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Blog – Page 8 – WorkCare

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  • Honor Your Heart With Healthy Choices

    Honor Your Heart With Healthy Choices

    In recognition of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, we want to remind you about ways to protect your cardiovascular health, which directly impacts quality of life and the ability to work safely.

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people at risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) do not manage their risk factors, and more than half of Americans who suffer a heart attack have no early-warning signs or symptoms.

    Some risk factors for heart disease, such as your race/ethnicity, age or genetic profile, cannot be controlled. However, people can make lifestyle changes to help prevent and manage medical conditions that increase their risk. Nearly half of U.S. adults have at least one of these three controllable risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and/or smoking. Other risk factors that can be managed for better health outcomes include diabetes, being overweight or obese, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use.

     

    Controllable Risk Factors

    When the pressure of blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high, it can damage your heart, brain and other vital organs. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is referred to as a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. You can monitor your blood pressure using a manual or automated device at home. (Refer to instructions from the American Heart Association.)

    Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver; it is also contained in certain foods. When you consume products containing cholesterol, it can build up in arterial walls, narrow arteries and decrease blood flow throughout your body. High levels of triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood, also contributes to increased risk for heart disease.

    Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for both cardiovascular disease and cancer. Among thousands of chemicals contained in cigarette smoke, more than 70 are known carcinogens, the American Cancer Society reports. The lungs, mouth, throat and bladder are among parts of the body that are particularly susceptible.

    If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, can’t use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. Your body needs glucose (sugar) for energy. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps move glucose from the food you eat to your body’s cells for energy. Over time, high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels and heart.

    Obesity is excess body fat linked to higher “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to lower “good” cholesterol levels. Obesity is a common risk factor for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Obesity may be managed with diet, exercise, medication, and in some cases, surgical solutions. Medical guidance is recommended.

     

    Heart Disease Prevention

    Here are some things you can do to help reduce your chances of getting heart disease:

    1. Check your blood pressure at least once a year, and more often if you have hypertension. Get a medical checkup if your numbers are above the healthy range for your age, and make recommended lifestyle adjustments.
    2. Limit foods high in saturated fats, sodium and added sugars. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
    3. Get regular exercise to strengthen your heart, improve circulation, stay flexible and feel more energetic.
    4. Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure, and it adds extra calories to your diet. Men are advised to have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day; women no more than one per day.
    5. If you smoke, consider enrolling in a cessation program or seek advice from your personal provider on aids to help you quit.
    6. Manage stress in healthy ways such as exercising for fun, spending quality time with others, pursuing a hobby, exploring outdoors, doing deep breathing or meditation, or talking with a therapist.
    7. Many people don’t realize they have pre-diabetes or diabetes. Get tested for diabetes if you have risk factors. If you have diabetes, carefully monitor blood sugar, use insulin as prescribed, follow an exercise routine and adopt a diet focused on fresh, not processed, foods.
    8. Get enough sleep to reduce your risk for high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Most adults need seven-to-nine hours of sleep. If you have trouble sleeping or feel excessively sleepy during the day, see a medical professional.

    Refer to this edition of WorkCare’s Wellness Monthly and our heart health fact sheet to learn more.

  • The Important Investment of Fitness-for-Duty Exams

    The Important Investment of Fitness-for-Duty Exams

    Fitness-for-duty (FFD) examinations are a useful tool employers can invest in to reduce liability exposure and help ensure the health, safety and productivity of their workforce.

    The scope of an FFD medical exam focuses on whether an employee or job applicant has the physical, mental and emotional capacity to safely perform essential tasks.

    Findings from an objective FFD assessment may be relied on to clear an employee for full return to work. Alternatively, it may identify physical or mental health conditions that increase risk for a work-related injury or compromise the safety of others. Other potential risk factors such as advanced age, chronic conditions, fatigue, obesity or substance use may also be identified.

    Many employers consider FFD exams to be an essential contributor to their organization’s sustainability and risk management efforts. They often function as an extension of required medical surveillance exams that are performed to establish baselines and measure changes in health status over time. They are also associated with drug-free workplace policies, behavioral health and employee assistance programs, and regulatory compliance efforts.

    Exam Benefits

    An assessment may be performed:

    • As part of hiring and onboarding
    • To address safety-sensitive duties
    • Prior to a change in work assignment
    • At the request of the worker or employer
    • In response to observed behavior
    • Before return to work after an illness, injury or prolonged absence
    • When there is a reasonable concern about safety

    When an employee is returning to work after an injury or illnesses, a FFW evaluation provides reassurance and information to ensure successful reintegration back into the workplace on full duty, in a temporarily modified position or with other accommodations.

    Taking Action

    A multi-disciplinary approach that includes an occupational medicine physician to interpret clinical findings is recommended. WorkCare’s Medical Exams & Travel team facilitates access to FFD exam providers via our national provider network, while our occupational physicians provide clinical oversight. We also support clients where we have onsite clinics. Employers must provide functional job descriptions and a safe work environment for successful outcomes.

    It’s important to note that FFD exams are not a substitute for routine preventive care and medical treatment recommended by a personal provider. However, in the workplace, awareness of physical and mental functional capacity reveals the value of targeted preventive interventions (including cost avoidance) and a prompt response in the event of an injury or incident.

    To learn more about WorkCare’s Medical Exams & Travel capabilities, contact us.

  • Occupational Health Encounters Close Primary Care Gap

    Occupational Health Encounters Close Primary Care Gap

    WorkCare’s occupational health physicians are preventive medicine specialists. While they focus on work-related issues, they often discover underlying health conditions while providing injury care guidance or reviewing an employee’s medical surveillance exam results.

    Occupational clinicians typically refer employees with evidence of non-work-related conditions to their primary care provider for follow-up. These referrals are especially important when employees are made aware of “silent” conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or when there is a clinical reason to assess symptoms an individual has dismissed as “nothing serious.”

    An encounter with an occupational health professional (e.g. physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other qualified provider) may be the only one an employee has in a given year. Every encounter is an opportunity to educate an employee about healthy behaviors and encourage recommended check-ups for disease prevention and care for personal health concerns.

    Occupational health encounters also help ensure that employees are physically and mentally fit for work. When employers facilitate access to occupational clinicians, they reduce the likelihood of costly absenteeism and presenteeism linked to treatable acute and chronic complaints, and they demonstrate that they care about their employees’ health, safety and well-being.

    Primary Care Shortage

    There is a national shortage of primary care physicians. This raises a critical question: Who will provide the care workers need to stay safe, healthy and productive?

    Primary care physicians comprise about one-third of the overall physician workforce in the U.S. – short of the 40 percent recommended by the Council on Graduate Medical Education, according to Primary Care in the United States, A Chartbook of Facts and Statistics published in 2021. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034 in its report on The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand.

    In 2018, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 25 percent of U.S. adults did not have a primary care doctor; 50 percent of adults under 30 did not. Affordable Care Act provisions enacted in 2010 made free or low-cost preventive care more widely available, but many Americans still do not get recommended preventive care.

    Skipping care to save money for other life essentials is relatively common. While most U.S. companies offer health insurance benefits, in some cases, employees say they cannot afford to pay the deductible. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of Americans working part time or in low-paid, hourly positions often do not have any health insurance coverage. In addition, race and ethnicity, lack of insurance coverage and certain geographic locations decrease the likelihood of obtaining primary care, according to an analysis published in Characteristics of Americans With Primary Care and Changes Over Time, JAMA Internal Medicine.)

    While there is a well-established association between robust primary care delivery and better/more equitable health outcomes, the proportion of health care dollars going to primary care is shrinking, the Commonwealth Fund reports. If under-served populations experienced the same health care use patterns as populations with fewer barriers to access, the AAMC suggests the demand for primary care physicians would exponentially increase demand.

    Healthy Workers = Productive Workers

    The workplace is a well-established venue for injury prevention and onsite first aid. Medical surveillance exams in certain occupations are federally mandated, and work-related injury care beyond first aid is state-regulated. Workplace industrial athlete and wellness programs offer opportunities for ergonomic assessments, coaching and stretching, bio-metric screening, health risk assessments, immunizations, weight management, smoking cessation and other preventive interventions.

    Occupational medicine physicians have the ability to fill care delivery gaps because of their background and training. To practice occupational medicine and attain board-certification from the American Board of Preventive Medicine, they must demonstrate competency in clinical preventive medicine and chronic disease management, as well as toxicology, environmental medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, health service and population health management, regulatory compliance, and behavioral and mental health. Before getting into occupational medicine, many providers have served in the military or practiced in family, emergency or internal medicine settings.

    Occupational health expertise is invaluable as employers and employees navigate the complex health care landscape. Whether occupational health practitioners are available onsite or virtually, they have a measurable positive impact on employees’ quality of life, health care costs and business results.

    To learn more about WorkCare’s occupational health physicians and safety services, visit our Contact Page or email us at info@workcare.com.

  • Benefits of Injury Prevention in Fast-Paced Workplaces

    Benefits of Injury Prevention in Fast-Paced Workplaces

    We’ve been doing some research on ways WorkCare’s injury prevention and management solutions can lower incident rates and help control costs in fast-paced industries.

    When employees have to move quickly to meet customer demands, their risk of injury increases. Compared to those in less physically demanding jobs, they are more likely to take safety shortcuts, overlook hazardous conditions or make mistakes due to time pressure or fatigue. Employees in the accommodations and food services industry, including restaurants, are among those with these types of exposure risks.

    Injury Trends

    Nationally, overall workers’ compensation claim frequency rates, including COVID-related claims, increased by nearly 3 percent in accident year 2021, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). In a report on workers’ compensation frequency and severity, Carolyn Wise and Kevin Fernes with the NCCI say the COVID‐19 pandemic and its economic impacts have affected claim trends across all industries. Accommodations and food services, like other types of businesses, have been impacted by closures, staff shortages, workforce repositioning, and the availability of more remote work and short‐tenure opportunities nationwide.

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there were 2.7 recordable work-related injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time workers in accommodations and food services (NAICS 72) in 2021, the most recent reporting year, with 1.3 cases per 100 involving days away from work, job restrictions or transfer.

    AmTrust Financial Services reports in its newly released 2022 Restaurant Risk Report that injury rates in restaurants declined overall in 2021, but certain types of work-related medical complaints increased significantly when compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Amtrust is a global specialty property and casualty insurer. The report features an analysis of nearly 170,000 claims over a 10-year period.

    Restaurants Operator Challenges

    AmTrust cites COVID-19 and “labor shortages, the great reshuffle and return to work” as underlying reasons for upticks in certain types of injuries in restaurants. “Restaurant workers can face high stress levels, especially with staffing shortages,” said Matt Zender, senior vice president, workers’ compensation strategy at AmTrust. “Restauranteurs should lean on their onboarding experience to ensure employee safety.”

    AmTrust found that the most common restaurant worker injuries in 2021 were cuts, punctures and scrapes; slips and falls; burns and scalds; and muscle strains and sprains. Cuts were 30 percent more common than falls and cost an average of $1,519 per claim, while slips and falls cost an average of $10,041 per claim, a 410 percent difference. Over the 10-year study period, transportation-related injuries cost the most, averaging nearly $20,000 paid out per claim, or 1,215 percent more than cuts.

    In addition, AmTrust reported the following percentage increases when comparing 2020 to 2021 restaurant-related workers’ compensation claim rates:

    • Crushing injuries increased 89 percent
    • Mental stress, 71 percent
    • Fainting, 61 percent
    • Inflammation, 35 percent
    • Strains, 23 percent
    • Dislocations, 11 percent

    AmTrust also reviewed seasonal trends and found that more restaurant injuries occur in late spring and summer than other times of the year. In general, staff hired for the season in accommodations and food services may not receive the same level of training as year-round personnel who also gain experience on the job. In other studies, teenagers – who often work at fast-food restaurants, summer camps and in other part-time jobs – and have been found to have higher-than-average injury rates compared to other populations.

    The AmTrust report includes injury prevention tips such as wearing protective gear (e.g., gloves, non-slip footwear, splatter shields and eyewear; removing trip hazards and promptly cleaning up spills; properly storing sharp objects and supplies; and reducing distractions. Training and safety reminders are encouraged.

    WorkCare’s Industrial Athlete Program features in-person and virtual consultations on ergonomics, stretching and proper lifting techniques to help reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with strenuous and repetitive tasks, and guidance to manage physical discomfort and safely using work tasks to promote healing. They also provide recommendations to help manage stress, fatigue and exposure to extreme temperatures.

    Our Incident Intervention Program offers telehealth triage to give supervisors and employees telephonic access to occupational nurses, physicians and industrial athlete specialists 24 hours-a-day in the event of a non-emergency, work-related injury. Our team provides self-care, first-aid guidance and referrals to offsite local providers for follow-up, as needed. Contact us to learn more.

  • 2023 Occupational Health Technology Trends

    2023 Occupational Health Technology Trends

    Health technology is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to revolutionize the way we approach occupational health care. Some recent advances in health technology have already had a significant impact on the way medical conditions affecting working populations are prevented, diagnosed and treated.

    Wearables

    Wearable sensors that track movement are now widely available. These devices can be comfortably worn to monitor and reduce an employee’s risk for overuse injury while doing routine tasks. Related technology, such as alert meters, smart watches and apps, support changes in personal health behaviors by tracking fatigue, heart rate, sleep patterns, daily step counts, calories burned and other health-related data.

    WorkCare partners with tech companies to offer our clients access to comfortable, wearable devices that produce data used to inform health and safety interventions for individual workers, by job category and across an enterprise. Our Industrial Injury Prevention Specialists, who have training in sports medicine, ergonomics and wellness, apply insights they gain from collected data when coaching employees on safe work practices.

    Telehealth and Telemedicine

    Telehealth and telemedicine applications allow employees to consult with occupational health practitioners and personal providers from any location with a secure internet connection. During the pandemic when access to in-person care was limited, it became commonplace to “see” a medical or behavioral health professional via a telephonic or video connection. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or who have limited access to care.

    WorkCare’s Incident Intervention team provides 24/7 telephonic first-aid guidance on work-related injuries and illness at onset. During the call, our providers can view photos of an injury while evaluating and making care recommendations. In some cases, an employee may be referred to a local provider for further evaluation. In certain markets, employees may be given the option to be referred to WorkCare TeleM.D.™ for diagnosis and potential treatment by one of our occupational physicians.

    3D Printing

    This revolutionary technology is used to create customized medical devices and prosthetics tailored to an individual’s specific needs. For example, 3D printing can make it possible for employees with hearing loss or a physical disability to be fitted with a device that allows them to work more safely and make them better qualified for more types of jobs.

    WorkCare recently introduced a Portable Hearing Conversation Program for onsite testing that does not require an audio booth. The program features use of a clinically validated, portable audiometer that complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95) regulations and American National Standards Institute (ANSI 23.6), U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada standards. The device is optimized for use in a quiet room – outside of a traditional sound booth. Tablet audiometry and paperless data management make it easy to transport, set up and use. When hearing loss is detected, an employee may be referred to a specialist to be fitted for a custom-made, in-the-ear hearing aid created using 3D technology.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can help employers and medical providers identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to humans. These data are used to identify exposure risks before they become a serious threat to health and safety, and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment plans.

    WorkCare’s dedicated information technology team focuses on the development of user-friendly platforms to simplify data collection and facilitate employee health management. For example, our Medical Exams & Travel platform facilitates medical surveillance exam monitoring and scheduling at provider locations in our national network, helps ensure regulatory compliance for organizations and securely stores medical records as required by law. Our WorkMatters’ client portal allows employers and employees to access COVID-19 prevention and management applications and medical exam functions. While protecting the privacy of employees, we use these systems to help our clients create heathier, safer workplaces.

    To learn more about WorkCare’s services and technology partners, contact us.

  • Thinking About Therapeutic Massage?

    Thinking About Therapeutic Massage?

    Post by Samantha Lemaster, Industrial Injury Prevention Specialist

    Therapeutic massage, the mobilization of soft tissue to return the body to normal functioning, may be recommended when an employee has work-related physical discomfort, is recovering from an injury, or wants to take preventive steps to stay fit and flexible.

    Therapeutic massages for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other physical complaints can help shorten recovery time.

    Types of therapeutic massages include neuromuscular, myofascial, trigger point and sports. Reasons for obtaining a therapeutic massage vary depending on the circumstances. For example, it may be recommended to help:

    • Relieve muscle aches, joint or jaw pain and headaches
    • Reduce stress-related tension and anxiety
    • Improve range of motion in affected joints
    • Correct alignment after prolonged sitting or awkward postures
    • Provide better-quality sleep for improved safety and productivity
    • Lower blood pressure and stimulate better circulation

    It’s advisable to consult with a professional, such as a WorkCare industrial injury prevention specialist with training in sports medicine and ergonomics or other qualified provider, to determine which type of therapeutic massage and local practitioner would be most likely to produce the best results.

    Insurance Coverage

    For both employers and their employees, it’s important to understand insurance coverage options when considering massage therapy as an option. States and insurers vary in their approach. Work-related and non-occupational conditions may qualify for full or partial coverage, or they may not be covered at all.

    Massage therapy for work-related physical complaints is covered under workers’ compensation insurance plans in some, but not all, jurisdictions. Typically, an insurance claims adjuster or department will determine whether massage therapy is medically necessary based on the diagnosis. In such cases, a prescription or referral from the diagnosing physician or other qualified provider is required. A case manager may be assigned to oversee care of the injured employee.

    According to the American Massage Therapy Association, some, but not all, personal health insurance plans cover massage therapy. Some insurers require “medical massage” to be performed by a physical therapist, occupational therapist or chiropractor to qualify for coverage. In addition, certain current procedural terminology (CPT) codes may apply. Commonly used ones include massage therapy, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-reduction, hot/cold packs and therapeutic exercise.

    When contacting a personal insurance plan provider about coverage, here are some questions to ask:

    1. Which types of massage qualify for coverage?
    2. What are the conditions that qualify for reimbursement?
    3. Is there a deductible or any other out-of-pocket expense?
    4. Is there a maximum payable per-policy, per-year/term clause?
    5. Is there a maximum reimbursement per visit?
    6. Is there a time limit per body region?
    7. Is there a body region limit? (For example, if the right forearm is injured can therapeutic techniques only be applied on that arm?)
    8. Are there specific therapists who must provide treatment in order to be covered?

    Learn more about WorkCare’s Industrial Injury Prevention Program and how our specialists help protect and promote employee health through onsite and virtual engagements, email us at communications@workcare.com.

    Samantha Lemaster, MBA, LAT, ATC, CEAS, is a WorkCare Industrial Injury Prevention Specialist based in Lenexa, Kansas.

  • Gift of Giving Stimulates Business

    Gift of Giving Stimulates Business

    During the holiday season, many of us exchange gifts, celebrate with co-workers, and spend time with family and friends with an attitude of gratitude. Corporate philanthropy is another example of these traditions.

    Giving USA 2022: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2021, reports that individuals, bequests, foundations and corporations gave an estimated $484.85 billion to U.S. charities in 2021, representing a 4 percent increase compared to 2020 without adjusting for inflation. Meanwhile, Double the Donation reported a 12 percent increase in online giving last year.

    Between 2020 and 2021, giving by corporations increased by nearly 24 percent (18.3 percent when adjusted for inflation), for a total of $21.08 billion, according to the Giving USA Foundation report, a comprehensive review of sources and uses of charitable giving. In 2021, the second year of the pandemic, the increase in U.S. corporate giving was attributed, in part, to strong gross domestic product indicators and favorable pre-tax profits. The numbers are not yet in for 2022.

    Corporate philanthropy takes many forms. Examples include matching gifts, grants, donations of cash or goods, scholarships, staff volunteer time and sponsorships, which often allow companies to be recognized at fund-raising events.

    Philanthropy is generally perceived in a positive light and known to stimulate feelings of well-being among those who participate in them. Businesses benefit from charitable giving programs that attract qualified job applicants and customers who care about the causes they support. Appropriate giving increases brand visibility and is often an important dimension of local community and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    Employers and individuals who make donations to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations (501(c)(3)) qualify for tax deductions. While this is a commonly accepted practice, it may also be perceived as self-serving rather than philanthropic. That’s one of the reasons why corporations must carefully select the organizations they choose to support. The organization’s administrative costs should be wisely managed, and a major share of contributions directed toward fulfilling its stated mission.

    WorkCare’s Giving Program

    WorkCare supports organizations in collaboration with our clients and independently.

    In California, our home state, we donate funds to Kids’ Chance of California and serve on their public relations committee. Kids’ Chance is a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to the children of parents who are killed or disabled in work-related incidents. There are chapters of Kids’ Chance of America in every state. We also contribute toward safety and health scholarships for college students through the American Society of Safety Professionals Foundation.

    WorkCare’s Executive Chairman and Chief Medical Officer Peter P. Greaney, M.D., serves on the board of the PIH Health system in southern California. WorkCare supports the PIH Health Foundation, which provides quality health care services to more than 3.7 million people without discrimination.

    Organizations we support in collaboration with clients include the United Way, Made-A-Wish Foundation of America and its local chapters, and Huddle Up for Kids Foundation. Visit our Giving page to learn more. We’d love to hear about how your organization supports causes you care about. Write to us at communications@workcare.com to share your story.

  • Putting the Brakes on Diabetes

    Putting the Brakes on Diabetes

    November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s critically important to recognize that you can have diabetes or prediabetes and not realize it, putting yourself at risk for serious illness.

    Diabetes is prevalent. It’s also costly in terms of its affect on quality of life and productivity. Diabetes and related conditions cost employers billions of dollars a year in lost work time, medical treatment and disease-related disability.

    Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce the amount of insulin the body needs to function properly. Insulin is a hormone that lets glucose in consumed food pass from the blood stream into cells to produce energy. Blood glucose levels rise when this process is disrupted, causing hyperglycemia or high blood sugar.

    There are three types of diabetes: type 1, when the body does not produce enough insulin; type 2, when the body does not effectively use insulin; and gestational, which occurs during pregnancy. An estimated 35 million Americans have type 2, representing 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes.

    Type 2 diabetes can affect vision, the liver, kidneys, circulatory and cardiovascular systems, and it is associated with increased risk for depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

    Prediabetes

    Prediabetes indicates the potential to develop type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2. Symptoms are not usually apparent.

    Contributing factors for prediabetes include family history and genetics, lack of regular physical activity and being overweight with excess fat around the abdomen. An estimated 88 million Americans (more than 1 in 3 adults) have prediabetes; about 85 percent don’t realize their blood sugar levels are higher than normal and that their health is at risk.

    The combination of three or more prediabetic conditions is metabolic syndrome. For example, co-occurrence of obesity, high blood pressure, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) “good” cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, is associated with resistance to insulin.

    Preventing Diabetes

    Progression from the absence of diabetes to prediabetes to type 2 diabetes can be slowed by paying close attention to your health, diet, exercise routine and body weight. Here are some related recommendations:

    1. Get a blood sugar test. If you have prediabetes, work with your doctor to make necessary lifestyle changes.
    2. Take medications as recommended to control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, if prescribed.
    3. Choose fresh foods lower in calories, saturated fats, trans fat, sugar and salt, and eat at regular times. Limit juice, soda and alcoholic beverages.
    4. If you are unused to physical activity, start slowly and build a base, or maintain your regular exercise routine.
    5. If you smoke, get help to quit. Smoking is linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.

    Diabetes Diagnosis

    A type 2 diabetes diagnosis is confirmed with a blood test. People with diabetes need to periodically check their blood sugar level to make sure they stay in the correct range. It is also essential to learn how to recognize symptoms of high blood sugar (including fatigue, thirst, blurry vision and frequent urination) and of low blood sugar (including shaking, sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability, confusion, dizziness and hunger).

    People with type 2 diabetes who have difficulty managing high blood sugar levels are advised to:

    • Check their urine for ketones, which are produced when fat is broken down for energy; ketones can cause a blood sugar spike and lead to serious complications
    • Take prescribed medicine consistently and as instructed
    • Talk with their doctor about adjusting how much and which type of insulin they take
    • Consistently follow their healthy meal plan

    To manage low blood sugar, people are advised to:

    • Take flour glucose tablets
    • Drink four ounces of fruit juice or regular soda (not diet)
    • Eat four pieces of hard candy

    Mental Health

    Successful diabetes management largely depends on the person. Tracking blood sugar levels, dosing insulin, planning healthy meals and staying active can be stressful. It is normal to feel overwhelmed or isolated when dealing with this responsibility, particularly when a blood test has just confirmed a diagnosis.

    It helps to set reasonable diabetes management goals. There are many diabetes management resources available through company health plan, peer groups and community organizations. Research shows that people with diabetes who reach out for support do better with managing their condition than those who feel isolated by their disease.

    Resources:

    American Diabetes Association

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Basics

    National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

  • Be Your Best Self! – New from WorkCare

    Be Your Best Self! – New from WorkCare

    Be Your Best Self! is WorkCare’s new educational tip sheet for employers and employees. You can find it here.

    Be Your Best Self! will be published monthly in digital formats for email re-distribution by employers to their employees and as a single-page flyer that can be printed and posted onsite.

    The first edition on knee protection will be followed by tips on overhead work and horizontal reaching, musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk reduction, why it’s essential to cool down after strenuous activity – and much more.

    We want everyone to have access to helpful tips from our deep bench of Industrial Injury Prevention Specialists, who have training in sports medicine, musculoskeletal assessment, ergonomics, occupational health and safety, and wellness education.

    Industrial Athlete Program

    WorkCare’s Industrial Athlete Program features total worker health solutions for peak performance. We know our approach works because the employees our specialists coach feel the difference. Here’s one example from a 63-year-old service rep lead who has worked for the same utility company for 40 years:

    “Our industrial athlete trainer (from WorkCare) has done more for my pain management and quality of life than any doctor ever. While doctors want to prescribe meds that mask pain and have dangerous side-effects, the injury prevention specialist deals with the cause and prevention of pain. I’ve learned a lot from him, and my pain is less because of him. He also is available when we get new guys with awkward techniques. He will come by and explain ergonomics and power zones. I use these when working on my property and have benefited from his lessons. He keeps me going. This is the best program for long-term life quality benefits. I’m very grateful.”

    When we help employees take good care of themselves, they are more productive, ready to help others and able to enjoy better quality of life. Onsite and virtual consultations provided by our Industrial Athlete Program team include:

    • Coaching to prevent injuries on the job
    • Support to help relieve physical discomfort
    • Ergonomic assessments and recommended adjustments
    • Education on topics such as nutrition, hydration, stress and fatigue
    • Instructions for warm-up, cool-down and stretching
    • Consulting on exposure risk reduction and safe work practices

    Our specialists are caring people who understand regulatory constraints and how to relate to workers in all types of settings. They use a comprehensive approach that takes into consideration each individual’s job tasks, fitness level, body type, age and health status to produce positive results. The quote from the utility service representative says it all; here are some outcomes from Industrial Athlete Program clients to back him up:

    • 93 percent of employees with discomfort report decreased pain after one visit
    • 92 percent of MSDs resolve with first-aid interventions and self-care
    • 79 percent of work-related sprains and strains resolve in less than 14 days

    To learn more, contact our business development team at info@workcare.com and provide your email for timely updates.

  • Celebrate Labor Day with Well-being in Mind

    Celebrate Labor Day with Well-being in Mind

    Well-being is the experience of health, happiness and prosperity. It includes having good physical and mental health, high life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose, and the ability to cope with stress.

    Over the Labor Day weekend, you may want to take some time to reflect on your own sense of well-being in connection with both your personal and occupational health. When you make a commitment to well-being, you become a role model for employees you may supervise, other co-workers, friends and family members.

    Physical Health

    A healthy, active lifestyle helps people control their weight and prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and high blood pressure. Exercise releases endorphins, serotonin and other brain chemicals that help lift mood, decrease anxiety and depression, and promote a positive mindset. Physical play is also associated with better sleep, higher self-confidence and self-esteem, and more effective stress management skills.

    Here are some related fitness tips:

    1. Do “mini-workouts” throughout the day. For example, take the stairs, go on a brisk walk or use a treadmill desk.
    2. Use at-home aerobic equipment and training programs with recorded or live instructors to help keep you motivated.
    3. Use body weight or hand-held weights to improve muscle tone, flexibility, and bone and muscle health.
    4. Rotate cardio exercise with rest days and mindful practices. Be active outdoors.
    5. Take a dance class or play a sport suitable for your age and skill level.
    6. Consider retaining a coach to help you identify and attain your heath goals.

    Mental Health

    Mental well-being is an indicator of how people respond to life’s ups and downs. It includes how you think, behave and manage strong emotions.

    If you allow yourself to relax and take time to do things you enjoy, you are promoting mental well-being. Having something to look forward to also contributes to have a positive attitude, which is an attractive personal and occupational attribute.

    Relaxation means different things to different people. Here are a few examples:

    • Turning off electronic devices
    • Reading, listening to music or watching TV
    • Playing video games
    • Engaging in social media
    • Getting together with friends
    • Working out at the gym
    • Practicing yoga or meditation
    • Doing outdoor activities and being close to nature
    • Playing with pets and/or children
    • Practicing a musical instrument
    • Going shopping or to a show

    Social Connection

    Feeling connected to people is an important part of staying well. It can help you feel confident and valued. When you sense that people care about your welfare, you feel supported even when you are alone or going through a difficult time. One way to build social connections is to get involved in a local community or interest group where you will find you have things in common with other group members.

    Work-life Balance

    Work-life balance is a concept that describes an ideal situation in which someone effectively allocates time and energy to work and other important aspects of their life. The phrase “quiet quitting” that has been getting attention recently is associated with this type of balance. Achieving work-life balance can be challenging. However, awareness about your priorities can provide useful insights.

    Experts recommend taking a personal inventory. For example, you might ask yourself: How much do I value my work ethic? Am I available, focused and productive at work? How much more time can I devote to my partner, friends and family members? Which types of community and/or spiritual activities are most important to me? Do I set aside enough time for self-care? Have I established reasonable work-life boundaries and explained them to the people they affect the most?

    When you know the answers to these types of questions, you will be better able to navigate through life. Remember, everyone around you benefits when you model healthy behaviors.