Works Initiative News | Worker Wellness & Career Opportunities

Wellness & Well-being Highlights March 10th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of Mar 10, 2025

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at why those who curse more may have a higher tolerance to pain—to why women tend to live longer than men—to how DOGE’s cuts may negatively affect Vets and retirees. This week I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of women in the workplace.

March is the time of year we “officially” celebrate the contributions women have made to society. In the US, there are more women than men…and yet the “rules of the game” are seemingly still very male-oriented. Truth be told this is concerning to me as I have “4” daughters as well as a VERY understanding wife. However, equally important is the fact that I have worked and still work with some VERY talented women (to name a few: Dr Ann Marie Dale, Patte Ackermann, Diana Wilhold, Senator Gina Walsh, Dr Pamela Hatton….). While I have included several articles in this week’s blog honoring women in the workforce for their passion and compassion, the one that I wish to focus on is linked below. Why? Because this author’s research suggests reasons why girls (some of which should be our future leaders) avoid STEM (science, math, engineering, and math) careers.

While this author acknowledges that sexism plays a part in attracting and retaining women in the fields of engineering and computer science, he goes on to say this is NOT the major problem. In fact, he posits that if this claim of discrimination were true then why do stats in lesser developed countries (Read: More repressive) reveal just the opposite vs more developed countries (Read: Less repressive). Thus, in general, “Women with strong quantitative skills in poor countries have good reason to enter the sciences to make a living. Women in relatively rich countries can afford to pursue less lucrative careers without risking a life of poverty.” As such, in the US, we graduate more men PhDs in the STEM fields while we graduate more women PhDs in the social and life sciences fields. This author boils the choices down to the attractiveness of these fields to those genders. Simply put, in general, men are less social and like to tinker with objects while women are more social and seek connectiveness.

Therefore, the WSJ author proclaims it should be no surprise that women tend to migrate towards fields that emphasize caring and communication…like nursing and teaching. Sadly, society has devalued those (AKA women’s work) professions. It is high time that market forces correct the pay in these “caring” professions. As noted, with AI threatening jobs with less human interaction maybe the correction is in the not too distant future for those working in spaces that require the human touch!

Source: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/workplace/why-are-girls-less-likely-to-become-scientists-93307cd3?st=t7Akf6&reflink=article_gmail_share

Nurses in the Trenches

Need to know: Measles

Wellness & Well-being Highlights March 3rd

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of March 3, 2025

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how long waits, misinformation, access to the internet along with the chaos caused by the insurance industry have changed the doctor-patient relationship—to a couple of effective, yet short, “No Gym” workouts—to a great story exposing how religious institutions have left many retirees with seriously underfunded retirement accounts…no thanks to a legal provision that excludes these organizations from ERISA. This week I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the need to address the proverbial “elephant” in the room…and that is the notion of when you tell a lie long enough…it becomes the truth.

Having taken a number of ethics courses while in a variety of grad school programs, this aforementioned saying often became the focus of discussion. And, since my doctoral major was organizational leadership, building trust was another oft-mentioned topic…as well as issues like transparency, clear communications, modeling, etc. This brings me to the NYT articled mentioned below.¹ Herein, this author shares a number of these “alternative facts” currently being professed by very influential people in Washington, DC. People who are in positions to sway vast swaths of public opinion…in the name of “aggressively reshaping” the US and, some suggest, the world. The problem is that these same people rarely cite specifics and, if and when, they do…those “facts” have been seriously distorted. Food for thought: There is a reason why when one testifies in a US court s/he must swear to tell the WHOLE truth.

Which leads me to the 2^nd related article from the WP which cites Musk as saying something along the lines that DOGE has made mistakes but when we do, we immediately fix them.² Sadly, when one takes a chainsaw to a project vs a scalpel, in the name of swift efficiency…because that is what Americans voted for, damages done are rarely “immediately” fixable. Case in point, cutting USAID workers and contractors without fully understanding their roles—here and abroad—in the efforts to fight Ebola in Africa. Once funds are frozen and/or contracts canceled, those impacted workers need to move on with their lives. Trying to restore what once was is not a simple matter of merely hitting the reset button on one’s PlayStation.

As a history buff, I enjoy studying the US Civil War, wherein, our military losses totaled, as follows:

* ~600k deaths

* ~500k wounded

* ~400k missing

Going forward, I, for one, pray that clearer heads begin to prevail because the lives impacted by carelessly scaling back global public initiatives today will dwarf those just cited.

Sources: [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/23/us/politics/trump-alternative-reality.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/26/elon-musk-ebola-prevention-usaid-doge/

Have we lost TRUST in doctors?

Wall Street / Drug Misuse / Insider Trading

Fed Workers’ Mental Health

College Campus Crisis: MH

Schools / MH / Chatbots

Employers: MH’s Root Cause?

ACEs & Brain Development

Measles / Unvax Child’s Death / TX

What is HYGGE

Sleep Procrastination

Stress & Your Body

Aging: Bounce & Balance

Aging & Strong Bones

No Gym: 7-minute Low-impact Workout

No Gym: Getting Fit Fast

Tea: Health Benefits

Does “Red Light” therapy work?

Happy Hour Habits & Cancer

“Aging” pill for Dogs?

Update: Dockworkers’ vote

When Distorted Reality Drives Change

Update: Secty of Labor Nominee

NLRB: Still lacks a quorum

Options to Organizing?

Fed Unions fight back

DOGE: Crossing Ethical Lines

DOGE’s waste: Techies not using Tech?

Ebola: Musk is Misleading

CFPB under Fire

DOJ’s Purge

SSA’s Future?

AGC / Congress / Environmental Permits

Trump / OSHA / Heat Standard

Next (Cut) Target: 401(k)s?

STL City approves PW bill

Does RTO push cover Commuting Costs?

ERISA: How Churches are Failing Workers

Appealing a denied insurance claim

AI / Robots / REAL Jobs

AI / Homebuilding

AI & “Hallucinations”

Addiction Recovery “Farm”

Point Shaving: Byproduct of Sports Gambling

Skills vs Degrees

GW Carver: Tribute to a True Hero

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

Situational Awareness (3/12)

Suicide Prevention: QPR & Ag (3/20)

Cancer Prevention & Ag (4/10)

Substance & Suicide

Snowball: Alcohol Movie (short)

Africa / Faith / Suicide Prevention

CEEP: Campus Emotional Emergency Program

Team Resilience: Leading thru Change toolkit

NOTE: The links provided above are for informational purposes only. None of these serve as a substitute for medical advice one should obtain from his/her own primary care physician and/or mental health professional. Please contact jgaal@moworks.org with related questions or comments.

March 3, 2025/by Dr. John Gaal

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 24th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of Feb 24, 2025

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at why Mexican drug cartels are now labeled as Terrorist organizations—to how cuts in Washington DC are hurting Vets and farmers—to how drones are being used to deliver medical “supplies” in emergency situations. This week I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the need to address Mental Health in our schools.

The 1^st article that caught my eye this week involves a counseling program for students in the University of Missouri’s veterinary program.¹ The author of the aforementioned article indicates that several veterinarian and medical school programs have experimented with embedding counseling services in their doctoral programs but not much data exist to suggest that doing this—known as an intervention—has a positive impact. Enter MU researchers…who designed a study that looked at over 400 vet students from 2016-24. Their findings suggest that “veterinary trainees who took advantage of embedded counseling services reported improvements in psychological distress…” (e.g., depression, anxiety, academic distress, eating concerns and substance use). In addition, they noted that “embedded counseling programs may enable veterinary students to manage their personal and academic challenges” (i.e., financial stress, chronic health issues and traumatic experiences).

Which leads me to the 2^nd article that examines the need for ~100k Mental Health professionals in our nation’s K-12 schools…possibly a result of the COVID pandemic.² When it comes to counselors, psychologists, social workers, and therapists, one expert interviewed posits “while demand is going up, supply is going down.” This author notes that one principal had an opening for a school psychologist posted for 1 year without a response. This led him to becoming creative. Wherein, he recruited a nearly-completed social worker student under an emergency license provision. With most traditional MH pathways requiring at least 6 years of schooling, more options must be examined. The recommended ratio for MH professional to students is 1:250. While some schools meet this criterion, most do not! As a matter of fact, the national average is 1:1157. To be sure, caution must be taken when approaching this dilemma. 1) MH issues cannot be left to ill-properly trained people. 2) Task-shifting may result in lessening the attractiveness of these professions…not to mention the salaries involved.

These matters impact all of us! How is your industry, company, organization, etc. addressing the MH needs of your workers? After all, some of those K-12 students in systems with 1:600 ratios eventually become your employees.

Sources: [1] https://showme.missouri.edu/2025/do-embedded-counseling-services-in-veterinary-education-work-a-new-study-says-yes/

[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/31/mental-health-crisis-students-have-third-therapists-they-need/

Creating a supportive work environment

Schools & MH Staff Shortages

Myths about Weed

On Treating Fentanyl: Bupe

An “ice rink” to fight opioids crisis?

Mexican Cartels labeled as Terrorists

China / Mexico / Money Laundering

Divorce / China / Abuse

Microplastics & Your Brain

Narcissists & Social Pain

Veterinary Programs & Counseling

Recognizing & Treating PTSD

Plan Your Day Around Shifting Moods

Fatigue & Grieving

Sleep: Women vs Men

Travel & Assisted Dying

The Favorite Child

Doctors / MH / Licensing

Romans / Lead Coins / Lower IQ

Football tied to Another CTE Victim

NHL / Bobby Hull / CTE

Women in Construction

AL: The deadliest workplace in America

USA: Moving towards Autocracy

US-AID cuts impact US Farmers

Vets: Cuts hamper VA

Is US Govt’s word Good?

H2-B Visas: Wage vs Worker Shortage

Is GOP warming to Unions?

GOP: Pro-Union or Pro-Worker?

Pick to head US-DOL…a turncoat?

Labor Secretary Nominee & PRO Act…

Keeling nominated to head OSHA

NLRB retracts Biden-era enforcements

What’s next for Ed Dept?

DOGE & Wasteful Spending

How NOT to lead Org Change

Fed Employees Fighting Back

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 17th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of Feb 17, 2025

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at how a doctor in Africa created a Peer Support model to address Mental Health issues—to a series of articles exploring the dangers of gambling…more specifically, sports betting—to how cuts in Washington, DC may negatively impact research…more specifically, cancer research. This week I would like to take this opportunity to touch on Missouri Senate Bill 74.¹

While SB 74 mainly would bar cities and counties from imposing their own open carry restrictions, in my opinion, any attempt to lessen gun restrictions poses danger for those in crisis. Consider this: Over the past 20 years, Missouri has seen a ~60% increase in suicide deaths.² This rate was greater than that of the US during this timeframe. Since gun-related suicides have made up over 50% of those deaths, we should take any and all precautions to keep our citizens safe from self-harm. As a matter of fact, “…in 2020, gun-related suicides surpassed poisoning and suffocation for the first time among women, and have continued to rise since then.”³ One way to move these numbers in the opposite direction is to limit the access to firearms. Awareness and education do NOT seem to be enough!

To this end, St. Louis University will be holding a seminar on this very topic on Friday (Feb 21).⁴To be clear, this event does NOT solely focus on restricting access to firearms. Based on the CALM (Conversations on the Access to Lethal Means) training model, this SAFER training session will address how you and I can take actions to reduce the access to a multitude of lethal means…including but not limited to medications, sharp objects, bridge netting, etc. Come join us in becoming part of the solution vs remaining part of the problem!

Sources: [1]https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-02-11/missouri-senators-consider-removing-several-firearm-restrictions

[2] https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-people-die-by-suicide/state/missouri/

[3]https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/well/mind/suicide-guns-women.html

[4]https://billpay.slu.edu/C20197_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2471

Community Peer Support: The Friendship Bench

First Responders / Stress / Burnout

Addressing Chronic Illness @ Work

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 10th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of Feb 10, 2025

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at the experiences of a handful of US Veterans who attended a psychedelic retreat for their PTSD—to which vice is more harmful: booze or weed—to which construction sectors may be winners or losers under the 2^nd Trump administration. This week I would like to take this opportunity to examine Congressman Biggs’ (AZ) effort to repeal the Occupational Safety & Health Administration Act of 1970 calling to “nullify” it…thus, NOSHA.

While this may serve as a cute play on words, there is NOTHING cute about exposing workers to unsafe working conditions. Make no mistake, this law was actually established under a Republican administration. Then, as now, OSHA serves to protect workers (mainly) in the private sector. To suggest that this agency is part of so-called government bloat and/or is another example of government overreach, is nothing more than an attempt to deflect the real issue at hand: protecting workers vs corporate greed. Furthermore, it is a moot point to insinuate that states can do a better job of protecting their workers since nearly ½ of the states already have state-OSHA approved plans. Note: “The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 allows states to administer their own job safety and health programs, but they must meet the minimum federal requirements.” Simply put, if states seek to oversee job safety, they MUST do so in a manner that meets or exceeds the federal standard!

In closing, it never ceases to amaze me how elected officials claim to represent their constituents while ignoring historical facts. OSHA was created after a series of workplace disasters over 50 years ago. To this end, Congressman Biggs, how does ‘allowing the fox to guard the henhouse’ serve the needs of your state’s workers? As noted in the article linked below: “Without OSHA, many workers will be left vulnerable to unsafe conditions, and it will be the most vulnerable—low-income and minority workers—who will bear the brunt of dangerous rollbacks.”

Source: https://www.newsweek.com/republican-calls-scrap-workplace-safety-agency-2025932

USA: Wealthy & Unhappy

OH OD Deaths Declining

How Fentanyl Crosses US Borders

Trump / China / Opioids & Tariffs

China & Fentanyl

US Vets / PSTD / Psychedelic Retreat

Treatment & Relapsing

Addiction / Impact / Brain

Addiction & MH Pandemic

More Harmful: Booze or Weed?

Illegal Cannabis & Consumers

Vaping Weed?

Dry January & Cannabis Drinks

MO / THC / Beverage Law?

Obesity Drugs & Compounding Pharmacies

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 3rd

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of February 3rd, 2025

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog looks at advice on how to create a more healthy and productive workplace—to news on a non-addictive alternative to opioid painkillers—to a new AI model from China that has seemingly upset the US applecart. This week I would like to take this opportunity to honor those who were victims of Nazi concentration camps, in particular, Auschwitz—as we celebrate their 75^th anniversary of liberation.

The article linked below makes a case for us to compare and contrast what transpired ¾ of a century ago with recent current events. As such, one of the few remaining victims said the following:

“More and more we seem to be having trouble connecting our historical knowledge with our moral choices today.”

Meanwhile the author goes on to note, “Toxic political rhetoric and attacks directed at groups of peoples — using language to dehumanize them — that were once considered taboo have become common across the world’s democracies.”

Their concerns are my concerns. It seems as more and more of these Holocaust victims pass on, our memories fade. My father—like many of yours—enlisted to fight in WWII just after graduating high school. Overcoming an evil despot was more important to him than pursuing a MLB career. He paid a dear price and so did his family. The injuries he sustained in France would haunt him until his untimely death in 1974 at the age of 48.

In closing, please ponder the words of a 96-year-old Auschwitz survivor:

“I fear that over time, it will become easier to distort history. I cannot say it will never happen again, because when you look at some leaders of today, those dangerous ambitions, pride and sense of being better than others are still at play. Who knows where they can lead.” In a world where truth and facts are constantly challenged by false and deceptive narratives, one must take an active role in ensuring “NEVER AGAIN.”

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/25/world/europe/auschwitz-liberation-75th-anniversary.html?unlocked_article_code=1.sU4.yCLg.Xe23ZVUNYLsJ&smid=url-share

Auschwitz (75 Years)

Psychological Safety

4 Pillars: Healthy & Productive Workplace

7 Keys to Aging Well

Ear Muscle & Hearing Aids

Non-addictive option to Opioids?

Non-Opioid Painkiller

Sober Living Fraud & Deaths

Maine / Prison / Treating OUD

Socialization: Rx for Loneliness? (1)

Socialization: Rx for Loneliness? (2)

Jeffery’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

As an immigrant, Jeffrey had earned a degree in architecture before coming to the United States. He learned about the Apprentice Ready Program through Facebook and decided to apply.

“I am keen to acquire new skills and gain insights into construction methodologies and practices, as well as the building materials prevalent here in the U.S.,” says Jeffrey.

“I appreciated how the program introduced us to various trades by organizing visits to their facilities and providing valuable insights,” he adds. “Engaging in hands-on experiences within those fields was really interesting. I also commend Mr. Russ Unger, our program coordinator, who shared his extensive knowledge of building construction and demonstrated great patience throughout the program.”

During the 5-week course, Jeffrey immersed himself in the world of the trades. The program supports students like him by removing barriers to success. Along with education on the trades and unions, the Apprentice Ready Program provided Jeffrey with a stipend, a bus pass, and work tools. With worries about cash and transportation out of the way, he was able to fully commit to the program and gain the most from his experience.

Now that Jeffrey has graduated, his life—and his family’s lives—have improved tremendously. “I am able to financially support my family while continuing to gain knowledge and experience in my chosen field,” he says. Not only is Jeffrey working in a field he’s passionate about, but he’s earning a reliable, life-sustaining wage that will empower him to build the future he envisions.

If you are new to the United States and seeking a career, Jeffrey encourages you to apply, “This program will provide you with the necessary information and confidence to choose the trade you’re interested in,” he says.

Start your journey here.

January 31, 2025/by Missouri Works Initiative

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Nicole’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

After her incarceration, Nicole focused on rebuilding her life. During her search for sustainable employment, she learned about the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program through the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry in St. Louis. “Valerie, a vocational specialist, gave me the information and support I needed to get started,” says Nicole.

The 5-week Apprentice Ready Program introduces individuals to the trades and unions. “I decided to apply because I have a background in the trades,” says Nicole. “It’s good work, good pay, and there’s always room to move up.”

“What I liked most about the program was that regardless of your situation, the people you meet genuinely want you to succeed and stay in touch,” Nicole shares. “Having someone in your corner like that makes a huge difference, and I’ll forever be grateful.”

The program changed Nicole’s life. “I know so much more about navigating union jobs now. I see the steps I need to take, which I couldn’t before. I was even offered a great job right away, which was amazing.”

If you’re seeking employment after incarceration, the Apprentice Ready Program might be the opportunity you need. Participants receive a bus pass, weekly stipend, and hands-on training to remove common barriers like transportation and financial strain. “If you want a career where your employer values you and your contribution, this is the place to start,” says Nicole.

Start your journey here.

January 31, 2025/by Missouri Works Initiative

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Samantha’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Samantha started planning a new life for herself during her incarceration. “I heard about the Missouri Works Initiative program while in the Missouri Department of Corrections,” she says. “I applied because I wanted to change my life and pursue a career instead of just a job.”

The 5-week Apprentice Ready Program introduces participants to trades like plumbing, construction, and heavy equipment operation. Through hands-on opportunities and transportation support, participants are set up for success.

“I really enjoyed the program all the way around,” says Samantha. “Learning about the different trades showed me that, even as a woman, I can succeed in the construction industry.”

Sometimes all we need to rebuild our lives is someone who believes in us. “The program gave me the second chance I always needed but never got,” Samantha shares. “I now work in a great environment, learning new things daily.”

If you want to build a brighter future with sustainable income, Samantha urges you to consider the Apprentice Ready Program. “It’s an amazing opportunity and a great experience for anyone wanting to get into the trades,” she says. “I’m so grateful for the support and opportunities this program continues to provide.”

Start your journey here.

January 31, 2025/by Missouri Works Initiative

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Tylisha’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Tylisha was looking for a career opportunity that offered a livable wage without requiring her to take on debt. When her roommate completed the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program, Tylisha felt inspired to apply.

“This is a 5-week program with exposure to each trade, and by the end, you’ll have a solid foot in the door of the construction world,” says Tylisha.

Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on experience, learn about the history of trade unions, and meet professionals in the field who answer their questions. They also receive a stipend, tools, and other essentials. “The program exposed me to every trade opportunity and provided information about contracted wages,” says Tylisha.

For Tylisha, the Apprentice Ready Program was the solution she needed. “It launched me into a career with zero college debt, livable wages, and great health benefits for my children and me,” she says.

If you’re looking for a creative, sustainable career without acquiring debt, consider the trades! “There’s no downside to completing this program,” Tylisha shares. “You’ll earn OSHA10 and First Aid certifications, as well as a trade future certification. Even if you don’t end up in construction, dedicating 5 weeks to learn something new is worth it!”

Start your journey here.

January 31, 2025/by Missouri Works Initiative

Wellness & Well-being Highlights March 10th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights March 3rd

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 24th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 17th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 10th

Wellness & Well-being Highlights February 3rd

Jeffery’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Nicole’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Samantha’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Tylisha’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

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