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Worker Wellness Weekly
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of August 22, 2021
Labor Rights Week
First Woman to Lead AFL-CIO
Union leader says MH is a priority
Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry
OSHA joining forces to combat increase in worker suicides
Work is a false idol
Tracking your kids while away at college
Strained emergency workers
Students: Returning to School & Anxiety
Students, COVID, and MH
Teachers: Returning to School & Anxiety
Back to School & MH
Protection for the Sacklers?
Some states not joining opioids settlement
Sleep apnea
Aides for the Elderly
Why we shout when we are angry
How to think about trauma
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.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights Week of August 15
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of August 15, 2021
5 wellness strategies for keeping employees
MH: The next big workplace issue
Anxiety & return to work
Bosses & return to work
Sacrifice: A true sports legend
Dirty work
Pressures of privilege
Spiritual wellness
Stress workout
5 yoga poses
COVID & Anxiety
COVID & School
Complaining & happiness
Suicide & communities of color
7 habits for healthy/happy life
Sense of belonging & well-being
Sleep fitness
Video gaming & possible opioids treatment
Sacklers (1)
Sacklers (2)
Sports & life
Favre, football, and kids’ safety
Upcoming Webinar: Grief
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.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights Week of August 8
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of August 8, 2021
Emotional IntelligenceAdult burnout
MH in the workplace
Is BMI an accurate gauge?
Digital addiction
Age & Generousness
Online therapy & COVID
Sacklers (1)
Sacklers (2)
Quitting & Winning
Americans can’t afford to get old
Upcoming Webinars, etc.:
Yoga & Meditation
Erasing stigma of substance abuse
Chair Yoga
Raising Happy Toddlers
Vaccine Event
Emergency Rental Assistance
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.
Mr. Jim Frederick’s (Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor—OSHA) message: Mental Health, Stress, Substance Abuse, and Suicide
The Missouri AFL-CIO created the Missouri Works Initiative (MWI), in part, to help ensure workers across the state of Missouri are well-informed when it comes to issues of workplace safety – both physical and mental aspects. For a number of years, labor leaders have expressed their concerns when it comes to the increase of deaths related to substance abuse and suicide. Without a doubt, mental health has come to the forefront due to the impact of COVID-19. Please note that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. To this end, we wish to thank OSHA leadership, in Washington, DC, as well as our (public and private) partners here in Missouri for recognizing the importance of STOPPING the STIGMA.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights Week of August 2
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of August 2, 2021
How to talk to your employer about MH
MH reading list
Workplace counseling?
Religious leaders & MH
Taking a MH “day”
S Biles & MH (1)
S Biles & MH (2)
S Biles & MH (3)
S Biles & MH (4)
S Biles & MH (5)
It’s OK not to be OK
How athletes cope with pressure
Providing support when someone struggles
Sitting & MH
Student well-being
Empathy
How to start exercising
Gender equality
Opioids settlement (1)
Opioids settlement (2)
Opioids settlement (3)
MO’s opioids settlement (1)?
MO’s opioids settlement (2)?
Epidemic inside a pandemic
Canada’s approach to harm reduction
MH self-care
Joy takes practice
Taking back your sex life
MO’s need for a public health overhaul?
Labor shortage?
Future of 4-day workweek
No jerks policy
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.
Missouri AFL-CIO Launches New Workforce Initiative
The Missouri Works Initiative aims to provide economic opportunities to Missourians.
Jefferson City, MO: The Missouri Works Initiative has been formed to eliminate barriers to economic opportunities by connecting Missourians to the necessary resources to build life-sustaining careers. Serving as a non-profit organization affiliated with the Missouri AFL-CIO, the Missouri Works Initiative is strategically positioned to address the state’s changing workforce needs. The initiative aims to address workers’ needs by creating health and recovery friendly workplaces, connecting laid off workers with job-search or upskilling resources for future employment, or collaborating with community partners to offer innovative points of entry to traditional apprenticeship opportunities.
“The Missouri Works Initiative is a big step in lifting up all workers across Missouri,” stated Greta Bax, Executive Director of the Initiative. “Our expert team, network of labor professionals, and community-based organizations stand ready to work toward the shared goal of creating economic opportunities for all Missourians.”
The Missouri Works Initiative includes four major programs:
“Missouri Works Initiative is uniquely positioned to take on the role of expanding pre-apprenticeship programs statewide because of its partnerships and connections across Missouri with Organized Labor, registered apprenticeship program coordinators, contractors and employers,” stated Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel. “I am excited to expand upon the years of success the AFL-CIO has achieved for workers.”
For more information about MWI’s programs and staff, please visit moworksinitiative.org or follow us on Twitter @MissouriWorks and on Facebook @Missouri Works Initiative.
Workers Wellness Blog – July 4th
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of July 4, 2021
Iceland’s shorter workweek
4 ways leaders can promote workplace wellbeing
The lost art of breathing
Resilience, relationships and trauma
Pandemic overshadows epidemic
The joy we’ve been missing
Drinking & MH
Aaron Rodgers & MH
Addressing grief with the Surfside families
New suicide prevention hotline
Concerning trends in suicide
Our youth in despair
Managing Anxiety & Worry
Thursday, July 15, 11:00 a.m.
Virtual Program: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness
Register
Tuesday, August 10, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Program: Emotional Intelligence
Register
Tuesday, August 17, 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Program: Erasing the Stigma of Substance Use
Register
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.
Worker Wellness Blog: Week of June 27th
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Articles of the Week: June 27, 2021
Upcoming (free) virtual training: Busting burnout
Construction Industry: Mental Health White Paper
Psychological Safety
NY opioid trial opens
Psychology of happiness
Grad students & MH
Practice joy
Habits of 500 happy people
Bisexual mental health
Minorities and MH
Marginalizing Native Americans
Crisis: Kids waiting for MH treatment
Men’s MH
Men & depression
Emotional Intelligence and being more productive
EI and the 5-minute rule
Leaders building EI in the workplace
Students speaking out for MH
Drought, farmers, and suicide
https://www.ky3.com/2021/06/27/Nixa: Spreading suicide awareness/prevention
Golf: Rory McIlroy & MH
Michigan’s $3m grant to help fight the opioid epidemic
Overdose harm reduction during COVID
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.
Worker Wellness Blog: Week of June 13th
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Articles of the Week: June 13, 2021
5 Ways Employers Can Support Women’s Mental Health
Work got you stressed and burned out? Here’s how to talk with your manager about it
Middle-aged Americans in US are stressed and struggle with physical and mental health – other nations do better
Webster University lands $1 million grant to improve mental health treatment in St. Louis County
How Working From Home Has Changed Employees
How to Quit Your Job Gracefully
Work can wait. Your mental health can’t. How to make the most of a break
Employers Enhance Well-Being Benefits for a Post-Pandemic Workforce
Unpaid Caregivers Were Already Struggling. It’s Only Gotten Worse During The Pandemic
7 Ways to Reset Your Relationship
Therapy dog saves woman who was on the verge of taking her own life
How Front Line Workers Stayed Resilient During The Pandemic
Covid Didn’t Start the Mental-Health Crisis
Pandemic Anxiety Looms Large For Some Missourians, Even After Getting Vaccinated
After 50 Years Of The War On Drugs, ‘What Good Is It Doing For Us?’
What Emerson Can Teach Us About Resilience
Managing Everyday Worry & Anxiety
Frequent visits to nature linked to enhanced psychological well-being and reduced mental distress
Why a Tree Is the Friend We Need Right Now
Andy From Headspace Debunks Common Misconceptions About Meditation
Headspace: Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson
Enough fentanyl to kill San Francisco: the new wave of the opioid crisis sweeping California
Worker Wellness Blog: Week of June 6th
Each week Dr. John Gaal provides us with a Workers’ Wellness Update. This update provides workers, community partners, and more with important articles that he has curated. Below are links to the articles. We hope you enjoy one, a couple, or all of the articles.
About our Worker Wellness Program (WWP):
For many decades, organized labor has played a key role in establishing minimum safety standards in the US workplace. These efforts have mainly focused on the physical aspects of safety (i.e., falls, chemical exposure, noise reduction, etc.). More recently, public health professionals have identified that in order to better protect workers, the workforce eco-system must address the whole person. To this end, a major goal of establishing a WWP is to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding their mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community. In so doing, we will offer programming and advice on issues related to work-life balance, wellness, and well-being.
As the WWP develops, we will seek partnerships with local community agencies so that programming can be tailored to local needs. It is our intention to have a presence in towns across the state as a means to deliver training and/or perform research that informs our future activities for the benefit of all workers.
Articles of the Week: June 6, 2021
Are Vets and Pharmacists Showing How to Make Careers Work for Moms?
Answering the call: Changing how 911 responds to mental health crises
Doctors should do ‘biopsychosocial’ biopsies, where they learn who their patients are as people
Seasonal Affective Disorder Isn’t Just for Winter
Four Lessons From Your Anxious Brain
Yes, Your Employer Can Require You to Be Vaccinated
Helping Kids Manage Anxiety and Ease Back Into Activities This Summer
What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
We’re Overlooking a Major Culprit in the Opioid Crisi
TED Talks Won’t Treat Your Depression
What’s Keeping You Up at Night?
The Pandemic Messed With Your Sleep. Here’s How to Feel Rested Again.
The Longevity Benefit of a Physically Demanding Job
How to Think Outside Your Brain
Women Now Drink As Much As Men — Not So Much For Pleasure, But To Cope
The Psychological Benefits of Commuting to Work
Suicide attempts rose among adolescent girls during pandemic, ER data suggest
The Pandemic’s Toll on Teen Mental Health
Are Psychedelics the Next Big Cure?
Magic Mushrooms Helped Me Cope With Postpartum Depression
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.