The NMS Healthy Employee Blog!!

Text Why synthetic marijuana is so scary

Spice: A synthetic marijuana brand

We’ve said it a few times over the past few days but here it is again: Synthetic Marijuana is scary. It gives you mood swings, changes your whole personality and other negative consequences.

Check out this read from USA Today about the effects. And check out our post on the dangers of Synthetic Cannabinoids.

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Notes Synthetic Marijuana

Do you know the dangers of synthetic marijuana? Many people are under the impression that synthetic marijuana has identical effects in comparison to real marijuana. This is very wrong! In fact, synthetic marijuana is very dangerous.

For one, the long term effects of synthetic marijuana have not yet been studied. On top of that, users of synthetic marijuana showed symptoms of withdrawal similar to those who were withdrawing from narcotics.

Even scarier is that synthetic marijuana has caused people to go into convulsions and given heart attacks.

More

#synthetic marijuana #cannabinoids #synthetic cannabinoids #marijuana #spice #k2 #john huffman

Text The Prescription Drug War: Drug Monitoring Databases?

The War on Drugs has taken a dramatic shift over the past decade. Yes, illegal substances such as marijuana and cocaine are still prevalent today, but the biggest shake-up in drug abuse comes from substances that are legally prescribed by a physician and filled by a local pharmacist. The culprit: prescription drugs.

According to current statistics, prescription drug addiction is up 430% in comparison to last decade’s numbers. Even more alarming is that the amount of people being admitted to rehab has stayed virtually the same.

What is being done about it?

The biggest obstacle is tracking abuse. It is impossible for physicians to keep track on their patients behavior outside of their offices. Patients, therefore, can easily obtain multiple prescriptions from different doctors without the other even knowing. Without a way for physicians to communicate with each other, abuse has become prevalent.

What is the solution?

Although not a magic bullet, a growing discussion is to employ statewide databases that would track patient prescriptions. Physicians would be able to pull up patient information and check database entries made by other physicians - specifically prescribed medications. Any patient abusing a substance would be able to be identified and hopefully counseled. Surprisingly 37 of the 50 states already have a drug monitoring program - however utilization is low.

The complete article can be found from American Medical News - States consider requiring physicians to use drug-monitoring databases

Text Are Children Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Are you aware there is a rising epidemic in children?

The epidemic: Vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is synthesized by the body from exposure to sunlight but can also be consumed via supplements and food (milk, meat).

A deficiency in Vitamin D leads to softening of bones. This disorder is more commonly known as rickets.

According to government guidelines in England, it is recommended that children under 5-years old take a daily supplement. However, many physicians and parents are unaware of this recommendation.

Full story from the BBC: Experts review vitamin D advice

#vitamin d

Text Cancer deaths decline: More Than a Million Cancer Deaths Avoided in 2 Decades

A newly published report by the American Cancer Society shows a continued decline in cancer death rates in the United States.

According to the report, “A total of 1,638,910 new cancer cases and 577,190 deaths from cancer are projected to occur in the U.S. in 2012. Between 1990/1991 and 2008, the most recent year for which data is available, overall death rates decreased by about 23% in men and 15% in women. This translates to more than 1 million deaths from cancer that were avoided.”

Cancer death rates declined for colon, breast, prostate and lung cancer. Death rates increased for pancreas, liver, thyroid, and kidney cancers.

For more information on the report, see the links below:

Annual Report: More than a million cancer deaths avoided in 2 decades

Cancer Facts and Figures, 2012

Text Keeping your Brain Sharp: Vitamins and Omega-3s, please!

Brain food may not be a myth.

According to a new study, conducted by Layton Aging & Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, a diet rich in Vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids showed evidence of reduced brain shrinkage related to Alzheimer’s disease.

The study tracked the diet of people at an average age of 87 years old, an age that people are considered to be a higher risk for contracting Alzheimer’s. The study found that people who consumed B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins C & E, vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, had, to put it simply, a more voluminous brain. Those who consumed more trans fats throughout their lifetime had a brain that was smaller and more relatable to an Alzheimer’s-sized brain.

The study points out that diet is not a cause and effect but is an association between the two. According to the study, age is a much higher risk factor for causing Alzheimer’s. However, diet does seem to play a role. The study estimated that diet alone is a 17% risk factor for obtaining the diease.

The full article from WebMD can be found here: Diet Patterns Linked With Brain Health

About NMS

National Medical Systems is a provider of occupational health services and solutions. NMS specializes in managing, developing, and implementing occupational health services including employee physicals, drug and alcohol tests, OSHA Medical Surveillance, and Maritime Medical Surveillance. The company was founded in 1994 and is located in Hamilton, NJ. For more information visit our website,www.nmshealth.com

#alzheimer's #vitamins #antioxidants #trans fats #b vitamins #vitamin c #vitamin d #vitamin e #omega-3 #omega 3 #brain food

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Notes 10 Ways to Lower your Cholesterol

We’re still over a month away from Heart Healthy month (February), but that doesn’t mean we can’t start talking about ways to get your heart in better shape. One way is to control your cholesterol. Check out these 10 strategies from Yahoo Health that aim lower your cholesterol.

#cholesterol #heart healthy #heart #heart health #american heart association

Text OSHA aims to protect workers during winter storms

From OSHA

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a web page to help protect workers from hazards they may face during winter storm response and recovery operations.

The Web page provides guidance on how employers and workers involved in cleanup and recovery operations can recognize snow storm-related hazards and the necessary steps that employers must take to keep workers safe while working in these conditions. The page includes guidance for workers clearing heavy snow in front of workplaces and from rooftops, workers encountering downed power lines or traveling on icy roads, and utility workers restoring power after winter storms.

Hazards associated with working in winter storms include:

being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and utility poles
driving accidents due to slippery roadways
carbon monoxide poisoning
dehydration, hypothermia and frostbite
exhaustion from strenuous activity
back injuries or heart attack while removing snow
slips and falls due to slippery walkways
electrocution from downed power lines and downed objects in contact with power lines
burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure
falls from snow removal on roofs or while working in aerial lifts or on ladders
roof collapse under weight of snow (or melting snow if drains are clogged)
lacerations or amputations from unguarded or improperly operated chain saws and power tools, and improperly attempting to clear jams in snow blowers

Effective means of addressing winter storm hazards include:

assume all power lines are energized and stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines
make certain all powered equipment is properly guarded and disconnected from power sources before cleaning or performing maintenance
use caution around surfaces weighed down by large amounts snow or of ice
scooping small amounts of snow and using proper lifting form to avoid over-exertion or injuries
clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and use salt or its equivalent where appropriate
employers should provide and ensure the use of fall protection and provide and maintain ladders
stay in the vehicle – do not leave the vehicle unless help is visible within 100 yards
wear reflective clothing, and eye, face and body protection
establish and clearly marking work zones
use engineering controls, personal protective equipment and safe work practices to reduce the length and severity of exposure to the cold.

The new Winter Storms Web page at http://s.dol.gov/L1 includes links to guidance from OSHA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Safety Council and other agencies and organizations.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Full OSHA Press Release