Tom and Tricia's Tips for Prioritizing Your Health
This time of year often comes with to-do lists that seem like they are a mile long, with items like spring cleaning, gardening, planning for graduations, and prepping for the summer often at the top. But what about your wellness screenings — have you completed those yet?
If not, you're not alone. In fact, 9 in 10 Americans admitted to putting off health checkups that could help save their lives, according to the 2025 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey.
Aflac's Tom Morey, senior vice president and chief actuary in the U.S., and Tricia Griggs, RN-BSN and manager, employee wellness, recently sat down to talk about Tom's personal health story and what he and Tricia recommend for keeping your wellness at top of mind.
What does 'wellness' mean to you?
Tom: For me, the topic of wellness is deeply personal. In my early 20s, I went from being at the prime of my life — enjoying time on the basketball court and looking forward to grad school — to being in and out of hospitals, dealing with persistent flu-like symptoms and unexplained bruising. Out of the blue, it progressed to the point where I had my spleen removed. It seemed like it all happened so fast. But because I listened to that nagging feeling, I was able to get the care I needed. Wellness, to me, means listening to your body's cues and taking action when you need to. And it means scheduling for your health even when you are feeling great. Until that one day, I was symptom-free.
Tricia: Tom's story is a powerful reminder that even among the demands of daily life, maintaining our wellness is critical. And wellness is rarely just one component — we like to look at it as having five dimensions: In addition to physical, we also consider the emotional, financial, social and spiritual aspects of wellness.
What do you do to stay on top of your wellness?
Tom: Fortunately, my story took a positive turn: I recovered and have been able to pursue a career as an actuary, a numbers guy who relies heavily on statistics in my daily work. Looking at the findings from the 2025 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, I see that I'm like the 65% of Americans who said that experiencing a health scare is what made them realize they need to be more proactive about their health — it's certainly something that reinforced the importance of preventive care for me, and it's something that I commit to each year.
Tricia: I couldn't agree more! What I consider to be one of the best ways of preserving wellness is getting your preventive screenings, because of the way the human body is, you don't always see or feel a potential problem. Going to your annual wellness exam, knowing your biometrics and staying on top of screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, etc., are key elements of your health. Just as you may commit to a nutrition plan or exercise routine, you should also commit to getting regular checkups.
But I feel fine. Why do I need to see a doctor every year?
Tom: I get it. You feel healthy, or maybe you can't find time to step away from your daily responsibilities, or perhaps you feel a bit embarrassed or afraid of bad news — again, it isn't just you. According to our survey, 94% of Americans face similar barriers. But much like investing, the sooner you start, the more positive results you'll see in the long run.
Tricia: I always tell family, friends and colleagues: Just go to the doctor. If you're perfectly healthy, great — then you won't have to go back until your next recommended screening. Plus, you'll have a baseline for what your wellness looks like in this point in time.
Ok, but where do I start?
Tom: I would start with your primary care physician. A lot of Americans — nearly 1 in 5 — don't have a regular physician who knows them and their medical history, and 41% of Americans use urgent care or the emergency room for their medical needs.1 If that's you, it makes sense to me to find a physician in your area who you feel comfortable with and see them regularly. And, whether something concerning comes up or you simply want to find additional health resources, they'll be able to give you relevant advice based on your health history.
Tricia: Emergency rooms and urgent care are important parts of the health care ecosystem, but nothing replaces a longstanding relationship with your physician. And if you're having a difficult time finding one, check with your employer — some offer on-site clinics that can help employees get started on their wellness journey. The important thing is to just get conversations started and appointments on the calendar.
Want to learn more about findings from the 2025 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey? Visit Aflac.com/Wellness-Matters for tips to improve your health, access social media content and to read the full 2025 Wellness Matters Survey.
1 2025 Wellness Matters Survey
About the study: The 2025 Wellness Matters Survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 employed U.S. adults ages 18-65 in April 2024 by Kantar Profiles on behalf of Aflac.
The results from the 2025 Wellness Matters Survey are intended for informational purposes only. Aflac's family of insurers American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, and/or Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC) and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2500262 EXP 4/26
Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Aflac Incorporated
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
From Ozempic envy to ghosting friends: How GLP-1s are reshaping relationships
It's been two and a half years since host Jimmy Kimmel's Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up Some of the people who most need the drugs for health reasons still can't get them because of affordability issues, a situation that is creating disparities along racial and socioeconomic lines, as the Advertisement But in whiter and wealthier circles, the drugs have filtered down to seemingly everyone: neighbors, colleagues, the cousin who's always been competitive with you. Almost 12 percent of Americans have used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, and an additional 14 percent say they're interested, according to a recent Advertisement As they become an ever-larger presence in a twisted society that still largely equates thinness with virtue and beauty, the drugs are no longer just reshaping bodies. They're changing relationships. Jealousy, secrecy, and lies are rippling through friendships, marriages, and even doctors' appointments. 'If I get my GLP1 through an online clinic, will they tell my primary care doctor?' asked a 'I KNOW this is not ideal,' the user acknowledged, 'but I also take … [Adderall] and I don't want him … to stop prescribing my meds….' In South Boston, Mary, 35, who asked her last name not be used, is already stressing about her doctor's appointment. It's in December. As a child she was sent to 'fat camp,' and has grown into a binge eater who thinks about food constantly. But because she's overweight but not obese, she fears her doctor doesn't understand the depth of her struggle. This summer, almost certain the doctor wouldn't write her a prescription, she took matters into her own hands and got an online prescription for She's lost about 25 pounds, but she's worried about telling her doctor. 'I'm not going to lie to her,' she said, 'but I've got myself into a pickle.' In many ways, the drugs are putting many people in a no-win situation. Some people are being judged for taking them. Others for not taking them. Advertisement 'People have this idea that being fat makes you horrible, and losing the fat any way other than 'their' way also makes you horrible,' said Jacqui Conforti, 47, a manager in a high-tech company. 'It's an addiction, pure and simple, and if someone offered drug addicts or alcoholics a pill to cure their addiction, the creators would receive a Nobel prize. But because this is helping fat people, it is demonized.' Jen Gaouette, 35, who said she's about 100 pounds overweight, faces the opposite problem. 'Why aren't you on Ozempic?' strangers demand. Lingering problems from a car accident make her particularly concerned about 'I don't like people implying that I need to be fixed,' she said, 'or assuming that I'm not already working on what they see as a problem.' A dosage of Wegovy. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Associated Press The new drugs are triggering emotions that many wish they didn't have. In a Boston suburb, a wife who is struggling to lose weight for lack of a GLP-1 prescription finds herself being happy for — but also sort of resenting — her husband, who's dropping pounds easily on a weight-loss drug. 'I get up early to exercise while he's in bed or watching the news,' she said. 'It gets frustrating. I'm cutting my portions in half, and he wants to go out for ice cream.' Meanwhile, Amanda Torrey, 48, a nanny and a She'd like to lose 25 to 50 pounds, but instead has been gaining weight. Recently, she saw one of her many friends who is taking a GLP-1. The friend was 100 pounds thinner than she'd been, and looked 'adorable,' Torrey said. 'And she was feeling great.' Advertisement Torrey couldn't get the transformation out of her mind. 'Maybe I should just do it,' she told her partner. He'd like to lose weight, too, but they reminded each other about the side effects and how they don't want to start a drug they'd be on for life, or put themselves at the 'whim' of an insurance company. So that was that. Or was it? 'Everyone else looks so good,' she said wistfully. Beth Teitell can be reached at
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
This hidden heart condition is known as a ‘silent killer' — how to know if you need treatment, even with no symptoms
Time for a heart-to-heart. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, killing more Americans than cancer and unintentional injuries — including car crashes, falls and overdoses — combined. You've probably heard of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, but there's a lesser-known, dangerous condition that's often referred to as a 'silent killer.' Advertisement An aortic aneurysm is a bulge of the aorta, the body's largest blood vessel, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Here are key risk factors for aortic aneurysms and the latest treatment options. Inside the aorta The aorta begins at the heart's base within the left ventricle, then extends upward, forming the aortic arch, before descending through the chest and into the belly. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of aortic aneurysms. Advertisement Thoracic aneurysms generally refer to aneurysms in the chest, while abdominal aneurysms involve the part of the aorta that runs through the belly. 3 Consider getting screened if you have a family history of aortic aneurysms or if you're a man over 65 who has smoked cigarettes. volha_r – The most common type of aortic aneurysm is the infrarenal, which occurs in the abdominal aorta below the kidneys. The size of aneurysms varies depending on their location in the body. Advertisement For example, in the chest, an aneurysm is when the aortic diameter is greater than 4.5 centimeters. In the belly, a diameter of over 3 centimeters qualifies as an aneurysm. What causes aortic aneurysms? While the exact cause of aneurysms is often unknown, there are risk factors associated with the likelihood of developing one. Age, the male sex, genetics and a bicuspid aortic valve — a common congenital heart defect where the aortic valve has two cusps instead of three — are important factors for aneurysms in the chest. Advertisement A bicuspid aortic valve occurs in about 1% of the population. 3 Dr. Geraldine Ong is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone Health and medical director of NYU Langone's Aortic Center. Mateo Salcedo For aneurysms in the abdomen, age and being male are major factors, as well as high blood pressure and smoking. You can reduce your risk with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, following a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly — though you should avoid very heavy lifting. Consider getting screened if you have a family history of aortic aneurysms or if you're a man over 65 who has smoked cigarettes. Patients referred to our Aortic Center receive an evaluation and a personalized care plan, including genetic testing, advanced imaging and lifestyle recommendations. How aortic aneurysms are diagnosed People often ask us, 'What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm?' And the truth is, the majority of patients don't have symptoms. Aortic aneurysms are considered 'silent killers' because most patients don't know they have them. Advertisement Fortunately, thanks to modern medical imaging techniques, most patients receive treatment before symptoms occur. 3 Ong works alongside Dr. Mark Peterson, professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, who also serves as system director of aortic surgery for NYU Langone Heart. Mateo Salcedo Many patients are referred to our Aortic Center after a test they had done for another reason, such as a cough that didn't go away, palpitations or a murmur, which led to an echocardiogram or a CT scan that uncovered the aneurysm. When symptoms do occur, they can signal something major, like the aorta is about to rupture or a tear has developed, a serious condition known as an aortic dissection. Advertisement If you suddenly experience the worst chest pain of your life, a stabbing sensation radiating from front to back or severe abdominal pain, don't hesitate to call 911. The sooner you get to the hospital for treatment, the better. We understand that a diagnosis of an aneurysm can be very anxiety-provoking. The good news is that our multidisciplinary team of experts is here every step of the way, from imaging to lifestyle changes and advice on blood pressure management to surgery if that's required — and often it's not. Our patients live full and active lives. How aortic aneurysms are treated Many patients with aortic aneurysms don't need immediate surgery. Aneurysm size and location are significant factors in determining when surgery is necessary. Advertisement There are two main ways to treat aortic aneurysms. One is open aortic surgery, where a cut is made to directly access the aorta. Due to the location of aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysm and the desire to preserve the aortic valve, we tend to use open surgical techniques more often to repair aneurysms closer to the heart. The other involves accessing the femoral artery in the groin. We insert a stent graft, which is basically like relining the inside of the aorta. Technological advances mean more people can receive stent grafts instead of open surgery. It's generally minimally invasive. Sometimes it's even done when patients are awake. And it helps patients get out of the hospital faster. Most of our surgical patients are in and out of the hospital within three to four days. They're able to return to their daily routine — and hopefully live very long and happy lives. Advertisement Dr. Geraldine Ong, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone Health and medical director of NYU Langone's Aortic Center, works alongside Dr. Mark Peterson, professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, who also serves as system director of aortic surgery for NYU Langone Heart. Together, they lead the Aortic Center, bringing together expertise on the diagnosis and treatment of complex aortic conditions. US News & World Report's 'Best Hospitals' ranks NYU Langone No.1 hospital in the US for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery.
Chicago Tribune
an hour ago
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Who's afraid of a healthy school lunch?
In Japan, most schools serve freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced lunches — often rice, fish or meat, soup and vegetables. French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert. By contrast, many Americans recall their own school lunches as far less appealing. Some of us remember rectangular pizza with cheese the consistency of plastic, topped with tiny cubes of what was described as 'pepperoni.' Wilted lettuce doused in watery dressing passed off as salads. Mashed potatoes out of a box and mystery meatloaf. It's hard to imagine there was much nutritional value in any of the food we were fed. So why not make it better? Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched an initiative to improve the nutritional quality of school lunches — a move that, despite his controversial reputation on other issues, deserves serious consideration. It's not as if this is a partisan notion, and people of all political persuasions have taken on the cause of championing better nutrition for school kids, which certainly encourages better cognitive function and makes it easier for kids to check in — rather than out — of the classroom during the school day. Over a decade ago, Chicago Public Schools kicked off its Farm to School initiative, incorporating produce and other products from local farms into the district's lunch program. 'The program influences food purchasing to allow students to gain access to healthy, local foods,' according to the district website. Around the same time, New York City piloted a 'Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program' that let doctors give low-income patients vouchers for fresh produce — including pediatric patients — recognizing the role of diet in health and the barriers many families face in affording healthy food. These trends of the 2010s are also absolutely in keeping with the spirit of the current conversation about what kids should be eating in schools. The HHS secretary initially announced his school lunch initiative in the spring, but now with school starting across much of the country, administrators are grappling with what updated guidelines would mean for their meal programs and their bottom lines. His plan calls for removing processed foods and synthetic dyes from school meals, citing evidence that about 70% of the food served in these programs is ultra-processed. Research shows the stakes are high. In 2023, children were 15% to 20% more likely to have a chronic condition than in 2011, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. And 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This isn't about fat or skinny, this is about being healthy. And these numbers are alarming, which makes action worthwhile. Of course, idealism always hits a brick wall when it runs up against the harsh reality of budget constraints and sourcing difficulties. Moving to a school meal model centered on whole, locally sourced foods would likely demand major new investments in food, infrastructure and staffing. Securing that funding could be challenging. Yes, it will cost money, but a chronically unhealthy U.S. population is costly too. Past reforms — from eliminating trans fats to adding more fresh produce — once seemed impossible too. The payoff in healthier kids, sharper minds and fewer long-term health costs is worth the investment.
