February is a month filled with expressions of love and appreciation. We shower our significant others and close friends with affection, but how often do we extend that same care to ourselves? With the holiday season behind us, now is the perfect time to refocus on self-love—prioritizing both our physical and mental well-being.
In today’s fast-paced world, self-love isn’t just a trendy concept; it’s essential for overall health and happiness. But what does it really mean? It’s about taking intentional steps to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, even when life gets hectic. To make prioritizing health easier, Mission Health has partnered with First Stop Health, a virtual primary care and mental health counseling service, giving employees seamless access to essential care.
Mission Health’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Communications, Cheri Kauset, defines self-love as, “taking care of yourself ensures being present, positive, and fully there when someone you care about needs you.” For those in skilled nursing—a profession that operates 24/7—it’s especially critical to stay healthy, both for ourselves and for the residents we serve.
The good news? Mission Health employees enrolled in any of the company’s three medical benefits plans automatically receive access to First Stop Health at no extra cost. From primary care and urgent care to preventative services and mental health counseling, these virtual care options make prioritizing self-care more convenient than ever. No waiting rooms, no long delays, just accessible healthcare when and where you need it.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Life is full of challenges, and at times, finding the self-love we seek can feel like an uphill battle. “What you focus on magnifies and can truly become your reality. So, I do my best to step back, tap into those great minds around me for advice and guidance, then reset and move forward,” says Kauset.
While we often turn to friends and family for support, there are times when professional guidance can make all the difference. First Stop Health provides 24/7 mental health counseling, helping employees navigate difficult emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve overall well-being.
For Catrisse Alvord, Director of Food Hospitality and Nutrition, self-love involves running and physical exercise. However, during training, she faced mental blocks that made progress difficult. By utilizing First Stop Health’s counseling services, she gained the support she needed to overcome those challenges and enhance her mental well-being.
Knowing when to seek help is key. Consider reaching out if you experience:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
- Reliance on alcohol, drugs, or other coping mechanisms
- A chronic health condition that impacts mental health
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Major life transitions or loss of a loved one
- A general feeling of needing to talk with someone
If you notice shifts in your mood, behavior, or relationships, First Stop Health counselors are ready to provide the support you need.
Physical Health and Self-Love
Self-love isn’t just about mental well-being, it also means taking care of your body. Kauset and Alvord both use First Stop Health’s virtual primary and urgent care services to bypass the hassle of traditional doctor visits.
“I currently use the First Stop Health urgent care feature. Because of the 24/7 access, I have been able to speak with a doctor within minutes, pick up meds within the hour, and get on the path to recovery much sooner than with traditional healthcare,” shares Kauset.
First Stop Health’s physicians take the time to understand your medical history and provide personalized care. Employees can establish a relationship with a primary care physician and schedule appointments within days—rather than waiting weeks or months.
Urgent care services also allow you to consult a doctor within minutes for common concerns like colds, flu, rashes, UTIs, and more, so you can start feeling better sooner.
A Healthier, Happier You
First Stop Health has helped many Mission Health employees save time, money, and stress. “First Stop Health has opened options for me and my family—enabling access sooner, from home, with healthcare solutions that meet the needs of a teen, young adult, and those of us with a few more years on us,” says Kauset. Employees can also add immediate family members to their account, even if they’re not on the Mission Health medical plan. Best of all, these services are completely free for covered employees—no copays, no extra fees, just stress-free healthcare.
2025 is an opportunity to recommit to self-care. For Kauset, this means drinking more water, working out, and finding ways to continuously improve her mental and physical health.
Are you ready to take the next step? Join the Mission Health Self-Love Challenge and kick-start your journey toward better health. Whether it’s scheduling a free mental health counseling session, primary care visit, or urgent care consultation, First Stop Health is here to support you every step of the way.
Prioritize yourself today—because when you take care of you, you can be your best for those who need you most.
