Have FSA $ to spend? We’ve got your resources
Funny story. One year Maggie’s father gave her kids stilts for Christmas. Not those buckets with strings some of us had. Full on stilts.
When her son asked what they were, Maggie responded, “They are what you use right before you go to the emergency room with a broken leg.”
So this week’s piece on toy safety is dedicated to Maggie’s father.
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
P.S. There is still time to Share the Health and get yourself a gift. The Fall 2022 Eve Was Framed Swag giveaway is going on until December 18th. Share your unique code at the end of this email and you’ll get entry points for one of our three swag packages.
The Tasting Menu
Tips On Spending Your FSA Money
The Holiday Gift-Giving Safety Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
What’s That In Your Head? Your Hypothalamus
Tips On Spending Your FSA Money
In the midst of holiday shopping, don’t forget to check your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance. If your company allows a grace period, that’s great. If not, you need to spend those dollars before December 31st.
Each year, not only do people forfeit hundreds of dollars but they also spend money on items that could have been covered. Ouch.
We’re here with resources to help you spend that money within the guidelines. After all, it’s your money!
Did you know these items are FSA-eligible?
Most period products
Breast pumps and lactation consultants
Mental health services stated as medically necessary by your doctor
Grinding your teeth due to stress - your mouth guard is covered
Here are 100 Items you can buy with FSA money from CNET
Many retailers have set up stores dedicated to FSA-approved items (Have a Health Savings Account? These links help with that too!):
If you don’t need to make a purchase, look back at your co-pays this year. They are FSA-eligible too!
As you plan for 2023, the updated FSA limit is $3,050.
The Holiday Gift-Giving Safety Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
Arguably, one of the greatest joys of the holidays is getting to spoil the kids in our lives (whether your kids, niblings, or friends) and see the happiness on their faces when they open up a new toy or other gift. But making sure to give the right gifts and keep young children safe may not be something that’s always been top of mind.
A report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) showed that in 2021 there were more than 152,000 toy-related, emergency department treated injuries in kids under 15, the biggest culprit being small parts and pieces that become choking hazards.
So to keep the children in your life safe - here’s a few tips:
Buy age-appropriate toys
If gifting a “riding toy” like a scooter, make sure to gift safety gear like helmets, elbow pads, etc
Discard plastic wrapping and toy packaging immediately
Clean up broken or deflated balloons
So keep the holidays and playtime safe with these tips in mind. If you want suggestions for the best toys for kids of any age, here’s a few resources
What’s That in Your Head? Your Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is located deep in your brain connecting your endocrine and nervous systems. We have become fascinated by it because it keeps cropping up in our research.
Why?
It is part of keeping so many body functions in balance. Such as:
Acting is our body’s thermostat triggering other functions to keep body temperature consistent
Releasing hormones and even contributing to sex drive
Starting and ending the sleep cycle
It doesn’t do all the work alone.
Fun fact: It is called the master gland because of its job in regulating other glands in the endocrine system.
In particular, the hypothalamus is a close neighbor in the brain with your pituitary gland. The two are connected and the hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary telling it when to release hormones. These affect functions like growth, ovulation and breast milk production.
All that, and it’s the size of an almond!
Medical Term of the Week
This week we have a rare term. But it’s one we were both stunned by.
A decidual cast is when the lining of your uterus sheds all at once in one piece rather than coming in the bleeding we usually see in menstruation. It has the shape of your uterus.
It is worth repeating - this is rare.
The cramps that come with this can be extreme and it doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong. That said, any time you have unusual cramping or bleeding you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Many companies are providing abortion travel benefits. Many employees are worried about privacy (From PewTrust.org)
Let’s be real about what it takes to breastfeed. 4 mother share their experiences (from The New York Times)
How old is too old to believe in Santa? Let kids come to their own conclusions (from Yahoo Life)