Month: February 2024

Originally published on February 10, 2024

Have you tried Sysco’s Earth Plus Agave Straws?! We love that this bio-based straw is part of our One Planet. One Table. assortment and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)! Our customers love that it is affordable, planet-friendly, and holds its structure in hot and cold beverages! Upcycled from residual agave fibers leftover from tequila production, these straws not only mimic the feel and texture of plastic straws with incredible strength and durability, they’re also commercially compostable in just 90 days.

Good for business and the environment! Try them today and see why everyone loves them!

Learn more about One Planet. One Table. and shop our sustainable assortment: https://foodie.sysco.com/one-planet-one-table/

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 72,000 colleagues, the company operates 334 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 725,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2023 that ended July 1, 2023, the company generated sales of more than $76 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2022 Sustainability Report and 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

View original content here.

Schneider Electric

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry plays a crucial role in the quest for sustainable living and combating climate change.

As mentioned in one of my blogs earlier this year, the heating and cooling of buildings accounts for 40% of all energy consumed in the European Union. Moreover, about 75% of buildings are energy inefficient (Eurostat 2020 research). It becomes even more significant when we understand that building heating alone is responsible for 4 gigatonnes (Gt) of CO2 emissions annually, which equates to 10% of all global emissions, and 37% of global CO2 emissions are attributable to buildings.

Among innovations transforming the HVAC industry, heat pumps have emerged as champions of efficiency and environmental sustainability. According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), widespread adoption of heat pumps for both heating and cooling purposes could reduce overall global CO2 emissions by up to 8 gigatons per year by 2050.

Heat pumps operate on a simple yet ingenious principle – they move heat from one place to another, extracting heat from the air, ground, or water, depending on the type of system, rather than generating heat directly. Traditional HVAC systems often struggle to both heat and cool efficiently, whereas heat pumps can handle both functions seamlessly, ensuring year-round comfort often with significantly lower energy consumption and higher cost savings when compared with conventional systems.

Heat Pumps are key on the path to net-zero buildings and decarbonization

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

A standout feature of heat pumps is their exceptional energy efficiency. Heat pumps can produce as much as 4 units of heat for every unit of power consumed. This ‘400% Efficiency’ makes them key in the battle to address climate change. It also positions heat pumps as a cost-effective long-term investment.

Reduced Carbon Footprint:

One of the most compelling reasons to embrace heat pumps is their positive impact on carbon reduction. As I mentioned before, heating methods reliant on fossil fuels contribute significantly to carbon emissions. In contrast, heat pumps exclusively rely on electricity, which can increasingly be provided by renewable energy sources, further reducing carbon emissions.

Renewable Energy Integration:

As the world shifts towards cleaner energy options and electrification, the synergy between heat pumps and renewable energy becomes a potent force for environmental change. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources can power heat pumps, creating more sustainable heating and cooling ecosystems. When integrated with microgrids on-site, they become even more effective in reducing emissions.

Government Incentives:

Governments worldwide recognize the importance of sustainable HVAC solutions, offering incentives to encourage the adoption of heat pumps, reducing upfront costs, and allowing those who make the switch to contribute to the broader goal of carbon reduction sooner.

Schneider Electric’s solutions for HVAC industry boost sustainability efforts

At a commercial and industrial level, we offer a range of HVAC control and hardware solutions to support the use of heat pump methods, further boosting the efficiency, cost savings, and emissions reductions that can be achieved.

Eliwell, the Schneider Electric group center for HVAC-R applications has been a key player in the industry for over 40 years, and a part of our group since 2014.

In a recent case study presented by Sergio Bridda of Eliwell at the 2022 ATMOsphere (ATMO) Europe Summit, it was shown that integrating different HVAC&R elements into one centralized system resulted in a 70% reduction in energy consumption at a 3,000m2 (32,300ft2) commercial property in Sweden.

The building previously required 221MWh for district heating and 13.5MWh of electricity for its cooling needs. Eliwell worked with Milan Polytechnic to develop an algorithm that would deliver the best COP (coefficient of performance) based on the end users’ needs. After installing a reversible CO2 heat pump and Eliwell solutions, the building’s overall energy requirements were reduced to just 71.1MWh.

You can find out more about Eliwell’s efforts in the quest for efficiency and carbon reduction in my previous blogs How to keep people comfortable more sustainably and How to keep food and goods fresh while decarbonizing our world.

Another example of how we’re helping to build the next generation of HVAC controls is our work with Transtherm Cooling Industries Ltd., headquartered in Coventry, UK. Transtherm has been pioneering the technological advancement of commercial heat exchangers, refrigerants, and water-cooling systems since 1989. Along with data centers, the coolers are used in buildings where operations take place around the clock, such as hospitals, universities, and retail environments. These organizations demand complete visibility over their energy infrastructure, whereby safety features can be monitored, readings can be shared, and processes can be fine-tuned remotely.

Transtherm partnered with Schneider Electric to futureproof its cooling systems, allowing for smart communication between machines and remote access, and increasing overall energy efficiency.

Heat pumps, and the solutions that support their use, are rapidly emerging as a transformative solution in the HVAC industry, offering a trifecta of benefits – energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and long-term cost savings. As we navigate the challenges of climate change, adopting heat pumps, be it in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, represents a tangible and impactful step towards a sustainable future and can help us to make significant progress in the collective effort to reduce our overall environmental footprint.

Learn more about how heat pumps can boost your carbon reduction efforts:

HVAC solutions by Eliwell

Smart and IoT-enabled HVAC equipment with EcoStruxure™

IEA report: The future of heat pumps: Schneider Electric’s new research shows that digital and electric solutions can cut carbon emissions in office buildings by up to 70%

Schneider Electric

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry plays a crucial role in the quest for sustainable living and combating climate change.

As mentioned in one of my blogs earlier this year, the heating and cooling of buildings accounts for 40% of all energy consumed in the European Union. Moreover, about 75% of buildings are energy inefficient (Eurostat 2020 research). It becomes even more significant when we understand that building heating alone is responsible for 4 gigatonnes (Gt) of CO2 emissions annually, which equates to 10% of all global emissions, and 37% of global CO2 emissions are attributable to buildings.

Among innovations transforming the HVAC industry, heat pumps have emerged as champions of efficiency and environmental sustainability. According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), widespread adoption of heat pumps for both heating and cooling purposes could reduce overall global CO2 emissions by up to 8 gigatons per year by 2050.

Heat pumps operate on a simple yet ingenious principle – they move heat from one place to another, extracting heat from the air, ground, or water, depending on the type of system, rather than generating heat directly. Traditional HVAC systems often struggle to both heat and cool efficiently, whereas heat pumps can handle both functions seamlessly, ensuring year-round comfort often with significantly lower energy consumption and higher cost savings when compared with conventional systems.

Heat Pumps are key on the path to net-zero buildings and decarbonization

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

A standout feature of heat pumps is their exceptional energy efficiency. Heat pumps can produce as much as 4 units of heat for every unit of power consumed. This ‘400% Efficiency’ makes them key in the battle to address climate change. It also positions heat pumps as a cost-effective long-term investment.

Reduced Carbon Footprint:

One of the most compelling reasons to embrace heat pumps is their positive impact on carbon reduction. As I mentioned before, heating methods reliant on fossil fuels contribute significantly to carbon emissions. In contrast, heat pumps exclusively rely on electricity, which can increasingly be provided by renewable energy sources, further reducing carbon emissions.

Renewable Energy Integration:

As the world shifts towards cleaner energy options and electrification, the synergy between heat pumps and renewable energy becomes a potent force for environmental change. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources can power heat pumps, creating more sustainable heating and cooling ecosystems. When integrated with microgrids on-site, they become even more effective in reducing emissions.

Government Incentives:

Governments worldwide recognize the importance of sustainable HVAC solutions, offering incentives to encourage the adoption of heat pumps, reducing upfront costs, and allowing those who make the switch to contribute to the broader goal of carbon reduction sooner.

Schneider Electric’s solutions for HVAC industry boost sustainability efforts

At a commercial and industrial level, we offer a range of HVAC control and hardware solutions to support the use of heat pump methods, further boosting the efficiency, cost savings, and emissions reductions that can be achieved.

Eliwell, the Schneider Electric group center for HVAC-R applications has been a key player in the industry for over 40 years, and a part of our group since 2014.

In a recent case study presented by Sergio Bridda of Eliwell at the 2022 ATMOsphere (ATMO) Europe Summit, it was shown that integrating different HVAC&R elements into one centralized system resulted in a 70% reduction in energy consumption at a 3,000m2 (32,300ft2) commercial property in Sweden.

The building previously required 221MWh for district heating and 13.5MWh of electricity for its cooling needs. Eliwell worked with Milan Polytechnic to develop an algorithm that would deliver the best COP (coefficient of performance) based on the end users’ needs. After installing a reversible CO2 heat pump and Eliwell solutions, the building’s overall energy requirements were reduced to just 71.1MWh.

You can find out more about Eliwell’s efforts in the quest for efficiency and carbon reduction in my previous blogs How to keep people comfortable more sustainably and How to keep food and goods fresh while decarbonizing our world.

Another example of how we’re helping to build the next generation of HVAC controls is our work with Transtherm Cooling Industries Ltd., headquartered in Coventry, UK. Transtherm has been pioneering the technological advancement of commercial heat exchangers, refrigerants, and water-cooling systems since 1989. Along with data centers, the coolers are used in buildings where operations take place around the clock, such as hospitals, universities, and retail environments. These organizations demand complete visibility over their energy infrastructure, whereby safety features can be monitored, readings can be shared, and processes can be fine-tuned remotely.

Transtherm partnered with Schneider Electric to futureproof its cooling systems, allowing for smart communication between machines and remote access, and increasing overall energy efficiency.

Heat pumps, and the solutions that support their use, are rapidly emerging as a transformative solution in the HVAC industry, offering a trifecta of benefits – energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and long-term cost savings. As we navigate the challenges of climate change, adopting heat pumps, be it in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, represents a tangible and impactful step towards a sustainable future and can help us to make significant progress in the collective effort to reduce our overall environmental footprint.

Learn more about how heat pumps can boost your carbon reduction efforts:

HVAC solutions by Eliwell

Smart and IoT-enabled HVAC equipment with EcoStruxure™

IEA report: The future of heat pumps: Schneider Electric’s new research shows that digital and electric solutions can cut carbon emissions in office buildings by up to 70%

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $500,000 in Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Allies to bolster the expansion of the organization’s Financial Empowerment Center’s (FEC) services throughout Allegheny County. This development marks a pivotal moment for the community-driven initiative in collaboration with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (ACDHS).

The FEC, a beacon of support for individuals seeking financial stability, is set to embark on an exciting year with a formal partnership with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS). This collaboration between Neighborhood Allies and KeyBank signifies a strategic and significant leap forward, positioning the organization and its staff to enhance services and outreach.

“We are deeply grateful for KeyBank’s generous grant, which reinforces our commitment to fostering economic mobility for our region’s residents. This support underscores the collective effort to empower individuals to achieve greater financial stability and resilience, ultimately advancing toward our north star goal of moving 100,000 low-income Pittsburghers up the socio-economic ladder,” said Presley Gillespie, President, and CEO of Neighborhood Allies.

“We are proud to support Neighborhood Allies in their expansion of the Financial Empowerment Center into Allegheny County,” said Victor Laurenza, KeyBank Western Pennsylvania Market President. “Neighborhood Allies has demonstrated remarkable success in empowering individuals, and we are confident that this strategic initiative will further enhance their positive impact. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the Financial Empowerment Center, creating lasting economic opportunities for the residents of Allegheny County.”

In the past 4+ years, the FEC has served over 2,200 residents in 7,500 sessions, resulting in 3,400 measurable outcomes. Notable achievements include 973 clients reducing delinquent accounts, 739 contributing to long-term savings, 547 clients raising their credit scores by at least 35 points, and 273 opening safe and affordable bank accounts. The total amount of savings built is $2.6 million, and the total amount of debt reduced is $6 million.

Read more about KeyBank’s support of Neighborhood Allies:

KeyBank awards grant to Neighborhood Allies | Pittsburgh Business Times

‘A place where everyone has that opportunity’: KeyBank Foundation gives Neighborhood Allies a $500,000 grant | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

KeyBank Supports Pittsburgh-Based Neighborhood Allies To Help Build Financial Stability | Yahoo Finance

KeyBank Foundation Provides Grant to Neighborhood Allies to Build Equitable Resilience | Neighborhood Allies

Candi Sneed had always been passionate about pursuing higher education and a career in engineering. However, the cost of tuition and the lack of flexibility in traditional academic programs have been a barrier for her. That was until she discovered the Medtronic Advancement Pathways and Skill-building (MAPS) program.

MAPS is a powerful program for Medtronic employees in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to take control of their education and career development, starting on day one of employment with no strings attached. The program pays 100% of tuition directly to eligible academic institutions, allowing employees to pursue their academic goals without needing to cover the cost of courses up-front. Employees have access to 90 online undergraduate degree programs.

Candi, a Senior Analyst at our Tempe, Arizona facility, jumped at the opportunity to take part in MAPS. “I was excited because there were no upfront costs. It was a game-changer for me,” she said.

She immediately enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program at Arizona State University. The program was specifically designed for working adults, with flexible schedules and online coursework that allowed her to balance her work and academic commitments. While initially apprehensive about returning to school after a long gap, the support Candi received from MAPS and her professors helped ease her nerves.

“I find that I can convey technical concepts more clearly, fostering better collaboration and understanding amongst my team. The technical knowledge and soft skills I’ve gained through this program elevated my job performance and positioned me well for career advancement here at Medtronic,” said Candi.

We know that degree requirements can be a barrier to talented candidates, including ethnically diverse groups and veterans, when it comes to advancing their careers. Candi is among the first group of MAPS graduates and obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2023. Her story is just one of many that have emerged from MAPS, which has helped hundreds of Medtronic employees pursue their academic goals and advance in their careers by removing barriers to education.

The best part of her experience? “My 11-year-old daughter wants to be a software engineer and my teenage son wants to design lifesaving equipment for first responders,” she said. “I am thankful to be that first link in our chain of future engineers.”

February is Black History Month, and the Medtronic African Descent Network is celebrating with the theme Ubuntu meaning, “I am because we are.” It is a collection of values and practices that people of African origin view as making people authentic human beings. Read more stories of how Medtronic is driving impact year-round in the Global Inclusion, Diversity & Equity annual report.

Candi Sneed had always been passionate about pursuing higher education and a career in engineering. However, the cost of tuition and the lack of flexibility in traditional academic programs have been a barrier for her. That was until she discovered the Medtronic Advancement Pathways and Skill-building (MAPS) program.

MAPS is a powerful program for Medtronic employees in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to take control of their education and career development, starting on day one of employment with no strings attached. The program pays 100% of tuition directly to eligible academic institutions, allowing employees to pursue their academic goals without needing to cover the cost of courses up-front. Employees have access to 90 online undergraduate degree programs.

Candi, a Senior Analyst at our Tempe, Arizona facility, jumped at the opportunity to take part in MAPS. “I was excited because there were no upfront costs. It was a game-changer for me,” she said.

She immediately enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program at Arizona State University. The program was specifically designed for working adults, with flexible schedules and online coursework that allowed her to balance her work and academic commitments. While initially apprehensive about returning to school after a long gap, the support Candi received from MAPS and her professors helped ease her nerves.

“I find that I can convey technical concepts more clearly, fostering better collaboration and understanding amongst my team. The technical knowledge and soft skills I’ve gained through this program elevated my job performance and positioned me well for career advancement here at Medtronic,” said Candi.

We know that degree requirements can be a barrier to talented candidates, including ethnically diverse groups and veterans, when it comes to advancing their careers. Candi is among the first group of MAPS graduates and obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2023. Her story is just one of many that have emerged from MAPS, which has helped hundreds of Medtronic employees pursue their academic goals and advance in their careers by removing barriers to education.

The best part of her experience? “My 11-year-old daughter wants to be a software engineer and my teenage son wants to design lifesaving equipment for first responders,” she said. “I am thankful to be that first link in our chain of future engineers.”

February is Black History Month, and the Medtronic African Descent Network is celebrating with the theme Ubuntu meaning, “I am because we are.” It is a collection of values and practices that people of African origin view as making people authentic human beings. Read more stories of how Medtronic is driving impact year-round in the Global Inclusion, Diversity & Equity annual report.

February 21, 2024 /3BL/ – At the end of January, 100 Black Men Las Vegas released its 2023 Impact Report showcasing the positive results achieved last year, which have set the stage for even more ambitious goals in 2024. The nonprofit provides mentoring and leadership training for youth, as well as life skills and health and wellness coaching for people of all ages.

In the 2023 100 Black Men Las Vegas Impact Report, the nonprofit reports having reached more than 1,000 youth across all of its mentoring programs, and is targeting a 50% increase in 2024, with plans to reach more than 1,500 youth and young adults through its life-enhancing programs. 100 Black Men Las Vegas also plans to increase its college scholarship awards to $75,000 in 2024, an increase from $50,000 in 2023.

Sands supports 100 Black Men Las Vegas with annual contributions through the Sands Cares community engagement program. One of the core programs funded by Sands Cares is Crossroads, the nonprofit’s flagship youth mentoring program, which teaches more than 30 emotional and social skills. In 2023, 100 Black Men Las Vegas expanded the program to include mental health, career and financial responsibility components, along with other skill sets.

President and Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men Las Vegas, Gentry Richardson, says the accomplishments shared in the 2023 Impact Report have been made possible, in part, through the major contribution Sands provides, which has enabled the organization to expand its reach and services across its full suite of initiatives.

“Sands sees the cumulative value of all of our programs and resources,” Richardson said. “We aim to create generational change by empowering our youth and community members for successful, self-sufficient futures.”

After youth complete the Crossroads program during high school, 100 Black Men Las Vegas offers the Collegiate 100 Program as a platform to help college students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas cultivate leadership skills, engage in community service and make a positive impact on campus. Aimed at equipping and inspiring the next generation of young adults to take a leadership role in their communities, the program is paired with scholarships from 100 Black Men Las Vegas.

Leadership the 100 Way is the third piece of 100 Black Men Las Vegas’ mentoring initiatives. This leadership conference gives young adults an opportunity to better know their history and hone tools and competencies to make them effective leaders.

The nonprofit also works to meet immediate needs and advance life skills in the community as a whole. Efforts include distributing food supplies and meals, providing virtual cooking lessons, educating about financial literacy, and hosting groups that provide members with resources and skills to better manage their health.

With support from Sands Cares, 100 Black Men distributed 3,500 meals, reached 600 participants in its virtual cooking program and helped more than 300 individuals through its health and wellness programs in 2023.

Building on this momentum, the 2023 100 Black Men Las Vegas Impact Report outlined elevated goals for these programs in 2024. The organization aims to deliver 5,000 meals, increase participation in its virtual cooking sessions by 30% and expand its health and wellness offerings.

In 2024, 100 Black Men Las Vegas also will pursue a larger strategic goal to establish a permanent location in Las Vegas where it can deliver services, strengthen its ties and connections to the community, and provide program participants with a place to gather.

“We are well-positioned and well-equipped to go even further in 2024 in our community programs with the help from Sands,” Richardson said. “We are empowering positive change for our community’s present and future, and now with the real potential for a dedicated location for our organization, we can plan for an even brighter future.”

To learn more about Sands’ work to empower youth and diverse communities in partnership with 100 Black Men Las Vegas and other Sands Cares nonprofit partners, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/2022-environmental-social-and-governance-report/

February 21, 2024 /3BL/ – At the end of January, 100 Black Men Las Vegas released its 2023 Impact Report showcasing the positive results achieved last year, which have set the stage for even more ambitious goals in 2024. The nonprofit provides mentoring and leadership training for youth, as well as life skills and health and wellness coaching for people of all ages.

In the 2023 100 Black Men Las Vegas Impact Report, the nonprofit reports having reached more than 1,000 youth across all of its mentoring programs, and is targeting a 50% increase in 2024, with plans to reach more than 1,500 youth and young adults through its life-enhancing programs. 100 Black Men Las Vegas also plans to increase its college scholarship awards to $75,000 in 2024, an increase from $50,000 in 2023.

Sands supports 100 Black Men Las Vegas with annual contributions through the Sands Cares community engagement program. One of the core programs funded by Sands Cares is Crossroads, the nonprofit’s flagship youth mentoring program, which teaches more than 30 emotional and social skills. In 2023, 100 Black Men Las Vegas expanded the program to include mental health, career and financial responsibility components, along with other skill sets.

President and Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men Las Vegas, Gentry Richardson, says the accomplishments shared in the 2023 Impact Report have been made possible, in part, through the major contribution Sands provides, which has enabled the organization to expand its reach and services across its full suite of initiatives.

“Sands sees the cumulative value of all of our programs and resources,” Richardson said. “We aim to create generational change by empowering our youth and community members for successful, self-sufficient futures.”

After youth complete the Crossroads program during high school, 100 Black Men Las Vegas offers the Collegiate 100 Program as a platform to help college students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas cultivate leadership skills, engage in community service and make a positive impact on campus. Aimed at equipping and inspiring the next generation of young adults to take a leadership role in their communities, the program is paired with scholarships from 100 Black Men Las Vegas.

Leadership the 100 Way is the third piece of 100 Black Men Las Vegas’ mentoring initiatives. This leadership conference gives young adults an opportunity to better know their history and hone tools and competencies to make them effective leaders.

The nonprofit also works to meet immediate needs and advance life skills in the community as a whole. Efforts include distributing food supplies and meals, providing virtual cooking lessons, educating about financial literacy, and hosting groups that provide members with resources and skills to better manage their health.

With support from Sands Cares, 100 Black Men distributed 3,500 meals, reached 600 participants in its virtual cooking program and helped more than 300 individuals through its health and wellness programs in 2023.

Building on this momentum, the 2023 100 Black Men Las Vegas Impact Report outlined elevated goals for these programs in 2024. The organization aims to deliver 5,000 meals, increase participation in its virtual cooking sessions by 30% and expand its health and wellness offerings.

In 2024, 100 Black Men Las Vegas also will pursue a larger strategic goal to establish a permanent location in Las Vegas where it can deliver services, strengthen its ties and connections to the community, and provide program participants with a place to gather.

“We are well-positioned and well-equipped to go even further in 2024 in our community programs with the help from Sands,” Richardson said. “We are empowering positive change for our community’s present and future, and now with the real potential for a dedicated location for our organization, we can plan for an even brighter future.”

To learn more about Sands’ work to empower youth and diverse communities in partnership with 100 Black Men Las Vegas and other Sands Cares nonprofit partners, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/2022-environmental-social-and-governance-report/

Originally published on the Aflac Newsroom

By Dan Amos, Chairman, CEO, and President, Aflac Incorporated

A few years ago, a friend told me his wife had been feeling out of sorts. She didn’t know why, but because of the pandemic she hadn’t been going to her regularly scheduled checkups. When she finally went, the news wasn’t good. Stage 3 cancer.

Thankfully, she continues to improve, but sadly, her story isn’t unique. Research shows that millions of Americans neglected their personal health during the pandemic,1 and while too many still are, I am pleased that our claims volume continues to return to pre-pandemic levels. We want to pay claims, and here’s why.

As an insurance company, managing risk is what we do. For policyholders, we see part of managing risk to mean that they will take more charge of their personal health care needs. That’s because we know that preventive care, like routine checkups and prescribed screenings, helps save lives, and as stewards of our customers’ health and financial security, we are obligated to encourage this behavior through our policy offerings and our words.

Proactive care ought to be important to everyone, as not only can an ounce of prevention be worth a lifetime of cure, in the long run, early detection can help reduce costs to consumers2 and insurers and reduce stress on the overall economy.3 After all, the least expensive medical challenge is the one that never happens or the one that is treated before it becomes catastrophic.

In 2024, our goal is to impress upon people that the time to prepare is now. Think about it — would you wait for a hurricane to happen before weatherproofing your house? Of course not. Instead, you would install storm shutters, secure loose items in the yard and, yes, purchase insurance that will cover your property in the event of significant damage. We should do the same with our health care.

The American Cancer Society recently released its 2024 statistics. Some of the news is good. Death rates from cancer are declining due to, you guessed it, early detection and improvements in treatment protocols.

We urge people, regardless of life stage, to review the cancer warning signals, none of which would mean you have cancer, but could serve as incentive to see your doctor.4 Young people should develop good health habits, particularly as advancements like telemedicine have made it easier than ever to have a routine examination.

Of course, we believe Aflac is the preferred choice for individuals seeking the financial protection provided by supplemental health insurance, but our concern goes much deeper than that. We simply don’t want families to go through what my friend’s wife endured, when it could be avoided.

Dan Amos is Chairman, CEO and President of Aflac Incorporated. In his 34th year, he is the 5th longest-serving CEO in the Fortune 500.

1 Sparks, Hannah. “Millions of Americans can’t afford doctor visits during pandemic: study.” March 31, 2001. https://nypost.com/2021/03/31/46m-americans-avoided-doctor-during-pandemic-due-to-costs/, accessed on Feb. 5, 2024.

2 World Health Organization, “Promoting cancer early diagnosis.” Accessed on Jan. 29, 2024. https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-cancer-early-diagnosis.

3 Fendrick, Mark, M.D. “Cancer screenings have saved the U.S. at least $6.5 trillion, study estimates.” University of Michigan. Aug. 17, 2023. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/santarosa/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2015/10/Cancer-Warning-Signals_tcm28-808438.pdf, Accessed on Feb. 5, 2024.

4 Kaiser Permanente, “Cancer Warning Signals.” Accessed on Jan. 29, 2024. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/santarosa/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2015/10/Cancer-Warning-Signals_tcm28-808438.pdf.

Content within this article is intended to provide general information about an evolving topic and does not constitute legal or financial advice regarding any specific situation. This information is not intended to portray any specific details of Aflac supplemental insurance policies. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent. Aflac supplemental coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac supplemental coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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Originally published on the Aflac Newsroom

By Dan Amos, Chairman, CEO, and President, Aflac Incorporated

A few years ago, a friend told me his wife had been feeling out of sorts. She didn’t know why, but because of the pandemic she hadn’t been going to her regularly scheduled checkups. When she finally went, the news wasn’t good. Stage 3 cancer.

Thankfully, she continues to improve, but sadly, her story isn’t unique. Research shows that millions of Americans neglected their personal health during the pandemic,1 and while too many still are, I am pleased that our claims volume continues to return to pre-pandemic levels. We want to pay claims, and here’s why.

As an insurance company, managing risk is what we do. For policyholders, we see part of managing risk to mean that they will take more charge of their personal health care needs. That’s because we know that preventive care, like routine checkups and prescribed screenings, helps save lives, and as stewards of our customers’ health and financial security, we are obligated to encourage this behavior through our policy offerings and our words.

Proactive care ought to be important to everyone, as not only can an ounce of prevention be worth a lifetime of cure, in the long run, early detection can help reduce costs to consumers2 and insurers and reduce stress on the overall economy.3 After all, the least expensive medical challenge is the one that never happens or the one that is treated before it becomes catastrophic.

In 2024, our goal is to impress upon people that the time to prepare is now. Think about it — would you wait for a hurricane to happen before weatherproofing your house? Of course not. Instead, you would install storm shutters, secure loose items in the yard and, yes, purchase insurance that will cover your property in the event of significant damage. We should do the same with our health care.

The American Cancer Society recently released its 2024 statistics. Some of the news is good. Death rates from cancer are declining due to, you guessed it, early detection and improvements in treatment protocols.

We urge people, regardless of life stage, to review the cancer warning signals, none of which would mean you have cancer, but could serve as incentive to see your doctor.4 Young people should develop good health habits, particularly as advancements like telemedicine have made it easier than ever to have a routine examination.

Of course, we believe Aflac is the preferred choice for individuals seeking the financial protection provided by supplemental health insurance, but our concern goes much deeper than that. We simply don’t want families to go through what my friend’s wife endured, when it could be avoided.

Dan Amos is Chairman, CEO and President of Aflac Incorporated. In his 34th year, he is the 5th longest-serving CEO in the Fortune 500.

1 Sparks, Hannah. “Millions of Americans can’t afford doctor visits during pandemic: study.” March 31, 2001. https://nypost.com/2021/03/31/46m-americans-avoided-doctor-during-pandemic-due-to-costs/, accessed on Feb. 5, 2024.

2 World Health Organization, “Promoting cancer early diagnosis.” Accessed on Jan. 29, 2024. https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-cancer-early-diagnosis.

3 Fendrick, Mark, M.D. “Cancer screenings have saved the U.S. at least $6.5 trillion, study estimates.” University of Michigan. Aug. 17, 2023. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/santarosa/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2015/10/Cancer-Warning-Signals_tcm28-808438.pdf, Accessed on Feb. 5, 2024.

4 Kaiser Permanente, “Cancer Warning Signals.” Accessed on Jan. 29, 2024. https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/santarosa/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2015/10/Cancer-Warning-Signals_tcm28-808438.pdf.

Content within this article is intended to provide general information about an evolving topic and does not constitute legal or financial advice regarding any specific situation. This information is not intended to portray any specific details of Aflac supplemental insurance policies. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent. Aflac supplemental coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac supplemental coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

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