Tuesday, December 20, 2016

U.S. HealthWorks Tips for Employers on Avoiding Injury Management Mistakes


The safety of your employees in the workplace falls within the purview of your responsibilities as the head of the company. As such, it’s only right that you educate yourself about proper injury management for your organization.

Apart from the emergency and first aid measures that must be put in place, you are also supposed to be well-versed when it comes to the workers compensation system. This is so that you can ensure that you are fulfilling your obligations to your employees, while at the same time protecting the interests of the company. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQXo52

Back to Work: Physical and Occupational Therapy for Injured Employees


Business owners have the legal responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees in the workplace by adhering to set standards or guidelines. Unfortunately, even with safety provisions and preventive strategies, some accidents and subsequent injuries may still occur and are simply beyond an employer’s control. Therefore, employee-centric companies do not only provide proper compensation to their injured workers, but also rehabilitative therapy to help them get back to work at the soonest possible time.

Common Workplace Injuries

According to the Wellness Council of America, a worker is injured every five seconds and every ten seconds a worker suffers an injury that can cause temporary or permanent disability. So what are the usual types of injury faced by workers on a daily basis? Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQSRiY

Monday, December 19, 2016

Onsite Clinic for Employees: Why It’s a Great Investment for Business


According to a 2012 research study by the Integrated Benefits Institute, which represents leading U.S. employers and business groups, poor health costs the U.S. economy $576 billion a year, with $227 billion resulting from “lost productivity” due to illnesses. Therefore, as healthcare costs continue to rise, organizations are seeking new ways to control health-related losses and keep their workforce healthy. One key solution that employers are now investing in is an onsite clinic for their employees.

What is an Onsite Health Clinic?

An onsite health clinic, also known as a worksite clinic, is exactly as both terms imply: it’s a health facility that is located in or near the workplace. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQTWaz

After Vaccinations for Travel, Pack the Perfect Travel First Aid Kit


Did you know that there are approximately 600 million international travelers with around 80 million traveling annually from developed to developing countries? Such a large number, along with the increasing reach and coverage of the transportation industry, led to the founding and establishment of travel medicine, or emporiatrics, a branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention and management of diseases for international travelers, especially those who venture to tropical countries.

Vaccinations: First Line of Defense

Take note that traveling to rural areas or developing countries carry specific health risks that you need to research and ask about when you set an appointment with healthcare centers, such as U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, which offer travel medicine services. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQW3ek

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Sports Physical Therapists Offer Some Exercises for the Fall Season


Many people tend to take a break from their rigid workout programs once summer ends and the cooler fall season comes around. Layering and bundling replace bikinis and board shorts, and the drops in temperatures make it hard for most to stay committed to their nightly run schedule.

Despite these factors, however, fitness experts point to the fall season as the best time to get up and keep moving, especially because the holidays are just around the corner. If you think about it, this advice does make sense.

For many people, the difficulty to get back into shape in time for summer can be traced back to when they let up on their programs on account of the colder season. In fact, even sports physical therapists echo the sentiments of fitness experts in this regard. For them, there’s no better time to begin your new workout regimen than during fall. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQWR2G

Getting Sick is Expensive! Get Flu Shots for Work, Urgent Care Advises


It’s no secret that getting sick entails a lot of money to deal with. From doctor’s visits to prescriptions for medication, and even lost income due to absences, all of these add up to make a staggering annual loss for the nation in general.

In fact, a study published recently in Health Affairs confirms this as much by showing that as much as $5.8 billion are lost from simply having flu. With that number, suddenly the flu doesn’t seem so simple anymore.

Preventing the Money Drain

The flu does not have to be an inevitable especially once the flu season hits, though. There is one way to deal with it and that is through flu vaccination. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQNDUu

Saturday, December 17, 2016

The Real Cost of the Flu: Why You Should Get Flu Shots for Employees


The flu puts an average American adult out of commission for a few days and cost as much as $5.8 billion in 2015, according to a recent study published in Health Affairs.

This is a staggering amount considering that it’s “just the flu”. These costs, said the study, can be attributed to medical bills (visits and medications) and lost revenue for businesses as a result of reduced productivity on the work floor.

If you are an employer who has not looked at the flu as a serious threat or impediment to your operations, then this study should be a wake-up call for you. It’s time to rethink your workplace health program and make sure to offer flu shots for work. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQL3xA

Three Reasons Your Company Should Have Pre Employment Drug Testing


When it comes to your business, it’s crucial that you find the right employees to join your team. Ideally, you should get someone who is reliable, efficient, cooperative and collaborative, and of course, healthy.

There are many factors that you should consider when vetting applicants, but the one method that you can scientifically rely on to filter those who don’t meet your requirements are physical medical exams that also include pre employment drug testing.

Most businesses make this mandatory for their applicants for very good reasons. Here are some of them:

1.        Employee Safety

Drug use and addiction have grave consequences that inevitably affect not just the immediate family of the user, but also others they interact with, including coworkers. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2gO3021

Friday, December 16, 2016

Watch Out for Rain and Bad Weather, Occupational Health Services Warn


It’s not a coincidence that out of all the seasons, occupational health specialists worry most about rainy weather that occurs in the winter and spring. This is because these are the times when accidents such as slip-and-falls and car crashes are most likely to happen.

These accidents can happen anywhere, not just on the roads. In fact, if you’re not mindful, you could see a spike in your injured or sickly staff during this time of the year.

Slippery When Wet

The most common correlation of wet weather and accidents is the effect that it has on surfaces. The type of flooring in your workplace will have a direct consequence for the safety of your staff, especially if it is the type to become slippery when wet. Laminates, tiles, marble, or any other kind of surface that becomes slick are potentially dangerous. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2gO0CZm

Basic Things to Expect from Having a Pre-Employment Physical Exam


After successfully passing through the hurdles of initial interviews, an applicant is usually expected to undergo a pre employment physical by the company they are hoping to join. The main objective of this is to ensure that the applicant is fit enough to start working with them.

In this process, it’s not just the applicant that should prepare for the exam, but also the employer.

Expectations for Employers

Ideally, you already should have an established agreement with an occupational health service provider so that they can facilitate your applicants’ pre employment physicals.  It’s important for you to have the basic information about your employees’ health so that you can be aware of any considerations that must be made in terms of their workload. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2gO1k8L

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Occupational Medicine on the Benefits of a Workplace Exercise Program


Work stress is among the major contributors to illness. When things become stressful in a person’s professional life, it inevitably takes a toll on their general health, thereby compromising their ability not only to work efficiently, but also to function effectively in their day-to-day life.

A lot of times, though, these stresses can be easily alleviated with simple exercises. However, most people are not likely to make room in their schedule for the gym because they are busy. If they can’t make it to the gym to workout, then why not bring the workout to them?

This is also a great idea because science itself backs the validity and benefits of having a workplace exercise program.

Occupational medicine practitioners welcome the findings of a recent study conducted by UCLA researchers, which concluded that having a workout program at work could improve the performance of employees. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQQBrS

Reasons to Choose U.S. HealthWorks as Your Occupational Health Company


When it comes to running a business, your employees’ health and well-being are just as important as having a smooth flow of operations. Do keep in mind that the success of your enterprise rests on the work that your staff puts in. Their efficiency rests on their health, and that’s why you have to be invested in it just as much as you are in earning profits.

For this, it is highly recommended that you partner with an occupational health company that will help ensure that each and every member of your organization is fit to work. Here are some of the considerations that you must factor in when looking for one:

Complete Services

Companies are expected to set up annual medical check-ups for their staff. As such, you want to have a healthcare company that is able to provide the basic checkup requirements, such as drug screens, audiograms, vision screening, general consultation, and treatment for work-related injuries. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2hQIaN5

Sunday, November 20, 2016

U.S. HealthWorks Tips for Employers Regarding Worker Use of Wearables


The use of wearable technology is becoming a welcome development in many industries these days. Because of its potential to enhance and ensure employees’ health and safety, employers are urged to consider adopting the use of wearables to reduce emergency room or U.S. HealthWorks urgent care visits.

Smart watches, helmets, visors, and other wearables are designed to boost the efficiency of employees, especially those working in hazardous environments, such as the mining and oil industries. Prompting the development of these devices is this sobering piece of data: 2.3 million incidents of either death, accidents and work-related diseases occur globally each year. Knowing the various technologies in which your company can invest is a step towards better health and safety among your employees. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fEdvU3

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Physical and Occupational Therapy for an Ergonomic Office Makeover


As you regularly evaluate your company or business, what are the top reasons that make it less productive (and consequently, less profitable) than it should be? Are the existing processes in the organization a prevailing concern, or is the health of your workforce a problematic factor? One of the things you may least suspect that contributes to the problem is your office ergonomics. If it is a root of concern, then there are definitely solutions to turn the trend around.

The Little-Known, Huge Impact of Ergonomics

Ergonomics is not just a buzzword in industry of furniture industry. It’s not just an interior design consideration to make a room more aesthetically pleasing, either. Making your workspaces more ergonomic have plenty of benefits for your employees and your business in general. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fgj10g

Friday, November 18, 2016

Is It Possible to Decrease Employee Absenteeism with a Worksite Clinic?


Absenteeism can be intentional on the part of the employee, especially if the workplace is too stressful or if they want to avoid difficult coworkers or bosses. Some employees may also have personal problems or obligations outside work (such as caring for a child or an elderly family member), which compel them to take a leave.

However, in some cases, habitual absence from work is not necessarily deliberate. Some workers may be nursing injuries that have recurring effects (like back pain). Some employees may also neglect their general health, which makes them easy to catch bugs. Other times, there may be a dramatic spike in absenteeism when there is an outbreak of the flu, a viral illness, or some other contagious disease in the workplace. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fgjP5w

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Travelling Abroad this Holiday? Plan Ahead and Get Your Vaccinations


Depending on where you plan to spend your vacation, travel vaccinations could be a necessary aspect of your trip. This is especially true if you’re heading out to a tropical or exotic destination. Different countries offer different health risks, and will therefore require specific vaccines.

Proof of vaccinations

Many countries require you to show a certificate indicating that you’ve been vaccinated for a particular disease before you are allowed to enter. Wherever you’re headed, you need to ensure your immunizations are recorded on an official document. Ask for one from your doctor or travel health center after you get immunized. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fghnf8

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Sports Physicals and Other Important Sports Injury Prevention Tips


Pushing yourself too hard during a workout, a hike, a sport, or any sort of physical activity can result in an injury that leaves you out of commission. If you are someone who is competitive, this is especially real for you. You are probably someone who keeps your eye on the prize and will stop at nothing to win. But without being too careful, an incident could occur and next thing you know, you are no longer able to move like you used to.

At U.S. HealhWorks, we want to make sure these sort of incidents don’t occur and that you can continue being physically active for as long as you want. This is exactly why we strongly promote sports physicals. In any case, if you are an avid athlete, you should be implementing an injury prevention strategy so you are never in such a situation. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fgi9J9

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Save on Precious Time and Money by Selecting Urgent Care Services


When a medical problem requires immediate attention, it can be difficult to discern if it truly calls for a visit to the ER, or if an urgent care clinic will suffice. Generally, an emergency condition is something that threatens a person’s life or can potentially cause permanent impairment. On the other hand, urgent care clinics can handle medical problems that, although not emergencies, need to be treated within 24 hours. Some of the conditions treated by urgent care include:

●    Broken bones
●    Sprains
●    Chronic pain
●    Respiratory illnesses
●    Slips and falls
●    Abdominal pain
●    Minor cuts
●    Vomiting
●    Fever
●    Diarrhea

Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fE76rI

Monday, November 14, 2016

Flu Shots for Work Could Save Employees from Contracting the Virus


Did you know that each year, nearly 50 million Americans contract influenza? And, that more than 100,000 people are hospitalized because of the disease, with 36,000 dying from the virus? With the flu season lasting from October to March, it’s important now more than ever to help your employees fight the virus and avoid getting sick.

Your friendly occupational medicine providers firmly believe that prevention is the best cure for the virus and would like to share with you the four top ways for you and your employees to prevent the spread of influenza in your workplace.

Wash your hands regularly

No matter what type of business or industry you’re in, you and your employees need to wash your hands regularly, especially if you frequently come into contact with a large number of people. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fgbdMd

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Don't Fall For These Common Excuses for Failing an Employee Drug Test


Drugs are considered a menace everywhere, especially in the workplace. For employers, drug-dependent employees can lead to lower productivity and revenue for the business. It can also put employees at risk, resulting in serious consequences. To avoid these unwanted situations, many employers require potential job candidates to undergo a pre-employment drug testing procedure.

When a drug test proves positive, an applicant will naturally be asked for the reason why they failed the test. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fEfYhc

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Take Time Reviewing Applications and Conduct Pre Employment Physical Exams


Making an applicant undergo a pre-employment physical exam before hiring is fast becoming the norm in countless industries, as many employers are seeing its advantage. More than a way to keep accidents and injuries at bay, a pre-employment physical also helps companies find the best candidates for the job.

The risk of not having a pre-employment physical exam

In a recent article, ErgoScience.com has this to say about the importance of requiring a pre-employment physical for every potential employee:

Competent background screening identifies those applicants who misrepresent their employment history, hide their criminal records and deny a habit of substance abuse – each of which is associated with shorter tenure, worse performance and increased incidence of on-the-job injury. And that goes double for employers who hire for physically demanding jobs. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fEb8QW

Friday, November 11, 2016

Occupational Health Specialists Find Research to Avoid Slipping Injury


A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere in your operation. Depending on the severity of the accident, a fall can result in the serious injury of a worker. Such an incident can spell loss of productivity and profit, increased industrial insurance premiums, and expenditures associated with finding an appropriate replacement.

In an attempt to curb slipping/falling and the injuries that it causes, two researchers sought out a solution by taking a closer look at the helmeted guinea fowl, a bird that reacts to slips and falls similarly to humans.

Biomechanics researchers Timothy Higham of Clemson University and Andrew Clark of the College of Charleston placed the fowl on a six-meter runway and made it run either on a rough surface or a slippery one. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fghEig

Thursday, November 10, 2016

The Need to Implement Occupational Medicine Wellness Programs at Work


Here’s a subject that’s sure to catch some attention. According to biomechanics researchers Timothy Higham of Clemson University and Andrew Clark of the College of Charleston, moving quickly with a firm-footed stance is a more effective way to walk on a slippery floor than shuffling or moving slowly.

The researchers explain that a slow approach to a slippery surface can prevent moving the body’s center of mass forward when the foot comes in contact with the surface, which is necessary to remain stable.

“The findings can be useful in helping humans, especially older ones, make their way across surfaces that are wet, icy or oily,” said Higham. “The key to avoiding slips seems to be speed and keeping the body mass forward, slightly ahead of the ankles after the foot contacts the ground.” Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fE8Rp7

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Occupational Health Company on Ways to Prevent Workplace Injuries


An employee getting injured at the workplace can be one of the most debilitating experiences a business can face. As a business owner, you need to implement safety standards to prevent your employees from getting injured. Otherwise, you could end up losing precious time and money.

Four of the top leading causes of workplace injuries include overexertion, falling, adverse reaction to workplace stress, and being struck by an object. To reduce these types of injuries, occupational healthcare companies recommend that you uphold the following safety precautions.

Preventing overexertion

To prevent overexertion, require your workers to get help from a fellow employee when they need it. Or, supply them with the appropriate tools that they can use to assist with their tasks. You should also provide them with the necessary training to prevent instances of overexertion from occurring. Read more from this blog:
http://bit.ly/2fgd1Vr

Saturday, October 8, 2016

4 Tips from U.S. HealthWorks for Employers on Construction Site Safety


Employers are legally bound to guarantee the safety of their employees. But more than a measure to comply with law, keeping employees safe makes them more inclined to be productive. Ensuring your people’s safety makes good business sense, so it pays to implement measures that improve safety at your workplace. For those who belong to the construction industry, U.S. Healthworks for Employers would like to recommend implementing these safety measures:

Ensure safety of work areas

Scaffolds and ladders are associated with a lot of injuries in the construction industry. To reduce risks when working with these tools, ensure that all your people are properly trained in their use. Make sure they know the proper preparations before beginning their work. Likewise, ensure that a scaffold or ladder is properly secured before any worker climbs up on them. This is something that needs to be done at the beginning of every work day.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/4-tips-u-s-healthworks-employers-construction-site-safety/

Friday, October 7, 2016

Occupational Therapy Company on Elbow Injury Prevention and Treatment


If your office hours are the regular 9 to 5, you and your employees likely sit in front of your computer for up to 7 hours in total. If proper precautions are not followed, computer elbow can suddenly sneak up and make even the simplest movements too painful to bear. Let the information below teach you about computer elbow and how you and your employees can manage it.

What is computer elbow?

Similar to tennis elbow, computer elbow is an injury that results from repetitive stress. Whenever muscles and tendons are used over and over again without relaxing, they can suffer from tiny tears, which is the cause of the pain.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/occupational-therapy-company-elbow-injury-prevention-treatment/

Thursday, October 6, 2016

How to Address 6 Common Employee Misconceptions About an Onsite Clinic


Did you know that having an onsite clinic is one of the factors that were considered in Fortune’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For? Indeed, onsite clinics have plenty of advantages for the employer and the workforce alike, as it improves productivity, lessens absenteeism, minimizes health care costs, and encourages employee retention.

Despite these benefits, many employees may be discouraged to maximize their onsite clinic because of misconceptions about who it’s for and what it offers. Here are six of those common false notions:

1. “It’s just for higher ranks or field employees.”

Some employees think that only supervisors, higher ranking officials, and maybe field workers are eligible to use the company benefit.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/address-6-common-employee-misconceptions-onsite-clinic/

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Vaccinations for Travel: A Necessity for International Business Travel


Today’s business ventures extend far past U.S. shores. Many successful businesses operate internationally, something that your company may be proud of. As such, international travel is a common task for you and your employees.

International travel can be fun, but it can also be a health risk if you aren’t careful. We aren’t just talking about illnesses due to the fatigue brought about by regular air travel; international travel to certain countries can expose you or your employees to certain pathogens. After all, certain bacteria or viruses may be absent from the United States, but it’s very possible that they are present in the country that you or your employees visit.

Fortunately, there are several measures that you can take to help protect your employees from sickness during international travel. Many respected occupational medicine center, such as U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, offer vaccinations for travel.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/vaccinations-travel-necessity-international-business-travel/

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Actively Healthy: Basic Facts on Sports Physical that You Need to Know


Did you know that around 38 million American children and teenagers play at least one sport? That’s a promising statistic considering how obesity and other lifestyle diseases are starting to creep up on both the young and the old. Although playing sports is a good way to stay fit and healthy, doing so still comes with the risk of getting hurt or injured. This is why a sports physical in urgent care centers such as U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group is a valuable preparatory step before completely participating in a sports event or competition.

Sports Physical 101

Also referred to as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), a sports physical basically helps in determining whether an individual has existing physical problems or medical conditions that can put them at risk while taking part in a sports activity.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/actively-healthy-basic-facts-sports-physical-need-know/

Monday, October 3, 2016

Urgent Care Services Teach Proper Lifting Techniques to Avoid Injury


Back injuries account for a significant amount of lost productivity and urgent care services. Whether at home or at work, you need to practice proper lifting techniques to protect yourself from injury. Check out these dos and don’t’s of lifting and handling so you can prevent a major injury.

Don’ts

Don’t stoop over. Use your legs to lift, not your back. Maintain proper posture at all times while lifting, with your back straight and head up.

Do not twist your waist at any time when you are with lifted object. Always keep your shoulders in line with the hips. If you have to turn, turn with your entire body, and not just your back.

Do not attempt to lift an object that’s too heavy for you to handle. Test the object’s weight before lifting, and if help is necessary, ask or request for somebody to assist you before your proceed.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/urgent-care-services-teach-proper-lifting-techniques-avoid-injury/

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Orthopedic Specialty Care Can Help Employees Manage Lower Back Pain


Back pain is one of the most common injuries in any workplace. Whether it’s lifting heavy objects at a construction site or slouching for hours in an office chair, workers expose themselves to back injury any time they subject their back to too much stress. Take a look at these tips to help reduce the potential for lower back pain in your employees, courtesy of your orthopedic specialty care providers.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can keep stave off the inflammation and muscle tension that leads to back pain. For those already suffering from back pain, the best way to get relief is practice light exercise and rest.

Weight watch

Added weight in the midsection can worsen back pain because it shifts an individual’s center of gravity and puts additional strain on the lower back. Advise your workers to stay within 10 pounds of their ideal weight, as this can help them manage their back pain.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/08/orthopedic-specialty-care-can-help-employees-manage-lower-back-pain/

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Flu Shots for Work: What Do You Stand to Lose if You Don’t Have It?


Influenza, or flu, is a contagious disease that can spread easily, especially during the fall and winter when flu season is in full swing. The flu can be a seriously debilitating virus even among full grown adults. Employers can help their workers avoid getting sick by organizing flu shots for employees in the fall.

Flu shot misconceptions

There are two common misconceptions about flu shots that often circulate in the workplace. One is that it will give the recipient the flu, and the other is that it doesn’t have any effect whatsoever. It’s time to put these two misconceptions to rest because they are entirely untrue. Doubting the effectiveness of flu shots is understandable, but this mentality shouldn’t get in the way of actually being vaccinated. The viruses that cause influenza are constantly evolving, so to provide your employees with continuing protection, an annual vaccination containing the most recent strains is necessary.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/09/flu-shots-work-stand-lose-dont/

Friday, September 30, 2016

Five Ways Employers Can Combat Cheating in Pre-employment Drug Testing


Drug abuse is prevalent not only in society but also in the workplace. According to a study, more than 68 percent of drug users are employed, and a third of that number is aware of the illegal sale of drugs at work. Because of this, both the employee and the employer are negatively affected due to poor job performance, productivity issues, and conflict among colleagues.

As such, more companies are conducting regular drug tests and pre-employment drug testing to ensure the wellness of their people. Unfortunately, substance users still find a way to cheat on drug exams by diluting urine samples or substituting collected urine.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/09/five-ways-employers-can-combat-cheating-pre-employment-drug-testing/

Thursday, September 29, 2016

How can Pre-Employment Physicals Benefit Both Employers and Workers?


For companies with vacancies on labor-intensive jobs, finding an ideal employee that can keep up with the expected demands for the job can be a difficult task. After all, in addition to qualifications and experience, it’s important that a candidate is physically ready to perform the necessary responsibilities. This is why conducting a pre-employment physical is imperative to assure employers that they are getting the ideal candidates.

The Prevalence of Workplace Injuries

An increasing number of employees are now suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. These conditions often cause absenteeism among employees and, consequently, the loss of billions of dollars in direct and indirect costs for employers. In worst-case scenarios, employees may even hold their employer liable for injuries sustained at work.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/09/can-pre-employment-physicals-benefit-employers-workers/

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Treat a Work-Related Broken Wrist with Occupational Health Specialists


As the numbers suggest, one in every 10 broken bones experienced by Americans is a broken wrist. Also known as a Colles’ fracture or a distal radius fracture, this occurs when the bone on the lower end of your forearm, close to the bones of the hand, breaks. People suffer from this injury due to several reasons, including sports injuries, falls, and accidents at home.

The workplace is another place where a person can suffer from a broken wrist. While a work-related broken wrist has the same symptoms as any other broken bone, treatment options often vary. That’s why it’s important to work with occupational health specialists to find an option that is best for your employee.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/09/treat-work-related-broken-wrist-occupational-health-specialists/

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

With Occupational Medicine, Employers can Have Productive Employees


From Monday to Friday, an average working American spends half of his waking hours at the office. For over eight hours, they sit at their desks or conducting repetitive activities, depending on their job responsibilities. Despite these lengthy hours, a surprisingly small amount of consideration is given to the impact of the workplace on an employee’s health and wellbeing.

This is why, as an employer, you must consider working with an occupational medicine provider in order to encourage a healthier workplace. In fact, by investing in a healthier workplace, you’re also investing in healthier and more productive employees.

The Benefits for Employees

According to a 2008 study conducted by researchers from the Orebro University and the KTH School of Architecture and Built Environment, workplace design and office environment actually have a huge influence on an employee’s health, well-being, and productivity.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/09/occupational-medicine-employers-can-productive-employees/

Monday, September 26, 2016

Take Care of a Distressed Worker, Says an Occupational Health Company


Life often takes unexpected turns for the worse. When unplanned events like disasters or financial setbacks take place, individuals tend to increase their consumption of alcohol, prescription medications, or even illegal drugs. This poses a risk to business owners if one of their employees undergoes such challenges.

Drug usage after a traumatic incident can be a serious problem, especially if an individual has had a past or current substance abuse issues. These individuals often pose a risk to the workplace, thus a random drug test program, made possible through an occupational health company, should be established.

A Recognized Link

A number of studies have confirmed the link between substance abuse and emotional distress caused by traumatic events. One particular study, published in 2002, found that smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use increased among the residents of Manhattan, New York just a few months after the 9/11 attacks.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/09/take-care-distressed-worker-says-occupational-health-company/

Friday, August 19, 2016

U.S. HealthWorks Tips for Employers: Distractions that Cause Injuries


Some people can’t chew gum and walk at the same time, so says a funny anecdote. Apparently, there are those who can’t text and walk simultaneously, either. According to a 2015 study conducted by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, injuries due to use of mobile devices and other distractions while walking have more than doubled since 2004.

The National Safety Council said in 2015 that although 52 percent of such injuries happen at home; however, employers should also do their part in managing the risk of distractions in the workplace.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/05/u-s-healthworks-tips-employers-distractions-cause-injuries/

Thursday, August 18, 2016

How Physical and Occupational Therapy Can Help With Wrist Tendonitis


Office workers who regularly type on a computer keyboard are the most susceptible to contracting wrist tendinitis. Simply put, this is a condition wherein the tendons, tissues that connect the muscles to the bones, become inflamed or irritated.

While far from being debilitating, it can worsen over time and prevent the person from properly using their arms and hands. Particularly because the wrist is a joint, doing even the simplest task, such as carrying a small object, can become painful.

Fortunately, physical and occupational therapy have been found to help alleviate the discomfort brought about by wrist tendonitis. Therapy services provided by the company’s health program would go a long way to help ensure the workforce’s productivity.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/05/physical-occupational-therapy-can-help-wrist-tendonitis/

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

An Onsite Clinic can Help Increase the Number of Employee Flu Shots


It would be beneficial for employers to set up a worksite clinic that can provide the employees some basic medical assistance, such as check-ups , vaccinations and flu shots. This is especially true for illnesses that tend to spike in numbers during a specific time of the year and effect the health of the employees and, consequently, their productivity.

Flu and Office Productivity

There are many benefits to having an onsite clinic that could administer flu shots to the staff, such as a decrease in the need for healthcare visits, improved work attendance, and better overall well-being.

Absenteeism—for a variety of reasons—is among the top causes of loss of productivity in the workplace. Among these, catching the flu is one of the most constant excuses to miss work given by the employee.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/05/onsite-clinic-can-help-increase-number-employee-flu-shots/

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Varicella Vaccinations: Protecting Yourself and Others from Chickenpox


Cases of chickenpox have been steadily growing over the last few years, resulting in more outbreaks. While this may not immediately cause concern among adults, the rise of chickenpox cases should definitely motivate you to get yourself vaccinated—especially if no one in your family has ever come down with the ailment.

Why get vaccinated? Although chickenpox is usually seen as a childhood disease, adults who do not have the appropriate antibodies from being vaccinated are also at-risk of contracting the virus. While a week or two of itching may not seem like much, the truth is that contracting chickenpox as an adult is much more dangerous.

Symptoms are usually more severe in adults

Medical studies have shown that people who contract chickenpox as adults suffer from more severe symptoms. To be specific, adults usually experienced higher fevers and more intense itching than children.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/05/varicella-vaccinations-protecting-others-chickenpox/

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Six Simple Ways to Encourage Your Employees to Receive a Flu Shot


The flu is one of the most infectious viruses in the United States with millions of Americans contracting the flu every year. As such, the flu is also one of the most common reasons for missed work.

Fortunately, your employees can significantly decrease their chances of contracting the flu by getting the flu vaccine. While many employers highly encourage their employees to receive flu shots for work. The challenge, however, is getting employees to follow through with their flu shot. With that in mind, here are a few simple steps you can take to improve the vaccination rates of your employees:

Hold a Flu Vaccination Seminar

Many people decide not to have a flu shot because they believe in old flu shot myths, such as “the vaccine will actually give you the flu” or “I can combat the flu with antibiotics”. Hold a flu vaccination seminar at your workplace to help dispel these myths and educate your employees.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/06/six-simple-ways-encourage-employees-receive-flu-shot/

Saturday, August 13, 2016

4 Circumstances when it's Okay to Conduct Employee Drug Testing


Drug testing, along with other forms of pre-employment verifications, is a requirement for many companies. For employers, it’s an effective way to confirm that their employees are clear-minded and ready to put their best foot forward each day. A well run drug testing program can increase productivity, while minimizing accidents, absenteeism and turnover among employees.

There are four basic situations wherein drug testing would typically be warranted. If your organization implements drug and alcohol tests for employees, be sure to have these listed in your company policy:

Pre-employment testing

Prior to employment is generally when most employers begin the drug screening process. According to experts, pre-employment drug testing is best done after the new employee has been selected so money isn’t spent on candidates who are not the right fit for the job.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/06/4-circumstances-okay-conduct-employee-drug-testing/

Friday, August 12, 2016

Avoid Potentially Hazardous Workplace Situations with a Pre-Employment Physical


Employers should be very careful in fielding applicants for job openings in their company. It’s not only to ensure that the applicant is going to be healthy enough to work with you, it’s also to guarantee that they are going to be a perfect fit for the specific job they are applying for.

The repercussions of not requiring a pre-employment physical exam are varied and can be severe, but perhaps the most serious is that the new employee is not a physically a viable match for the job and subsequently experiences an injury. This in turn means that the employee has now become a liability to the company.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/06/avoid-potentially-hazardous-workplace-situations-pre-employment-physical/

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Occupational Health Services: 5 Reasons Why Employees Suffer Back Pain


Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed workdays in the United States, second only to the flu. In fact, a study from the Integrated Benefits Institute claims that U.S. companies lose about $34,600 per 100 employees annually due to missed workdays. Even if someone suffering from back pain decides to report for work, there is a good chance that he or she will be less productive.

Employees will often experience acute back pain from time to time. There are occasions, however, when acute back pain becomes a chronic issue due to your employees repeatedly exposing themselves to the following common causes of lower back pain:

1. Stress

A high stress environment can cause back pain for certain individuals. This pain leads to employees experiencing additional stress from dealing with the pain, which in turn leads to further back pain.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/06/occupational-health-services-5-reasons-employees-suffer-back-pain/

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Occupational Medicine Clinic: Will Standing Desks Produce Healthier Employees?


Are you wondering why your employees feel lethargic and uncomfortable at work? They may be experiencing chronic back pain, which can also cause problems in the shoulders and neck. Studies have shown that prolonged sitting may result in imbalance in the body, which leads to discomfort and recurring pain. In such cases, you might want to consider standing desks to relieve some of the discomfort your employees feel while at work.

Why Use a Standing or Active Desk

You may think that a sit-stand desk is just a fad and an unnecessary expense. You may also think that if an employee exercises regularly, he or she wouldn’t have to worry about discomfort and pain caused by sitting for prolonged hours. However, key findings about the benefits of standing desks revealed that they have real benefits for those who use them.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/06/occupational-medicine-clinic-will-standing-desks-produce-healthier-employees/

Monday, August 1, 2016

Should You Choose Emergency Room or U.S. HealthWorks Urgent Care?


If you had an employee who got injured while on the job, depending on their injury do you think you would know whether they would need an emergency room or U.S. HealthWorks urgent care clinic? It is crucial that you know the difference otherwise you could be paying a silly amount of money for a Band-Aid. If you want to avoid paying a lot of money for an unnecessary visit to the emergency room, here are some examples that call for an urgent care clinic:

• Sprains and strains
• Cuts and lacerations
• Minor broken bones
• Fever
• Light burns
• Minor eye injuries
• Profuse bleeding
• Seasonal allergies
• Moderate back problems
• Flu and cold
• Minor accidents and falls

All these situations above seem like they may be an emergency, but are actually better handled amongst urgent care professionals. U.S. HealthWorks for employers wants to make sure that employees are getting taken care of properly but also at a cost that makes sense.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/03/choose-emergency-room-u-s-healthworks-urgent-care/

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Occupational Therapy Companies Get Employees Back to Work Safely and Quickly


When someone gets injured at work, it’s common to think that they can continue to work if they are just “careful” – but the truth is, they really need time away from their job to recover. U.S. HealthWorks provides physical and occupational therapy so that once the employee is ready to come back to work, they can go through a transitional period in order to safely observe and correct their skills. This transitional period is not something that should be done alone which is why having an occupational therapy company like U.S. HealthWorks assist is crucial to getting your employee back to performing their job duties safely and in a timely manner.

An occupational therapist will…

Once an employee is back at work and ready to start picking up where they left off, an occupational therapist takes a few things into consideration when guiding the employing.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/03/occupational-therapy-companies-get-employees-back-work-safely-quickly/

Saturday, July 30, 2016

5 Ways Worksite Clinics Helps Employees Return to Work Quicker


Managing a lot of employees can be a tedious job – especially when many get sick or hurt and have trouble returning to work in a timely matter. With the help of worksite clinics, these issues can simply go away. A worksite clinic would provide your employees health services dedicated to making sure they have the resources needed to keep them healthy and even help them recover from an injury quickly. A few ways an U.S. HealthWorks’ onsite clinic services help employees return to work quicker are through:

• They can manage workplace injuries
An onsite clinic is able to provide first aid and professional healthcare assistance for an injury on the job. This way if an employee gets hurt or falls ill, there will be an onsite nurse or other medical professional to examine the injury.
http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/03/5-ways-worksite-clinics-helps-employees-return-work-quicker/

Friday, July 29, 2016

Telemedicine Services Help Provide Immediate Medical Care from Afar


You may not think much about it but your ears are very crucial not only because it facilitates your sense of hearing, but also because it helps keep your balance. See, deep inside your ear are the vestibule and semicircular canals, which help keep you upright, while the cochlea is the part that works for your hearing.

For these two functions, it becomes important that you attend to your ear problems before they get any worse. It’s not just your inner ear that you must be careful of, however, as the other sections are just as relevant.

Middle Ear Care

The most commonly injured portion of your ear would be the middle portion. Children, especially, come to a certain stage when their curiosity leads them to insert or poke things into their ear. What can happen next ranges anywhere from a busted eardrum, a developing ear infection, or an internal wound to the ear.


http://www.ushealthworks.com/blog/2016/03/telemedicine-services-help-provide-immediate-medical-care-afar/