Costco Benefits
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SEPTEMBER 2025
Have you ever felt short of breath or your heart race? Both can be scary. You may have wondered if it was a heart attack or a panic attack. It can be hard to tell the difference. In this video, we’ll help you understand what’s happening and what to do.
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Show transcript
Source(s):
American Heart Association. Heart attack vs. panic attack: Know the difference.
JULY 2025
Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with challenging situations and feelings. This is known as self-medicating. Undiagnosed conditions such as ADHD — or even something as common as stress — can also lead to self-medicating. But substance use only makes you feel better for a little while. And it might make things such as anxiety and depression worse in the long run. There are more effective ways to cope.
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How are you really doing? This might seem like a simple question, but sometimes it’s hard to see things clearly. Take this short quiz to find out. If you answer “yes” to three or more of the questions below, there are Costco benefits and resources that can help. You can also take this quiz on behalf of someone you know.
Thought parties or social gatherings were only fun when drugs or alcohol were involved?
Had friends, families or coworkers express concern over your substance use?
Regularly chosen to spend more time with friends you drink or do drugs with?
Drink or use substances alone regularly, such as for help falling asleep?
Planned your schedule around getting drunk or high?
Told yourself that only drinking or using substances after work or on weekends means you don’t have a problem?
Noticed people have stopped inviting you to events where there may be substances?
Found it hard to not binge while using substances?
Hidden things such as empty alcohol or pill bottles from certain people?
Started to avoid or distrust people who ask you to use substances less often?
Woken up after using substances with no memory of what happened the night before more than once in the last six months?
Gained or lost weight because you’re using substances more often?
Source(s):
1Aetna Better Health, Substance abuse
Drugs and alcohol aren’t the only things people can become addicted to. It might be food, vaping, shopping, social media, gaming or others. Much like managing a chronic health condition, managing these habits is a lifelong process. But it’s not something you have to do alone.
Here are a few of the resources you can turn to for help:
To learn more about how the Live Healthy Team can help employees on the Costco medical plan with Aetna, listen to our podcast featuring Live Healthy Team Case Manager Patsy Delgado. For employees who aren’t enrolled in the Costco medical plan, see the resources below for help with emotional health and substance use.
*Available to mainland employees enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
**Available to mainland and Hawaii employees enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
APRIL 2025
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone but you has their money figured out. But the truth is, 72% of Americans report feeling stressed about money within the last month.
Topics like budgeting, investing, interest rates and managing debt aren’t always taught in homes or schools. And that can leave many adults feeling overwhelmed by their finances.
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It’s ok to talk about it. And you should. If you share expenses with a spouse or partner, talk to them. Getting on the same page is important. But you can only do that if you have clear, open communication about your financial goals.
Talk with a trusted friend or family member. Once you start getting more comfortable having money conversations with the people in your life, not only will it shed light on your own milestone moments, but it will also help you understand how the people close to you view money and make decisions.
And be sure to ask for help when you need it. Support is available from these helpful resources:
Learn more about the importance of talking about money with SmartDollar.
Here’s the truth about money: If you don’t tell it where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went.
– Dave Ramsey
*Message and data rates may apply.
DECEMBER 2024
The average person spends 2 hours and 23 minutes per day on social media.1 What could you do if you got that time back?
While quitting social media for good may not be an option, taking a break can make a difference in your health and happiness. This is especially true for teens and tweens, whose social media habit can lead to things like sleep deprivation and a negative self-image.
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Research suggests that although social media can be useful, it can also increase stress, anxiety, depression and even make you feel lonelier.2 By taking time off, you can gain:
Try grabbing a coffee with a friend, digging into a good book or taking a walk in nature. Then notice the difference it makes.
There are no set rules on taking a social media break. You may simply limit your time to 15 minutes a day. Or opt to tune out completely for two weeks or more. Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to do, you may want to announce your plan online if you think people might worry about your absence or just to make it feel more real.
Here are a few quotes people have used with their social media break announcements that might inspire you.
If you find taking a break more difficult than you originally thought, reach out to Resources for Living for counseling and digital resources to help you manage your social media time. Be patient with yourself and allow some backsliding now and then. Your efforts will pay off in the long run.
1Soax. What is the average time spent on social media each day?
2Harvard Summer School. Need a break from social media? Here’s why you should — and how to do it.
Sources:
The Tiny Life. How to take a 14-day social media break — A practical guide to reclaiming your time with social media detoxing.
Cleveland Clinic. When (and how) to take a social media break
OCTOBER 2024
Current events can be a source of stress and anxiety for many people. These feelings can impact both your emotional and physical health. One example? Grinding your teeth. This common symptom of stress can cause tension headaches and damage your teeth and jaw.
Finding healthy ways to cope during these times is extremely important. These ideas from RethinkCare might inspire you. Keep them in mind when interacting with the news or with people you disagree with to help you manage your emotions and support your well-being.
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Think about how a person’s culture and experience shape their views. What can you learn from them even if you disagree? Relationships can be built on more than just political views. By being curious and open, you can understand other people’s perspectives and build stronger connections despite differences.
Build empathy by remembering times when you changed your own beliefs. Acknowledge that your views are a part of you but don’t define you. When you learn to both understand different perspectives and maintain your own, you can respect the diversity of thought and experience in others.
Difficult conversations are to be expected during election season. To have more productive and respectful discussions, work to develop a deeper understanding of yourself. That way, you can communicate with more ease, trust and confidence.
Non-stop news and social media can be taxing. If you’re feeling fatigued, take a day or a few days to disconnect. Try setting specific times to engage in news and dedicate the rest to self-care. You can also practice mindfulness or meditation to clear away mental clutter and help you focus on what truly matters.
You can get through election season and beyond. The resources below can help.
OCTOBER 2024
Sometimes, it’s hard to smile, especially if you’re feeling sick, tired or blue. But research shows that the physical act of smiling — and the release of feel-good chemicals it generates — can do your body good. It can lift your mood, lower stress, strengthen your immune system and possibly help you live longer.
In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we invite you to put a smile on your face (even if it’s hard) and take charge of your emotional fitness. For starters, try a technique to help you let go of anxious thoughts, described in the short video below from AbleTo*.
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Show transcript
Check out the resource below to build up your emotional well-being and feel more happiness, peace and empowerment.
*Not available in Puerto Rico.
Sources:
NBCnews.com. Smiling can trick your brain into happiness — and boost your health.
AbleTo. Shape up your self-care routine.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Are you suffering from chronic pain? Do you feel too tired to get things done? Is not being as efficient as you like getting you down?
Chronic pain can be a stubborn and complex condition to treat, since it can create problems beyond the obvious physical discomfort. Your Costco benefits offer a variety of programs to help you manage chronic pain (and the stress that can come with it) and get back to living your life.
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According to the National Institutes of Health, 25.3 million U.S. adults live with chronic pain (pain that lasts three months or longer).1 This persistent pain can result from an injury, illness, infection or medical condition such as arthritis or migraine headaches. It can range from an annoyance to a source of severe suffering.
When chronic pain persists, the discomfort can make it difficult to get restorative sleep. Pain can trigger feelings of sadness and despair, which can make getting a good night’s sleep even harder. At the same time, a lack of quality sleep can decrease your pain tolerance and intensify your experience of pain.
Chronic pain can make it difficult to exercise, socialize, work and enjoy even the simplest things in life. Thoughts about the pain and reduced physical activity can lead to feelings of sadness and loss.
The stress of putting all your efforts into managing your pain while still trying to keep up with life’s demands can be stressful and deepen feelings of depression. It’s a common predicament — between one-third and three-quarters of people with chronic pain experience moderate to severe depression.
No matter the location, source or intensity of the pain, if left untreated, it’s likely to affect your ability to live a healthy, happy life. Here are some approaches you can take to reduce the fatigue and depression from chronic pain.
Therapy can help you identify and change the negative thoughts and feelings that can make pain worse. Start with a program tailored to your specific needs through AbleTo*. These no-cost eight-week programs provide one-on-one therapy, coaching and digital exercises to help you deal with the anger, frustration, depression and anxiety that can come with chronic pain.
A physical therapist will work with you to identify areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding to the pain and treat those areas with targeted exercises. Take advantage of free virtual physical therapy through Omada for Joint & Muscle Health and work one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist in the comfort of your home to get the help you need.
Studies show that meditation can lessen pain and stress by retraining the brain to better deal with pain. Keep it simple to start out — just allow yourself to focus on the present moment, letting go of any judgement. For help, turn to Resources for Living and their library of videos and podcasts that can get you started with a meditation practice.
Alcohol can make sleep problems worse and increase depressive symptoms. Smoking restricts blood flow, which prevents healing. If you have chronic pain, drink less or no alcohol. Work with the Costco Tobacco Cessation Program to help you quit nicotine products for good.
These strategies can help ease your pain, promote relaxation and improve your outlook. Check out the resources below to get started.
1National Institutes of Health. NIH analysis shows Americans are in pain.
*Not available in Puerto Rico.
Sources:
AbleTo. Why chronic pain causes fatigue and depression.
Mayo Clinic Health System. Pathways through persistent pain: tips for managing chronic pain.
Healthline. Meditating for chronic pain management.
AUGUST 2024
The loss of a parent or loved one can be one of the most difficult events in a person’s life. The months leading up to their death, and the grief that follows, can be extremely painful, no matter what your relationship with your loved one has been. Your Costco benefits can help with support and guidance throughout this challenging time.
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When your family member has a serious illness, they may talk with their doctor about what direction they want their treatment to take. They often can’t have these conversations as they get more ill and may need you to make healthcare decisions for them.
Resources for Living’s legal services can help you and your family member set up a healthcare proxy so that you can legally make decisions about their treatment on their behalf. Your family member may also want to talk to their doctor about a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) if they don’t want CPR attempted if their heart stops beating or their breathing stops.
Treatment options to consider include palliative care or hospice care. These are explained below.
Palliative care can transfer to hospice care if the medical team believes treatment is no longer helping and the person is likely to die within six months. Alternately, hospice care can be stopped if the person wants to restart medical treatment or if they get better unexpectedly.
There is no one way to feel when a parent or loved one dies. In fact, most people rarely experience one emotion — one moment, you might be flooded with sadness, then the next moment, feel anger or anxiety. It’s also normal to feel relief that your loved one is no longer suffering or that the grueling caregiving is over. Every emotion is valid.
Understand that grief has no timeline. Resist the idea that there are certain stages you need to go through. Be patient, allow yourself to feel all your feelings and try the following strategies to find some peace.
Find one or two trusted friends or family members who you can call whenever you’re struggling. To feel less alone, join a support group for people who have lost a parent. Resources for Living’s care partners can guide you to resources in your area. You can also find peer support with Supportiv, a program that connects you via anonymous small group chats with people struggling with the same things you are.
Take a daily walk to keep your energy up and release feel-good endorphins. Studies show that physical activity can help people who are grieving feel less depressed and anxious.
Talk to family about what your family member meant to you and look at old photos to bring back happy memories. Engage in activities they loved, such as cooking their favorite meal, as another way to connect.
Honor your loved one by planting a tree, running a race in their name, or donating to or volunteering at their favorite charity. These actions can raise your spirits and give you a sense of comfort.
A therapist can help you process your grief. Therapy is also a safe space to work through any difficulties you had with your loved one, find forgiveness and achieve a level of closure. Get started with six yearly free counseling sessions via in-person, televideo or chat through Resources for Living. You can also try an eight-week online program to help process grief through AbleTo.
Grieving is normal, natural and different for everyone. Be kind to yourself and take the time you need to work through your loss. And remember, help is available. Turn to the resources below to get the support you need.
Sources:
National Institute on Aging. What are palliative care and hospice care?
WebMD. What is hospice care?
Forbes Health. Losing a parent: expert tips for coping with the grief.
JUNE 2024
What’s the most important job for a caregiver? It’s probably not what you think. When you take on the responsibilities of caring for another person, be it a grandparent, an aging parent, a sick friend or relative, or an older disabled child, self-care must come first. To use a familiar metaphor, you need to put on your oxygen mask before helping others.
If you are or will be a caregiver, look to your Costco benefits to support you in this crucial role. And if you have a caregiver in your life, be sure to acknowledge the hard work they do and reach out to offer help when you can.
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The rewards of caregiving are many. It can feel good to give back to someone who has cared for you. Or give you sense of satisfaction and pride knowing your loved one is well cared for. But caregiving can also put a strain on your mind and body.
The levels of stress hormones in caregivers are 23% higher in comparison to non-caregivers. 40 – 70% of caregivers experience symptoms of depression. 14% use alcohol to cope. And in one survey, over 30% of unpaid caregivers had considered suicide.
These statistics show that it’s normal for caregivers to feel these difficult emotions. And that it’s ok to feel this way. Admitting that you’re struggling takes courage. It’s the first step in preserving and/or recovering your well-being.
You can only give quality care if you know your own needs and limitations. When these needs are unmet or demands are excessive, you might feel guilty or distressed—neither of which can help your situation. Creating boundaries is a way to lay the foundation for positive self-care habits.
But how do you go about creating healthy boundaries? Follow these steps.
When negative feelings show up, you may want to hide them. But these emotions have important underlying messages.
Anger and frustration notify you of unfair or unsustainable conditions, such as having to give care late into the night when you have to work the next day. Fear arises from uncomfortable events colliding with limited resources, such as taking on medical duties when you aren’t a trained medial professional. Resentment stems from feeling unappreciated or trapped, such as being unable to attend important social events due to your caregiving duties. Guilt displays our genuine wish to treat others well, such as wanting to be more patient with your loved one but feeling time pressure.
Recognizing what these emotions mean can help you identify potential boundaries.
What will help you feel better in daily life? Make a list of healthy habits or a tangible goal to work toward. Then set up and communicate your boundary to keep yourself on track. Slowly but surely, you’ll be able to construct a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some examples to get you started.
Goal:
Exercise 2 – 3 times per week
Boundary:
“I will be going on a walk after your morning routine on days I feel up to it. I wanted to let you know that’s on my schedule, and you’re welcome to join me whenever.”
Goal:
Sleep 8 hours a night
Boundary:
“Let’s have all your nighttime needs met by 9 p. m., so I have an hour to wind down before sleep.”
Goal:
Engage in activities that you enjoy
Boundary:
“I need some time to recharge. Let’s find a window of a couple hours in the next two days when you won’t need my help, or when someone else can take over.”
Friends, family members, physicians, therapists, community groups and online support networks may not be in your shoes, but they have the resources and are willing to listen and work with you through tough situations. They can provide you a break and a safe space to vent. Asking someone else for help is a great gift and can strengthen both your confidence and the connection between you.
Supportiv can quickly connect you online with other caregivers who understand. So, no matter what you’re dealing with, you won’t feel so alone. This totally anonymous service is free to Costco employees.
When asked if you can do an extra assignment or take on another duty, think about whether you can handle it. If you hesitate for a second, then you should not be picking up new tasks. Saying no to someone is not rude or mean. It demonstrates that you know your limits.
Understand that you need a wide circle of support. Build a community that’s not just family, but also people from different parts of your life, such as coworkers, neighbors, and friends old and new. Expose yourself to people who make you laugh and lift you up. There’s no room for guilt when you fill the room with people who support you.
Boundaries are meant to protect you and the person you care for, to preserve your caregiving relationship, and to create a more functional partnership. By showing the courage to value your own needs, you enhance the quality of care you provide.
It’s not always easy to ask for help. But taking care of you is the only way you can take care of others. Look to the resources below for help.
Sources:
Supportiv. The impact of caregiving on your physical and mental health.
Supportiv. Maintaining boundaries as a caregiver: go from guilt to glow.
JUNE 2024
Social media has become a part of daily life for most Americans. It’s the same for teens and tweens. Up to 95% report using a social media platform, with almost a third saying they use social media “almost constantly”.
While we’ve all read about cyberbullies and other online threats, social media can also give teens a sense of community, acceptance and belonging. This begs the question: Is social media good or bad for our teens?
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In a 2018 Pew survey, 81% of teens said that social media helped them stay connected to their friends. 69% felt it allowed them to interact with a more diverse group of people. 68% said they found people online who would support them through tough times.
Social media can help teens express themselves and teach them new skills. It exposes them to more perspectives and opinions. It makes sharing information easier. And it can provide teens with support from other people with whom they have hobbies or experiences in common.
Anxious teens may find connecting online easier than in-person meetings, alleviating their loneliness. Teens who belong to groups that often get marginalized may find their tribe using social media. Social media that’s humorous or distracting can help a stressed teen cope with a challenging day.
Some young people use social media to “build their brand” for social, school or business ventures. From reselling clothing or crafts on sites such as Depop or Etsy, to building a following for passion projects, such as car restoration, a social media presence can be a key tool for success.
Because social media is designed to keep users coming back for more, it can be very addictive to the teenage brain. Adolescence is a period of significant brain development, making teenagers especially vulnerable to the built-in immediate gratification of shares, “likes,” comments and followers — especially since social media is always “on”.
In addition, emerging research suggests that short-form videos, such as those on TikTok and Instagram, are shortening attention spans. This can increase stress levels and interfere with school performance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 70% of high schoolers don’t get enough sleep. Staying up late scrolling social media can contribute. Adolescents who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health and problems with attention and behavior.
Social media is full of carefully crafted and filtered profiles. The perfect look and life of their favorite influencer can encourage teens and tweens to have unrealistic expectations. This can lead to body image concerns, eating disorders and poor self-esteem.
Cyberbullying can be even more severe than in-person bullying. Abusive messages or images can be sent anonymously, shielding perpetrators from consequences. Plus, by posting pictures of themselves, teens may unwillingly open themselves up to vicious comments and unwanted shares. Teens may find it hard to escape this form of bullying since rumors can spread farther, faster and be around for a long time.
In addition, the pressure to stay on top of the latest trends and opportunities can increase stress associated with FOMO (fear of missing out). Research has found that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
If your teen is struggling with any of these issues, Telemynd’s* expert therapists and psychiatrists offer help for sleep issues, cyberbullying, poor body image, ADHD, depression and anxiety.
With the teenage brain, it’s common to make a choice before thinking it through. Teens might post something when they’re angry or upset and regret it later. Or share things that they’re not supposed to. This can be embarrassing and bring unwanted attention far beyond their close friend group.
So how can you try to ensure that your teen stays safe and has more positive experiences on social media? These 5 simple tips can help.
Check in with your teen about how social media’s working for them right now. Let them share their feelings about the time they spend on Instagram or Snapchat. Ask them what they find interesting and, if possible, suggest activities they could do to support that interest. If you’re concerned that your teens can’t control their social media use, talk about your concerns in a nonjudgmental way. Give your teens a chance to share their perspective on what they think could improve their experience.
It’s easy to jump on your phone to catch up on things when you get home from work. But remember, your behaviors are a model for your kids. When they’re talking to you, put your phone down. Make it a rule that everyone turns their phone off at mealtime. Be thoughtful about what you share on your own social media accounts and don’t post when you’re angry or upset. Show your kids that they control their social media use, it doesn’t control them.
Discourage your teens from friending just anyone or engaging with people whose behavior is hurtful, demeaning or toxic. Rather than telling them who to connect with and who to avoid, share your own experiences with friends, both good and bad, to show that you can relate. Do your best to be non-judgmental and empathetic. And let your teens know they can always talk to you if they are worried about social media interactions that can be harmful to themselves or others.
If your teens are seeing things on social media that make them feel like they don’t measure up, point out that not everything they see is real. The opposite is true, too — if they’re racking up likes for their social media persona, remind them that their real self is great, too. Either way, champion the idea of cultivating some screen-free time so they can stay in touch with who they are in real life.
Remember, you know your kid best. If social media seems to make them feel worse, not better, about themselves, or you’re concerned about the amount of time they spend online, setting limits as a family could help. RethinkCare’s podcast Screen time, video games and social media can give you some ideas.
If you or your tween or teen could benefit from some extra support navigating social media, ask for help. Start by learning more about the resources below.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Social media and youth mental health.
Mayo Clinic. Teens and social media: what’s the impact?
Centers for Disease Control. Sleep and health.
*Available only on the mainland.