The Hidden Investment Potential of Your HSA

October 1, 2026

Health Savings Accounts were introduced in 2004 as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act during the George W. Bush administration. These accounts allow those with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to open a tax-free health savings account to help pay medical expenses until they meet the high deductible. 

Unlike a Flexible Savings Account or FSA, if there is still money in your account at the end of the year, then you may roll those funds over into the next year – even if you no longer have an HDHP. Therefore, if you save $3000 in your HSA account and only spend $1200 on medical expenses, then the remaining $1800 will stay in your account the following year.

In addition to helping those with an HDHP pay for their medical expenses tax-free, an HSA can actually be a wise investment account when approached correctly. 

Here’s everything you need to know about optimizing your HSA. 

The Triple Tax Advantage 

An HSA is a triple tax-free account, which means that the contributions you make are tax-deductible, your earnings grow tax-free, and as long as the funds are spent on health care, it comes out of the account tax-free, too. 

“You get a tax benefit on the way in. You get a tax benefit when it’s growing, and you don’t pay any tax coming out,” says Jay McGowan, financial expert at The Welch Group.

Yet another perk of an HSA is that you do not have to take your funds out the same year you receive health care. As long as you save your receipts, you can withdraw that money much later. For instance, if you have a baby when you’re 35 and keep every out-of-pocket receipt, you could withdraw that HSA money at age 55 and use it to buy anything you want, free of any taxes or penalties.

Technically, you can spend your HSA funds on anything, but if you withdraw money for non-health care expenses before age 65, then you will have to pay taxes at your marginal tax rate on the entire withdrawal, as well as pay a 20% penalty. If you spend funds on anything besides health care after 65, you’ll still be taxed, but you won’t be penalized. 

Contribution Limits 

You can accept contributions from anyone, an employer, and yourself. For 2026, the maximum annual contribution limits are $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. 

“You have to be enrolled in a high deductible health care plan to be eligible to participate in an HSA,” says McGowan.

For 2026, a qualified HDHP has the following minimum and maximum yearly deductibles with other out-of-pocket expenses: 

• Self-only coverage: $1,700-$8,500
• Family coverage: $3,400-$17,000

Even though your HSA has annual contribution limits, your total balance has no limit. That means that if you consistently make your maximum contributions without withdrawing funds, your balance can grow significantly over time. 

Building a 6-Figure HSA

If you are fortunate enough not to have any major health care needs, then an HDHP might be the right choice for you. If you’re healthy, you may not even need to touch those HSA funds, allowing them to roll over each year. 

If you can afford to max out your HSA at the beginning of the year, then your balance can start compounding tax-free as soon as possible. Then, if you can also pay the majority of your health costs without using your HSA, then you can save all of those receipts and withdraw the money tax-free later on, when you need it more. 

Many people don’t realize you can invest the money in your HSA. Most HSA providers pay less than 0.5% interest a year. But they also let account holders move funds from the cash portion to mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or other investment options they offer. 

By making maximum contributions, saving your HSA funds for later, and investing part of your balance, you could grow a six-figure healthcare reserve. 

Spending on Health Expenses 

The best thing to do with your HSA, of course, is to use it on what it’s meant for: to pay for your health care. According to Fidelity Investments, a 65-year-old who retires in 2026 may spend an average of $185,500 on health and medical expenses during retirement, up 7.5% from last year. If your health care expenses are low now, they may not always stay that way. 

“The best place to start is to look at your regular health care expenses, like if you go to the dentist twice a year, if you get glasses, if you know you go to your doctor or have prescriptions,” says Carolyn McClanahan, a physician and founder of Life Planning Partners.

Once you have a realistic estimate of your annual health care expenses, then you can start optimizing your HSA spending. 

Your funds can be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses, which generally include:  

• Doctor and hospital visits
• Prescriptions
• Over-the-counter medications and health care products 
• Dental care 
• Vision coverage 
• Mental health services 
• Medical equipment and supplies   

“If you’re on a high deductible plan with an HSA, then you should max out your HSA every year, irrespective of your health-care costs or your deductible,” says McClanahan. “One, you get a great tax savings, and two, you get to use that tax-free for any health-care expense the rest of your life. So you want to build that account up.”

Don’t Leave Behind an HSA

The worst kind of account to inherit is an HSA. It becomes 100% taxable to the heir at ordinary income tax rates the year you pass away. But if you donate the money to a charity, it remains tax-free. If you want to leave something behind for anyone, an IRA or a life insurance policy may be a better option. Experts recommend spending your entire HSA balance before passing and leaving the remainder to your heirs.

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At Insureyouknow.org, you can store all your financial and medical records in one organized place, making it simple to plan for the future and optimize your HSA investment options.

Finding Your Muse: Music and Memory in Alzheimer’s Patients

September 1, 2026

Watching a loved one slowly lose pieces of their memory due to Alzheimer’s can be devastating. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 7 million people in the U.S. are affected by this progressive disease, robbing them of critical thinking abilities. A growing body of scientific evidence now suggests that listening to music activates neural regions associated with memory, which is welcome news for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

Researchers from Monash University in Australia conducted a long-range study of over 10,000 people aged 70 and older and found that listening to music daily reduced the risk of developing dementia by nearly 40%. The group that was followed for 10 years also showed a 33% lower risk of dementia in those who played a musical instrument. “Our study suggests that lifestyle-based interventions, such as listening to and/or playing music, can promote cognitive health,” says Joanne Ryan, senior author of the study and head of the Biological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia research unit at Monash.

How does Alzheimer’s affect the brain?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by a slow decline in cognitive functioning due to a buildup of tau and amyloid proteins. As the disease progresses, healthy neurons in the brain lose their connections with one another and die, leading to memory loss over time. The disease typically starts in the brain region responsible for memory and ends in the brainstem, affecting critical heart and lung functions. 

Some patients may have difficulty remembering the faces of their loved ones and may find their usual environment confusing and disorienting. For such patients, being exposed to familiar experiences and keeping the brain engaged and active is vital to slow the progress of this irreversible disease. “Personalized music programs can activate the brain, especially for patients who are losing contact with their environment,” says Norman Foster, MD, Director of the Center for Alzheimer’s Care and Imaging Research at the University of Utah Health.

What is the connection between music and memory?

Studies show that music that evokes certain emotions can allow people affected by Alzheimer’s to retrieve forgotten memories, even if the music isn’t relevant to memories they’re failing to recall. When a patient with Alzheimer’s hears familiar music, it unlocks certain memories and emotions. Researchers have discovered that long-term musical memory does not follow the same progression of decline as other cognitive abilities. It is currently unknown why this is the case, and research in this area is ongoing. 

Music stimulates the temporal lobe and limbic system areas of the brain. It is largely observed that the emotions of a memory are better preserved in the mind than the memory itself, which is why music is such an important therapeutic tool for Alzheimer’s patients. By evoking emotional responses, music can allow individuals with Alzheimer’s to access memories that are difficult to recall. 

Many Alzheimer’s patients also tend to suffer from anxiety and agitation, and benefit greatly from the release of endorphins that comes with listening to music. “Just hearing a certain musical piece or singing a song with others that is particularly meaningful to an individual can create strong positive feelings, evoke memories and generate joy,” says Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.

What are the benefits of music therapy?

Listening to music regularly stimulates parts of the brain related to memory and attention. Familiar music from the affected patient’s past can also improve their recollection. “Music therapy can make a huge difference not only for people living with dementia, but also for the family caregivers supporting them,” says Kathy Siepker, an associate professor at the University of Arlington School of Social Work. 

Siepker helped develop an app for people with Alzheimer’s that uses AI to sense the patient’s mood and plays familiar songs if they appear down or agitated. “Toward the later stages of the disease, patients often sit quietly, withdrawn,” says Siepker. “But when they hear familiar music—songs from their childhood or young adulthood—they often remember all the lyrics, sing along.”

The benefits of music therapy include:

• Relaxation
• Reduced anxiety and stress levels
• Mood regulation
• Improved memory 
• Better coping skills
• Mood regulation
• Improved communication skills
• Reduced sense of pain

How to find and apply music therapy?

If you or your loved ones are ready to look for a licensed music therapist, refer to the Certification Board for Music Therapists to find one in your area. Alternatively, caregivers can use some of the strategies below to incorporate music into the lives of their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s:

• Create a playlist on Spotify, YouTube, or a related app of familiar songs from a time your loved one can recall. 
• If they are fond of different genres, make separate playlists and use them at different times.
• Periodically update the list to expand the collection based on their reactions, since not all songs evoke joyful memories.
• Buy them a pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones for listening. This would allow them to be part of social gatherings where they feel like they are with family, but also need music to orient themselves.
• Remind them to listen to music when they feel anxious, confused, or agitated.
• Keep music accessible to them at all times.

World Alzheimer’s Day is observed each year on September 21. It serves as a reminder to us to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and focus on ways to improve the lives of our loved ones living with this and related conditions.

Planning for Yourself and Loved Ones After a Cancer Diagnosis

June 15, 2026

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that approximately 2,114,850 new cancer cases will occur in the United States in 2026. Hearing the words, “You have cancer,” is a moment that is often met with a rush of emotions, ranging from fear to confusion. 

“The beginning is the worst because you want all of the answers. You don’t know your staging and your mind goes to a scary place,” says Emily Cheshire, a nursing professor in Colorado diagnosed with breast cancer last year. 

While no one wants to think about worst-case scenarios after receiving a cancer diagnosis, taking time to plan ahead can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. 

Processing the Diagnosis 

You may experience denial as you grasp the reality of your diagnosis. This can give some people the time they need to accept it, but if denial persists, that can stop someone from confronting the condition, delaying potentially life-saving treatments. 

By keeping a notebook to write down questions, take appointment notes, and to store all of your medical records, you can begin to feel like you’re staying on top of your health. This level of organization can also help you and your loved ones see the full picture of your care plan.

Take an Account of Your Financials

One practical step is to organize important documents, including insurance policies, treatment options, medical records, medication lists, financial account information, and legal documents. The National Cancer Institute recommends discussing advance directives early and keeping important healthcare documents accessible in case you become unable to communicate your wishes. 

Cancer treatment can also create financial challenges. Beyond medical bills, families may face costs related to travel, lodging, lost wages, and caregiving. Ask your healthcare team whether your cancer center offers financial counselors, patient navigators, or assistance programs that can help you understand costs and identify available resources. 

Planning ahead also means having honest conversations with family members. Consider discussing who may help manage appointments, make healthcare decisions on your behalf if needed, and store important documents. Advance directives commonly include a living will, trust, and a healthcare power of attorney (also known as medical power of attorney or MPOA), which allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions if you cannot do so yourself. 

These conversations can be difficult, but they can also reduce uncertainty and stress for families during a challenging time. Planning ahead does not mean giving up hope. Instead, it helps ensure that your wishes are understood and allows everyone to focus more fully on treatment, quality of life, and time together. 

Emotional Toll

Just as cancer takes a toll on your physical health, the mental toll can be just as difficult. Many people experience emotions they’ve never had to deal with, which can intensify them. Feelings may also fluctuate frequently, but all of this is normal.

Some people feel that they have to be strong to protect their loved ones, but seeking support from them or other cancer survivors can be helpful. Others feel more comfortable speaking with a professional counselor or turning to their faith. “I’ve felt a lot of prayers from people, so I feel lifted and supported with that,” says Cheshire. “I don’t know if that’s what helps me have a positive attitude or if it’s the other things I do, but this is about finding beauty and something you’re grateful for while living in uncertainty.” 

For many, expressing strong emotions like anger or sadness helps them let go. And even if you prefer not to share what you’re feeling, writing down your feelings can be just as effective. It’s just important to figure out what’s going to be the right outlet for you. By focusing on what you control, you can feel more empowered. Simply staying on top of doctors’ appointments and treatment schedules helps you and your family feel like you’re doing everything in your power to heal.

Turn your focus to strengthening your coping abilities, such as finding your support system of friends and family, and prioritizing what matters most to you. Cultivate a sense of hope by taking part in activities that bring you joy or allowing yourself to be comforted by your spiritual beliefs.  

Caring for Your Family 

Give those closest to you the space to process what they’re feeling. Let them know that you want them to speak honestly with you about what they’re feeling, when they’re ready to. Open discussions will allow everyone to connect and process the information together. 

When you’re ready, ask them for the help you need, including going to doctors’ appointments and sitting through treatments with you. “My wife has been exceptional in taking on a majority of the family responsibilities,” says Kyle Stanfield, an Oregonian dad who has been battling cancer for seven years. “Knowing that you have that support at home is priceless.” 

For those who want to help out caregivers but don’t know how, just act. “Check in on them, give them a call, invite them out for a meal or to a movie to take their mind off being a caregiver,” says Stanfield. 

Insureyouknow.org

With Insureyouknow.org, you can store all of your notes, medical records, and care plans in one place, making it simple for you to stay organized. By periodically reviewing your care plan and then mentally setting it aside, you can free up your mind for everything else you want to focus on right now. 

A Second Set of Eyes: What Guide Dogs Offer the Visually Impaired

June 1, 2026

In the late 1920s, an article called “The Seeing Eye” was published. It told Americans about a successful guide dog training program for WWI soldiers in Germany. Letters poured in from readers, asking where they could find a guide dog of their own. A century later, there are an estimated 10,000 guide dog teams currently paired together in the United States alone. Guide dogs not only offer people with visual limitations greater independence but also companionship.

If you’re thinking about being paired with a guide dog, then here’s everything you need to know.

Who Qualifies?

There are several organizations that train and pair guide dogs, and they all have similar requirements. With The Guide Dogs of America, or GAD, individuals qualify for a guide dog if they are legally blind, 18 years old or over, and financially able to care for a guide dog. Applicants must also be able to walk 1-2 miles a day, or at least 30 minutes without stopping, independently or with a cane.

Training in orientation and mobility (O&M) is also required. O&M is training that helps visually impaired individuals navigate the world with confidence. It involves sensory and spatial awareness, searching skills, independent movement, and protective techniques. Every potential guide dog applicant must submit an O&M evaluation before being accepted into a training program.

What to Expect at Training

After an application is received, an instructor will reach out to the applicant for an interview. This is to get to know them and their lifestyle, so they can match individuals with the right dog.

Once individuals are accepted into the program, they are placed in the next class at the training campus. There, students will learn how to interact and work with guide dogs. Applicants are considered prospective guide dog handlers and therefore require training.

Before a guide dog is officially paired with its handler, an emotional bond must form between them. The right match is important so that they both feel safe with one another and can develop a deep level of trust.

“I wanted to expand my mobility ambitions rather than shrink them,” says Mike Brace, a paralympic skier who used a cane for many years. He was eventually paired with guide dog Izzy. “Izzy has allowed me to do more,” says Brace. “She gives me freedom of movement and independence. I can go anywhere with her and know that I will be able to find my way.”

To find a compatible training center nearby, the International Guide Dog Federation has a search-friendly database of training centers worldwide.

Benefits of Having a Guide Dog

While a guide dog’s primary purpose is to help its handler get from point A to point B, its assistance goes well beyond that. Having a guide dog brings new opportunities for social outings and interactions for its owner, resulting in greater self-confidence.

These highly trained dogs can help their owners travel safely using a skill known as obstacle avoidance. They help the handler navigate unexpected obstacles, such as a trash can or a blocked sidewalk. Another skill they use is traffic awareness, in which a dog will refuse to move forward if there is oncoming traffic. These guide dogs are so intelligent that they can disobey their handlers in certain instances, such as these, to keep them safe.

The dogs are also trained to spot essential landmarks, which are locations their handler will encounter in daily life. This means being able to go into a restaurant and quickly find the front counter and restrooms. Other landmarks include crosswalk poles with traffic buttons, benches or chairs, elevators, and exits.

For many visually impaired people, guide dogs can be a vital lifeline to more mobility and independence, but they also become family members. “You build up a very strong bond, being with it 24/7,” says John Welsman, a UK resident currently guided by a dog named Breck. “The dog is not only your mobility aid, it is your companion and communication aid.”

Guide dogs are also in a caregiving role. They learn to read unspoken signals, such as changes in posture or facial expressions, and can tell if their handler needs something. This creates a deep level of trust between them. “Assistance dogs care for humans, and humans also do their best to care for their assistance dogs,” says Suvi Satama, a professor at the University of Turku who studies the caregiving role of guide dogs. “In this way, vulnerability becomes relational, and both parties give and receive care.”

Baby Blues or Something More: What to Know About Postpartum Depression

May 15, 2026

Almost every parent experiences intense emotions when their child is born. But when these emotions persist, making it difficult for a woman to function and care for her baby, then it may be postpartum depression or PPD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 8 women develops PPD after giving birth. While the exact cause isn’t known, women experience an influx of hormones, producing nearly 10 to 100 times more estrogen and progesterone during and after pregnancy than they normally would.

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and a time to reflect on this important issue. Sometimes when a new mom says she’s fine, that doesn’t mean she is. Many women are navigating exhaustion and overwhelm without any assistance. They feel like they should be able to handle everything, and so they hesitate to ask for help.

If you or someone you love may be experiencing postpartum depression, this is what you need to know.

Baby Blues or PPD?

Feelings of sadness are a normal part of having a child. In fact, up to 4 in 5 women experience the baby blues. Symptoms can include mood swings, bouts of crying, feeling irritated, trouble concentrating, and changes to your appetite and sleep. But if these symptoms persist past two weeks, then it may be postpartum depression.

“With baby blues, you’ll have more emotional ups and downs,” says Natalie Feldman, a psychiatrist at Mass General Brigham. “PPD involves really persistent low mood and makes daily tasks difficult.”

The early signs of postpartum depression can be feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed – all of the time. A close partner or friend may notice that you’re having difficulty taking care of yourself or the baby. Other signs include fatigue, trouble eating or sleeping, withdrawing from family and friends, and having little to no interest in the baby.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Postpartum depression is common, and there are successful treatment options.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can search for a provider through Postpartum Support International.

Treatment for PPD

Postpartum depression treatment may include medications, such as antidepressants, and individual or group counseling. “Experiencing emotional complications after having a baby doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent,” says Feldman. “And seeking help when you need it is the best way to care for your baby and your family.” The right treatment plan can help you feel like yourself again, so that you can show up for both yourself and your growing family.

Psychosocial support, meaning help from family and friends, is another equally important part of treatment. The lack of support systems in place for new parents can act as a contributor to postpartum depression. Factors such as inadequate parental leave and a lack of accessible mental healthcare give the message to new moms that their mental health is an afterthought.

“We see in movies that we’re supposed to be joyful and natural, and it’s supposed to just come so easily,” says Marianna Strongin, a clinical psychologist at Strong In Therapy. “But when the reality doesn’t match that narrative, it makes you feel more like a failure.” That can make it even harder for women to speak up.

How to Offer Real Support

Family members and loved ones can help new moms by offering to do household chores or helping with the baby, giving moms a chance to get some much-needed rest and time for self-care.

Support is often most effective when it’s easy to accept. That means instead of making open-ended statements, such as “Let me know if you need anything,” offer direct solutions. This could sound like, “Could I watch the baby for a bit, to give you some time for whatever you need right now?” Dropping off meals and picking up around the house are other great ways to offer direct help.

Practical support might also involve sharing with your partner what you need the most help with each day, such as making time for a shower. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Feeling supported often means knowing there are people in your corner, ready to help you if you need them.

Resources in a Crisis

• If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911, or call or text 988. You may also go to 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

• For postpartum support, you can also reach the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS or 1-833-TLC-MAMA.

• Postpartum Support International is another dedicated helpline, with resources and local support groups.

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With Insureyouknow.org, expectant and new parents can keep all of their medical records – and the new baby’s records – in an organized place, making it an invaluable resource for growing families.

Take Action this April: Autism Acceptance Month

April 1, 2026

A recent storyline in The Pitt introduced viewers to Tal Anderson, an autistic character written authentically rather than falling into general stereotypes. This small shift reflects a broader move toward acceptance as practice. April is Autism Acceptance Month. It is about changing how people view, include, and respond to those on the spectrum. It is a time to raise awareness in the general public through advocacy and lift people up in the autism community.

“Because disability rights are human rights that should always move forward, autism awareness is a step toward autism acceptance that can grow further into autism appreciation,” says Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, who has been vocal about his support for his son with a non-verbal learning disorder, along with ADHD.

Why Acceptance Demands More

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 3 children under the age of 8 has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It affects more boys than girls. There has been a 300% increase in cases over 20 years, suggesting a greater need for qualified practitioners, therapists, researchers, and caregiver support.

Because ASD presents differently from person to person, it is often misunderstood, leading to misjudgment in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday interactions. Broad assumptions hamper those differences, reinforcing the idea that autism looks the same in everyone.

“Despite having certain developmental challenges, a person with autism is not solely defined by their condition,” says Alexander Lopez, licensed occupational therapist and founder of the nonprofit gym Inclusive Sports and Fitness in New York. “That person is still a whole person with their own abilities, potential, and strengths.”

Albert Einstein is often recognized as one of the world’s smartest people. But not everyone knows that he also had ASD.

What the Community Needs

Autism is more than a diagnosis. It is a lived experience full of both challenges and triumphs. For some, it can mean sensory overload in crowded spaces. For others, it can affect how they function socially. For many others, their executive functioning is compromised to the point that it affects their daily lives and ability to study or work. “With supportive resources, many people on the autism spectrum develop greater independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life,” says Lopez.

For far too long, autism conversations have been led by people outside of the ASD community. Acceptance requires listening to those with lived experience. Their voices must be uplifted, and their experiences must be shared and heard. Autistic individuals frequently report feeling that their thoughts and experiences are compromised or stated inaccurately by well-meaning therapists, parents, friends, and teachers. “Through the practice of ethical listening, researchers can improve the inclusion of authentic autistic voice in research,” says Chandra Lebenhagen, a researcher and director of Including Autism. “It has the added benefit of ensuring that research topics and experiences are positive and meaningful to autistic individuals.”

How Can You Take Action

Through advocacy, individuals with autism and their loved ones can find help in the community. Clear communication, predictable environments, and flexibility in how people learn or work can make the difference. Autism acceptance means making sure public places, including schools and workplaces, are inclusive. In schools, it means accommodating different learning styles without isolating students. In workplaces, it means rethinking hiring practices that filter out neurodiverse candidates. In public spaces, it means considering sensory needs, clear signage, and accessibility beyond physical design. Organizations can go further by building systems that do not rely on one way of thinking or behaving.

Here are just a few ways to take action:

• Amplify autistic voices – Read and share articles, books, movies, and other media created by and for people with autism.
• Create inclusive spaces – Help your workplace, public schools, and other community spaces implement sensory-friendly accommodations. Dress in blue on April 2.
• Support expansion of resources – Donate or fundraise to expand services and fund research.
• Advocate for policy change – Support legislation that creates inclusivity, such as the Autism CARES Act.
• Train yourself to do better – Autism Speaks has developed an Autism Friendly Training to help people learn how to interact with people with autism

“Citizens must take a more active role in engaging people of all neurotypes and creating a welcoming and accessible society for people with autism,” says Governor Walz.

Awareness and acceptance by themselves don’t change outcomes. This April, make it your business to play a small part in creating a lasting change for people with autism.

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April should be a special time to recognize the contributions autistic individuals make and to ensure our communities support them. With Insureyouknow.org, you can keep your favorite articles, legislative research, and advocacy records in one place, making it easy for you to take action and support autism inclusivity.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness: What You Need to Know

March 1, 2026

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer. In 2025, the National Cancer Institute estimated that 154,270 people in the United States were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2025 and nearly 53,000 patients passed away from the disease.

Since 2000, March has been National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Awareness of this disease is so important because cancer of the colon or rectum is often preventable. Both a family history of colorectal cancer and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can increase your risk, but otherwise, about 60% of the disease is driven by modifiable environmental factors.

“The main focus should be on prevention, early detection, and treatment,” says Dr. Li Li, co-director of the Cancer Prevention and Population Health program at the University of Virginia Cancer Center.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rising cases of colorectal cancer and getting an early diagnosis.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Screening by colonoscopy helps prevent cancer because precancerous polyps found during the procedure are removed at the same time, while cancer can be diagnosed in early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The five-year relative survival rate for cancer localized to the colon or rectum is 90%, but the survival rate drops significantly as the cancer spreads beyond those organs.

The average age of colorectal cancer diagnosis is 67. But colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in people under the age of 50, in which it is referred to as “early onset.”

The Rise of Early-Onset Cases

Cases of early-onset colorectal cancer have increased more than 100% since 1990. The well-known American actor from the 90s favorite Dawson’s Creek, James Van Der Beek, passed away in February 2026 from stage III colorectal cancer at the age 48. He received his diagnosis in 2023 at age 46 after noticing a minor change in bowel habits.

“I hope because of his story that others will reevaluate some of the symptoms they may be having,” says Dr. Cathy Eng, the director of the Young Adult Cancers Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. “Hopefully, they meet with a physician to investigate further to ensure that they can be diagnosed earlier rather than later.”

Delays of four to six months between symptom presentation and diagnosis of colorectal cancer are up to 40% longer in people diagnosed under the age of 50. During this crucial period, the disease may advance to more dangerous stages, making it harder to treat.

“We’re often seeing early-onset patients presenting with stage III or IV cancer,” says Joshua Demb, a health science researcher at the University of California in San Diego. “Perhaps it could have actually been at an earlier stage, had it been detected earlier.”

When to See Your Doctor

According to a study presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, rectal bleeding is one of the top indicators of colorectal cancer in people under 50, and another 2024 review published in JAMA Network Open had the same findings. About 45% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer reported rectal bleeding, while 40% reported abdominal pain and 27% noted a change in their bowel habits.

Rectal bleeding may present as darker-colored stool, which could be a sign of bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, or as bright red blood, including in the toilet or on toilet paper, which often comes from lower in the rectum. There’s no way for someone to tell at home what’s causing the bleeding, so people need to be proactive and see their doctor.

“The take home is, if there’s any blood, people should see their doctor about it,” says Kimmie Ng, director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. “Certainly, if it’s not going away or it’s getting worse, it does need to be worked up further.”

In addition to rectal bleeding, other common symptoms include:

• Unusual stools, including thin and ribbon-like stools
• Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea and constipation, lasting more than two weeks
• Tiredness and low energy
• Any change in appetite, like feeling full early
• Unintentional weight loss
• Unexplained abdominal pain

Some people have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if colorectal cancer runs in your family.

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

According to the American Association of Cancer Research Cancer Progress Report 2025, factors that may be contributing to the increase include an unhealthy diet, obesity, environmental toxins, overuse of antibiotics, and a sedentary lifestyle.

To reduce your risk of colorectal cancer:

• Quit smoking and drink alcohol responsibly
• Exercise and remain active
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Limit red meat consumption to no more than three 12 to 18-ounce servings per week
• Opt for whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish

While the average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams of fiber per day, a healthy colon needs 25 grams per day, which can be found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.

Raising Awareness

Anita Mitchell, who was battling stage IV colorectal cancer and lost a close friend and father to the disease, saw a need to bring awareness to a cancer that not many people wanted to talk about. So in 2006, she worked with her children’s school to coordinate a recognition day. In 2009, Mitchell brought the Dress in Blue Day concept to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance who took the program nationwide.

By wearing blue on March 6, you can help bring awareness to this disease and honor all of those impacted by colorectal cancer. You may share a photo on social media of yourself in blue with the hashtag #DressInBlueDay.

Other ways to raise awareness include:

• Learn up-to-date colorectal cancer facts and statistics
• Share what you learn with close friends and family
• Talk to your doctor about any concerns, as well as early screening options
• If you’ve been diagnosed or affected by the disease, consider sharing your story

You may also access this free toolkit from the Fight Colorectal Cancer organization for even more ways to get involved.

If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed and needs support, you can call the Colorectal Cancer Alliance at (877) 422-2030 to speak with a certified patient and family support navigator.

Insureyouknow.org

Whether you’re seeking care or raising awareness, everyone needs to know about the symptoms of colorectal cancer and the benefits of early screening. With Insureyouknow.org, you can keep symptom logs, medical records, treatment research, and advocacy resources in one place, giving you peace of mind and helping you stay organized.

Medical ID Wallet Cards vs. Digital Access: Which is Better?

February 11, 2026

The Emergency Question

Picture someone collapsing in a store, unable to talk. Paramedics rush over but need answers. What allergies does this person have? What medications? Any serious health problems? Should these details live on a card in their wallet or sit on their phone?

Here’s the thing: picking just one isn’t the best move.

Medical ID Wallet Cards

Advantages

• Battery? What battery? These cards just work, period.
• First responders get it: About 95% of EMTs know to check wallets.
• Zero connectivity needed: Mountains, basements, middle of nowhere. Doesn’t matter.
• Won’t break the bank: Spend maybe $5-10 once, that’s it.

Disadvantages

• There’s only so much room on a tiny card.
• Wallets get misplaced or left at home sometimes.
• People forget to scratch out old info and add new stuff.
• Cards get wet, fade, or become hard to read after a while.

Digital Smartphone Medical IDs

Advantages

• Room for everything: Write down every single medication and condition.
• Updates take two seconds: New prescription? Changed doctors? Fixed instantly.
• Talks to 911: iPhones automatically send this stuff when someone dials emergency.
• Costs nothing: Already sitting in the phone waiting to be used.

Disadvantages

• Dead phone equals zero help.
• Some paramedics haven’t learned the tricks for every phone type yet.
• Accidents crack screens and destroy phones pretty often.
• Weird fact: Only about 1 in 4 people actually bother setting this up.

The Smart Choice: Use Both

• Medical Alert Jewelry: Get a bracelet stamped with the biggest health concern plus “SEE WALLET CARD”.
• Wallet Card: The most important stuff, right there in physical form.
• Digital Medical ID: Everything else stored on the phone (make sure it shows without unlocking).
• Backup Copies: Stick extras in the glove box, desk drawer, with Mom or a close friend. Consider using a secure digital vault like InsureYouKnow to store copies of medical cards, insurance information, and emergency contacts that family members can access when needed.

Quick Setup

Wallet Card:

• Write down allergies, health conditions, meds, who to call.
• Get it laminated so it lasts.
• Make a few copies.

iPhone:

• Open Health app → Find Medical ID → Turn on “Show When Locked”.

Android:

• Go to Settings → Look for Safety & Emergency → Switch on “Show on Lock Screen”.

Total time needed: about 10 minutes.

Real Examples

• Diabetic collapse: Woman’s wallet card listed her insulin information. Paramedics knew exactly what to do.
• Allergic reaction: Guy’s phone shattered during his fall. Good thing his wallet card mentioned that penicillin allergy.
• Lost senior: Older woman wandered off, couldn’t remember her name. Her iPhone Medical ID had her daughter’s number right there.

Who Needs This?

People dealing with:

• Health stuff like diabetes, seizures, heart trouble.
• Bad allergies that could turn dangerous.
• Pills they take every day.
• Pacemakers, implants, that kind of thing.

Common Mistakes

• Picking one method and ignoring the other.
• Setting it up once and never looking at it again.
• Leaving the lock screen access turned off on phones.
• Keeping it secret from family members.

The Bottom Line

Why choose? Wallet cards save the day when phones quit. Digital files hold way more detail than any card could. Together, they’ve got each other’s backs.

• Money spent: Less than fifty bucks
• Time invested: Ten minutes
• Potential payoff: Might literally save someone’s life

Action Steps

• Today: Get that phone Medical ID set up (takes 5 minutes).
• This week: Print out a wallet card (another 5 minutes).
• Twice a year: Check both and update anything that changed.

When things go wrong, having a backup plan makes all the difference.

Storing Everything Securely

Beyond wallet cards and phone apps, keeping digital copies of medical information in a secure vault ensures family members can access critical details during emergencies. Platforms like InsureYouKnow provide encrypted storage for medical records, insurance policies, medication lists, and emergency contacts. This creates another layer of protection, especially when someone needs to share information with multiple family members or caregivers.

Medical History Cheat Sheet: What ER Doctors Need

February 4, 2026

The “Golden Hour” Gap

The Emergency Room is a storm. Noise. Chaos. Speed. Doctors and nurses fight the clock. They chase the “Golden Hour.” That tiny window where fast action beats death.

But silence is the enemy. Ambulances dump patients who can’t talk. Shock takes over. Or they are out cold. In that high-pressure moment, a missing detail, a drug allergy, an old surgery, sends the team down the wrong road. That road ends badly.

Ask any ER staffer. They agree on one thing. A simple “cheat sheet” is the best tool a person can bring through those doors.

Why Memory Fails in a Crisis

People think they will remember. “I know my meds,” they say. They are wrong. Trauma wipes the brain clean. Pain and fear take over. A patient knows they take a “heart pill.” The name? Gone. The dose? Forgotten.

A written paper fixes this. It talks when the mouth cannot. It stops the guessing game between a frantic arrival and safe care.

The ER Doctor’s Wish List: 6 Essentials

What goes on the paper? Forget the thick file. Medical teams want facts. Facts that change the plan right now.

1. The “Big Picture” Demographics

Before the IV goes in, the team must know who they are treating. They need to know who signs the forms.

• Full Legal Name and Date of Birth: This finds old records in the computer.
• Blood Type: Vital for fast transfusions.
• Emergency Contacts: A spouse. A parent. Someone who answers “yes” or “no” to surgery when the patient can’t.

2. The Medication List (Crucial)

This part kills people if it’s wrong. Drug interactions cause huge messes in hospitals. Be exact:

• Prescription Drugs: The name. The dose (like 50mg). The schedule.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Meds: Aspirin. Ibuprofen. They seem safe. They aren’t. They thin blood. They hit kidneys.
• Supplements and Vitamins: Herbal pills often fight with anesthesia.

Note: Never write “Take as directed.” That tells the doctor zero.

3. The Allergy Alert

Does the patient hate penicillin? Latex? Contrast dye? The team needs to know. Now. The wrong drug turns a broken bone into a breathing emergency. List the allergen and the reaction. “Penicillin: Hives.” “Peanuts: Throat shuts.”

4. Past Medical History (PMH)

Context is king. A stomach ache in a healthy teen is one thing. In a Crohn’s patient, it’s another.

• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes. Asthma. Epilepsy. High blood pressure. Heart issues.
• Implants: Pacemakers. Metal rods. Artificial joints. The team must know this before an MRI scan starts.
• Past Surgeries: A quick list. “Appendectomy, 2015.” “C-Section, 2020.”

5. Recent History

Sometimes the clue is new. A note about travel, especially overseas, helps. So does a note about recent hospital stays. This helps doctors spot weird infections.

6. Insurance and Directives

Life comes first. But paperwork causes headaches later. List Insurance Policy and Group Numbers. Also, check for an Advance Directive or DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. A copy must exist. Otherwise, the patient’s wishes get ignored.

Paper vs. Digital: The Accessibility Problem

Old advice? Keep a card in a wallet. But paper sucks. It fades. It tears. It gets lost. Or it sits in a kitchen drawer while the car crash happens three towns over.

Digital vaults like InsureYouKnow.org changed the game. Storing this “Cheat Sheet” in a secure cloud keeps data safe. It stays ready. A trusted partner pulls up the vault on a phone. Seconds later, the ER team has the facts.

The Final Diagnosis

Being ready isn’t paranoia. It is smart. A Medical History Cheat Sheet takes ten minutes. It pays off in safety. It lets doctors work faster. It stops bad errors. And it gives families peace. They know the health story is clear. Even when the room is silent.

Sandwich Generation Guide: Organize Parents’ & Kids’ Records

January 8, 2026

The Squeeze is Real

The term “Sandwich Generation” sounds polite, almost clinical. But for the millions of adults living it, the reality feels a lot more like a pressure cooker. They are squeezed tight. On one side, there are children needing help with homework, permission slips, and growing pains. On the other, aging parents need support with doctors, medications, and a lifetime of accumulated paperwork.

It is exhausting.

The hardest part usually isn’t the physical caregiving. It is the administration. It is being the unpaid, overworked secretary for two different households. One minute, a parent is hunting for a vaccination card for summer camp; the next, they are frantically searching for Mom’s Medicare supplement number because a receptionist is waiting on the line.

When these worlds collide, chaos wins. Unless, of course, there is a system in place.

Two Households, One Overloaded Brain

The main problem isn’t a lack of effort. It is a lack of centralization. The “Sandwich” caregiver is trying to run two different operating systems at once.

Consider the children. Their documentation is constant and urgent:

• Social Security cards (usually lost in a drawer somewhere).
• Immunization records that schools demand every September.
• Birth certificates for sports or travel.

Then look at the parents. Their paper trail is decades long and much heavier:

• Wills, Trusts, and Deeds (often hidden in “safe” places that no one can find).
• Complex lists of daily medications.
• Insurance policies that need to be renewed.
• The dreaded “In Case of Emergency” contacts.

Keeping the kids’ files in a backpack and the parents’ files in a dusty filing cabinet across town simply doesn’t work. Not in 2026. When an emergency happens, and they always happen at inconvenient times, nobody wants to be driving across town to find a piece of paper.

The “Kitchen Table” Talk

Getting organized starts with a conversation, not a scanner. This is the tricky part. Many adults feel awkward asking their parents about wills or bank accounts. It feels intrusive.

But the conversation doesn’t have to be about control. It should be about safety. The approach matters. Framing it as, “We need to make sure the doctors know what you need if you can’t tell them,” works a lot better than, “Give me your passwords.”

The goal is strictly practical: preventing a crisis from becoming a disaster.

Cut the Clutter: What Actually Matters?

A common mistake is trying to save everything. But honestly, nobody needs to digitize a utility bill from 1998. To survive the squeeze, caregivers need to be ruthless about what they keep.

The “Must-Have” list is actually quite short:

1. The Legal Shield: Power of Attorney. This is non-negotiable. Without it, an adult child is legally a stranger to their parent’s bank or doctor.
2. The Medical Snapshot: A simple, updated list of what pills they take and who their primary doctor is.
3. The Money Trail: Just a list of where the accounts are. Not necessarily the balances, but the locations of the banks and insurance policies.

Stop Relying on Physical Folders

Paper is fragile. It burns, it tears, and most importantly, it stays in one place.

If a parent falls ill while the caregiver is on vacation, that physical folder in the hallway closet is useless. This is why moving to a digital system is the only logical step for a modern family.

Using a secure, encrypted platform, like InsureYouKnow.org, solves the geography problem. It puts the information in the cloud, protected by encryption that is tougher than any lock on a filing cabinet. It means the right information is available on a smartphone, right in the hospital lobby, exactly when it is needed.

Don’t Go It Alone

There is a hero complex in the Sandwich Generation. Everyone tries to carry the load solo. But that is a recipe for burnout.

Once the records are digital, they should be shared. A spouse, a reliable sibling, or a family attorney needs access, too. Modern digital vaults allow for this kind of “trusted partner” access. It ensures that if the primary caregiver gets the flu or gets stuck in a meeting, someone else can step in and handle the situation.

Finding Some Peace

At the end of the day, organizing these records isn’t really about paperwork. It is about buying back time.

Every minute saved by not hunting for a lost insurance card is a minute that can be spent actually being a parent or a son or daughter. The paperwork will always be there, but the stress doesn’t have to be. By merging these two chaotic worlds into one secure place, the Sandwich Generation can finally take a breath.