive disorder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/11/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/) - Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision. Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over
- [Hoarding](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/11/hoarding/) - Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. View the rest of this article on the Mayo Clinic website.
- [Coping when tough economic times taint holiday cheer](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/11/coping-when-tough-economic-times-taint-holiday-cheer/) - Store aisles are jammed, menorahs have been lit, and houses and Christmas trees are adorned with lights, which can only mean the holidays are officially in full swing. But with more than 15 million Americans currently unemployed, many people are finding it hard to make the season bright for themselves as well as their children.
- [Help for the holiday blues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/11/help-for-the-holiday-blues/) - The holidays can be a stressful time. The festivities can lead to anxiety related to excessive shopping for friends and family, finding time for social obligations, worrying about holiday debt, and trying to do too much. You can detour from your everyday routine, neglecting proper nutrition and regular exercise. These pressures can lead to the
- [Smoking: truth and consequences](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/smoking-truth-and-consequences/) - Thinking about giving up cigarettes? If you’ve tried before without success, you may feel unsure about whether you can quit for good. You may also wonder how to prepare for such a big change. Start by learning everything you can about the health risks of smoking. Then consider how kicking the habit will affect your
- [The high cost of smoking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/the-high-cost-of-smoking/) - Most people quit smoking because of the damage it does to their health. But if you need an extra reason to kick the habit, consider that smoking could be costing you as much as $10,000 a year. When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone. Someone
- [Tips for a successful quit smoking day](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/tips-for-a-successful-quit-smoking-day/) - You've done your homework, made your plan, tossed out all your cigarettes and now the big day is here: Day One of your plan to quit smoking. You've probably heard that nicotine withdrawal is unpleasant and that most people need to quit several times before they reach their goal. But the good news is that,
- [How to make love last forever](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/how-to-make-love-last-forever/) - Keeping your primary relationship healthy, positive, supportive and together isn’t easy. But it can be done. “We expect a lot from our relationships, and the fact is, long-term marriages or relationships are difficult to sustain, given the pressures most of us live with,” says Sue Maisch, LSW, a family and child counselor in Glenwood Springs,
- [Lessening risks of online relationships](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/lessening-risks-of-online-relationships/) - These tips are for adults who spend time online. Parents should discourage children and teens from developing online relationships. Never offer personal information to strangers on the Internet. Be careful not to divulge such items as your address, phone number or workplace. Build your email relationship carefully. Once you're comfortable interacting on the Internet, set
- [Tips for managing your stress at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/tips-for-managing-your-stress-at-work/) - Job-related stress affects your work performance and can spill over into your personal life. So, learning how to manage stress at work can help you both at home and on the job. The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to manage stress at work: Keep a running, prioritized "to-do" list of tasks. Let your boss know if
- [General principles of discipline](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/general-principles-of-discipline/) - While every child is different, most children need to be given consistent, clear rules and expectations about behavior. The following are some general principles about discipline: Discipline needs to begin as soon as the child is mobile—pulling up and crawling. Young infants rely on their parents to provide a safe environment. Discipline should be age-focused
- [When a reward for kids becomes a bribe](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/when-a-reward-for-kids-becomes-a-bribe/) - A 5-year-old never puts away her toys without a shouting match with her parents. Mom promises a trip to Disney World if the girl will routinely clean up after herself without an argument. Reward, or bribe? A 12-year-old hates homework and routinely skips it. Dad pledges to spend Saturday morning alone with his son doing
- [Cross-cultural adoptions raise sensitive issues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/03/cross-cultural-adoptions-raise-sensitive-issues/) - Pimples. Braces. Dating. Finding your way through the teen years can be challenging, to say the least. When you're an adopted child of a different race or culture from your parents, there are many additional issues to consider. For example, like it or not, children adopted from Asia may be viewed by some as Asian,
- [Facebook pages may offer clues to underage drinking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/04/facebook-pages-may-offer-clues-to-underage-drinking/) - Facebook and other online social networking sites might be new weapons in the fight against underage drinking and alcohol abuse, a new study shows. Researchers say verbal and visual cues on underage college students' Facebook profile pages can highlight their alcohol consumption and point out who's at most risk for abuse. "Our job is to
- [Ten tips to ease anxiety](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/ten-tips-to-ease-anxiety/) - Is Anxiety Your Friend… Some anxiety can be good. It can alert you to danger—and give you extra oomph to get out of it. It also can motivate you to get things done, like study hard for an exam or deal with problems at the office. The trouble comes when anxiety makes you feel fearful
- [Anxiety disorder: when the worrying is constant](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/anxiety-disorder-when-the-worrying-is-constant/) - Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear. It's a normal feeling when a loved one is ill or a project you are working on is late. When that anxiety spills over to everyday problems, or when it occurs every day, you could have an anxiety disorder, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- [Keep anxiety from controlling your life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/keep-anxiety-from-controlling-your-life/) - Everyone worries and feels anxious at times. But if you suffer from severe anxiety, it can threaten to take over your life. The sleepless nights that precede meetings with your boss are exhausting and can interfere with your work. Fretting for days about an ambiguous comment from a friend or an unanswered email can take
- [Phobias are common, but treatable](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/phobias-are-common-but-treatable/) - Maybe you’ve had sweaty palms before a first date. Or, you’ve stayed awake worrying all night before a big meeting. Most of us worry or get nervous every now and then. For people with anxiety disorders, these feelings occur all too often, and they may be overwhelming. Anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable. Anxiety
- [Don't forget to remember](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/06/dont-forget-to-remember/) - Do you remember what you had for dinner last night? What about dinner last week? How about the name of your second-grade teacher? Your memory is built in three basic steps. Before you can remember something, you have to learn it. This is called "acquisition"—you acquire the information, and your brain places it in short-term
- [Five steps to better memory](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/06/five-steps-to-better-memory/) - You've met her before. You can even remember where. But her name? It eludes you, taunting you, just out of reach. Has this happened to you? Do you accept it as part of growing older? Ironically, this attitude may make things worse. Aging can make it harder to remember some things. But by focusing on
- [Overcoming your mid-afternoon energy slump](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/overcoming-your-mid-afternoon-energy-slump/) - You may charge into the day full of energy, but by mid-afternoon, a wave of sleepiness hits you. You find it hard to keep your eyes open, or you find yourself yawning. Many people experience these late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to prevent them. Here are suggestions for healthy ways to keep
- [Functional foods—hype or health benefit?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/functional-foods-hype-or-health-benefit/) - Can you prevent heart disease by eating fish, prevent cancer with tomato sauce, or keep your memory sharp with gingko biloba? Many Americans would answer yes. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, they're betting that these "functional" foods—also called herbs, supplements, nutraceuticals, or phytochemicals—can do all this and more. Whether they get what they pay
- [Give your energy level a tune-up](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/give-your-energy-level-a-tune-up/) - Do you often feel sluggish during the day? It might be time to give your energy level a tune-up. Your body requires energy to function. How much energy you have available depends on several factors, including: The amount and kinds of food you eat How efficiently you convert food into energy How your body uses
- [The reality behind metabolism myths](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/the-reality-behind-metabolism-myths/) - So can we really change our metabolism or are we predestined to having a sluggish metabolism? Can we blame our metabolism for our body weight? Does our age, gender or race play a role in the number of calories we can eat? Myth No. 1 – We can precisely calculate what our calorie needs are
- [Metabolism's weighty role](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/metabolisms-weighty-role/) - You would give up just about anything to be the same weight you were when you were younger, right? Believe it or not, you need give up anything. That is, as long as you keep doing what you've always done—and maybe a bit more. Other factors Although metabolism plays a large role in controlling weight,
- [Dealing with anger](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/dealing-with-anger/) - It's normal to feel angry or frustrated when you've been let down or betrayed. But anger and frustration don't justify violent action. Anger is a strong emotion that can be difficult to keep in check, but the right response is always stay cool. Here are some ways to deal with anger without resorting to violence:
- [Controlling anger – before it controls you](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/controlling-anger-before-it-controls-you-2/) - We all know what anger is, and we've all felt it: whether as a fleeting annoyance or as full-fledged rage. Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality
- [Express anger in a healthy way](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/express-anger-in-a-healthy-way/) - Calm down! State the problem situation as you see it Use "I" statements Identify options for solving the problem Act upon an agreeable option For more information on managing anger, call FIRSTCALL, your Employee Assistance Program, at 1.800.382.2377.
- [After rehabilitation: here are some tools](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/after-rehabilitation-here-are-some-tools/) - Seeking help for alcohol or drug dependency at a residential recovery unit is the first step toward beating addiction and regaining control of your life. And recovering people can use the tools they learned in rehab to begin the intense challenge of avoiding relapse. Patients can continue to use this support system after leaving the
- [Substance abuse/chemical dependency](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency/) - The main words used medically to describe substance abuse or addiction include the following: Substance (drug) abuse (alcohol or other drugs). Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use that causes significant problems or distress, such as failure to attend work or school, substance use in dangerous situations
- [Talk with your kids about these issues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/talk-with-your-kids-about-these-issues/) - Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol and tobacco is tough. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Children learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age. If you have children, it's hard not to worry. But don't panic—and don't ignore the subject. Instead, if your child
- [Could your child have a drug problem?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/could-your-child-have-a-drug-problem/) - Many parents blame themselves when faced with the possibility that their child may be using drugs. But most experts recommend that parents worry more about helping the child, rather than trying to figure out the reason for the behavior. Children who use drugs often exhibit certain behaviors: Isolation. They want to hide the effects, the
- [Stress can pack on pounds](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/09/stress-can-pack-on-pounds/) - Some people respond to impending deadlines, financial problems, relationship meltdowns, and other difficulties by eating less. But if you respond to added stress by eating more, you could end up with added pounds. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid stress-related weight gain. To begin, consider which of the following behaviors you’re prone to, and
- [Wellness made easy: the real basics of better health](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/10/wellness-made-easy-the-real-basics-of-better-health/) - Wellness has three basic components: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and wise lifestyle choices. Incorporating all three into your daily routine can help you live a longer, healthier life. Adopting even one of them can improve your well-being. Eating healthy A healthful diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. According
- [Depression and suicide](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/10/depression-and-suicide/) - More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnose-able mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. Warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behavior Many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also symptoms of depression. Observations of the following behaviors may be helpful in
- [Not another life to lose: suicide in America](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/10/not-another-life-to-lose-suicide-in-america/)
- [Teen suicide: learning to recognize the warning signs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/10/teen-suicide-learning-to-recognize-the-warning-signs/) - Many teen suicides can be prevented if warning signs are detected and appropriate intervention is conducted. The reasons No two teenagers are alike, but there are some common reasons they consider suicide. Many teens who attempt suicide do so during an acute crisis in reaction to some conflict with peers or parents. Such conflicts are
- [What you must know about suicide](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/10/what-you-must-know-about-suicide/) - In 2007, over 34,000 Americans committed suicide, making it the tenth leading cause of death. At one person every 16 minutes, it’s a national tragedy, but one each of us can help prevent. Depression is the major underlying cause of suicide. Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of depression, and suicidal behavior, are helpful in
- [A holiday help guide for step-families](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/11/a-holiday-help-guide-for-step-families/) - Around the holidays, step-family life can become particularly stressful, especially for children who'll spend time at more than one household. Circumstances vary depending on each situation. In general, households separated by a short distance in which both sides of the family see the child/children frequently have different issues than those separated by long distances where
- [Five tips to avoid holiday weight gain](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/11/five-tips-to-avoid-holiday-weight-gain/) - Here are five tactics to help you steer clear of putting on weight during the holiday season: 1. Be realistic. It’s no fun to be stressed out and trying to lose weight during the holidays. Instead, aim to hold the line at your current weight. 2. Shop smart. Celebrate the season with festive and healthy
- [From toys to decorations: holiday safety 101](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/11/from-toys-to-decorations-holiday-safety-101/) - During the holidays, a variety of seasonal toys, decorations, and other items can be potentially hazardous to your family. Here’s what you can do to help keep the season merry and safe. Don’t toy around with toy safety Choose toys appropriate for the age, abilities, and skills of your kids. Check the toy’s packaging for
- [Persistence is key to losing weight and keeping it off](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/12/persistence-is-key-to-losing-weight-and-keeping-it-off/) - To shed unwanted pounds and keep them off, people have to be ready to face some setbacks and keep on trying, said Dr. Jessica Bartfield, an internal medicine and medical weight-loss specialist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of the Loyola University Health System. "People need a motivation to lose weight and the new year is
- [Preparing for your best year of fitness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/12/preparing-for-your-best-year-of-fitness/) - Here's a word of advice: If you're getting ready to make New Year's fitness resolutions—don't. Instead design a year long fitness plan to ensure effective lifestyle changes are utilized. Month-by-month plan Use this yearlong plan to improve your health each month: January: Set your goals. Take a look at your life: What's missing? What do
- [Tips for keeping your New Year's resolutions](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/01/tips-for-keeping-your-new-years-resolutions/) - By, Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT, CWS – Columbia College New Year is a time for new beginnings. These may include making resolutions. This year discover ways to help you make New Year's resolutions or goals that will stick. Many people use the start of a New Year as a reason to commit to
- [Aging eyes and glasses](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/01/aging-eyes-and-glasses/) - As your eyes age, their lenses become less flexible, and they slowly lose their ability to focus on nearby objects. It's an ongoing, lifelong process called presbyopia, which you begin to notice between ages 40 and 45, when the condition starts to affect close-up tasks such as reading. It requires some attitude adjustment, especially if
- [Depression not a normal part of aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/01/depression-not-a-normal-part-of-aging/) - Depression is not a natural part of growing old but rather a medical condition that should be treated aggressively. Depression in older adults, or in anyone, should not be thought of as normal. Some groups are at higher risk, but the average older person is not depressed any more than a young person. Depression is
- ['No regrets' outlook may make for sunnier old age](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/01/no-regrets-outlook-may-make-for-sunnier-old-age/) - Riddled with regret over missed opportunities? You may want to let it go. A new study suggests that being able to set aside regret might make for happier years later in life. Researchers from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, in Germany, examined regret in 20-somethings and 60-somethings to see how it affected their emotional health.
- [10 reasons to keep fit as you age](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/01/10-reasons-to-keep-fit-as-you-age/) - A lot of us don't get the kind of day-to-day physical activity we need, so are physically "unfit." "Physical activity" means any movement of the body that is made by skeletal muscles—and requires energy to accomplish. "Physical fitness" means the ability of a person to do physical activity. Physical fitness can be measured by determining
- [Lessons for working the night shift](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/02/lessons-for-working-the-night-shift/) - If you work the night shift, you face unique health and productivity challenges. Many night workers have difficulty falling asleep during the day and staying awake at night. Knowing what you can do to improve your daytime sleep, and your nighttime alertness, can help you maintain your efficiency and safety. Answering the following statements true
- [Young adults: America's most stressed generation?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/03/young-adults-americas-most-stressed-generation/) - Young Americans between 18 and 33 years old—the so-called millennials—are more stressed than the rest of the population, according to a new report from the American Psychological Association. What's stressing them out? Jobs and money mostly, said Norman Anderson, CEO of the American Psychological Association, during a Thursday morning press conference. On a scale of
- [Tax day: strategies for managing money stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/04/tax-day-strategies-for-managing-money-stress/) - The looming IRS tax deadline may be stressful for many Americans. Stress related to tax deadlines can increase reliance on the unhealthy behaviors, such as eating to alleviate stress, making poor diet choices, smoking, drinking and being inactive, that many people already use to cope with everyday stressors related to money, work, personal and family
- [Managing your stress in tough economic times](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/04/managing-your-stress-in-tough-economic-times/) - Money is on the minds of most Americans. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2010 Stress in America survey, over three-quarters of Americans (76 percent) cite money as a significant cause of stress. And while the economy appears to be becoming healthier, personal financial problems still worry many Americans. But, like most of
- [Dollars and sense: talking to your children about the economy](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/04/dollars-and-sense-talking-to-your-children-about-the-economy/) - In this time of extreme economic stress, it can be difficult to leave the problems of the economy off the kitchen table. Fears about mortgages, college tuition, retirement, and day-to-day expenses haunt the halls of many family homes. Children are extremely resilient. However, children are often keenly aware of tension in the household, whether it
- [Focusing on safety at school](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/04/focusing-on-safety-at-school/) - School should be a safe place for children, where neither parents nor children should have to worry about violence. Unfortunately, that's not always the case in today's world. Violence exists in schools, and it can make both children and parents fearful. Violence can range from bullying to fighting to the use of weapons on or
- [What makes kids care? Teaching gentleness in a violent world](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/05/what-makes-kids-care-teaching-gentleness-in-a-violent-world/) - In a world where violence and cruelty seem to be common and almost acceptable, many parents wonder what they can do to help their children to become kinder and gentler—to develop a sense of caring and compassion for others. Raising kids who care isn't a solution to violence by itself, but it's reasonable to worry
- [Using yoga to relieve stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/05/using-yoga-to-relieve-stress/) - To combat stress, many people turn to meditation or other mental stress reduction tools. But stress also creates physical responses in your body and, as such, can be managed with exercise—in particular, with yoga. Stress sends your entire physical system into overdrive. Your muscles tense, your heart beats faster, and your breathing patterns change. If
- [How to fight stress-related diseases](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/05/how-to-fight-stress-related-diseases/) - Stress-related health problems can be the basis for many doctor visits. For example, suppose Joe has inherited a predisposition to develop a depressive disorder. For him, a difficult breakup with his girlfriend may be all that's needed to trigger a bout of severe depression and the need for a doctor's visit. Then, there's the natural
- [Summer deadliest time of year for teen drivers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/06/summer-deadliest-time-of-year-for-teen-drivers/) - Summer is the most dangerous time of the year for teen drivers and distracted driving is often the reason why, experts say. Seven of the 10 deadliest days for teen drivers occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to a news release from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and AAA. In 2011
- [Summer is peak time for teens to try drugs and alcohol](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/06/summer-is-peak-time-for-teens-to-try-drugs-and-alcohol/) - More teenagers start drinking and smoking cigarettes and marijuana in June and July than in any other months, U.S. health officials say. During each of those summer days, more than 11,000 teens on average use alcohol for the first time, 5,000 start smoking cigarettes and 4,500 try marijuana, according to the report, which was released
- [Teen and summer jobs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/06/teen-and-summer-jobs/) - Your teen is itching to get a summer job and the spending money that goes along with it, but you’re not sure whether that's a good idea. Here’s good news for both of you: When asked in a recent survey, about 70 percent of parents said they are actively involved in helping their teens find
- [Bullying in the workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/08/bullying-in-the-workplace/) - Bullying is usually seen as acts or verbal comments that could 'mentally' hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. Sometimes, bullying can involve negative physical contact as well. Bullying usually involves repeated incidents or a pattern of behavior that is intended to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group of people.
- [Optimize your health and happiness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/08/optimize-your-health-and-happiness/) - Staying healthy mentally and physically isn't simply a matter of good genes. It's a proactive project that lasts your entire life. Like a finely tuned machine, your body needs preventive maintenance. Experts offer the following suggestions to help you keep your body and mind running like a well-oiled machine. Use the right fuel To stay
- [Sunny self-talk: seeing through the storm](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/08/sunny-self-talk-seeing-through-the-storm/) - How much control do you have over your negative feelings? According to research, a lot more than you might think. In fact, there is always more than one way to view an event, and how you view any situation has a lot to do with how you then feel. Your views also influence your actions.
- [Working out a workout at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/09/working-out-a-workout-at-work/) - Move, stretch, take breaks—does that sound like a workout? Does it sound like work? The office may seem like an odd place to work out, but you spend most of your day there. Exercise can keep you healthy, make you more productive and head off workplace injuries. Even short bursts of movement count. Keep on
- [Adopting a pet… cats and dogs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/09/adopting-a-pet-cats-and-dogs/) - Nothing beats the love and companionship that a dog or cat can bring into your life. If you've been thinking about adding a cuddly new cat or dog to your household, take some time to think about what type of pet will best suit you, your family and your lifestyle. Depending on what type of
- [Pets and people: the health connection](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/09/pets-and-people-the-health-connection/) - Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, loved dogs, yet he never mentioned them in his research. Only recently have scientists begun to analyze the way we humans relate to other species. Perhaps that's because we need to make sense of the close connections so many people have with their pets, from pythons to parrots, and
- [Pets fill a special role in seniors' lives](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/09/pets-fill-a-special-role-in-seniors-lives/) - Pets offer companionship, something to nurture, unconditional love, and a sense of security in new situations. And pets can relieve stress, which may help explain why studies have found that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The nurturing role Taking care of an animal that cares about you and responds to you
- [Teenagers say parents text and drive](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/teenagers-say-parents-text-and-drive/) - Do you text when you drive? Most adults know that the “right” answer to that question is an unencumbered no, and most parents would make that an emphatic “no,” as in “I don’t text and drive, and you, child of mine, shouldn’t either.” That’s the message that comes from everyone from Derrick Rose of the
- [Help your children manage media use](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/help-your-children-manage-media-use/) - American children and teens have almost constant exposure to a wide range of media—such as smart phones, social media and television—and kids' use of such media must be carefully managed, child experts say. Excessive media use has been associated with obesity, lack of sleep, school problems, aggression and other behavior problems, according to the American
- [Is texting helping or hurting your relationship?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/is-texting-helping-or-hurting-your-relationship/) - Texting your boyfriend to say you're running late is one thing. Trying to win an argument via text is quite another, suggests a new study that finds how young couples use text messaging may affect the quality of their relationships. The research doesn't actually prove that texting influences how well couples get along, but it
- [Texting while walking can be dangerous](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/texting-while-walking-can-be-dangerous/) - There's more evidence that texting while walking can be risky business. Researchers found that doing both at the same time affects posture and balance, causing people to swerve and walk slower, according to the findings published January 22 in the journal PLoS One. "Texting, and to a lesser extent reading, on your mobile phone affects
- [How to lower your financial stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/how-to-lower-your-financial-stress/) - Money worries are among the most common sources of personal and family stress. Living with too much of any kind of pressure on a daily basis can take an emotional and physical toll, contributing to sleepless nights, backaches, or headaches or, over time, even life-threatening diseases, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Whether
- [Risky gambling tied to social isolation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/risky-gambling-tied-to-social-isolation/) - People who feel socially isolated are more likely to take risks with their money, according to a new study. In a series of experiments, researchers found that the more often people felt excluded, the more likely they were to select longer odds for potentially bigger lottery wins, bet on horse races, gamble in casinos and
- [Study shows sports gamblers wrongly bet on their sense of control](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/study-shows-sports-gamblers-wrongly-bet-on-their-sense-of-control/) - Many sports gamblers consider their extensive betting experience and insight into college basketball a slam-dunk for success during the three-week U.S. championship dubbed "March Madness." But that sense of control over their wagers is an illusion, according to a new study. "Sports gamblers seem to believe themselves the cleverest of all gamblers," Professor Pinhas Dannon,
- [When the stakes turn toxic: learn about problem gambling](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/when-the-stakes-turn-toxic-learn-about-problem-gambling/) - Anyone who’s bought a lottery ticket or played bingo has gambled. Gambling is any game of chance in which money changes hands. It’s common in most cultures around the world. Many people enjoy gambling as recreation without causing harm to themselves or others. Yet some people can’t control their impulse to gamble, even when it
- [Choose My Plate shapes a healthier senior diet](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/choose-my-plate-shapes-a-healthier-senior-diet/) - What do bananas on your cereal, onions in your chili, and pears for your dessert have in common? They're great ways to get the fruits and vegetables you need to help you live a healthy, active life. The USDA developed Choose My Plate, which provides food guidelines and encourages you to eat only the calories
- [Eat alone? Make your meals nutritious](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/eat-alone-make-your-meals-nutritious/) - Dinner parties, cooking for a crowd, fixing the family meal—those are easy compared with the challenges of cooking for one. If you live alone, chances are you don't give your meals a lot of thought or preparation. Many times eating alone means throwing a meal together or getting take out. Such practices may mean unhealthy
- [Let's do lunch](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/lets-do-lunch/) - Does your lunch just happen? Is it often a last-minute decision of where to eat and whether or not you want fries with your burger? If so, maybe it's time to show lunch a little more respect. Experts agree—lunch is an important meal. Be sure to include foods with a mix of nutrients that will
- [Nutrition's role in disease prevention](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/nutritions-role-in-disease-prevention/) - Evidence is mounting that a healthy diet can help protect you from some diseases. What you eat—or don't eat—may help prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. With this in mind, here's how to use your diet to help reduce your risk of disease. Beat heart disease To help prevent heart disease, you
- [Simple ways to make your diet better](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/simple-ways-to-make-your-diet-better/) - Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and other diseases. One way to improve your diet is to eat more fruits and vegetables. For adults, the 2010 USDA dietary guidelines recommend 2 cups of fruit and 2½ to 3
- [Tips for tuning up your nutrition](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/tips-for-tuning-up-your-nutrition/) - Eating healthier food to improve your health or reduce your waistline isn't as difficult as you may think. Small dietary changes, made gradually, can result in substantial improvement over time, according to nutrition experts. Nutrition experts offer the following guidelines for improving your diet and your health. Look for variety Varying your food provides a
- [Eating better on a budget](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/04/eating-better-on-a-budget/) - 10 tips to help you stretch your food dollars Get the most for your food budget! There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars. Plan, plan
- [Can optimism make a difference in your life?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/04/can-optimism-make-a-difference-in-your-life/) - If you’re a person who always has a rosy outlook and sees the glass as half-full rather than half-empty, your positive attitude may have even more benefits than you think. A growing number of scientific studies indicate that optimistic people tend to live longer and have better physical and mental health than pessimistic people. The
- [Focus on keeping your spirits up](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/04/focus-on-keeping-your-spirits-up/) - You know that you should eat healthy foods and get some exercise to feel good and live longer. Another key part to living longer is your mental health. Good mental health is just as important as good physical health. But we all face changes in life that can challenge our emotional well-being. For example, even
- [Everyday ways to activate your life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/04/everyday-ways-to-activate-your-life/) - Moderately intense activities are good for your health. These are activities that make you feel some exertion but are mild enough that you can comfortably carry on a conversation while doing them. Examples include walking briskly from your parked car to the mall entrance and taking your dog for a quick jog after dinner. Other
- [Moving beyond all-or-nothing thinking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/04/moving-beyond-all-or-nothing-thinking/) - One of the first mistakes people make when they fall short of a goal to start exercising or to lose weight is to think, "That's it; I've blown it. I'll never make this work." But a slip doesn't mean you're a failure. It's important to understand a slip for what it is: a lapse. You
- [Creative pursuits might boost your job performance](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/05/creative-pursuits-might-boost-your-job-performance/) - Creative activities outside of work may help boost your job performance, a new study suggests. Personal endeavors after-hours help employees recover from on-the-job demands and improve skills such as problem-solving, the researchers report in the April 17 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. Researchers surveyed 341 employees across the United States, asking
- [Health precautions when you travel by air](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/06/health-precautions-when-you-travel-by-air/) - Q. How can I improve plane travel? A. Most people don't have any problems when they fly, but it's possible to make airplane travel safer and more comfortable. Here are some tips: Carry all your medicines in your carry-on luggage. Ask your doctor if you should change your dosages if your eating and sleeping times
- [Dealing with shift work fatigue](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/06/dealing-with-shift-work-fatigue/) - Shift work often means staying awake during the late night and early morning, leading to big-time fatigue. The National Sleep Foundation suggests how to beat fatigue and improve alertness during shift work: Avoid working extended hours. If your job and boss allow, take a short nap during your shift. As much as possible, be in
- [Safety while traveling abroad](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/06/safety-while-traveling-abroad/) - Millions of Americans travel abroad each year. Safety should be a prime consideration for anyone traveling outside the United States. There are certain precautions that travelers can take to improve their safety while abroad. Motor vehicle safety while traveling Injuries from motor vehicle crashes pose the greatest risk of injury to international travelers, according to
- [Staying healthy while you travel](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/06/staying-healthy-while-you-travel/) - Preventing illness or injury is a big part of making your trip relaxing and enjoyable. Because some destinations have environments that may be very different from the area you live in, and travel to developing countries poses certain extra risks, it is important to take certain precautions. Healthy preparations before you travel If you are
- [Choosing childcare](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/08/choosing-childcare/) - Finding the right childcare setting for your baby or young child can seem overwhelming. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is safe and happy in a childcare environment that is fun, educational, and nurturing. Here are some tips on how to do that. Consider your child and family About 70 percent
- [Help kids feel better about themselves](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/08/help-kids-feel-better-about-themselves/) - Kids who have a negative body image feel more self-conscious and isolated, and are more likely to end up overweight or with an eating disorder. On the other hand, kids with a positive body image are more likely to succeed, and they don't dwell on weight gain or their looks. The American Dietetic Association suggests
- [Help teens reduce worry over body image](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/08/help-teens-reduce-worry-over-body-image/) - According to surveys by the National Institute on Media and the Family, 53 percent of girls report being unhappy with their appearance. Experts have found that poor body image can lead not only to social isolation, but also to serious emotional problems, including depression and anxiety. Much dissatisfaction with one's appearance is driven by the
- [Kids' body image shaped by parents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/08/kids-body-image-shaped-by-parents/) - Parents play a crucial role in helping children develop a positive body image and healthy eating habits, an expert says. "Sometimes we parents forgot how important our words, thoughts, and feelings are in the lives of our kids," Dr. Aaron Krasner, director of the adolescent transitional living program at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan,
- [Elder abuse often involves finances](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/09/elder-abuse-often-involves-finances/) - As many as one in 20 older adults in the United States may be financially exploited, a new study suggests. In fact, most older adults have had their money or property stolen or used improperly at some point, the researchers found. What's worse is that this abuse often occurs at the hands of their relatives.
- [Plan for future health care bills](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/09/plan-for-future-health-care-bills/) - Many Americans mistakenly believe Medicare or Medicaid will pay for their long-term care. However, Medicare only pays for care for short periods—and it doesn’t cover those who need help with activities of daily living. That accounts for most of the services Americans need. Likewise, Medicaid only pays for care if you need a lot of
- [Laughter may work like meditation in the brain](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/10/laughter-may-work-like-meditation-in-the-brain/) - Laughter triggers brain waves similar to those associated with meditation, according to a small new study. It also found that other forms of stimulation produce different types of brain waves. The study included 31 people whose brain waves were monitored while they watched humorous, spiritual or distressing video clips. While watching the humorous videos, the
- [Holidays can be sensory overload for kids with autism](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/11/holidays-can-be-sensory-overload-for-kids-with-autism/) - The holidays can be a challenge for families of children with autism because sensory overload can trigger major meltdowns, an expert says. "Holidays with family can be dicey under the best of circumstances, but when you have children with special needs, some care must be taken," Varleisha Gibbs, an occupational therapy professor at University of
- [When the doldrums become depression](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/12/when-the-doldrums-become-depression/) - Loss of energy. Inability to concentrate. Sleeping all day. If you only experience these feelings during the winter, you may not think they're a problem. But they could actually signal a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Other SAD symptoms include the following: Carbohydrate craving Weight gain Excessive sleeping Increased premenstrual
- [Depression](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/01/depression/) - Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. About Depression We all feel unhappy and listless every now and then. And we have all felt down or even desperate at some point in our lives. These phases are a normal
- [Are you sitting down?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/01/are-you-sitting-down/) - If so, you may be putting your health at risk… We spend 50 to 55 percent of our waking hours sitting, research suggests. As we get older, we linger even more in our chairs. And although sitting may seem harmless, too much seat-time could be bad for your health. “Bottoms” up! A sedentary life raises
- [Kids getting too much 'screen time'](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/01/kids-getting-too-much-screen-time/) - U.S. teenagers are still spending hours in front of the TV and computer every day—despite years of expert advice that kids' "screen time" should be limited, a new government study finds. In two national surveys of children aged 12 to 15 years, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly
- [Games can build strong minds](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/01/games-can-build-strong-minds/) - Here's a new reason to zap video games: Those electronic playthings keep kids from games that stimulate their minds in important ways. Citing the latest research on the brain, experts say chess, Scrabble, Monopoly—even jigsaw puzzles or tic-tac-toe—do more to help children build analytical, organizational, and creative skills. As adults, your kids will need those
- [Mental images help bring zzzs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/02/mental-images-help-bring-zzzs/) - Worries, deadlines, and problems, oh my! If only you could switch off those bothersome thoughts at night, then you might finally catch some zzzs. Well, researchers have discovered that using your imagination may actually help put your mind to rest—and you to sleep. Imagery Works Better than Counting Young women and men who said worries
- [Overview of sleep problems](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/02/overview-of-sleep-problems/) - Why is sleep important? Sleep is not just resting or taking a break from busy routines. It is essential to physical and emotional health. Adequate sleep may also play a role in helping the body recover from illness and injury. Inadequate sleep over a period of time is associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and
- [Sleep and the aging brain](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/02/sleep-and-the-aging-brain/) - Sleep is an essential part of life. Without it, your body—and mind—don’t work up to par. That may be especially true as you age. A recent study suggests that older adults who sleep better think better overall. An aging brain? You probably know firsthand how a lack of sleep can muddle your mind. An international
- [Marriage break-up rates similar for gay, straight couples](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/03/marriage-break-up-rates-similar-for-gay-straight-couples/) - When gays and lesbians have access to government-sanctioned marriage, or engage in highly committed "marriage-like" unions, their rates of break-up are the same as those of heterosexuals, a new study finds. The study was released Monday, coinciding with an announcement from the U.S. Supreme Court that it would refuse to hear cases from five states
- [Can doing the dishes save a young marriage?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/03/can-doing-the-dishes-save-a-young-marriage/) - Newlywed couples who have similar expectations for dividing household chores are more likely to have longer-lasting marriages, a new study suggests. University of Illinois researchers looked at 220 heterosexual newlywed couples, and discovered that the wives who believed in equal sharing of housework were much happier if their husbands shared their outlook. Among couples who
- [Problem gambling: a risky addiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/04/problem-gambling-a-risky-addiction/) - It may start with a lucky lottery ticket, a winning hand at poker, or the matching reels of a slot machine. The ending is rarely profitable. Problem gambling ensnares four to six million people in the U.S.—many of them men. It’s an addiction that can yield financial and personal ruin. What is problem gambling? More
- [Stress-fighting strategies for every stage of life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/05/stress-fighting-strategies-for-every-stage-of-life/) - The latest findings on stress are in, and they paint a harried picture. According to the American Psychological Association's new Stress in America survey, the majority of us are moderately to seriously stressed. While we know it's unhealthy, we aren't sure how to escape. The sources of strain change throughout life. But one thing doesn't:
- [Understanding your response to stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/05/understanding-your-response-to-stress/) - Any change in your life can lead to stress. This includes even pleasurable activities, such as vacations or new forms of recreation. You can also be in a stressful situation such as a difficult job or a long-term illness of a spouse. If you think you might be experiencing stress, this assessment may help you
- [Assess your stress triggers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/05/assess-your-stress-triggers/) - Stress in small doses isn't a bad thing. Stress can challenge you to do your best. But too much stress can affect both your emotional and physical health. Learning what brings on stress in your life is the first step toward managing it. This assessment will help you identify your life "stressors." In each category,
- [Money tops Americans' list of stressors](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/05/money-tops-americans-list-of-stressors/) - Money continues to be the leading cause of stress for Americans, a recent survey finds. Overall, stress in the United States is at a seven-year low, and average stress levels are declining, the American Psychological Association poll found. But money worries continue to nag at the American psyche, despite the ongoing economic recovery, the association
- [Take the summer sun exposure quiz](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/06/take-the-summer-sun-exposure-quiz/) - Hot weather, clear skies, and extra leisure time in the summer mean that many people spend hours in the sun. Lengthy sun exposure can raise the risk for skin cancer if you don't take steps to protect yourself. 1. The hours of the day when you are most at risk from the sun's rays are:
- [Water safety 101: basic guidelines](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/06/water-safety-101-basic-guidelines/) - Every year, thousands of Americans are injured or killed in boating and swimming accidents. You can protect yourself and your family from such accidents by following these guidelines. Boating safety Check weather and water conditions before leaving shore. Do not drink and boat. Alcohol is a factor in many boating accidents. Choose a designated boat
- [Summer vacation can lead to increased family stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/06/summer-vacation-can-lead-to-increased-family-stress/) - Summer vacation has officially kicked off as schools across the country close for the year, leaving many families with scheduling conflicts. While summer vacation equals fun for many students, it may lead to added stress for parents and caretakers. Finding day care options for children out of school and even planning family vacations can leave
- [Bullying on the job](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/07/bullying-on-the-job/) - You may find bullying on the playground or in your child’s classroom. But what about in your office? About one in four American workers have been bullied on the job. Many others have witnessed this abusive behavior. Bullying can affect more than job performance. It can take a toll on your health. Spotting workplace bullying
- [Can you control workplace interruptions?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/09/can-you-control-workplace-interruptions/) - Having trouble concentrating on important tasks at work because of frequent interruptions? If so, knowing how to control and avoid them can increase your productivity. Here is a quiz to help you assess your knowledge of how to deal with interruptions. 1. It's efficient to check your e-mail every time you get a message. A.
- [Anger management](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/09/anger-management/) - A coworker blows a deadline, your boss steals your ideas, you miss a meeting due to heavy traffic—these are the normal hassles of living. On a scale of one to 10, with one being calm and 10 being blind rage, most people react to such frustrations with a two or three. If you’re working your
- [Keeping anger under control](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/09/keeping-anger-under-control/) - Many people who have a difficult time expressing and managing angry feelings. What causes people to become angry? How can they respond to stressful situations more productively? What is anger? Many people think that anger is caused by hormonal changes or brain activity. This is only partly true. Researchers have found that while hormones play
- [How to control your temper](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/09/how-to-control-your-temper/) - We’ve all been angry at times. Whether it’s a fight with a friend, an annoyance at work, or something else altogether, anger is never a pleasant experience. But it’s comforting to know that—however unpleasant—anger is part of being human. At least some anger is needed for survival. When we feel threatened, we develop aggressive feelings
- [Working well with everyone at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/09/working-well-with-everyone-at-work/) - Getting along with everyone at work creates a cooperative, cheerful atmosphere that can help you and your company succeed. If you’re like most people, you tend to be comfortable and work well with people who have jobs similar to yours, but find it a bit more difficult to relate to people in other positions with
- [Debunking ten aging myths](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/10/debunking-ten-aging-myths/) - Many older Americans lead healthy, interesting, and productive lives well into their later years. But that’s not what we usually hear about. Instead, the emphasis is often on the limitations people experience as they get older from problems as varied as falls, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The result is that we tend to have
- [Seniors: keep key documents handy](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/10/seniors-keep-key-documents-handy/) - If someone asked your adult children when you last saw a doctor, could any of them answer? What if you were asked for a list of specialists you've seen in the last five years or the results of hospital tests you've had in that period? Can your spouse find your birth certificate? The time to
- [Brainpower peaks in different ways as people age](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/10/brainpower-peaks-in-different-ways-as-people-age/) - For everyone over 40 who fears that their mind is slowly failing them, a new study suggests that older brains are better than younger brains in some ways. While some thinking skills begin to decline as one ages, researchers found that others don't peak until middle age or even later. The study, which looked at
- [Five ways to age gracefully](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/10/five-ways-to-age-gracefully/) - In recent years, an increasing amount of scientific evidence has supported the idea that people can do quite a lot on their own to lengthen their life span and to enhance the quality of life as they age. Here are five steps to take every day that can promote healthy aging and boost longevity: 1.
- [Facing up to alcohol in the workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/11/facing-up-to-alcohol-in-the-workplace/) - Alcoholism often is called a family disease because it affects both the person with alcoholism and his or her family. But it's also a workplace disease. Costly and dangerous Employees who are dependent on alcohol have higher health care costs than the average worker. In addition, workers who drink on the job or heavily after
- [Setting limits with alcohol](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/11/setting-limits-with-alcohol/) - Setting Limits with Alcohol You may have heard that drinking a little alcohol may have health benefits in some people. But the harms may outweigh any benefits if you have features of metabolic syndrome, like high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or a larger waist. The Risks for You A report in Atherosclerosis says some, not
- [Understanding alcohol's effects](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/11/understanding-alcohols-effects/) - What happens when you drink alcohol? Everybody reacts in a different way to it. But in general, it is quickly absorbed into your blood. The amount of alcohol in your blood peaks within 30 to 45 minutes after your last drink. Alcohol is also metabolized by your body. That means it is broken down chemically
- [Alcohol and older adults](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/11/alcohol-and-older-adults/) - Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it. Alcohol may affect older adults differently than younger adults. Alcohol and aging As you age, you become more sensitive to alcohol’s effects.
- [How much do you know about holiday weight gain?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/12/how-much-do-you-know-about-holiday-weight-gain/) - Here’s a holiday gift you don’t need: a few extra pounds. Fortunately, you can take steps to enjoy the season’s special occasions while maintaining a balanced, healthy diet—and your weight. To assess how much you know about holiday weight gain, decide if the following statements are true or false, then check your answers. Many Americans
- [Could your 'Holiday Blues' be Seasonal Affective Disorder?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/12/could-your-holiday-blues-be-seasonal-affective-disorder/) - Some people who think they have the holiday blues may actually have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), an expert suggests. "SAD usually occurs in those who already are diagnosed or afflicted with a type of depression. It occurs with the change of the seasons, beginning in the fall and staying with you throughout the cold, dark
- [‘Tis the season for Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/12/tis-the-season-for-seasonal-affective-disorder/) - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in some people due to decreased amounts of daylight during the winter. That decrease may trigger SAD by disrupting the body's internal clock, causing a drop in levels of a mood-affecting chemical called serotonin, or by altering levels of melatonin, which plays a role
- [Seasonal affective disorder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/12/seasonal-affective-disorder/) - What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a mood disorder characterized by depression related to a certain season of the year—especially winter. However, SAD is often not described as a separate mood disorder but as a "specifier," referring to the seasonal pattern of major depressive episodes that can occur within major
- [Get your workout resolution back on track](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/get-your-workout-resolution-back-on-track/) - Rather than looking back on where you’ve been with fitness, focus on where you’re going. Why not make it your goal to be in better shape by Memorial Day? That’s months away, but now’s the time to start an exercise program that can help you look and feel better by summer. Good news: Your goal
- [Preparing for your best year of fitness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/preparing-best-year-fitness/) - If you're getting ready to make New Year's fitness resolutions—don’t. Instead, design a yearlong fitness plan to make sure that you have effective lifestyle changes in place. Month-by-month plan Use this yearlong plan to improve your health each month: January. Set your goals. Take a look at your life. What's missing? What do you wish
- [Ready, set, goal!](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/ready-set-goal/) - Create a new you… Another calendar, another year—and that means a fresh start on achieving the goals that are most important to you. This time around, set yourself up for success with well‐thought‐out goals and a realistic action plan. Here’s how: Look inward; think small. Break down large, difficult goals into smaller ones that are
- [Build a healthy self-image](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/build-healthy-self-image/) - It may be difficult to be happy with what you see in the mirror, but a healthy self-image will help you care for yourself. The Cleveland Clinic recommends: Jot down a list of positive qualities you see in yourself. Ask loved ones to share what they think are your positive qualities. Create goals that are
- [How to improve your productivity](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/how-to-improve-your-productivity/) - It's Monday morning. Your desk is cluttered, your to-do list is two pages long and you have 25 new voice-mail messages. Maximizing your efficiency with proven productivity skills can help you clear the decks and get on with your work. Experts say that do-it-now' work habits are the key to becoming more productive and efficient.
- [Boosting your mental health](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/02/boosting-your-mental-health/) - You know that you should eat healthy foods and get some exercise to feel good and live longer. Another key part to living longer is your mental health. Good mental health is just as important as good physical health. But we all face changes in life that can challenge our emotional well-being. For example, even
- [Where to turn for mental health](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/02/turn-mental-health/) - It's normal to feel stressed or anxious now and then. But it's time to call for help if emotional issues persist for a significant period of time and interfere with your life, your job or your personal relationships. With all the mental health resources and effective treatments available these days, you don't need to suffer
- [Finding the help you need](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/02/finding-the-help-you-need/) - When your life spins out of control, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The American Psychological Association recommends you seek the help of a trained mental health professional if: You constantly worry. You feel trapped. You aren't getting any better with self-help. You feel as if you can't handle things alone.
- [To change, bolster your confidence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/02/change-bolster-confidence/) - Have you tried and failed to lose weight, quit smoking, or break another bad habit? Perhaps your self-esteem—how you think of yourself—could use a boost. These strategies can help you build your self-esteem and confidence in your ability to achieve your goals and break bad habits. Love and accept yourself for who you are. Do
- [Anger management: strategies for parents and grandparents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/03/anger-management-strategies-for-parents-and-grandparents/) - Parenting and grandparenting can be an emotional roller coaster. Although you're filled with love for your kids and grandkids, caring for them can also be scary, frustrating and sometimes downright infuriating. But no matter how riled up you get, it's important to control your anger around youngsters. The importance of managing anger It never feels
- [Guidelines for time-out](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/03/guidelines-for-time-out/) - Time-out is a type of discipline that is used to stop a child from performing a bad behavior "isolating" the child for a period of time. Time-out removes a child from the situation and gives him or her time to calm down. It also helps establish that the parent is in charge, and allows the
- [Temper tantrums](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/03/temper-tantrums/) - Temper tantrums are a way a young child lets out strong emotions before he or she is able to express them in socially acceptable ways. Although a child may seem totally out of control, these fits of rage, stomping, screaming, and throwing himself or herself to the floor are a normal part of childhood development.
- [Relaxation techniques that really work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/04/relaxation-techniques-really-work/) - Everyone experiences stress and its effects. Short-term effects of stress include headaches, shallow breathing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and upset stomach. Long-term chronic stress can increase the risk for heart disease, back pain, depression, persistent muscle aches and pains, and a weakened immune system, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Chronic stress
- [The power of meditation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/04/the-power-of-meditation/) - Worry, anxiety, and stress can be more than distractions. Constantly replaying in your mind daily problems and fears can affect your mental and physical health. By controlling your attention as you meditate, you begin to feel more relaxed and at peace. And this peacefulness usually lasts far beyond the meditation itself. So, when stress appears
- [Mindfulness-based therapy for depression?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/04/mindfulness-based-therapy-depression/) - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy might offer an alternative for people with depression who don't want to take antidepressants long-term, British researchers say. Their study, published April 21, 2015, online in The Lancet, found this new therapy was as effective as antidepressant drugs in preventing a recurrence of depression over a two-year period. "Depression frequently is a
- [Managing stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/04/managing-stress/) - The effects of emotional stress on the body Many women face difficult challenges and responsibilities that may overlap or conflict. These cause stress that can affect their health. Stress can come from difficulties at home, in relationships, and in the workplace. Family “well-being” includes stable relationships and the ability to fulfill essential roles in the
- [Coping with stress at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/04/coping-with-stress-at-work/) - Everyone who has ever held a job has, at some point, felt the pressure of work-related stress. Any job can have stressful elements, even if you love what you do. In the short-term, you may experience pressure to meet a deadline or to fulfill a challenging obligation. But when work stress becomes chronic, it can
- [Eating disorders: when food is the enemy](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/05/eating-disorders-when-food-is-the-enemy/) - Although most of us love food, a growing number view it as the enemy. Take Leslie Lipton, one of the millions of women with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. In eighth grade, when Leslie's body filled out before her friends, she began to refuse second helpings. Then she skipped food. Then she vomited
- [Understanding compulsive overeating](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/05/understanding-compulsive-overeating/) - People who chronically overeat may be suffering from a common eating disorder known as compulsive overeating, also known as binge eating. This eating disorder is characterized by eating large amounts of food, by eating quickly (often to the point of discomfort), and eating when no longer hungry. While many people experience a food binge periodically,
- [Emotional Eating: How to cope](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/05/emotional-eating-cope/) - If you raid the fridge when you’re stressed or upset, that’s called emotional eating. Emotional eating affects most everyone from time to time, but regularly letting your feelings guide your food intake can affect your health. Sadness, boredom, and other negative emotions can drive emotional eating—such as polishing off a container of ice cream after
- [Avoid addiction to pain medication](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/06/avoid-addiction-pain-medication/) - People who suffer from pain are often prescribed medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and Hydrocodone. These pain medications are beneficial when they’re taken as directed—but when misused, they can be dangerous and addictive. One study of more than 900,000 people with chronic pain published in the journal Population Health Management found that only 25 percent
- [Drug addiction in health care professionals](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/06/drug-addiction-in-health-care-professionals/) - The abuse of prescription drugs—especially controlled substances—is a serious social and health problem in the United States today. People addicted to prescription medication come from all walks of life. The last people we would suspect of drug addiction are health care professionals-those people trusted with our well-being. Unfortunately, health care workers are as likely as
- [Don't take a vacation from healthy eating](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/07/dont-take-vacation-healthy-eating/) - Even though it's summertime, children shouldn't be allowed to take a vacation from healthy eating habits, advises Dr. Sarah Armstrong, a pediatrician at Duke University Medical Center. "Routines go haywire, and with nothing to do after a few days in the pool, kids head straight for the refrigerator or snack bar, because they think they're
- [Planning your trip – a traveler’s checklist](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/07/planning-your-trip-a-travelers-checklist/) - Before you travel, the following checklist will help you to prepare for a safe and healthy trip: Schedule an appointment with your doctor well in advance of your trip. Have necessary immunizations for your destination. Check insurance coverage for travel abroad. Have your insurance information cards and claim forms with you. Get a letter from
- [Making this school year your child's best ever](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/08/making-this-school-year-your-childs-best-ever/) - When the school year starts, a young child may fear isolation, not making friends, or being unable to find the restroom in time. An older child may return fearing math class, the lunchroom "mystery meat," and being labeled a geek for wearing clothes that went out of fashion last week. Whatever age your child is,
- [Business travel stress-busters](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/08/business-travel-stress-busters/) - Business travel is, by definition, stressful. Delays may mean a missed meeting. Flights may be at odd hours. At the end of the work day, you don't go home but to a hotel room. You can ease the stress of travel by adopting a healthy attitude and building personal time into your schedule, advises Bill
- [Making a budget](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/09/making-a-budget/) - A budget lists all the money you can count on as income and all of your regular expenses. It lets you know how you will spend your money on your living expenses, such as rent, food, household bills, and entertainment. The goal of a budget is to help you balance your monthly expenses and the
- [What's the meaning of money?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/09/whats-the-meaning-of-money/) - You earn it, save it, spend it, and give it. Money changes hands every day of your life. But what exactly does money mean to you? And why is it such a loaded issue for many people? "Because money plays such a key role in day-to-day living, it is often closely entangled with our core
- [Managing work-related stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/09/managing-work-related-stress/) - Workplace stress is highly personal. Some people thrive in fast-paced jobs (think emergency room nurses, police officers and air-traffic controllers) where making a mistake can put people’s lives at stake. But just because the rest of us wouldn’t last a day in such high-pressure environments doesn’t mean our jobs are less stressful. Short deadlines, endless
- [A safety checklist for parents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/10/safety-checklist-parents/) - You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions and using common sense. General steps Safety tips include: Encourage your children to wash their hands often throughout the day, particularly after using the bathroom—and always before eating. Keep their immunizations up to date. Be sure you know where they are, who they're with,
- [Five home safety threats you might overlook](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/10/five-home-safety-threats-might-overlook/) - You're a careful parent who steers children away from things that could harm them. But hidden threats lurk in every house - sometimes where you least expect them. For safety's sake, look through your home often. Keep an eye out for not-so-obvious hazards. Here are 5 of them: Scalding tap water It is common for
- [Have a hazard-free Halloween](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/10/hazard-free-halloween/) - When we think of Halloween, we picture children laughing in colorful costumes, jack-o'-lanterns glowing in house windows, and buckets brimming with candy and treats. Experts warn, however, that this fun-filled night can pose safety hazards. An alternative is to throw a Halloween party and invite kids, rather than have them out on the street. If
- [Keep kids safe this Halloween](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/10/keep-kids-safe-halloween/) - Don't let kids' Halloween fun be spoiled by real-life injury scares. "Parents should educate kids on the true phantoms of the night while trick-or-treating," said Dr. Steven Frick, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "They aren't ghosts and goblins. Instead, they'll need to watch out for aggressive
- [Tips for staying healthy and safe at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/10/tips-for-staying-healthy-and-safe-at-work/) - As we go to work every day, we often think about the tasks we need to do and our interactions with co-workers. Most of us may not think much about our health and safety on the job, but we probably should. Colds and other viral infections can spread quickly and can affect productivity, and more
- [Gay, lesbian, and transgender health issues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/11/gay-lesbian-transgender-health-issues/) - People of any sexual orientation can face health problems. But people who are gay, lesbian, or transgender may be at greater risk for health problems because they don't always see a healthcare provider when they need to. This may be because they feel embarrassed, have had a bad experience, fear judgment, or have a healthcare
- [Overcoming anti-gay harassment](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/11/overcoming-anti-gay-harassment/) - Being gay or lesbian often means having to deal with prejudice and harassment from childhood onward. Gay and lesbian teens are often targets of bullying, harassment, and aggression. Anti-gay bullying can range from verbal abuse, such as name-calling, to life-threatening physical assault. Even if young people escape physical violence, the effects of bullying can be
- [Transgender people, gender identity and gender expression](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/11/transgender-people-gender-identity-gender-expression/) - Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female or something else; gender expression refers to the way a person communicates gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, voice or body characteristics. Read the full article from the American Psychological Association.
- [Prevent workplace violence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/11/prevent-workplace-violence/) - Each year, nearly two million American workers face threats, assaults or worse at the hands of customers, visitors and even coworkers. In fact, homicide is the top cause of workplace deaths among women. The odds of violence rise among employees who handle money with the public, work alone or at odd hours, or visit crime-prone
- [Start some healthy holiday traditions](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/12/start-some-healthy-holiday-traditions/) - The month of December can produce extra stress, a breakdown in healthy eating habits, even depression. But you and your family can adopt some new traditions that may help relieve the season's stress and make your holidays healthy and happy. Your physical health When the holidays become more than you bargained for, your physical health
- [Strategies to fight holiday weight gain](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/12/strategies-to-fight-holiday-weight-gain/) - The average American gains several pounds in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. This seemingly inevitable weight gain is avoidable; you can fend off added pounds during the holidays without becoming a dietary Scrooge. One way to do that is to eat healthier foods that are low in fat and calories. You
- [Holiday health and safety tips](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/12/holiday-health-and-safety-tips/) - The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips. Wash your hands often. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can
- [Holiday stress? It's all relative](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/12/holiday-stress-its-all-relative/) - "Home for the holidays" sounds heartwarming, but it can easily morph into "the nightmare before (and during) Christmas." The hectic weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day are already chock-full of obligations. The thought of spending time with family members capable of pushing your every button can make you dream of a tropical island getaway.
- [Survival tips for holiday road trips](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/12/survival-tips-holiday-road-trips/) - If you're among the millions of Americans planning to hit the highway over the holidays, it's important to anticipate bumps in the road, according to a group dedicated to public education and advocacy. These travel issues can include heavy traffic and hungry children, as well as unexpected challenges, such as bad weather or an accident,
- [Workplace goals for the new year](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/12/workplace-goals-for-the-new-year/) - The new year brings hopes and dreams for the future. You've made your resolutions—to lose weight, exercise or plan a dream vacation, for example. Don't forget, however, that you also spend one-third of your day at work. You can improve your on-the-job enjoyment and your productivity by making the following work resolutions. Learn new skills
- [Setting goals](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/01/setting-goals/) - You've decided to make some positive changes in your life. That's a good first step. Now get started! "It's never convenient to change ingrown habits, so now is as good a time as any," says Pauline Wallin, PhD, a private-practice psychologist in Camp Hill, Pa., and member of the American Psychological Association. No one says
- [Goal setting for everyday success](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/01/goal-setting-for-everyday-success/) - In a garden, you plant seeds, nurture them with water and fertilizer, work at keeping the weeds out and trust the plants will accomplish your goal of growing strong and productive. The same processes can be used to plan for progress in your life and work. "Setting goals gives direction to life," says Jack Ensign
- [Assess your goals year-round](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/01/assess-your-goals-year-round/) - If you set professional goals for yourself at the beginning of the year, don't forget to take a look at what you have and haven't accomplished as the year progresses. "Most people who intend to have a great year at work make a game plan for success in January. But six months later, when things
- [How to beat serious stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/02/how-to-beat-serious-stress/) - Every day of our lives we face events that cause us stress. Although most of these events are minor in the grand scheme of things, there are situations that clearly can be considered major sources of stress—such as an impending marriage or divorce, or trouble at home or work. You may need help from others,
- [Five steps to knock out stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/02/five-steps-to-knock-out-stress/) - Stress is a part of life, but when it gets out of hand, it can harm your health. It can even make medical symptoms worse. When you feel stressed or anxious, you may notice that your breathing quickens or you become short of breath. Try these five strategies from the American Psychological Association to keep
- [Good night, sleep tight](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/03/good-night-sleep-tight/) - Dim the lights, lower the shades, breathe deeply, and slide under the covers. It's bedtime. But as your body begins to relax, your mind starts to race. Did you get everything done today? What's in store for tomorrow? Meanwhile, your eyes get adjusted to the dark. Before you know it, you are wide-awake. Sleep? No
- [Uncovering sleep disorders](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/03/uncovering-sleep-disorders/) - Better sleep leads to better health Sleep is a panacea of sorts, a restorative state for mind and body. But if you’re one of the roughly 70 million Americans who have problems falling or staying asleep, a good night’s rest may be only a daydream—one that may have serious consequences for your health. The Need
- [Paybacks for lost sleep](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/03/paybacks-for-lost-sleep/) - Are you getting enough sleep? Do you have sleep debt? Lack of sleep, or "sleep debt," can leave you feeling tired, listless and sleepy on a daily basis. Until your body starts getting the sleep it needs every night—most people need around eight hours, say the experts—it won't function as efficiently, your health will be
- [If you don’t snooze, you lose](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/03/if-you-dont-snooze-you-lose/) - A bad night’s sleep can take many forms. You may wake up a lot during the night without being able to go back to sleep. You may take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. You may wake up too early in the morning. You may feel bleary and sluggish when you get up and
- [Why sleep is important and what happens if you don’t get enough](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/03/why-sleep-is-important-and-what-happens-if-you-dont-get-enough/) - Sleep is essential for a person’s health and well being, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Yet millions of people do not get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. For example, surveys conducted by the NSF (1999-2004) reveal that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders
- [The trouble with bullies](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/04/the-trouble-with-bullies/) - Physical or emotional differences make children targets for bullies. Being a bully or a victim of a bully puts children at risk for engaging in violent behaviors, such as frequent fighting and carrying a weapon, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Bullying comes in different forms. It is commonly thought
- [Stop workplace bullying](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/04/stop-workplace-bullying/) - What is workplace bullying? Workplace bullying is a pattern of behavior that harms, intimidates, undermines, offends, degrades or humiliates an employee, possibly in front of other employees, clients or customers. It is a serious health and safety issue. The targets of bullying may suffer from physical and mental health problems that can last for many
- [Eating the right foods for all-day energy](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/05/eating-the-right-foods-for-all-day-energy/) - Having plenty of zip to meet the demands of your job and personal life starts with your diet. To maintain your energy level, your body breaks down the food you eat into glucose (a type of sugar)—the body's main fuel—and sends a steady stream of it to your cells. But here's the trick: To feel
- [Simple steps to help you eat better](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/05/simple-steps-help-eat-better/) - A sliced apple versus a slice of apple pie. If it were a healthy choice contest, fresh fruit would certainly win. But many of us may find it hard to resist that sweet treat. To help you eat better, try the following simple steps. In your home Remember the old adage “out of sight, out
- [Mindfulness-based approach could help you stay slim](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/05/mindfulness-based-approach-help-stay-slim/) - A weight-loss therapy that focuses on personal values and "mindful" decision-making may help people shed more pounds, a new clinical trial suggests.Over one year, people who received the therapy lost more than 13 percent of their initial weight, on average. To put that into perspective, current behavioral therapies typically help people drop 5 percent to
- [You can choose a healthy life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/05/you-can-choose-a-healthy-life/) - Each year, two out of every three deaths in the United States are caused by cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke. That figure could be significantly reduced if Americans made healthier food choices, got more exercise, and stopped smoking, according to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association. In fact, these
- [Losing weight at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/05/losing-weight-at-work/) - Losing weight may be tricky when you have a challenging career. Consider the many potential saboteurs: having little time to exercise, eating out frequently for business events, and facing the constant temptation of cookie trays. Your weight is controlled by the number of calories you eat balanced against the number of calories you use. To
- [Preparing for retirement—more than money in the bank](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/06/preparing-for-retirement-more-than-money-in-the-bank/) - Everywhere one turns today there is information about the importance of saving enough money for a comfortable and secure retirement. Sufficient financial resources in retirement are important, but according to psychologists who study retirement, money is only one part of the equation for a happy and productive life after one stops working. You also have
- [The new face of aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/06/the-new-face-of-aging/) - The first baby boomers have turned 60, an age once linked with rocking chairs, reading glasses and rheumatism. This new wave of seniors is more likely to join in fitness classes, yoga and weight training than shuffleboard, with the hopes of staying healthy well into old age. Where their parents may have focused on surviving
- [Retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/06/retirement/) - According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, retirement is defined as “the withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from active working life”. Retirement however, does not happen all in one day. Retirement is a complex process which involves a sea of emotions like any other major life transition. It starts with… Fantasy… This is a vision
- [Your mentally stimulating job may help keep you sharp in retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/06/your-mentally-stimulating-job-may-help-keep-you-sharp-in-retirement/) - Jobs that make good use of your intellect might have another benefit down the line—a sharper mind long after retirement. People with jobs that require problem solving, planning and information analysis appear more likely to retain a clear memory and keen reasoning as they grow older, said lead author Gwen Fisher, an assistant professor of
- [Helping a friend with an addiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/07/helping-a-friend-with-an-addiction/) - When a friend shows signs of abusing alcohol or other drugs, it is hard to know what to do or say. Drug abuse refers to a deliberate decision to use alcohol, an illegal drug, or a medication in an unsafe way. Drug abuse can lead to addiction. Addiction means losing control over whether you are
- [Addiction: how to recognize it and what to do about it](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/07/addiction-how-to-recognize-it-and-what-to-do-about-it/) - Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a chronic disease. It is progressive, continuous, and long-term. Alcohol or drug abuse means that a person has control over whether he or she drinks or uses. Alcohol or drug dependence means that a person has lost all control over his or her drinking or using behavior. Addictive
- [Understanding addiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/07/understanding-addiction/) - Addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines it as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” The following answers to common questions about addiction can help you understand the impact of this disease. Since
- [Banish burnout](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/08/banish-burnout/) - Job stress can drain you. You may start to feel you’re getting nowhere. You grow detached. There’s a word for this: burnout. And it’s bad news for you, those around you, and your employer. Ignoring burnout could raise your risk for stress-related illnesses, derail your enjoyment of life, and impair your job performance. So take
- [Understanding the stress/health connection](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/08/understanding-the-stress-health-connection/) - Stress exists in your mind but it's also evident in your stomach, heart, muscles and even your toes. "In fact, stress may affect every cell in your body," says M. Ronald Glaser, PhD, a professor at Ohio State University Medical School. During stressful times, your body produces various chemicals, including cortisol, an immune-suppressing hormone. The
- [How to juggle home life and work life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/08/how-to-juggle-home-life-and-work-life/) - For many of us, life seems to have two speeds: fast and faster. The pressures at work are followed by the needs and demands at home. If your typical day tends to be jam-packed and exhausting, you are in good company. Do you often feel guilty at work because of home pressures and guilty at
- [Find a healthy balance](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/08/find-a-healthy-balance/) - Establishing a healthy balance between office responsibilities and home life can help boost your health and well-being. The American Council on Exercise suggests how to balance work time and home life: After work, unplug, relax and leave your work at the office. Focus fully on one thing at a time without letting your mind wander
- [Improve your health with the 7 dimensions of wellness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/08/improve-health-7-dimensions-wellness/) - When we talk about health, we often emphasize diet and exercise, but physical health is only one of the seven dimensions of wellness. June was Professional Wellness Month. As you focus on your well-being in your personal and professional life this month, be sure you’re taking steps to improve all seven areas of wellness. Take
- [Manage your stress at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/08/manage-your-stress-at-work/) - Job-related stress affects your work performance and can spill over into your personal life. So, learning how to manage stress at work can help you both at home and on the job. The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to manage stress at work: Keep a running, prioritized "to-do" list of tasks. Let your boss know if
- [Poorer kindergarteners face a 'double dose of disadvantage'](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/09/poorer-kindergarteners-face-double-dose-disadvantage/) - Low-income kids face language-learning obstacles at home and at school, a new study contends. "Children may go from a home with limited physical and psychological resources for learning and language to a school with similar constraints, resulting in a double dose of disadvantage," said study lead author Susan Neuman. She is a professor of childhood
- [Multi-racial children](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/09/multi-racial-children/) - Multiracial children are one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population. The number of mixed-race families in America is steadily increasing, due to a rise in interracial marriages and relationships, as well as an increase in trans-racial and international adoptions. Publicity surrounding prominent Americans of mixed cultural heritage, such as athletes, actors, musicians,
- [Respect and civility at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/09/respect-and-civility-at-work/) - Many behaviors commonly exhibited by employees can be detrimental to the well-being and productivity of coworkers. A lack of respect in the workplace, if left unchecked, will drag down morale, create higher turnover, and increase risks to the employer. Do you contribute to a respectful workplace? What signals are you sending? Respect is the regard
- [How to help a hoarder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/10/how-to-help-a-hoarder/) - Despite the popularity of the TV show Hoarders, being a hoarder or living with one is far from entertaining. In fact, hoarders and their families face significant risks. If you collect antiques, books, old tools, and the like, it doesn’t mean you’re a hoarder. People who collect things enjoy their possessions, take pride in displaying
- [Seniors can maximize happiness by minimizing clutter](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/10/seniors-can-maximize-happiness-by-minimizing-clutter/) - A place for everything… and everything all over the place. If this statement could replace the "Home Sweet Home" sign over your door—that is, if you can find the door—then you may have a problem with clutter. It's tough to enjoy the golden years among bundles of old newspapers, stacks of store receipts, and collections
- [Simple ways to make your home safer](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/10/simple-ways-to-make-your-home-safer/) - The safer and more livable you make your home, the longer you can maintain your independence and avoid debilitating injuries. A host of commonsense precautions and modern design concepts can add convenience and remove risks. Older adults have much to gain from a safer home: Falls are the leading cause of their injuries, and 75
- [Mastering the principles of positive thinking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/10/mastering-the-principles-of-positive-thinking/) - You can learn to think positively, and doing so can lead to greater self-confidence, more respect for others and achievement of your goals. The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's best-selling classic, The Power of Positive Thinking, has inspired millions of people in more than 130 countries. The principles it teaches are as timely today as
- [Need help getting organized?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/10/need-help-getting-organized/) - Do you accumulate all kinds of "stuff" and have a hard time getting rid of things that you really don't need? Those are just two of the characteristics of the chronically disorganized, according to the nonprofit Institute for Challenging Disorganization. If you want to be more organized, experts say the first step is to attack
- [Kids with gay or lesbian parents do just fine](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/09/kids-gay-lesbian-parents-just-fine/) - A long-term study of children adopted by gay and lesbian parents has found that the kids are well-adjusted through middle childhood, researchers say.Nearly 100 two-parent families were included in the study, half had gay or lesbian parents. All had adopted children. The kids were assessed at two points: at preschool age, then five years later.
- [Overweight kids often shunned, bullied](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/09/overweight-kids-often-shunned-bullied/) - Preteens who are overweight are often bullied or excluded from social activities, increasing their likelihood of anxiety and emotional problems, researchers say. Efforts to prevent or ease emotional distress among overweight students must address these negative and discriminatory behaviors, according to the authors of a new study. "The widespread misconception is that anyone who is
- [Teaching your child tolerance](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/09/teaching-your-child-tolerance/) - America is the great "melting pot," a rich blend of cultural traditions from all over the world. Many American families can trace their histories to immigrant ancestors who traveled great distances, enduring risk and hardship, to make a home where they would be guaranteed basic freedoms. And for many American families these freedoms came with
- [Longer addiction treatment is better](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/07/longer-addiction-treatment-better/) - The longer patients receive treatment for addiction, the greater their chances of success, a new study finds. The study included 72 people, with an average age of 30 years. The participants were being treated for a variety of addictions, including alcohol and drugs such as opioids, amphetamines and benzodiazepines. The only significant factor in treatment
- [Substance abuse taxes the American workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/07/substance-abuse-workplace/) - Substance abuse exacts a heavy toll on the American workplace, a new analysis shows. Employees who struggle with drinking and drug addiction miss many more days of work, have higher health care costs and are less productive than those without these disorders, researchers report. An analysis revealed that employees with substance use disorders miss nearly
- [Finding the right rehab program for substance abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/07/finding-the-right-rehab-program-for-substance-abuse/) - The biggest myth about drug and alcohol rehabilitation is that treatment doesn’t work. And believing that myth may be one reason that finding the right rehabilitation program seems so hard. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, of the 23.2 million people who need alcohol or drug treatment, only 3.9 million make it into
- [Many seniors saying no to retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/06/many-seniors-saying-no-retirement/) - Almost two-thirds of older U.S. adults say they'll choose work over retirement after they reach age 65, a new survey shows. "Not only are older Americans going to work longer, but four in 10 respondents are planning to change career fields in the future. These results point to significant changes in the American workforce with
- [10 ways to prepare for retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/06/10-ways-to-prepare-for-retirement/) - Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money. Facts Fewer than half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement. In 2012, 30 percent of private industry workers with… View the rest of this article on the United States Department of Labor website.
- [U.S. high school kids abandoning sweetened sodas](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/05/u-s-high-school-kids-abandoning-sweetened-sodas/) - There's good news when it comes to American teens' diets, with more high school kids saying no to sodas and other sweetened beverages, researchers say. A 2017 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that while just over a third of kids in grades 9 through 12 drank a sweetened beverage each
- [Cyberbullying a big worry for parents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/04/cyberbullying-a-big-worry-for-parents/) - More than half of the parents of teenagers say they're worried about cyberbullying, a new survey finds. Cyberbullying, which usually means one teen or group of teens taunting or spreading rumors about a peer online, has risen along with accessibility of the internet and the popularity of online social media such as Facebook. In a
- [Bullying's scars may last a lifetime, experts say](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/04/bullyings-scars-may-last-a-lifetime-experts-say/) - Because millions of kids in the United States are affected by bullying, some people may shrug it off as just a part of growing up. But experts warn that it should be treated as a serious issue and not accepted as normal childhood behavior. Estimates indicate that nearly 30 percent of U.S. teens—or about 5.7
- [How parents, teachers, and kids can take action to prevent bullying](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/04/how-parents-teachers-and-kids-can-take-action-to-prevent-bullying/) - Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. It is a repeated behavior and can be physical, verbal, or relational. While boys may bully others using more physical means; girls often bully others by social exclusion. Bullying has been part of school, and even workplaces, for years. More
- [Coping with stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/02/coping-with-stress/) - At this time, when there seems to be so much uncertainty in our lives, it is normal for us to feel stress—because we are living in a new and abnormal situation. However, acute and chronic stress may affect your health, your relationships, your work performance, and your ability to enjoy your life. Beat stress by
- [Address your stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/02/address-your-stress/) - Some days, even a dream job at a great company can stress you out. A little anxiety is normal, but too much can take a toll on your health, your job, and your life. Men and women who feel stress on the job face a greater risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems than
- [Making your New Year's resolution stick](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/01/making-new-years-resolution-stick/) - Lose weight? Check. Start exercising? Check. Stop smoking? Check. It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s Resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. Click to read the full article from the American Psychological Association.
- [Make weight-loss resolutions last](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/01/make-weight-loss-resolutions-last/) - Many people resolve to eat better and exercise more to lose weight each year. Sounds like a simple plan. But what's the secret to actually making it stick? First, don't think of your resolution as a temporary fix. Instead, try to make changes to your eating and exercise habits that you can keep for the
- [Smart goals](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2017/01/smart-goals/) - Are you determined to make a new start in 2017 and kick off the year with goals of self-improvement? Here are some suggestions on goal setting to insure success with your ambitious plans: Be Specific Make your goals specific and well defined. A specific goal has a much better chance of being accomplished than does
- [Lasting damage seen in LGBT teens who suffer harassment](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/11/lasting-damage-seen-lgbt-teens-suffer-harassment/) - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teens who experience severe harassment can suffer from serious mental health problems, a new study suggests. "With bullying, I think people often assume 'That's just kids teasing kids,' and that's not true," said study author Brian Mustanski, director of Northwestern University's Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and
- [For transgender kids, support is key to emotional well-being](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/11/transgender-kids-support-key-emotional-well/) - Transgender children who feel supported seem to have no greater risk of depression and anxiety than other kids do, a new study suggests. Experts said the findings are welcome news -- especially in light of past studies finding high rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among transgender children and adults. These latest results suggest
- [Halloween health and safety tips](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/10/halloween-health-safety-tips/) - Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe ...
- [Creating good financial habits](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/09/creating-good-financial-habits/) - Money and stress go hand in hand. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2014 Stress in America survey1, money is consistently among the top sources of stress for Americans year over year. This year’s survey also revealed that parents of children under the age of 18 are more likely than adults with no children to
- [Avoiding money arguments](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/09/avoiding-money-arguments/) - If you've ever bickered with your spouse or partner over money, you’re not alone. Previous studies have shown that financial concerns are among the most common sources of disagreement for couples. And according to the 2014 APA Stress in America survey, almost a third of adults with partners (31 percent) reported that money is a
- [What is school refusal?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/08/what-is-school-refusal/) - School refusal, or school avoidance, is a term used to describe the signs or anxiety a school-aged child has and his or her refusal to go to school. School phobia can be seen in different types of situations, including: Young children going to school for the first time. This is a normal type of school
- [School year means sleep challenges for kids of all ages](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/08/school-year-means-sleep-challenges-for-kids-of-all-ages/) - It’s back to school time, which means homework, after-school activities and, many parents hope, more regular bedtime routines. Children who don’t get enough sleep are at risk of performing poorly at school, according to research. Psychologists can help parents, teachers and children recognize the importance of a proper night’s sleep and can offer advice on
- [Watch for bullies in preschool and beyond](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/08/watch-for-bullies-in-preschool-and-beyond/) - Bullying isn’t limited to teens or preteens. Even at preschool ages, children can be bullies—and your preschooler could be the victim of one. Preschool bullies may hit, bite, and use aggressive behavior without realizing the consequences of their actions. Surveys show that up to half of school children are bullied at some point, and at
- [The importance of vacations for stress relief, productivity and health](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/07/the-importance-of-vacations-for-stress-relief-productivity-and-health/) - Many people don’t take vacations often enough. In fact, according to a poll on this site, around half of readers don't take annual vacations; in fact, many readers never take them! And now with increasing frequency, when we do take vacations, we often bring work along with us, keeping ourselves essentially still in the work
- [What to do if you get sick while traveling](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/07/what-to-do-if-you-get-sick-while-traveling/) - Becoming ill while traveling in a foreign country can be frightening, so it is best to be prepared before you leave home. Taking the following measures can minimize inconvenience and distress should you become ill while traveling in a foreign country. Be prepared before you leave Check insurance coverage with your carrier and specifically identify
- [How to map out a safe vacation](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/07/how-to-map-out-a-safe-vacation/) - If you're going on vacation—whether to cruise the Greek islands or visit your grandchildren in Maine—a little planning goes a long way. Although we all enjoy a bit of excitement on vacation, most of us don't like unexpected surprises. By thinking ahead and planning for your vacation before you go, the only surprises you'll encounter
- [Chronic pain may trigger many cases of painkiller addiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/06/chronic-pain-may-trigger-many-cases-painkiller-addiction/) - Chronic pain may be a major driver behind the recent surge in addiction to prescription painkillers, a new survey finds. Opioid addiction and prescription drug abuse in the United States are among the country's biggest public health threats, the researchers said. And, more than eight in 10 people abusing prescription drugs said they were doing
- [Prescription drug addiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/06/prescription-drug-addiction/) - People take prescription medications for many reasons. They may use them to ease pain, anxiety or attention deficit disorder. Most of these people use such potentially addictive drugs correctly. But some people end up abusing them. In some cases, people may abuse drugs that aren’t prescribed to them. They may get them from friends or
- [Work around workplace diet-busters](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/05/work-around-workplace-diet-busters/) - It’s not just during the holidays; your workplace is likely to be deluged with diet dilemmas on an almost daily basis. The list can seem endless: snacks sent by vendors, candies on the receptionist’s desk, homemade muffins and other treats in the break room, high-calorie luncheons. It’s hard enough to stick with healthy choices at
- [Food and Emotion: Why some people eat too much](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/05/food-emotion-people-eat-much/) - America has a weight problem. More than one-third of U.S. adults are classified as overweight or obese. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Overeating is at the heart of this troubling trend. And, in some cases, you may overeat as a desperate attempt to answer emotional needs. How can you address your
- [Recognizing a partner's emotional abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/recognizing-a-partners-emotional-abuse/) - Physical violence is just one form of domestic abuse. If you have a partner who verbally humiliates you, demands all your attention, blames you for everything that goes wrong or threatens to harm you or your children, you’re also being abused. “Emotional abuse can be subtle at first and may consist of name-calling, ignoring your
- [Single-parent survival skills](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/single-parent-survival-skills/) - Emotional overload Many single parents say they deal with a variety of emotional issues that you might describe as “extra baggage.” Some examples include: Self-pity Depression Guilt Anger Envy Fear Severe money problems Loneliness and isolation Frustration Exhaustion These issues present such a challenge because they undermine your daily functioning and emotional well-being. But they
- [10 tips for time management](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/10-tips-for-time-management/) - Make a list, prioritize and check things off as you get them done. Review your list from time to time. Is every on that list necessary? Ask yourself, “What’s the best use of my time right now?” Then do it! Be willing to sacrifice “perfection” to get things done. Learn to say “NO” to demands
- [When to consult a mental health professional](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/when-to-consult-a-mental-health-professional/) - Most of us experience times when we need help to deal with problems and issues that cause us emotional distress. When you are having a problem or dilemma that is making you feel overwhelmed, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Professional counselors and therapists offer the caring, expert assistance that
- [Tips on maintaining good workplace relationships](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/tips-on-maintaining-good-workplace-relationships/) - Separate relationship issues from substantive issues Learn to be unconditionally constructive Don’t overestimate your understanding of others Accept difficult people & deal with them seriously FIRSTCALL can help resolve workplace issues. Call 1.800.382.2377 to speak to an EAP Consultant.
- [Night shift alert](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/night-shift-alert/) - Your work schedule changed but your body didn’t? Try these suggestions for peak performance on the graveyard shift: Stick to a routine. Keep regular hours for sleep and meals. Limit caffeine intake. Caffeine can disrupt sleep and energy patterns. Eat light at night. Rich, high-calorie foods require energy to digest and can make you drowsy.
- [Decision making tips](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/decision-making-tips/) - The following four-step process can help you to master the skill of decision-making: Identify the real issue. For example, you are trying to decide which movie to see, but you are having a hard time agreeing. As you talk about it, you realize that the real issue is that you simply want some time to
- [For the love of chocolate](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/for-the-love-of-chocolate/) - It’s February… and that means Chocolate! It’s tradition. It’s love. Giving chocolates on Valentine’s Day has been a tradition for over 100 years. Of course, we would only honor our love for that someone special with something that tastes fabulous. So, it’s our good fortune that chocolate evolved from its original form as a bitter
- [Communications “leads” – learning to listen](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/communications-leads-learning-to-listen/) - Phrases that may be useful in demonstrating your listening: Paraphrase It sounds like… It seems that… From you point of view… In your experience… From where you stand… As you see it… You think… What I hear you saying… I’m picking up that… Question Do you mean…. Do I understand you correctly… Can you tell
- [Letting go of the past](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/letting-go-of-the-past/) - People have a difficult time letting go of the past because they are held back by unfinished business. They may regret choices they have made or feel guilty about past actions. As long as guilt and regret are not resolved, it is difficult to move forward. The regret epidemic Regret is an emotion that feels
- [Recognizing your body's anger warning signs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/recognizing-your-bodys-anger-warning-signs/) - Recognizing your body’s anger warning signs is an important step in learning to manage your anger. What are your warning signs? Think about how you feel when you get angry. Write down any signs that aren't listed. My warning signs are: __ tense muscles __ tight fists __ clenched jaw __ sweaty palms __ racing heartbeat
- [Signs of problem gambling](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/signs-of-problem-gambling/) - Are you troubled by gambling? Seek help if: you always think about gambling you gamble with money you need for other things you keep gambling even though you may feel bad afterward you get nervous when you try to quit you need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same buzz you
- [How to spot kids’ substance abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/11/how-to-spot-kids-substance-abuse/) - It’s not unusual for children to experiment with new clothing, hairstyles or attitudes as they grow. But sudden and extreme negative changes could signal drug or alcohol use. General warning signs Common warning signs of substance abuse include: Withdrawal from family and family activities Being disrespectful, verbally abusive, or physically abusive Lying about what they’re
- [Helping your children manage anger](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/helping-your-children-manage-anger/) - Dealing with an angry child is doubtless among parenthood's least favorite experiences—yet all parents go through it. "Anger is as legitimate an emotion as joy or sadness, and it's the most common way children express feelings of frustration," says Sal Severe, PhD, an Arizona psychologist and author of several parenting books, including How to Behave
- [Strategies for controlling your anger](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/strategies-for-controlling-your-anger/) - Everybody gets angry, but out-of-control rage isn't good for you or those around you. When you can't control your anger, you may get into fist-fights or drive recklessly, for example, endangering yourself and others. But anger also plays havoc with your own body. Research shows that anger can increase people's—especially men's—chances of developing coronary heart
- [Close the door on intimate partner abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/03/close-the-door-on-intimate-partner-abuse/) - Many people believe that intimate partner violence—also called domestic violence—is a concern, yet they still do not understand the full scope of the problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines intimate partner violence (IPV) as actual or threatened physical or sexual violence, or psychological and emotional abuse, directed at a spouse, former
- [Even happy campers get homesick](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/04/even-happy-campers-get-homesick/) - As summer camp season nears, you may wonder if your child is ready to handle so much time away from home. Relax, experts say. Homesickness is as natural at camp as making new friends or getting the midnight giggles. "Younger kids tend to get more severely homesick than older kids, because they have less previous
- [Preparing your child for sleep-away camp](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/04/preparing-your-child-for-sleep-away-camp/) - When summer rolls around, many parents prepare to send their children to sleep-away camp. Before making a decision on a camp, though, you should consider what kind of camping experience will benefit both your child and family. Jonathan A. Slater, MD, associate clinical professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia University in New York,
- [Summer camp blues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/summer-camp-blues/) - Receiving a tearful phone call or a sad note from your child away at camp can pull at your heart strings. Dealing with homesickness is often a source of stress for parents. It’s very common. Camps have been dealing with it for generations. Homesickness is a normal response when separated from a familiar environment… View
- [Five tips for caregivers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/05/five-tips-for-caregivers/) - Are you a caregiver? According to the National Family Caregivers Association, 30 percent of the 50 million American caregivers are age 65 or older. But you may have taken on the role without even knowing it. "Many people don't consider themselves caregivers. They say, 'I'm her husband or his sister, not a caregiver,'" says nurse
- [Military assistance resources](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/06/military-assistance-resources/) - Military.com Military Family Network National Military Family Association Military wives and women Combat Stress Intervention Program Army Emergency Relief Navy Marine Corps Emergency Relief Air Force Air Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
- [Homecoming can be stressful](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/homecoming-can-be-stressful/) - Reunion with family often is idealized as a quick, smooth return to "normalcy." The reality may fall short of that ideal. Those returning from military service are often hit right away with a laundry list of problems, including bills, family disputes and expectations that family interactions and intimacy will spring back to pre-war levels. Read
- [Talking to a service member you are concerned about](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/talking-to-a-service-member-you-are-concerned-about/) - If a veteran you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, remind the service member that: There is nothing to be ashamed of, and many service members have the same experiences. Getting help takes strength and maturity, and it may be the only way to solve the problem. There are trained professional and effective treatments There
- [Post traumatic stress disorder](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/) - Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by troublesome symptoms that can develop following exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor such as witnessing a fellow soldier being wounded or dying or being involved in a improvised explosive device (IED) incident. Read the rest of the article on the Combat stress intervention program website.
- [Prioritizing your workload](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/07/prioritizing-your-workload/) - Do you have well-thought-out workplace priorities? Or, do you often have trouble deciding if you should set aside an important sales report to meet with an unhappy customer, or wonder if it’s best to answer your e-mail, answer the phone, or mail customer statements? “In order to reach your workplace goals, it’s essential to define
- [Decompress at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/decompress-at-work/) - Need to decompress at work? Try these stress-reducing strategies: Exercise At break time, take a five- to 10-minute walk around the block or office. Take a deep breath Slow, deep breathing brings more oxygen into your body, relaxed your muscles and slows your heart rate. Get away from it all Find a place in the
- [Different kinds of stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/different-kinds-of-stress/) - Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress—acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress—each with its own characteristics, symptoms, duration and treatment approaches. Let's look at each one… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s drug-free workplace kit](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/substance-abuse-and-mental-health-services-administrations-drug-free-workplace-kit/) - Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s website for resources to help keep your workplace drug free.
- [Facts about sexual harassment](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/facts-about-sexual-harassment/) - Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably
- [Still wearing the 'kick me' sign](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/still-wearing-the-kick-me-sign/) - The bully has left the playground and moved to the cubicle next door. Bullying is a common, and in many cases accepted, part of work. Many of the behaviors resemble school-yard battles of old, but the stakes-health, well-being and employment status-are much higher. There is no playground monitor to intervene… Read the rest of this
- [21 ways to say “well done”](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/21-ways-to-say-well-done/) - I’m proud you’re on my team. Congratulations on a terrific job. You’re so helpful. Thank you. You continually improve. Well done. Thanks so much for your consistent effort. I really admire your perseverance. Your cheerful mood lifts the team’s spirit. You’re a champion. Wow, what an incredible accomplishment. Great effort. You make us all look
- [The Americans with Disabilities Act: a primer for small business](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/the-americans-with-disabilities-act-a-primer-for-small-business/) - Small businesses are an ever-increasing source of jobs, many of which can be filled by individuals with disabilities who are able and want to work. The approximately 25 million small businesses in the nation represent 99.7 percent of all employers, employ more than 50 percent of the private work force, and generate more than half
- [Return on investment… at a glance](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/return-on-investment-at-a-glance/) - According to the US Department of Labor, Employee Assistance Programs, if used to their full advantage, can be a tremendous cost savings to employers… as much as $5 to $16 in health care savings for every $1 spent on EAP services. The effects of a comprehensive EAP can be seen in reductions in employee turnover
- [Managing gossip in the workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/managing-gossip-in-the-workplace/) - Gossip can be virulent in a workplace environment. Gossip can harm relationships by leading to an erosion of trust and creating divisiveness in a work group. Time wasted on gossip is unproductive time. Ultimately gossip in the workplace can contribute to serious damage to the bottom line. Managers have a responsibility to inoculate against the
- [Civility at work – tips for creating a kinder workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/civility-at-work-tips-for-creating-a-kinder-workplace/) - The workplace can be stressful, filled with deadlines, conflicts and pressure. It can be competitive. Coworkers can be difficult. There are ways to improve the climate in the workplace, beginning with… Be less inclined to give advice—and more inclined to seek it. Get the facts. Resist the urge to jump to conclusions about people and
- [Workplace expectations](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/workplace-expectations/) - What do you want from others? (…and what do they want from you?) To be acknowledged To be listened to To be understood To be treated with respect To be informed To feel supported To maintain boundaries
- [Tips for developing healthy and positive attitudes](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/tips-for-developing-healthy-and-positive-attitudes/) - Accept what you cannot change and put your energy into things that you can change or control Accept that you will always have a “To Do” list Be flexible Do not waste anger or energy on trivial matters Remember that negative emotions are draining Remember that life is not fair Use your sense of humor
- [How younger generation workers can adapt to be more successful](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/how-younger-generation-workers-can-adapt-to-be-more-successful/) - Be patient with yourself and your employer Do your research and learn about your company Demonstrate commitment Request Mentor-ship Listen and observe Initiate communication with your supervisor Generate a plan for your future with your supervisor – trust their experience Identify ways to help the organization increase the bottom line
- [Depression screening](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/depression-screening/) - Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Take the quiz at the Mental Health America website.
- [Too many choices](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/too-many-choices/) - Do you like your orange juice organic or regular, with or without calcium, or with minimal or maximal pulp? How about your toothpaste? Is it the herbal variety with added fluoride, the cavity-busting option with baking soda or the original formula with flavor crystals? Or maybe the thought of having to select any of those
- [Don't let anxiety control your life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/dont-let-anxiety-control-your-life/) - Anxiety is familiar to everyone due to the many stresses and complexities of modern life. But about 25 percent of U.S. adults have a serious problem with anxiety at some time in their lives. "Unlike fear, which is usually directed toward a concrete thing or event, such as a snarling dog or not meeting a
- [Techniques for taming your everyday worries](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/08/techniques-for-taming-your-everyday-worries/) - Contrary to popular belief, worrying isn't necessarily negative—if it's done properly. "Worry is like a mental fire drill. It helps you anticipate danger, identify risks and rehearse a plan before it happens," says Beverly Potter, PhD, author of a variety of books on self-improvement and productivity, including The Worrywart's Companion. Worrying becomes a problem, however,
- [Take care of yourself in tough times](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/take-care-of-yourself-in-tough-times/) - Unfortunately, the instruction of Roman poet Virgil that “The greatest wealth is health” is often ignored during difficult financial times. Experts warn that the American mantra of longer hours and harder work to combat financial stress may be counterproductive… View the rest of this article on the PsychCentral website.
- [The value of money](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/the-value-of-money/) - Lynne Hornyak, PhD, would have become a financial adviser had she not chosen to become a psychologist first. But as it stands, she has combined her interest in finance with her training in psychology to carve out an unusual practice as a Washington, D.C.-based executive coach with a special focus on money issues. Since graduating
- [National Foundation for Credit Counseling](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/national-foundation-for-credit-counseling/) - The National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides many financial tools and services to help you when it comes to managing your money.
- [Mortgage relief scams](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/mortgage-relief-scams/) - The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying. The reality that scam artists are preying on desperate homeowners is equally frightening. Many companies say they can get a change to your loan that will reduce your monthly mortgage payment or take other steps to save your home. Some claim that nearly all
- [Foreclosure resources for consumers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/foreclosure-resources-for-consumers/) - Check out the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System website for tips and services when it comes to your mortgage and/or foreclosure.
- [Get your free credit report](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/09/get-your-free-credit-report/) - The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s credit reporting companies. The Federal Trade
- [How to avoid at-the-desk injuries](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/how-to-avoid-at-the-desk-injuries/) - Your office cubicle doesn't look like a dangerous place. But if your computer, chair and other parts of your workstation aren't positioned properly, you can end up with sore wrists or a backache or other physical problems that may keep you on the injured list. Ergonomics is the science of fitting work environment to worker.
- [Protect your kids from internet crime](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/10/protect-your-kids-from-internet-crime/) - Computers and the Internet have become an important part of our lives and our children's lives. An estimated 77 million American children and teens are now online, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Youngsters spend time online messaging, chatting, searching, and surfing. Although most of these Internet experiences are likely positive, parents need to be
- [Money issues leading cause of holiday stress for Americans](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/money-issues-leading-cause-of-holiday-stress-for-americans/) - What causes the most stress during the holiday season? Money issues were the top vote getters for holiday stress, according to a recent poll by the American Psychological Association (APA). The Survey found that 61 percent of Americans listed lack of money as the top cause of holiday stress followed by the pressures of gift
- [Making the holidays less materialistic](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/making-the-holidays-less-materialistic/) - "The gimmes" are all around us during the holiday season. It can be hard for kids—and parents—to look beyond all of the product-driven hoopla and remember what the holidays are really about. It's not the gifts but what's behind them that's important—the spirit of giving. Help your kids learn the fun of giving, and how
- [Considering diversity when planning holiday parties](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/considering-diversity-when-planning-holiday-parties/) - Yes, it’s here again… the holiday season. Many managers find themselves in the role of party-planner for their workplace festivities. Sensitivity to the diverse workforce must be a priority but how can one plan a celebration that will appeal to all? Sondra Thiederman PhD, author of Making Diversity Work, advises “Focus more on what we
- [Give new meaning to the phrase “life of the party”: nine tips for holiday celebrations](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/give-new-meaning-to-the-phrase-life-of-the-party-nine-tips-for-holiday-celebrations/) - Honesty is the best policy. Make sure your employees know your workplace substance abuse policy and that the policy addresses the use of alcoholic beverages in any work-related situation and office social function. Post the policy. Use every communication vehicle to make sure your employees know the policy. Prior to an office party, use break-room
- [Helping kids cope with stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/11/helping-kids-cope-with-stress/) - To adults, childhood can seem like a carefree time. But kids still experience stress. Things like school and their social life can sometimes create pressures that can feel overwhelming for kids. As a parent, you can't protect your kids from stress—but you can help them develop healthy ways to cope with stress and solve everyday
- [Perform under pressure](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/12/perform-under-pressure/) - Some people thrive under pressure and seek out stressful jobs as ambulance drivers, firefighters or critical-care nurses. For most of us, though, performing under pressure can be overwhelming. "Working under pressure can be downright paralyzing, especially if you start the day in a chaotic work space," says Patty Kreamer, author of The Power of Simplicity.
- [Managing your money – 23 spending tips](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/managing-your-money-23-spending-tips/) - When you go shopping, take only cash. Don’t take a credit card. Buy only the things you really need. Before going shopping, make a list of your needs and stick to it. Save up the money to buy what you need. Do not take out a loan or use a credit card… View the rest
- [Stretching your health care dollar](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/stretching-your-health-care-dollar/) - Having health insurance gives you peace of mind. Knowing how to use that insurance is like money in the bank. Jessica S. Banthin, PhD, an economist with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, offers these smart-shopping strategies that can keep you as healthy as possible without shelling out more than necessary for copayments, deductibles,
- [When kids want to buy, buy, buy](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/when-kids-want-to-buy-buy-buy/) - If you're the parent of a preteen, you've likely heard this line many times: "I have to have it because everyone else does." The "it" can be anything from designer jeans to a video game. Why do children want to be like everyone else? They're going through a transition from child to adult, says Vivian
- [Weight-loss fact and fiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/02/weight-loss-fact-and-fiction/) - You don't have to look far to find diet advice. It's as close as your Web browser, your local bookstore, or that pop culture magazine you leafed through. But how accurate is the information? Some diet advice is just plain wrong—and some can be dangerous to your health. Here's a closer look at several of
- [Working mom? Aim for less stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/03/working-mom-aim-for-less-stress/) - When Marie gets home from her full-time job as a Seattle nurse administrator, her workday is only half over. Next up is driving her two boys to band practice, soccer, and art lessons, supervising homework, taking them to the mall for supplies—and sitting up with them all night when they're sick. "I didn't want to
- [Answering kids' toughest questions](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/04/answering-kids-toughest-questions/) - Someone getting curious about sex, dirty words or the meaning of life? Here's how to answer all those tough questions. Early on in parenthood, our jobs are clear: We protect, we provide, we cuddle, we change diapers, and we subconsciously coax our runts to inherit our inherited appreciation of Mr. Marvin Gaye. But soon—namely, the minute
- [Children and divorce: helping kids after a breakup](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/06/children-and-divorce-helping-kids-after-a-breakup/) - Divorce is stressful for the entire family. Your child might feel as if his or her world has turned upside down. But there's good news. You can ease your child's adjustment to the divorce by interacting responsibly with your spouse. Consider these practical tips for children and divorce. How to break the news… View the
- [Managing conflict during divorce](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/06/managing-conflict-during-divorce/) - Ending a marriage or a long-term relationship brings many adjustments, and former partners can find themselves in the middle of confusing and overwhelming conflict. When children are involved, finding ways to manage and keep conflict at a minimum are essential. Whether their parents are married, separating, divorcing, or divorced, children react negatively to poorly managed
- [Making stepfamilies work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/06/making-stepfamilies-work/) - The so-called "blended family" is no longer an aberration in American society: It's a norm. A marriage that brings with it children from a previous marriage presents many challenges. Such families should consider three key issues as they plan for remarriage… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Having a healthy summer on a recession budget](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/07/having-a-healthy-summer-on-a-recession-budget/) - Finishing school, starting camp, and looking forward to family vacations all make summer exciting for children. However, because of unemployment or concerns about the economy, many families have postponed or canceled summer plans, disappointing children who were looking forward to the yearly family trip or other summertime activities. Yet, cutting back on family budgets does
- [Creating restful vacations](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/07/creating-restful-vacations/) - Restful vacations can relieve stress, stave off burnout, and enhance overall health and well-being. (Not to mention, taking restful vacations can be a lot of fun.) Truly fun and restful vacations can bring many benefits that shouldn't be missed (see this article on stress and vacations for more). But not all vacations are restful. With
- [Bullies: helping your child cope](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/08/bullies-helping-your-child-cope/) - Bullying can happen in school, on the playground—and now even on the Internet through social networking sites. Bullying is intentional tormenting that can be physical, social, or psychological. Hitting, shoving, threatening, shunning, and spreading rumors can all be forms of bullying. Kids who experience bullying can become depressed, develop low self-esteem, avoid school, feel physically
- [Ways for working parents to tame stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/08/ways-for-working-parents-to-tame-stress/) - As a working parent, do you need some relief from the stress of managing a career and a family? Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the time you spend at home. End the workday When you get home from work, change your clothes at once to signal the end of the workday.
- [Problem gambling common among young adults](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/09/problem-gambling-common-among-young-adults/) - An estimated 750,000 American teens and young adults are problem gamblers according to researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions. Problem gambling is defined as gambling associated with three or more negative consequences, such as gambling more than you intended or stealing money to gamble. The national telephone survey of almost 2,300
- [How to benefit from change at work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2009/10/how-to-benefit-from-change-at-work/) - You can react to change and upheaval at work in two ways. You can feel dumped on and sorry for yourself, and then lash out at coworkers or hide under a desk until the problem goes away—which it probably won’t. Or, you can take another approach—with much better results. What's that approach? Understand that change
- [Stress in the workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/01/stress-in-the-workplace/) - In today's economic upheavals, downsizing, layoff, merger and bankruptcies have cost hundreds of thousands of workers their jobs. Millions more have been shifted to unfamiliar tasks within their companies and wonder how much longer they will be employed. Adding to the pressures that workers face are new bosses, computer surveillance of production, fewer health and
- [Enhancing worker well-being](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/01/enhancing-worker-well-being/) - In the 1980s, asbestos, solvents and pesticides were the most commonly cited topics in occupational health journals. Today, psychosocial health and musculoskeletal issues top the citations. Addressing those concerns and many others was the focus of the ninth annual Work, Stress and Health conference, held March 6-8 in Washington, D.C., and co-sponsored by APA, the
- [Socially wired](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/socially-wired/) - Parents planning to ground their teenagers at home for their latest antics might want to consider dropping them off at the mall instead. Being away from the computer may put quite a damper on their social life, according to new research suggesting that teens who use the Internet to communicate may have better friendships than
- [It's fun, but does it make you smarter?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/its-fun-but-does-it-make-you-smarter/) - For most children and teenagers, using the Internet has joined watching television and talking on the phone in the repertoire of typical behavior. In fact, 87 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds are now online, according to a 2005 Pew Research Center report. That's a 24 percent increase over the previous four years, leading parents and
- [Creating a place for MySpace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/creating-a-place-for-myspace/) - Parents of the 10- to 17-year-old crowd are often bewildered by their scions' immersion in the virtual world. "You might peek into your kid's room, and your kid is on MySpace and they're talking on the phone and they're texting and IMing and there's music coming from the iPod--basically, you're seeing kids who are so
- [Internet safety for kids](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/internet-safety-for-kids/) - The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. Kids who are old enough to punch in a few letters on the keyboard can have access to the world. But that access can also pose hazards… View the
- [Healthy habits for TV, video games and the internet](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/healthy-habits-for-tv-video-games-and-the-internet/) - No doubt about it—TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment for kids. But too much screen time can have unhealthy side effects. That's why it's wise to monitor and limit the time your child spends playing video games, watching TV, and on the computer and the internet…
- [Elder care: more than "parenting a parent"](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/elder-care-more-than-parenting-a-parent/) - A combination of trends is sparking heightened interest in generational issues. For one thing, people are simply living longer due to advances in medicine and preventive health. It's more common today, as opposed to 50 years ago, to see people live into their 90s and some who face financial difficulty may have to face moving
- [Return on experience](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2010/02/return-on-experience/) - The countdown has begun for the first of 78 million Baby Boomers to reach retirement age in 2011. Even as Boomers express mixed feelings about leaving the workforce, employers face daunting figures: the prospect of 40 percent of employees retiring within the next two decades and only 50 million Generation Xers (born 1961–1981) poised to
- [Helping your partner cope with work](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/11/helping-your-partner-cope-with-work/) - Knowing how to help your partner cope with work-related stress is a valuable skill that can be learned, but only if couples are willing to work at it. "There's no doubt that working people face enormous stress in the workplace today," says Rosalind C. Barnett, PhD, a senior scientist in women's studies at Brandeis University.
- [After a loss: helpful hints for coping with the holidays](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/11/after-a-loss-helpful-hints-for-coping-with-the-holidays/) - The holidays are usually a time for remembering—remembering your childhood and the excitement you felt during the holidays, remembering favorite traditions like baking cookies, or remembering little gestures of kindness from others that made past holidays special. Many of us look forward to the holidays as a time to gather family and loved ones together
- [Secondhand smoke, firsthand problems](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/secondhand-smoke-firsthand-problems/) - According to the American Lung Association (ALA), secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a serious health problem that causes close to 50,000 deaths per year. The CDC reports that ETS contains at least 250 known toxic chemicals, 50 of which are known to cause cancer. The Surgeon General's 2006 report on secondhand
- [Why quit smoking?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/why-quit-smoking/) - You know you should quit smoking. But you just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here are some reasons to help you commit to quitting: You will have a better chance of living a longer, healthier life. As soon as you stop smoking, your body starts to recover. Within 10 years, your risk of lung
- [Promoting a smoke-free workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/promoting-a-smoke-free-workplace/) - Check out this downloadable packet on strategies for promoting and implementing a smoke-free workplace from the American Cancer Society.
- [SmokeFREE: smoking cessation program](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2011/12/smokefree-smoking-cessation-program/) - Main Line Health offers a free, six-session behavior management program designed to help smokers quit. Participants may be eligible to receive free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. This is offered at multiple locations. Register online or call 1.866.CALL.MLH for additional information. This Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Tobacco Control Project is supported by the Health Promotion Council and funded
- [Breaking yourself out of a rut](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/breaking-yourself-out-of-a-rut/) - You've eaten the same things for breakfast every day for three years, then taken the same car pool to the same job. Your life is more of the same after work. It's time to break out of your rut. A routine isn't necessarily bad; it can be comforting because it adds structure to your life
- [Even living together is too much commitment for today's couples](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/02/even-living-together-is-too-much-commitment-for-todays-couples/) - A growing number of young American adults are engaging in what's called "stay-over relationships," in which they spend three or more nights together each week while still having the option of going to their own homes, a new study shows. "Instead of following a clear path from courtship to marriage, individuals are choosing to engage
- [Repetitive motion injury](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/04/repetitive-motion-injury/) - What is a repetitive motion injury (repetitive stress injury)? Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again. A common repetitive motion injury is carpal tunnel syndrome. This disorder occurs when the median nerve, which
- [Is technology ruining our kids?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/is-technology-ruining-our-kids/) - Young people are using new technologies at ever-increasing rates, with 93 percent of young people now online, 73 percent on MySpace or Facebook, and 75 percent owning cell phones, up from 63 percent who owned cellphones in 2006, according to data from the Pew Internet American Life Project. With this increased access comes greater worry
- [Facebook: friend or foe?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/facebook-friend-or-foe/) - Children whose parents don't ask them about their online activities and don't monitor their use of Facebook are less healthy, more narcissistic, and perform worse at school than children whose parents restrict their technology use, Larry D. Rosen, PhD, professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, said at APA's 2011 Annual Convention. In
- [Social media has good and bad effects on kids](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/05/social-media-has-good-and-bad-effects-on-kids/) - Social media Web sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, have become nearly inescapable facets of modern life, particularly for kids. And a new report suggests they can have real benefits and risks for children. These sites, and virtual gaming worlds, allow users to interact with each other and they are where children and adolescents are
- [Six myths about stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/06/six-myths-about-stress/) - Six myths surround stress. Dispelling them enables us to understand our problems and then take action against them. Let's look at these myths… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Health tip: help yourself to remember](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/06/health-tip-help-yourself-to-remember/) - Normal changes to the brain can cause a slight amount of memory loss as you get older. The Harvard Medical School suggests these tips that may help boost your memory: Stay organized with calendars, lists and address books. Absorb new information in small, digestible pieces that are easier to remember. Focus on all of your
- [Memory and aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/memory-and-aging/) - Losing keys, misplacing a wallet, or forgetting someone’s name are common experiences. But for people nearing or over age 65, such memory lapses can be frightening. They wonder if they have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Developing Alzheimer’s is a widespread fear of older adults. The good news is that Alzheimer’s disease is
- [Enhance your memory](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/07/enhance-your-memory/) - Psychologists are finding strategies to help people adapt to memory problems. Use these strategies to compensate for mild memory loss… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Tips on being assertive](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/tips-on-being-assertive/) - Describe the behavior. Disclose your feelings about it. Clarify the concrete effect it had on you. When describing the behavior… Be specific Be brief Don't make inferences Make it objective Sample assertion messages: "When you arrive late for work I get angry because I have to stay later to cover for you." "I felt very
- [Dealing with anger—an article for kids](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/08/dealing-with-anger-an-article-for-kids/) - Have you ever lost your temper? Did you yell and scream or want to hit someone? Maybe your little brother got into your room and played with your toys without permission. Or maybe your teacher gave you too much homework. Or maybe a friend borrowed your favorite video game and then broke it. That made
- [Suicide now kills more Americans than car crashes](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/10/suicide-now-kills-more-americans-than-car-crashes/) - More Americans now commit suicide than die in car crashes, making suicide the leading cause of injury deaths, according to a new study. In addition, over the last 10 years, while the number of deaths from car crashes has declined, deaths from poisoning and falls increased significantly, the researchers report. "Suicides are terribly undercounted; I
- [Making the most of the holiday season](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/12/making-the-most-of-the-holiday-season/) - Given continued economic uncertainty, the holidays have the potential to create additional challenges this year. Families are cutting back, people are worrying about job security or unemployment, and seniors are concerned about their retirement. Such worries are stressful, and the American Psychological Association (APA)'s 2011 Stress in America survey found that 22 percent of Americans report an extreme level
- [Resolutions revisited](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2012/12/resolutions-revisited/) - By spring, chances are good that those grand plans for self-improvement hatched at the start of the new year will have become more of a dead weight. Many people vow to eat less and exercise more; stop smoking, drinking or spending too much; and better organize our wayward lives. Research in the Journal of Clinical
- [It's never too late](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/01/its-never-too-late/) - It's never too late to take control of your choices to improve your overall health and your quality of life. Make small first steps, like adding a multivitamin and eating better, then slowly making tougher changes, like quitting smoking. The benefits of positive lifestyle changes are swift. For example, your heart rate and blood pressure
- [What’s your snore score™?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/03/whats-your-snore-score/) - Are you a loud and/or regular snorer? Have you been observed to gasp or stop breathing during sleep? Do you feel tired or groggy upon awakening, or do you awaken with a headache? Are you often tired or fatigued during the wake time hours? Do you fall asleep sitting, reading, watching TV or driving? Do
- [Willpower, finances and spending](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/04/willpower-finances-and-spending/) - It’s probably not a surprise to read that money and the economy are top causes of stress for Americans, as shown in APA’s most recent Stress in America Survey. Whether it’s thinking about paying the mortgage, buying groceries or saving money a lot of brain power is devoted to making financial decisions. These financial decisions,
- [Do more gun laws mean fewer gun deaths?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/04/do-more-gun-laws-mean-fewer-gun-deaths/) - States with the strongest gun laws have fewer gun-related suicides and murders, a new study suggests. In the study, researchers analyzed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics on deaths between 2007 and 2010. They also looked at five categories of gun laws in all 50 states to create a gun law "strength score"
- [Raising children to resist violence: what you can do](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/05/raising-children-to-resist-violence-what-you-can-do/) - Nearly every day the news reports stories about children committing acts of violence, often against other children. Research has shown that violent or aggressive behavior is often learned early in life. However, parents, family members and others who care for children can help them learn to deal with emotions without using violence. Parents and others
- [Warning signs of youth violence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/05/warning-signs-of-youth-violence/) - Violence. It's the act of purposefully hurting someone. And it's a major issue facing today's young adults. According to the 2011 Center for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey, 16.6 percent of high school students carried a weapon at least once during the 30 days before they were surveyed. And, 7.4 percent
- [Health care falls short on stress management](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/06/health-care-falls-short-on-stress-management/) - When it comes to stress management and wellness, there is a gap between what Americans want from their health care system and what they actually get, according to a new survey by APA. Findings from Stress in America™: Missing the Health Care Connection, conducted online by Harris Interactive among 2,020 U.S. adults last August, suggest
- [Take a break: vacations may be good for your health](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/06/take-a-break-vacations-may-be-good-for-your-health/) - Stress puts you at risk for heart disease and other illnesses. Chronic or prolonged stress also causes your body to work harder to correct DNA damage that could develop into cancer. The saving grace from these unwelcome health effects? Vacation. One study found that people had fewer physical complaints and better mood and sleep quality
- [Teens and talk: what's a parent to do?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/06/teens-and-talk-whats-a-parent-to-do/) - Even if you think you have a wonderful relationship with your child, when he or she becomes a teenager, communication may become a problem. A simple parent-child conversation often isn't simple anymore when the child turns into an adolescent. When kids get to be teenagers, they think differently than children. There's a shift from concrete
- [Communication tips for parents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/07/communication-tips-for-parents/) - Be available for your children Notice times when your kids are most likely to talk—for example, at bedtime, before dinner, in the car—and be available. Start the conversation… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Workplace bullying takes toll on witnesses too](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/07/workplace-bullying-takes-toll-on-witnesses-too/) - People who experience or witness workplace bullying are more likely to have prescriptions for antidepressants, sleeping pills and tranquilizers, a new study finds. Previous research has shown that workplace bullying affects mental health, but it hasn't been clear whether this leads to a greater need for drug treatment or if the impact is similar for
- [Acts of kindness can make you happier](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/08/acts-of-kindness-can-make-you-happier/) - Performing small acts of kindness and gratitude can make people happier, researchers believe, but how this occurs is more of a puzzle. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has studied happiness for more than 20 years. She and others know that positive activities boost positive emotions, thoughts and behavior,
- [Selecting safe pets](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/10/selecting-safe-pets/) - Pets love us unconditionally. They're also great for our health—mentally and physically. Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate and blood pressure in some people. Growing up with a pet can be wonderful for kids. But remember that although the experience gives kids a sense of responsibility, only adults
- [Are certain pets better than others, especially for young children?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/10/are-certain-pets-better-than-others-especially-for-young-children/) - My preschooler really wants a pet, preferably something small. Right now, we're trying to decide between a turtle and a hamster. Are these OK pet options for young kids? - Shelly Good for you for checking before buying! Actually, turtles and hamsters aren't wise pet choices for young children. What many parents don't realize is
- [Manage holiday stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/12/manage-holiday-stress/) - Holiday stress can quickly spiral out of control… but you can take steps to keep your holidays merry and bright, not frantic and frazzled. Consider some ways to manage your stress: Don't push yourself too hard to find the "perfect" gift. Start shopping now so you're not rushed at the end of the season. Make
- [Tips for parents on managing holiday stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2013/12/tips-for-parents-on-managing-holiday-stress/) - A 2008 holiday stress poll by the APA showed that more than eight out of 10 Americans anticipate stress during the holiday season. Money, in particular, can be a cause of stress, as parents feel demands to purchase gifts, decorations and other items tied to holiday celebrations. In the 2008 holiday stress poll, households with children
- [Be comfortable walking in cold and wet weather](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/be-comfortable-walking-in-cold-and-wet-weather/) - Don't let cold temperatures or rain deter you from your walking routine this fall and winter. Take the following weather-related precautions, and a change in the weather won't tempt you to skip your workout. If you're new to exercise, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a new program. Cold weather Dress in
- [Teens, texting and driving: a dangerous mix](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/02/teens-texting-and-driving-a-dangerous-mix/) - Drivers using cell phones to send text messages are six times more likely to crash than those concentrating only on driving, according to a study in the journal Human Factors. Using a virtual driving simulator to analyze driving performance, researchers found texting drivers had less control over their vehicles. Talking, Texting Take Attention Because texting
- [Problem gambling self quiz](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/03/problem-gambling-self-quiz/) - The NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Disorders-Self Administered (NODS-SA) is self-assessment version of the NODS (the NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Disorders). It was designed to assist individuals in evaluating whether to modify or seek help for their gambling behavior. The NODS is based on the APA’s DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling. Take this quiz
- [The benefits of laughter](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/04/the-benefits-of-laughter/) - Laugher really is the best medicine, or at least a good one. Laughter is so much a part of us that even babies can laugh well before they can walk or speak. And mirthful laughter—the kind associated with humor—can help keep you healthy and happier. Although no one really knows exactly how laughter so positively
- [For greater happiness, spend your money on 'life experiences'](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/05/for-greater-happiness-spend-your-money-on-life-experiences/) - Buying so-called "life experiences" makes Americans happier than material goods, such as cars, but they tend to favor the latter in the mistaken belief that they provide better value, according to a new study. Researchers interviewed people before and after they made purchases and found that consumers felt life experiences—like a weekend trip—made them happier
- [Learn how to relax](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/05/learn-how-to-relax/) - Make a commitment to relax each day, even if it's only for a few minutes. Choose relaxation activities that allow you to forget everything except what you are doing. If every minute of your day is accounted for, rework your schedule so you can enjoy at least a few moments of relaxation. Before going to
- [Mini-vacations better than no vacations](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/05/mini-vacations-better-than-no-vacations/) - Vacations offer a chance for families to spend time together, away from everyday routines and hassles. Getting away can boost your spirits and seems to be good for your health, especially if you’re regularly under a lot of stress. Children Need to Get Away, Too Often if parents don’t get a break, kids don’t either.
- [Reading to babies and toddlers](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/07/reading-to-babies-and-toddlers/) - A study in Child Development looked at the home environments, habits, and relationships of nearly 2,000 mothers and young children from low-income families. They then compared them to the child’s learning development at different ages between one and five. Researchers found that the more regularly parents provided their little ones a positive learning environment at
- [Aging brain may have more trouble with financial decisions](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/09/aging-brain-may-have-more-trouble-with-financial-decisions/) - Years of research have produced conflicting findings on aging's effects on brainpower. Now, a recent study says that people aged 65 to 90 are significantly less likely than their younger counterparts to make what researchers define as rational decisions regarding money. Not surprisingly, they're also more averse to financial risk than middle-aged people, but not
- [Americans have redefined retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/10/americans-have-redefined-retirement/) - Most Americans no longer view retirement as a total departure from the work force, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey of 1,024 adults ages 50 and over. The researchers found that… View the rest of the article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Laughter: a memory aid for seniors](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/10/laughter-a-memory-aid-for-seniors/) - Humor and laughter may help combat memory loss in the elderly, a new study suggests. Previous research has found that the stress hormone cortisol can harm memory and learning ability in older adults. This new study examined whether mirth might reduce the damage caused by cortisol. Researchers showed a 20-minute humorous video to a group
- [Humor](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/11/humor/) - If you have to explain it… it probably isn’t funny. Some scientists have taken on the unfunny task of researching and explaining humor and are learning the reasons behind what we already knew: laughing makes us feel better. Humor is a whole mind-body and social experience; it’s a cognitive ability that gets our emotions and
- [Benefits of humor](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2014/11/benefits-of-humor/) - We don’t need scientists to tell us that laughing is fun and makes us feel better. Research is verifying that humor has many of the positive effects that funny people have long suspected. Researchers have found that you can even “act as if” you are feeling an emotion—say, happiness or irritation—by arranging your face in
- [Seasonal affective disorder sufferers have more than just winter blues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/01/seasonal-affective-disorder-sufferers-have-more-than-just-winter-blues/) - During the darker days of winter, more people report feeling depressed and tired. For many, it’s a normal response to less sunlight, but for others, it can be a clinical form of depression called seasonal affective disorder. To help understand the difference between the winter blues and SAD, APA asked psychologist and SAD expert Kelly
- [TV, computer time tied to heavier, less happy kids](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/01/tv-computer-time-tied-to-heavier-less-happy-kids/) - Kids who spend more time plunked in front of screens may become unhappier, new research suggests. Meanwhile, mothers who devote the most effort to monitoring their kids' exposure to computers and TVs could prevent them from putting on extra pounds. The findings in a pair of new studies aren't definitive, and there's still intense debate
- [Screen time and children](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/02/screen-time-and-children/) - "Screen time" is a term used for activities done in front of a screen, such as watching TV, working on a computer, or playing video games. Screen time is sedentary activity, meaning you are being physically inactive while sitting down. Very little energy is used during screen time. Most American children spend about three hours a
- [How to make a family media use plan](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/02/how-to-make-a-family-media-use-plan/) - From TV to smartphones to social media, our lives are dominated by 24/7 media exposure. Despite this, many children and teens have few rules around their media use. While media consumption by itself is not the leading cause of any health problem in the U.S., it can contribute to numerous health risks, say experts. At
- [Teens getting less sleep than ever](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/02/teens-getting-less-sleep-than-ever/) - American teens don't get enough sleep, and the problem has only gotten worse since the 1990s, new research shows. Just 63 percent of 15-year-olds reported getting seven or more hours of sleep a night in 2012. That number is down from 72 percent in 1991, according to the study. Regardless of the time period studied,
- [Keys to a healthy marriage can be learned](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/03/keys-to-a-healthy-marriage-can-be-learned/) - Based on years of studies, counselors have clued into qualities that were found more often in happy marriages: Caring and affection – the wish to nurture a relationship, be romantic, and show appreciation. Sense of commitment and teamwork – the desire to make a relationship work together, whatever problems come up. Sense of humor –
- [Helping kids cope with a divorce](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/03/helping-kids-cope-with-a-divorce/) - Many American children are affected by divorce each year. Those youngsters often feel trapped in the middle as the family splits up. If mommy and daddy don't love each other, they wonder, do they love me? Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness and embarrassment are common reactions for most children. During
- [How happy is your marriage? Ten questions that matter](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/04/how-happy-is-your-marriage-ten-questions-that-matter/) - by Judith Coché, PhD from the Spring 2014 Pennsylvania Psychological Association eNewsletter For 35 years I have worked to help couples create happy marriages. Recently I was deeply touched as Art, a distinguished businessman with white hair and deep brown eyes, wept quietly. After five years of intense psychotherapy for each partner and the couple,
- [Alcoholism and family history](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/04/alcoholism-and-family-history/) - If you have a parent, grandparent or other close relative with alcoholism, you are at increased risk of having problems with alcohol. Many studies of children of alcoholics have found that they are about four times more likely to develop alcohol problems than people without a family history of alcoholism, says the National Institute on
- [Safe summer play](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/06/safe-summer-play/) - May through August is the most dangerous time of year for children, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. In a recent report, Safe Kids found nearly half of all injury-related childhood deaths occur during the summer. The following recommendations can help keep your kids safe and sound. Water rules Every year, 4,000 Americans drown, with young
- [Summer beach time means water safety](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/06/summer-beach-time-means-water-safety/) - The millions of Americans who will flock to beaches this summer need to keep safety in mind as they frolic in the sand and surf, an expert advises. "Any beach can be dangerous, and you need to be careful at all times, especially if children are with you," Amie Hufton, an instructional assistant professor in
- [Get active this summer](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/06/get-active-this-summer/) - The often-pleasant, warmer weather of summer offers lots of chances to get outside and become active. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests these healthy ways to embrace summer: Move your workout to the water and go for a swim. Or move your walk to the local zoo, aquarium or museum.
- [How rude! Workplace incivility is contagious](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/07/how-rude-workplace-incivility-is-contagious/) - Rudeness in the workplace isn’t just unpleasant: It’s also contagious. Encountering rude behavior at work makes people more likely to perceive rudeness in later interactions, a University of Florida study shows. That perception makes them more likely to be impolite in return, spreading rudeness like a virus. “When you experience rudeness, it makes rudeness more
- [Stop office bullying](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/07/stop-office-bullying/) - Bullying in the workplace can lead to increased absenteeism, employee turnover, even lawsuits. Here’s how employers can reduce aggressive behavior among employees… View the rest of the article on the American Psychological Association website.
- [Bosses who bully](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/07/bosses-who-bully/) - Abusive bosses not only cause misery for the employees they target, but they also poison the work environment for the victims' co-workers, a new study indicates. The "secondhand" effects caused by abusive bosses can lead to job frustration, abuse of other co-workers and questions about the company's support of employees, according to the researchers. The
- [Many older Americans feel prepared for aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/10/many-older-americans-feel-prepared-for-aging/) - Most older Americans feel they are prepared for the process of aging, but many have concerns about maintaining their physical and mental health as they get older, a new survey finds. The 2015 United States of Aging Survey of 1,000 adults 60 and older found that 86 percent felt prepared overall for the process of
- [Rethinking Drinking: resources from the National Institutes of Health](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/11/rethinking-drinking-resources-from-the-national-institutes-of-health/) - Do you enjoy a drink now and then? Many of us do, often when socializing with friends and family. Drinking can be beneficial or harmful, depending on your age and health status, and, of course, how much you drink. For anyone who drinks, this website offers valuable, research-based information. What do you think about taking
- [Beat the Winter Blues](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/12/beat-the-winter-blues/) - Shedding Light on Seasonal Sadness As the days get shorter, many people find themselves feeling sad. You might feel blue around the winter holidays, or get into a slump after the fun and festivities have ended. Some people have more serious mood changes year after year, lasting throughout the fall and winter when there’s less
- [Lift Your Mood](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2015/12/lift-your-mood/) - These “self‐care” tips might help with seasonal depression. See a mental health professional if sadness doesn’t go away or interferes with your daily life: Go to a movie, take a walk, go ice‐skating or do other activities you normally enjoy. Get out in the sunlight or brightly lit spaces, especially early in the day. Try to
- [Office workers, on your feet!](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/office-workers-on-your-feet/) - Desk jockeys should make a point to stand up for at least two hours during the workday in order to avoid the negative health consequences linked to too much sitting, new research suggests. Gradually break up periods of prolonged sitting until you're on your feet four hours a day, advises a panel of international experts.
- [Ring in the New Year with healthier food choices](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/01/ring-new-year-healthier-food-choices/) - Trying to do a better job with your diet? Watch out for misleading labels and products only posing as nutritious. Here’s the lowdown. Go whole grain Dietary guidelines call for at least three ounces of whole grains (Adult men 19–30 require four ounces; adult men 31–50 require 3.5 ounces). But bread, crackers, and cereals labeled
- [Curbing mental health costs](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/02/curbing-mental-health-costs/) - Each year, one in four adults in the U.S. suffer from a mental health problem. The most common mental health problems are anxiety, substance abuse, and depression. Mental health care can be costly, even for people with health insurance. Medications for these conditions are costly. Also, therapist charges per counseling session vary. Costs depend on
- [Is your job making you gain weight?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/02/job-making-gain-weight/) - Today, about 68 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. This number has grown a lot in recent years. A new study may help explain why. Researchers found that we burn about 100 fewer calories at work every day than people did 50 years ago. The reason is simple. Since the 1960s, not many
- [How to deal with a defiant child](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/03/deal-defiant-child/) - Determine the values you want your child to have as an adult, and tailor parenting methods that teach these principles. Teach by example. Try to structure situations so that the child's ability to comply will be fostered. Focus on why rules are necessary. Look for clues to what may have prompted the defiant behavior. Use
- [Disciplining your child at any age](https://www.firstcalleap.org/2016/03/disciplining-child-age/) - Each child is different, but most children need to be given clear rules about behavior. Discipline needs to begin as soon as a child is pulling up and crawling. Young infants rely on their parents to provide a safe environment. Discipline should be age-focused. And it should teach age-appropriate behaviors. Things to keep in mind

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.firstcalleap.org/) - Your employees. Their loyalty, mental acuity, confidence, and can-do attitude make your company what it is today—and can be tomorrow.
- [Contact Us](https://www.firstcalleap.org/contact-us/) - For Employees, Dependents and Managers to utilize your EAP Benefit: 800.382.2377 Business Development: 844.333.2827 Provider Department 844.333.2827 Email: firstcallweb@mlhs.org If this is an emergency or you need immediate assistance, please call us at 800.382.2377. Subject —Please choose an option—Speak to a counselorBusiness DevelopmentProvider DepartmentOther Your name Your company Your email Your phone Your message ×
- [Member Login](https://www.firstcalleap.org/member-login/) - Work/Life Login Legal Login
- [High Level Essay Online Helps](https://www.firstcalleap.org/high-level-essay-online-helps/) - If you frequently find yourself facing deadlines and a lack of fresh new thoughts, perhaps you would benefit from a fresh start by completing an article on line. Perhaps you're pursuing a career in another area or perhaps you want to test something different entirely. Whatever your reason, there's no reason why you can not
- [Kinds of Essay Writing](https://www.firstcalleap.org/kinds-of-essay-writing/) - The subject, language, style, and length are the criteria on which essay writing depends. A writer can base his subject on any topic. However it must be free of misleading questions and statements. The article writing depends on the viewer that reads it. The principle purpose of any article is to communicate the thoughts written
- [How to Write a Fantastic Essay on Medical Conditions - 5 Tips For Writing an essay on Medical Requirements](https://www.firstcalleap.org/how-to-write-a-fantastic-essay-on-medical-conditions-5-tips-for-writing-an-essay-on-medical-requirements/) - There are various ways about the best way to write an essay but it still depends on what your purpose of composing it is. Whether it's for college or for a job application, the chief purpose is to prove that you're the ideal candidate. To do it, you want to come up with a great
- [How to Write Financially Important Essays](https://www.firstcalleap.org/how-to-write-financially-important-essays/) - Urgent essays are necessary for all college students. They are also generally designed to be filed and other, more important university newspapers. Urgent essays have to be able to bridge the gap between how active you have time to your studies and unable to finish your delegated assignment. In some cases, you may end up
- [About Us](https://www.firstcalleap.org/about-us/) - Call on FirstCall’s experience Your employees’ on-the-job performance and career longevity often depend on work environments, relationships, and job satisfaction—plus off-the-job factors, including sense of self, family and household members, at-home challenges, personal finances, and life’s many curveballs. FirstCall’s specialized suite of services and solutions helps guide your people and those they go home to—confidently
- [What We Do](https://www.firstcalleap.org/what-we-do/) - We help HR managers better manage FirstCall doesn’t just work for your employees, we also work for you and your HR team. With many responsibilities and expectations on your plate, FirstCall consultants can help manage a variety of business needs as they arise. Recognizing troubled employees and discussing difficult subjects with them, referring employees for
- [Legal and Financial](https://www.firstcalleap.org/what-we-do/legal-and-financial/) - FirstCall offers a number of legal and financial resources to you and other household members. These services include topics such as Eldercare, Estate Planning, Consumer Rights, Family Care and much more. Having access tools is often the first step in addressing many of the legal and financial issues our clients face. Some of the things
- [Work Life](https://www.firstcalleap.org/what-we-do/work-life/) - Help when you need it. Life can be difficult. Sometimes we struggle. FirstCall is here to help. It’s no secret that mental health rates have skyrocketed over the past few years. Between the global pandemic, the great resignation and the overall stresses of the modern world, employees need our help more than ever. A stressed
- [Wellness](https://www.firstcalleap.org/what-we-do/wellness/) - Live Well Wellness Coaching Wellness coaching is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to help you assess your current lifestyle and create plans for achieving the life you want to live. Certified wellness coaches assist you improve your health with support related to weight management, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and
- [Health Advocacy](https://www.firstcalleap.org/what-we-do/health-advocacy/) - Do you need help navigating the healthcare world? We can help. Health advocacy encompasses direct service to the individual or family member that promotes health information and access to healthcare. Some of the things we help with: Telephonic assistance locating physicians, specialists, hospitals and healthcare providers Support locating medical equipment, transportation services and second opinions

## FAQs

- [What is an EAP?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/what-is-an-eap/) - The professional association for the Employee Assistance (EAPA) defines an EAP as a professional worksite-based program designed to assist 1) work organizations in addressing productivity issues and 2) “employee clients” in identifying and resolving personal concerns, including, but not limited to, health, marital, family, financial, alcohol, drug, legal, emotional, stress, or other personal issues that
- [How does the FIRSTCALL program work?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/how-does-the-firstcall-program-work/) - All of FIRSTCALL’s services can be accessed via our toll-free number. Keeping the program simple and easy to use will improve your satisfaction with the program, and will more easily connect you to the services you need. Upon contacting FIRSTCALL, you will speak with a live counselor who will assess your situation and help make
- [In what areas does EAP help?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/in-what-areas-does-eap-help/) - FIRSTCALL EAP can help individuals who experience difficult or stressful situations in their lives due to factors at work or at home. For problems with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, health concerns, legal or financial difficulties, childcare or eldercare needs, FIRSTCALL can offer services which may help you to resolve those problems. Click
- [Why would someone call the EAP?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/why-would-someone-call-the-eap/) - Personal problems can easily become personnel problems. An Employee Assistance Program helps employees and their family members sort out the difficulties that may be causing them trouble in the workplace. The quotes below are from employees who have consulted our EAP for assistance: We just broke up. I can’t sleep, eat, concentrate… I just can’t
- [Who owns FIRSTCALL?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/who-owns-firstcall/) - FIRSTCALL is a non-profit wholly-owned subsidiary of Main Line Health System, a six-hospital health system located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. EAP services have been our only business since 1985. Backed by the rich health care resources of our parent company Main Line Health, FirstCall delivers a superior quality service to our customers.
- [How should I contact FIRSTCALL?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/how-should-i-contact-firstcall/) - Call 1.800.382.2377 to contact us for any reason. For a specific need, such as billing or fax numbers, check out our Contact Us page.
- [What does FIRSTCALL EAP offer?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/what-does-firstcall-eap-offer/) - FIRSTCALL offers a variety of services to help employers and their employees deal with situations that affect their performance at work or at home. Our customized plans may include the following services: short-term counseling, eldercare and childcare resourcing, legal and financial resources, health advocacy services, employee training, health risk assessments, wellness coaching, nurse hotline, and
- [Who is eligible?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/who-is-eligible/) - FIRSTCALL’s Employee Assistance Program is an employer-sponsored service that covers the employees of our customer companies and members of their household. Additional eligibility is for dependents up to age 26.
- [How do I make an appointment?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/how-do-i-make-an-appointment/) - Call our toll-free telephone number, 1.800.382.2377, 24 hours, seven days a week. The phone is answered by a trained counselor who will assess your need and provide helpful, professional, and courteous assistance. You will be asked to name your employer/organization and to discuss your reasons for calling. The counselor will help you determine a plan
- [What services are available for managers/supervisors?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/what-services-are-available-for-managerssupervisors/) - FIRSTCALL’s covered services include unlimited telephonic support to managers and supervisors. FIRSTCALL EAP counselors may coach the manager/supervisor to appropriately handle difficult situations. Manager referrals to the EAP are recommended when an employee’s issues have impacted his/her job performance.
- [Are EAP’s cost effective?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/are-eaps-cost-effective/) - An EAP’s early intervention and referral service has been shown to be effective at reducing the cost of treatment under a medical plan. Keeping claims under the medical plan low results in a lower medical plan premium at renewal. As the cost of the medical plan far exceeds the cost of the EAP program, studies
- [How is FIRSTCALL’s EAP program different?](https://www.firstcalleap.org/faq-items/how-is-firstcalls-eap-program-different/) - FIRSTCALL has developed an integrated program that offers our customers referrals to many of our service areas with a single phone call. For example, should a customer require information on nursing homes for a parent, legal and financial services will also be offered to assist with the original presented issue. With a single phone call, users

## Categories

- [What's new at FIRSTCALL](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/whats-new/)
- [Aging, eldercare and retirement](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/aging-eldercare-retirement/)
- [Anger management](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/anger-management/)
- [Communications](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/communications/)
- [Dealing with adversity](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/dealing-with-adversity/)
- [Depression and suicide](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/depression-and-suicide/)
- [Financial concerns](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/financial-concerns/)
- [For parents](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/for-parents/)
- [Identity theft and internet safety](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/identity-theft-internet-safety/)
- [Lifestyle, fitness and nutrition](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/lifestyle-fitness-nutrition/)
- [Relationships](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/relationships/)
- [Stop smoking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/stop-smoking/)
- [Stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/stress/)
- [Substance abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/substance-abuse/)
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- [Drug free workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/drug-free-workplace/)
- [Harassment and workplace violence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/harassment-and-workplace-violence/)
- [Hiring and employee retention](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/hiring-and-employee-retention/)
- [Return on investment](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/return-on-investment/)
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- [Policy Development](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/policy-development/)
- [Diversity](https://www.firstcalleap.org/category/diversity/)

## Tags

- [workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/workplace/)
- [goals](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/goals/)
- [weight loss](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/weight-loss/)
- [resolutions](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/resolutions/)
- [stress](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/stress/)
- [bully](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/bully/)
- [bullying](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/bullying/)
- [cyberbullying](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/cyberbullying/)
- [cyber-bullying](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/cyber-bullying/)
- [substance abuse](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/substance-abuse/)
- [addiction](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/addiction/)
- [drug-free workplace](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/drug-free-workplace/)
- [Parenting](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/parenting/)
- [nutrition](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/nutrition/)
- [Gay](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/gay/)
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- [diversity](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/diversity/)
- [organized](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/organized/)
- [clutter](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/clutter/)
- [aging](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/aging/)
- [home safety](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/home-safety/)
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- [confidence](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/confidence/)
- [positive thinking](https://www.firstcalleap.org/tag/positive-thinking/)