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occupational medicine

Men’s healthcare in the workplace

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DID YOU KNOW? According to the CDC, men are 33% less likely than women to visit a healthcare professional, despite an average life expectancy of five fewer years than women. Additionally, men also represent 94% of all fatalities in the workplace. This June, turn your attention to National Men’s Health Month and focus on spreading awareness, prevention, and education of preventable health issues in men and boys — including the specific risks that men face on the job.

In our society, men are frequently pressured to be self-reliant, strong and thriving from an early age — and, because of this, many avoid any potential for perceived weakness, even pushing their physical or mental health to the limit. With so many stigmas surrounding seeking help, men are four times more likely than women to suffer from mental health issues, including depression and suicide.

From a physical health standpoint, men also have higher rates of heart disease than women and tend to develop heart disease at an earlier age. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., with about one in four attributed to coronary disease.

Men are also at greater risk of becoming obese and developing diabetes, as well as certain types of cancers.

While these health concerns may seem unrelated to the workplace, the wellbeing of each individual employee makes an impact on a wider scale — from absenteeism to increased healthcare costs to loss of productivity, each affecting a company’s bottom line. So, what can an employer do to encourage healthy habits in individuals?

  1. Increase Awareness. Awareness and education can be critical in fostering an overall environment of healthy activities in your company. Encourage employees to take advantage of regular checkups, and consider adding biometric screenings as an employee benefit.
  2. Organize a health fair. Consider holding health fairs for your employees once or twice per year. These can include screenings for hypertension, glucose and lipid panels, and immunizations for illnesses like the flu.
  3. Plan a walkathon or fundraiser. Organizing a walk, run or other active fundraiser can be a great way to engage employees in better overall health — with the added benefit of raising awareness for specific health causes and events, like National Men’s Health Month.
  4. Wear blue. Ask employees to wear blue one day (or week) this June to raise awareness and promote increased education on men’s health issues.

Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine offers a variety of onsite screenings designed to help companies promote an environment of health throughout the workforce. This type of companywide screening event is a great way to promote wellness and health for all employees — and can even increase participation for workers who would otherwise be hesitant to seek out health care.

Source: CDC, U.S. Department of Labor, Vantage Fit

Achieving a safer work environment

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Celebrated each year in June, National Safety Month aims to help educate and influence behaviors that prevent injuries and deaths in the workplace. By utilizing proper risk assessment techniques and proper safety equipment for the task at hand, while also maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free work environment, most workplace injuries can be prevented. Below are a few tips to help employers ensure workers stay as safe as possible on the job.

  1. Prevent slips, trips and falls. In 2020, 805 workers across the U.S. died in falls, and more than 211,000 workers suffered slip-and-fall injuries severe enough to require time off from work. Most falls are 100% preventable, and companies can reduce the risk of slips and falls by assessing risks at jobsites and by using the proper equipment to complete workplace tasks. First, look for ways to accomplish required tasks on the ground, if possible. If working from height is required, ensure guardrails and toe-boards are properly installed and that workers are properly trained on the use of safety equipment.
  2. Reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders. According to the National Safety Council, musculoskeletal injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace. Tools designed to work with the body’s natural movements can minimize the risk for these disorders. Investing in ergonomic office furniture and other tools can help prevent these injuries in both field personnel and office workers. You may also want to consider looking into processes and work designs that help reduce worker fatigue, increase productivity, and avoid injuries and strains.
  3. Watch out for invisible confined space hazards. Atmospheric hazards might not be visible to the human eye, but they are all too common in environments where employees must work underground, in poorly ventilated places or in other confined spaces. Before heading into a manhole or other confined or closed workspace, practice OSHA’s “test, purge and ventilate” routine to ensure that the space is free of combustible gases and has ample oxygen.
  4. Step up your ladder safety. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 65,000 workers go to the hospital every year due to ladder-related accidents. Before using a ladder, inspect it for broken rungs, missing bolts and other broken parts and make sure it is placed on level ground. When climbing up and down, face the ladder while holding onto both sides. Use a ladder wedge to help keep the ladder steady.
  5. Cool down when temperatures rise. Working in the summer months puts employees at risk for heat-related illnesses, especially in the South. Repeated and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 144 environmental heat-related deaths occurred between 2011 and 2019. Ensuring employees stay hydrated, take regular breaks and wear lightweight clothing can help safeguard against heat-related illness in the workforce. Consider supplying workers with umbrellas or shade tents when working outdoors in the summer months, and encourage them to take frequent breaks.
  6. Consider random or periodic drug and alcohol screenings for employees. Many companies already have policies in place regarding drug or alcohol use for their employees. Having clear policies is a great start, but employers can also implement random or periodic testing practices to further ensure that employees are adhering to those policies — and, in turn, fostering a safer work environment. Mercy Occupational Medicine can help employers explore and set up screening programs, including a 24/7 service to ensure companies have the testing capabilities they need, even after normal business hours.

Mercy Occupational Medicine encourages employers to review company safety protocols during National Safety Month. Adopting safety protocols and encouraging employees to follow all safety guidelines is a great way to prevent injuries and lost productivity in the workplace.

Sources: National Safety Council, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Stroke and Blood Pressure Awareness

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May has doubled up on its health awareness with both American Stroke Month and Blood Pressure Awareness Month. These two closely related diseases affect millions of Americans each year.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of Americans age 18 and older. It is listed as a primary factor in more than 82,000 deaths per year, and it also contributes significantly to the number of strokes that occur each year in the United States. This makes hypertension the most common primary diagnosis in America, responsible for 35 million office visits each year.

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension is also one of the 10 most expensive health conditions for U.S. employers, with estimates of direct and indirect costs of high blood pressure for Americans reaching $76.6 billion. Strokes and heart disease also greatly contribute to workplace incidents, with more than $130 billion in estimated lost productivity in 2018 alone. With that in mind, it makes sense that employers are increasingly aware of the effects hypertension can have on their workforce.

So, what can employers do to help relieve the effects of high blood pressure and stroke among employees? Consider the tips below to help mitigate risk factors in your workforce, recognize the symptoms and act quickly in case of an emergency.

First, spread awareness of stroke symptoms using F.A.S.T.:

  • Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does the smile look lopsided?
  • Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise his or her arms. Does one slump down?
  • Speech: Ask the person a question. Do they slur or make little to no sense when responding?
  • Time to call 911: If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 and mention that you suspect this person is having a stroke. He or she needs medical treatment right away.

After calling 911, record the time you first noticed his or her symptoms and keep talking to the person until the ambulance arrives. They can lie down, but don’t let them eat or drink. If the person loses consciousness and stops breathing, perform CPR.

Of course, while emergencies like this prompt quick action, there are also many preventative measures that individuals and employers can take to encourage healthier lifestyles and help workers avoid high blood pressure (as well as possible stroke):

  1. Lose extra pounds or maintain a healthy weight
  2. Exercise regularly
  3. Eat a heart-healthy diet with more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
  4. Reduce sodium consumption
  5. Limit the amount of alcohol consumed
  6. Quit smoking
  7. Cut back on caffeine
  8. Reduce stress
  9. Monitor blood pressure regularly
  10. Get support from family, friends and coworkers

A great way to help employees in your company determine whether they are at risk of stroke or developing hypertension is to conduct screenings and introduce high blood pressure monitoring into any employee wellness programs that your business may currently offer. Regular screenings can help eliminate chronic diseases associated with high blood pressure, including stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Mercy Occupational Medicine can help you and your leadership team implement strategic plans for health and wellness programming, including onsite wellness fairs that include hypertension and cardiac risk assessments. Get in touch to discuss how Mercy can help support a healthier workforce with these and other wellness initiatives. We provide employers with a variety of onsite options, from annual employee health checks to employee clinics staffed with a provider.

Sources: CDC.gov, AMA Hypertension, Mayo Clinic

Allergies in the Workplace

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For many in Western North Carolina, April marks the real beginning of spring. But for some, it also marks the beginning of allergy season — and seasonal allergies or allergic reactions can make a serious impact on the workplace.

Allergies can reduce workplace productivity, increase medical costs, and make your employees miserable. While you can’t cure employees’ allergies, you can help mitigate the impact of allergens in your company.

The Cost of Workplace Allergies
Studies show that allergies can significantly impact workplace productivity. One study reports that Americans lose 3.5 million workdays each year due to allergies. Moreover, there are between nine and 10 million allergy-related doctor visits each year, making allergy treatment a major part of employees’ out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Common workplace allergies
Basically, an allergy is a hypersensitivity to a substance. When an allergic employee is exposed to an allergen, his or her immune system responds inappropriately — causing a physical response that may even outweigh the allergen’s harm. There are a wide variety of workplace allergens that may potentially impact your employees, including:

  • Animal dander and debris
  • Certain foods
  • Industrial chemicals like solvents, bleaches, and adhesives
  • Latex
  • Perfumes and odorants
  • Pollen, dust, and molds
  • Wood dust and resins

While many allergy symptoms are merely inconvenient, some can be life-threatening. Allergies can cause anaphylactic shock, asthma, contact dermatitis, hives and rashes, and rhinitis (inflamed nasal passages), so trying to mitigate or eliminate allergens in the workplace is a worthwhile goal.

Improve Your Workplace Environment
Identifying allergens in the workplace is a great place to start. Once you have a list of allergens to avoid you can begin minimizing the impact of allergies throughout your company. If any of your employees suffer from serious or life-threatening allergies, work with them to build an appropriate response plan, which could include emergency treatment options like antihistamines, inhalers, and EpiPens.

Work to identify mold, fungus, or ventilation problems that could lead to increased allergic reactions, or consider modifications that might improve the workplace environment and increase overall workplace health. 

For example:

  • run the office AC system during peak allergy season (typically the spring and fall).
  • use HEPA air filters in the office and change them regularly.
  • mitigate mold growth by identifying and repairing water damage.
  • encourage employees to clean their workspaces regularly to reduce the amount of dust, mold, and other irritants in the office.
  • regularly clean carpet and other absorbent materials that might collect allergens.
  • provide appropriate protective gear (such as respirators, gloves, and barrier creams) for employees who contact industrial chemicals or other irritants.

Working to reduce allergens in your place of business can have a significant impact on productivity and employee satisfaction. Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can help you identify potential allergens and suggest mitigation efforts by conducting a workplace walkthrough, among other Safe & Well services. Contact Mercy Occupational Medicine staff at (828) 274-6707 or mom@mercyurgentcare.org to discuss options for workplace assessments.

Source: OSHA, CDC, Canopy Health

Alcohol Awareness Month

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In North Carolina, April is the state-declared Alcohol Awareness Month, promoting awareness of the dangers and diseases associated with alcohol misuse and abuse. Alcohol abuse in the workplace not only increases the possibility of on-the-job mistakes or accidents, but it can also lead to serious injury or death. Additionally, alcohol reduces productivity caused by a lack of concentration and coordination, negatively impacting business goals and profitability.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 14 million Americans (one in every 13 adults) abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. The costs to society in terms of lost productivity, health care costs, traffic accidents, and personal tragedies are staggering. Studies report the workplace costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse range from $33 billion to $68 billion per year.

In the workplace, absenteeism, accidents, and on-the-job injuries are far more prevalent among alcoholics and alcohol abusers. When the use or abuse of alcohol interferes with an employee’s ability to perform his or her duties, legitimate concerns arise for employers about work quality, health and safety, and conduct. What are some ways that employers can identify alcohol abuse in the workforce? Consider these potential indicators:

Attendance Issues

  • Unexplained or unauthorized absences from work
  • Frequent tardiness
  • Excessive use of sick leave for prolonged periods
  • Being absent from his or her workstation without explanation or permission for significant periods of time

Performance Problems

  • Missed deadlines
  • Careless, sloppy work or incomplete assignments
  • Production quotas not met
  • Frequent excuses for missed or sloppy work

Relationships at Work

  • Relationships with coworkers may become strained
  • Belligerent or argumentative behavior
  • The employee may become a “loner” in the workplace

Behavior at Work

  • Smells of alcohol
  • Staggering or unsteady gait
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Mood and behavior changes
  • Tremors
  • Sleeping on duty

While these signs do not necessarily mean that an employee is abusing alcohol, these indicators coupled with performance or conduct problems may indicate alcohol abuse and warrant further investigation.

Many employers, especially those in the manufacturing or transportation sectors, have programs in place to randomly or periodically test employees for banned substances. Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can help your company establish protocols for screening and testing (at random or post-accident) to help ensure a safer work environment for your employees. Mercy can even accommodate after-hours screenings and breath alcohol testing through its SCREEN 24/7 after-hours service.

To talk with a Mercy staff member about our screening protocols or to get your business set up for after-hours testing services contact us at (828) 274-6707 or mom@mercyurgentcare.org.

Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Buncombe County Health Dept. Virtual Event

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Let’s Talk: COVID Treatment Options

Mercy Urgent Care is pleased to announce that Family Nurse Practitioner Grace Barnwell was a panelist for the “Let’s Talk: COVID Treatment Options” online event hosted by the Buncombe County Health Department on Thursday, March 31.

FNP Barnwell was one of four panelists discussing COVID treatment options available in Buncombe County. As therapeutic treatments are still a new intervention in the fight against severe illness due to COVID-19, this event was an opportunity for local medical providers to learn more about or discuss treatment options, eligibility requirements, and where to access treatments in the community.

Other panelists included Dr. Stephanie Call, Chair of Internal Medicine for MAHEC; Dr. Chris Parsons, Medical Director for Pardee Center for Infectious Diseases; and (Facilitator) Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, Buncombe County Medical Director.

The event was live streamed in English on the Buncombe County Government Facebook page, in Spanish on the Buncombe County Health and Human Services page, and in American Sign Language on both pages. Audience questions were fielded during the event.

Learn more about the COVID-19 therapeutic treatments offered at Mercy Urgent Care.