by Belinda | Aug 30, 2022 | Uncategorised, Workplace Education
Thursday 08th September 2002 is national R U OK? Day.
We’ve all heard about and seen the advertisements about R U OK day, but do you really understand what it means? It is more than just asking someone R U OK? on the day. It goes beyond this. It is a National Day of Action when Australian’s are reminded that not just on the 08th September, but every day is the day to ask, “R U OK?” It’s never too early to start a meaningful conversation about suicide prevention and mental health. It also encourages people going through difficult times, that it is ok to reach out and ask for help.
The key is to not wait until somebody is visibly distressed or in a crisis. Make it a point to ask your work colleague, family member or friend how they are really going.
What can you do in the workplace?
It is extremely important for workplaces to develop and nurture a workplace culture, free of stigma, by encouraging all staff to check in on each other especially if things don’t seem right. People need to feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question. R U OK? Managers need to be proactive in talking to their employee making sure they are ok.
Another step a workplace can take to help their employees with their mental health is to offer an Employee Assistance Program, (EAP). Not only should a workplace have an EAP but this needs to be easily accessible to all staff.
If you are a workplace and looking for some fantastic resources to start the conversation visit: https://www.ruok.org.au/work
To help you recognise the signs of someone struggling with their mental health and encourage people to reach out we have compiled a list below.
Signs
- Change in behaviour – confused, irrational, withdrawn, behaving recklessly, lack of concentration
- Changes in mood – anxious, worried, moody
- Overly concerned – future, burden, being trapped, negative thought patterns
- Changes in appearance – hygiene, tiredness, restless
- Lonely or lacking self-esteem
- Losing interest in what they used to love
- Changes in their life – relationship, health, work, stress, financial difficulty, loss of someone or something they care about.
Whether it be a close friend, family member or a work colleague, there are 4 steps that could change a life.
- Ask
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
So, this R U OK? Day, connect with someone and help stop little problems turning into big problems.
by Belinda | Aug 30, 2022 | Health Assessments, Uncategorised
The 5th – 11th September this year, is the time to celebrate Women’s Health Week. It’s the one week of the year when we stop to focus on Women’s Health. Most importantly, we are encouraging all women across Australia to set aside some time for themselves to focus on their own health and wellbeing. Whist women can get stuck in the day to day routine of looking after their kids and families, this is the week to focus on you.
Use this week as an excuse to book in a health check, relax, take time for yourself, get active, start a fitness plan, join a group, or meet up with a friend. It’s a week to focus on your own health and wellbeing, however that may look.
It’s all about you!
Run by the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, National Women’s Health week is a campaign of events and online activities – all centred on improving women’s health and helping you make healthier choices. (Source : https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au)
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving women’s health across Australia though every life stage. (https://anmj.org.au)
To find out more about Women’s Health Week, go to https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/the-week/.
Did you know that Workplace Health & Safety Vic can visit your workplace to conduct health assessments (screening for heart health, diabetes, cholesterol, body composition and more)? We also offer the services from our trusted Allied Health Professionals. Our dieticians can offer appointments or workplace presentations to your staff. Their presentations are filled with good tips, resources, and tips on living your healthiest life!
Whether you use this week to think about and take action of your health or that of a woman in your life, now’s the time.
by Belinda | Aug 30, 2022 | Health Assessments, Uncategorised
September is Blood Cancer awareness month. An important time of the year as it raises awareness and understanding of blood cancers. It aims to support patients affected by blood cancer, spread awareness and to raise fund to progress research in blood cancer.
Blood cancers combined, are the second most diagnosed cancers in Australia and claims the lives of more than 5,600 people each year. It also continues to remain the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer.
There are three main groups of blood cancer — leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Leukemia – This is the general name given to a group of cancers that develop in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal blood cells.
Lymphoma – a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. This is when abnormal white blood cells grow. (The lymphatic system is the part of the body’s germ-fighting network.)
Myeloma – a cancer of the blood’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow.
Blood Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Lumos of swellings
- Shortness of breath
- Drenching night sweats
- Repeat or severe infections
- Regular and frequent fevers
- Unexplained rash or itchy skin
- Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen
- Fatigue
- Unusually pale complexion
Fundraising is one of the ways that you can help make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families. To donate, click here – https://www.lymphoma.org.au/donate/
by Belinda | Aug 30, 2022 | Health Assessments, Uncategorised
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia aims to raise public awareness about prostate health and prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men. It mainly affects men over the age of 50, and the risk increases as you get older. (Being under 50, your risk is lower, but it is still possible.)
Compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates (95%) if it is diagnosed early. (Source: Cancer.org.au)
Symptoms
Whilst in the early stages of prostate cancer, there may not be any signs or symptoms. Symptoms during the later stages include:
- Trouble or pain while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Decreased force (weak stream) of urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine stream
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or back
- Bone Pain
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat or pale skin.
Causes
There are some factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
- Age – your risk increases over the age of 50
- Family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer
- A direct male relative, (father/brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 60.
This September, help increase the awareness of prostate cancer and support Australian men with prostate cancer and their families, by donating here – https://www.prostate.org.au/donate/
by Belinda | Aug 1, 2022 | Uncategorised
This week is the annual Dental Health Week (DHW).
The annual oral health campaign is run by the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA). “The campaign focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you keep your teeth and smile for life. “ Source: Teeth.org.au)
This year, the focus is to ‘get sugar savvy’. With the tag line ‘how much sugar is hiding in your trolley?’; it aims to make people conscious of what’s in the food they’re consuming. The ADA is encouraging people to limit their sugar intake to the recommended amount of sugar daily.
The ADA aims to deliver 4 key messages for the 2022 campaign:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake.
- Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care
Did you know:
- 75% adults rarely or never floss or clean between their teeth
- 1 in 5 adults brush only once per day
- 39% of parents report their children drink 2 – 5 soft drinks per week
- 2 in 3 adults usually visit the dentist for a problem rather than a regular check-up
- 47% of adults (18+ years) consume too much sugar
(Source: Australian Dental Association (ADA) (2021))
You may be asking yourself, how do I maintain good oral health? I brush twice a day and floss regularly. Do I need to do more? The answer is yes.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- Visit you dentist regularly
- Brushing twice daily
- Floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque
- Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste
- Maintain control over medical and health issues
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating
- Healthy eating and limit the amount of sugar in your diet
- Use your teeth for their intended purpose
- If you have a dry mouth, drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum
by Belinda | Jul 25, 2022 | Drug & Alcohol Testing, Uncategorised
19 – 25 August 2022
Do you have a complete record of all the medication you are taking? Do you understand what they do and what the active ingredient is? Do you know what the right information to keep and the right questions to ask?
Be Medicinewise Week is an annual health awareness week led by NPS MedicineWise (National Prescribing Service). Medicinewise week is all about knowing and understanding your medication and being better informed so you can get the most out of them – safely.
“Every year, more than 230,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to mismanagement of over-the-counter and prescription medication.” (Source: NPS Medicinewise 2019.)
So how do you be medicine wise?
It’s easy to be medicine wise. Do your homework when it comes to medicines you take.
Painaustralia, supported NPS MedicineWise in asking people to:
- Know all the medicines you take and why you take them. Do your homework. Not only prescribed medications but all medications including over the counter and supplements. Research the active ingredient so you understand how it works.
- Understand the instructions of how to take a medicine. Read the labels and packaging on all medicines. Use dosing devices to ensure accurate measurements
- Check with your health professional before starting a new medicine or safely stopping use
- Ask if you have any questions. How and when to take them, are there any side effects, how the react with other medicines you may be taking?
- Make a list of all the medicines you take to keep track. This is extremely important for all those involved in your health care.
(Source: painaustralia 2019.)
Every day, Australians are gambling with their health by either ignoring, not being informed or not taking the necessary precautions regarding their medication. This can lead to serious problems. Whether it’s prescribed medication, over-the-counter medication or health supplements, you need to be aware of their potential risks, instructions and side effects.
How will a medicine list help me?
- Have a complete list of all medicines you are currently taking. This is extremely helpful for all of those involved in your health care.
- Provide vital information about your medicines in an emergency
- Remind you of when to take them and how much. (Set alarms to remind you)
- A complete list of what each medicine is for
- Get better results from the medicines you take
So now that you’ve decided to start a medicine list, you may be asking yourself what’s the best way to do this? You can do this in a number of ways.
- Create a paper list that you will keep with you at all times.
- List all the medications you take
- What each medicine is for
- Dosage
- When and how to take it.
- Add the details to your smart phone using the MedicineWise smartphone app.
How ever you choose to create your medicine list, just remember to keep it updated and carry it with you at all times.
(Source: NPS Medicinewise . nps.org.au)