This is a relatively new issue as advances in the field of genetic testing have been fairly recent. It may be a young field but enough genetic discrimination issues have arisen for the USA to pass a Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act in 2009.

This just underscores the need to keep employee health information confidential.

Click here to read more on this issue in the Times.

Now imagine a device that can screen a single drop of blood and diagnose dozens of diseases before the individual has suffered a single symptom! Sounds a bit like a crystal ball, but an American biologist is working on such technology which he believes will be perfected in the next decade. Some of the technology could be ready as early as next year, allowing the early diagnosis of select diseases like lung cancer.

Early diagnosis (before symptoms occur) could potentially lead to a higher success rate in treating these diseases; it may also act as an added incentive for individuals to make lifestyle changes that could have a positive effect on their health.

This and other medical research is being presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Vancouver.

Source: Vancouver Sun

The study did not find the same link between female smokers and cognitive decline; however, there are still countless ways that smoking negatively affects females.

Early dementia and a host of other negative impacts on health make introducing a smoking cessation program to the workplace a valuable initiative.

Click here to read more on the study.

The best medicine for a cold or flu is prevention – and there are a number of ways you can help reduce the chance that you’re afflicted.

1. Wash Your Hands with Soap and Water – Infection is everywhere! In the season of germs, colds and flu, viruses are shared far too easily. Soap and water have been found to be more effective than antibacterial gels and sanitizers; keep in mind that you must vigorously scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds when washing. Make sure to wash before, after and during food preparation, after using the toilet, after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, and at regular intervals throughout the day.

2. Get Your Sleep – Your body needs time to rest in order to stay strong and fight infection. Aim for 8 hours every night.

3. Eat Right – Try to eat foods with vitamin C. Look for foods that are high in phytochemicals such as dark green, red and yellow vegetables and fruits. Garlic and onions are also thought to have a positive impact on the immune system.

4. Drink Plenty of Fluids – Keeping hydrated is critical during cold and flu season. Water keeps your digestive system working well and flushes your system.

5. Cut out Alcohol – Alcohol suppresses the immune system and dehydrates your body, both of which make you a better target for cold and flu.

6. Consider getting a flu vaccine – Although it’s a bit late in the season, Health Canada recommends that those with health conditions should get a flu shot. This includes pregnant women, seniors, children under 2 years old, cancer patients and many others. Even if you don’t fit into these categories, a flu shot is still a good idea.

In 2010, the Greek government (who sets drug prices) began cutting prices in an effort to control a national health bill totaling more than €13 billion. Greek drugmakers responded by shifting their supply out of Greece, towards other countries that would pay more. As a result, Greece is now suffering critical drug shortages; almost half of the 500 most-used drugs in the country are under-supplied.

Click here to read the full article.

This study could be a wakeup call for employers who encourage or allow employees to work long hours – such policies could have significant financial implications in regards to increased disability claims.

Employers trying to promote work/life balance should consider:

1. Implementing a “use-it-or-lose it” policy on vacation and sick leave as a means of encouraging employees to use their time off;
2. Sponsoring family-oriented activities such as discounted fees to attend a sports event, or excursions to amusement parks;
3. Allowing employees to take leave to volunteer in the community;
4. Creating a plan to promote work/life balance year round (not just in the employee handbook).

Sources: CNN Health, HR World

Breath analysis technology is being developed at several research facilities. Some of the technology provides a quantitative analysis of the compounds present in the breath sample, while others focus on the mixture of chemicals in the breath that may indicate the presence of a certain disease.

The introduction of a reliable means of breath diagnosis would be a great non-invasive means of diagnosing illness.

Click here to read the full story.

Healthy employees make fewer extended health claims, have fewer absences and are more productive – it really is a win/win for both employers and employees.

The most effective programs use some creativity to come up with initiatives that work. Ever thought of hosting a “salad potluck” for lunch or encouraging employees to take walks for one-on-one meetings? Have you considered tying health premiums to wellness?

Click here to check out a great article on corporate wellness that includes some helpful tips on how to introduce wellness into your workplace.

Silent strokes are symptomless; however, scans show they cause tissue death in the brain. In the study, the severity of the sleep apnea coordinated with an increase in damaged tissues caused by silent strokes. Silent strokes and sleep apnea are both risk factors for regular strokes.

Although researchers weren’t able to prove that sleep apnea causes silent strokes, they did find an association between those with sleep apnea and those who experience silent strokes.

One of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity – this study just underlines the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight in order to eliminate this risk factor. Those with sleep apnea should also recognize the importance of treating the condition.

Source: U.S. News & World Report

 
Research shows pet owners benefit not only from canine motivation to run or walk, but also from simply interacting with pets. Studies have shown that those with heart disease are more likely to survive if they regularly interact with pets.

 
Dog-friendly running groups and canine/human fitness classes are becoming more popular. Imagine attending a hybrid fitness class with your dog that is meant to get you in shape and teach your pooch to be more obedient! Whether it’s nightly walks or doggy fitness classes, dogs are great fitness companions.

 
Keep in mind, there are a lot of positives to owning a pet, but it’s also a big commitment that shouldn’t be rushed into.
 

Source: Washingtonian