Tag Archives: Nutrition

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCH – IN LIKE A LION OR LAMB?

Everyone in the United States will agree that this has been a very unusual, and very cold winter for a majority of states.  Talk about your mood swings – Mother Nature has really suffered from them this winter!  In North Central Texas, the high temperature for the final day of February was 81 degrees, and another unseasonably warm day is in today’s forecast!  So, the beginning day of March for those of us who live in this area is rather confusing, coming in like a lamb.  But, hold on – weather experts say our low on Monday, March 3rd will be 19 degrees.  Here comes the lion, and experts say there’s a lot more winter left to come this month. 

Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety want to remind our readers of the following March safety observances: 

  • March 1-31:     National Nutrition Month
  • March 1-31:     National Eye Wellness Month
  • March 2-8:       National Patient Safety Awareness Week
  • March 2-9:       National Sleep Awareness Week
  • March 16-22:  National Poison Prevention Week

For those who want to promote these safety issues at work, please mark these important dates on your calendar. 

We all know that nutrition is very important, so try to encourage your employees to keep their bodies healthy by eating well-balanced diets, and getting plenty of exercise, beginning this month (if they are not already doing so).

Eye wellness if very important to everyone.  When those working in industries that could be harmful to their eyes, the correct eye protection is required.  Eyewash stations should be available and accessible to employees.

Keeping patients  safe is the Number One priority of hospitals, home healthcare, and other facilities.  Healthcare providers strive to offer the safest possible services to their patients.  If you work in this type of environment, you are aware just how important this is.  Most hospitals will observe this week by offering free wellness screenings and other incentives of patient safety to the public.

This first week of March also serves as National Sleep Awareness Week.  Most persons know the right amount of sleep that they need to be able to perform their job responsibilites.  If one tries to work without the proper amount of rest, serious injuries could occur, either to themselves, or to a co-worker.  Take care of your body by getting enough sleep the night before.

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week.  This is another observance that should be a daily one, especially in homes with children.  It’s also a good time for employers to remind their employees that this is a very serious threat – specifically for those who work in hazardous conditions where they may become exposed to toxic fumes. 

Every month there are safety observances that we need to be reminded of.  We wish for each of you a safe March!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

IT’S NATURAL NUTRITION MONTH

There are many ways of keeping ourselves safe – from injuries on the job, hobbies, playing sports – to keeping our bodies physically fit.  March is National Nutrition Month, so what better way to start the month than by thinking about ways to be healthy?  The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics helps consumers understand how to use these suggestions into their daily lives, with themes such as this year’s, “Get Your Plate in Shape!”  Each March, the Academy encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating.  Their goal is to ensure consumers are eating the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy each day.  By focusing on My Plate, people can be more aware of the basics of healthy eating.  By making a few simple changes to their daily eating plans, they will reap the benefits for a lifetime. 

It’s easy to  find all kinds of sources of instructions for healthy eating styles, either through magazines or the internet.  Portions play a very important part of an overall diet, too.  If you say you only had one serving, but it was a huge one, the only one you are fooling is yourself.  Choose moderate servings by including at least two vegetables, meat, and  salad.  If you are slightly overweight, continue to get regular activity and stay with healthy foods.  Do you realize that if you are overweight or obese, losing just 10 pounds may lower your risk of:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Early Death 

To remain at a healthy weight, you need to balance the calories you eat with the calories you use up.  To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat.  Calories are a measure of the energy in the foods you eat.  You burn calories when you are physically active.

Eating healthy and being physically active can give you more energy throughout the day.  Move more and eat healthy foods to help: 

  • Lower your blood sugar
  • Lower your blood pressure
  • Raise your “good” cholesterol
  • Lower your “bad” cholesterol 

There will be times in your life when a family member or friend just needs a little encouragement to make a healthy change.  Here are some conversation starters that may help them start thinking about eating healthy: 

  • I care about you and want you to live a healthy life.
  • How about if we start drinking water instead of soda?
  • Eating more fruits and vegetables can make a difference in our health.
  • Next time we go out to eat, let’s share a meal, or
  • We might order on our own, but eat only half, and save the other half for tomorrow.
  • Rather than having a breakfast burrito or doughnut, how about oatmeal or whole-grain cereal?
  • Maybe we could cook and enjoy a healthy meal together once or twice a week.
  • Let’s start taking a walk every day together, or join a fitness center. 

We want our friends and family members to know that we care about them and that a healthy diet can protect them from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, bone loss, and some types of cancer.  High blood pressure is a silent killer.  As we age, it is harder to lose weight, believe me.  If your clothes from last year are tight, it’s time to cut down on certain foods, and start exercising.  A good motivation is to be able to wear the same, comfy jeans year after year. (Till they are worn out!) 

Our younger generation  loves soda and fast food,  but with parents preparing good meals for them and getting them on the right track, hopefully they won’t be victims of poor health in later years.  Healthy foods don’t have to be dull, just find the right resources to guide you onto the path to nutritious foods.  The best way to encourage your friends and family is  to set the example.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SUPERMARKET SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS

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Most shoppers know how important it is to purchase food that is safe for their family.

As money is tight these days, saving every cent matters.  But when it comes to ensuring the health of your loved ones, keep these tips in mind:

  • Start your shopping with nonperishable items first and then dairy, frozen foods, meat and poultry toward the end of your shopping trip.
  • Beware of bargains: cans that are dented or have the tops swollen could be contaminated with bacteria.
  • Sometimes items that are out of date are still on the shelves. Look toward the back of the shelf for ones with more current dates.  Be sure to check labels.
  • Don’t buy partially thawed frozen-food packages, as they could be an invitation for bacteria.
  • Pre-packaged salads are very convenient; however, they have been known to cause foodborne-illnesses.  Wash all leafy greens thoroughly and use within a few days.
  • Notice if the cases containing milk and meats are as cold as they should be (35-40°).  If the cases are crowded, the temperature may not be low enough.
  • If you live out of town, be sure to take along an ice chest in order to keep the perishable foods cold until you get home.
  • Choose supermarkets that are clean.
  • Don’t place meats or dairy products on the door shelves, as the inside of the fridge is colder than the door.
  • All produce should be washed thoroughly.
  • If you buy prepared salads from a deli, be sure you keep them cold enough until you are ready to serve them.

Once you are home from your grocery shopping and put everything away, wash your hands thoroughly before you begin dividing up meats, and other fresh foods.  Use antibacterial wipes or other antibacterial cleansers on the cutting board, cabinet, or wherever food has been.  It pays to keep things as germ-free as possible, especially in the kitchen.

Source: Health.com

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

Now that we are more than mid-way through National Nutrition Month, it’s important that we mention the significance of good nutrition for the country’s work force.  Basic common sense tells us that we need to eat healthy to stay healthy, but with the temptation of fast food and convenience of take-out and pre-packaged meals, it’s pretty easy to take the wrong path.

Younger employees think they are immune to problems caused by improper nutrition, but when they reach their 40s and 50s, they will understand what good nourishment is all about.

Good nutrition provides these benefits:

  • Energy for work and play
  • Healthy weight maintenance
  • Healthy aging
  • Preventing disease

We all need to realize that for good nutrition, we should have a meal plan that provides 45% to 65% of calories from carbohydrates; 10% to 35% of daily calories from protein; less than 10% of daily calories from saturated fat, (most should come from unsaturated fat), and 10 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed daily.  Nutritionists also advise the correct intake of calories for women/men depending on age, and job demands.

Encourage your employees to have these healthy eating habits:

  • Get most of calories from low-fat, low-sugar foods
  • Avoid fads or crash diets
  • Eat three meals per day – don’t skip meals
  • Eat reasonable portions – (don’t be guilty of “supersizing”)
  • Watch what they are eating when dining out – some restaurants are caloric minefields!
  • Refuel every four to five hours
  • Consume healthy carbs (high fiber nutrition bars, low fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt)
  • When snacking, or eating a full meal, it’s a good idea to stop when one is 80% full.  Chances are, in 20 to 30 minutes, they will feel satisfied.

To have a healthy workforce, companies could regularly incorporate nutrition programs into their safety programs.  It is to everyone’s benefit to eat healthy and exercise daily.  The results of consuming too many unhealthy foods over a period of time can result in obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and many other diseases that can shorten one’s life span.