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Keely Knopp

National Foot Health Awareness Month

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How often do you think about taking care of your feet? Though they enable us to navigate the world and carry us through our daily lives, feet tend to be one of the most ignored body parts when it comes to health and well-being. So, this April, for National Foot Health Awareness Month, give your feet the care and recognition they deserve — and encourage your employees to do the same.

According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 96,000 foot and ankle injuries resulted in lost workdays in 2018 alone. That same year, the average workers compensation claim for ankle injuries was $17,210 for medical costs with an additional $13,276 of indemnity. Workplace foot injuries were similarly expensive, averaging $15,762 in medical costs and $11,866 in indemnity.

The two major categories of work-related foot injuries come from punctures, crushing, sprains and lacerations, and those resulting from slips, trips and falls. These two categories, however, don’t account for the full and wide range of foot problems that can arise over the course of the workday, which cause other conditions like blisters, calluses, arthritis, severe aches, fallen arches, toe malformations and fungal infections.

For workers, these foot problems are often caused by long periods of standing, hard flooring and poorly fitted footwear, with common culprits being high heels, pointed shoes, lack of arch support and footwear that is too loose or too tight, as well as hot or humid work environments and strenuous work. Hard, unyielding floors like concrete are the least comfortable surfaces to work on and can have the impact of a hammer, pounding the heel at every step. Slippery floors are hazardous for slips and falls that can result in sprained ankles or broken foot bones.

How can foot safety be improved at my company?

While no worker is immune to a foot injury, the hazards differ according to the workplace and the types of tasks the worker does. The first step in developing a strategy to reduce foot problems is to identify the relevant hazards at the workplace and, from there, determining preventative measures for employees. These preventative measures can look like:

  • rotating workers from one job to another to provide a mix of standing and seated tasks — or, at the least, a variety of body positions and motions — throughout the day. This more evenly distributes tasks that require standing or repetitive motions and shortens the time each individual spends on their feet.
  • encouraging workers to rest to alleviate foot problems in cases where redesigning the job is impractical. Frequent short breaks are preferable to fewer long breaks and can make all the difference.
  • creating an adjustable work surface to accommodate standing workers of varying heights. In practice, this might include building a platform to raise the shorter worker or a pedestal to raise the object for a taller worker, providing a seat to rest on or installing foot rails or footrests to enable workers to shift weight from one leg to the other, thus reducing stress on the lower legs and feet. Workstation designs should additionally provide the worker with enough room to change body position throughout the day.
  • properly guarding machinery, separating equipment from pedestrian traffic and installing safety mirrors and warning signs to decrease the number of incidents that might result in cut, crushed or severed feet or toes.
  • keeping a clean workspace to ensure walkways are free of loose nails and other sharp objects.

Mercy partners with WNC Bridge Foundation to provide MercyMe memberships to area families

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Mercy Urgent Care is pleased to announce it has received partnership support from WNC Bridge Foundation to provide yearlong MercyMe healthcare memberships to 32 families in Western North Carolina. The recipients are primarily employees of nonprofit organizations in the five counties where Mercy Urgent Care’s eight facilities are located.

“Mercy Urgent Care launched MercyMe in 2022 to provide the lowest cost, highest access healthcare option possible for our patients,” said Mercy Urgent Care CEO Rachel Sossoman. “We’re pleased to partner with the WNC Bridge Foundation to build healthier communities across Western North Carolina.”

WNC Bridge Foundation is a community-based charitable organization that works to provide funds to support and assist in meeting the many health challenges that face the people of Western North Carolina. In 2021, the foundation invested $6.2 million across the 18 counties of WNC, with $4.6 million in grant funding for local nonprofits.

“In conversations with nonprofits, we often hear the challenges these hardworking organizations face; providing employee benefits is often a top concern,” said WNC Bridge Foundation CEO Scott Buchanan. “It made perfect sense for WNC Bridge to partner with Mercy Urgent Care to provide comprehensive healthcare packages for individuals who are doing so much good in their communities.”

Recipients of the WNC Bridge sponsored MercyMe memberships were chosen based on their ties to area nonprofits and need for healthcare access. Some of the organizations represented include the following:

  • My Daddy Taught Me That is a youth development program designed to support young men in Asheville through advocacy, education and mentoring.
  • Food Connection has provided more than 500,000 meals to people in need by rescuing and redistributing freshly prepared food that otherwise would have been thrown away.
  • Sharing House is a source of compassion and crisis assistance for low-income (up to 200% above poverty line) in Transylvania County.
  • Haywood Habitat for Humanity has been building affordable housing in Hawyood County since 1990.

Due to the size of its organization and budget, Food Connection is one of many nonprofits that is unable to provide health insurance for employees. Executive Director Marisha MacMorran realizes this can be a hindrance in recruiting and retaining a diverse staff, but the organization is continually working toward solutions that will keep their staff healthy and happy while they are in service to the community.

“As a single mother with a modest salary, I have struggled for years to find the right healthcare plan that has both an affordable monthly premium and covers necessary medical services,” MacMorran said. “When I received the call to participate in the MercyMe membership program, I was in disbelief that the program would be available to me. With this membership, I had much less worry about the chance of my son getting hurt — as I know that I can go to Mercy if he gets injured or becomes sick.” 

Launched in July 2022, MercyMe memberships offer comprehensive healthcare packages for individuals, families and employees for as little as $29 per month for an individual and $59 per month for a family of four. The essential plan includes up to three in-person or virtual visits per year, an annual wellness check, annual flu shot, and discounts on additional visits and services. The premium plan includes unlimited in-person or virtual visits per year, an annual wellness check, annual flu shot, and discounts on additional services.

The MercyMe memberships sponsored by WNC Bridge Foundation will provide a family of up to six members with six in-person and virtual visits per year, annual wellness checks and flu shots, plus discounts on additional visits and services.

“We are hopeful that this partnership is only the beginning,” Sossoman said. “Mercy Urgent Care hopes to work with the WNC Bridge Foundation to expand the MercyMe program to even more employers and families in need each year. Our ultimate vision is to be the catalyst for bringing equitable healthcare access to the communities we serve.”

Update to DOT Physical Non-discretionary Conditions

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has clarified 4 non-discretionary conditions that are absolutely disqualifying without documentation that allows the driver to meet criteria at the time of examination and cannot be put into determination pending:

  1. Monocular vision (unless the driver has a completed form 5871 allowing the driver to meet criteria)
  2. Insulin dependent diabetes (unless the driver has a completed form 5870 allowing the driver to meet criteria)
  3. Hearing loss that does not meet the standard in at least one ear (unless the driver has hearing correction to meet criteria)
  4. Seizure disorder (unless the driver’s neurologists provides documentation allowing the driver to meet criteria per FMCSA guidelines)

Until June 30, 2023, drivers in the above 4 categories may return within 45 days, with the criteria/documentation needed, and receive a free DOT physical. After June 30, there will be a $50 charge. Drivers returning after 45 days will require a physical at full charge. Learn more about DOT physicals.

Quick Concussion Assessment with BrainScope

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A brain injury needs prompt diagnosis and treatment. But it’s not always easy to detect. That’s why it’s important to get any head injury checked, even if the injured party thinks they’re okay.

Fortunately, Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can screen for concussions and other serious brain injuries with an innovative new device called BrainScope®. A BrainScope head injury assessment is:

  • Fast: An assessment can be completed in as quickly as 10 minutes.
  • Patient-friendly: It’s non-invasive.
  • Accurate and comprehensive: BrainScope is the only device that objectively assesses the entire spectrum of brain injury – including concussions.
  • Convenient: Reduces the wait times, expense and stress of a typical ER visit.
  • Peace of mind: Get the answers you need, and treatment if you need it.

What to expect

Mercy’s medical staff will assess your employee’s injury and symptoms, then place a disposable BrainScope headset on their head. The device measures brain electrical activity and neurocognitive function. Using a handheld portable screen, the clinician will review the data to answer two key questions: Is it likely that there’s a structural brain injury that would be visible on a CT scan? Is there evidence of functional abnormality that would indicate a concussion?

Depending on those results, the individual may be referred for proper treatment or further tests.

Schedule an assessment today

BrainScope and Mercy Urgent Care are here to assess your employees’ injuries, getting them the help they need — fast. Available for patients 13-85 years of age, within 3 days of mild head injury, BrainScope assessments are offered at both Mercy Urgent Care West and Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville.

Brain Injury Awareness Month: Concussions in the Workplace

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According to the Brain Injury Association of America, at least 2.8 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries — more commonly known as concussions — each year in the United States. About 24% of these injuries happen in the workplace, most commonly caused by falls, vehicular accidents or being struck in the head by machinery or falling objects. That’s why, for Brain Injury Awareness Month this March, it’s important for employers to learn about concussions in the workplace, from preventative measures to symptoms and treatment.

How can concussions at work be prevented?

It’s important to remember that, no matter how prepared you and your employees are, accidents still happen. That said, you can reduce risk in your workplace by:

  • ensuring employees are physically fit to perform a task before assigning it to them.
  • keeping staffing at adequate levels each shift to avoid employee fatigue.
  • scheduling ongoing concussion safety training.
  • keeping the workplace tidy and free of tripping hazards.
  • installing guardrails and safety nets.
  • providing adequate training to ensure each employee understands his or her tasks.
  • conducting regular safety inspections.
  • encouraging employees to report hazards.
  • having a protocol in place for head injuries in the workplace.

What are the symptoms of concussion?

Whenever an employee hits his or her head on the job, they should be monitored for signs of brain injury. But supervisors should be aware that not all concussions are caused by a direct blow to the skull. In fact, according to an article on neurology in Scientific American, many traumatic brain injuries do not involve a direct hit to the head. Any accident or sudden motion that causes the brain to “slosh around in the skull,” such as sudden deceleration during a vehicle collision or fall, can cause a serious concussion. With that in mind, here’s what to watch out for after accidents or injuries in the workplace.

To an observer, a concussed employee may:

  • not be able to recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
  • appear dazed or stunned.
  • forget instructions or seem confused about tasks following the injury.
  • move clumsily.
  • answer questions slowly.
  • lose consciousness (even briefly).
  • show mood, behavior or personality changes.

The employee may report or experience symptoms like:

  • headache or pressure in the head.
  • nausea or vomiting.
  • balance problems, dizziness or double/blurry vision.
  • being bothered by light or noise.
  • feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy.
  • confusion, concentration or memory problems.
  • “not feeling right” or feeling down.

Signs and symptoms generally begin to show up soon after the injury, but in some cases they take hours or days to appear. While an immediate response is necessary for any head injury, it’s important to continue assessing the individual for signs of brain injury throughout the rest of the workday — and for a few days following the accident.

What to do if an employee gets a head injury at work

  1. Be Prepared. The most important pre-injury step is to have a protocol in place for head injuries at work. Supervisors and other employees should be made aware of how to handle these situations so that prompt care can be provided to the injured individual.
  2. Respond Immediately. All head injuries on the job should be taken seriously, and injured employees should be referred to a medical provider who can identify and treat concussions. Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can quickly screen for concussions using an innovative device called BrainScope (more on this device below).
  3. Create a Work Injury Report. Keep a written record of the accident, including pictures, any equipment involved in the injury and witness testimony.
  4. Provide Workers Compensation Forms. If an employee sustains a head injury at work, help them file a workers compensation claim with the company’s insurance provider.
  5. Be Patient. Once an employee is cleared to return to work by a medical provider, they may require additional accommodations such as reduced hours or avoiding certain tasks until fully recovered.

Think one of your employees may have a concussion? Schedule a BrainScope assessment at our West Asheville or Weaverville location.

Heart health at work: What to look for in employees

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Heart disease is common across all demographics, but it’s especially prevalent among working-age individuals — with increased risk among those with high levels of job-related stress. In fact, according to the CDC, cardiac issues top the list as the most expensive health-related issues for employers, costing $363 billion annually in the U.S.

With heart health in mind this month, and to reduce risk to your company and employees, here are a few signs and symptoms of heart-related issues to look out for in your workforce:

Chest pain
One of the more obvious symptoms of heart-related issues, chest pain can be an indicator of cardiac distress — though it may have other explanations. Watch for employees complaining of discomfort or tightness in the chest. Some may feel a heavy, crushing or squeezing pain, while others only feel mild discomfort. The pain may be sharp and spread to a person’s sternum, neck, arms, stomach, jaw or upper back.

It’s important to remember that the pain’s intensity does not always correlate to the severity of the problem.

Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
Those experiencing chronic heart conditions may complain of shortness of breath, especially during periods of activity or when lying flat on their backs. This is caused by the heart’s inability to efficiently pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Similarly, frequent coughing and wheezing may also indicate excess fluid in the lungs due to heart failure.

Employees experiencing long-term issues with shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing may need to seek medical evaluation.

Pain, discomfort or numbness in limbs
Those with narrowed blood vessels suffer much higher risk of heart attack and stroke, with patients often complaining of pain, aching, burning, numbness or other discomfort in the feet, calves or thighs — caused by poor blood supply to the legs.

If any workers complain of painful symptoms in the legs while walking or exercising, especially if accompanied by numbness while at rest, you may advise them to seek medical care.

Fatigue
Though anyone can be tired any time of day, feeling run down or exhausted with no apparent cause can be a sign of something more serious. If an employee seems much more tired than normal — to the point where it may be affecting their work — it may be time to seek immediate care.

Sudden, severe fatigue is a common sign of heart attack in women, especially when accompanied by extreme muscle weakness.

Heart palpitations
One of the more direct symptoms of heart trouble, palpitations are often experienced through the sensation of a fast or uneven heartbeat. When the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, it may begin beating faster to keep up, resulting in a throbbing or jumping feeling in the chest of the individual.

While not always a medical emergency, this points to a potential issue with the person’s heart rate or rhythm, which warrants a visit or follow up with a doctor.

When to call 911
While the above symptoms alone may not indicate a medical emergency, it’s important to train supervisors and staff to look out for the signs of severe cardiac distress.

If an employee complains of chest pain accompanied by lightheadedness or nausea, jaw, neck or back pain, discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder, or shortness of breath, he or she may be experiencing a heart attack — and emergency medical services should be called.

Understanding risk factors and symptoms of heart trouble, in addition to taking prompt action during emergencies, saves the lives of millions of Americans. To keep your company’s supervisors in-the-know about heart health, including what to do in case of an emergency, Mercy Occupational Medicine is here to help with supervisor training programs that focus on identifying risks, establishing protocols and promoting overall employee wellness. 

To schedule training for your company’s supervisors or to discuss other ways Mercy Occupational Medicine can help, contact Jon Medin at jmedin@mercyurgentcare.org or by calling 828.252.3443.