Category Archives: Health Issues

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

TEN WAYS TO INTRODUCE WHOLE FOODS INTO YOUR FAMILY’S MENU (Guest Post)

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While trying to eat healthier, one way you can do so is by consuming more whole foods.  By eating more whole foods you are helping to strengthen your body’s immune system, which allows it to fight off colds and other illnesses more easily, as well as providing it with plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.  Have you ever wondered why certain people never seem to get sick while others always seem to be sick?  People may chalk it up to good genes, but much of the time it’s because they eat a healthy diet rich in whole foods.  Here are 10 ways you can incorporate more whole foods into your family’s diet and get on the path to healthier living.

1. Portion out fruits and veggies and keep them in the fridge for snacking.  Kids and adults alike will readily grab a snack from the fridge if it’s convenient. The problem is that most of the time the most convenient options are chips and other unhealthy snack foods that come pre-portioned. Keeping pre-portioned baby carrots, apple slices, and other whole foods in individual containers in the fridge make them easier to grab, which makes them much more likely to be eaten. Eliminate the bad snack choices and offer only the healthy choices instead. 
2. Add fruit to every meal.  Most people like fruit because it’s a sweet snack option, but in a natural and healthy way.  The FDA recommends that half your plate be filled with fruits and veggies.  Fruit can also be mixed into a smoothie or consumed as a 100% juice.  However when you can, choose whole fruits, because the fiber content of whole fruits is very important to a healthy diet according to the American Dietetic Association.
3. Make a salad for lunch.  Instead of filling the kids up with white bread sandwiches for lunch try fixing them a salad.  By adding things like dried and fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and lots of different veggies to the lettuce base it becomes a tasty meal.  By incorporating some of the kids’ favorites they will be more likely to eat the salad.  If you are worried about protein feel free to add in some beans or lean meat.
4. Set aside one night a week to eat vegetarian.  Call it Meatless Monday or Tofu Tuesday and make it a fun experience for your family.  Make vegetarian lasagna using thinly sliced eggplant instead of pasta, and top it with plenty of low-fat cheese. Your family will be pleasantly surprised at how much it tastes like their old favorite.  Soups are another easy way to go meatless, as are other pasta or casserole options.

5. Instead of a starch, serve two vegetables.  An easy way to get more vegetables into your family’s diet is by making two veggies with dinner.  Leave out the pasta or potato that you might normally fix and serve a green salad and asparagus with a proper portion of meat instead.
6. Sweeten food with pureed fruit instead of sugar or syrup.  If the kids normally enjoy waffles with syrup for breakfast, change it up so that they are eating whole grain waffles and some pureed strawberries or blueberries in place of the syrup. The natural sweetness from the fruit will make a nice alternative to the regular syrup topping.
7. Eat fruit for dessert.  Sliced fresh fruit in a bowl with a little honey drizzled over it will make a light and refreshing end to any meal.  To save money, try to look for fruits that are in season, or choose a good quality frozen fruit or fruit canned in its own juice.  During the summer try grilled fruit for dessert.
8. Serve smoothies to your family for an on-the-go breakfast choice.  Start with frozen fruit and you won’t need to add ice to the blender.  If your kids don’t like veggies, you can easily hide them in a smoothie and they will never know, and for some extra protein blend in some Greek yogurt.  These sweet concoctions can be made for four people just as easily as they can be for one, and offer a healthy option that’s perfect for the most important meal of the day.
9. Whole foods aren’t limited to just fruits and veggies.  Anything that is consumed as close to how it appears in nature is considered to be a whole food.  For instance, a baked or grilled chicken breast is unprocessed and unrefined, so it is a whole food and a very healthy protein choice, as are eggs and fish.
10. Add beans to everything.  Okay, maybe not everything, but kidney beans can be added to sautéed ground turkey to make chili, and black beans can be added to some lettuce with some whole kernel corn, and fresh tomato salsa for a southwest salad. Beans are an easy, healthy way to bulk up nearly any savory meal.

Our thanks to Suzanne Cullen, who works with Aupair.org for sending this very useful advice on healthier eating.  Many companies encourage their employees to eat healthy and participate in fitness programs.  If we would all get on the bandwagon, and teach our children to get in the habit of grabbing a piece of fruit rather than chips or cookies, we’d have a healthier generation coming up! 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing

NOW’S THE TIME TO GET OUT THE BUG REPELLENT!

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Every summer time, we are “bugged” by those pesky critters……flies, gnats, mosquitoes, bees, yellow jackets, wasps – you name it, we have it!  At this time, however, the biggest culprits are mosquitoes, those that are carrying a disease called West Nile Virus.  West Nile Virus causes an infection that is spread by certain kinds of mosquitoes.  They become infected when they bite infected birds.  Then, they spread the virus when they bite people or animals, such as horses.  This virus cannot spread from animals to people or from person to person  through casual contact. 

West Nile Virus causes an infection that can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), the spinal cord (myelitis), or the tissues surrounding it and the spinal cord (meningitis).  There is no specific treatment available.  Mild infections go away on their own, with the use of mild pain  relievers.  Persons who are more susceptible to the virus are those over age 50 and those who have cancer, diabetes and kidney disease, or those with underlying health problems, as well as those who have received organ transplants.  

Dallas County, Texas’ second most-populated county, authorized aerial spraying of insecticide on Friday for the first time in almost five decades to help fight the mosquito-born illness.  Thus far, 12 North Texas residents have died.  This year, the Texas Department of State Health Services has tracked 214 cases of the neuro-invasive West Nile, the most serious form of the illness.  Because it is just now becoming the peak season for the illness, agency officials fear the state will break the record number for such cases, which was 438, reported in 2003.  Texas isn’t the only state reporting this virus, so persons everywhere should take precautions. 

People should do everything they can to avoid mosquitoes.  Some ways to control them around your home are:

            Remove their habitat (where they live and breed.  Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys or any other container where they can breed.  Also, empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.  Keep swimming pool water clean and circulated.  Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.

            To prevent your exposure to mosquitoes: use EPA-regulated mosquito repellents when necessary and follow directions and precautions closely.  Head nets, long sleeves and long pants should be worn if you are going into areas with high mosquito populations.  Stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are active.  Be sure your window and door screens are “bug tight.”  Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights, which tend to attract fewer bugs than ordinary lights.  Remember the yellow lights are not repellents. 

There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause high fevers, headaches and disorientation.  As stated earlier, however, most go away on their own.

This situation has become more serious because of the warm winter that insects lived through, and the extreme dry conditions that certain areas have experienced. 

The best solution is to stay inside, especially at night.   For those who must work outdoors, there are many types of mosquito repellents.  DEET has been proven to be a most effective repellent for mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, deer flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats and fleas.  There is even a type of netting  for those who must wear hardhats or ball caps!

 

Source: CNN,
ABC News, A.P., CDC, Texas Department of State Health Services

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

***Keeping Yourself Healthy In An Unhealthy Modern Environment***

 Unhealthy environments exist all around us, whether they are rooted by our inactivity in offices while sitting at desks all day, or if they stem from psychologically damaging exposure to unpleasant scenarios. Keeping yourself healthy in an unhealthy modern environment can make all of the difference in your appearance, health and wealth, and here is how.

Physical Health
Although it would be ideal to hit the gym every day, while consuming perfectly portioned and healthy meals at every turn, it certainly is not practical. So what do you do when you cannot break away for a workout, or consume meals on the fly with the maximum health benefits? You make it up as the day goes along.

Workout at the Office
If an afternoon at the gym is out of the question, evaluate the environment around you to develop alternate physical activity.
• Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
• Walk to Lunch Spots & To Complete Errands
• Park Farther Away from Your Office
• Exit Public Transportation a Stop or Two Earlier than Usual
• Walk or Run Around the Building During Your Lunch Hour
• Stand While You Work
Eating Habits
Just because you are working sixty hours a week does not mean you should depend on fast food to deliver your meals, or vending machines to satiate a 2pm snacking crave. Both alternatives can lead to the ingestion of excess fat, calories, sodium and preservatives which are just as terrible for the waistline as they are your skin, hair and overall health.
• Plan Ahead and Prepare Healthy Lunches to Keep at the Office
• Turn to Healthy Snacking Options by Keeping Them Readily Available
• Drink Lots of Water Throughout the Day
• Order Healthy Options at Restaurants: Salads, Fruits, Nuts & Yogurts
• Do Not Skip Meals

Mental Health
Stress and anxiety are not only harmful to your overall physical health, but they can compromise your mental health and ability to make sound decisions throughout the day. Stress can lead to hasty decisions, oversights and lack of logic in an effort to produce results. There are a number of ways to improve your mental health throughout the day, just by making time to do so.
• Pause & Take Deep Breaths When You Feel Overwhelmed
• Take a Walk When You Are Out of Sorts to Collect Yourself
• Exterminate Toxic Relationships with Negative Friends or Family Members
• Remove Yourself from Stressful Situations as Quickly as Possible
• Remember What Makes You Happy and Think of Those Things Often

Modern Interruptions & Solutions
If the world was not complicated enough, dealing with family, friends and coworkers on a daily basis, now you are consumed by social media outlets that can enlighten you to everything everyone else in the world is doing too. Constant exposure to other people’s stress, negative behavior and varying personalities can invite stress and anxiety into anyone’s life. There are a number of steps you can take to remove yourself from unhealthy environments, even when they are occurring online.
• Avoid Upsetting News Stories and Media Outlets
• Turn Your Phone Off at Night to Sleep More Soundly
• Allow a Specific Amount of Time to Be Spent on Social Media
• Enjoy Friends & Family in Person, Whenever Possible
• Leave Your Phone at Home or in the Car During Social Visits
• Do Not Get Involved with Conversations or Arguments that Do Not Concern You

Focus your physical and mental well-being around positive scenarios, eliminating negative people, practices and situations from your life as much as possible. This application is different for everyone, so it is important to evaluate all aspects of your life to recognize either the people or the events that are causing you to maintain an unhealthy lifestyle, physically or mentally. If you are unhappy or unwell there is certainly a root to its cause. Identify it and obliterate it.

Would you like MORE energy, BETTER health, and MORE vitality in your life?  Discover the all natural health secrets that can help you feel great and live the healthy life you deserve, visit www.agingfit.com today!

Thanks to Glen Greenbaum, for this good advice on how we can be healthier if we just listen to these suggestions! pb

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TEN MOST COMMON OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES IN THE U.S. (Guest Post)

 

Today’s guest author is Carol Brown, who has sent some very interesting facts and figures regarding work-related illnesses.

Accidents happen anywhere, anytime, even when proper safety and training steps are taken. Every year, thousands of workers file claims after something within the system hiccups and compromises their overall well-being, or quite simply, because the demands of the positions themselves begin wearing down the body with continuous physical stress. Injuries, which the government lumps in with illnesses, run the most rampant in the offices, warehouses, roads, and other workplaces across the United States.

For consistency’s sake, all numbers have been culled from the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s 2010 study of nonfatal occupational illnesses requiring days away from work.

  1. Sprains, Strains, and Tears:

In 2010, 46.9 out of 10,000 workplace-related injuries and illnesses came in the form of what the Bureau of Labor Statistics labels “sprains, strains, and tears.” Forty-three percent of these incidents occurred because of workers overexerting themselves, with 36% impacting the back. Yet such injuries to the shoulders actually required more time away from work than any other body part, with an average of 21 days. Back sprains, strains, and tears have actually declined in the previous years and at a rate faster than any other body part, no less.

  1. Musculoskeletal Disorders:

The BLS lumps all musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses into one statistic, and they make up 34.3 out of 10,000 on-the-job incidents. Most complaints involve the back, but rotator cuff disorders, carpal tunnel, and other nonspecified pains are also extremely common. All of them have experienced an increase over time, especially amongst those working as orderlies, nurses, and attendants.

  1. Overexertion:

Twenty-seven out of 10,000 total workplace injuries and illnesses occurred because of overexertion, marking an increase of 3% from previous years. Social assistance and healthcare positions in the private sector experienced far more strain-related conditions, at a staggering rate of 48 per 10,000 employees. Overexertion in lifting comprised 13.2 of the 27 reported cases, and the aforementioned “sprains, strains, and tears” stood as the most likely result of pushing the body beyond its limitations.

  1. General Soreness and Pain:

Overall body pain, including the back, accounted for 13.3 out of 10,000 reported on-the-job injuries and illnesses, and 11% required recovery at home or a convalescence center. Labor jobs unsurprisingly stood as the riskiest when it comes to suffering the symptoms, particularly among workers in transportation and warehousing. Twenty-eight out of 10,000 of such employees reported severe soreness and pain, with a median of 17 days away from the job to properly recover.

  1. Bruises and Contusions:

The BLS reports that 9.9 out of every 10,000 workplace injuries involved contusions and bruises, and a total median of four days away from work to heal. Numbers also reveal that 2.2 out of 10,000 incidents of multiple injuries also involve bruising as well as sprains. Once again, transportation and warehouse workers experienced the highest rate of suffering the conditions, with 20.2 out of 10,000.

  1. Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures:

Twenty-nine percent of the 9.1 of 10,000 cut, laceration, and puncture reports involved some sort of incident regarding work-related equipment, with fingernails and fingers the most vulnerable body bits, accounting for 26%. At 1.1 of 10,000 Punctures stand as far less common than cuts and lacerations, which the BLS lumps together. Employees in the refuse and recyclable material collection industry suffered these injuries significantly more than their counterparts elsewhere, with a staggering 185.9 out of 10,000 reporting slices and dices.

  1. Fractures:

Fractures accounted for 8.5 out of 10,000 reported workplace injuries and illnesses, and employees diagnosed with the condition needed a recuperation period of 28 days away from the job. The hunting industry claims 21.1 of the 2010 numbers, making it the most at-risk demographic, followed by mining (17.9) and construction (17.7). As a part of the BLS’ statistics regarding multiple sustained injuries and illnesses, it only afflicts .9 out of 10,000.

  1. Multiple Injuries and Disorders:

Workers who experienced more than one diagnosis concurrently form an entire grouping according to the BLS, who cited 5.7 instances out of every 10,000 in 2010. Hunting again exists as the most vulnerable career path to sustaining multiple traumatic injuries and illnesses, at a rate of 11.3 out of 10,000, and, as seen previously, instances involving strains and bruises are more common than those with fractures and burns. However, law enforcement officials were the most likely (33.3 out of 10,000) to require time away from work in order to recuperate.

  1. Back Pain:

Four out of 10,000 workplace injuries and illnesses specifically involved some form of back pain, whether alone or in conjunction with some other body part. Owing to the nature of their positions, both intercity and transit bus drivers suffer the most, in both categories — 96.1 out of 10,000 for combined pain and 44 out of 10,000 for just the back. In total, though, cases hailing from all professions only needed about eight days outside of work for a recovery to take place.

  1. Heat Burns and Scalds:

Food service employees, at a rate of 8.5 for every 10,000 workers, suffer from scalds and heat burns more than their counterparts in any other industry. Across the board, though, these injuries still sported a rate of 1.6 out of 10,000 reported cases of occupational incidents. On average, burns and scalds required a median of eight days to properly heal enough for patients to safely return to work.

Thanks, Carol, for sending these facts and figures about work-related injuries.  There are many types of personal protective equipment that help prevent injuries and protect our bodies from the hazards related to fit each particular job.  Please check out Texas America Safety Company for more information. pb

 

(http://www.onlinecollege.org/2012/07/03/10-most-common-occupational-illnesses-u-s/).

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOW TO COMMIT TO LIFETIME HEALTH AND FITNESS TO AVOID HEART DISEASE (GUEST POST)

If you want to maximize the quality of your health now while potentially fighting off heart disease in the future, it is first important to look at the lifestyle you are living now. Once you have analyzed your life for places that need a healthier improvement, you will know the types of changes you must make in order to become a healthier person while reducing your risk of heart disease. If you need help figuring out what types of changes are necessary for you to maintain great body and heart health, the following information may help you out. 

1. Quit Smoking

This is probably an obvious bit of information, but smoking is really bad for your health. Not only can smoking cause lung problems, but it can cause a variety of other problems including heart trouble. It does not matter how many years you have smoked because once you stop the damage you have already done will begin to heal. If you truly want to stay healthy while protecting your heart from harm, quit smoking as soon as possible. 
2. Drink Moderately
Recent studies have shown that a once daily glass of beer or wine is actually beneficial to the heart. If you like to drink and you often drink way more than the beneficial amount of alcohol, alcohol can be extremely damaging to your body and the health of your heart. If you drink more than the beneficial amount of alcohol per day, it is wise to cut down on your alcohol intake if you want to protect your heart. 
3. Exercise
If you truly want to create a lifetime of health that will help you avoid heart disease, you must exercise. You don’t have to join a gym to get the exercise you need, simply taking a walk will do. Any type of energy you exert during the day, be it while housecleaning, or from a jog around the neighborhood, exercise is an important way to stay healthy while fighting off heart disease. 
4. Good Diet
What you eat is very important to the overall health of your body and your heart. If you have a diet that consists mainly of fast food or other unhealthy, vitamin lacking meals, you can do damage not only to your body, but also to your heart. Try to make sure that your diet is full of food rich in the important vitamins and minerals that are essential to good health. What you eat can have a drastic impact on the health of your heart so if you want to protect it, you need to eat healthier. 
 
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. While it may be a horrible disease to have which can seriously endanger your life, the good news is that you have the power save your heart health. By committing to a lifetime of health and fitness techniques that will keep both your body and heart healthy, you will be committing to a lifetime of good health.
 
Peter Larnick writes about health, finance & more at www.lifeinsurancequotes.org
 
If we could only teach our children to stay away from the junk food and exercise more, we’d see a healthier group of young people, too! pb  Thank you for this excellent article, teaching us the simple basics of a healthy life. pb

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Guest Post U

The University of Great Content
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHY CHRONIC MUSCLE ACHES SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED (GUEST POST)

People who work out or exercise on a regular basis will often feel sore after an intense workout, but if the soreness stays for some time, you may want to seek medical attention. Muscle pain could be happening for several reasons, most of which are harmless. However, when the pain is chronic and it impacts your daily life, something more serious could be wrong. Never ignore muscle aches and pains, as the time that you are wasting to find out the source could make matters worse. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you may be suffering.

Pinched Nerve

If you have a pinched nerve, the feeling can be a constant pain that throbs from the nerve to the muscles without stopping. When there is too much pressure being put on the tissues that are around the nerves, this will cause a pinched nerve. If you have a pinched nerve, several things can make it worse. Obesity, bad posture, intense exercise routines, and repetitive movements can all make you feel worse. To recover from this, much rest is needed and often times if the case is extreme, physical therapy or surgery may be needed. 

Fibromyalgia
 
If you have muscle aches throughout your entire body and the muscles are almost too painful touch, this could be fibromyalgia. Not only does the muscular pain feel horrible, but it makes you feel sleepy and exhausted. More women than men tend to have fibromyalgia and the risks of getting it increase with age. Not only should fibromyalgia be treated physically with exercise, a good diet and plenty of rest, there are times when an antidepressant will be prescribed. The positive benefit of an antidepressant is that it elevates the serotonin levels which help to lower the painful feeling in the body. 
 
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome 
 
Known as CECS, this syndrome happens when you have been doing some high impact exercises or activity that will cause lots of swelling and pain in the muscles. The symptoms of CECS get worse while you are engaged in the activity or exercise and when you rest they subside. With CECS, your muscles may feel stiff.
 
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
 
With myofascial pain syndrome pain in the muscles and being sensitive to touch the muscles are the major signs. The muscles may have some temporary aching as well. This condition is the cause of chronic muscle pains. A new injury to the muscle or not using the muscle enough may increase the risks of pain. The pain you feel with chronic muscle problems can be managed with some self care, but there also could be a need to have some medical attention as well. Often times for conditions that are not relieved with therapy or at home treatments, acupuncture, yoga, and other homeopathic treatments may be advised. Never let your chronic pain go on without treating it. 
 
Beth Roberts writes about health, finance & finding the best travel insurance.
Guest Post U
The University of Great Content
 
We’ve all heard the saying, “No Pain, No Gain,” but in most cases, this simply isn’t true.  One of the most important things a person who suffers chronic muscle disease can do is rest.  It’s hard to convince people, but rest can help overcome much of the pain. pb 
 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT SAFETY AWARENESS

As we all know, this summer is already warming up pretty quickly, and the first official day of summer isn’t until June 20th!  OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the United States.  NOAA is including pertinent worker safety information on its Heat Watch Web page.   

 Because conditions are extremely hot with high humidity this season, companies would be wise to follow all advisories to keep their employees as safe as possible during this trying time. 

Which brings up the question, how much water should we drink?  Water is the body’s principle chemical component and makes up about 60 per cent of your body weight.  Your entire body’s system depends on water.  Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.  You can become tired and suffer energy loss with even mild dehydration.   We’ve all been told to consume six to eight glasses of water per day.  Dr. Margaret McCartney, a Scottish physician, states that there is no quality scientific evidence to support this recommendation, which she says can lead to over-hydration in some individuals.  This eight-glass formula doesn’t fit everyone.  The more active a person is, the more they will need to replace fluids.  Larger people, pregnant and nursing women, and those who take dehydrating medications will likely need to add more water to their diet.  

The Mayo Clinic staff suggests that your water needs depend on many factors, such as your health, how active you are, and where you live.  Because water is essential to good health, needs vary by individual.  If you use thirst as a guide for when to drink, by the time you are thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated.  As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst.  Here are some tips to ward off dehydration, and make sure your body has the fluids it needs:

  • Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal;
  • Hydrate before, during and after exercise;
  • Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social events. 

Many outside workers are exercising in temperatures that are very hot,  causing them to sweat more.  These folks will need to increase their water intake.  Oral hydration solutions, such as Powdered Gatorade Mix, Powerade or CeraLyte may help those who are in situations that cause them to sweat heavily.  Some experts recommend that bodies only need a minimal amount to keep the body in balance and give that energy kick.  Sometimes simply taking sips or swishing a sports drink will do the trick. 

At home, select foods that keep you hydrated and healthy.  Strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelon, and peaches are packed full of water and potassium, which is the electrolyte lost when your body sweats.  This is a great way to balance fluids that your body needs, and regulate your heartbeat and circulation.  Plus – they are delicious!  

Rest, shade and water are very important for your employees.  Individuals know what their body needs, and they must be diligent about taking the time to stop for a drink of water throughout the day. You can find more information on the OSHA website, as well as NOAA’s  website.  Try to stay cool, take breaks during the day, and stay hydrated! 

Last, but not least, wear a hat, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts if possible, and safety sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection for your eyes.  It’s going to be a long, hot summer, so take all the precautions you can to avoid heat-related illness.

 

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

AN ANNUAL REMINDER: JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

 

The National Safety Council is the organizer of  “June – National Safety Month”.  This year’s theme is “Safety 24/7”, because the National Safety Council says, “injuries and deaths off the job greatly outnumber those on the job.” 

That is a pretty frightening thought; however, if you think back, you may remember some close calls you have already had this year.  Maybe you started daydreaming while driving, and ventured a little too far into another lane on the road.  Maybe you thought you could do that one text while driving, only to look up to another close call.  Did you do something at work, that could have hurt someone else, or yourself?  This could be a good time to focus on staying safe, both at home, work, or play. 

There is a different safety focus for each week in June.  Week #1 is Employee Wellness and PALA+ Challenge.  (PALA stands for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Plus challenge.  PALA+ is designed for anyone who wants to improve ones lifestyle by eating healthier and exercising more.  Employers will be showing their commitment to their employees’ health and safety by starting this program up.   It’s just common-sense that by eating well and exercising, we all feel better.  What better time to start exercising either at work, or after work than now?  Many industries offer fitness centers for their employees to utilize.  Exercise and proper diet are important to every individual that desires to get healthy and stay that way. 

Week #2 is focusing on Ergonomics.  This is the science of fitting the job to the worker by designing tasks and furnishing equipment to suit the capability of each worker.  The secret is to prevent injury before it occurs.  Those workers in the healthcare field who are constantly lifting and assisting patients come to mind when thinking of ergonomics.  Also, those who work in warehouses, or office workers require proper ergonomics training.  Sitting at a desk all day requires proper posture, lighting, and ergonomically correct furniture. 

Week #3 focus is on Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls.  Falls are one of the most common injuries in the workplace.  Falls usually result from a slip or trip.  Housekeeping is essential to protecting workers by keeping obstacles out of the walkways, furnishing good lighting, and mopping and waxing floors when workers are away from the work area.  Loose carpet or rugs, and poorly placed electric cords have also been known to cause nasty falls. 

(One more thing about falls: recently, an elderly man we know fell and lay on the floor all night, until his daughter checked on him the next day.  He couldn’t reach his cell phone and wasn’t wearing a call-alert button.  If you know someone who stays at home alone, please see that they get this life-saving device that can immediately summon someone to help.) 

Last, but not least: Week #4 is “Driving Safely!”  How on earth to we get the message across to drivers to be safe?  It seems that we all truly want to be careful drivers, yet when we get behind the wheel, our personalities change!  (Maybe not all, but some of us!)  We just published an article about “Click It or Ticket” – these officers mean business about fastening that seatbelt.  They also are very serious if a driver is caught drinking while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  There’s several culprits that contribute to distracted driving, especially cell phones.  Please, don’t text and drive!  Surely you have time to share that conversation through text or talk after you get home!  Please, for the safety of others on the road, do the right thing and turn the phone off.  The last thing my husband instructs me to do before I leave for a road trip alone is to Drive Defensively, as he has always said you never know what the other person is going to do.   

We hope you will use this information to keep yourselves and others safe.  We have wrapped up National Safety Month in one article; however, all these subjects we have written about or will continue to in future posts.  Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety are dedicated to helping keep you safe.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TOP FIVE TIPS FOR A SPRING HEALTH KICK! (GUEST POST)

During the winter months, taking care of your weight is a hassle. The cold makes it difficult to exercise and you need to have plenty of food to maintain the body heat. Coming off the winter season, you will have gained a few extra pounds that will be clinging to you. The best to get your weight on track is by improving your overall health. Follow the best tips for a perfect spring health kick and you will be able to cut down the excess flab.

1. Get Up and Start Moving

The lack of physical activity during winter has to be compensated for. Exercise is the foremost way to get a spring health kick. As the weather improves, exercising becomes easier. The lungs won’t hurt and you won’t face shortness of breath. You don’t have to sweat it out at the gym. You can complete a daily regimen with a 20 to 30 minute walk. If you have the time, take short power walks or runs several times a day. Exercise gets your blood up and running through the body. Improved blood flow takes care of a number of health problems as well as keeping your skin and hair healthy.

2. Stop Smoking and Drinking

Smoking is extremely harmful to your health. Since most of the winter months are spent indoors, smoking regularly will have caused major damage. Quitting cigarettes is the perfect way to get some fresh air into your tired respiratory system. Alcohol is fattening and can wreak havoc on your digestive system. When intoxicated, you are bound to overeat and the slow metabolism makes it nearly impossible for the food to digest properly.

3. Keep Healthy Food in the House

You decide to eat healthy for a change. When dinner time comes along, you find there isn’t much in the way of healthy food. This is a problem faced by many people. They don’t have healthy food in the house. You are not going to change your eating habits unless and until you have the options in front of you. It is time you filled your fridge up with fruits and vegetables instead of soft drinks and chocolates.

4. Sleep Well

People usually sleep longer when the weather is cold. Now that the season is changing, you have to adjust accordingly. Alter your routine to ensure that you get sufficient sleep. Proper sleep ensures that all your body’s systems are working fine. It is a precursor to an overall healthy lifestyle.

5. Have Breakfast

Last, but not the least, starting having breakfast daily. Go for a light and nutritious meal. Make sure you don’t leave your home on an empty stomach. When you don’t eat for an extended period of time, your body slows down the metabolism causing problems with digestion. Since you haven’t eaten for quite a few hours, you are bound to eat more than the usual meal to compensate for it.

These are the 5 top tips for a spring health kick.

Allan has been blogging about nutrition and healthy living for quite some time. He has published many articles on prominent health blogs. Allan’s favourite topics include health covers, diet and low impact exercises.  

Please follow these important tips for a healthy lifestyle  from our friends in Australia. pb

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ADVICE TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY

Although this comes a litle late, we want to remind you that April 2nd through April 8th was designated by the American Public Health Association as National Public Health Week.  Because almost 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that could have been prevented, even small preventive changes and community initiatives can make a big difference in living healthier lives.  Here are just a few ideas from the APHA: 

Eating and Living Healthy – eating healthier and exercising regularly can go a long way toward helping Americans lessen their risk of preventable death from causes such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer.  Try eating more fruits and less fats and sugar, and also get into the habit of eating as a family.  Aim for 60 minutes per day of physical activity for children, and at least 30 minutes for adults.  Every one of us should have 30 minutes to spare for a short walk or exercise in the home. 

Preventive Care – also matters when it comes to the mind and prescription drug abuse.  Mental health and emotional well-being are focused on, as annual deaths from prescription drug abuse have quadrupled in the last decade.  The cost of preventive screenings differ, but there is advice on how to control your out of pocket expenses.  Companies may sometimes provide screenings for their employees, and this rewards those who may need some preventive care, as well as their employer, by keeping their workers healthy. 

An ounce of mental health prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Those who suffer from depression and other mental stress can be helped by screenings, as well as therapy, or some mild form of medication.  Don’t let depression get in your way of happiness.  Signs of depression may lead to suicidal thinking.  If you know someone who may appear to have this problem, encourage them to seek professional help.

Communicable Diseases – encourage everyone to wash their hands often, every time they shop, prepare food, or handle fruits, vegetables, and meats.  Also, when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth.  Take advantage of vaccinations, such as flu shots during seasonal outbreaks.  If you become sick, stay home until you are well, in order to not expose others to your “bug”.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs – identify alcohol and drug use disorders early to reduce high-risk alcohol and drug consumption.  A person who has a problem with alcohol or drugs is a hazard at work, as well as to themselves. 

Reproductive and Sexual Health – Practice safe sex, encourage responsible contraception behavior and promote access to preventive health services.  

Our communities can play a vital role to encourage their citizens on how to live  healthy, active life styles.  Many 5K runs and walks are beneficial ways to be healthy (you have to train), and know that you are doing it for a worthy cause, as well.  Work with schools to add more physical activity into the school day, including additional physical education classes, before-and-after-school programs, and opening school facilities for student and family recreation in the late afternoon and evening.  Community leaders can also ensure their city parks are safe and in good repair, and have a community center that enables young people to have a safe place to go for multiple games and activities.

Good health information is available at hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities .  Pick up some of the brochures and you may be surprised at the good advice they offer on preventive health care.  Have a safe and healthy Spring and Summer.