The Beat Goes On: February is Heart Health Month
February 14th is Valentine’s Day which is associated with hearts, no wonder February has been adopted as Heart Month. We all know that heart health is important and we can all probably recite the facts by heart: Cardiovascular disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada, Men are more likely to die of a heart attack than women, One in 12 Canadians over the age of 20 live with diagnosed heart disease, High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are contributing risk factors, A healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease Healthy lifestyle habits include: Eating better Getting more exercise Quitting smoking Limiting alcohol consumption Maintaining a healthy weight Reducing stress As repetitious and tedious as this may seem, the reality is that every one of us will likely be affected by cardiovascular disease, either directly or indirectly, at some point in our lives and the […]
Worried About WCB claims? Here’s What Every Employer Should Know
Alberta is facing hard times. The Alberta Government has just announced cuts to oil patch production starting in the New Year and there are talks of an economic and financial crisis facing the province as a whole. The fallout of this development will not only be realized potentially through layoffs and downsizing within the oil and gas sector, but the ripple effect may be felt throughout the rest of the economy as well. There has been a longstanding correlation between a downturn in the economy and the rise in Workers’ Compensation (WCB) claims. Now is the time for Alberta employers to take action and reduce their risk of fraudulent and opportunistic claims. Not only to prevent WCB claims but also to reduce the overall risks your workers might face. Here are 3 preventative measures employers can take to try to minimize claims: 1) Be hypervigilant about safety in the workplace, […]
3 Things to Check Before You Leave Home This Summer
The days are getting longer, temperatures are getting warmer, and the world is in bloom— sure signs that spring is here and summer is just around the corner. These are the months when more time is spent outside, whether it’s for work or pleasure, and when we are more exposed to the environment, whether we realize it or not. As wonderful as it is to spend time out in the fresh air and sunshine again, there are seasonal hazards that need to be considered especially when working outside. Unlike recreational and leisure time outdoors, where you can control your activities, occupational positions are often less flexible, making it more challenging to limit exposure to the elements. Some common environmental hazards of summer are: Sun and heat that can result in sunburns, heat stroke, dehydration, etc. Poor air quality from airborne pollens, allergens and pollutants that can affect breathing. Extreme weather […]
How New Year’s Resolutions Can Improve Your Organization’s Productivity
Looking for a good way to get your staff engaged after the holidays? Well, it’s that time of year again and New Year’s Resolutions abound! Traditionally, the new year is seen as an opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes, to rid ourselves of bad habits and to improve our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. A time for a fresh start – out with old, in with the new, out with the bad and in with the good. Since we spend a good portion of our waking hours every week at work, why not switch it up this year and get your entire staff involved in the resolution making process? Using the workplace as the basis for setting new year’s resolutions can have significant benefits beyond achieving the personal goals that are intended. Allowing staff to work as a whole or in smaller groups with shared interests can create stronger social […]
What is the Flu Costing Your Organization?
Why should employees get the flu shot and how to encourage them There’s no getting around it now, flu season is here! Every year provincial health care systems offer an influenza or ‘flu’ immunization program in an attempt to reduce the severity of the symptoms and contain the spread of the virus. It is easily accessible and generally free of charge in most provinces and for most people . The ‘flu shot’ campaign is in full swing across Canada now. For those who get the flu shot every year, it is unfathomable why anyone would hesitate and yet over half of the population of Canada will not roll up their sleeves this year and get the vaccine.