Time for Transparency in Health Care

One of the issues relative to controlling costs in medical expenses is the lack of transparency in health care organizations. When you shop for any other product outside of this category, you can compare prices, whether it is for buying car insurance, homeowners coverage or tires. Why doesn’t health care provide the same opportunity?

Safety at Work is No Accident

To keep employees safe at work takes a plan and commitment to follow it. The National Safety Council model safety management system includes the following nine elements organized into three key performance areas.

Leadership – Management

  • Management leadership and commitment
  • System management and communications
  • Assessments, audits and performance measurements

Technical – Operational

  • Hazard identification and risk reduction
  • Workplace design and engineering
  • Operational processes and procedures

Cultural – Behavioral

  • Worker and management involvement
  • Motivation, behavior and attitudes
  • Training and orientation
Ben Franklin said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That’s good advise when it comes to safety.

via: national safety council


The Benefits of Exercise

Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity:

  • Reduce the risk of premature death
  • Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
  • Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
  • Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
  • Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
  • Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
  • Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
  • Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
  • Reduce depression and anxiety
  • Improve psychological well-being
  • Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance

Our bodies are designed to move. We need to build exercise into our busy schedules to stay healthy.

Move More – Eat Less – Don’t Smoke

Employee Theft: How to Prevent Instead of Apprehend

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that 75% of all employees steal at least once, and that half of these steal again …and again. The Chamber also reports that one of every three business failures are the direct result of employee theft. Loss Prevention executives responding to the University of Florida National Retail Security Survey attribute 42.7% of their annual shrinkage losses to employee theft. So how can a company prevent this type of unwanted activity? Each industry is different but here are some good overall pointers.

  • Pre-screen employees. For as little as $20 you can check criminal records, credit history or other information. Employers can identify theft patterns, workplace violence issues or previous sexual harassment problems and react accordingly. Addressing these issues before employment begins is much easier than attempting to correct a problem uncovered after the start of employment.
  • Conduct frequent physical inventories. Pilferage is one of the most common forms of internal loss. Reconcile sales to inventory on a quarterly basis, or at least annually, with the help of a third party. Conduct surprise inventories.
  • Separate bookkeeping functions. Misapplication of payments can lead to embezzlement. Do not let the same person who processes checks also manage the accounts receivable records.
  • Personally approve bookkeeping adjustments. Approve any adjustments to the books no matter how slight – even adjustments to correct an error.
  • Control check signers. Limit the number of signatories to yourself and one or two highly trusted assistants. Keep blank checks under lock and key.
  • Review monthly bank statements. Instruct your bank to send the monthly statement directly to you. Review the statement before passing it on to your bookkeeper. This review allows you to spot any improperly executed checks.
  • Tighten up on petty cash. Allow only one or two trusted employees to disburse petty cash. Require that a receipt and a signed voucher be submitted for all petty cash disbursements.
  • Separate buying and bookkeeping. To maintain a system of checks and balances, assign ordering and payment responsibilities to different employees.
  • Watch company credit cards. Require all credit cards be signed out and all credit card expenses be authorized by a purchase order.
  • Document all expense reports. Require strict documentation for all reimbursable expenses incurred by employees. Subject every expense account voucher to a pre-audit review procedure before payment.
  • Have a third party refund policy. Issue refunds only upon the approval of a third party, preferably a trusted assistant.By taking a look at these policies and procedures and making adjustments, companies can avoid a myriad of problems and therefore increase productivity and profitability.

Following these pointers will go a long way in preventing employee theft.

Internet Safety for Kids

The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. Kids who are old enough to punch in a few letters on the keyboard can literally access the world.But that access can also pose hazards. For example, an 8-year-old might do an online search for “Lego.” But with just one missed keystroke, the word “Legs” is entered instead, and the child may be directed to a slew of websites with a focus on legs — some of which may contain pornographic material.Thats why its important to be aware of what your kids see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves online.Just like any safety issue, its wise to talk with your kids about your concerns, take advantage of resources to protect them, and keep a close eye on their activities.

via Internet Safety.

Learn the Signs of a Mental Health Problem

In the workplace, mental health problems manifest in a number of ways. Here are some employee behaviors that may be signs of a mental health problem:

  • Working slowly
  • Missing deadlines
  • Calling in sick frequently
  • Increasing absenteeism
  • Expressing irritability and anger
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Appearing numb or emotionless
  • Withdrawing from work activity
  • Overworking
  • Forgetting directives, procedures and requests
  • Having difficulty with work transitions or changes in routines

These symptoms could also result when an employee has a family member suffering from a mental health problem or other serious health issue. Such situations can sometimes disrupt the employee’s working hours, lead to absences, affect concentration and decrease morale as much as it would if the employee had the mental health problem.

via Mental Health America: What to Do When You Think an Employee May Need Mental Health Help.

What Is Total Worker Health?

Total Worker Health™ is a strategy integrating occupational safety and health protection with health promotion to prevent worker injury and illness and to advance health and well-being.

The protection, preservation, and improvement of the health and well-being of all people who work are goals shared by workers, their families, and employers. Today, more than ever, there is increasing evidence that the work environment and the overall health, safety and well-being of the workers within it are strongly connected. Diminished health and injury, whether caused by work or resulting from non-work activities, reduces quality of life, opportunity, and income for workers and those dependent upon them. Conversely, workplaces with low risk of injury and enhanced opportunities for the total health of workers can lead to a vibrant, engaged and highly performing workforce.

via CDC – Total Worker Health What Is Total Worker Health? – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Program.

Skin Cancer – Prevention Guidelines

Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen. Sunscreen alone is not enough, however. Read our full list of skin cancer prevention tips.

  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
  • Do not burn.Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
  • Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
  • For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Apply 1 ounce 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
  • Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
  • See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

via Prevention Guidelines – SkinCancer.org.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Leading Health Indicators

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Good nutrition, physical activity, and a healthy body weight are essential parts of a person’s overall health and well-being. Together, these can help decrease a person’s risk of developing serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. A healthful diet, regular physical activity, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight also are paramount to managing health conditions so they do not worsen over time.

via Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Leading Health Indicators – Healthy People 2020.