by Belinda | Jul 5, 2022 | Drug & Alcohol Testing, Health Assessments, Workplace Education
“One in four Australians aged 18 years and over exceeded the Australian Adult Alcohol Guideline in 2020-21 (25.8%).” – (ABS 21/03/2022)
Dry July is a fundraiser that encourages you to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer. Go one month without alcohol for a good cause. Every day, it’s estimated that 400 people in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer. Go Dry this July and raise funds to provide comfort and support to people affected by cancer when they need it the most. (Source : Dry July – 2022.)
Now is the time to sign up your workplace team and quit the drink for a month to raise funds for a worthy cause!
Where do the raised funds go?
The funds you raise as part of your Dry July will provide invaluable services for cancer patients, their families and carers. Whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist cancer nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs, a comfier chair or a bed closer to treatment, these are just some of the ways your fundraising will help cancer patients and their families. (Source : Dry July, 2022).
How much alcohol is too much?
Healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day, to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury. (Source : NHMRC – 2022)
What are the risks of too much drinking?
Short term risks: dizziness, lack of judgement, reduced coordination, slower reflexes, memory loss, vomiting, intense moods, headaches, hangovers, blackouts, accidental injury (to yourself or others), deliberately harming yourself or others, alcohol poisoning (which can be fatal) and poor sleep quality.
Long term risks: Irreversible liver, brain or nervous system damage, heart disease, increase in blood pressure, heart damage, heart attacks, stroke, dementia, increased chance of several types of cancers, alcohol-related disease, fertility, illness, and injuries.
What are the benefits of Dry July?
- Improved overall physical and mental health
- Improved sleep quality
- More energy
- Enhanced work performance
- Improved memory and concentration
- Better immunity
- Lose weight
- Decrease cholesterol
- Lower blood glucose
- Decrease in liver fat
- Save money
- Cut calories
- Healthier skin – alcohol causes dehydration, so abstaining will leave you with hydrated, healthier-looking skin
What if I have a special event on in July?
A Golden Ticket gives a Dry July participant a night off their challenge. For a minimum cost of $25, their night off will still make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.
How does it work?
It’s simple. 4 easy steps.
- Sign Up
- Go alcohol-free in July
- Ask friends and family to support you
- Help people affected by cancer.
Sign up with your workplace and promote health and wellness, team connection and support people affected by cancer – https://www.dryjuly.com/users/sign_up
by Grace | Apr 4, 2022 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
As the control centre for your body, your brain is in charge of keeping your heart beating, your lungs breathing and allowing you to move, feel and think.
The foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.
According to Healthline (2021), 11 foods that help boost your brain include:
- Fatty Fish:
This may include salmon, trout, albacore tuna, herring and sardines, all of which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. About 60% of your brain is made of fat, and half of that fat is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids.
Your brain uses omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells and these fats are essential to learning and memory.
- Coffee:
The two main components in coffee, caffeine and antioxidants, can help support brain health.
Caffeine keeps your brain alert by blocking messengers that make you feel sleepy and improve concentration.
- Blueberries:
Blueberries assists with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some antioxidants in blueberries have been found to improve communication between brain cells.
- Turmeric:
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to produce anti-inflammatory responses, benefit memory, ease depression and help new brain cells grow.
- Broccoli:
Packed with powerful substances including antioxidants, broccoli is also very high in vitamin k, which is linked to better memory and cognitive status.
- Pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin seeds are rich in many micronutrients that are important for brain function, including copper, iron, magnesium and zinc.
- Dark chocolate:
The flavonoids in chocolate may help protect the brain. Studies have suggested that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, could boost memory and mood.
- Nuts:
Nuts contain a host of brain-boosting nutrients, including Vitamin E, healthy fats and plant compounds.
- Oranges:
Oranges and other foods that are high in Vitamin C can help defend your brain against damage from free radicals.
- Eggs:
Eggs are a rich source of several B vitamins and choline, which are important for regulating mood and promoting proper brain function and development.
- Green tea:
As is the case with coffee, the caffeine in green tea boosts brain function by improving alertness, performance, memory and focus.
On top of this, green tea carries L-theanine, which helps relax you without making you tired and is also rich in antioxidants.
by Belinda | Mar 29, 2022 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
Australia is coffee obsessed.. us included! Millions rely on caffeine every day to stay alert, improve conversation and to simply take a ‘coffee break’ from work.
Caffeine is a drug that stimulates your brain and nervous system (Better Health, 2021). In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused.
Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves and fruits of some plants. It is in many things we consume including coffee, coca cola, cocoa, black tea, green tea and energy drinks.
What can caffeine do to your body?
If consumed excessively, caffeine can have the following negative affects on the body.
- Rise in body temperature;
- Dehydration;
- Dizziness;
- Headaches;
- Rapid heart beat (palpitations);
- Frequent urination;
- Restlessness;
- Anxiety;
- Irritability;
- Trembling hands;
- First feeling energetic, then having an even greater feeling of tiredness;
How much caffeine is considered acceptable?
Research suggests that 400mg per day or less is a desirable dose of caffeine for the general population. For pregnant women, 200mg per day is recommended.
Approximate caffeine levels per serve include (betterhealth, 2021):
- Instant coffee: 80–120mg per 250ml
- Percolated coffee: 150–240mg per 250ml
- Espresso coffees, latte, flat white, etc: 105–110mg per 250ml
- Caffeine tablets such as No-Doz – 100mg per tablet.
- Decaffeinated coffee: 2–6mg per 250ml
- Black tea: 65–105mg per 250ml
- Cola drinks: 40–49mg per 375ml
- Red Bull energy drink: 80mg per 250 ml
- Dark chocolate bar: 40-50mg per 55g serve
- Milk chocolate bar – 10mg per 50g serve
- Chocolate drinks: 5–10mg per 250ml
by Belinda | Mar 29, 2022 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or ‘IBS’), is a collection of symptoms that result from abnormal functioning in the bowel.
If you have IBS, you are not alone! Approximately 20% of the Australian population experience IBS symptoms – The Gut Foundation, 2022.
Symptoms:
According to The Mayo Clinic (2022), symptoms are usually present for a long time – the most common include:
- Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement;
- Changes in appearance of bowel movement;
- Severe constipation of chronic diarrhoea;
- Excessive flatulence;
Triggers:
Symptoms of IBS can be triggered by:
- Food – including wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk or carbonated drinks;
- Stress – while stress can aggravate symptoms, it doesn’t cause them.
Causes:
The exact cause of IBS isn’t known, however factors that play a role include:
- Muscle contractions of the intestine;
- Nervous system abnormalities;
- Severe infection;
- Early life stress;
- Changes in gut microbes;
IBS can be debilitating both in the workplace and in private life. If you are concerned about any consistent symptoms, visit your GP to discuss.
by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
According to Healthline (2021), Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
How do you look after your oral health?
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. The earlier you learn proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake — the easier it’ll be to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues.
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily (mayoclinic.org, 2022):
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Symptoms of dental or oral problems:
You shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to visit your dentist. Going to the dentist twice a year will usually allow them to catch a problem before you even notice any symptoms.
If you experience any of the following warning signs of dental health issues, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible:
Causes of dental or oral diseases include but are not limited to:
Types of dental and oral diseases:
- CAVITIES: Otherwise known as tooth decay. These are areas of the tooth that have been permanently damaged and may even have holes in them.
- GUM DISEASE (GINGIVITIS): Inflammation of the gums. This is usually a result of plaque build up on your teeth due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious infections.
- PERIODONITIS: This can also spread to your jaw and bones and cause an inflammatory response throughout the body.
- CRACKED OR BROKEN TEETH: This can be caused by an injury to the mouth, chewing hard foods or grinding your teeth at night.
- SENSITIVE TEETH: This may cause you to feel discomfort after having cold or hot foods or beverages.
- ORAL CANCER: This includes cancer of the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of mouth, hard or soft pallet.
View the following Australian Dental Association videos in light of World Oral Health Day (20th March), to help look after your oral health – https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Oral-Health-Video-Resources
by Grace | Mar 1, 2022 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
Tuesday 8th March is when we are celebrating International Women’s Day – the 2022 campaign is ‘Break the Bias’. Within the workplace, this means gender equality, inclusiveness and a environment free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination.
We believe it’s a great chance to celebrate the women in your workplace by firstly acknowledging International Women’s Day, and secondly rewarding them with health assessments or education sessions to support their health and wellbeing.
Health Assessments:
Our nurses visit your workplace to conduct one-on-one health assessments which entail the following:
– Heart health check;
– Diabetes screening;
– Cholesterol screening;
– Wellbeing screening;
– Body composition screening and possible risk factors for the above mentioned;
– Screening and reminders when certain checks are due – dental, eye, immunisations, cervical cancer screening, bone density and bowel screening.
One-on-one assessments allow a safe place for concerns and questions to be discussed with our highly skilled nurses and advice/referrals are made where necessary.
This month is also Endometriosis Awareness Month. According to Cochrane.org (2022), endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus.
It is estimated that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Painful periods;
– Chronic pelvic pain;
– Chronic abdominal pain;
– Excessive cramps;
Medical advice should always be taken for each individual case or concern.