No matter how small your injuries look, you should consult a doctor right away. A health checkup will create official...
Legal-Malpractice, Occupational Health, Pulmonary Disease / 29.05.2025
Legal Considerations After a Silicosis Diagnosis
[caption id="attachment_68836" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Photo by Kelly[/caption]
The American Lung Organization says 2.3 million US workers are exposed to silica at work. Most of the workers come from the construction industry. Exposure to silica at work mostly happens in the construction industry. Silicosis can develop from silica exposure. The disease is incurable, but its symptoms can be managed through treatments.
According to silicosis attorney Christopher J. Canlas, workers who have been exposed to silica dust may get silicosis. Inhaling silica may injure you forever or even kill you. A silicosis attorney can help you check if you have an occupational disease and obtain compensation for your illness.
Legal assistance can help secure payments for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The support of an experienced lawyer can result in the identification of a liable party for your illness. They will assess whether negligence or regulatory violations played a role in your silicosis diagnosis. They can also help you file claims or lawsuits.
Legal assistance may be necessary after a silicosis diagnosis to protect your rights and future.
Photo by Kelly[/caption]
The American Lung Organization says 2.3 million US workers are exposed to silica at work. Most of the workers come from the construction industry. Exposure to silica at work mostly happens in the construction industry. Silicosis can develop from silica exposure. The disease is incurable, but its symptoms can be managed through treatments.
According to silicosis attorney Christopher J. Canlas, workers who have been exposed to silica dust may get silicosis. Inhaling silica may injure you forever or even kill you. A silicosis attorney can help you check if you have an occupational disease and obtain compensation for your illness.
Legal assistance can help secure payments for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The support of an experienced lawyer can result in the identification of a liable party for your illness. They will assess whether negligence or regulatory violations played a role in your silicosis diagnosis. They can also help you file claims or lawsuits.
Legal assistance may be necessary after a silicosis diagnosis to protect your rights and future.
Struggling with lower back pain is common, as most of you who are working office jobs and for more than 8 hours per day can probably relate, I’ve come to understand just how important it is to take proactive steps to protect your spine.
Sitting for prolonged periods without proper support or movement can slowly wreak havoc on your posture, muscle balance, and overall comfort.
This guide walks you through five practical and effective steps you can implement right now to help prevent back pain while sitting at your desk, whether you’re working from home or in a traditional office setting.
Get a Better Office Chair
When choosing an office chair for back pain, look for one that encourages good posture, offers solid lumbar support, and is fully adjustable to fit your body. A well-designed ergonomic chair supports the natural curve of your lower back, helping to prevent slouching and reduce pressure on your spine. The seat should be deep enough to support your thighs without cutting off circulation, while the armrests should let your arms rest comfortably, easing tension in your shoulders and neck. If you're unsure where to start there are plenty of helpful resources online that explain what to look for in an ergonomic chair.
[caption id="attachment_68527" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Source: Freepik.com[/caption]
In industries like construction, warehousing, telecommunications, and maintenance, working at heights is often part of the job. But it’s also one of the most dangerous parts, requiring strict procedures, clear safety protocols, and, most importantly, proper training.
Height safety training courses are designed to give workers the knowledge and skills to handle elevated work environments safely. These courses cover a wide range of areas – let’s explore the most common ones and why they matter so much.
Source: Freepik.com[/caption]
In industries like construction, warehousing, telecommunications, and maintenance, working at heights is often part of the job. But it’s also one of the most dangerous parts, requiring strict procedures, clear safety protocols, and, most importantly, proper training.
Height safety training courses are designed to give workers the knowledge and skills to handle elevated work environments safely. These courses cover a wide range of areas – let’s explore the most common ones and why they matter so much.
Legal Responsibilities and Risk
One of the first topics that is usually covered in any height safety training course is the legal framework surrounding work at heights. You learn about workplace health and safety (WHS) laws, employer and employee responsibilities, and the potential consequences of not complying. Understanding the legal side helps workers take accountability and play their role in creating a safe environment. You can also get a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety to explore WHS laws in more depth.
Legal-Malpractice, Mental Health Research, Occupational Health, PTSD / 28.04.2025
The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Proving Emotional Distress
Emotional injury is the psychological pain inflicted by another's act or failure to act, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. In Jackson's court cases, such as workers' compensation or personal injury, one needs to establish such effects, although it is difficult because there is no physical evidence.
If you're looking for a claim of emotional distress, a personal injury lawyer in Jackson can help you navigate the process. The professional can also ensure mental health professionals affirm your claim so that the case becomes more sound through professional diagnoses and reports.
Let us take a look at the major role that mental health practitioners play in determining emotional distress and how their presence can seal a case.
Addiction, Occupational Health / 23.04.2025
How Job Placement Services Help Rebuild Lives After Addiction
Recovering from addiction isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about rebuilding your life, piece by piece. One of the most crucial steps in this recovery process is finding employment. But for recovering addicts, this journey can come with unique challenges, including gaps in work history, criminal records, or ongoing mental health conditions. That’s where job placement services come in, offering valuable support that can make all the difference in long-term recovery.
Jobs for Recovering Addicts: A Crucial Step Toward Stability
For those in early recovery, landing the right job is more than just a paycheck—it’s a symbol of hope, purpose, and self-worth. Jobs for recovering addicts can provide a stable routine, help manage triggers, and reinforce the progress made through addiction treatment. These opportunities can support people in maintaining their recovery status, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering their skills and interests.Job Seekers in Recovery Face Unique Challenges
Job seekers recovering from substance use or alcohol addiction often face multiple barriers. Some are struggling with health concerns, others with mental health diagnoses, and many must confront a lack of employment history or a criminal record. Yet, despite these obstacles, there is hope—and help available.Navigating the Job Search After Addiction Treatment
The job search can feel overwhelming, especially after a period of substance abuse or drug use. Many job seekers may not know where to begin. That’s where job placement services and agencies specializing in recovery come into play. These programs offer customized assistance with everything from resume writing to interview preparation and networking with potential employers.
Occupational Health / 23.04.2025
The Laughter Rx: How Integrating Humor Improves Mental Wellness in the Workplace
[caption id="attachment_68096" align="aligncenter" width="500"] SOURCE: Pexels[/caption]
Imagine a scenario where your employees and team are eager to work and possess an unwavering spirit to deal with unpredictable circumstances, stressful conditions, endless meetings, and tight deadlines. They deliberately and consciously want to step out of their comfort zones and bring the most innovative and creative ideas to the table. However, you must be wondering if this imagination is far-fetched and seems to have zero possibility of happening in reality. Fortunately, you are wrong here. Mental wellness in the workplace is not eradicated by merely reducing the workload or giving more leave. It's not about omission; it's about addition. And the biggest and most effective addition to your workplace will be humor. Yes, the same humor you associate with comedians and actors. This free and accessible tool is not just limited to the stage; it can positively impact your team’s mental wellness and ensure that they feel lighter, relaxed, refreshed, and collaborative.
However, integrating humor in the workplace is not about sharing memes or using sarcasm. It's about welcoming levity and leveraging lightheartedness to reduce stress, build confidence and trust, and boost your team's emotional capability to handle volatile situations. Humor allows the existence of moments of laughter when the team is under high pressure or is stuck on a problem for hours. It allows you to clear mental fog and give your team the resilience to look beyond the generic solutions and melt the stress. “Laughter Rx” is a revolutionary concept. With Tedx-style topical webinars for team-building and wellness initiatives, you can foster a sense of constant learning and development. With a flexible drop-in format for those who want to observe, you can instill skills and concepts about mental wellness, along with unlimited laughter. The best gift for your team would be to book team-building workshops for employees which can become the starting point for promoting mental wellness in your organization.
In this article, we will look at how integrating humor in the workplace improves wellness, and concepts such as Laughter Rx can aid in using levity as a stress buster for your teams. By the end, you will be cognizant of all the benefits of humor in the workplace and how it is essential for sustained mental wellness.
SOURCE: Pexels[/caption]
Imagine a scenario where your employees and team are eager to work and possess an unwavering spirit to deal with unpredictable circumstances, stressful conditions, endless meetings, and tight deadlines. They deliberately and consciously want to step out of their comfort zones and bring the most innovative and creative ideas to the table. However, you must be wondering if this imagination is far-fetched and seems to have zero possibility of happening in reality. Fortunately, you are wrong here. Mental wellness in the workplace is not eradicated by merely reducing the workload or giving more leave. It's not about omission; it's about addition. And the biggest and most effective addition to your workplace will be humor. Yes, the same humor you associate with comedians and actors. This free and accessible tool is not just limited to the stage; it can positively impact your team’s mental wellness and ensure that they feel lighter, relaxed, refreshed, and collaborative.
However, integrating humor in the workplace is not about sharing memes or using sarcasm. It's about welcoming levity and leveraging lightheartedness to reduce stress, build confidence and trust, and boost your team's emotional capability to handle volatile situations. Humor allows the existence of moments of laughter when the team is under high pressure or is stuck on a problem for hours. It allows you to clear mental fog and give your team the resilience to look beyond the generic solutions and melt the stress. “Laughter Rx” is a revolutionary concept. With Tedx-style topical webinars for team-building and wellness initiatives, you can foster a sense of constant learning and development. With a flexible drop-in format for those who want to observe, you can instill skills and concepts about mental wellness, along with unlimited laughter. The best gift for your team would be to book team-building workshops for employees which can become the starting point for promoting mental wellness in your organization.
In this article, we will look at how integrating humor in the workplace improves wellness, and concepts such as Laughter Rx can aid in using levity as a stress buster for your teams. By the end, you will be cognizant of all the benefits of humor in the workplace and how it is essential for sustained mental wellness.
Falling ill is never planned, and sometimes, getting a medical certificate can feel like an additional burden when you’re already under the weather. With digital healthcare solutions becoming more popular, services like Sicknote offer online sick notes to simplify the process. But a big question remains — are online sick notes actually legally valid? Let’s walk through everything you need to know so you can feel confident if you ever need to use one.
What Exactly Is an Online Sick Note?
An sicknote online, also known as a digital fit note, is a medical certificate issued by a licensed healthcare professional through an online consultation. Instead of visiting a doctor in person, you complete a virtual assessment. If the healthcare provider determines you’re unfit for work, they’ll issue a sick note that you can download or have emailed to you. This process saves time, effort, and sometimes even money, but naturally, people wonder if it holds the same legal weight as a traditional paper note from a clinic.
Brain Injury, Occupational Health / 19.03.2025
5 Scary Facts About a Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injury
[caption id="attachment_67258" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image source[/caption] In Las Vegas, famously known as the Sin City, there is often so much going...
Occupational Health, Stress / 17.03.2025
How to Prevent Stress and Burnout From Taking a Toll on Your Health
[caption id="attachment_67178" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image source[/caption]
Stress and burnout often build up without warning. The pressures of daily life gradually wear down both mental and physical health. Ignoring the early signs can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and even long-term health problems.
What can be done to prevent this spiral? Small changes like improving sleep, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care may help, but are they enough?
Some people focus on creating a healthier routine with exercise, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques. Others explore alternative approaches like seeking guidance from a holistic medicine practitioner.
This article discusses effective ways to manage stress and take control of your well-being.
Image source[/caption]
Stress and burnout often build up without warning. The pressures of daily life gradually wear down both mental and physical health. Ignoring the early signs can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and even long-term health problems.
What can be done to prevent this spiral? Small changes like improving sleep, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care may help, but are they enough?
Some people focus on creating a healthier routine with exercise, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques. Others explore alternative approaches like seeking guidance from a holistic medicine practitioner.
This article discusses effective ways to manage stress and take control of your well-being.
[caption id="attachment_65665" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Image source[/caption]
Employee health and well-being are fundamental pillars of a successful organization. After all, employees are not just resources—they are individuals with unique needs that require attention and care. Besides, fostering a healthy workplace benefits not only employees but also the organization. Healthier employees are more productive, creative, and committed to their work. Organizations that prioritize well-being see lower turnover rates, improved morale, and stronger teamwork. So, how can you make sure your employees stay healthy and ready to take on new challenges?
This article explores eight essential steps organizations can take to ensure their employees thrive both physically and mentally.
Image source[/caption]
Employee health and well-being are fundamental pillars of a successful organization. After all, employees are not just resources—they are individuals with unique needs that require attention and care. Besides, fostering a healthy workplace benefits not only employees but also the organization. Healthier employees are more productive, creative, and committed to their work. Organizations that prioritize well-being see lower turnover rates, improved morale, and stronger teamwork. So, how can you make sure your employees stay healthy and ready to take on new challenges?
This article explores eight essential steps organizations can take to ensure their employees thrive both physically and mentally.
- Promote Mental Health Awareness
Exercise - Fitness, Occupational Health / 06.11.2024
10 Exciting Franchise Industries That May Bring You Job Satisfaction
Are you tired of the typical nine-to-five grind and craving something that keeps you on your feet—literally and figuratively?
Well, if the thought of sitting at a desk all day gives you the yawns, this list will shake things up!
[caption id="attachment_64613" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image source[/caption]
Hands-on franchises offer dynamic workdays and the chance to dive into industries that are growing fast. From saving lives to swatting bugs, these franchise opportunities promise a future full of excitement, engagement, and the satisfaction of doing something that matters. Let’s dive into the top 10 hands-on franchise industries that will keep you from ever being bored!
Image source[/caption]
Hands-on franchises offer dynamic workdays and the chance to dive into industries that are growing fast. From saving lives to swatting bugs, these franchise opportunities promise a future full of excitement, engagement, and the satisfaction of doing something that matters. Let’s dive into the top 10 hands-on franchise industries that will keep you from ever being bored!
Medical Franchise Opportunities: Changing Lives!
Medical franchise opportunities should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for meaningful work that truly makes a difference. This industry is perfect for those who want to combine entrepreneurship with compassion, from senior care to specialized medical services. It’s a booming sector and hands-on, with many franchises offering at-home care, health screenings, and even urgent care centers. If helping others while growing a successful business sounds appealing, this might be your calling.
Cancer Research, Environmental Risks, Occupational Health / 25.09.2024
The Types of Cancer That Are Linked to AFFF
[caption id="attachment_63502" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Image Source[/caption]
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to extinguish fuel fires. It contains a group of chemicals in the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. Over time, these substances have been linked to some serious health problems, even cancer.
If you have been exposed to AFFF and developed cancer, you have the right to file an AFFF lawsuit. Below are the types of cancers often linked to AFFF exposure.
Image Source[/caption]
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to extinguish fuel fires. It contains a group of chemicals in the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. Over time, these substances have been linked to some serious health problems, even cancer.
If you have been exposed to AFFF and developed cancer, you have the right to file an AFFF lawsuit. Below are the types of cancers often linked to AFFF exposure.
Legal-Malpractice, Occupational Health / 05.07.2024
What Is One of the Most Common Ways in Which Workers Get Hurt Around Machines?
[caption id="attachment_62244" align="alignleft" width="300"] Image Source[/caption]
Machine-related injuries are a significant concern in many workplaces, affecting the safety and well-being of numerous workers. A common way in which workers get hurt around machines is due to the lack of proper guarding. Machine guards are essential as they serve as the first line of defense against hazards like cuts, crushing injuries, and even amputations. Ensuring that machines have appropriate guards can drastically reduce the risk of these severe injuries.
Neglecting to maintain a clean work area is another prevalent cause of accidents. According to a report on machine shop injuries, keeping workstations tidy is crucial. Spillages, scattered tools, and other environmental issues can create tripping hazards, leading to falls that may result in serious harm.
For those who have been injured at work, understanding the proper procedures for filing a workers' compensation claim and seeking legal advice is vital. Rapid response to injuries not only ensures appropriate medical treatment but also helps in securing rightful benefits for the affected worker.
Image Source[/caption]
Machine-related injuries are a significant concern in many workplaces, affecting the safety and well-being of numerous workers. A common way in which workers get hurt around machines is due to the lack of proper guarding. Machine guards are essential as they serve as the first line of defense against hazards like cuts, crushing injuries, and even amputations. Ensuring that machines have appropriate guards can drastically reduce the risk of these severe injuries.
Neglecting to maintain a clean work area is another prevalent cause of accidents. According to a report on machine shop injuries, keeping workstations tidy is crucial. Spillages, scattered tools, and other environmental issues can create tripping hazards, leading to falls that may result in serious harm.
For those who have been injured at work, understanding the proper procedures for filing a workers' compensation claim and seeking legal advice is vital. Rapid response to injuries not only ensures appropriate medical treatment but also helps in securing rightful benefits for the affected worker.
Author Interviews, Occupational Health / 14.06.2024
Are You a Disabled Physician? This Post is For You
[caption id="attachment_61958" align="alignleft" width="350"] Image source[/caption]
If you’re a physician facing a disability, the very nature of your profession may complicate your situation more than most people.
Your ability to perform your duties relies heavily on your mental and physical health. When that’s compromised, the challenges can be overwhelming.
For many in your position, navigating physicians’ disability claims becomes an essential yet daunting task in this stressful time.
Being informed of the complexities of these claims can make all the difference in securing the support you need.
Image source[/caption]
If you’re a physician facing a disability, the very nature of your profession may complicate your situation more than most people.
Your ability to perform your duties relies heavily on your mental and physical health. When that’s compromised, the challenges can be overwhelming.
For many in your position, navigating physicians’ disability claims becomes an essential yet daunting task in this stressful time.
Being informed of the complexities of these claims can make all the difference in securing the support you need.
Ongoing education is the backbone of a robust safety culture. Regular safety training sessions ensure that all employees are up-to-date...
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, JAMA, Nutrition, Occupational Health, Sleep Disorders / 09.11.2022
Americans’ Sleep Patterns Differ on Work and Free Days
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_59713" align="alignleft" width="136"] Dr. Shan[/caption]
Zhilei Shan, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow on Nutritional Epidemiology
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Unhealthy sleep behaviors and sleep disturbances are associated with higher risk of multiple diseases and mortality. The current profiles of sleep habits and disturbances, particularly the differences between workdays and free days, are unknown in the contemporary US.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: In this nationally representative cross-sectional analysis with 9004 adults aged 20 years or older, differences in sleep patterns between workdays and free days were observed. The mean sleep duration was 7.59 hours on workdays and 8.24 hours on free days (difference, 0.65 hour). The mean sleep and wake times were at 11:02 PM and 6:41 AM, respectively, on workdays and 11:25 PM and 7:41 AM, respectively, on free days (differences, 0.23 hour for sleep time and 1.00 hour for wake time). With regard to sleep disturbances, 30.5% of adults experienced 1 hour or more of sleep debt,46.5% experienced 1 hour or more of social jet lag, 29.8% had trouble sleeping, and 27.2% experienced daytime sleepiness.
Dr. Shan[/caption]
Zhilei Shan, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow on Nutritional Epidemiology
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Unhealthy sleep behaviors and sleep disturbances are associated with higher risk of multiple diseases and mortality. The current profiles of sleep habits and disturbances, particularly the differences between workdays and free days, are unknown in the contemporary US.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: In this nationally representative cross-sectional analysis with 9004 adults aged 20 years or older, differences in sleep patterns between workdays and free days were observed. The mean sleep duration was 7.59 hours on workdays and 8.24 hours on free days (difference, 0.65 hour). The mean sleep and wake times were at 11:02 PM and 6:41 AM, respectively, on workdays and 11:25 PM and 7:41 AM, respectively, on free days (differences, 0.23 hour for sleep time and 1.00 hour for wake time). With regard to sleep disturbances, 30.5% of adults experienced 1 hour or more of sleep debt,46.5% experienced 1 hour or more of social jet lag, 29.8% had trouble sleeping, and 27.2% experienced daytime sleepiness.
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Circadian Rhythm, Diabetes, Occupational Health, Science, Weight Research / 06.12.2021
Daytime Eating May Limit Glucose Intolerance in Night Shift Workers
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Sarah L. Chellappa, MD PhD
Medical Chronobiology Program
Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders
Departments of Medicine and Neurology
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Frank A.J.L. Scheer, M.Sc., Ph.D. Professor of Medicine.
Medical Chronobiology Program
Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders
Departments of Medicine and Neurology
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you explain the difference between the central circadian ‘clock’ and endogenous circadian glucose rhythms?
Response: Night work increases diabetes risk. This increased risk is not fully explained by differences in lifestyle, family history, and/or socioeconomic status, thus other mechanisms are likely involved. Laboratory studies in humans have shown glucose intolerance in both non-shift workers and shift workers exposed to simulated night work. Animal experimental data suggests that this may be in part due to a misalignment between central and peripheral rhythms. Central circadian rhythms (e.g., body temperature) are primarily modulated by the central circadian “clock”, which is located in the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus and is responsible for synchronizing our physiology and behavior with the 24-hour cycle. Peripheral rhythms, including endogenous circadian glucose rhythms, are likely modulated by peripheral “clocks” across the body that play an integral role in modulating the circadian expression of physiology, including metabolic functions.
These central and peripheral clocks share a common molecular mechanism underlying their circadian rhythm generating capacity, including transcription-translation feedback loops of circadian “clock” genes.
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, Occupational Health / 24.10.2021
Occupational Productivity May Be Impacted by Long Covid
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_58291" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Helcer Becker[/caption]
Jacqueline H. Becker, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Associate Scientist
Division of General Internal Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This study leverages data being collected through the ongoing Mount Sinai Health System Post-COVID-19 Registry, which is led by Dr. Juan Wisnivesky, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior author of the study. Our study concluded that there may be long-term cognitive repercussions from COVID-19 that impact individuals in various age groups and across the spectrum of disease severity, although the frequency of cognitive impairment was highest among patients who were previously hospitalized for COVID-19.
Dr. Helcer Becker[/caption]
Jacqueline H. Becker, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Associate Scientist
Division of General Internal Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This study leverages data being collected through the ongoing Mount Sinai Health System Post-COVID-19 Registry, which is led by Dr. Juan Wisnivesky, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and senior author of the study. Our study concluded that there may be long-term cognitive repercussions from COVID-19 that impact individuals in various age groups and across the spectrum of disease severity, although the frequency of cognitive impairment was highest among patients who were previously hospitalized for COVID-19.
Asthma, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Circadian Rhythm, Occupational Health, PNAS, Pulmonary Disease, Sleep Disorders / 11.09.2021
Circadian Body Clock Helps Explain Why Asthma Worsens at Night
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Frank Scheer, PhD, MSc
Professor and Director of the Medical Chronobiology Program
Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Steve Shea, PhD
Professor and Director
Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: For hundreds of years, people have observed that asthma severity often worsens in the nighttime. As many as 75 percent of people with asthma—20 million people in the U.S.—report experiencing worsening asthma severity at night.
One longstanding question has been to what degree the body’s internal circadian clock—as opposed to behaviors, such as sleep and physical activities—contributes to worsening of asthma severity. Our research used long term intensive monitoring throughout two circadian protocols in dim light and without time cues to carefully isolate the influence of the circadian system from the other factors that are behavioral and environmental, including sleep.
Abuse and Neglect, BMJ, Cognitive Issues, Occupational Health / 24.08.2021
Dementia Risk Lower in Patients with Cognitively Stimulating Jobs
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_57967" align="alignleft" width="80"] Prof Kivimaki[/caption]
Prof Mika Kivimaki PhD
Director, Whitehall II Study
Dept. of Epidemiology
University College London
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The Lancet 2020 Commission on Dementia Prevention, which is the most comprehensive and up-to-date review on the evidence in this field, did not list cognitive stimulation in adulthood as a protective factor against dementia. This was because trials results are inconsistent and observational studies suggest that leisure time cognitive activity does not reduce risk of dementia.
However, it was unclear whether the reason for modest findings is that the decrease in brain plasticity with age prevents cognitive activities across adult life from conferring protection against dementia, or, in the case of interventions, that the cognitive stimulation studied has not been intensive or engaging enough to preserve cognitive function.
To address this question, we decided to focus on cognitive stimulation at work rather than leisure time cognitive activity or cognitive interventions. We thought that this approach would allow us to detect an effect, if there is one, because exposure to cognitive stimulation at work typically lasts considerably longer than cognitively stimulating hobbies or cognitive interventions.
We contacted 13 cohort studies in Europe which had data on cognitive stimulation at work. Seven had also a dementia follow-up and were selected to our analyses, a total of 107 896 dementia-free participants from the UK, France, Sweden and Finland. Follow-up of incident dementia varied between 13.7 to 30.1 years depending on the cohort. 1143 people developed dementia during this follow-up.
Prof Kivimaki[/caption]
Prof Mika Kivimaki PhD
Director, Whitehall II Study
Dept. of Epidemiology
University College London
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The Lancet 2020 Commission on Dementia Prevention, which is the most comprehensive and up-to-date review on the evidence in this field, did not list cognitive stimulation in adulthood as a protective factor against dementia. This was because trials results are inconsistent and observational studies suggest that leisure time cognitive activity does not reduce risk of dementia.
However, it was unclear whether the reason for modest findings is that the decrease in brain plasticity with age prevents cognitive activities across adult life from conferring protection against dementia, or, in the case of interventions, that the cognitive stimulation studied has not been intensive or engaging enough to preserve cognitive function.
To address this question, we decided to focus on cognitive stimulation at work rather than leisure time cognitive activity or cognitive interventions. We thought that this approach would allow us to detect an effect, if there is one, because exposure to cognitive stimulation at work typically lasts considerably longer than cognitively stimulating hobbies or cognitive interventions.
We contacted 13 cohort studies in Europe which had data on cognitive stimulation at work. Seven had also a dementia follow-up and were selected to our analyses, a total of 107 896 dementia-free participants from the UK, France, Sweden and Finland. Follow-up of incident dementia varied between 13.7 to 30.1 years depending on the cohort. 1143 people developed dementia during this follow-up.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Occupational Health, Weight Research / 01.08.2021
Newtopia: Successful Weight Loss During Covid-19 with a Virtual Habit Change Provider
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jeff Ruby, JD, MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Leonard Fensterheim, MPH
Vice President of Analytics
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are common weight-change findings during the pandemic?
Obesity has been linked to increased risk of serious complications and the need for costly medical utilization – all of which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been an increase of imposed restrictions that impact healthy lifestyles – the closing of gyms as an example – leading to additional stress and the complete disruption of daily lives. It’s no surprise that many people have gained weight since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before the pandemic about 40% of Americans had obesity in the United States. This was already an alarming figure, but given that the American Psychological Association found that 42% of U.S. adults report undesired weight gain, with an average gain of 29 lbs. since the start of the pandemic, we expect that percentage has continued to grow.
Against this backdrop, Newtopia sought to evaluate the impact of a guided habit change program on weight loss for 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method:
Jeff Ruby, JD, MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Leonard Fensterheim, MPH
Vice President of Analytics
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are common weight-change findings during the pandemic?
Obesity has been linked to increased risk of serious complications and the need for costly medical utilization – all of which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been an increase of imposed restrictions that impact healthy lifestyles – the closing of gyms as an example – leading to additional stress and the complete disruption of daily lives. It’s no surprise that many people have gained weight since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before the pandemic about 40% of Americans had obesity in the United States. This was already an alarming figure, but given that the American Psychological Association found that 42% of U.S. adults report undesired weight gain, with an average gain of 29 lbs. since the start of the pandemic, we expect that percentage has continued to grow.
Against this backdrop, Newtopia sought to evaluate the impact of a guided habit change program on weight loss for 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method:
- This was a retrospective study that looked at 1436 participants who began participating in the Newtopia experience in early 2020.
- This analysis focused on weight change and was restricted to those participants with a body mass index >
- 52% of participants were female, and the average age of the total study population was 46.5 years old (±10.6).
- The percentage of participants with a 4.3% weight reduction after 12 months was assessed. This has been shown to be associated with meaningful reduction in healthcare costs.
- The average weight loss and the percentage BMI decrease was also assessed.
- 77% of participants lost weight.
- 44% of participants had a weight loss of >3%.
- Average weight loss was 4.2% (p<.0001).
- 22% of obese participants dropped a BMI category.
Author Interviews, Circadian Rhythm, Heart Disease, Occupational Health, Sleep Disorders / 27.04.2021
Social Jetlag Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Shift Workers
Circadian misalignment is associated with a high cardiovascular risk among shift workers:
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_57241" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Gamboa Madeira[/caption]
Sara Gamboa Madeira
Medical Doctor - General & Family Physician
PhD Student - EnviHealth&Co - Faculty of Medicine
Lisbon University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: One in every five employees work in shifts across Europe1. Shift work have been associated with an increased risk for several cardiovascular diseases2 and three main mechanism have been proposed: unhealthy behaviours, disturbed sleep, and circadian misalignment.
This study focused on the role of circadian misalignment, which we assessed via social jetlag. Social jetlag is calculated using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire3 by the difference between sleep behaviour on free-days (mainly driven by the individual “biological clock”, also called chronotype) and sleep behaviour on workdays (mainly drive by the “social clock”, namely work schedules). Chronotype is an individual feature which ranges from early/morning people to late/evening people (from proverbial lark to owls), with the majority of the population falling in between as a Gaussian distribution. Therefore higher levels of social jetlag mean a greater mismatch between what your biological clock need (e.g. go to sleep at 9pm) and what your social obligations impose on you (e.g. work until midnight).
Dr. Gamboa Madeira[/caption]
Sara Gamboa Madeira
Medical Doctor - General & Family Physician
PhD Student - EnviHealth&Co - Faculty of Medicine
Lisbon University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: One in every five employees work in shifts across Europe1. Shift work have been associated with an increased risk for several cardiovascular diseases2 and three main mechanism have been proposed: unhealthy behaviours, disturbed sleep, and circadian misalignment.
This study focused on the role of circadian misalignment, which we assessed via social jetlag. Social jetlag is calculated using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire3 by the difference between sleep behaviour on free-days (mainly driven by the individual “biological clock”, also called chronotype) and sleep behaviour on workdays (mainly drive by the “social clock”, namely work schedules). Chronotype is an individual feature which ranges from early/morning people to late/evening people (from proverbial lark to owls), with the majority of the population falling in between as a Gaussian distribution. Therefore higher levels of social jetlag mean a greater mismatch between what your biological clock need (e.g. go to sleep at 9pm) and what your social obligations impose on you (e.g. work until midnight).
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Dermatology, Infections, Occupational Health / 05.04.2021
WaterWipes Care Bundle Linked to Reduced Facial Injuries from PPE During COVID Pandemic
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_57059" align="alignleft" width="200"] Jill Sommerville[/caption] Jill Sommerville M.Sc. Director of Medical at WaterWipes MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this...
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Occupational Health, Vaccine Studies / 25.03.2021
COVID-19: Steady Increase in Health Care Workers Acceptance of Vaccine
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_57010" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Meyer, J.D.[/caption]
Michelle N. Meyer, PhD, JD
Assistant Professor & Associate Director, Research Ethics, Center for Translational Bioethics & Health Care Policy
Faculty Co-Director, Behavioral Insights Team, Steele Institute for Health Innovation
Assistant Professor of Bioethics
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Geisinger, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Earlier research had found people are less likely to say they'll receive a COVID-19 vaccine offered to them under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) than one offered to them following full FDA approval. Earlier surveys had also found that only around 30% of health care workers intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Because the public often looks to local health care workers for health advice, and in most prioritization schemes they were slated to be offered vaccines first, this was quite concerning for the prospect of achieving population immunity. Commenters had warned that if the FDA chose to make COVID-19 vaccines available under EUAs, that substantial efforts would need to be made to ensure trust. On Dec. 4, 2020, an announcement about anticipated vaccine availability was emailed to all 23,784 Geisinger employees, who were asked to indicate their intention to receive a vaccine when one was available to them and the reasons for any hesitation they might have.
Dr. Meyer, J.D.[/caption]
Michelle N. Meyer, PhD, JD
Assistant Professor & Associate Director, Research Ethics, Center for Translational Bioethics & Health Care Policy
Faculty Co-Director, Behavioral Insights Team, Steele Institute for Health Innovation
Assistant Professor of Bioethics
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Geisinger, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Earlier research had found people are less likely to say they'll receive a COVID-19 vaccine offered to them under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) than one offered to them following full FDA approval. Earlier surveys had also found that only around 30% of health care workers intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Because the public often looks to local health care workers for health advice, and in most prioritization schemes they were slated to be offered vaccines first, this was quite concerning for the prospect of achieving population immunity. Commenters had warned that if the FDA chose to make COVID-19 vaccines available under EUAs, that substantial efforts would need to be made to ensure trust. On Dec. 4, 2020, an announcement about anticipated vaccine availability was emailed to all 23,784 Geisinger employees, who were asked to indicate their intention to receive a vaccine when one was available to them and the reasons for any hesitation they might have.
Author Interviews, CDC, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Emory, JAMA, Occupational Health / 12.03.2021
Did Healthcare Workers Catch COVID In or Outside the Hospital?
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_56923" align="alignleft" width="107"] Dr. Jacob[/caption]
Jesse T. Jacob, MD
School of Medicine
Director, Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was recognized in the United States in January 2020, the risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) attributed to exposures in the health care workplace has been studied with conflicting results, and the role of job functions (such as nurse) or specific workplace activities, including care for individuals with known and unknown SARS-CoV-2 positivity, increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
We assessed more than 24,000 healthcare providers between April and August 2020 across four large academic medical systems (Emory, Johns Hopkins, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Maryland) which collaborate in the CDC’s Prevention Epicenter Program and conduct innovative infection prevention research. Each site conducted voluntary COVID-19 antibody testing on its health care workers, as well as offered a questionnaire/survey on the employees’ occupational activities and possible exposures to individuals with COVID-19 infection both inside and outside the workplace. We also looked at three-digit residential zip-code prefixes to determine COVID-19 prevalence in communities.
Dr. Jacob[/caption]
Jesse T. Jacob, MD
School of Medicine
Director, Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was recognized in the United States in January 2020, the risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) attributed to exposures in the health care workplace has been studied with conflicting results, and the role of job functions (such as nurse) or specific workplace activities, including care for individuals with known and unknown SARS-CoV-2 positivity, increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
We assessed more than 24,000 healthcare providers between April and August 2020 across four large academic medical systems (Emory, Johns Hopkins, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Maryland) which collaborate in the CDC’s Prevention Epicenter Program and conduct innovative infection prevention research. Each site conducted voluntary COVID-19 antibody testing on its health care workers, as well as offered a questionnaire/survey on the employees’ occupational activities and possible exposures to individuals with COVID-19 infection both inside and outside the workplace. We also looked at three-digit residential zip-code prefixes to determine COVID-19 prevalence in communities.
Author Interviews, BMJ, Circadian Rhythm, JAMA, Occupational Health / 27.02.2021
Morning Larks More Productive at Work and Have Fewer Disability Pensions
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Tapio Räihä
Center for Life Course Health Research
University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In ageing societies, understanding risk factors for pre-term disability pensions and poor work ability is an important research priority. We studied whether individual-level chronotype could contribute to these. Previous research has shown that evening chronotypes (E-types) have poorer health compared with morning chronotypes (M-types), and that E-types may have difficulties to function during standard morning working hours. This study was the first population-level study with register linkage to find out whether eveningness would be associated with poor work ability and disability pensions, too.
We surveyed chronotype (with the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire) among 5831 non-retired Finns born in 1966 when they were at age 46 years, and compared it with their current perceived work ability. We then followed the emergence of new registered disability pensions during the next 4 years. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses of the associations between chronotype and the outcomes were separately adjusted for sleep, health and behaviours, sociodemographic and economic factors, or working times
Response: In ageing societies, understanding risk factors for pre-term disability pensions and poor work ability is an important research priority. We studied whether individual-level chronotype could contribute to these. Previous research has shown that evening chronotypes (E-types) have poorer health compared with morning chronotypes (M-types), and that E-types may have difficulties to function during standard morning working hours. This study was the first population-level study with register linkage to find out whether eveningness would be associated with poor work ability and disability pensions, too.
We surveyed chronotype (with the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire) among 5831 non-retired Finns born in 1966 when they were at age 46 years, and compared it with their current perceived work ability. We then followed the emergence of new registered disability pensions during the next 4 years. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses of the associations between chronotype and the outcomes were separately adjusted for sleep, health and behaviours, sociodemographic and economic factors, or working times
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Occupational Health / 16.11.2020
Nurses Particularly Hard Hit By COVID-19 Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_55952" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Barrett[/caption]
Emily Barrett, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Rutgers School of Public Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: We started this study in the very early stages of the pandemic to look at SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission and disease severity in health care workers as compared to non-health care workers. There was a tremendous amount of fear and uncertainty about the virus and the early anecdotal reports coming out of China and Italy highlighted the plight of many frontline health care workers who had been infected on the job. We knew that our U.S. health care workers would soon be facing this tremendous challenge. We started this study to examine risks of infection in our vulnerable frontline health care workers and a comparison group of non-health care workers. Our results are from the early stages of the U.S. pandemic in March-April 2020.
Dr. Barrett[/caption]
Emily Barrett, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Rutgers School of Public Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: We started this study in the very early stages of the pandemic to look at SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission and disease severity in health care workers as compared to non-health care workers. There was a tremendous amount of fear and uncertainty about the virus and the early anecdotal reports coming out of China and Italy highlighted the plight of many frontline health care workers who had been infected on the job. We knew that our U.S. health care workers would soon be facing this tremendous challenge. We started this study to examine risks of infection in our vulnerable frontline health care workers and a comparison group of non-health care workers. Our results are from the early stages of the U.S. pandemic in March-April 2020.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Depression, Mental Health Research, Occupational Health, Pediatrics, UCSF / 11.11.2020
COVID Pandemic: Job Insecurity Linked to Depression and Anxiety in Young Adults -19
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_55915" align="alignleft" width="120"] Dr. Ganson[/caption]
Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW
Assistant Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada
[caption id="attachment_55902" align="alignleft" width="132"] Dr. Nagata[/caption]
Jason Nagata, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, USA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: A quarter of young adults in the US have reported being unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young adults may be especially affected by employment loss as they often work in industries most adversely affected by social distancing.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Among a sample of nearly 5,000 young adults age 18 to 26 in the US, we found that since March 2020, young adults who lost their job or were part of a household that experienced employment loss were more likely than those with secure employment to experience four common symptoms of anxiety and depression. This was also true of young adults who expected an employment loss in the next four weeks. The study also found that symptoms of anxiety and depression were common among the sample of young adults. In the seven days prior to the survey, 75% reported being nervous, anxious or on edge, 68% reported not being able to stop or control worrying, 67% reported having little interest or pleasure in doing things, and 64% reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.
Dr. Ganson[/caption]
Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW
Assistant Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada
[caption id="attachment_55902" align="alignleft" width="132"]
Dr. Nagata[/caption]
Jason Nagata, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, USA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: A quarter of young adults in the US have reported being unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young adults may be especially affected by employment loss as they often work in industries most adversely affected by social distancing.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Among a sample of nearly 5,000 young adults age 18 to 26 in the US, we found that since March 2020, young adults who lost their job or were part of a household that experienced employment loss were more likely than those with secure employment to experience four common symptoms of anxiety and depression. This was also true of young adults who expected an employment loss in the next four weeks. The study also found that symptoms of anxiety and depression were common among the sample of young adults. In the seven days prior to the survey, 75% reported being nervous, anxious or on edge, 68% reported not being able to stop or control worrying, 67% reported having little interest or pleasure in doing things, and 64% reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Occupational Health / 03.11.2020
Study Finds High Rate of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection Among Retail Workers
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Fan-Yun Lan, MD, MS
PhD candidate in Population Health Sciences | Environmental Health
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences & T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Existing evidence has indicated that essential workers are heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are not able to benefit from mitigation policies. Their occupational exposures increase their own risk to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and increase the risk of secondary transmissions to their colleagues, families and communities. Research, however, has largely focused on healthcare workers with relatively limited literature investigating non-healthcare essential workers.