Tag: z-no-icon

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7 min listen

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date October 6, 2025

Tags z-no-icon

Articles

2 min read

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date October 1, 2025

2 MIN READ

OCTOBER 2025

Use your 2025 benefits before they expire

Don’t miss out on your no-cost preventive care — there’s still time to get it before year-end. It’s 100% covered by your medical plan when you see in-network providers. Plus, you can earn a credit toward your medical deductible and coinsurance, after getting your first dental cleaning of the year. So it’s good for your health — and your wallet. And don’t forget to spend any funds left in your Health Care Reimbursement Account. Only $660 can be rolled over from 2025 to spend in 2026. You can use them on dental and vision expenses.

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Earn $50

Regular dental exams and cleanings don’t just protect your mouth and teeth. They can also help you save money down the line by catching issues early. Treating gum disease early may even prevent heart disease.¹

Your first dental cleaning puts money back in your pocket. Every person enrolled in your plan (including you) can earn $50 toward your shared deductible and coinsurance after their first dental cleaning of the year. So, if you’re a family of 4, that adds up to $200.

An eye exam is like seeing into the future. It checks for conditions such as dry eye, cataracts and glaucoma. It can also catch the early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more — so you can get treated now.

Need help finding a primary care provider (PCP)?

A PCP gets to know you and your medical history, and they can tailor care or treatment plans to your needs. Plus, having a PCP may reduce your risk of an ER visit by 19%.

Browse your plan’s provider network to find an in-network PCP who’s right for you. Or head to Costcobenefits.com > Health & Wellness > I Want To > Find a Doctor to get started. You may see a few different options for a PCP, like a family or general practitioner, pediatrician (doctor for kids) or an internist (doctor of internal medicine). On the mainland, you can also choose an Ob/Gyn (doctor for women).

Source(s): ¹Cureus. The relationship between periodontitis, gingivitis, smoking, missing teeth, endodontic infections, aortic aneurysm, and coronary artery disease: The 10-year results of 25 patients.

Tags annual-physical, article, dental-cleaning, dental-cleanings, menopause, october-2025, pcp, Preventive care, primary-care-provider, z-no-icon

Articles

1 min read

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date September 26, 2025

1 MIN READ

OCTOBER 2025

Less scrolling, more living

Have you ever heard the term “doomscrolling”? It’s when someone spends lots of time taking in info on a screen. While originally referring to negative news articles, it also applies to social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or Reddit. Anyone can fall into the trap of spending too much time on their phone.

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It’s okay to be bored

Ever had a great idea come to you in the shower? They’re always there; they just need the chance to surface. Aside from the mental health benefits, less scrolling allows you to be bored. And being bored is like pressing reset on your brain1 — it gives you the space to be more creative.

Unplugging doesn’t mean you have to stare at a wall. Here are some ways to fill your time while giving your brain a break:

Catch up on sleep.  Do you ever scroll in bed for hours until you realize it’s already 1:30 am? Using a phone before bed can make it harder to fall asleep.2
Try something new — or finish what you started. Is there a sport or new workout routine you’d like to try? Are you hoping to finally wrap up an old project? Spending less time on social media gives you more time for other things.
Follow up with someone. When’s the last time you spoke to the person whose post you just liked? Social media can make it seem like we’re more connected than we are. But it’s not a full picture of who they are or how they’re doing — most people usually only post the highlights. Instead, check in with a family member, friend, coworker who recently moved to a new building or neighbor.

Below are benefits and resources that can help with addiction to social media. And they might be able to help you find other things to do instead.

Sources:
¹Mayo Clinic. Boost your brain with boredom.
²Sutter Health. Screens and your sleep. Put down your phone before bed to improve sleep.

Tags boredom, doomscroll, screentime, social-media, unplug, z-no-icon

Articles

4 min watch

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date September 25, 2025

4 MIN WATCH

OCTOBER 2025

Video: When we come together, we make a difference

Giving back doesn’t only do good — it feels good, too. One way Costco employees help is by taking part in the Workplace Giving Campaign. Together, employees have raised over $468 million for more than 50,000 charities of their choice. Whether you’ve ever given $1 or $1,000, you’ve made a difference.

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Show transcript

[♪ ♪ Upbeat Music]

Narrator: The Workplace Giving Campaign makes the world a better place. It’s Costco-sizing my donation. It creates hope. It is a way to show compassion and empathy for others. It’s about doing my part. It helps my donation go that much farther. It changes people’s lives. Workplace giving, it gets us involved. It means impact. It’s about bringing light back into our communities.

The Workplace Giving Campaign helps me stay connected to my community. It gives me a sense of purpose. It’s personal. It’s personal to me. Charitable Giving is doing the right thing. We have an obligation to help wherever we can. This is a 40th year of giving. It’s always going to be a very fond memory for all of us because that’s when we first became profitable and when we first felt that we could make a change in the communities.

We partnered with United Way because United Way was our avenue into the communities. They were connected to non-profit organizations. And that connection allowed us to make a difference in the communities where we live and work.

Giving can help end homelessness. It allows us to support local schools. Giving creates a better society for everyone. Giving can knock out hunger. It’s about helping animals that need a second chance. It’s about generosity. Giving can help support families. Giving can help support early childhood education.

Why not take a look at organizations that our employees are involved? And that evolution has led us to workplace giving.

You think about our core values: taking care of our members and taking care of our employees. And you were able to do that through charitable giving and the organizations that our employees find important to them.

Our officers played a big role in the kickoff of the campaigns. We used to have competitions.
Here’s the photo of the dunk tank, and I’m soaking wet. I look really charming there.

It’s gotta be fun. You gotta spark an interest. If you’re gonna work that hard, you better have some fun.

It makes me very proud to report that in the past 40 years, our employees have donated over $468 million to over 50,000 charities of their choice.

We’ve been very fortunate as a company and if we’re going be profiting from doing business in that community, we have an obligation to give back to the community.

Giving is the culture that we embody and it’s who we are as a company.

Everyone has a responsibility to lift someone else up, and that’s what we do as a company. We lift people up.

It’s just the right thing to do. We are 40 years young and still going strong. Looking forward to year 41. It’s been 40 years of changing people’s lives. 40 years. I felt blessed to be part of this.

40 years we’re just getting started.

[♪ ♪ Upbeat Music]

Ways to give back without spending money

Most people face money struggles at one point or another. And the upcoming holiday season can be especially tough between shopping for gifts, booking trips home or even hosting your own celebration. The Ramsey Show found that 78% of Americans have a hard time saving money. But if giving back to those in need is important to you, money isn’t the only way to do it. Here are other ways to give back to your community or causes:

Spend your time. You know what they say: Time is money. Volunteer for a few hours at a soup kitchen or cleaning up a park.
Be a safe space. If you’re able, animal shelters are always looking for fosters, especially after natural disasters like hurricanes and forest fires.
Dig through your closet for hidden treasures. Many organizations accept gently used clothing, toys and unexpired pantry items.

If you’re trying to improve your own finances, try SmartDollar^®. It’s free to all Costco employees. Explore self-guided options such as videos or work one-on-one with a financial coach. Every action you take today — whether it’s putting $5 into a savings account or spending 3 hours helping a charity — can lead to a better tomorrow.

Tags charities, donate, donations, giving-back, volunteer, z-no-icon

Recipes

1 min read

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date September 25, 2025

1 MIN READ

OCTOBER 2025

Whole-grain pancakes with almond-maple topping

Oats add texture and flavor to these fiber-filled pancakes, topped with almonds and maple syrup. Serve with berries for extra color and sweetness.

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Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 10 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 sprays cooking spray

1/2 cup unsweetened powdered almond butter

2 1/2 tbsp. maple syrup (divided)

3/8 tsp. salt (divided)

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 large egg

1 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk

1 tbsp. canola oil

Directions:

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk the almond butter, 2 tbsp. maple syrup, 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/2 cup water. If the mixture is too thick to pour, whisk in another 1 to 2 tsp. of water.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt to combine. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, oil and remaining 1/2 tbsp. maple syrup until smooth. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and gently stir just until combined.

Step 3

Coat a large nonstick griddle or nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium. Scoop the batter onto the griddle or pan by scant 1/4 cupfuls to form 6 pancakes. Cook until the bottoms of the pancakes are browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Then flip the pancakes and cook the other side. Transfer the pancakes to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter to make a total of 12 pancakes. Serve with the almond topping.

Nutrition

Source: WeightWatchers

Looking for more healthy recipes? With the WeightWatchers^® program and award-winning app, you can lose weight, eat healthier, move more and develop a more positive mindset. All Costco employees age 18+ get an exclusive discount off the retail price and can join for as low as $9 per month. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.

Tags Healthy-eating, healthy-habits, Recipes, z-no-icon

Articles

1 min read

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date September 24, 2025

1 MIN READ

OCTOBER 2025

5 tips on how to say “no”

Have you ever done something for a friend — mostly because you didn’t want to let them down? Or said yes to a partner when you really wanted to say no? It’s not always easy to set boundaries. Especially if you’re someone who’s used to helping others or putting their needs first. But what if we told you that healthy boundaries help you be a better friend or partner?

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“No” can be hard to say — and hard to hear

Cultural norms, generational differences and family dynamics often teach us that saying no is selfish or disrespectful. When your life or work centers around service to others, it may be even more challenging to set boundaries without guilt. And if you struggle with low self-esteem, you might feel like you don’t deserve to say no. But each no is a yes to your priorities and well-being.

Learn how to set healthy boundaries with the support of Resources for Living, your employee assistance program. Get free, confidential mental health support through RFL. In your counseling sessions with a mental health provider, you can learn tools to build confidence and navigate conflict.

Here are 5 self-reminders to help you stick to your boundaries:

It’s okay for me to want or need something.
Standing up for myself doesn’t make me a bad person.
My feelings aren’t less valid than theirs.
If they get mad, that doesn’t mean I should’ve said yes.
It’s okay for them to say no, too.

Tags boundaries, conflict, friendship, Relationships, z-no-icon

link

9 min listen

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date September 2, 2025

Tags z-no-icon

Articles

2 min read

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date August 28, 2025

2 MIN READ

SEPTEMBER 2025

5 ways to stress less

We all feel stressed at times. It can be caused by a health concern, money struggles or a disagreement with your partner. Even the constant buzz of the warehouse can be overwhelming. Managing stress isn’t easy, but you have tools and resources to help you build healthy coping skills.

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Figure out your triggers — Journaling and mindfulness can help you spot patterns in your thoughts and identify triggers. When you start feeling a strong emotion, take a second to jot down some notes. Mention what was happening at that moment and how it made you feel.
Talk it out — Your benefits include different options if you need to talk to someone. You have in-person, virtual and immediate options:
- Find a virtual or in-person therapist with help from Resources for Living^® (RFL^®).
- Get support from people going through similar things with Supportiv.
- Or call or text 988 24/7 for immediate support for you or someone else.
Strengthen your safety net — Finances are one of the most common causes of stress. RFL can also point you to tools and financial coaching to help you manage money more effectively.
Nurture your network — Focus on building healthy relationships. That way, you can be there for each other during stressful stretches.
Sweat the small stuff — Exercise is great for your physical and mental health. It reduces stress, which can also help lower blood pressure. Strengthen your head and your heart with help from Omada for Diabetes, Hypertension and Prevention & Weight Health.
- Tip: Lighten the load on your wallet with LifeMart. LifeMart offers discounts for both in-person and virtual gym memberships.

Remember, no problem is too small to ask for help. Browse through your Benefits Guide for even more resources that support stress management.

Tags cold-and-flu-prevention, injury-prevention, injury-recovery, preventive-care, seasonal-flu, z-no-icon

Articles

3 min watch

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date August 25, 2025

3 MIN WATCH

SEPTEMBER 2025

Video: Heart attack or panic attack?

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

[♪ ♪ Upbeat Music]

Narrator: Have you ever had moments where your heart is pounding, you can’t catch your breath, you’re nauseous, maybe even light-headed, you’re scared, and you wonder, am I having a heart attack or a panic attack?

What’s the difference? It can be hard to tell, because the symptoms are very similar, and while a panic attack might make you feel like you’re having a heart attack, an actual heart attack is a medical emergency that needs immediate intervention.

So let’s take a close look at the differences, starting with how they feel.

Between the two, the chest pain feels very different.

During a panic attack, the chest pain is usually sharp or stabbing and localized in the middle of the chest. Panic attacks come on quickly, and generally reach peak intensity in about 10 minutes. Symptoms include dizziness, trembling, sweating and a sense of losing control. But the hallmark is usually intense fear.

During a heart attack, the chest pain can be sudden and intense, or start slowly, with a mild pain or pressure that radiates to the arm, jaw or back, and gradually worsens. These episodes might come and go several times before the actual heart attack occurs.

A panic attack triggers what’s known as the fight or flight response, which is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat. When that happens, adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, causing a cascade of physiological changes, including a temporary rise in blood pressure.

A heart attack happens when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off, usually by a blockage of the coronary arteries.

Calling 911 and getting immediate treatment is critical.

Without prompt treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious complications, including permanent damage to the heart muscle, or even death.

You may wonder if a panic attack can cause a heart attack. In a word, no. A panic attack will not cause a heart attack.

Heart attacks are caused by a blockage in the blood vessels to the heart, but long-term stress and anxiety may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease.

Regardless of whether you suspect a panic attack or heart attack, doctors and psychologists agree: If you are feeling chest pain or pressure, you shouldn’t take any chances.

Call 911.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention. If you have questions about panic attacks versus heart attacks, I’d love to hear from you. Comment below, hit subscribe and join me here next time for answers you can trust.

  This program is not intended to be a medical service. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you heard in this program. If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room of your local hospital or call 911 immediately.

 [♪ ♪ Upbeat Music]

Source(s):
American Heart Association. Heart attack vs. panic attack: Know the difference.

Tags anxiety, chest-pain, heart-health, mental-health, shortness-of-breath, Stress, z-no-icon

Articles

2 min watch

Post author By Chris Johnson
Post date August 25, 2025

2 MIN WATCH

SEPTEMBER 2025

Video: Suicidal doesn’t always look suicidal

Depression isn’t always obvious. While it can make people feel sad and hopeless, it may not show on the outside. This video from the Campaign Against Living Miserably shows us that, sometimes, the people who need the most help don’t act the way we’d expect.

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Show transcript

Real talk from real people who contemplated suicide

Depression and thoughts of suicide are like tunnel vision — they can make any light or hope seem small and impossibly far away. Supportiv collected stories from people who changed their minds about suicide. Even Olympian Michael Phelps has admitted to wanting to die by suicide.

“I remember going to treatment my very first day. I was shaking, shaking because I was nervous. I said to myself so many times, ‘Why didn’t I do this 10 years ago?’ But, I wasn’t ready. I am extremely thankful that I did not take my life.” — Michael Phelps

All these stories have one thing in common: They’re so glad that they’re still here. See below for some examples from the article.

There’s always hope — and help

Remind someone that you’re a safe person to turn to or get help if you need it. There are free, anonymous, in-the-moment support options such as Resources for Living^®. Call 833-721-2320 for help for you and your family if needed.

If you’re thinking about suicide or think someone might be at risk, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Hotline for immediate support, 24/7.

Looking for people who understand what you’re going through? Supportiv offers anonymous peer-to-peer group chats. All conversations are moderated and connect you with people who understand what you’re going through.

And don’t forget — you’re not alone. There are resources and people who can help.

Tags crisis-support, depression, mental-health, suicidal-thoughts, z-no-icon