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Wellness & Well-being Highlights January 29
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of January 29, 2024
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning the importance of treating inmates for OUD before releasing them to how mindfulness is helping grade schoolers deal with trauma (especially underserved populations) to how the ongoing theft of packages from cargo containers on West Coast freight trains overshadows the various organized “smash & grab” incidents across the nation. Today, I wish to shed some light on a few levels of Mental Health (MH). Spoiler Alert: Some of these I may have mentioned in previous blogs…but deserve another citation as this provides a pathway to Stop the Stigma by Breaking the Silence! First, I suggest viewing the short video wherein Dr. Jen provides an overview on MH. Next, take some time to review the article on how carefully placed barriers (i.e., safety nets on bridges, offsite gun storage, lockable home medication safes, etc.) can save lives. As cited a few weeks ago, this topic is NOT about being anti-gun…it is ALL about being anti-suicide! Experts insist we can save more lives by placing time and distance between people having suicidal thoughts and lethal means. Finally, there are FIVE links in the “Upcoming webinars” section at the end of this blog that can provide you with the tools to not only help others but yourself as well. I respectfully ask that you become informed on and/or weigh in on how:
*MH plays an important role in one’s physical health;
*Why Narcan is the new CPR;
*How workplace culture impacts one’s MH;
*Self-care; and
*MH impacts Adults v Children.
Thank you!
Sources: Mental Health Parity
Narcan in the Workplace
Survey: Construction Culture
Mindful Mondays (12-12:30p CT)
MHFA Trainings
MH explained
On stopping a Panic Attack
Warning: Anti-anxiety drugs
Update: Opioid settlements
Opioids & Prison Population
AI and Opioids
Suicide Safety “Nets”
Suicide Rates & Gun Storage
988 / MH / Suicide
Suicide on College Campus
Colleges / MH / Discrimination
Mindfulness & School Kids (1)
Mindfulness & School Kids (2)
Renaming forms of cancer?
A treatment for Tinnitus?
Exercise & The Brain
AI & Medical Advice?
Keys to longer life
SWA & Narcan (1)
SWA & Narcan (2)
SWA & Narcan (3)
Dogs / Tails / Humans
Another case for child safety laws
Update: Union membership % (1)
Update: Union membership % (2)
ALU’s fight for survival
UAW & Biden
SLFD / Promotions / Testing
China & Forced Labor
China & Jobless Youth
On why India is not China
Tougher job searches
On going remote: International jobs
Employees dissatisfaction on the rise
Theft on Trains
On ignoring nasty emails
US has lost faith in college’s value
More on student debt (Parents)
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Mental Health Parity
Narcan in the Workplace
Survey: Construction Culture
Mindful Mondays (12-12:30p CT)
MHFA Trainings
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights January 22
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of January 22, 2024
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning whether or not the US health care system is prepared to handle the surge of senior citizens with disability issues to how the lack of child care options are negatively impacting the mental health of both children and parents to how teletherapy has provided college and university students access to mental health care in an era where many institutions were unprepared, understaffed, or overwhelmed to address the demand. Today, I wish to shed some light on addiction, epidemics, and advances. If you have been following this blog for more than a few weeks, it is evident that I place a lot of emphasis on the opioids crisis. In the past week, 2 very good pieces ran on national or local TV stations touching on what is being done to address the opioids epidemic (I suggest it be referred to as a pandemic since the scourge goes well beyond our borders). Last Sunday, CBS’ 60 Minutes did a great job with a follow up story on brain-related medical advances to treating Alzheimers and drug addiction. Meanwhile, KMOV in STL held a panel discussion on what different stakeholders were doing to combat Fentanyl at the local level. I urge you to find some time to view the links below, including the 2 on Meth and Addiction, so you have a grounding on these topics. Your understanding on how these matters impact our communities and society—in general—is key to us collectively finding solutions. The first step in breaking down barriers and stigma is opening one’s mind. Believe me, how I thought about these issues 10 years ago, is nowhere near to where I am today. Lesson learned: Be proactive…don’t wait until a dear family member or friend dies to engage in this life and death battle for our future!
Sources: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/neurosurgeon-works-to-slow-alzheimers-progression-treat-drug-addiction-60-minutes-transcript/
https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/01/19/combating-crisis-roundtable-fentanyl/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ-qX3yrxC0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlYC0syLe7g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cidH_i4BA10
On slowing Alzheimers
Can US healthcare handle the “Senior Surge”
ADDICTION
Meth epidemic
Fentanyl Epidemic
Combatting the STL Fentanyl Crisis
Canada / Opioids / Homelessness
Equine Therapy
Do wellness programs work?
Tips for better sleep
Sleep & Light
Diabetes / Amputations / Latinos
How (lack of) Child Care impacts kids & adults
How parenting impacts kids & adults
Minority Kids & Poor HC
A war on MH Stigma
Students & Teletherapy
Sour Candy & Panic Attacks
Impact of US Gun Violence
MO / Guns / Schools
NYC subway shooting
Lincoln U / VP / Suicide
Canada / EOL / Psilocybin
Banning plastic water bottles?
Fixing: Bikes & Homelessness
New Year / Staying Fit / Focus
Does resilience “up your game”?
Update: SWA & Narcan
How drug traffickers exploit a World Heritage Site
CA & Youth Football
Mahomes’ broken helmet: Did its job…but what about the refs?
Child labor & Fast foods
A Labor Standards board?
Robots & Rising labor costs
DOL’s ruling on IC status
China’s construction workers
Employee satisfaction
Do BIG raises last?
More MBAs…Less jobs
Update: US Passports
Youth / Driving / Crash testing
The Paper Ceiling
More on student debt
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Health Care Management Conference
CALM Training
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights January 15
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of January 15, 2024
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from the dangers of nanoplastics in bottled water & ultra-processed foods in our diets to a 5-part podcast series on Fentanyl’s impact within the community that ran this past week on IL-NPR to how DBE goals and DEI efforts are being challenged at various public/private levels. Today, I wish to shed some light on the importance of doing your homework before using drugs…be it for medicinal or recreational purposes. As with so many aspects of our lives, products, technology, etc. entail good points and bad points. For your sake or that of a family member or friend, consider the following: 1) To suggest that the potency of marijuana today, in general, is anywhere close to what it was four decades ago is a bit naïve. Not to mention, who uses it and how much is being used. It is no secret that human brains continue to develop until about 25 years old. Therefore, when youth “experiment” with such a substance, results can be life-altering. Especially if one considers that when it comes to young men in their early 20s, misuse may trigger other serious mental health issues. 2) Over the past couple of years, more information concerning the positive impact of psychedelics on PTSD has been in the media. Please keep in mind, these findings are based on research that was performed under “laboratory” conditions…not on the street! So, while there seems to be some promising press regarding advancements in once taboo drugs, it behooves each and every one of us to consult our doctors for advice…BEFORE we begin self-medicating based on a 30-second clip we heard on last night’s news. 3) Not yet convinced? Then please take the time to read the article below on “Gas Station Heroin.” Caveat Emptor: Just because a product is sold over-the-counter does not mean it is safe for consumption!
Sources: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/marijuana-depression-psychosis-869490d1?st=fh45daxjhmnd5jm&reflink=share_mobilewebshare https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/12/health/marijuana-fda-dea.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/health/gas-station-heroin-tianeptine-addiction.html?unlocked_article_code=1.M00.1Guj.mOpn58JId6aR&smid=em-share
Red Cross declares blood shortage
STL / Cold Weather / Shelter Beds
Long flu
Bottled water: Microplastics vs Nanoplastics
META & Teen restrictions???
Smartphone addiction
Dry January vs Damp January
Marijuana / Teens / Depression
Marijuana: FDA vs DEA
Sam Quinones on the origins of the opioid and fentanyl crisis | The 21st Show | Illinois Public Media
The state of the fentanyl crisis in Illinois | The 21st Show | Illinois Public Media
Harm reduction efforts in Illinois help keep people who use substances safe — and alive | The 21st Show | Illinois Public Media
The politics of opioid overdoses and fentanyl | The 21st Show | Illinois Public Media
A story of recovery and hope — and a look at solutions to the opioid crisis | The 21st Show | Illinois Public Media
Gas Station Heroin
When addiction treatment is not voluntary
B Farve on addiction
Psychedelics & PTSD
New insights to MDMA & PTSD
Medicare & MH
IL takes new approach to MH counseling
UT recommends MH licensing changes
More on US suicide prevention
Why are more young people getting cancer?
Fitness motivation
5 Tips for a Fresh 2024
Bikes for the homeless
Homeless shelter investigation
Doulas / STL / Languages
Impact of increase in dangerous driving
Reframing stress
Rock climbing & Depression
Friends & Fights
Ultra-processed foods & Health
More on sleep
Sleep / Drs / Bears
FDA / Youth Asthma / Despair
A memorial for delivery workers
VW & UAW
Trades’ labor shortage in 2024
Construction & DBE goals
Have DEI efforts been silenced?
DOL’s upcoming IC ruling
Remote workers & Promotions?
Tech & UK Postal workers wrongly accused
Teacher Apprenticeships
Planes & safe seating
Canada & Challenges of foreign students
Do youth value college?
CA attempts to ban youth football
More on Safety helmets vs Hard hats
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Talking to your Dr about work-related hazards
Healing conversations & Suicide LOSS
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 31
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of December 31, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning an effort in the UK to bring people to together again via strategically-placed public benches to encourage and improve communications to how more employers are providing wellness benefits via AI (artificial intelligence) to how overachieving & overthinking can actually harm our physical and mental health. Today, I wish to shed some light on how, by next March, Canada may be providing medical-assisted death for their citizens with severe mental illness who opt-in. While some healthcare professionals are in favor of allowing people to die on their own terms with respect to intolerable suffering; others posit that the Canadian healthcare system is sorely underfunded when it comes to mental health which must be addressed since it is in high demand! One doctor indicated that it may be years before seeing improvement when treating complex cases. So, “hopelessness” plays a major role…as it does when it comes to suicide. However, it appears some safeguards are in place:
If fully enacted, Canada will be one of less than a dozen countries around the world that permits this controversial procedure. To that end, the ethics involving “death by doctor” and “dying with dignity” continue to be debated and are certain to flow south onto the USA’s radar.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/27/world/canada/medical-assisted-death-mental-illness.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Lessons in Kindness
Grief / Compassion / Love
2024 Medicare’s MH Benefits
UK’s “Chatty” Benches
Employers / AI / Wellness Chatbots
Canada / MH / Medical-Assisted Death
Rotary / Narcan / Community
Canada’s threat to US: Fentanyl Labs
NYC & Housing Homeless
Tailoring donations & Homelessness
Outreach workers / London / Homeless Crisis
Genetics & Dementia
ALS & Hope
Why stimulate your Vagus nerve?
Back Pain & PR Therapy
A new treatment for Tinnitus?
Stop OVERdoing it!
Depression & Memory Loss
Update: RSV Vaccine
STL Emergency Contraceptives
More on SLU Nurses strike
How US’ broken labor law may impact recent gains
Recent NLRB election wins do not = First contract
Children / Immigrants / US Labor Audits
Foreign nurses in the US struggle
Anti-war Nuns
Long Term Care Planning
China / Young adults / Tanking economy
The US college Gender Gap
MO & Expanding I-70
Blacksmithing as a Hobby
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
STL Co Library / Headspace / Free
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 24
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of December 24, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning a government report indicating that work-related overdose deaths increased by 13% in 2022 (from 2021…continuing the rise since 2012) to how smaller cities are confronting our country’s homelessness dilemma to how gun shops are beginning to play a vital role in suicide prevention efforts— putting time and distance between people in crisis and lethal means—by providing safe storage. Today, I wish to shed some light on the concept of NOT ABOUT US WITHOUT US. Hardly a week goes by where we do not hear or see another story in the media pointing to workforce shortages. Management 101 suggests that in order to obtain organizational cooperation, one needs to ensure that all stakeholders have input. This is why I point to Ireland’s “RU OK?” Program that addresses the mental health needs of their apprentices designed around “their” involvement. It is also good to see that informed and innovative young adults are not waiting for others to pave a better pathway as seen by the new Mental Health app recently developed by 2 teens. And, finally, we get a glimpse at how HOP (Human Organization Performance) safety principles are striving to establish a more proactive focus on employee well-being. Wherein, employees feel safe to seek help without fear of repercussions. In the end, this form of collaboration can contribute to safer and more productive workplaces…which leads to better retention…which creates an environment that attracts more workers!
Sources: https://merrionstreet.ie/en/news-room/news/minister_harris_and_the_apprenticeship_council_launch_r_u_ok_a_wellbeing_and_mental_health_initiative_for_apprentices_in_ireland.169921.shortcut.html
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2023/12/18/two-minnesota-teens-create-new-app-to-address-youth-mental-health-crisis
https://www.ehstoday.com/health/article/21279553/a-collaborative-approach-to-substance-abuse-policies?o_eid=4597B7977223E4A&oly_enc_id=4597B7977223E4A&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|4597B7977223E4A&utm_campaign=CPS231219023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=OZ+EHS+Today+Daily+Update
BLS Safety Data 2023 (1)
BLS Safety Data 2023 (2)
More on Safety Helmets (1)
More on Safety Helmets (2)
Ireland / Apprenticeship / MH Initiative
Teens create MH app
Are MH courts missing the mark?
PDMP – Missouri is #50 (Last)
More on Psychedelics
Collaborative SUD/OUD Policies
Dangers of Xylazine: The 4th Wave
Testing wastewater / Drugs / NM Schools
Hemp Gummies & Kids
Narcan: A couple’s personal mission
Smaller Cities & Homelessness
Suicide / Gun Shops / Safe Storage
Another Mass Shooting…This time not in the USA
Suicide & Veterinarians
Having intrusive / obsessive thoughts?
Sleep: Married & Separate Beds
Cold Water Therapy
Christmas’ Awe: Religion v Spirituality
Pope & Same Sex Blessing
The need for social connection
Grief during the holidays
Your brain & Nostalgia
Housecleaning Therapy
Trucks / Parking / Highway Safety
Cell Phone / Life Savings / Safety Tips
More on Labor & 2023’s Gains
US Steel / Granite City / Japan
AB’s Janitors
RAs / Colleges / Unions
More on Banks & Unions
NLRB & College Football
Trauma: Epstein’s ongoing Damage
Impact of PRESENTEEISM
Why are fewer young men in college?
On Men & using Paternity Benefits
Retirement & DEI
China / Youth / Dimming Economy
Asia’s Scam Labor Camp
Tipping’s Backlash
Companies / Apprenticeships / Labor Shortages
More on DOL’s Apprenticeship Rulemaking
College scholarships: Need v Merit
Update: Student loans (1)
Update: Student Loans (2)
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
LOSS: Suicide Postvention
Canada’s Supreme Court ruling’s impact on Construction Buyers
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 18
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of December 18, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning the rise of homelessness across the USA, in general, but more specifically regarding our Vets to how a prominent pharmacist promotes the crucial role NARCAN now plays in our country to how some common US military training exercises have not only been detrimental to soldiers’ brains but society as well. Today, I wish to shed some light on a recent announcement from OSHA that mandates ALL of their construction inspectors begin using Safety Helmets vs hard hats on job sites. As noted previously in this blog, according to the CDC (2016), from 2003-10, TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) made up nearly 25% of all construction fatalities…the most of ANY category! Let’s hope that by OSHA modeling this evidenced-based behavior others across the industry will soon follow. I personally thank the likes of Alberici, McCarthy, Milwaukee Tool, and ASCC for taking the lead on this key safety matter! Change always seems to bring about pushback…due to fear of the unknown. Over time, the industry has and will adapt not unlike it did for drug testing, safety glasses, safety vests, etc. As a retired Carpenter, speaking from experience, I wish hearing protection was mandatory and enforced +40 years ago.
Sources: https://blog.bluebeam.com/safety-helmets-hard-hats-construction/
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24824-osha-staff-switch-to-safety-helmets-from-hard-hats
https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/trade/12112023
US Homelessness hits New Record
Rise in Homelessness for Vets
MH services lacking in MO jails (1)
MH services in MO jails lacking (2)
Harry’s & Men’s MH
Seniors / Pickleball / MH
Book Bans / Librarians / MH
NYC / Teens / School ban on Cell Phones
NYC / Teens / Free MH app
How Ketamine alters the brain
UMSL / Addiction Team / Opioid Epidemic
Is NARCAN the new CPR?
Children / Fentanyl / Exposure Deaths
ODs in School
A mother’s journey to save her child
Safe disposal of unused medications
Opioids & Suicide
Opioid OD Victims’ 2nd trauma: Being cheated out of lawsuit settlements
Older Men & Suicide
Living longer & Alzheimers
Postpartum Depression Treatment
On Giving & Care for Others
On Loss & Holidays
Is life expectancy increasing?
DANGER: Children & Melatonin
War Vets & Sexuality
Having a Mental Block?
Bragging about your career
Adults & Spirituality
Unions BIG wins in 2023
US steel & Back Pay in IL
Labor / Apple / India
Megafactories / Workers / Recruiting
AI & Energy Consumption
Educators go door-to-door
Gen Z & Trust in the Workplace
KC Builders Assoc New President
More on Roofing & Child Labor
Coal Miners & Black Lung
US-DOL rulemaking: Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Army / Blasts / Brains
Safety Helmets in Construction (1)
Safety Helmets in Construction (2)
Safety Helmets in Construction (3)
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Suicide Loss & Healing
Coping strategies for grief & loss
On Surviving a Suicide Loss
Safe Sleep & Your Baby
New Study: Conversations on Access to Lethal Means
Meditation & Post-Concussion Healing
MO’s Good Sam Law
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 11
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of December 11, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how suicide deaths increased in 2022—especially when it comes to elderly men—to the matter of the Sacklers bankruptcy move to protect their personal assets now landing before the US Supreme Court to how a small medical trial shows some promise for people who suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) by means of an implanted electronic stimulation device. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of PISA test scores. Earlier this week, the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development) released the findings from the Program for International Student Assessment in 2022. In general, this is a test that samples 15-year-olds’ subject matter knowledge (reading, science, and math) in nearly 40 counties across the globe. The OECD last tested students in 2018. Needless to say, COVID-19 is suspected to have played a large role in the decline in learning among most countries’ students with the exception of Canada, Estonia, and Japan (all of which saw improvement in each subject area). More specifically, while US students held their own when it came to reading and science their math scores decreased by 13 points (20 points is considered to be equivalent to a year’s worth of learning)…ranking the US 28th out of 37. So, why is this topic important to us as an industry, community, or nation? Because experts suggest that math nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills…essential for children’s mental development. In essence, decreases in our students’ math scores may not only put our nation at a competitive technological disadvantage but can also result in overwhelming implications for mental health. If the pandemic has taught us a few lessons, one is that those in the workforce development space can no longer afford to silo hard skills and soft skills!
Sources: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2022-results-volume-i_53f23881-en
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2022-results-volume-ii_a97db61c-en
Children / War / Trauma
MH during the Holidays
2022: Record for Suicide Deaths
Guns & Suicide
Elderly Men & Suicide
MH / Pilots / License
Scotland & MH
Opioid Epidemic / Treatment / Racial Disparity
US Senate & Opioid Legislation
Addiction & Cinema
US Treasury on Fentanyl & Mexico-China
US Treasury on Fentanyl & Mexico
Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (1)
Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (2)
Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (3)
Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (4)
Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (5)
Fentanyl / AI / Border Patrol
Are states striving to distribute Narcan?
ATL bars & Narcan
Canada & Narcan
More on not meeting demand for MH care
AI & Medicine: How to prevent mistakes?
More on FB and predators
Middle school boys / Falling behind / Help
Addressing Work-Life Balance
Women & Gratitude
Relationship advice
Why marriages fall apart?
Causes of Fainting
More on Magic Mushrooms
Ancient healing in modern world
Meh: Persistent depressive Disorder
Costs of LT care
Profanity: Cost/Benefit
Hair treatment & Cancer
Good vs Bad Vision Habits
Hearing Loss: More than loud noise!
Tinnitus & Brain’s coping
TBIs & E-stimulation (1)
TBIs & E-stimulation (2)
PTSD & Traumatic Memories
CTE: The Heisman Prize?
Labor’s Good Year
NLRB & STL settlement
More on Doctors & Labor Unions
MO Cannabis Workers & Unions
Teamsters strike / DHL / Cincinnati
SWA Flight Attendants Reject Contract Offer
Danes join Swedes in Tesla strike
US-DOL / Biden / Labor support
Germany & Craft Apprenticeships
Canada’s Supreme Court / Construction Safety / Owners
Women & NJ State Police
Setbacks & Your Career
Pivoting & Success
COVID & Early Retirements
PISA test scores (1)
PISA test scores (2)
PISA test scores (3)
Students & Personal Finance
More on student debt (1)
More on student debt (2)
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Developing a MH program
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 4
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of December 4, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how people can learn to grow after experiencing trauma (PTG) to the important roles that women play in the workforce to how AI (artificial intelligence) can serve both good and evil in our society. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of child labor. Have you ever considered to how our love for sweets—specifically chocolate—might fuel the child labor “industry” in developing countries? Sadly, one does not need to look overseas to find politicians and companies fueling this desire to exploit children…all in the name of cheap labor. Recently, the state of Florida placed into consideration the lowering of the legal age one can be to work on a construction job site. This is a flagrant violation of the federal rules under the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) which prohibits 16-year-olds from performing tasks deemed too dangerous…like ROOFING. If one looks closer at the FL proposal (SB460), it does not take too much to uncover the bait-and-switch at hand. Wrapping this legislation in the need to address a worker shortage is nothing short of duplicity…furthermore, it comes at a very high price. One that Frances Perkins confronted over 100 years ago!* To suggest that minors with OSHA 10 certifications perform commercial and residential roofing work, as long as a worker who is 21 or older with two years of experience and the same certification supervises undermines both US-DOL safety and apprenticeship protocols long-established across the USA. Case in point, it takes a skilled roofer ~4 years to complete a registered apprenticeship program. Last I checked, current US child labor laws only allow for exceptions when someone under the age of 18—working in/around dangerous settings—be under CONSTANT supervision of a SKILLED tradesperson. So, once again, I ask: When will those who are trusted with the care of our future STOP putting profits over people?
Sources: www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/children-harvesting-cocoa-used-by-major-corporations-ghana/
www.constructiondive.com/news/florida-bill-minors-roofing-work/700823/
*https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha/40-years/trianglefactoryfire
https://rooferslocal2.com/apprenticeship.aspx
A Mom’s War Against Opioids
Combatting opioid ODs w/ Narcan
Pushing to mandate Narcan on US commercial flights
URGENT: We need YOUR voice!
MH / Hair Salons / Africa
MH & Lost Working Days
PTG: Finding Joy after Tragedy
Helping parents prevent childhood trauma
Questions for Childhood Trauma
Meta & Teen Vulnerabilities
Facebook & Pedophiles
Are Google’s abuse policies flawed?
Farmers / Pesticides / Parkinsons
Replacing Lead Water Pipes
Does cancer treatment cause cancer?
When women don’t work….
Women MH / UK / Prisons
An Eastern European Cold Remedy
Loss & Holidays
Coping w/ Loneliness
A Dopamine Detox
Exercise & Vagus Nerve
Forgetfulness & ST Memory
Dogs / Drugs / Longevity
Seniors & Affordable Housing
Why we fight about money?
Why do we seem so disconnected?
The Psychological Autopsy
Fighting ALS
Construction ULPs on the rise
Update: Portland Teachers’ Strike
Update: NYC Ballet Strike
Update: Granite City Steel Union
Child Labor & Cocoa
FL seeking to allow minors on Roofing projects
Update: McKee & STL Carpenters
DANGER: Impact of Air Traffic Controller shortage
As promised, UAW launches organizing drive
The passing of the 1st woman US Supreme Court Justice
The cost of E-Waste
New Apprenticeship Programs for HC
AI’s first birthday
AI in the workplace
More on AI
Ag & Tech
The War on Drugs & Infiltrating Cartels
Is US desire for Avocados helping Mexican Drug Cartels?
From incarceration to entrepreneurship
Is your college major useless?
Military / Rocket Launchers / Head Injuries
Kathy Lee and Cody Gifford on Frank’s CTE
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Digital Well-being
Men’s MH & Stigma
Building Resiliency
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 26
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of November 26, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from a former First Lady’s groundbreaking work on mental health issues to how a mayor in Canada is tackling MH and homelessness at the local level to how companies and unions are re-considering the “usefulness” of PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers). Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace (ANSW). Since last January, a team of construction industry subject matter experts, across the USA, have been designing and developing a database consisting of policies, training materials, resources, etc. to advocate for the safe bringing of Naloxone (Narcan) on construction jobsites nationwide. I am proud to say we just recently launched the website for your review and usage.* Rationale: As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the CDC indicates that this industry is #1 when it comes to opioids misuse! In fact, in 2020, NYC lost nearly 300 construction workers due to overdoses. By now, we ALL should have First Aid kits and AED devices on our jobsites. Why not Narcan? Please share this information with other sectors of our economy as you see fit. Thank you!
Sources: *www.ANSW.org
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/nyc-overdose-deaths-construction-new-york-city/699916/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202023-11-20%20Construction%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:56621%5D&utm_term=Construction%20Dive
The passing of a Mental Health champion
The impact of pollution
Vets & Toxic Exposures
Farmworkers / Cancer / Pesticides
Teen boys / Snapchat / Scam
Childhood Trauma
NYC / MH / System Breakdowns
More on Addiction & Stigma
Fentanyl Ring Bust
OD Deaths & Pregnancy
ODs Deaths in NYC Construction
OD Prevention / Healing Grants / Philly
Fentanyl: Just Say KNOW
OK considers expanding MH licensing
MH in the Construction Industry
NHL Player’s MH Leave
Canadian Mayor / MH / Homelessness
US Supreme Court / Sacklers / Divisive Settlement
Grief & Mourning
The Wind Phone
Horses & Therapy
Gratitude & Well-being
Dementia & Menopause
Dementia & Sleep
Sleep & Stress
Sleep Habits
On Forgiveness
Walking v Running
On Colds
Quick stretches & Stress
Weight gain & Anti-depressants
Wages & Happiness
ACA & Dental Care?
The need to diversify HC studies
The American Dream: Out of reach for too many
MO & Min Wage
A Bankers Union?
UK’s Black Friday Strike
John Oliver: Dollar Stores
UAW Strike on Construction Industry
VA stops Vet Foreclosures
Re-thinking DB pensions
Re-thinking PBMs
The BEST airport restroom
Coaxing kids back to school post-COVID
Is college worth it?
Update: Students loans (1)
Update: Student loans (2)
Youth / Sports / Concussions (PBS)
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
Narcan in the Construction Industry
The New Drug Talk
CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) Training
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training
Free MHFA (Adult & Youth) courses
Workplace Wellness Resource Center
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.
Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 19
Wellness & Well-being Highlights
for the
Week of November 19, 2023
This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how the gap has widen between men and women’s life expectancy (mainly due to the opioids crisis) to labor’s return of utilizing the Social Gospel to a plea for those of you over the age of 40 who played tackle football or soccer (at ANY level) to participate in a survey. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of the misconduct in our nation’s capital. Whether it is a Congressman misusing campaign funds for personal grooming or Congressmen pushing and stoving in the hallways or a US Senator challenging a witness to a fist fight during a recent hearing, I would say third-graders do not even act this immature…but that would be an insult to third-graders! A true leader leads by example. And, let’s not forget that leadership begins at the top. To this end, we have more than one US Supreme Court Justice who has played fast and loose with what is legal vs what is ethical regarding the taking “gifts” from “donors” whose cases may one day appear before them. Allowing this bad behavior to continue without establishing laws with severe consequences does little to invoke confidence in the large, lower echelon of our increasingly haves and have-nots’ society. Closing thought: What would have our forefathers said about those people entrusted with enforcing rules not being held to the same standard? Possibly: “…when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”*
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/us/politics/supreme-court-ethics-code-clarence-thomas-sotomayor.html?searchResultPosition=2
*https://www.armytimes.com/off-duty/2018/07/03/why-did-the-us-declare-independence-from-britain/
Men’s Life Expectancy
Gender Disparities & Men
More on Mass Shootings
Polysubstances & Addiction
Is Decriminalizing Drugs Working?
Science of Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Annual Report
What are Mental Health Days @ Work?
MH Friendly Benefits
Do Employee Wellness Programs Work?
Long Waits for Ambulance Service
Kids / Crisis / LT Residential Treatment
Depression & Weight Management
Botox & Mood
Urgent or PCP or ER?
Safer Falling Method for Seniors?
Processed Foods & Healthy Diet
Lower Back Pain & Non-surgery
Aging & Romance
Breaking up w/ Friends
More on Financial Wellness
Long COVID & Fog
SB Workers & Red Cup
“Places for People” Union Drive
UAW Vote to Ratify Contracts
Hyundai raises wages
The Social Gospel
VA halts foreclosures
Infrastructure spending funds 40k projects so far
An “unethical” Supreme Court? (1)
An “unethical” Supreme Court? (2)
Why “shop classes” matter!
Youth / Sports / CTE
Head Impact Trauma Survey
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
National Apprenticeship Week
STL LEAN’s Labor Peers
Student Guide (Working during College)
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 johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.