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Bulk COVID-19 Testing

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With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, more and more companies are looking for a reliable way to test employees for the virus. Mercy Urgent Care is offering companies a convenient and accurate way to test workers, companywide.

Our bulk testing services are available every day of the week in both PCR and antigen varieties. These bulk tests can be utilized by companies of most sizes, with discounted testing rates for high volume businesses.

To talk with our Occupational Medicine staff about bulk testing for your company, call us at (828) 254-7576 or email mom@mercyurgentcare.org.

Safer Ways to Gather for the Holidays

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As the holidays draw closer, many of us look forward to gathering with family, friends and coworkers. That said, we should not lose sight of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. There are several ways that we can celebrate holiday traditions and still protect our health. Reminding yourself and your friends, family and coworkers of some simple and effective preventative measures is a great way to ensure a safer and healthier holiday season.

  • Vaccination remains one of the best protection methods to help keep yourself and your community healthy. Getting your COVID-19 vaccine and wearing a mask indoors in public in areas of high transmission is the best way to mitigate disease transmission for COVID-19 — and it may also help eliminate transmission of other diseases, like the common cold and seasonal flu.
  • Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination, such as young children, by getting yourself vaccinated and encouraging other eligible people around them to become vaccinated.
  • Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings, even if you are fully vaccinated.
  • Outside is safer than inside. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • If you are sick or feeling unwell, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow the CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people. If you plan to travel in a group that includes unvaccinated individuals, choose safer travel options. Everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.

Special considerations:

  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected, even if they are vaccinated and have received a booster dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
  • You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
  • If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households or from different parts of the country, you may want to consider additional precautions (like avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a COVID-19 test prior to travel) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.
  • Remember: Do not put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.

By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health, as well as the health of our family, friends and coworkers.

Mercy Urgent Care can help with testing prior to the holidays. We have rapid testing available — and we even offer a cash-only COVID test at our South location. Learn more at mercyurgentcare.org/covid-tests-and-results/.

Source: CDC.gov

National Diabetes Month

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You may already know that November is National Diabetes Month. But did you know that addressing diabetes could be good for your business?

Diabetes can be extremely costly — costing $327 billion in 2017 alone, according to the CDC — and employers can play an important role in reducing this figure for everyone’s benefit. In fact, helping employees prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes not only results in a healthier, more productive workforce, but it also can lower health care costs for them and for your business. While each individual manages his or her own illness, smart employers know there’s a strong business incentive for maintaining a healthy workforce.

So how do you keep your employees healthy, maintain productivity, control medical costs, and, ultimately, reduce risk for Type 2 diabetes and its complications?

First, give them the tools they need to succeed. By offering onsite wellness and screening services, like glucose screenings, employees can easily monitor and maintain healthy glucose levels — or follow up with a professional if there is cause for concern — all without leaving the workplace.

Next, consider making adjustments around the workplace to help people with diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Common examples include allowing employees with diabetes to take more frequent breaks — giving them time to stop, monitor and manage glucose levels, especially while working on their feet — or stocking healthier options in vending machines and in the cafeteria. Be aware of these and other concerns employees with diabetes may have in the workplace, and make accommodations when necessary.

Additionally, to help employees who are at risk of developing diabetes, consider offering enrollment in a National DPP (diabetes prevention program). Taking these preventative measures benefits individuals while also helping to reduce employer health care costs over time.

Small adjustments make a difference — and showing employees that you care about their well-being can lead to reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and concentration, higher energy levels and fewer on-the-job injuries.

Mercy Occupational Medicine can support your workforce with wellness and health programs tailored to your company’s health goals. To start a conversation about health in your workplace, contact us at mom@mercyurgentcare.org or call 828-254-7576. Let’s find a solution together.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Men’s Health Month

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This November, join us in celebrating National Men’s Health Month (better known as Movember), which highlights men’s health issues with special attention given to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

Globally, men live, on average, five fewer years than women. But it doesn’t have to be this way, as the reasons behind this trend are often largely preventable. Let this month be a reminder: We can all take action to help ourselves and our fathers, husbands, brothers, and friends live healthier, happier, and longer lives.

A growing number of men — around 10.8 million globally — are currently facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. In the United States alone, nearly one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Early detection is one of the best ways to fight this increasingly common disease. Starting at age 50, experts recommend that men talk with their doctors about prostate cancer, specifically asking whether you are a candidate for PSA testing. African Americans or individuals with a family history of prostate cancer should start this conversation sooner, around age 45.

Additionally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in younger men, age 15-39, with nearly half of all diagnoses occurring in men age 20-34. The good news is that these cases are highly treatable, even at an advanced stage. Again, the key is detection — and experts urge men to do monthly self-exams, making note of any changes, lumps or swelling of the testicles, along with yearly physical exams by a doctor.

Mental health, on the other hand, is something many men struggle with but are often reluctant to discuss or seek help for, when needed. Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75% of all suicides worldwide. But suicide is another highly preventable problem that men face disproportionally. Improving overall mental health and helping men establish better social connections can help reduce the risk of suicide. If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of a mental health crisis, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-TALK to receive support.

Generally speaking, men tend to place their own needs secondary to the needs of others — whether at work or at home — and this can lead to delayed detection of preventable diseases.   Employers, however, can help ensure that the men in their workforce are getting the care and attention they need to prevent serious illness through companywide health screenings. Mercy Urgent Care and Mercy Occupational Medicine offer a variety of onsite screenings designed to help companies promote an environment of health and wellness for all employees.

To discuss health and wellness programs for your employees, contact Mercy Occupational Medicine at mom@mercyurgentcare.org or call 828-254-7576.

Sources: American Cancer Society, us.movember.com

 

Health Literacy: Know Your Numbers

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From the Mercy Occupational Medicine October eNewsletter

In addition to Home Eye Safety Month, October is also Health Literacy Month. Health Literacy Month began in 1999 as a way to improve individuals’ understanding of their personal healthcare information. Studies show that a significant number of people—particularly older adults, minority populations, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and medically underserved populations—have problems reading, understanding, and acting on health information, and Health Literacy Month is aimed at changing that fact.

There are two categories of health literacy of which individuals and organizations should be aware:

  • Personal health literacy: The degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.
  • Organizational health literacy: The degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

At Mercy Urgent Care, we recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the health care system easier to navigate. We urge patients to speak up if there are questions regarding their visit results or treatment plans.

Mercy Urgent Care also urges individuals to “know their numbers,” particularly those dealing with one’s blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. These numbers can have a significant impact on overall health for individuals.

Mercy Urgent Care is here to help companies looking to increase their own organizational health literacy. Mercy Occupational Medicine provides onsite workplace health and wellness programs to help employees make informed health-related decisions. Blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing and blood glucose testing are just some of the services offered to companies and their workers. Find more information about our onsite services here.

Source: CDC, Health.gov

50 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

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Chronic diseases like diabetes can have a severe impact on an individual’s health, but can also have serious consequences for employers, as well. According to the World Health Organization, 8.5 percent of the world’s adults now have diabetes, nearly double the percentage in 1980. And the trend lines are moving in the wrong direction, with the global prevalence expected to increase by 37 percent over the next 20 years.

While diabetes has a major impact on the lives of those it affects, the impact can be much broader. Between 2011 and 2030, global GDP losses due to diabetes are projected to total $1.7 trillion in U.S. dollars. And according to a report from EY Global, some 12 percent of global health spending goes toward diabetes treatment. Below are tips that you can share with your employee’s to prevent or mitigate the effects of diabetes on their health.

Reduce Portion Sizes

Portion size is the amount of food you eat, such as 1 cup of fruit or 6 ounces of meat. If you are trying to eat smaller portions, eat a half of a bagel instead of a whole bagel or have a 3-ounce hamburger instead of a 6-ounce hamburger. Three ounces is about the size of your fist or a deck of cards.

Put less on your plate, Nate.

  1. Drink a large glass of water 10 minutes before your meal so you feel less hungry.
  2. Keep meat, chicken, turkey, and fish portions to about 3 ounces.
  3. Share one dessert.

Eat a small meal, Lucille.

  1. Use teaspoons, salad forks, or child-size forks, spoons, and knives to help you take smaller bites and eat less.
  2. Make less food look like more by serving your meal on a salad or breakfast plate.
  3. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that you are full.
  4. Listen to music while you eat instead of watching TV (people tend to eat more while watching TV).

Move More Each Day

Find ways to be more active each day. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Walking is a great way to get started and you can do it almost anywhere at any time. Bike riding, swimming, and dancing are also good ways to move more.

If you are looking for a safe place to be active, contact your local parks department or health department to ask about walking maps, community centers, and nearby parks.

Dance it away, Faye.

  1. Show your kids the dances you used to do when you were their age.
  2. Turn up the music and jam while doing household chores.
  3. Work out with a video that shows you how to get active.

Let’s go, Flo.

  1. Deliver a message in person to a co-worker instead of sending an e-mail.
  2. Take the stairs to your office. Or take the stairs as far as you can, and then take the elevator the rest of the way.
  3. Catch up with friends during a walk instead of by phone.
  4. March in place while you watch TV.
  5. Choose a place to walk that is safe, such as your local mall.
  6. Get off of the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way home or to work if it is safe.

Make Healthy Food Choices

Find ways to make healthy food choices. This can help you manage your weight and lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. Choose to eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Cut back on high-fat foods like whole milk, cheeses, and fried foods. This will help you reduce the amount of fat and calories you take in each day.

Snack on a veggie, Reggie.

  1. Buy a mix of vegetables when you go food shopping.
  2. Choose veggie toppings like spinach, broccoli, and peppers for your pizza.
  3. Try eating foods from other countries. Many of these dishes have more vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  4. Buy frozen and low-salt (sodium) canned vegetables. They may cost less and keep longer than fresh ones.
  5. Serve your favorite vegetable and a salad with low-fat macaroni and cheese.

Cook with care, Claire.

  1. Stir fry, broil, or bake with non-stick spray or low-salt broth. Cook with less oil and butter.
  2. Try not to snack while cooking or cleaning the kitchen.
  3. Cook with smaller amounts of cured meats (smoked turkey and turkey bacon). They are high in salt.

Cook in style, Kyle.

  1. Cook with a mix of spices instead of salt.
  2. Try different recipes for baking or broiling meat, chicken, and fish.
  3. Choose foods with little or no added sugar to reduce calories.
  4. Choose brown rice instead of white rice.

Eat healthy on the go, Jo.

  1. Have a big vegetable salad with low-calorie salad dressing when eating out. Share your main dish with a friend or have the other half wrapped to go.
  2. Make healthy choices at fast food restaurants. Try grilled chicken (with skin removed) instead of a cheeseburger.
  3. Skip the fries and chips and choose a salad.
  4. Order a fruit salad instead of ice cream or cake.

Rethink your drink, Linc.

  1. Find a water bottle you really like (from a church or club event, favorite sports team, etc.) and drink water from it every day.
  2. Peel and eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice.
  3. If you drink whole milk, try changing to 2% milk. It has less fat than whole milk. Once you get used to 2% milk, try 1% or fat-free (skim) milk. This will help you reduce the amount of fat and calories you take in each day.
  4. Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.

Eat smart, Bart.

  1. Make at least half of your grains whole grains, such as whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, and quinoa.
  2. Use whole grain bread for toast and sandwiches.
  3. Keep a healthy snack with you, such as fresh fruit, a handful of nuts, and whole grain crackers.
  4. Slow down at snack time. Eating a bag of low-fat popcorn takes longer than eating a candy bar.
  5. Share a bowl of fruit with family and friends.
  6. Eat a healthy snack or meal before shopping for food. Do not shop on an empty stomach.
  7. Shop at your local farmers market for fresh, local food.

Keep track, Jack.

  1. Make a list of food you need to buy before you go to the store.
  2. Keep a written record of what you eat for a week. It can help you see when you tend to overeat or eat foods high in fat or calories.

Read the label, Mabel.

  1. Compare food labels on packages.
  2. Choose foods lower in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, calories, salt, and added sugars.

Take Care of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

You can exhale, Gail.

  1. Take time to change the way you eat and get active. Try one new food or activity a week.
  2. Find ways to relax. Try deep breathing, taking a walk, or listening to your favorite music.
  3. Pamper yourself. Read a book, take a long bath, or meditate.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases