Click for current information on Mercy Urgent Care openings and relief resources

Top

Mercy Urgent Care

Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Columbus, Waynesville & Weaverville NC

Hurrican Helene Relief Fund donate now

heart health

Heart disease in the workplace

by

While it may come as a surprise to some, heart disease can happen at any age, and it’s becoming more prevalent in America, costing nearly $330 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity each year. However, many risk factors for heart disease and stroke are not only treatable, but preventable. Helping your employees address these risk factors is not only good for their health, but also good for your business.

Heart-healthy employees save companies money, have better morale, miss less work, and are more productive than less healthy employees. Learn more about specific risk factors for heart disease below:

  • High blood pressure. Millions of people in the United States have high blood pressure, and many are as young as 40 or 50. Regular check-ups can help identify an individual’s risk and, if necessary, begin treatment to control blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol, diabetes and obesity are all conditions that can increase risk for heart disease. Those who fall into this category can lower their risk by eating a healthier diet and getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week.
  • Smoking cigarettes. Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease in Americans, with more than 35 million Americans counted as smokers and thousands more young people picking up the habit daily. Quitting or cutting down is highly recommended when looking to lower an individual’s risk of heart disease.

To discuss adding wellness programs like diabetes and cholesterol screenings and smoking cessation to your company’s health programming, contact Mercy Occupational Medicine at 828-274-6707 or at mom@mercyurgentcare.org.

Heart health at work: What to look for in employees

by

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.

American Heart Month

by

When tending to your heart this month ahead of Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to extend some love to your anatomical heart, as well.

American Heart Month, celebrated every February, was created to spread awareness of heart health, while also motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease. The world’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease claims 17.9 million lives globally each year and is responsible for one of every four deaths (about 655,000 annually) in America. According to the CDC, one person in the U.S. dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. But, by controlling risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, about 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided.

So what can you do — both for your heart and the hearts of your loved ones?

Eat Well and Drink Wisely

  • Cut out sugar-filled beverages like sodas. Instead, try water with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
  • Cut down on processed, prepackaged foods. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, cheese or nuts contain just what your body needs (and less of what makes it ill).
  • Try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. If that sounds like a lot, blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies — or get creative with your salads.
  • Meal plan by making large batches of healthy foods — grains and vegetables — and take it to work for lunch all week.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amounts for your age and gender.

Get Up and Move

  • Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times a week.
  • To keep you on your toes, mix up your exercise. Walking, dancing and intense housework all count as exercise.
  • If you spend much of your day sitting — whether it’s at a computer, hard at work, or binging the latest hot television series — remember to stand up and move around at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, climb stairs, do squats — whatever it takes to get a mini-workout in before getting back to work (or play).
  • Take advantage of Asheville’s wonderful hiking and biking opportunities. We live in one of the most gorgeous regions in the country, so don’t forget to take full advantage of our wonderful scenic exercise opportunities.
  • Let technology help! It’s a great time to be fit, with technology like Fitbits, Apple watches and smartphone apps that allow you to track your exercise progress, whether it’s miles walked, steps climbed or calories burned.

Stop Smoking

  • This is the single most important thing you can do for your heart and your overall health — and it’s one of the easiest to do, if you set your mind to it. By quitting use of tobacco products, your heart is already automatically healthier than those who continue to smoke. This one act can reduce or even reverse heart disease in patients.
  • Those around you stand to benefit from you quitting too. If no longer exposed to second-hand smoke, your loved ones will also benefit and have stronger overall health.

American Heart Month

by

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only reason for heart-shaped decor this month. February is American Heart Month — the more anatomically correct of the two February holidays — and Mercy Urgent Care wants to remind you to keep heart health in mind this month and all year long.

American Heart Month was created to spread awareness of heart health, while also motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease. The world’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease claims 17.9 million lives globally each year and is responsible for one of every four deaths (about 655,000 annually) in America. According to the CDC, one person in the U.S. dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. But, by controlling risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, about 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided.

So what can you do — both for your heart and the hearts of your loved ones?

Eat Well and Drink Wisely

  • Cut out sugar-filled beverages like sodas. Instead, try water with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
  • Cut down on processed, prepackaged foods. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, cheese or nuts contain just what your body needs (and less of what makes it ill).
  • Try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. If that sounds like a lot, blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies — or get creative with your salads.
  • Meal plan by making large batches of healthy foods — grains and vegetables — and take it to work for lunch all week.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amounts for your age and gender.

Get Up and Move

  • Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times a week.
  • To keep you on your toes, mix up your exercise. Walking, dancing and intense housework all count as exercise.
  • If you spend much of your day sitting — whether it’s at a computer, hard at work, or binging the latest hot television series — remember to stand up and move around at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, climb stairs, do squats — whatever it takes to get a mini-workout in before getting back to work (or play).
  • Take advantage of Asheville’s wonderful hiking and biking opportunities. We live in one of the most gorgeous regions in the country, so don’t forget to take full advantage of our wonderful scenic exercise opportunities.
  • Let technology help! It’s a great time to be fit, with technology like Fitbits, Apple watches and smartphone apps that allow you to track your exercise progress, whether it’s miles walked, steps climbed or calories burned.

Stop Smoking

  • This is the single most important thing you can do for your heart and your overall health — and it’s one of the easiest to do, if you set your mind to it. By quitting use of tobacco products, your heart is already automatically healthier than those who continue to smoke. This one act can reduce or even reverse heart disease in patients.
  • Those around you stand to benefit from you quitting too. If no longer exposed to second-hand smoke, your loved ones will also benefit and have stronger overall health.

50 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

by

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