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What's with
the Mo? |
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If you spot a lot more facial fuzz around the office in November,
relax, it's not a 70's revival. Those moustaches you're spotting (or possibly
sporting) may have more to do with men's health than with men's fashion. It's
almost
Movember
(the month formerly known as November), and the message
is "Grow a moustache and help men's health." Participating guys grow and groom
their mo during the month, raising money to benefit men's health -- specifically
prostate cancer and male depression.
Men, unfortunately, are a less healthy lot than women, with their average
life expectancy being five years less than their female mates. Part of the
reason is that they tend to be more reluctant to see a doctor about an illness
or seek regular health checks. In fact, men access health services 30 to 40 per
cent less often than women, and in doing so lessen their chances of prevention
or early detection of common diseases. Movember aims to help reverse this
reluctance to seek help, as well as raise some funds for these key men's health
issues.
But you don't have to grow a moustache (or be able to!) to join
in. The excellent Australian website can be found
here, and you can
support any of the guys in your workplace that are participating - just ask them
how.
And while Movember is a great way to focus on men's health issues, October
has quite a focus on health issues that face women. The entire month of October
is Breast Cancer month, with Pink Ribbon Day falling on Monday 26th of October.
Get involved
here.
Healthworks also has
booklets and
seminars that focus on both
Men's and
Women's
health. We even have
do-it-yourself seminars that you can present in-house, perfect for remote
locations.
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Stress
and Your Workplace |
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What gets you stressed at work? And how can you fix it? Workplace stress can
lead to a whole host of problems, ranging from low workplace morale to
incidences of depression and increased risk of heart disease and other ailments.
While there's no magic wand to reduce stress in the workplace, knowing the
causes and the symptoms can go a long way to finding solutions.So what are some of the most common workplace stressors?
A survey of British workers found that feeling as if your voice goes unheard
ranks as the most stressful aspect of interpersonal work relationships. Along
with a lack of acknowledgement and control, rude colleagues, computer problems,
and overwork are often cited as main stressors.
So how can you get your workplace a little less stressed?
Listening to employees is a great start - a suggestions column in the
employee newsletter or a forum on the company intranet might be a couple of
ideas to consider - or even a Q&A session at the regular staff meeting where
staff can offer suggestions on workplace issues.
Promoting teamwork is also a good way for employees to gain rapport and get
the workplace humming along more harmoniously. Whether it's working on a project
together or participating in something like a
team challenge,
getting employees to work together and discover each others' working styles can
reduce friction in the workplace.
And a show of appreciation "from the boss" is always a morale booster, which
creates a happier (and healthier) workplace. Something like the
Healthworks
Stress Less pack or the
"Ten out of Ten"
2010 Calendar (both available now) are a great start to boosting enthusiasm
in the workplace and have the added benefit of promoting OH&S values at the same
time.
If you'd like to provide staff with a few hints on how to "de-stress",
download this free PDF poster detailing 5 Ways to Stress Less here. For a
more comprehensive look at reducing employee stress,
have a look at
our Stressed Out? booklet.
Main sources: Workplace Stress and Your Health, WedMD;
Healthworks Stressed Out Booklet
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National Health Events |
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Men's Health,
Women's Health, Work Safety, Food Safety - it's all happening in October and
November. But wait! There's more! Check out what's coming up in health and
safety for the next few months... |
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October |
25th
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Seven Bridges Walk |
diabetesnsw.com.au |
A walk across seven Sydney bridge to raise funds for charity. Why not take a walk on the 25th in your local area and donate some
money to your favourite charity? |
26th
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Pink Ribbon Day |
www.nbcf.org.au |
The signature day of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)
and throughout October the Pink Ribbon Campaign aims to celebrate the
achievements of breast cancer research and raise additional funds.
Healthworks has a booklet available on
Women's Health.
We also conduct
seminars on this
subject.
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26th-31st
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SafeWork Australia Week |
safeworkaustralia.gov.au |
The 5th annual SafeWork Australia week aims to
encourage all working Australians to get involved in, and concentrate on,
safety in their workplace to reduce death, injury and disease. Healthworks has a number of
booklets
and
posters
available that promote health and safety in the workplace. |
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November |
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All Month |
Movember |
au.movember.com |
Raises awareness around men's health issues and
funds, with a focus on prostate cancer and
depression in men.
Healthworks has a booklet available on
Men's Health.
We also conduct
seminars on this
subject.
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All Month |
Lung Health Awareness
Month |
lungfoundation.com.au |
Promoting lung health and awareness in November.
Healthworks has
posters available on smoking. |
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9th-15th |
National Food Safety Week |
foodsafety.asn.au |
Food Safety Week
each
November is a major part of the Food Safety Information Council’s campaign
to improve consumer’s knowledge of how to handle, store and cook food
safely. |
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14th |
World Diabetes Day |
diabetesaustralia.com.au |
The UN calls on all nations to develop national policies for the prevention,
treatment and care of people living with diabetes and those at risk of
developing diabetes.
Healthworks has a number of
booklets
and
posters
on
heart
health and
nutrition. |
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15th-21st |
National Skin Cancer
Action Week |
cancer.org.au |
National Skin Cancer Action Week raises
awareness of skin cancer and sun protection issues at the start of the
summer season. Healthworks has
a new booklet out to promote safety in the sun,
and it includes expert advice from Cancer Council NSW on staying safe this
summer. |
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December |
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1st |
World AIDS Day |
worldaidsday.org.au |
In 1988, the World
Health Organization (WHO) declared the first
World AIDS Day in an effort to
raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues. The symbol is a red ribbon. |
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5th |
International Volunteer Day |
volunteeringaustralia.org |
International
Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated on December 5 of each year by
highlighting the significant contribution of volunteers all over the
world. Help others, gain new skills, meet people and make a difference! |
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25th-26th |
Christmas Day & Boxing
Day |
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Enjoy the
holidays! |
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31st |
New Year's Eve |
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Celebrate 2010!
Party well (and
stay safe). |
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Have your
say! |
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Too long? Too
short? Topics could be different? Let us know what you want to see in your
Healthworks For You.
Talk to us! |
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The Last Word |
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Something to consider for SafeWork
Week:
"Avoid the worst. Put safety first." |
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Healthy
Nutrition Week's in October - check out some healthy recipes!
What
gets you stressed at work? Here's an article from our Vault about
how to spot stress symptoms!
Just in time for
SafeWork Australia Week and National Skin Cancer Action Week, the new Healthworks Summer Sense booklet,
which includes expert advice from Cancer Council NSW, provides information on how to stay safe and healthy in the outdoors this
summer.
Perfect for the outdoor worker, the open air enthusiast or indeed,
anyone who spends time outside in the summer, this booklet
will provide the information readers need to make the choices
that will keep them safe in the heat and sun.
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