Month: January 2014

The 5 Steps to Setting SMART Goals

Create-Smart-GoalsWhether you have a 50-employee company or an empire of one, your business success depends on your ability to set and achieve goals. Put your business on the fast-track by applying the principles of SMART goal setting.

What are Smart Goals?

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for the 5 steps of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. It’s a simple tool used by businesses to go beyond the realm of fuzzy goal-setting into an actionable plan for results.

via Smart Goals: The 5 Steps to Setting SMART Goals.

Safety Tips for Working in Cold Weather

MPShoodWhat preventive measures should I take when working in cold weather?

Plan for work in cold weather. Wearing appropriate clothing and being aware of how your body is reacting to the cold are important to preventing cold stress. Avoiding alcohol, certain medications and smoking can also help to minimize the risk.

Protective Clothing is the most important way to avoid cold stress. The type of fabric also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments:

  • Wear at least three layers of clothing. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to wick moisture away from the body. A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet. An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
  • Wear a hat or hood. Up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed.
  • Wear insulated boots or other footwear.
  • Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet.
  • With the exception of the wicking layer do not wear tight clothing. Loose clothing allows better ventilation of heat away from the body.
  • Do not underestimate the wetting effects of perspiration. Oftentimes wicking and venting of the body’s sweat and heat are more important than protecting from rain or snow.

via Emergency Preparedness and Response: Safety and Health Guides – Cold Stress.

Be Prepared – Winter Car and Emergency Checklist

SnowDriving1You never know when winter weather could leave you stranded on the road. Here is a list of items to have with you just in case:

  • Minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your vehicle:
  • Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper
  • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water
  • Snack food
  • Extra hats, coats, and mittens
  • Blankets
  • Chains or rope
  • Tire chains
  • Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
  • Road salt and sand
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Bright colored flag or help signs
  • First aid kit
  • Tool kit
  • Road maps
  • Compass
  • Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water
  • Paper towels

via Preparedness Checklists|Winter Weather.

Back Injuries and Workers’ Comp

pic2Back injuries have a bad reputation. “The workman looks upon them with apprehension, the insurance company with doubt, the medical examiner with suspicion, the lawyer with uncertainty, and the court with as open a mind as is possible under the circumstances….”

This statement was written in 1917. Not much has changed since then.

via JAMA Network | JAMA | Back Injuries and Their Significance Under the Workmen’s Compensation and Other Acts..

Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Kids

New-Years-Resolutions-for-Kids-Moms-Have-Questions-TooThe following New Year tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Preschoolers

  • I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.
  •  I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
  • I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.
  • I will talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I need help or am scared.

Kids, 5  to 12 years old

  • I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only at special times.
  • I will put on  sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright, sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
  • I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
  • I will always wear a helmet when riding a bike .
  • I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
  • I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends or who may have a hard time making friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
  • I’ll never give out private  information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without asking my parent if it is okay .
  • I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed.

Kids, 13 years old and older

  • I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only at special times .
  • I will take care of my body through physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of foods .
  • I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.
  • I will help out in my community – through giving some of my time to help others , working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.
  • When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find helpful  ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or talking about  my problem with a parent or friend.
  • When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.
  • When I notice my friends are struggling or making  risky choices , I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.
  • I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without forcing them to do something  or using violence. I will expect to be treated the same way  in return.
  • I will resist peer pressure to try tobaccoe-cigarettes, drugs or alcohol.
  • I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

via Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Kids.

Benefits of Health & Safety Programs at Work

health-safetyHere is an overview of potential benefits of workplace health programs for employers and employees.

For Employers:

  • Lower health care and disability costs
  • Enhanced employee productivity
  • Reduced employee absenteeism
  • Decreased rates of illness and injuries
  • Enhanced corporate image
  • Improved employee morale
  • Improved employee recruitment and retention
  • Increased organizational commitment and creation of a culture of health

For Employees:

  • Increased well-being, self-image, and self-esteem
  • Improved coping skills with stress or other factors affecting health
  • Improved health status
  • Lower costs for acute health issues
  • Lower out of pocket costs for health care services (e.g., reduced premiums; deductibles; co-payments)
  • Increased access to health promotion resources and social support
  • Improved job satisfaction
  • Safer and more supportive work environment

via CDC – Workplace Health – Business Case – Benefits of Health Program.