Flu

Flu season is probably not the first thing on your employees’ minds these days.

After all, it’s only the middle of August, and the flu generally doesn’t peak until November.

But with kids going back to school and summer marching steadily toward fall (hard to believe when it’s 100 degrees in the shade where you live), the … Continue Reading »

In the snug and well-populated confines of the average office environment, a contagious illness can spread like wildfire.

It starts when one person decides to tough it out and drags his cold germs into work with him.

Before you know it, half your staff is home in bed and the other half has joined in the office’s … Continue Reading »

Are your employees getting the proper nutrition they need to be productive at work?
While you can’t force anyone to adopt healthier eating habits, you can give your employees the information they need to make better choices.
Try tacking up posters or e-mail this list of nutritious snacks from the authors of “Eat This, Not … Continue Reading »

Good news!
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that overall flu activity in the U.S. decreased in the month of January.
Hopefully, your employees are among the millions of people following flu prevention tips, like getting a flu shot, and being diligent about hand washing.
But what about H1N1? The dreaded H1N1 (swine flu) strand causes … Continue Reading »

So you made it through the holiday season without feeling ill.
You’re safe now, right?
Think again!
The flu season, including H1N1 (swine flu), actually peaks in February and March, and can last until May.
Why should you care? In November, almost 47 million cases of H1N1 were reported with more than 200,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000 deaths. (To find … Continue Reading »

It’s no surprise: Smoking is terrible for your health.
But did you know that if you employ smokers, your bottom line may be taking a hit: U.S. businesses are paying an estimated $3,391 extra per smoker per year in direct medical costs and lost productivity from smoking-related illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic … Continue Reading »

We’ve probably all thought about our personal resolutions for 2010.
But have you considered doing the same for your wellness program? Here are some smart monthly suggestions to help keep the focus on good health all year long!
January: Remind employees about the importance of preventive screenings. A thorough exam by a primary care physician and the … Continue Reading »

It’s almost the end of year, which means more than 30 million employees enrolled in flexible spending accounts (FSA) will most likely have to use their money by December 31, 2009.
In 2008, the average FSA contribution (or pre-tax money for unreimbursed medical expenses) was $1,385, according to Mercer, a human resources consulting firm.
But keep your … Continue Reading »

Good news: A recent study found 75% of American employers offer a “wellness program”. And the trend is catching on around the world: From gym discounts in Europe to flu shots in Canada, companies are realizing that the healthier their employees are, the more productive the work environment is.

This translates into a better bottom-line and … Continue Reading »

People who have to accommodate others who become ill from odor nuisance often assume that they are imagining their illness. Research has indicated that this is not the case. These people detect some smells more rapidly and process the information more deeply in the brain.
The subconscious mind associates odor with experiences and uses odors as … Continue Reading »