Total Worker Health


UV exposure is unsafe

'Suntelligence' Survey Shines Light on Sun Ignorance, Myths

Almost two-thirds of the more than 7,000 respondents did not know that all forms of UV exposure, whether from natural sunlight or artificial light sources found in tanning beds, are unsafe.

CDC: States Can Do More to Promote Physical Activity

"This report can help states, communities and others work together to increase the number of Americans who live healthier lives by creating communities that support and encourage physical activity,” said Dr. William Dietz, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity.

Pool

CDC Aims to Prevent Recreational Water Illnesses

“It′s important for people to play an active role in protecting their own health when they swim," said Michelle Hlaysa, chief of CDC's Healthy Swimming Program. "By working together, we can decrease the risk of illness and make sure swimming is not only fun, but healthy too."

Hospitals to Pay More than $9.4M to Resolve Kyphoplasty Allegations

The nine health care facilities located in seven states "put profits ahead of sound medical judgment," said Tony West, assistant attorney general for DOJ's Civil Division.

Survey Reveals People Need Help Organizing, Tracking Health Information

Nearly one-third of survey respondents said they spend more time "keeping information organized" than they do finding answers to health questions or dealing with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Patient volume handled by the emergency department increased by more than 1,000 patients, or 10 percent, with no increase in its budget.

SaaS Solving Emergency Department Overloads

A case study offered by the American Hospital Association shows how a computer-assisted handoff system cut patients' length of stay at an Illinois hospital and increased the ED's volume by 10 percent without a budget increase.

UN Aims to Prevent, Control Noncommunicable Diseases

"There is a sense of urgency," said WHO Assistant Director-General Dr. Ala Alwan. “Tackling these diseases constitutes one of the major challenges for sustainable development in the 21st century."

Growing Evidence Links Air Pollution to Heart Disease, Death

“Particulate matter appears to directly increase risk by triggering events in susceptible individuals within hours to days of an increased level of exposure, even among those who otherwise may have been healthy for years,” said Dr. Robert D. Brook, a cardiovascular medicine specialist and associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.



Bike to Work Week is May 17 through May 21

Gear Up for Bike-to-Work Week, May 17-21

The Department of Motor Vehicles reported fewer cyclist injuries in 2009 than 2008, with 2,730 cyclists hurt and 12 killed in traffic crashes in NYC last year, compared to 2,916 injuries and 26 deaths in 2008. The department adds that the trend stretches back more than a decade.

Cal/OSHA Campaign Highlights Heat Hazards, Prevention

“Our heat sweeps are designed not only to send employers a strong enforcement message but also to provide employers and employees with information they need to keep their workers safe," said Cal/OSHA Chief Len Welsh.

Treating Truck Drivers with Sleep Apnea Offers Safety, Health Benefits

“Addressing OSA in the workplace offers the possibility of early identification and intervention for a chronic disease that is associated with increased health benefit utilization," said Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, chief medical officer of Waste Management Inc.

Hear This: Free Seminars on Hearing Conservation to Take Place in Texas

The three-hour programs, designed to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss among workers, are set to take place in Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Houston, June 7-10, respectively.

U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D., MBA

Benjamin Urges 'Simple Steps' to Improve Women's Health

Healthy eating, regular physical activity, ceasing unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, and "paying attention to mental health" on the U.S. surgeon general's list during National Women's Health Week.

EEOC Sues Cleaning Service for Gender Discrimination

According to suit, on several occasions throughout her employment, the cleaning team supervisor's district manager told her that he wanted a male supervisor at the worksite.

Stroke-Certified Hospitals Strike Back Against Nation's Third-Leading Killer

Today, there are more than 640 primary stroke centers certified by The Joint Commission (a private non-profit organization that provides certification programs for health care organizations, including hospitals) operating in 49 states and the District of Columbia, said Jean Range, The Joint Commission executive director of Disease-Specific Care Certification.

Pharmaceutical Giant to Pay $520 Million for Off-label Drug Marketing

The United States alleges that between January 2001 through December 2006, AstraZeneca promoted the drug Seroquel to psychiatrists and other physicians for certain uses that were not approved by FDA as safe and effective (including aggression, Alzheimer’s disease, anger management, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar maintenance, dementia, depression, mood disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleeplessness).

Seconds Save Lives campaign launches

'Seconds Save Lives' Campaign Focuses on Handling Medical Emergencies

"The most important -- and yet sometimes the most difficult -- thing to do is to keep your composure," said ACEP President Dr. Angela Gardner. "You will be better able to provide critical information to emergency responders and physicians, whether for yourself or someone else."

FDA Approves New Device for Adults with Severe, Persistent Asthma

The system treats asthma symptoms by using radiofrequency energy to heat the lung tissue in a controlled manner, reducing the thickness of smooth muscle in the airways and improving a patient’s ability to breathe.

FEMA Accepting 2010 FIRE Act Grant Applications

The application period will close May 28. The grants help fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS units with staffing, training, and equipment.

ILO estimates some 6,300 people die from work-related injuries and illnesses daily and 337 million lost-time workplace accidents occur annually.

Workers Honored, Mourned

Today is a day to grieve for workers who have died on the job and to focus on improving conditions for workers around the world, the ILO's director-general, Juan Somavia, said.

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