Celebrating the Holidays Safely

December 17, 2020

 We hope all of our clients are able to enjoy a safe, healthy holiday season. Celebrating in 2020 may require different actions and activities and the following excerpt from a CDC article offers considerations for gathering this season.


From the Centers for Disease Control and Protection:

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe.


CDC offers the following considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.


Considerations for Attending or Hosting a Small Gathering

Below are some general considerations for hosting a gathering that brings together people from different households. Guests should be aware of these considerations and ask their host what mitigation measures will be in place during the gathering.


Hosts should consider the following:

  • Check the COVID-19 infection rates in areas where attendees live on state, local, territorial, or tribal health department websites or on CDC’s COVID Data Tracker County View. Based on the current status of the pandemic, consider if it is safe to hold or attend the gathering on the proposed date.
  • Limit the number of attendees as much as possible to allow people from different households to remain at least 6 feet apart at all times. Guests should avoid direct contact, including handshakes and hugs, with others not from their household.
  • Host outdoor rather than indoor gatherings as much as possible. Even outdoors, require guests to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
  • Avoid holding gatherings in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces with persons who are not in your household.
  • Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors to the extent that is safe and feasible based on the weather, or by placing central air and heating on continuous circulation.
  • Require guests to wear masks. At gatherings that include persons of different households, everyone should always wear a mask that covers both the mouth and nose, except when eating or drinking. It is also important to stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not in your household at all times.
  • Encourage guests to avoid singing or shouting, especially indoors. Keep music levels down so people don’t have to shout or speak loudly to be heard.
  • Encourage attendees to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Provide and/or encourage attendees to bring supplies to help everyone to stay healthy. These include extra masks (do not share or swap with others), hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and tissues. Stock bathrooms with enough hand soap and single use towels.
  • Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items, such as serving utensils.
  • Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible. Use EPA-approved disinfectants.


For full article details, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html 

June 2025 Newsletter

June 19, 2025
What’s New This Month: Smiles, Dads, and Summer Sunshine July brings longer days, warm weather, and the perfect excuse to slow down and reconnect with what matters most our health, our families, and the support systems we trust. At Crawford Benefits, we’re embracing this season with a mix of celebration and education. From health awareness to personal milestones, this issue highlights meaningful topics that affect the lives of the people we serve. In this edition, you’ll find updates on Oral Health Month, an exciting new video series explaining the ins and outs of Life Insurance, and a special Father’s Day spotlight on our incredible team. We’ve also included a friendly reminder to report any income changes that could impact your tax credits, and to top things off, we’ve picked two refreshing summer recipes you can easily try at home. There’s something in this month’s issue for everyone take a few minutes and enjoy.

Vision Health 101: Why Routine Eye Exams Are Essential

May 22, 2025
Vision care often falls to the bottom of the priority list, especially for individuals without noticeable changes in their eyesight. However, routine eye exams are a key part of preventive healthcare—and their benefits extend well beyond correcting vision. Regular visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist can help detect broader health issues, protect against vision loss, and contribute to your overall well-being. What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam? A routine eye exam is more than just reading an eye chart. It typically includes: Visual acuity testing (how well you see at various distances) Eye muscle and alignment tests A refraction assessment to determine prescription needs Examination of the retina and optic nerve (often using dilation) Screening for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts Depending on your health history, your provider may also check for signs of systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Why Eye Exams Matter—Even with Good Vision Many eye diseases develop slowly and without symptoms. By the time vision changes occur, damage may already be significant. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early warning signs of: Diabetic retinopathy Hypertension Glaucoma High cholesterol Neurological concerns such as increased intracranial pressure or stroke risk In some cases, an eye exam may be the first indication of an undiagnosed medical issue. How Often Should You Have an Exam? The American Optometric Association offers the following general guidance: Adults aged 18–60: Every one to two years Adults aged 61 and older: Annually Children: First eye exam at 6–12 months, then periodically as recommended Individuals with health risks (e.g., diabetes, a family history of eye disease): More frequent exams may be required Vision Insurance vs. Medical Insurance It’s important to understand that vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams and benefits for lenses, frames, or contacts. Medical insurance, on the other hand, may cover eye care only when related to a medical condition or emergency. Protecting Your Eye Health Whether you need corrective lenses or not, annual eye exams help safeguard your vision and overall health. Consider scheduling a routine exam this year—and encourage others in your family to do the same.