With summer upon us, it’s time to go over the various ways we can prepare for enjoying the water, be it ocean, lake or pool.

Anytime water is involved there is the potential for drowning. The groups with the highest incidents of drowning are children ages 1 – 4 and men between the ages of 15 and 44.

This means that we need to be better prepared around the water and anticipate the worst while hoping for the best. The following safety recommendations are provided as a starting point for water safety.

Practical Skills:

• Learn to swim and teach your children how to swim. There are swimming programs available for all ages. The Red Cross and the YMCA have great  swimming and lifeguarding programs.
• Learn CPR. Knowing how to save a life will prepare you for the worst case scenario.

Be Prepared:

• Wear a Lifejacket. Personal floatation Devices (PFDs) save lives. Children also learn by watching, so be an example and wear a lifejacket when boating and around open water.
• Never swim alone. No one can save you if you are by yourself so always swim in groups of 2 or more. This also means ensuring that children are always accompanied by an adult.
• Have a cell phone on hand. Being able to call for help in case of emergency is essential should an accident or emergency occur.
• Bring a Lifesaver and extra lifejackets. You never know when someone may require help, so keep additional life preserves and personal floatation devices on hand.

Pay Attention:

• Stay Close. Being near to those swimming ensures that help is possible if the worst should happen.
• Be Alert. Give those in the water your attention and be prepared to help.
• Watch Children. Never leave a child unattended near any body of water and watch them while they are swimming and at play.

For more Water Safety Tips, check out the Red Cross USA and Red Cross Canada.

For more information on Occupational Safety Practices, subscribe to one of Skilven Publications many newsletters. Visit us at www.skilven.com.

Simple dietary solutions are available to relieve arthritis symptoms

Do you commonly have joint pain flare ups or stiffness? Is arthritis something that you put up with or fight through daily? It turns out that simple changes in diet can improve your symptoms and quality of life.

Types of Arthritis

The two most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects large joints, like the hips and knees, while rheumatoid arthritis affects the smaller joints including knuckles, wrists and ankles. While osteoarthritis symptoms tend to be brief and improve with rest, rheumatoid arthritis pain lasts 30 minutes or more and does not improve with rest.

Rheumatoid arthritis also worsens over time and has the potential to move from the joints to the lungs, heart, kidneys and eyes. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis appears on both sides of the body and joints will appear swollen and red.

With both types of arthritis, however, diets have been shown to reduce painful symptoms.

Diet Tips

According to a study from Clinical Rheumatology, a change in diet can see a 46% decrease in arthritis pain and stiffness. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, so prevention means limiting foods that will cause more inflammation. The Conscious Life blog recommends eating these Top-10 anti-inflammatory foods:

• Kale
• Tumeric (commonly found in curry powders)
• Wild Salmon
• Shiitake Mushrooms
• Green Tea
• Fresh Papaya
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Sweet Potatoes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Eating more sources of Omega-3 fatty acids from the kale and wild salmon, as well as from soybeans, flaxseed, brussels sprouts, and spinach will also help reduce joint swelling.

In addition to increasing anti-inflammatory foods, it is also essential to limit inflammatory ones. Limit your consumption of trans and saturated fats and red meats. These will compound and worsen symptoms. Reducing these fatty foods may also have the added bonus of weight loss which will also take pressure of the joints.

One More Tip

According to a study conducted by the University of Sheffield, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce the intensity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. So enjoy a glass of wine along side your anti-inflammatory diet!

For more articles on individual health and wellness, check out Skilven Publication’s monthly newsletter Wellness Zone.

Contact us at 1-888-655-4800.

Time to get back on that horse! Revisit your new year's resolutions and make the changes necessary to succeed. Photo: Paolo Camera

Do you remember way back to the end of December 2011 when you drafted, or at least thoughtfully contemplated, the ways that 2012 would different for you and your daily habits? Or perhaps how you would change your life for the better?

Well, it’s been 4 months — how are you doing with those New Year’s Resolutions?

Have we caught you at a time when you have either forgot, or conveniently ignored your personal commitments?

If you are one of many who have problems keeping up with a new year’s resolution, it might be due to the fact that you have bit off a little more than you could chew. The challenge that most people face with resolutions is that they have selected large goals that aren’t easily accomplished without life altering dedication.

According to psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD, the best way to make lasting changes in your life is to “Set small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1. [This] can help you reach whatever it is you strive for.”

Small steps when accumulated over a long period can lead to lasting changes that add up in a big way. If, for instance, your new year’s goal was to lose weight, it is nearly impossible for most people to run five miles every day, but taking the stairs and eating veggie snacks are simple changes in behaviour that can see lasting results.

Another great way to keep your goals is to write them down. Even better is to keep your written resolutions in a prominent place, such as on a bathroom mirror or on a note kept in your wallet. These messages act a constant reminders that will keep your goal at the forefront of your mind.

Need more help keeping your personal goals? check out one of these sites for helpful tips and support:

www.43things.com

www.Milestoneplanner.com

www.Llifetick.com

Looking to implement Wellness practices at your workplace? Check out Skilven Publication’s monthly newsletter Wellness Zone. To subscribe, call 1-888-655-4800.

Image courtesy of the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada

Tomorrow, April 28th, is the National Day of Mourning in Canada and the Workers Memorial Day in the United States. This event honours the lives of those who have been lost or disabled by injury, illness and disease.

Over the past 20 years, in Canada specifically, the number of workplace deaths has increased, while other industrialized countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have seen declines. That means there are still great strides to be made toward the prevention of deaths and injuries.

It is estimated that 5 people will die on the job each day in Canada alone. This is upwards of 1,000 people every year.

Although these numbers are shocking, it is somewhat easy to gloss over statistics. The very real fact is that people are dying. Every day.

This is what makes the National Day of Mourning an important event that every company should observe. It gives us the opportunity to honour our co-workers — the individual lives lost on the job; the friends, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, who have perished or been injured unnecessarily.

With this annual reminder we have the opportunity to refocus our attention, energy and budgets to initiatives that will prevent disabilities and the loss of life. Please take this opportunity to act on behalf of the many individuals at your company and prevent future workplace injuries.

If you or your company needs assistance in selecting the right prevention strategies, Skilven Publications is always available for consultation. Our desire is to work with businesses to ensure that no additional lives are lost as a result of workplace accidents.

To speak with a representative directly, please call 1-888-655-4800

Treat team members like safety all-stars
with well-timed recognition

Last week we discussed how positive reinforcement can best be used to influence the adoption of safe practices by employees. One of the methods we mentioned that helps staff feel both appreciated and acknowledged is to publicly recognize individual achievement.

By recognizing those who have made strides to ensure safe practices on the job, the individual will feel more confident in their positions, be more likely to continue safe behaviours and will feel appreciated for their contribution to the workplace.

Public recognition can come in many facets, and it is important to choose a method that best suits the company and workplace environment. That said, we would like to share one morale-boosting method that comes from the profession sports world.

Many hockey teams have a post-game win ritual whereby the coach, or team as a whole, will recognize the one player who stood out and helped the team succeed. Many times NHL teams will recognize their best with decorative head wear. In New York, the Rangers recognize their players by bestowing a Broadway hat on the player of game.

The Calgary Flames, meanwhile, have a ritual where the player of the game gets to don a green hardhat after a team win. This is common lore around Calgary and was best publicized during the Flames’ playoff runs in 1989 and 2004. The brainchild comes from Calgary Flames’ past coach Daryl Sutter, and we think the green hardhat lends itself well to the realm of safety.

When acknowledging individuals who have stood out in the area of safety compliance, using a hardhat is a token that is inherently symbolic of safety. Having an outstanding individual wear a specialized hardhat will act as a reminder to colleagues that their contributions to a secure workplace are not done in vain and that they too can be recognized.

It may seem like a small gesture but when paired with a positive and supportive atmosphere this public recognition can be a team building exercise that gets everyone on the same page when it comes to safety initiatives and goals.

For industries that require hardhats on a daily basis, a specialized hardhat could be given to the recognized staff member to wear for an extended period, such as the week following a safety meeting. Whereas for industries that do not require head protection, the hardhat can be used more as a symbolic gesture for outstanding achievements in safety.

If your company is interested in using a hardhat as a way to recognize individuals, there are many companies who specialize in coloured and customizable hardhats that can be personalized to your company or motivational initiatives. Or, if you and your team are better inspired by sports teams like the Calgary Flames or New York Rangers, there are a wide array of sports-themed hardhats, too. For ideas check out teamhardhats.com or constructiongear.com

For more articles on managing individuals, such as “How to Be Positive with Accident Repeaters”, grab a subscription to Skilven Publications monthly newsletter Managing Safely.

This is where even the best managers might need some tips. It’s helpful to remember that whatever the job, all people are similar in respect to what motivates them to perform at their best. And for the most part, the driving force isn’t financial.

Most people respond best to positive reinforcement. It is the primary driver for influencing behaviour.

Getting staff involved in safety initiatives doesn’t have to be daunting, and many times it can even be — dare we say — fun.

• Words of Encouragement
  Rather than start from a position of criticism or policing of regulations, make positive reinforcement a priority. Everyone loves to be recognized and appreciated, so why not bring supportive feedback to employees? By starting from a positive place managers can boost everyone’s drive to be better, and ideally create an atmosphere where employees recognize each other.

• Public Recognition
  Showing public displays of encouragement will positively impact the individual receiving the feedback and propel others to follow in their foot steps. To have the greatest affect make the recognition timely and genuine.

• Reward More People, More Often
  As mentioned, positive reinforcement is the primary motivator for behaviour so get in the habit of rewarding everyone who follows company safety procedures. Rather than do this as a group, reward individuals on a regular basis. Small tokens can go a long way in affirming safe behaviour.

Giving positive encouragement does not mean being a softy. Being tough and firm on safety protocol is essential and many times administering discipline will be required. However, where many managers veer off course is by creating a fear-based culture. As a result, production, profitability and morale may not be as high as they could be with a fear-based atmosphere because the focus is simply on compliance and not all around superior performance.

For more tips on managing team members, subscribe to Skilven Publications’ Managing Safely.

List your emergency contact as "ICE", it could save your life

Should you or a member of your family be in the unfortunate situation of a medical emergency, using the acronym ICE could very well save your life.

ICE stands for “In Case of Emergency” and is recommended as a tool for everyone in posession of a cell phone to have as their primary medical contact. To use this feature, simply enter your next of kin’s first name and phone number into your phone’s address book under the name “ICE”.

This acronym is being used by first responders, particularly paramedics and emergency personnel, to contact your next of kin should you be debilitated by an accident or emergency. The medical staff on hand can then gather important medical information from those closest to you.

Sure, everyone has a list of tens if not hundreds of contacts in a cell phone, but should something happen to you, medics on hand will likely have no idea which is the right person in your contact list to call. By having your emergency contact listed under ICE first responders will have no problem calling the correct person.

If you have more than one person acting as your support contact, simply list multiple listing of ICE by adding a number to the name, such as ICE1 and ICE2.

The idea for ICE first came to British paramedic Bob Brotchie in 2005. After encountering many individuals who had sucumb to injuries that left them unable to communicate who they were, Brotchie felt cell phones could be the solution.

If you are someone who possesses a cell phone but has a keypad lock, there are some models that allow for additional information to be displayed on the home screen. For Blackberry phones this feature is found under “Owner Menu Items”. On the iPhone you can download the iEmergency app that will display your emergency contact on the home screen. Or, you can set a background image for the lock screen, so choose a photo that has your next of kin’s contact information. On the iPhone 4S, the emergency contact can be activated by simply saying “contact ICE”.

We hope you will never need to use the ICE contact information, but being prepared for such an emergency could save your life.

For more safety tips, check out the March issue of Managing Safely.

We have all seen food packaging that tout having “0 Trans Fats” or containing “No Saturated Fats” on the label, but how many of us truly know what each type of fat does to our bodies?

Most foods contain several different kinds of fats, and all of them aren’t necessarily bad. Although many people shy away from foods with high fat levels for good reason, healthy fats in moderation are need for producing essential fatty acids, calories for energy and absorbing vitamins A, D, E and K.

However, the negatives that come with over consumption of fats, particularly saturated and trans fats, are type II diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

The key is know the difference between which fats to eat and which to avoid. Here is a quick overview:

Bad Fats:

trans fats:

The worst of the worst. Trans fats only naturally occur in trace amounts in animal fats and dairy. In most instances trans fats are created when manufacturers hydrogenate liquid oils to a semi-solid form. These fats do double damage to blood cholesterol by increasing bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and decreasing good cholesterol levels (HDL). Most foods that contain trans fats are processed and contain some form of margarine, including crackers, cookies, donuts, pastries, muffins and fried foods, such as french fries and breaded foods.

saturated fats:

Although these are not entirely bad in moderation, they do increase bad blood cholesterol levels (LDL). They are naturally occurring in animal fat, coconut, palm oil, and dairy products.

Good Fats:

polyunsaturated fats:

These fats improve blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. They can be found in vegetable oil, fish, walnuts, sunflower seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are a polyunsaturated fat that directly benefits the heart and boost the immune system. Omega-3s cannot be synthesized the body and have to be consumed by eating fish, flax seeds, walnuts and soy.

monounsaturated fats:

Also improves blood cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, and has been shown to regulate sugar levels in those with type II diabetes. These fats are found in peanut butter, avocados and olive, canola, sesame and peanut oils.

Grab a copy of the March issue of Wellness Zone for healthy, trans fat-free recipes.

Can boosting productivity be as easy as taking a vitamin?

It’s the tail end of winter, but the days are still short and the sunshine is minimal. During this season we lack the natural light that we get during the spring and summer seasons. A great way to boost some of the healthy affects of sunshine during the darker months is by taking supplement forms of Vitamin D, often dubbed the “sunshine vitamin”.

Vitamin D is naturally created in the body in response to sunlight. It regulates the immune system, is essential to maintaining blood calcium levels and bone density, and has been reported in studies to stave off certain types of cancers, autoimmune disorders and multiple sclerosis.

In several studies taken over 2007, Vitamin D was reported to lower the death rate of people over 50 by 7 per cent when 500 IU of vitamin D was consumed each day.

But the vitamin’s value may surpass general wellness and be a benefit to the business world as well.

In a soon to be published study, Minessotan pediatrician Dr. Greg Plotnikoff reports that Vitamin D not only helps in preventing many health issues, it can also aid in worker productivity.

In the study, Plotnikooff argues that an increase in the vitamin can save companies between $112 to $370 a year per employee in increased productivity and reduced sick days.

“Vitamin D may represent the single most cost-effective medical intervention we have today,” Plotnikooff said.

Although this is only one study looking into the added benefits of vitamin supplements, any added corporate gains at the hands of the supplements should be seen as a bonus compared to the very real health effects of boosting vitamin D levels.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that individuals consume 1000 IU of vitamin D each day, although the supplements are likely unnecessary during spring and summer months when enough sunlight is absorbed through the skin to synthesize the vitamin in the body naturally.

In addition to supplements, the vitamin can also be consumed by eating fish, liver, and eggs, all foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Other sources include fortified foods like milk, soy drinks, and orange juice.

For more information on workplace wellness initiatives, check out the February issue of Wellness Zone.

Food poisoning and food-borne illnesses can grow in food that has not been properly stored, heated or frozen. Once improper storage and temperatures are reached bacteria can grow in contaminated foods.

You may be trying to save money or eat better by packing a lunch each day, but if your midday meal is something from the back of the fridge, you could make yourself sick.

Food poisoning can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. To prevent food borne illnesses from growing in your favourite leftover meals, it is best to follow food safe guidelines immediately after the dinner is made:

• Throw out any cooked food that has been left out for more than 2 hours.
• Do not keep food at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). This is referred to as “the Danger Zone” and where bacteria will quickly multiply.
• Always cool leftovers in the refrigerator, and not at room temperature.
• Date leftovers to ensure food isn’t stored too long.

As a rule of thumb, if you have had leftovers for more than 4 days, throw it out. If you will not be eating the food within 4 days, move it to the freezer. Food left in the freezer can be kept for 2-3 months. Be especially careful when storing and handling perishable foods such as meats, dairy, seafood and eggs.

When ready to eat leftovers, thaw your meals either in the microwave or in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature.  Once foods have been reheated, consume them immediately.

To ensure that your food is ready to eat after heating, check that it has an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) — and don’t ever refreeze a meal after it has been microwaved.

If you are ever unsure about a food item, sticke to the phrase “When in Doubt, Throw it out!”. Never rely on your sense of smell, sight or taste to see if an item is safe to eat. You cannot tell if a food is contaminated purely by the way it smells, looks or tastes.

To help ensure that employees and co-workers are eating safely, it is a great idea to invvest in a digital thermometer and keep it next to the microwave and provide posters or information on leftover safety.