Alcohol and the Workplace

July 21, 2014

Alcohol and the Workplace – Drug Addiction

Office alcohol consumption is the genesis to poor productivity and injury to the image of the whole image of the organization

It has been said that alcohol is the most abused substances of all other drugs known to be addictive. It is worrying that young children as young as 9 nine years have started using drugs and these are the most fundamental concerns we have to deal with as a society. Alcohol consumption being the most a bused substance has very many health and social consequences in all societies. Since it is not illegal to take alcohol it consumption becomes very difficult to control on individuals even though some governments are trying to regulate it sales but all these does not significantly bring is the desired measures to reducing its effects in our societies and especially in our work stations. Therefore our discussion is going to be dwelling on alcohol and its effects on the work place.

People get employed in different sectors and organizations to be productive and earn a living from the income they generate as a result of their services rendered. The employment engagement can be either in the public or private sector and in all the employers expects return from their employees. When alcohol consumption becomes a problem in an employee’s life then organizations they work for suffers immensely and the employee also stand great risk of harming themselves and even the people around them. In the workplace, the impact of alcoholism focuses on four major issues:

Premature death and fatal accidents
Injuries and accident rates
Absenteeism due to extra sick leave
Loss of production

The effect of alcohol consumption need not to be a problem if not abused, the organization may not suffer all these if their employees drink responsibly however when they become addicted then the above are the most immediate consequences.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Premature death and fatal accidents

When an employee dies the organization loses work force much as they will be replaces the experiences gained by the demised staff is gone. Sometimes the organization invests heavily on their staff by training them and to lose them in prematurely because of alcohol is such a cost to the employer.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Injuries and accident rate

The organization needs their personnel to be healthy for them to deliver effectively on their respective assignment. This is not possible when they suffer injuries either at the work station or outside. Moreover it becomes very costly for the organization that will have to pay those damages or compensation emanating from the injuries they incur while on duty.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Absenteeism

It goes without saying that alcoholism being a disease may lead one into being hospitalized for treatment either in a rehab or just in ordinary health facilities. Heavy alcohol users often find themselves on the wrong side of the law and while they are in the hands of law enforcement agencies the organization will not only suffer from their being absent but also denting reputation. The cost or organization image is a very valuable asset for all organizations and any injury to it is very harmful and may not be recovered from easily.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Lose of production

All the above discussed consequences lead us into one thing and that is losing in production. All businesses will only be effective and profitable when their productivity is in shape. We need effective and competent sober work force to deliver this. Alcohol consumption is the enemy number one for any meaningful business. The funny thing is that even those firms producing these alcohols also need their personnel to be sober while at work. A drunken work force is a liability for any business oriented organization and must be avoided by all means. There are so many other problems which are associated with alcohol consumption at work some of which may include:

Tardiness and sleeping on the job
Theft
Poor decision making by the personnel
Loss of efficiency and accuracy
Lower morale of colleagues who are not drinking
Increased likelihood of having trouble with colleagues, supervisors or tasks
Higher staff turnover
Training of new employees
Disciplinary procedures

Problems of alcoholism can affect any industry and any organization in discriminatively however this problem may be very prevalent certain industries like:

Food service
Construction
Mining and Drilling
Excavation
Installation, maintenance and repair

Two specific kinds of drinking behavior significantly contribute to the level of work-performance problems: drinking right before or during working hours (including drinking at lunch and at company functions), and heavy drinking the night before that causes hangovers during work the next day.

And it isn’t just alcoholics who can generate problems in the workplace. Research has shown that the majority of alcohol-related work-performance problems are associated with nondependent drinkers who may ones in a while drink too much not exclusively by alcohol-dependent employees. In addition, family members living with someone’s alcoholism also suffer significant job performance related problems- including poor job performance, lack of focus, absenteeism, increased health-related problems and use of health insurance

Alcohol and the Workplace – Solutions to address the problem

The employers need to establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in their work systems. This has been found to be the most effective way to address alcohol and drug problems in the workplace, employees and their family members are provided referrals to community resources and services. Many individuals and families face a host of difficulties closely associated with problem drinking, and these problems quite often spill into the workplace. By encouraging and supporting treatment, employers can significantly help in reducing the negative impact of alcoholism in the workplace as well as reducing their costs of operations.

In conclusion studies have established that alcohol treatment pays for itself in reduced healthcare costs that begin as soon as people begin treatment. Alcohol treatment also improves an individual’s functioning, leading to increased productivity at work. We must therefore invest in prevention and treatment adequately not just by safe guarding our effectiveness in work places but to the economy of our nations. The full involvement of addiction experts will be very essential and if you are a manager in an organization where this is a problem, then you can contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility founded by Doctor Akoury who is an addiction expert of many decades and you and your employees will be cared for professionally while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE this way you will have your business back to its desired levels of productivity.

Alcohol and the Workplace – Drug Addiction

Major Threats of Obesity

July 20, 2014

Major Threats of Obesity – Life Threatening Illnesses Related to Obesity

Obesity is characterized by certain life threatening illnesses affecting every obese person and especially the elderly.

There are very many life threatening illnesses in the world today and they come in different ways. The World Health Organization while categorizing health risks have classified life threatening illnesses related to obesity as follows:

Cardiovascular disease
Conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as type 2 diabetes
Certain types of cancers, especially hormonally related and large-bowel cancer
Gallbladder disease

Major Threats of Obesity – Cardiovascular disease

Coronary heart disease is accountable for significant morbidity and mortality in aging patients of about 65 years and above. Cardiovascular remains the primary cause of mortality in the US up to 84% of persons aged 65 years or more dying from this disease. It is important noting that this condition can well be addressed by good feeding habit and in fact proper diet if the solution to treating this health condition in aging obese adults.

Obesity is actually the major fundamental factor contributing to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and is also related with multiple other ASCVD risk factors including elevated blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoproteins, high cholesterol, and high fasting plasma glucose.

Major Threats of Obesity – Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in older adults which occurs as results of interplay between genetic factors and environmental factors that contribute to obesity. A very insignificant weight gain can increase a person’s risk of diabetes by 50%. Coronary disease is the most evident and lethal sequel of type 2 diabetes. Lean-muscle mass begins to weaken after the age of 65. This shrinkage may be related to reduction in physical activity, disability, anabolic hormone production, or increased cytokine activity and if calorie intake remains at the same rate while the muscle mass decreases, then the older person will most likely experience fat weight gain.

The chief goal for obese diabetic persons is to avoid the common cardiovascular sequel. The effect of inactive behavior like watching television, in relation to risk of type 2 diabetes has been a subject of study and the findings were positive that the time spent watching TV is closely related with the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Major Threats of Obesity – Cancer

Obesity is also connected to higher rates of certain types of cancer like:

Breast cancer in older women is progressively being linked to obesity. 25% to 30% of several major cancers, including breast (postmenopausal), colon, kidney, and esophageal, have been linked to obesity and physical inactivity.
Obese men have increased risk of suffering from cancer of the colon, rectum, or prostate, than those who are not obese.
Cancer of the gallbladder, uterus, cervix, or ovaries is more common in women who are obese compared with women who are not obese.
It is important that proper management mechanism of obesity be established to reduce the incidences of these cancers.

Major Threats of Obesity – Gallbladder disease

Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones because obesity is believed to reduce the amount of bile salts in bile, resulting in more cholesterol. Moreover, gallbladder emptying is decreased as a result of obesity

Major Threats of Obesity – Interventions to Address Obesity

It is the duty of healthcare providers like nurses to help edging obese people to adopt changes to promote a healthier lifestyle with the main objective being the sustainability of life changes through modification of diet, physical activities and use of community supports.

Major Threats of Obesity – Safe Weight Loss Strategies

Older persons present special challenges when making changes in diet and activity levels. In patients over 65, the increase in chronic diseases associated with aging reduces physical activity and exercise capacity, making it more difficult for elderly persons to lose weight.
Widowhood, loneliness, isolation, and depression are other factors that need to be addressed during weight-loss programs.
Participation in these programs by family members, as well as caregiver(s) is especially important if the older person’s vision and hearing are impaired or if there is cognitive impairment.
Appropriate nutritional counseling through referral to a registered dietitian is necessary to ensure that the older adult’s daily nutritional requirements are met during weight-loss programs.
The benefits and risks of weight reduction in older adults should be carefully considered.
Loss of lean body mass, which is already diminished in older adults, may not be appropriate in persons over 65 years of age because the loss of fat-free mass in older adults is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
A weight loss program that minimizes muscle and bone loss is necessary for the older adults who are obese and have functional impairments or metabolic complications that might be improved by weight loss.
Improving physical function and helping to preserve muscle and bone mass through regular physical exercise is important in older adults who are obese.
Increasing flexibility, endurance, and strength should be the objective of regular exercise in older adults who are obese.

Finally in ensuring that the life of our old people is well cared for the use of professionals who are well conversant with obesity is very necessary all the way. Together we have a duty to help patients and especially the older obese people to manage their weight along with general considerations to facilitate weight loss safely. Doctor Akoury is a trusted and respected healthcare professionals who also the founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, she is committed to helping people globally in all matters of weight gain and obesity in the most natural way and putting emphasis on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. It is therefore time for you to take the lead role in combating the obesity epidemic in our societies today and kick out this problem from our neighborhood.

Major Threats of Obesity – Life Threatening Illnesses Related to Obesity

Greek Test and Biofocus Test In Cancer Treatment

July 20, 2014

Greek Test and Biofocus Test Help In Personalized Cancer Treatment

The cancerous cells in most cases are able to resist the drugs that are supposed to be treating the patient. Even in the case of chemotherapy the cancer cell resistance to drug that was intended to kill them and heal the patient is common. For this reason the doctors have developed a more personalized cancer treatment. This involves conducting certain tests to show the ability of the cancerous cells resisting the drugs. Through lab tests help the doctors come up with treatment that will kill the cancerous cells faster.

Today cancer treatment is becoming more and more strategic. Different tumors need different medical attention to be treated effectively and efficiently. Bodily reaction to the cancer treatments can also require personalized treatment in order to limit the side effects of the medication as well as to make the treatment more effective. The circulating tumor cells are a major culprit in metastasis and so lab tests can show the drugs that can kill them completely

In the past the methods that were used in cancer treatments that were not strategic enough. Without pre treatment tests the cancer treatment becomes a simple “hit or Miss” situation which in most cases does not yield any effective results. A cancer treatment agent that may work in my situation might not work for you and so offering standard cancer drugs to patients is not an effective treatment approach. Some of these tests that help doctors in effective treatment of cancer include but not limited to the following;

The Greek test and cancer treatment

Due to the errors in cancer treatment that rise from the trial and error treatments or other the standard cancer cure methods, several cancer patients have lost their lives. Some of the cancer patients developed very critical side effects that only worsened their conditions while others had to go through chemotherapy repeatedly but to no avail. The patients have always wanted a better treatment method that would end their misery. The best treatment methods that will uproot the cancerous cells and avoid the possibility of cancer cells reoccurring after treatment has never been easy to find in the past but now the Greek test may help doctors with valuable information about the cancer cells ability to resist drugs especially the circulating tumor cells that are known to wreak havoc as they fuel metastasis. Through the Greek test precise treatment methods can be reached as the doctors will be testing the reactions of the cancer cells to the drugs in the Petri dish in the lab before the patient is treated. The most effective agent in inhibiting the growth of the cancer cells is then used to treat the patient.

The Greece test employs the latest developments in the genetic therapy to identify the cancerous cells thereby isolating them in the blood stream, culture them for further diagnosis, asses the patients sensitivity to the chemotherapy drugs and to come up with the profile for the cancer. The results of the Greek test can then be used by the doctors to give a more individualized treatment that is strategic in curing the patient’s cancer. This helps the cancer patients in two ways; it saves them lots of money that would rather be spent in haphazard treatment that is normally repeated hence more money spent. It also helps the patients by avoiding some side effects that may occur when the body reacts negatively to the drugs.

Nevertheless, the test on these circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be used to assess the patient’s ability to metabolize chemotherapy drugs and assess the tumor’s resistivity to treatment. Their result is a more informed treatment procedure designed for the patient that will help in treating the patient more effectively without more pain inflicted on the patient during repeat chemotherapies.

In the past isolating the cancer cells was not easy as they travel the same circulatory path with the healthy cells. Today it is possible. A medical professional takes a blood sample in the office. The sample is then sent to R.G.C.C. International GmbH, a European genetic research center where the researchers will create blood culture and isolate the tumor cell and perform a series of tests such as micro-array, PCR, RT-PCR, southern and less northern blot.

The Greek test will help the doctor with the following;

v Discover genes which support cancer growth.

v Assess which mechanisms that causes the body to resist chemotherapy drugs, and seek chemotherapy drugs that can support the patient’s recovery.

v Assess which nutrients can cause apoptosis, tumor cell death, and slow cancer cell growth.

v Develop a natural treatment program to hasten recovery.

Biofocus test and cancer treatment

The Biofocus test is aimed at availing the best treatment for cancer. First the disseminated cancer cells from the bloodstream are detected. The type of cancer will determine the kind of parameters used in detecting the circulating tumor cells in the blood that have broken away from the main tumor.

When the CTCs are detected, the next process is to test which chemotherapy drug can work best in fighting the CTCs and cure the cancer. The cancer cell resistance to the drug is also analyzed and this will help in choosing the best treatment for the cancer patient.

To know more about cancer you need to find access to up to date information about cancer. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) runs a website that equips people with relevant information about cancer. Check on her website regularly to benefit from her wealth of health knowledge.

Greek Test and Biofocus Test Help In Personalized Cancer Treatment

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults

July 19, 2014

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Possible Solutions Discussed

Irrespective of whether obesity is fatal or life-threatening the common denominator is that there is a problem. Old age is a blessing and we must protect it at all cost

Obesity is a health condition that can affect any body at any given time or stage of an individual’s life. There are different kind of health conditions which are associated with obesity and weight gain. World health organization has classified these conditions into two categories which include:

Nonfatal conditions
Life-threatening conditions

For the purpose of this article we will be discussing the first condition and as we progress we will be looking into the second condition in our next article on this link. I would want therefore invite you to stay on the link to get the full information on both conditions.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Nonfatal Health Problems Related to Obesity

Incapacitating conditions like those associated with respiratory, chronic musculoskeletal and skin problems are categorized as nonfatal but like any other health condition, what is seen to be nonfatal could turn to be life-threatening along the way depending on various circumstances. But for the purpose of our discussion in this article we will look at these conditions which are intensified by obesity as follows.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Respiratory problems

When a patient is obese there is the tendency of their lungs shrinking in size. Such patients will experience difficulties in breathing due to the increased weight on their chest wall and the difficulties in lifting their heavy chest wall. Generally obesity is associated with inducement of the respiratory mechanical impairment occasionally combined with abnormalities in gas exchange. However looking at the obese elderly these changes are emphasized by changes in the lung structure and function related with normal aging. These changes in the lungs include:

Reduced alveolar surface available for gas exchange
Enlarged chest wall stiffness
Stiffening of the elastin and the collagen tissue supporting the lungs

The mass stuffing of the ventilator system induced by obesity alters the static balance within the respiratory system. Obese aging patients normally have a reduced respiratory efficiency which can reach the point of respiratory inadequacy in the presence of cardiovascular inadequacy of various degrees. The natural decrease in respiratory function in aging patients exacerbates the decrease caused by obesity which may in turn lead to an increase in the sleep apnea syndrome which in these patients is related to a greater risk of developing hallucinatory and cognitive disorders caused by hypoxia during sleep.

Endurance exercise when combined with a dietary weight loss program increases utmost oxygen consumption. Diet in combination with opposition and patience exercises improves peak oxygen consumption as well. Health care providers may advice patients with respiratory complications to practice a diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing to help strengthen respiratory muscles.

Breathing exercises, as well as good posture, can help patients to exhale and inhale fully. Pursed lip breathing may also be helpful for patients who are short of breath or breathless. Pursed breathing includes pursing the lips as if blowing a whistle; using diaphragmatic breathing out through pursed lips without any force; and remembering to relax the upper chest, arms shoulders, and arms while breathing out.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Arthritis and osteoarthritis

Primarily arthritis is the main cause of disability in aging adults. A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with the risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in aging people. The prevalence of OA at this age may reflect bodily changes as a result of a lifetime of being overweight which results in strain on weight-bearing joints.

Obesity or overweight raises the load placed on joints, especially at the knee and hip joints. Breakdown in cartilage, resulting from the increased weight on joints result in pain and further functional disability People with arthritis are particularly vulnerable to the stress-pain-depression cycle in which the pain and stiffness caused by the disease leads to reduced mobility and so increases stress, pain, and depression and eventually decreasing the quality of life.

The objective of managing arthritis is to maintain the maximum use and function of the joint and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The primary key to attaining this objective is engaging in physical activities.
However, many people with OA and other joint diseases believe that exercise will cause their arthritis to flare up and increase the pain. This is a not true and the health care provide will be able to dispel it.
Stretching exercises of all muscle groups should be done regularly as well as daily active range of motion for all joints.
Isotonic exercises, which move the joint in an arc, are also helpful.
Aquatic exercise and walking are usually well tolerated by aging people with mild to moderate lower extremity OA.
Heat is also helpful in managing arthritis because it reduces stiffness and makes exercise easier.
Rest periods between activities help to control the fatigue of arthritis, which is compounded by obesity.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Skin conditions

Older adults who are obese and have skin problems face additional complications because their skin naturally loses about 20% of its dermal thickness with age. This combination of older age, fragile skin, and obesity increases the risk for pressure sores. The first step in addressing skin problems is to:

Conduct a skin assessment of obese patients.
The exact identity and degree of skin problems will determine the intervention.
Older women, urinary incontinence from a large, heavy abdomen causing the valve on the bladder to weaken may result in the leaking of urine when coughing or sneezing.

Finally it is such a blessing to live long and this blessing must not be seen as a problem to the society because of being obese. Dr. Dalal Akoury founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility in which all matters relating to obesity, weight gain and lose and matter relating to addiction are addressed. we all ore our senior citizens the duty of care despite what their conditions may be and that is why doctor Dalal Akoury together with her team of experts are offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to everyone young or old, visiting this facility is going to be an experience that will lead you to full recovery in the most dignified way.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Possible Solutions Discussed

Obesity in older Generation

July 19, 2014

Obesity in older Generation – Unlocking the Truth

It is important that we go thing right while in our youthful stages of life so that we may prevent being obese in old age. Obesity is real in all stages of life.

What get into your mind when we talk of obesity? To whom do you think is most at risk of being obese? A lot more questions can be asked but the bottom line is that obesity is a condition with us as is affecting everybody almost in equal measure. For instance, in the US the prevalence of obesity is sky rocketing in all age groups with the past few decades the number doubling. However the focus of this article is going to be very specific on the number of older people being obese. Much as we want to focus on the older generation it should be made clear that not all older people are obese in fact majority of older people are not obese and are living healthy lives.

Prevalence of Obesity among Older Adults

Looking at the available statistics, the prevalence of obesity in the US is over 15% of older people with this number expected to grow significantly if measures to curb it is not addressed, this can only mean that as age catches with people so is the increase in the population likely to suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and hypertension because all these conditions are frequently accentuated by obesity. Therefore as a community we must be knowledgeable to undertake necessary measures to a void this by all means possible because we can.

Causes of Obesity in Older Adults

Addressing the root cause of obesity in older people will begin with the determination of body fat mass which is the connection between the intake and output of energy. The presence of obesity will be seen when one consumes more calories than their body systems can burn. Calories are very essential for our lives however it is equally important that we keep desirable weight by controlling on the quantity of energy we take in form of the food stuff we eat with that energy we dispose. The moment we consume more calories than we can burn what follows is increased BMI.

Various research have established that the quantity of food we take does not change as we approach our sunset days meaning that the decrease in energy used in old age contributes significantly to the increase in body fat in old age. Besides this the hormonal changes occurring during old age may also build up fats in the body due to the aging being associated with decrease in growth hormone secretions, declining responsiveness to thyroid hormone, decline in serum testosterone and resistance to leptin. Resistance to leptin is also likely to cause a decreased ability to regulate appetite downward. Other factors that can also contribute to obesity include:

Genetic
Environmental and
Social factors

Obesity in older Generation – Genetic Factors

Scientifically there is no clear connection between obesity and genetic. It has not been conclusively established any link of obesity and hereditary however following the observations made by health care providers that obesity tends to run in families may be persuasive to believing that obesity is related to the genes a person has inherited.

Obesity in older Generation – Environmental and Sociological Factors

When we talk of the environment we look at the wider spectrum to include the world around us, access to healthy food and safe side walk. All these in one way or the other affects and influences what we feed on, our engagement in physical activities and our general life style. For instance if you are residing in unsecure neighborhood with lots of mugging and kidnaping you are likely not to take a walk along the path and use your car each time you want to leave the house for whatever reason. All these will reduce and limit your involvement in regular physical activities. In the same way you may be from time to time take your meals from the restaurants possibly because of nature of your work. You report early and leave very late and in the process you have very little time going to the groceries to buy your supply for home-made food. These are reasons that can cause you to have a very inactive kitchen in your home and we all know that foods from the restaurants are all junk full of calories. These high calorie processed food are less expensive and often easy to prepare. There being readily a available makes them easy prey for low income people who may not afford the more nutritious food stuff which are relatively costly. Because of these circumstances the prevalence of obesity in older people is likely to continue being on the rise.

Obesity in older Generation – Other Causes of Obesity

Other conditions and illnesses that are associated with both weight gain and obesity include:

Hyperthyroidism
Cushing’s syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Depression

The older adults who are obese are more likely than those who are not obese to report symptoms of depression such as:

Feelings of sadness
Worthlessness
Hopelessness

Inadequacy of sleep may contribute to obesity, as well as certain drugs, such as steroids and some antidepressants that may stimulate the appetite, cause water retention, or slow the metabolism rate.

Finally, the complex relationship between functional ability and lifestyle patterns merits attention as a contributor to obesity. Joint pain, decreased mobility, and activity intolerance may lead to weight gain because of decreased activity. Older people compared to young people may experience functional limitations associated with chronic illnesses that may trigger stress, pain, and depression cycle that can result in lifestyle patterns leading obesity necessitating the need to be in constant touch with an expert in matters of weight gain and obesity a service you will comfortably get at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Dalal Akoury who has been helping people solve their weight related problems for more than two decades now. The kind of treatment you will get from this facility is unique and natural doctor Akoury together with her team of experts will care for you with dignity and professionalism while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Your worries will be turn into lusting joy with guaranteed life enjoyment thereafter.

Obesity in older Generation – Unlocking the Truth

Category Archives: Men’s Health