Latest news with #AflacWellnessMattersSurvey
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Tom and Tricia's Tips for Prioritizing Your Health
Originally published on Aflac Newsroom 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 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
Associated Press
25-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Aflac and the American Cancer Society Team Up to encourage proactive health care and early detection
Teams to focus on preventive wellness by addressing physical, emotional and financial toxicity related to a cancer diagnosis COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (Aflac), the leading provider of cancer insurance in the United States and Japan, is teaming up with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it — for everyone. Together, they will shine a light on the ways early cancer detection can support individuals as they navigate the physical, emotional and financial challenges associated with the disease, particularly as data from the most recent (2024) Aflac Wellness Matters Survey found that 77% of Americans delay important health checkups,1 and 60% admit to avoiding important health and cancer screenings altogether,2 with millennials leading the pack. Throughout the collaboration, ACS and Aflac will work together to empower employees to take proactive steps in managing their health to enhance workforce well-being and assist in mitigating health care costs. This addresses key findings in the 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces report that show 70% of employees experience at least some anxiety about a serious medical diagnosis,3 and 51% of Americans are unable to pay $1,000 out of pocket in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.4 Aligning with Aflac's core mission to provide benefits to policyholders before, during and after a cancer diagnosis, ACS programs and services will be shared, particularly benefitting those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and are facing potential financial and logistical challenges. These include the ACS's Road to Recovery® program, which offers free rides to cancer-related medical appointments, and information on Hope Lodge®, a free patient lodging program for cancer patients seeking treatment outside of their community. 'As the leading provider and pioneer of cancer insurance sales in the United States, and with a 70-year record of providing valuable benefits and service to our customers, we know that early detection can help lead to better physical, emotional and financial outcomes,' Aflac Incorporated President Virgil Miller said. 'Aflac and the American Cancer Society are closely aligned on this mission to achieve better health outcomes and mitigate the financial toxicity of a major health event. We are pleased to join them to better serve families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.' The collaboration will enable ACS to bring awareness to its Employee Toolkit efforts, including a new webpage that will provide on-demand access for employers to valuable cancer prevention-related content. Aflac associates will be able to share these tools with clients across the nation to provide for their employees. Each toolkit will include helpful information such as cancer screening guidelines, with facts and educational materials for individuals who have already been diagnosed with cancer. 'We're pleased to be working with Aflac in this mutual effort to help deliver greater access to our services and programs to those who need it the most,' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. 'Cancer can't be fought alone. It takes a great deal of community support and access to resources to overcome the obstacles that many cancer patients face every day.' As an added level of commitment, Miller will initiate the first CEOs Against Cancer chapter in Georgia, where Aflac and ACS are headquartered, joining a group of prominent CEOs across the nation. Miller will accept a two-year term as chair of the newly created organization and serve as a spokesperson for the chapter. In 2023, Aflac updated its signature cancer policy, enhancing benefits to address changes in the health care system as well as benefits related to outpatient care. The company also established a new system wherein policyholders calling to file a first-time cancer claim are provided the option to speak directly with a team of professionals specifically trained to handle these often-emotional claims. Learn more about this important work at ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.5 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at or Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at under 'Sustainability.' 2 2024 Wellness Matters Survey Overview, page 20 3 2024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary, page 52 4 2024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary, page 46
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aflac and the American Cancer Society Team Up to encourage proactive health care and early detection
Teams to focus on preventive wellness by addressing physical, emotional and financial toxicity related to a cancer diagnosis COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (Aflac), the leading provider of cancer insurance in the United States and Japan, is teaming up with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it — for everyone. Together, they will shine a light on the ways early cancer detection can support individuals as they navigate the physical, emotional and financial challenges associated with the disease, particularly as data from the most recent (2024) Aflac Wellness Matters Survey found that 77% of Americans delay important health checkups,1 and 60% admit to avoiding important health and cancer screenings altogether,2 with millennials leading the pack. Throughout the collaboration, ACS and Aflac will work together to empower employees to take proactive steps in managing their health to enhance workforce well-being and assist in mitigating health care costs. This addresses key findings in the 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces report that show 70% of employees experience at least some anxiety about a serious medical diagnosis,3 and 51% of Americans are unable to pay $1,000 out of pocket in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.4 Aligning with Aflac's core mission to provide benefits to policyholders before, during and after a cancer diagnosis, ACS programs and services will be shared, particularly benefitting those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and are facing potential financial and logistical challenges. These include the ACS's Road to Recovery® program, which offers free rides to cancer-related medical appointments, and information on Hope Lodge®, a free patient lodging program for cancer patients seeking treatment outside of their community. "As the leading provider and pioneer of cancer insurance sales in the United States, and with a 70-year record of providing valuable benefits and service to our customers, we know that early detection can help lead to better physical, emotional and financial outcomes," Aflac Incorporated President Virgil Miller said. "Aflac and the American Cancer Society are closely aligned on this mission to achieve better health outcomes and mitigate the financial toxicity of a major health event. We are pleased to join them to better serve families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis." The collaboration will enable ACS to bring awareness to its Employee Toolkit efforts, including a new webpage that will provide on-demand access for employers to valuable cancer prevention-related content. Aflac associates will be able to share these tools with clients across the nation to provide for their employees. Each toolkit will include helpful information such as cancer screening guidelines, with facts and educational materials for individuals who have already been diagnosed with cancer. "We're pleased to be working with Aflac in this mutual effort to help deliver greater access to our services and programs to those who need it the most," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. "Cancer can't be fought alone. It takes a great deal of community support and access to resources to overcome the obstacles that many cancer patients face every day." As an added level of commitment, Miller will initiate the first CEOs Against Cancer chapter in Georgia, where Aflac and ACS are headquartered, joining a group of prominent CEOs across the nation. Miller will accept a two-year term as chair of the newly created organization and serve as a spokesperson for the chapter. In 2023, Aflac updated its signature cancer policy, enhancing benefits to address changes in the health care system as well as benefits related to outpatient care. The company also established a new system wherein policyholders calling to file a first-time cancer claim are provided the option to speak directly with a team of professionals specifically trained to handle these often-emotional claims. Learn more about this important work at ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATEDAflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.5 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at or Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at under "Sustainability." 1 2024 Wellness Matters Survey Overview, page 182 2024 Wellness Matters Survey Overview, page 203 2024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary, page 5242024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary, page 465 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@ Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@ Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aflac Sign in to access your portfolio
