Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Stress - Working In This Economy

The media has primarily focused on those who have lost their jobs as they are a part of the community who are in a place of uncertainty. They are worried about their ability to pay their mortgage, rent, car notes, credit card bills, utilities, food and other family/personal obligations which will only add to the state of the economy. Things are not looking good. There is turmoil in the banking systems, Wall Street, Investment Firms, the major companies and organizations are all taking a big hit. As a result, there is a lack of confidence that has now spread to even those who are currently employed.

Employers are faced with the challenges of laying off their employees in order to thrive in this economy. The employees that remain are worried that they may be next to lose their jobs as they see the layoffs as a transition – until the next batch of pink slips are handed out. The concerns are such that they become overwhelmed with thoughts of submitting their resumes to other companies knowing that it is a tough field of job seekers out there. Although they are grateful to still be among the employed, they wonder how soon it will be before they become a part of the unemployed segment.

Many will find that their stress affects the following areas:

Lack of sleep
Loss of appetite
Inability to focus
Paranoia constantly worried or anxious


However, stress can play a major role in your health and wellness. Stress&You

Employers are focused on thriving, making it through the tough economic period and they too are concerned. Even though there may be reports of government related interventions that are targeted to boost the economy, or Wall Street experiences a good day in the market, there is a sense of concern that lingers in this uncertain period. In order for businesses to make it through this period, they should not only pay attention to the numbers on their books but also take the appropriate measures to create a sense of awareness to the concerns of their employees. Consider a workshop or seminar that will address these concerns. It will definitely boost the confidence in work performance which may help in keeping grounded through the turbulence.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Heads Up to Trauma and Injuries

The recent death of the actress Natasha Richardson has jolted quite a number of people who are trying to make sense of this tragedy. How could this happen? According to the reports, she was taking a beginners course and while she was at the bottom of the run, in the area that they call the flats, she fell and tumbled down the hill. Her ski instructor also said that she did not hit anyone or anything. She appeared to be fine as she stated that she was fine. The events that followed hours after her fall quickly turned into a bedside vigil and many awaited anxiously for news of her progress.

Although we may not often hear about these forms of death related injuries, there are an estimated 1.5 million head injuries that occur in the United States each year. Statistics report that each year 52,000 deaths are a result of a traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, an estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million are sports related.

Keep in mind that there are also work related injuries (veterans, construction, moving, delivery, etc.) motorcycle accidents, cars, skating, skiing, even playing in the playground that may cause a severe brain trauma injury. It is very important that you seek medical attention as some studies have shown that all brain damage does not occur at the moment of impact but rather evolves over the ensuing hours and days after the initial injury, due to brain swelling and inadequate oxygen and blood flow to the injured brain. Time is of the essence. Some brain injuries may need surgical intervention to avoid fatal outcomes.

Many who have survived head trauma injuries had to have some form of intense rehabilitation, a startling 5.3 million Americans, which is 2% of the U.S. population, are currently living with disabilities.

Heads Up:
-Wear helmets
-Buckle up put on your seat belts
-Avoid speeding/wreckless driving
-Keep your eyes out on the road for the irresponsible driver
-Do not drink and drive
-Avoid showing off when you want to impress others with your skills whether it is a hand stand, a somersault, a wheelie, or some other stunt that can cause injury – abstain - do not do it!