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Guest Blog by Dr. Nadia Sirdar, MD, MPH, Bethesda Modern Primary Care  The menopause transition affects half the global population, yet women consistently encounter inadequate healthcare during this major life stage. More than 50% of women experience disruptive symptoms that fundamentally impact their quality of life, but systemic gaps in medical training and care delivery leave millions underserved. The solution requires a comprehensive overhaul: better healthcare provider education, standardized care protocols, improved individual risk assessment, and consistent implementation of proven treatments.
The Healthcare Education Crisis A profound educational deficit exists within medical training systems worldwide. Menopause education remains absent from most medical school curricula and residency programs, creating inadequate care. Research shows that 96% of women report significant life disruption from menopause-related changes—physical, psychological, social, and sexual—yet most never seek treatment, largely because healthcare providers lack sufficient preparation to address their needs. This knowledge gap represents more than an educational oversight; it's a systematic failure to prepare healthcare professionals for treating half their patient population during a life transition spanning potentially decades. Provider Education: Building Clinical Competency Healthcare provider education must extend beyond gynecologists to include all primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and mental health professionals who treat midlife women. Essential competencies include understanding the complex hormonal fluctuations occurring years before actual menopause—when estrogen levels can surge while also creating deficiency symptoms—mastering evidence-based treatment approaches for both hormonal and non-hormonal interventions, and developing risk assessment capabilities for cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. This educational transformation requires institutional commitment to curricular reform, continuing medical education requirements, and professional society leadership in establishing competency standards. Standardized Care Protocols: Ensuring Consistency Healthcare systems must implement standardized care pathways to eliminate the current lottery of care quality that women experience based solely on their provider's individual knowledge and interest. Effective protocols include systematic symptom documentation using validated assessment tools like the Menopause Rating Scale, comprehensive health screening that uses menopause consultations to address cardiovascular risk, bone health, and cancer prevention, and evidence-based treatment guidelines that help clinicians through appropriate interventions from lifestyle modifications to pharmaceutical options. These standardized approaches ensure that every woman receives consistent, high-quality care regardless of geographic location or provider variability. Individualized Risk Assessment: Precision in Treatment Decisions Careful risk assessment forms the foundation of personalized menopause care. This involves comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, recognizing that hormone therapy benefits and risks vary significantly based on timing—with optimal safety profiles for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset—thorough bone health assessment including early identification of osteoporosis risk factors and appropriate screening protocols, and careful evaluation of symptom impact on individual quality of life, acknowledging that severe symptoms may justify accepting calculated treatment risks. This personalized approach moves beyond one-size-fits-all recommendations to acknowledge the complex relationship between individual health profiles, symptom severity, and personal preferences. Evidence-Based Treatment Implementation Clinical practice must consistently reflect current scientific evidence. For women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause experiencing bothersome hot flashes without contraindications, hormone therapy represents the gold standard treatment with established effectiveness and acceptable risk profiles. Treatment principles emphasize collaborative decision-making that empowers women with comprehensive information to make informed choices, multidisciplinary care coordination involving primary care, gynecology, cardiology, and mental health specialists as needed, and systematic monitoring with regular reassessment of symptoms, treatment effectiveness, and evolving risk factors. Pathways to Transformation Healthcare consumers and advocates can drive change by demanding provider accountability through questions about menopause training and treatment approaches during consultations, supporting healthcare institutions that prioritize women's health education and comprehensive midlife care, and advocating for insurance coverage of evidence-based menopause treatments and specialist consultations. Professional resources for continued learning include The Menopause Society, Mayo Clinic's continuing education programs, and Endocrine Society clinical guidelines. The Need for Change The current state of menopause care represents a significant healthcare equity issue affecting millions of women worldwide. Transforming this landscape requires systematic change across medical education, clinical practice standards, and healthcare delivery models. The four areas—provider education, standardized protocols, individualized risk assessment, and evidence-based treatment—provide a roadmap for creating healthcare systems that truly serve women's needs during this major life transition. The opportunity exists today to fundamentally improve healthcare outcomes, quality of life, and medical experiences for countless women. The question remains whether healthcare systems, policymakers, and society will prioritize this transformation with the urgency and resources it demands. Essential Resources:
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 Guest blog by Heather Cooper, Owner, Bethesda Chocolates  Being an independent retailer and a small business owner is not easy, but the benefits are worth the effort. I own a small chocolate and coffee shop in Bethesda, Maryland. We’re open 7 days a week and hand make all our chocolates. In 9 years, my shop has grown robustly just through word-of-mouth recommendations. It’s a challenge to be competent at every aspect of the business. I sometimes find myself stretched thin managing equipment repairs, keeping compliant with regulations, staying updated on licensing and negotiating vendor contracts. As an owner-operator, I am a one person Human Resources department, Accounting department, Sales and Marketing department, IT department and Research and Development department while also delivering an exceptional product with exceptional customer service and staying current on all trends in my industry. While not every day is considered fun, personally I do enjoy the challenge of it all and I love what I do. My advice to new business owners is to have confidence, trust your instincts and if you don’t know something, ask around. Running a business isn’t rocket science but there are a lot of moving parts and it’s difficult to be an expert in everything. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know how to do something. Find people who know what you don’t know. Ask around. If you are stumped about an issue, then start talking to people. Someone out there has figured it out or knows someone who has. I’ve found my best resources from neighbors, friends, local business owners, my local chamber of commerce and industry associations. People are open to helping others out and there is no reason to make it harder than it is. Don’t be afraid to dream. Set the big goal. Write it down and then work backwards as to what needs to happen to get there and when it needs to be accomplished. Set it all up on a 5 or 10 year timeline. The process of putting it in writing helps to clarify exactly what every decision will move you towards. Put it up where you see it everyday. It can be as simple as a poster board on the back of a closet door. It keeps you focused and on track. Good decisions are important, but making that decision right is even more important. You make a decision, and then you make it right. There is more than one path to success and all the options can have you second guessing every good decision you make. So often a good decision ends in failure because the successive decisions undermine the original decision ensuring its failure. So make your decision then make sure every decision after that supports that decision. If it was not the right decision then change course and make sure all the successive decisions support it the new course. It’s nothing short of magical when you see your vision take shape, your business grow and your dreams take off. I love what I do and I’m amazed by how it all started with a vision and came together with simple plan. I still receive help and advice from others and I’m now sharing that with those who venture to ask. GBCC encourages you to visit Bethesda Chocolates! https://bethesdachocolates.com/
Guest Blog by Pamela Downes, Founding Partner, REV Creative Group   In a world where businesses evolve at lightning speed, your brand can’t just keep up—it needs to lead the way. Whether you’re building your empire or fine-tuning an already stellar brand, these 10 brand strategy tips will help you stand out, connect with your audience, and turn heads in all the right ways.
1. Revisit Your Brand Identity Does your brand still scream “this is who we are”? If not, it’s time for a refresh. Make sure your values, mission, and vibe are front and center—and resonating with your audience. 2. Conduct Market Research Stay ahead of the pack by diving into trends, consumer preferences, and what your competitors are up to. Knowledge isn’t just power; it’s your secret weapon. 3. Define Your Target Audience Who loves you, and why? Get crystal clear on your ideal audience—their needs, dreams, and challenges—and speak directly to them. 4. Enhance Visual Branding Your look matters. Make your logo, colors, and imagery unforgettable, consistent, and impossible to ignore across every platform. 5. Craft Compelling Messaging Words are your superpower. Sharpen your messaging to be authentic, punchy, and uniquely you—because no one does what you do quite like you. 6. Leverage Content Marketing Be the brand that educates, inspires, and entertains. Blogs, videos, infographics—your content should be as dynamic as your audience. 7. Embrace Personalization One-size-fits-all? Not here. Personalize experiences and content to make your audience feel like you get them. 8. Foster Brand Advocacy Turn customers, employees, and partners into your biggest cheerleaders. Give them reasons (and incentives) to share their love for your brand. 9. Prioritize Customer Experience Wow your audience at every step. From first impressions to lifelong loyalty, make every interaction seamless and unforgettable. 10. Stay Agile and Adaptive Change is constant, but so is opportunity. Stay flexible, pivot when needed, and always be ready to embrace what’s next. Your brand isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. By taking these tips to heart, you’ll create a brand strategy that not only turns heads but also builds connection, loyalty, and momentum. About the AuthorPamela Downes is the Founding Partner of REV Creative Group, a branding, marketing, and communications firm serving nonprofits, professional services, and purpose-driven organizations. With over two decades of experience helping brands grow, she brings heart, strategy, and clarity to every project. Want to Strengthen Your Brand Strategy? 🎯 I’m offering a FREE Marketing MRI—a quick, focused review of your current marketing to see what’s working, what’s not, and where to tune things up for better results. 📩 Join our mailing list for expert tips and tools 📅 Book your free Marketing MRI and let’s take a fresh look at your brand!  The Three Biggest Advantages of Working with a Merchant Services ProfessionalGuest Blog by Daniel Garedew - Owner, Merchant Services United  In today’s rapidly evolving payment landscape, businesses face an array of payment processing options, technologies, and regulatory challenges. As the market becomes increasingly competitive and complex, many businesses are turning to merchant services professionals to simplify operations and improve their bottom line. Here, we explore the three biggest advantages of working with a merchant services professional. 1. Expert Guidance and Industry Knowledge - Merchant services professionals bring a wealth of industry expertise that can be invaluable for businesses navigating the intricacies of payment processing. Their extensive knowledge allows them to assess a company’s unique needs and recommend tailored solutions that ensure smooth transactions. Instead of spending countless hours trying to decode technical jargon, small business owners can rely on these experts to break down the nuances of various payment methods—from traditional credit card processing to the latest in contactless payments and mobile transactions. This deep understanding of the industry also means that a merchant services professional is often up-to-date on emerging trends, technology innovations, and best practices. As a result, they can provide proactive advice, helping businesses avoid pitfalls such as excessive fees or inefficient systems. This expert guidance not only streamlines the payment process but also contributes to overall business efficiency, allowing owners to focus on core activities while leaving the complexities of payment processing in capable hands. 2. Customized Solutions for Business Growth - Every business is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in the dynamic world of payment processing. Merchant services professionals understand that each business has its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether a company operates primarily online, has a brick- and-mortar presence, or employs a hybrid model, these professionals are skilled at tailoring solutions that address specific operational needs and growth objectives. Customized solutions might include integrating various payment channels, setting up multi- currency processing for global transactions, or optimizing in-store payment terminals to reduce transaction times. By providing a personalized approach, merchant services professionals help businesses enhance the customer experience, streamline their operations, and ultimately drive growth. This level of customization can lead to improved efficiency and cost savings, as businesses are only paying for the services they truly need rather than unnecessary extras that come with generic packages. 3. Enhanced Security and Compliance - In an era marked by increasing cyber threats and stringent regulatory requirements, security is more critical than ever. Merchant services professionals are well-versed in the latest security protocols and compliance standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). By partnering with these professionals, businesses can ensure that their payment processing systems adhere to the highest security standards, protecting sensitive customer data from potential breaches. Beyond just meeting compliance requirements, a merchant services professional can implement advanced security measures that detect and prevent fraud before it becomes a significant issue. This proactive approach to security not only minimizes the risk of financial loss but also helps build trust with customers. In turn, businesses can leverage their robust security framework as a selling point, demonstrating their commitment to protecting customer information and maintaining the integrity of their operations. Conclusion - Working with a merchant services professional offers substantial advantages that go beyond simple payment processing. Their expert guidance and industry knowledge help businesses navigate the complexities of modern payment systems with ease. The ability to offer customized solutions ensures that businesses can adapt to changing market dynamics and meet their unique operational needs. Finally, enhanced security and compliance provide a safeguard against emerging cyber threats and regulatory challenges, instilling confidence in both the business and its customers. Ultimately, partnering with a merchant services professional is an investment in the long-term success of a business. By leveraging their expertise, companies can optimize their payment systems, reduce costs, and secure a competitive edge in the marketplace. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a larger enterprise, the advantages of professional support in the merchant services industry are clear and far-reaching. To learn more or schedule a meeting, please reach out to me directly 240-449-4029 or [email protected].  While Montgomery County has a reputation for affluence, more than 76,100 residents of our county live on incomes below the Federal Poverty Line. It costs about $135,500 a year for a family with two working parents and two children to afford necessities without subsidies. (Source: Glasmeier, Amy K. Living Wage Calculator. 2024. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/24031.) That covers just the basics: no birthday presents, no occasional treat at a fast food restaurant, and no financial cushion to cover things like your car needing a new tire.
Helping these neighbors is the mission of Interfaith Works (IW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves people experiencing poverty and homelessness through emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs, and employment programs. IW serves 35,000 residents of Montgomery County every year. There are concerning trends in our community. An annual snapshot of people experiencing homelessness conducted in 2024 found a significant increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024. There was a 28% increase, from 894 to 1,144 people. To put this in the state context, Montgomery County accounts for nearly 20% of the people who are experiencing homelessness in Maryland. Those doing the survey also reported seeing more people experiencing homelessness in communities that are atypical, including Potomac and North Bethesda. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? There are numerous factors contributing to this increase, including:
WHAT CAN BE DONE? Interfaith Works is among several service providers in Montgomery County that are committed to making the experience of homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. A first step can be providing emergency shelter to stabilize an individual’s situation and then working with them to pursue their personal goals and move toward more permanent housing. Montgomery County’s Rapid Rehousing Program, a successful effort in which IW participates, seeks to move people out of the shelter environment as soon as they are able and into stable housing options. Another effective strategy is providing prevention programs, so individuals and families never experience homelessness or instability in the first place. IW has two such programs. IW Connections provides our neighbors with emergency financial assistance to help them pay back rent, potentially avoiding eviction, and pay overdue utility bills so they do not suffer in the cold or heat. The IW Vocational Services Program (VSP) also provides a crucial prevention lifeline, helping people become job-ready as well as seek and land jobs. In addition to providing resume and interviewing assistance, VSP’s Paid Training Program helps people find training and pays the registration costs as well as a stipend for every hour they are in training so they don’t lose income. With this support, the completion rate for training programs shot up to over 90%. Those placed in jobs last year earned an average hourly wage of $18.53. And beyond helping put people back to work, VSP is a critical economic engine for our community. Over the past five years, VSP clients – Montgomery County residents – collectively earned annual starting salaries totaling $12.5 million. That is money flowing back into our economy through taxes and buying power. What can you do? Consider becoming a partner with Interfaith Works. There are many opportunities to be part of the solution by volunteering and supporting this important work through in-kind donations and if you would like to learn more about opportunities at Interfaith Works, please contact Julian Peters at [email protected].  Maryland's pitch to fired federal workers: Come work for the state Gov. Wes Moore announced resources for people looking for new jobs. By Katie Shepherd and Katie Mettler Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) on Friday announced new resources for federal workers who lose their jobs, including an effort to recruit them to state jobs, amid Trump administration cuts that could leave more than 10,000 Marylanders out of work. "This is not patriotism," Moore said, referring to the firing of thousands of federal workers in recent weeks. "This is cruelty." Standing in Annapolis with other state leaders and a federal worker who lost his job with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Feb. 18, the governor pitched several paths for federal employees who may be looking for work. Those civil servants could come work for the state of Maryland, which has about 250 job postings and about 5,200 vacancies overall. They could join a pilot program, soon to be created by the state Transportation Department, that would help translate their public service work experience to state jobs across several state agencies. Individuals could seek a teaching certification and take on a second career as an educator, Moore said. This would be a boon to a state that needs 12,000 to 15,000 more teachers to meet its ambitious goals to overhaul education. The state will host virtual and in-person job fairs in Prince George's County and Baltimore, Moore said. A newly launched website points unemployed Marylanders to resources, including more than 130,000 job openings across the state. Moore also ordered the Maryland Department of Budget and Management to streamline the state job-application process so applications could be considered quickly. The governor's announcement Friday aims to fix two pervasive challenges facing Maryland: a high vacancy rate in the state workforce and a looming unemployment crisis for federal workers caught up in President Donald Trump's mass layoffs. In October 2022, the year Moore was elected, nearly 6,500 state jobs were vacant, according to an analysis from the state Department of Budget and Management. One of Moore's primary campaign promises was to rebuild the state workforce, which had shrunk under the administration of Gov. Larry Hogan (R). AB of January 2025, the vacancy rate had fallen to 5,222, even as the Moore administration added more jobs to the overall workforce. In a statement, AFSCME Maryland, the union that represents state employees, said it supported the governor's effort to recruit laid-off federal employees into state jobs. The union called on the state to "fully fund" the state's hiring process, which has been criticized for moving too slow. Moore's plan mirrors similar efforts in other states, including Virginia, where Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) this week touted a website advertising job openings even as he defended Trump's workforce cuts. Democratic governors in Hawaii, New York and New Mexico are also trying to recruit former federal workers to their states. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) joined Moore on Friday and voiced his support for former federal workers who are waiting to see whether federal courts will intervene to reverse or stop their terminations. Van Hollen said the firings were bound to disrupt services that Americans count on, and often don't even realize the government is doing, until a crisis occurs. "Until something goes wrong, people don't realize the good work that's being done," Van Hollen said. "But I'll tell you, when that good work stops, things will go wrong." 
Last fall Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a new law which increased the scope of the pay transparency laws currently in effect in Maryland. A link to an article which I wrote about this new law can be found here www.wagetransparencylaw.com In general, the new law requires that all Maryland employers include in their job postings (internal, external, and through third parties) wage rates; a benefit description; and “any other compensation offered.”
In order to assist employers with their compliance efforts with the new amendments, the Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) issued a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) as well as a template of a model compensation disclosure. A link to the FAQs issued by the MDOL can be found here: labor.maryland.gov/labor/wages/esswagerangefaq.shtml Among other things, the FAQs address what is required to be listed in the wage range for the job position; the benefits which are required to be listed; what “any other compensation offered” means insofar as job postings are concerned; and what employers should do if they are offering a fixed rate of pay (rather than a range). Below are questions and answers included in the FAQs which addressed these issues. 1. What is required to be listed in the wage range for the position? Answer: The wage range must include the minimum and maximum salary or hourly rate of compensation for the job, promotion, or transfer opportunity that the employer in good faith believes to be accurate at the time posting. This may include reference to any applicable pay scale, any previously determined range of wages for the position, the actual range of pay for current employees holding comparable positions or the amount budgeted by the employer for the positions. The wage range does not include other forms of compensation or benefits such as potential tips, employer provided insurance, paid leave including vacation time or retirement savings. 2. What benefits are required to be listed? Answer: The law requires that the posting include a general description of benefits and any other compensation elements offered for the position. Examples include: • Employer provided insurance such as health or life or other employer-provided insurance, • Paid or unpaid time off work such as paid sick or vacation days, or leaves of absence, • Retirement or savings funds such as 401(k) plans or employer-funded pension plans, or • Other forms of compensation such as the value of employer-provided meals or lodging. 3. What does “any other compensation offered” mean and is it required to be included in the posting? Answer: In addition to the wage range and benefits, the law requires that the job posting include “any other compensation offered.” This requirement is intended to broadly cover “any” other earnings or monetary compensation that an employee may receive as payment in return for work performed, including, by way of example only: • Overtime, • Compensatory time, • Differentials, • Premium pay, • Tips, • Commissions, • Bonuses, • Stock or stock options, and • Any portion of service charges. If you have a question about whether something is considered “any other compensation,” please contact the Division of Labor and Industry Wage and Labor Standards Enforcement Unit at [email protected] or call 410-767-2357 (410-767-2370 for Spanish). 4. What if the employer does not plan to offer a range but a fixed rate? Answer: If the employer is offering a single fixed rate, the posting must include the fixed rate. For example, an employer could list the pay as $30 an hour. However, an employer would not be permitted to list $30+ an hour. In order to assist employers further to provide greater clarity, the MDOL created a template that employers may, but are not required, to utilize. The use of the template is completely voluntary. However, use of a properly completed template, according to the MDOL, will satisfy the employer’s legal obligation to provide the required disclosures. A link to the template can be found here www.esscompensationdisclosureform.com NEXT STEPS The next steps which employers should consider taking in light of the new law include the following: A. Train managers on the new law, and specifically the requirements regarding wage ranges, and the restrictions about asking about wage history; B. Review all internal and external job postings and advertisements to ensure that they contain the required wage range and benefit information; C. Review hiring processes, and specifically interview procedures, to ensure that the prohibitions about wage history are followed in job posts and job advertisements; D. Centralize decisions made with respect to the creation of salary range requirements; E. Ensure that there is a “good faith” basis for the wage ranges established; F. Employers who are subject to pay transparency laws in more than one jurisdiction should ensure that their policies and procedures satisfy all applicable laws; and G. Explore whether there is insurance for violations of the new law. Marc R. Engel is a shareholder at Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chartered where he is a member of the firm’s Employment and Labor Group and Litigation Group. He advises employers of all types of employment issues, performs human resource audits, and conducts training on a variety of employment issues, including strategies for improving hiring, performance management, retention and avoiding discrimination and harassment claims. He also litigates and mediates employment and business disputes and counsels clients on litigation avoidance strategies. For more information about human resource audits or the employment practice, please contact Mr. Engel at (301) 657-0184 or by email at [email protected]. For more information about the firm, please visit our website at www.lerchearly.com. This article is not intended to provide legal advice, including legal advice as to any specific matter. Guest Blog by Sean Makulowich, IdeaFire  December isn’t just about ugly sweaters, stuffing your face with candy canes, or rewatching Elf for the 147th time – it’s also National Business Plan Month! As the holiday season reminds us to be merry and bright, there’s no better time to get your entrepreneurial ducks in a row before the new year than by writing or revising your business plan. If writing one feels about as exciting as going to the dentist for a cavity, you’re not alone. Fear not – IdeaFire and Generative AI are here to serve as your trusty sidekicks and help you transform your vision into a well-structured plan that can impress investors, business partners, and even your most skeptical relatives.
A business plan is not just another business document – it’s your playbook, pitch deck, and financial compass all rolled into one. It is imperative that your business plan is well-written, highlights your business in all the right ways, and includes some critical information so that anyone reading it takes you and your business seriously. Before we dive it, I’d be remiss if I didn’t strongly suggest that you have an experienced attorney review your business plan once it’s complete to make sure that you have all the required language included and presented properly. Ok, now for the fun part. Below, I’ll break down the essential elements of a business plan, explain how Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc. can simplify each section with specific prompts, and I’ll even give you a few tips to sprinkle some Shark Tank magic into your masterpiece. Lastly, wherever you see brackets “[ ]” in a prompt below, this is where you need to add specific information about your business. Are you ready? Let’s go! The Essential Elements of a Business Plan (with AI Prompts for Each Section)
Tips for Making the Most of Generative AI
When in Doubt, Call In the Experts – IdeaFire Is Here to Help! Still feeling stuck? That's where IdeaFire comes in. At IdeaFire, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs, startups, SMBs, and global enterprise organizations leverage the power of Generative AI and the latest digital marketing tactics to grow their businesses. From helping clients craft compelling business plans and investor pitch decks, to building tailored marketing and advertising strategies that fuel growth and success, IdeaFire’s got your back! Visit us at IdeaFire.com to learn more about how IdeaFire can help ignite your brand and leverage the latest generative AI tools to grow your business, boost productivity, and enhance operational efficiency. This National Business Plan Month, remember: a great business plan is the first step to great success. With AI as your co-pilot and IdeaFire as your guide, you'll be properly equipped for rapid growth. So, grab your coffee, tea, or a cocktail (no judgment), fire up that laptop, and let's make some magic happen! After all, failing to plan is planning to fail – and you're not about to let that happen… are you?
Help protect yourself and your employees from serious diseases including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia Like eating healthy and exercising regularly, getting vaccinated is an important part of staying healthy and preventing serious complications from preventable diseases. This is especially true during the fall and winter when respiratory diseases become more common as people spend time indoors for school, work, and holiday gatherings. In the US, illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia affect many people each year and also impact employers and businesses. Flu alone costs an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the US annually. Despite how serious these diseases can be, a recent survey by the Bethesda-based National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), found that less than 1 in 5 US adults expressed concern about themselves or someone in their family getting a respiratory infection this fall and winter. For the current season, nearly half (45%) indicated that they do not plan to or are unsure if they will get vaccinated against flu, and the majority (61%) do not plan to or are unsure if they will get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. This is a concerning trend, since getting vaccinated can help you stay healthy, avoid missing work or school, and help prevent you from spreading a potentially serious disease to friends, family, or co-workers who may be at greater risk. Those at higher risk include pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Vaccines can help make symptoms milder, reduce the amount of sick time, and help prevent the need for medical care or hospitalization. NFID has developed a checklist to help make sure that you and your employees are up to date on recommended respiratory vaccines: Flu (Everyone age 6 months and older) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. Flu is not just a common cold. While the numbers vary, each year in the US, millions of people get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu-related complications. COVID-19 (Everyone age 6 months and older) CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine this season to help protect against new variants that are circulating. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same time. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and strongly recommended for pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. If you recently had COVID-19, you can delay getting an updated vaccine by about 3 months, but you should get vaccinated then. RSV (Older adults, pregnant women/infants) Although symptoms may be mild, RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia in young children and can cause hospitalization and death in older adults as well. RSV vaccination is currently recommended as a one-time dose for all adults age 75 years and older, adults age 60-74 years who have certain risk factors, and pregnant women to help protect their infants. For infants born to mothers who did not get an RSV vaccine while pregnant, a monoclonal antibody is recommended. Pneumococcal disease (Young children, older adults, those with certain medical conditions) Pneumococcal vaccines (sometimes called pneumonia vaccines) are recommended for all children younger than age 5 years, adults age 50 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease (asthma or COPD), kidney or liver disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or other conditions and treatments that weaken the immune system Vaccines can help prevent the spread of disease and keep symptoms milder for those who do get sick. Employers play a key role in protecting their workforce and the community by encouraging vaccination as part of a healthy workplace culture. Learn more at www.nfid.org. Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. Guest Blog by Rayetta Michael, Help in the Home  We love to see others grow in every area of their lives, and we can’t wait to see you succeed too. Lessons are best learned when shared, so we are going to reveal our top 15 tips that got us to where we are today. It’s time to realize your value! 1. Servant leadership is the only way. Our organizational chart places our clients at the top, staff below clients, leadership below staff and co-founders at the bottom. We don’t see how we could do what we do with excellence any other way. 2. Hire people who are smarter than you. We are constantly patting ourselves on the back for hiring highly-skilled individuals. We learn something everyday from the amazing people who work at Help in the Home. 3. Foster collaboration instead of competition. The metro DC area can be a breeding ground for competition. We have found that we thrive better on collaboration both internally and externally. 4. Hire people with heart. Working with individuals and families struggling with complex mental illness is really hard work. You have to love it to be good at it. 5. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Pacing yourself and remaining flexible in how you approach each new season of business is a lesson that takes time to learn but is key to avoiding burn out ! 6. Have a growth mindset. In order to maintain standards of excellence, you have to be willing to change and learn. That never stops and we instill this mindset with every person that joins our team. 7. Start with gratitude. We start our days focused on gratitude. We’ve found it’s the best way to stay grounded throughout the entire day and especially important on the hard days. 8. Self-care is essential. You can’t fill anyone else’s cup unless you’ve filled your own first. Take good care of yourself and it will reflect in how you show up for your clients and staff. 9. Vulnerability is strength. It is common in our society for vulnerability to be viewed as weakness. However, we’ve found that incredible strength and growth comes from exposing and sharing our vulnerabilities with others. 10. Trust, but verify. It’s important to hire people that you trust, while maintaining a system of checks and balances that holds everyone accountable. This helps with ensuring the standard of excellence we strive for. 11. Don’t manage, lead. When you hire the right people, they don’t need you to micro-manage their time. Lead by giving people the tools and support they need to be successful. 12. Diversity, equality and inclusion improves everything. Full stop. 13. Presence is a best practice. Be present. Truly showing up for yourself, with your clients and staff is where the magic happens. It takes practice! 14. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Perfection is unattainable. Know that there are opportunities lying within mistakes. Embrace the struggle and see it as a gift. 15. Infuse joy. This is at the very core of Help in the Home’s mission. Take every opportunity you can to celebrate victories, no matter how small they may seem. Even in the most difficult times. We wouldn’t be where we are today if we had worried about every little thing that was thrown our way. This is your reminder to not sweat the small stuff! You will find joy when you surround yourself with growth-minded people who are willing to have your back while stretching you to be your best. We hope you have gleaned some of the wisdom we have acquired throughout this journey to make your own path a little smoother. About Help in the Home: Help in the Home strives to be known for their passionate approach and guiding motivation to add value to the communities we’re in. They believe in the importance of creating an inclusive community that provides housing and therapeutic support for people with severe mental illness– one where warmth, care, and support are present – is priceless. Co-founders Stacy or Rayetta would love to connect with you - e-mail [email protected] to learn more about their business model and how you can work together.
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Welcome!Our Chamber Blog is designed to provide you information about The Chamber, our members, advocacy and legislative updates, and important business tools. Archives
September 2025
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