May, 2012

It’s another day at work. You feel safe in the confines of your office seated comfortably, protected from Mother Nature’s elements and all of the risks associated with physical labor.  But have you ever had the feeling that your desk job may actually be slowly killing you?  Found in the forms of stress, medical ailments caused by long periods of sitting, and the environmental exposure of an area typically unclean and bright.  Desk jobs have left their mark on the lives of millions of Americans for the worse.

Stress

When polled 75% of Americans say that work is stressful and 25% of Americans say work is the most stressful thing in their lives.  Each day 1 million Americans call in sick due to stress or the avoidance of additional stressors.  These stressors may include verbal abuse, which 42% of workers have reported occurring and an additional 10% have reported that they have witnessed physical violence occur due to stress in the
workplace.  Employers also feel the strain.  Each year $200 Billion dollars is spent by U.S. employers due to some factor of stress occurring in the workplace.

Sitting

Sitting at your desk the majority of day has a number of risks associated with it.  Calorie burning drops to 1 calorie per minute and simultaneously shuts off the electrical activity in your legs dropping fat-reducing enzymes by 90%.  Americans today burn 140 fewer calories a day than they did 50 years go.  This adds up to 51,500 calories for an average weight gain of 14.6 pounds each year.  People who sit the majority of the day have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease than people who predominately stand.  In 1960, less than 1% of Americans had diabetes and only 13% were considered obese.  Today 6% of Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and 35% are classified as obese (over 1/3 of Americans) this correlation has been linked to sedentary work styles.

Desk Environment

The environment of an average desk has a number of creeping hazards as well.  Germ exposure tops the list.  A typical keyboard has five times the amount of germs found in a public rest room.  The creeping hazards continue, in 2006 the American Journal for Preventive Medicine estimated that 9,279 emergency room visits were “computer-related” issues.  These ailments included carpal tunnel syndrome and back strain.  Numerous vision and eye problems have also been reported.  Today, roughly 67% of working Americans use a computer and 75% of those workers suffer from vision or eye problems.  Though safer than a coastal fisher (the most dangerous occupation in America) the environment of a desk provides its risks to workers’ health.

What To Do?

You might be asking yourself, as a desk jockey what can I do to avoid these risks?  Make and take time to walk away from your desk to try to move your body as much as possible.  Positioning your neck 135 degrees upward helps to relieve neck and back strains, repositioning your computer monitor or chair can help.  Finally, keep hand sanitizer at your desk and wash your hands regularly to relive yourself germs.  Keeping the body calm, active, and clean helps in preventing the silent risks your desk job is bringing each day.

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Source(s): 

Bakalar, Nicholas. “More Computers, Many More Injuries.” New York Times. 06 07 2009: n. page. Web.  <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/health/07stat.html?_r=1>.

Leaman, Emily. “Your Desk Job is Killing You.” Be Well Philly. 06 03 2012: n. page. Web. <http://blogs.phillymag.com/bewellphilly/2012/03/06/desk-job-killing/>.

Lubin, Gus, and Kevin Lincoln. “The 15 Most Dangerous Jobs In America.” Business Insider. 21 09 2011: n. page. Web.  <http://www.businessinsider.com/most-dangerous-jobs-2011-9>.

Masters, Maria. “Why your desk job is slowly killing you .” Men’s Health. 26 10 2010: n. page. Web. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39523298/ns/health-mens_health/t/why-your-desk-job-slowly-killing-you/

Silverman, Matt. “Your Desk Job Makes You Fat, Sick and Dead.” Mashable.com. 02 03 2012: n. page. Web. <http://mashable.com/2012/03/02/work-death-infographic/>.

April, 2012

Medications are an important facet to bettering the lives of people each day.  But when those drugs are no longer needed or expired, disposing of them correctly is vitally important.  The incorrect disposal of pharmaceuticals affects not just the people around you, but also your food supply, water sources, and the environment. 

Dispose Unused and Expired Medications Correctly

 When disposing of unused or expired medications begin by following the instructions on the label.  The most common methods of disposing unused medications are flushing, disposing in the trash, and returning them to takeback programs often found at local pharmacies.  If you’re planning on flushing your unused or expired medications, ensure that the label instructs you to do so.  When disposing of unused pharmaceuticals by trash make sure you remove the pills from the original container and mix them with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter to ensure that they won’t be mistakenly ingested.  Additional measures such as placing the medicines in a sealable bag are also helpful to prevent leaking or spilling when placed in a garbage bag.  If you are doubting how to properly dispose of your unused or expired medications, you can always return them to your pharmacy for proper disposal.

Impacts of Improper Disposal

The consequences of improper pharmaceutical disposal have both a social and environmental impact for the worse.  When unused or expired medications are ignored or disposed of incorrectly it increases the likelihood for abuse amongst individuals who were not prescribed the drugs.   Incorrect disposal also increases the chances of unintentional ingestion for anyone within the proximity of the drug.  Depending upon the medication, which is prescribed for one individual’s specific medical need, when used by someone else reactions including breathing problems, heart failure, and death can occur.  Environmental impacts have been seen due to improper disposal of medications as well.   Livestock and poultry have been affected from ingesting traces of medications from water runoffs, aquatic organisms have reacted negatively to pharmaceuticals found within water sources, and the detrimental impact on drinking water quality has been noted.   A 2008 study conducted by the Associated Press found that at least 41 million Americans throughout 24 major metropolitan areas have been affected by trace amounts of pharmaceutical or hormonal chemicals derived from water sources.

Being Aware

The next time you realize that you have unneeded or expired medications, take a moment to dispose of them correctly.  Read the label, follow the instructions for disposal, and if you’re not sure, return the medication to your pharmacy.

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Source(s): 

Gutierrez, D. (2008, August 22).  Drinking water of 41 million Americans contaminated with pharmaceuticals.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012, February 14).  Disposal of unused medicines: What you should know.

Shea, K. (2011, December 02).  Infographic: Unprescribed — drugs in the water cycle.

March, 2012

Many lessons learned in life are gained through the observant eyes of children watching their parents’ everyday actions, so if you’re a parent encourage safety while driving.  The saying “safety first” should always be taken into consideration when driving; fines, increased insurance premiums, repair costs, and injuries can also occur when this rule isn’t followed.  Be aware that your actions and the traffic rules that coincide with them are there for the safety of everyone.  

The Hennepin County Public Health Offices report that 66 percent of teens consider at least one parent a role model with regards to how they behave on the roads.  Flipping that figure, 51 percent of children have urged their parents to slowdown or refrain from using their phone while driving with them in the car.  With the majority of soon-to-be drivers reporting that their parent’s driving habits could improve, a positive parental example is not just a start, it has a large effect for the long term.

Teach your children the consequences of poor driving habits, but practice good habits yourself.  Avoid distracted driving, the prime culprits are typically: eating, taking phone calls, texting, and placing your attention elsewhere.  Be aware of road signs at all times; failing to yield at a yield sign will cost you $128 and speeding will get you a fine of at least $145.  Fines are in place to deter you from poor driving habits.  Try to learn from your driving mistakes after it hurts your wallet, but before it hurts someone else.

Fathers be aware or beware.  Statistically men break more traffic laws and drive more dangerously than women.  Not only do men speed, fail to yield, and break passing laws more often than women, male caused accidents result in higher cost traffic mishaps.  Not to pick on the Dads out there but the numbers are working against you.  

Regardless of whether your children are in the car the next time you’re driving, know that your actions result in something much larger than just going from point A to B.  Teach your children safe driving habits and more importantly practice them yourself.  The next time you hear your stomach growl and you reach for that snack or your phone rings and you decide to take that call, ask yourself “would I want my child doing this at sixty five miles per hour?”

Source(s):  Hennepin County, Public Health. (2012). Behind the wheel

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February, 2012

Thomas Doyle, an emergency room physician in Sewickley, PA says that after working twenty years in emergency departments, he believes he sees what’s wrong with our nation’s medical system.  “What is being debated in Washington currently is not healthcare reform. It’s only healthcare insurance reform.” says Doyle. It misses the point of why healthcare costs too much in our country — because we deliver too much healthcare. “We deliver too much because we demand too much. We’re turning into a nation of anxious wimps.” According to Dr. Doyle, emergency departments are being overwhelmed by the non-emergent, and doctors are asked to treat what doesn’t need treatment. 

Dr. Doyle believes it’s because the media focuses on the exotic and the sensational and ignores the mundane.  We are taught to fear vaccinations, mold, shark attacks, and airplanes, when we really should worry about smoking, drug abuse, obesity, seat belts and basic hygiene.  We have developed an expectation that if our health is not perfect, there should be a pill to fix it. We demand unnecessary diagnostic testing, antibiotics for our viruses and narcotics for bruises and sprains. The bottom line is that most conditions are self-limited. Usually bronchitis, back ache, poison ivy or stomach flu just needs time to get better. Taking drugs for things that go away on their own is rarely helpful and often harmful. 

“We’ve become a nation of hypochondriacs. …there is a tremendous financial pressure on physicians to keep patients happy”, says Dr. Doyle. Sometimes a doctor needs to show tough love and deny patients the quick fix. Dr. Doyle believes that a good physician needs to have the guts to stand up to people and tell them that their baby gets ear infections because they smoke cigarettes, or that what’s really wrong with them is that they are just overweight. Unfortunately this type of advice rarely leads to high patient satisfaction scores.

Modern medicine is a blessing which improves all our lives. But Dr. Doyle believes that until we start educating the population about what really affects their health, we will continue to waste a large portion of our healthcare dollars on treatments which just don’t make a difference.

Source(s):   Dr. Thomas A. Doyle is the author of the forthcoming book “Suck It Up, America: The Tough Choices Needed for Real Healthcare Reform”.  Article originally featured in Emergency Physicians Monthly, December, 2009.

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January, 2012

For many of us, January is a time for making resolutions.  Sometimes they stick, sometimes not.  The good news is that behavior change can be successful and often results in big benefits.  According to Dr. Michael O’Donnell, author and researcher, there are four key things that can help you build healthy habits.  They are Awareness, Motivation, Skills and Opportunity.

• Awareness helps you understand the health benefits of a behavior but is really a starting point.
• Motivation is even more important.  Are you ready to make a change?  Will the change make you feel good about yourself or relate to something you really care about?
• Skills (or building them) can lead to success, and goal setting is one important skill.
• Opportunity is often driven by our surroundings.  Do they make choosing the healthy behavior the easiest choice?

Pick one of the healthy habits listed below to focus on, or choose your own. 

1.  Build positive social ties.  Evidence is mounting that good social support has profound impact on your happiness and longevity.

2.  Move your body at least 30 minutes most days of the week.  Find something active you love to do, and do lots of it.  The more you move, the more energy you’ll have and the more you can accomplish.

3.  Sleep.  Getting quality sleep on a regular basis gives you more energy and enthusiasm – and a healthier heart!

4.  Eat for the health of it.  Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables; fill the other half with lean protein and whole grains.  Don’t forget the low-fat dairy items.

5.  Be safe.  Use seat belts, helmets, and other protective gear.  Make your car a no-phone zone and arrive at your destination safely.

December, 2011

We’ve heard that time is our most precious resource.  But what about our energy level?  Even though we only have so much time in a given day, we can control the amount of energy we have in a day by identifying our energy drainers and energy boosters.

Energy Drainers

1.  Many people think that multitasking means increased productivity.  However, when you multitask you only give partial attention to the tasks you’re working on, which zaps your energy.  Can you let go of any multitasking situations?

2.  Do you focus on things you can’t control?  When you do this, you just get frustrated, angry or depressed.  However, focusing on things you can control, such as your own behaviors, habits, thoughts, attitudes, or emotions, puts you in charge and energizes you.  Let go of what you can’t control.  You’ll be happier, less anxious and have more physical and mental energy.

Energy Boosters

Doers and achievers take care of themselves to optimize their energy.  Give yourself permission to put yourself on top of your “to do” list.

1.  Get some “me time”.  Take time for yourself, even just brief breaks, is an investment in your energy.  Go to bed early or get up early.  Do a crossword puzzle.  Walk your dog.  Call a friend or family member.  Take a nap.  The idea is to avoid adding “should” habits to your list.  Instead, everyday add something you would love to do.

2.   Get moving.  Have you ever had a good idea occur to you while walking, running or working out?  The best ideas often come while you’re being active.  Exercise is energizing.

3.   Dump the clutter.  Clean out a cupboard, closet, or drawer.  Organize the energy around you to increase your productivity.

4.  Stretch your boundaries.  Get outside your comfort zone and invest extra energy in the direction you want to grow.  No discomfort = no growth.

Now get going and RECHARGE!

November, 2011

For most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, dieting, counting carbs and lowering blood sugar is their primary focus.  However, new studies show that controlling blood sugar is not the most important treatment for saving their lives.  Lowering cholesterol and controlling blood pressure is key to protecting against heart disease, which eventually kills nearly everyone with diabetes.  According to Dr. David Nathan, director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, “it’s not the diabetes that kills you, it’s the diabetes causing cardiovascular disease that kills you.”

Nearly 73,000 Americans die from diabetes annually, more than from any disease except heart disease, cancer, stroke and pulmonary disease.  Most patients are not doing what they should to protect themselves.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 7% are getting all the treatments they need. We think that the biggest risk from diabetes is blindness or amputations, but never think about heart disease and the importance of controlling cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

With cholesterol, diabetes patients with LDL cholesterol levels of 100 to 139 often are told that their levels are terrific.  However, many practicing doctors don’t know that an LDL cholesterol number that is normal for someone without diabetes is not normal for someone with diabetes, according to Dr. Nathan.

Dr. James Cleeman, Coordinator of the National Cholesterol Education Program at the National Institutes of Health says, the key to saving lives is to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol to below 100 and control other risk factors like blood pressure and smoking.

The facts are out there.  With patient and doctor awareness along with education, focusing on the correct comprehensive treatment for Type 2 diabetes will make a difference in lives.

Author:  Karen Morales

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American writer Max Leon Forman described the need and empathy of educators as, “Teachers are people who start things they never see finished, and for which they never get thanks until it is too late.”  Where a need exists, especially in the minds and hands of our future, through this ongoing process of our never ending need to better the next generation we tend to dismiss the repercussions of not progressing, “until it is [felt] all too late.”

Minnesota’s Needs – The Needs Continue

In 2010, 77 Minnesota school districts levied to fulfill the financial needs of their students resulting in 45.5% of Minnesota public schools receiving no additional public funding.  Besides the fact that all but 34 Minnesota school districts were operating on some form of levy dollars between the 2009-2010 academic year, we find ourselves here, in 2011 facing those same needs once again.

The 2011-2012 school year brings forth additional challenges.  This year more than 113 Minnesota school districts have asked the public once again for an operating levy referendum (the third highest in state history) with questions on the ballot ranging from, renewing per pupil levy amounts to even doubling the per pupil contribution amount in some districts (every levy prior to November 8th, 2011 has failed).

With the expectation of widespread needs being unmet, alternatives to save money lead to cuts.  Cuts in a child’s educational experience, cuts to a teacher’s job – but do know, there are other options besides the conventional alternatives.

Alternatives to Conventional Thinking

“I’ve voted yes, every single year a levy comes up in my daughters’ school district because I know the school deserves it,” said James Lindstrom, Sales and Negotiating Consultant for Mactavish (School) Benefits.  “For the last 10 years the state of Minnesota has fallen far behind in keeping up with inflation with regards to school funding, the legislature has funded schools far below the cost of living (COLA) level for those 10 years and has relied on the local tax payers to increase their property taxes in order to fund the programs that will help students achieve at their highest level.  This is an unfair system and it pits the schools against the tax payers.   Rather than working together, we end up in a confrontational situation that never should have never existed when it comes down to a child’s education.”

This year open your mind to money saving alternatives, besides the conventional cuts.  Contact Mactavish (School) Benefits, Inc. to see how your school/organization can benefit this year.  Mactavish (School) Benefits’ staff is comprised of former Minnesota school teachers, leaders, and insurance consultants whose sole focus has been to fulfill the needs of the public school sector.  In a world that feels broken at times, we fix what we know, “We Fix Health Plans”^SM.   Mactavish (School) Benefits, Inc. designs health plans that save school districts money not just for a year, but for the long-term.  

What to learn more?  SEE THE PROOF or ASK US QUESTIONS we’re here to help you see there’s more to funding education besides more levies and cuts.

About Mactavish Benefits, Inc.

Mactavish Benefits a subsidiary of Mactavish School Benefits, Inc. founded by Bernie J. Mackell to promote a means of financing health care that will “IMPROVE COMPANY’S BENEFITS WHILE STABILIZING COSTS”.  Research began in 1994 when the company evaluated all possible financing options available to employers with the ultimate goal, to offer a health insurance program that meets the employer’s strategic financial objectives. Employers will adopt a proven model that produces price stability and reduction.  Health insurance costs are increasing at levels exceeding 10% per year, which means to us, our current system of financing health insurance is not working.  In a nutshell “We Fix Health Plans”^SM.  We are pleased to offer this simple yet revolutionary approach to the Employer marketplace.

_{October, 2011}

The flu season is here. . . and every year at this time we hear about the importance of getting a flu shot.  Well, here we go again. The fact of the matter is, influenza is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The vaccines are available, so don’t wait because the time to be immunized is right now. Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important; people at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.

Be proactive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you should “Take 3” Actions to fight the flu.

#1: Take time to get the flu vaccine.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. Other than your own medical clinic, there are convenient retail clinics at Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, Target and CUB Foods. You typically can drop in at these locations without an appointment and most convenience clinics are covered by your insurance carrier.

#2: Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Then toss the tissue in the trash after you use it.  Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

#3: Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.  They may also prevent serious flu complications.

 What are flu-like symptoms? They include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Be Proactive! Take responsibility for yourself and your family this year by getting immunized against the flu.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov flu or www.flu.gov or call 800-CDC-INFO

Author:  Karen Morales

_{September, 2011}

Providing a variety of healthy meal options each day including a wide range of colors and flavors can help to increase your child’s acceptance of packed lunches and benefit their overall health. The right lunch bag and accessories will allow you to safely pack items that should remain
cold, safe and fresh and please even the pickiest of eaters!

Sandwiches are the most easy and convenient item to pack in your child’s lunch. Make them healthier by using whole grain bread, including pita bread or whole wheat wraps. Ideas include tuna sandwich wraps with light mayo and lettuce; peanut butter or almond butter with a 100% fruit spread on whole grain bread; sliced turkey, lean roast beef, or chicken with light mayo, mustard and a slice of cheese. Also try adding grated carrots to tuna or chicken salad.

Along with the sandwich pack fresh or dried fruit such as raisins, dried cranberries or banana chips. Cheese sticks are a good source of calcium. Baby carrots, celery or apple slices with dips made from yogurt or low fat sour cream are healthy options, as is flavored low-fat yogurt. Popcorn, pretzels, mini rice cakes and whole grain crackers add a nice crunchy side as well.

Remember to keep perishables such as meats, dairy products and eggs cold and fresh. This is when insulated lunch bags come in handy. There are plenty of novelty bags to please any boy or girl. Plus they are much better for our environment.

Starting your kids off with a healthy breakfast and providing a nutritious lunch will help them stay alert and strong throughout the day while helping establish healthy eating habits for life.

References:   allfamily.com; about.com, nutrition; kidshealth.org: school lunches, medicinenet.com

Author:  Karen Morales