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| Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan's Healthy at Work is a bi-monthly newsletter aimed at helping businesses and employees stay healthy at work and at home.
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Every 
Counts
Did you know that
onsite influenza (flu) vaccination clinics are
one of the most cost
effective ways to keep your workforce healthy, since the flu is responsible for 17 million workdays lost among adults 18 to 64 years of age.
Let VNA show you how easy it can be to keep your employees healthy this coming
flu season.
VNA can bill for employees' flu vaccinations covered under HAP, Blue Care Network, Priority Health, HealthPlus of Michigan and Medicare Part B for the cost of worksite vaccination.
Call (248) 967-8755 or schedule a clinic at:
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Local Flavor
Michigan offers its residents a variety of fresh, locally-grown produce throughout the year. Make visiting a local farmers market part of your shopping routine.
Below are some quick tips that can help you eat a colorful variety of vegetables along with a link to Get Fresh! a guide to preparing fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables.
Vegetable Primavera
1. Choose a combination of different vegetables, such as mushrooms, tomatoes, cauliflower and bell peppers. Chop the vegetables into bite-size pieces.
2. Sauté in a skillet with a small amount of cooking oil or non-stick cooking spray until the vegetables are tender, but still crisp.
3. Toss with your favorite pasta and add garlic and basil to taste.
Make-Ahead Salads
1. Chop up some cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
2. Lightly toss with a low-calorie version of a salad dressing such as Italian or vinaigrette.
3. Store it in the refrigerator in a bowl with a lid.
When you are ready to eat, take a scoop of the marinated vegetables and spoon it over your favorite lettuce and toss. You will have a flavorful salad in no time.
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VNA Wellness and
Imunization Services
- Health Risk Assessments
- Cholesterol/Glucose Screenings
- Blood Pressure Screenings
- Skin Analysis
- Lab Draws
- Flu Vaccinations
- Travel Vaccines
- CPR Training
- Educational Lunch 'n Learns
- Smoking Cessation
Call (248) 967-8355 for more information | |
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The Silent Killer
One of the most commonly known silent killers is high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage when left untreated due to lack of regular medical check ups.
Blood pressure screenings are non-invasive. They do not involve tools that break the skin or physically enter the body. Blood pressure screening is a quick, painless and easy way to identify possible problems.
High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it is more common among people over age 35. It is particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.
If you do not know your blood pressure readings, schedule an appointment for a checkup and discuss your risks with your healthcare provider. Onsite health screenings also offer an opportunity to learn more about your current health status and needs for follow up care.
Visit the American Heart Association's Heart 360, an online resource that will help you track and monitor your blood pressure and other health conditions by clicking the link below.
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Being Around Smokers
When Trying to Quit
Unless you have been a smoker, it may be difficult for you to relate to the overall feeling nicotine addiction creates for those who smoke. There is no doubt that regardless of the feeling experienced by a smoker, nicotine addiction is a tough habit to break.
Most employers have implemented policies that require employees to smoke in designated areas. Smoking is at times a social activity that involves more than just a single smoker, making it difficult for those who are trying to quit.
Decisions to quit may disturb family and friends. Ask them for their support, and let them know how much it means to you.
Below are some brief suggestions for those who have made the decision to quit when faced with social situations:
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Ask others to help you in your effort to quit. Give them specific examples of things that are helpful (such as not smoking around you) and things that are not helpful (like asking you to buy cigarettes for them).
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Post a small "No Smoking" sign by your front door. Provide an outside area where
smokers may go if they wish to smoke.
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If you are in a group and others light up, excuse yourself, and do not return until they have
finished.
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Do not buy, carry, light or hold cigarettes for others.
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Try not to get angry if family, friends or coworkers hassle you about quitting.
If you have questions regarding smoking cessation programs for your employees, give VNA a call to learn more.
Source: National Cancer Institute
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Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries, like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses and dizziness.
Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.
The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:
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Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
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Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible.
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Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).
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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety.
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Looking for a way to give back to your community?
Consider joining VNA this summer and "Dress Down for a Difference!" The Dress Down for a Difference program allows employees to dress casually for a day with a nominal per person contribution of $3 to VNA.
Proceeds from "Dress Down for a Difference" will allow VNA to keep its commitment to patients and the communities served by offering access to essential healthcare services to persons who are uninsured.
Contact Katherine Daudlin, VNA Director of Development at (248) 967-9601 or vna@vna.org for more information.
Visiting Nurse Assciation of Southeast Michigan is an established 501 (c) 3, nonprofit organization.
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