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The employee benefits market in Southeast Michigan historically has been heavily union-oriented. As a result, the rich benefit packages had little need for voluntary coverage offerings such as hospital indemnity plans.

Facbook has trickled down into the diseases management space for diabetics, while a study examining a chronic care program for heart disease shows that a sophisticated approach to harmonizing care can reduce health costs.

I'm a big fan of NBC's "The Biggest Loser." I love the show's stories of triumph and redemption, and watching the contestants have a light-bulb moment when it comes to making lifestyle nutrition and fitness changes is inspiring.

To ring in the new year, party like it's 1970! Since that year, January has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month. Being a blood donor saves lives - definitely not a shabby New Year's resolution, not to mention the free post-donation doughnut and cookies.

Employers gradually are becoming aware that the financial health of employees can have a resounding impact on a number of job-related factors, including absence, presenteeism, disability, retention and turnover, and productivity.

Once the C-suite realizes the term "company culture" isn't just cliche corporate-speak, executives likely will start to ask what they can do to improve engagement levels. Then, HR/benefit professionals have an opening to move the culture discussion from intangible to tangible.

As many employers navigate their first months of compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it could be assumed that employees are enjoying the quiet before the storm.

Flush with victory from last November's midterm election, Republican strategists are delving into possible measures to repeal or significantly hamper existing health care reform legislation.

Hopefully you all had a wonderful holiday season, and are back to work energized and ready to tackle the many important decisions that await you.

From childhood on, we have mentors for everything we do - parents, teachers, coaches, counselors. Everywhere we turn, a mentor is there to guide us through uncharted territory and help us succeed.