Looking after your eyes can be a costly business – whether it’s the annual check-up at the opticians or subsequently having to put your hand in your pocket and cover the cost of new glasses or contact lenses whenever your prescription changes.

While there isn’t any hard evidence linking long-term use of VDUs (Visual Display Units) to eye damage, what we do know is that office staff often complain of symptoms such as eye straining and fatigue far more than those who don’t use them in their day-to-day lives.

As we look ahead to National Eye Health Week (NEHW) which takes place from the 18th to the 24th September, we wanted to introduce our very latest guest blogger. Sally Perkins saw her mum suffer a serious eye disease which resulted in her losing both her sight and her independence. Here she shares her experiences of this debilitating condition and encourages others to recognise the signs as early as possible…

It’s unfortunately the case that on occasion we’re likely to suffer from a range of common disorders, including headaches, migraines, sinus congestion and hormonal problems. For many of us, these will come and go without the need for intervention. But for some, these health complaints may require the need for specialist treatment.

Holidays, what are they for? Lounging around incessantly on sunbeds close to a hotel pool, or an endless array of Instagram ‘selfies’ that prove that your Monday is actually better than the next. But one thing they most certainly are not for, is worrying about the health of you and your family.

It’s always been professed that money makes us happy. Indeed, having money enables us to buy the things we want – that brand new pair of shoes you’ve been ogling for weeks, the latest Apple invention to hit the shops, or perhaps a new car is more your style?

With the average waiting time for a routine GP appointment in the UK currently at 14 days and expected to rise to 17 days by the end of 2017*, many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to access GP services when we need them.

As we mark national Stress Awareness Month this April, a campaign launched to help raise awareness about the causes and cures of stress and other mental health issues, it seemed the perfect time to introduce our latest guest blogger. Jade Secker is a charity fundraiser and former Miss Black Country who has struggled with her mental health for the past five years. Here she shares her experiences, talks about her battle with the ‘stigma’, and offers her insight into how others can get help and support…

This week, we’re delighted to introduce you to our newest guest blogger, Karen Henley. Karen is a fully qualified hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and coach and has special interests in anxiety, stress, improving confidence, phobias and weight loss, amongst others.

We all know that meditation is considered to do be one of the best forms of relaxation – not only is it proven to improve your immune system and reduce blood pressure, but it’s also known for increasing mental strength and improving your mood. Sound good?

French workers have recently received the ‘right to disconnect’ from emails out of hours, raising many questions about good practice in the workplace here in the UK.

At Paycare, we’re proud to offer cash plans which cover a wide range of health benefits including, of course, the basics such as dental care, eye tests and physiotherapy.