Category: Announcements

Finish Cybersecurity Awareness Month Strong: Protect Your Benefits Logins

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Open enrollment draws many of us to health and financial benefits portals—and that makes October a prime time for phishers and account-takeover attempts. A few evidence-based habits can significantly reduce risk.

Go direct; don’t click through emails.

When you receive a benefits message, open a new tab and type the portal URL or use a saved bookmark. Before signing in, confirm you see https:// and the padlock, which indicates an encrypted connection. This simple step sidesteps look-alike phishing pages and protects credentials in transit (CISA, 2025; FTC, n.d.).

Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA adds a second proof of identity (e.g., an app code or security key) so a stolen password alone cannot unlock your account. Federal guidance consistently recommends enabling MFA on email, benefits, and financial portals; where available, prefer phishing-resistant methods (e.g., FIDO security keys or passkeys) (CISA, 2025; HHS OCR, 2023).

Use long, unique passwords (or passphrases) and a password manager.

Reused or short passwords let one breach cascade into others. NIST’s digital identity guidelines emphasize allowing users to create long passphrases and encourage the use of password managers to maintain uniqueness across accounts (Grassi et al., 2020).

Avoid sensitive logins on public Wi-Fi.

Café or airport networks can expose traffic to eavesdropping. If you must connect, use a personal hotspot or trusted VPN, and always verify the lock icon/https before entering credentials (FTC, n.d.).

Keep software current.

Updates patch known vulnerabilities actively exploited by attackers. Make it a habit to update your device and browser before visiting benefits sites; automatic updates reduce the chance you’ll forget (CISA, 2025).

Slow down on “urgent” messages.

Phishing often uses urgency (“Your benefits were suspended—click now”). Red flags include generic greetings, mismatched sender addresses, or unexpected attachments. When in doubt, don’t click; report to IT and visit the site directly via a known URL (CISA, 2025; HHS OCR, 2024).

Treat health portals like online banking.

HIPAA security guidance highlights MFA, secure remote access, and ongoing risk analysis to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI). Even outside HIPAA-covered settings, applying these safeguards to your insurer, HSA/FSA, and retirement portals is prudent (HHS OCR, 2023; HHS, 2024).

If something looks off:

  1. Stop before entering your password.
  2. Screenshot and forward to Help.Desk@kzoo.edu.
  3. For benefits-account concerns, contact HR.Benefits@kzoo.edu and/or the vendor using a verified phone number or URL.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, make your benefits logins the safest places you visit online: go direct, use MFA, favor long unique passphrases, avoid risky networks, keep software updated, and report suspicious messages. These habits take seconds—and can prevent hours of recovery later.

References

Health Literacy Month — Your Bridge into Open Enrollment

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Health Literacy Month is about more than reading medical terms—it’s about having the confidence, skills, and tools to make informed choices. That makes Week 4 the perfect on-ramp to Open Enrollment. A little clarity now can save money, stress, and time when it’s time to pick your 2026 benefits.

What “health literacy” really means.

Health literacy isn’t just a patient trait; it’s also how clearly information is designed and delivered. When plan documents, provider portals, and pharmacy tools use plain language, everyone makes better decisions. Your goal this week: turn complex benefits lingo into actionable steps.

Decode your core documents.

Start with the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) for each plan you’re considering.

Focus on:

  • Total cost picture: premium (what you pay each paycheck) + expected out-of-pocket costs.
  • Deductible, copays, coinsurance: what triggers each, and for which services.
  • Out-of-pocket maximum: your financial “ceiling” for the year.
  • Network rules: which hospitals, clinics, therapists, and specialists are “in-network.” Staying in-network is the fastest way to reduce surprise bills.
Use last year to plan next year.

Pull a quick snapshot of your 2025 healthcare use: office visits, urgent care/ER, therapy, prescriptions, imaging, and any upcoming procedures. Then ask:
Will these continue in 2026?
Are your current providers in the new plan’s network?
Do your current medications appear on the plan’s formulary (and at what tier)?
Do you anticipate life changes (adding a dependent, new diagnosis, surgery, or more mental health visits) that could shift your costs?

Translate features into choices.

Preventive care: Confirm annual physicals, vaccines, mammograms, and other screenings are covered at $0 when in-network.
Primary vs. specialty care: If you see specialists often, compare coinsurance and referral requirements.
Behavioral health & telehealth: Check visit limits, copays, and whether your preferred platform is covered.
Pharmacy: Look for mail-order savings, 90-day fills, and preferred pharmacies to cut costs.
HSAs/FSAs: If your plan is HSA-eligible, consider funding it for tax savings and future care; for FSAs, set a realistic election based on last year’s spending.

Make information work for you.

Plain-language summary: Write a one-page “benefits cheat sheet” for yourself with your plan name, deductible, copays, OOP max, and key phone numbers/links.
Teach-back (for yourself): Could you explain your plan to a friend in under two minutes? If not, circle the confusing parts and call the plan’s member services.
Portal power: Log in now, update contact info, turn on two-step verification, and bookmark cost-estimator and provider-search tools.
Ask three: Before enrolling, ask: (1) What will I pay for my typical care? (2) Are my doctors and meds covered? (3) What’s my worst-case OOP cost?

A five-step checklist for this week
  • Download SBCs for your plan options.
  • List your 2026 likely visits, therapies, and meds.
  • Confirm provider networks and drug tiers.
  • Compare total costs (premium + expected care).
  • Decide on HSA/FSA amounts and note deadlines.

Health literacy is a practice, not a personality trait. By turning plan language into a clear, personal game plan, you set yourself up for a confident—and cost-smart—Open Enrollment.

Reference

  1. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Health literacy in Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/our-work/healthy-people/healthy-people-2030/health-literacy

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Screening Reminders & Support for Survivors

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

October is a timely moment to put our health first. Breast cancer caught early is more treatable, and national guidance has recently shifted to make screening more consistent and accessible.

Who should get screened—and when?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends that people at average risk begin screening mammography at age 40, every other year through age 74. This 2024 update responds to rising diagnoses in people in their 40s and aims to reduce mortality, especially among Black women, who face higher death rates. If you’re 40–74 and at average risk, talk with your clinician about getting (or staying) on a biennial schedule. Those with higher-than-average risk (e.g., certain gene variants, strong family history, prior high-dose chest radiation) should discuss earlier or additional screening with their providers.

How does this compare with other guidance?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people ages 40–44 may choose annual mammography; ages 45–54 should get annual mammograms; and ages 55+ may continue annual screening or switch to every two years as long as they are in good health and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. If you previously followed ACS’s annual schedule, it’s reasonable to continue—what matters most is that you and your clinician align on a plan that fits your risk and preferences.

Why mammograms—and what should I expect?

For most people of screening age, mammograms are the best tool to find cancer early, before it’s large enough to feel or cause symptoms; regular screening lowers the risk of dying from breast cancer. Expect brief compression that can be uncomfortable, but it typically lasts only moments. Scheduling shortly after your period may reduce tenderness.

Know the warning signs between screenings.

Contact your primary care provider or clinician if you notice a new lump, swelling, skin dimpling or irritation, nipple changes (inversion, discharge, or pain), redness/flaking, a change in breast size/shape, or pain that doesn’t go away. Screening is vital, but knowing your baseline—and speaking up when something is different—matters too.

Benefits resources

Kalamazoo College provides a rich, comprehensive benefits package to help you stay healthy and well—but it only helps if you use it. Leveraging your benefits can save you money, and in some cases, save your life.

  • Preventive screenings at no cost: Screening mammograms are covered at 100% on both the Black and Orange medical plans (when billed as preventive care and using in-network providers).
  • $50 screening reward: Earn a $50 reward for mammograms when you enroll in ASR’s Healthcare Choices + Rewards program and schedule with a provider marked by the green trophy. (Program terms apply. Please click on the link for more information)
  • Support for you and your family: If you’re caring for someone with a diagnosis—or navigating your own treatment—contact our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling, caregiver resources, and referrals.
Support for survivors and those in treatment.

Life after a breast cancer diagnosis involves medical follow-up and whole-person support. Survivorship care plans help you track appointments, late effects, and healthy lifestyle goals; reputable tools and guidance are available through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American Cancer Society. Peer communities like Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) offer helplines and online groups to connect you with trained volunteers and others who understand the journey. Consider sharing these resources with a colleague or loved one.

What to do this month
  • If you’re 40+ and due (or never started), book a screening mammogram.
  • If you’re at higher risk, ask your clinician about an individualized plan.
  • If you’re a survivor, request a written survivorship care plan and share it with all your providers.
  • Share vetted resources with friends and family; your encouragement can make the difference in someone scheduling their screening.

Early detection saves lives. Whether you are scheduling your first mammogram, staying on track with regular screenings, or navigating life after treatment, you’re not alone—and support is available.

References

  1. American Cancer Society. (2023, November 1). American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 16). Screening for breast cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 11). About mammograms. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/mammograms.html
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, July 30). Symptoms of breast cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html
  5. Living Beyond Breast Cancer. (n.d.). Breast Cancer Helpline. https://www.lbbc.org/community/breast-cancer-helpline
  6. National Cancer Institute. (2024, December 2). Follow-up medical care for cancer survivors. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/follow-up-care
  7. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2024, April 30). Final recommendation statement: Screening for breast cancer. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/announcements/final-recommendation-statement-screening-breast-cancer-0
  8. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2024). Recommendation: Breast cancer: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening

Mental Health Screening & Depression Awareness: Why Early Action Matters

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Week 2 (October 6–12) is dedicated to Mental Health Screening & Depression Awareness, with National Depression Screening Day taking place on October 9. This week serves as a critical reminder that just as we schedule annual physical exams, we should also prioritize mental health check-ins.

Why Mental Health Screenings Matter

Mental health conditions are far more common than many realize. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2023), nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. Depression alone affects an estimated 21 million American adults annually, making it one of the most prevalent mental health challenges (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2022).

Unlike physical health conditions, depression can be harder to detect. Symptoms often include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite. Left unaddressed, depression can impact work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. In severe cases, it may increase the risk of suicide. Early detection is key to preventing escalation and supporting recovery.

Mental health screenings are confidential, brief questionnaires that help identify symptoms of depression and related conditions. While they are not diagnostic tools, they can serve as a first step in recognizing when professional help may be needed. Much like a blood pressure test signals whether someone should seek further evaluation, screenings provide valuable insight into whether follow-up care could be beneficial.

The Role of Awareness and Stigma Reduction

Despite progress in recent years, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. Too often, individuals dismiss their symptoms as “stress” or believe they must “tough it out.” Campaigns like National Depression Screening Day aim to break down those barriers by normalizing conversations around mental health and encouraging people to treat it as seriously as physical health.

Raising awareness within our communities—whether at work, at home, or among friends—creates a supportive environment where people feel less alone. Sharing resources, promoting open dialogue, and highlighting the benefits of early action are powerful ways to foster resilience.

Depression in the Workplace

The workplace is often where symptoms of depression become visible. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. For employees, depression can manifest as missed deadlines, frequent absences, or difficulty engaging with colleagues.

Employers play an important role by offering education, supportive policies, and access to care. Initiatives such as flexible scheduling, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and comprehensive health benefits can help you navigate your mental health journey without fear of stigma or penalty.

Maximize Our Benefits

Kalamazoo College provides a robust Employee Assistance Program in which all employees receive access to six (6) free sessions with a licensed counselor. Should you like to learn more about the program or use any of its resources, please click the link provided above.

Additionally, employees enrolled in our health plans may access inpatient and outpatient benefits with copayments as low as $10.00 (Orange plan) and $25 (Black plan).  Copayments, Coinsurance and Deductibles on our mental health and substance abuse services match our medical plan equivalent, so there are no surprise prices when you need care.

In addition to health benefits, the College provide wellness programs and initiatives on a periodic basis with the goal of creating a resilient, vibrant and health community. Please click the link provided above to learn more about how you may participate or become involved.

Act This October

As we recognize Mental Health Screening & Depression Awareness Week, here are a few ways to engage and support your well-being:

  • Take a Screening: Online and in-person screenings are widely available. Mental Health America and other organizations offer free, confidential assessments.
  • Talk to Someone: If you notice symptoms in yourself or a loved one, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional.
  • Use Your Benefits: Schedule an appointment with a counselor, therapist, or primary care provider to discuss your mental health needs. Kalamazoo College employees can also use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and health plan benefits for support.
  • Attend a Wellness Event: Take part in Mindful Mondays or other campus wellness activities to prioritize your mental health during the workday.
  • Spread Awareness: Share resources in your workplace, community, or on social media to help others access support.

Mental health is health. By prioritizing screenings, reducing stigma, and making full use of available benefits, we can create a culture of care that empowers individuals to seek help early and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

References
  1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental illness. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
  3. World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health in the workplace: Information sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-in-the-workplace
  4. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Take a mental health test. https://screening.mhanational.org/

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

October is observed nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an important time to shine a light on intimate partner violence, its impacts, and how individuals can seek help. It’s a month to raise awareness, break the silence, and ensure those affected know that support is available.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence) can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, stalking, or controlling behaviors. It is not limited to one gender, age, or background—although statistics show women are disproportionately affected.

Why This Matters: Key Facts & Statistics
  • More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
  • Every month, an average of over 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. Access to firearms increases the risk of fatal outcomes in domestic violence situations.
  • Almost 6 million women report having had a gun used on them by a current or former intimate partner at some point.
  • Domestic violence affects children, too—many children live in homes where they have witnessed or been directly affected by intimate partner violence.

These numbers show how common domestic violence is, and how far-reaching its effects are—not just on physical safety, but on emotional well-being, finances, and community health.

How to Recognize the Signs

Some warning signs include:

  • Isolation from friends, family, or support networks
  • Frequent fearful behavior or anxiety around a partner’s reactions
  • Unexplained injuries, or repeated “accidents”
  • Extreme jealousy, controlling financial or social decisions
  • Verbal threats, intimidation, or emotional manipulation

Recognizing signs early can help someone seek help before the situation escalates.

Support & Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, know that help is available and you are not alone.

  • Call The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for online chat support.
  • Local shelters, community programs, and advocacy organizations often provide counseling, legal support, and safe housing.
  • Confidential healthcare and mental health providers can assist with injury treatment, emotional support, and connecting you to resources.
Your Employee Benefits: How We Can Help

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package to ensure survivors have access to meaningful support during difficult times. Please consider taking advantage of the following resources:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Kalamazoo College has partnered with Behavioral Health Systems (1.800.245.1150) to provide a wide range of assistance programs, from legal support to confidential mental health counseling.
  • Care Coordination: Reach out to Stacey Grayson, Care Coordinator, to discuss which options best suit your needs and to receive guidance on next steps.

These benefits are confidential and available to help you or a loved one find the right path to safety and healing.

What Each of Us Can Do

Even if you’re not directly affected, all of us can play a role:

  • Listen and believe when someone discloses their experience
  • Share resources and information
  • Encourage safe spaces in your community or workplace where people feel supported
  • Support policies and practices that protect survivors (e.g. confidentiality, safety planning, protections for employees)
Conclusion

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is more than just marking a date—it’s a time to stand together, inform ourselves, and act. If you or someone you know is facing abuse, please seek help. Support is out there, and everyone deserves safety, respect, and peace.

References
  1. Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. (2024, October). October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Everytown Support Fund. https://everytownsupportfund.org/october-is-domestic-violence-awareness-month
  2. Fairleigh Dickinson University. (n.d.). October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Fairleigh Dickinson University. https://www.fdu.edu/tcc/national-awareness-observances/october-domestic-violence-awareness
  3. The Hotline. (n.d.). Domestic violence statistics. National Domestic Violence Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics

Retirement Plan Changes – Reminder

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Hopefully you have heard by now, Kalamazoo College joined with other member institutions from the Michigan Independent College and Universities (MICU) to adopt a single retirement plan called a 403(b) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). Enhancements to our retirement plan begin on October 3, 2025.

Perhaps you are wondering what steps you might consider. Here you go.

Highlights

What is changing

  • Enhanced retirement planning resources with HUB Investment Partners
  • New investment options
  • New lifecycle models, also known as retirement date funds

What is not changing

  • Your TIAA login and password will continue to work after October 3
  • Beneficiaries established with TIAA will carryover
  • Employer contribution and matching structure continue
  • Pretax and Roth (post-tax) contribution strategies remain
  • You may still use your TIAA advisor

🐝 HR Buzz: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of the 2025 Wellness Fair!

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

The countdown is on! There’s still time to join this year’s Wellness Fair and share your department’s unique contribution to our campus well-being.

This year’s theme is Wellness Passport: A Journey to Health — and we would like every participant to bring something that helps our K community thrive! Big or small, your ideas make an impact.

A few ways you could get involved:

  • Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership: Share ways to strengthen community wellness through equity and inclusion initiatives, dialogue circles, or advocacy resources.
  • Business Office: Share tips for understanding departmental budgets and how they support our priorities.
  • Campus Safety: Provide personal safety tips or emergency preparedness information.
  • Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD): Review any mentoring opportunities for faculty/staff to take a Hornet student “under their wing.”
  • Center for International Programs (CIP): Highlight opportunities to host an international student or participate in faculty/staff travel programs.
  • Facilities Management: Offer winter sidewalk safety tips and seasonal maintenance updates.
  • Fitness and Wellness Department: Provide a listing of physical wellness programs and campus wellness initiatives.
  • Library: Feature inspiring reads or campus borrowing perks.
  • Natatorium: Share information on swim lessons, water safety practices, or aquatic fitness programs.

📌 New Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, August 22, 2025
Email HR.Benefits@kzoo.edu to reserve your table.

Let’s make this year’s Wellness Fair the most engaging one yet — and show how many ways we support each other at K!

Managing Change in the Workplace

Posted on by Renee Boelcke
two people walking away from reader

Whether it is called downsizing or reorganization, the result is the same: some employees are now former employees and those that remain employed must continue with the day‐to‐day operation of the college. The now former employees are faced with the challenge of determining what they will do next. The remaining workforce is left to determine how to proceed.

It is not hard to imagine the range of emotion associated with an unexpected change in employment but we sometimes forget the emotional reaction of staying at the organization. Remaining workers often experience sadness for their co‐workers that are not longer employed and concern regarding their own future. During this time of adjustment, workers are often faced with the additional challenge of changing job requirements, workgroups, and reporting structure.

Some tips for coping during this time of transition

  • Allow yourself the opportunity to grieve the loss of the old. Acknowledging that change has occurred and things will not be the same provides the opportunity to look toward the future.
  • Recognize that new and different do not necessarily equate to less than or bad. The change may offer opportunities. Former employees may find the change to be a personal opportunity.
  • Be prepared for discomfort that may come with change. Many of us are uncomfortable with change and will experience some anxiety as our routines and feelings of normalcy are challenged. Anticipating these feelings and reminding ourselves that it is normal can help us to cope until we develop a new routine.
  • Use the resources available to you. Use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to find resources to help cope with the emotions of the unexpected changes.

Work/Life ASSIST

BHS MemberAccess’ Work/Life ASSIST multi-media platform provides content to help individuals find resources for their lives. Accessed via the web portal or app, members can explore topics such as mental health, well-being, parenting and more at their convenience.

Accessing Work/Life resources
Member Access QR code

Accessing Online Work/Life Resources

  • Visit behavioralhealthsystems.com and login to MemberAccess using your Employer ID: KZC.
  • Select “Online Work/Life” to access articles, videos, presentations on various topics.

Work/Life ASSIST Features

  • Available in Multiple Languages
  • Wellbeing Articles & Resources
  • Live & On-Demand Webinars & Audio
  • Free Access to TaxSlayer & Quicken WillMaker & Trust
Image of wellbeing dimensions

Your EAP is a free and confidential benefit. Contact BHS by calling 800‐245‐1150 to speak to your designated Care Coordinator about options for support and schedule an appointment with a professional.

UV Safety Awareness Month: Protecting Your Skin and Eyes from the Sun’s Harmful Rays

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and promoting sun safety practices that protect both skin and eyes. While sunshine can boost our mood and provide vitamin D, excessive and unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to long-term health issues—many of which are preventable.

Ultraviolet rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. There are two primary types that impact human health: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply and are associated with aging and long-term skin damage, while UVB rays affect the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Both types contribute to the development of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

Sun safety is for everyone, every day—not just during beach trips or vacations. Whether you’re taking a lunchtime walk, commuting, or sitting near a window, UV rays can still reach your skin and eyes. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (2024), over 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. That makes protective measures not just smart—but essential.

Here are a few effective and easy ways to stay protected:

  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • Choose protective clothing, including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and fabrics with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) label.
  • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from damage that can lead to cataracts and other vision problems.
  • Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
  • Check the UV Index before spending time outdoors. A higher number indicates a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage. For those who work or spend a lot of time outdoors, being sun-smart isn’t just a seasonal suggestion—it’s a year-round commitment to wellness and prevention.

This July, let’s shine a light on the importance of UV protection. By taking proactive steps today, we can safeguard our health and enjoy the benefits of the sun—safely and responsibly.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Protecting yourself from UV radiation. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
  2. Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024). Skin cancer facts & statistics. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2023). UV protection and your eyes. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Promoting Brain Health and Compassionate Support

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Each June, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder of the importance of brain health and the profound impact that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have on individuals, families, and communities. Organized to increase awareness, foster education, and inspire action, this observance empowers us to reflect not only on the challenges faced by those affected but also on what we can do to promote cognitive well-being throughout our lives.

This month holds personal significance for me as a caregiver to a parent living with vascular dementia. I’ve seen firsthand how cognitive decline affects not only the individual but also the entire support system around them. The emotional toll, the ongoing adjustments, and the uncertainty of progression can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m especially grateful for the support systems in place, including our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Behavioral Health Systems, which offers confidential counseling and resources for those navigating caregiving, stress, or grief. More information can be found at hr.kzoo.edu/current-employees/eap.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2024), more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. Despite its prevalence, the disease is often misunderstood, and stigma can prevent individuals and caregivers from seeking help or discussing their experiences.

Beyond Alzheimer’s, there are many other brain-related conditions that deserve attention, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. These conditions affect millions and can significantly reduce quality of life. That’s why this month isn’t just about one disease—it’s about recognizing the vital role of brain health in our overall well-being.

Fortunately, research suggests there are proactive steps we can take to support cognitive health. These include regular physical activity (check out our Fitness Class Schedules), a nutritious diet (join Health Way), adequate sleep (aim for 8 hours daily), social engagement (we have tons of way to be in community on campus. Keep your eyes and ears open for events all summer), and mental stimulation (my mom and I like using Lumosity for mind games and exercises). Managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol also plays a significant role in reducing risk (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

In alignment with this month’s message, let us commit to lifelong learning, compassion for those affected, and advocacy for continued research and support. Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month invites us to care more deeply—for our brains, our loved ones, and our communities.

References

  1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
  2. National Institute on Aging. (2023, September 13). Cognitive health and older adults. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
  3. Clinical Advisor. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/topics/neurology-information-center/alzheimers-disease/alzheimers-brain-awareness-month/
  4. Kalamazoo College Human Resources. (n.d.). Employee Assistance Program (EAP). https://hr.kzoo.edu/current-employees/eap/