Worker Wellness News Archives | Page 10 of 20

Wellness & Well-being Highlights August 14

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of August 14, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from the launch of a new mini-series on the US opioids crisis (“Painkiller” on Netflix) to how police are testing high drivers to why younger workers in China, India, and Vietnam are avoiding factory jobs. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of the college “arms race”. For the past couple of decades, many universities have been on a spending spree: Building more specialized labs, rec centers, stadiums, etc. Some administrators have claimed they needed to do this to recruit the best and brightest students. In the end, it is the students and their families who paid for these amenities…but at what cost? In an era of “college for all”, too many parents pushed their kids to attend tertiary education—often aimlessly—and, now, more than a few graduates are claiming to have worthless degrees. It is no secret that: 1) Universities, for the most part, were one of a few industries in the US that continued to raise their prices, year after year, during the Great Recession (2007-2012); and 2) Student debt is one of the few types of debt, in general, one cannot file for bankruptcy. With these points in mind, is there any wonder why:

student debt ($1.6t) now exceeds the sub-prime mortgage debacle in 2007 ($1.2t); and
young adults are putting off traditions like marriage and home-buying?

Some of us may have friends who have “joked” about their 28-32 yo children living in their basements. Recent surveys reveal that too many of these young adults are now convinced their lives will not be better than that of their parents. With respect to the so-called American Dream, one might ask how the related actions of Congress, bankers, and universities have done more harm than good?

Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/state-university-tuition-increase-spending-41a58100?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1

MO Moms / Pregnancy / Death

MH Tool Kit for Schools

Business of Well-being

New CDC data on Suicides

OD Deaths & Xylazine

Xylazine in Maine

MH Tool Kt for Construction

Supporting Injured Workers

Coal Miners & Silica

Black Women & Opioids

Lolla & Narcan

Meth / Money / Motivation

PAINKILLER Movie / Opioids / Sacklers

US Supreme Court & Opioids Settlement (1)

US Supreme Court & Opioids Settlement (2)

Fentanyl’s Path from Mexico

OD deaths in Mexico

Police / Testing / High Drivers

Heat Inequity

Facing Your Fears

Emotional Health & Mondays

AI & Babysitting?

Impact of Social Connections

On Happiness

Drug Trials & Suicide Death

New Rules on Donating Blood

Retirement / Illness / Money Planning

Kimchi & Fermented Foods

Your Brain & Language Apps

Trucker & Pilots are Fed Up

Update: Davis-Bacon Law

Starbucks Diversity Policy Challenged

The Real Cost of College Tuition

College Students & Money Mistakes

When workers make more than managers

WFH era fading?

Gen Z & Benefits

Graying of US Prison Population

Younger Workers & Asian Factories

Germany / Time / Trains

Canada & Free Construction Training

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

ASIST Training

Impact of Suicide in Construction Industry

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.

August 14, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights August 7

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of August 7, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from a new pill for postpartum depression to how costs are causing employers to limit employees access to weigh loss drugs to how pandemic-related student learning loss has negatively impacted new workers’ skills. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of unintended consequences. For several years, Portugal has been held up as a model country for decriminalizing drugs. And, a couple of states have adopted/adapted that model to fit their needs (i.e., Oregon). Truth be told, SUD/OUD rarely is JUST about illegal drug use. Too often, other aspects of mental health play concurrent key roles…not to mention joblessness, homelessness, etc. To debate whether or not the “War on Drugs” has failed our citizens only seems to further entrench opposing sides. In my opinion, we must recognize that the scourge of Fentanyl has touched ALL of our lives…directly or indirectly. Stats for 2022 reveal that nearly 110k people in the USA died from drug overdoses, of which ~70% were due to Fentanyl. In other words, US Fentanyl-related deaths equate to approximately 77k people in 2022 or almost 211 per day. So, no matter which side you are on, someone near and dear to you may very easily be part of that daily 211. Isn’t it time we set our differences aside and work together to reduce these numbers…at least back to 2016 figures: 160 per day? To this end, I respectfully have 2 asks: PLEASE don’t wait till this tragic issue hits your dinner table. PLEASE do consider what you might do on the upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) to help break the stigma and maybe save a life of a friend or family member. Thank you!

Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/07/portugal-drugs-decriminalization-heroin-crack/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/health/portland-oregon-drugs.html?searchResultPosition=1

https://ncapda.org/ioad/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwib2mBhDWARIsAPZUn_n6hyPksWH3F1WIJRb0W0x3Pz2b7KgDAunvUBqVd3V2y1sU5sVsfCgaArLcEALw_wcB

Heat & Age

International Overdose Awareness Day

Facts About Fentanyl

Portugal & Drug Decriminalization

Portland & Drug Decriminalization

Homeless Camp / Oakland

Boston / Opioids Settlement / Spending

Wasting opioids settlement funds

Addiction & Involuntary Treatment

Women & Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Pill

50% of Population w/ MH Issues

~90% of Teens: MH Challenges

Bipolar Disorder: Women v Men

Women / Alcohol / Deaths

MLB Pitcher / Alcohol Rehab

Hangovers

Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 30

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of July 30, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how big pharma is using the US legal system to skirt their obligations to assist the communities that they helped destroy to how the songs of birds can aid in easing your anxiety to the importance of creating apprenticeships across all industrial sectors in order to address today’s workforce shortages. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW). On August 10, 2023, University of Missouri- Extension will be holding a summit in Columbia, MO (live and virtual) showcasing the work they have accomplished in this arena over the last ~3 years. As noted in related articles below, people who are in MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) recovery have proven to be some of the most loyal and productive employees. In Missouri alone, we have nearly 29,000 working-age people in MOUD recovery (of which approximately 3800 are people with construction skills) and yet industries across the spectrum continue to ring the “workforce shortage” warning bell. The aforementioned event will allow interested employers to network with firms that have created safe environments for workers in MOUD recovery. The bottom line: Isn’t about time we consider giving people a 2^nd, 3^rd, or maybe even a 4^th chance?

Sources: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/recovery-friendly-workplace-reimagining-today-s-workforce

https://fortune.com/2023/07/27/opioid-recovery-friendly-workplace-culture-tips/

https://fortune.com/longform/drug-addiction-recovery-workplace-support/

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/workplace-support-plays-a-critical-role-in-managing-the-opioid-crisis/article_0c6383ba-1511-11ee-a1c1-7743f660e7e5.html

MH worsening for employees

New proposed rules for MH parity

Help for domestic violence

Recovery Friendly Workplace Tips

RFW Support

Workplace & Managing the opioid crisis

Celebrating RFW

Fentanyl & Murder charges

Portland / Homeless / Fentanyl

$1b end run on opioids settlement obligation

Purdue Pharma’s win & US Supreme Court’s failure

On combating Tranq Dope

Social media & Student harm

Screening for anxiety?

Workplace resilience

Grief as a spiritual practice

Cost of weight on career

Ozempic: Losing weight & Suicidal ideation?

Pain management

Your brain needs a vacation

Birds & MH

COVID’s next vaccine

Depression & Personal hygiene

How to chill out

Wellness & False claims

Craft projects & Strangers

2023’s best exercises?

Making friends as an adult

A “smart” gun?

Public pools & Drowning

Update: UPS & Teamsters

Farmworkers / Visa / Labor shortage

Update: Military sexual assault

OSHA / Injury data / Exposure

Hard hat / Job openings

Govt jobs / Wage wars

On presenteeism

50% employees looking to leave

China’s youth unemployment

HR & Child care

NY crane collapse

Baking on a plane

Dealing w/ record heat

Why Apprenticeships?

WC / Concussions / Collar

WC / Head injury

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

Opioids crisis & Ethnic communities

Recovery Friendly Workplaces

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.

July 31, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 23

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of July 16, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how the food you eat can impact your mood to the importance of including “play” in your daily routines to how establishing a brief, regular mindfulness practice can settle your mind by connecting you to the present. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of the ongoing worker shortage. As noted in one article below, public infrastructure funding has been secured but is the US construction industry positioned to answer the call? Meanwhile, another story below focuses on our country’s reliance on foreign workers to pick crops your and my family rely on. Finally, the third article below explains how our neighbors to the north are strategically attracting skilled talent to address their workforce needs. As a nation of immigrants, one would think we would take a more proactive stance on this issue not unlike Canada has. Whether it is tech, farmwork, lawn care, or roofing, it begs the question: When will the US stop “using” these foreign workers as disposable/replaceable parts and start developing the very people who have been vital to our economy for decades?

Sources: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/the-infrastructure-act-was-historic-now-we-need-workers-to-get-the-job-do/688212/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202023-07-18%20Construction%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:52698%5D&utm_term=Construction%20Dive

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/16/1187992791/the-u-s-s-increased-reliance-on-farmworkers-from-other-countries-is-drawing-conc

https://www.wsj.com/articles/canada-is-coming-for-our-lottery-winners-h-1b-tech-talent-immigration-e18213b5

Good Foods & Good Moods

Student MH Podcast

Teens & Firearms in the US and Beyond

Fentanyl & Texas

Contractors & Narcan

Employers & Stress Management

Saying NO

Showing yourself Self-compassion

How a women’s WC team revamped their program

Update: Teen suicides during COVID

A student’s suicide & School’s liability?

Well-being washing

Mindfulness practice (1)

Mindfulness practice (2)

Mindfulness practice (3)

Play’s impact on your MH

Mortality & Maternity

Working Grandparents’ benefit: Time Off

Moving beyond a broken friendship

Sugar & Cancer?

UFCW in STL avoids strike

AI: Business & Labor

How will shifting demographics change the world?

OSHA / Women / PPE

Job site harassment

OSHA & Heat Safety?

TX worker dies from heat

New funding = More work…but we NEED workers

US relies on workers from other countries

Canada attracts skilled workers from other countries

Is it time to bring back asylums?

Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 16

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of July 16, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how well the new Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline (988) is working one year on to the dangers of using Kratom for pain relief to how work-related trauma negatively impacts organizations. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of how the WSJ recently broke an article pertaining to telecommunication workers and their decades long exposure to lead via the cables they worked with on a daily basis. Once again, we see big corporations not only ignoring the health & welfare of their workers in the field but their customers as well. With respect to the latter, the lead from these cables, etc. leaches into the environments where we live, work, and play. The science is clear: Lead is especially harmful to children! These children are those telecommunications companies’ future customers. Labor unions for years have fought to ensure safer workplaces. And, for the most part, have held firms to higher standards by balancing safer productivity with reasonable profits. However, the case herein goes beyond the workplace. At the very least, it should raise questions about the societal harm of unfettered capitalism! It was “people at the top” who made these poor decisions…and, yet, because our supreme court treats corporations as people, the only people who will seemingly pay will be those who unknowingly and/or unwillingly are/were exposed to this toxic metal.

Sources: https://www.wsj.com/articles/lead-cables-exposure-workers-ca6d67f0?reflink=integratedwebview_share

https://www.wsj.com/articles/att-verizon-lead-cables-telecom-5e329f9?mod=Searchresults_pos6&page=1

988…One year later (1)

988…One year later (2)

NYPD & Mental Illness Hotline?

Wall Street & MH

Students’ podcast on MH

More Americans seeking MH care

Teens / Girls / Depression & Suicide

Your morning routine & Depression

Update: PTSD

Opioids settlements: So far, so little

Opioids: Post Civil War

Crypto & Fentanyl

Opioid ODs / STL / Black Men

WI / Opioids / Harm Reduction

When crack was king

Kratom’s dangers

Biden’s plan for Xylazine

Pet Vets & Xylazine

Plans for Work-Life Balance

Getting rid of Menopause?

Mindfulness & Vacationing

Workouts & Vacations

OTC Birth Control Pill

BIPOC MH Tool Kit

Trauma in Organizations

Farmworkers / Heat / Safety

Telecom Workers & Lead Poisoning

FL & Public Unions

States & Average Salaries

Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 10

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of July 10, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how the concept worker wellness is gaining importance in the C-Suite to how the >50-year War on Drugs has cost Americans a lot in terms of lives and funding with scant results to the news of the first female professional athlete being diagnosed with the brain disease, CTE…which, currently, can only be determined postmortem. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of how good intentions can often have unintended consequences. More specifically, there is an ongoing heated debate in the US as to whether or not our public health systems should support harm reduction efforts. Harm reduction has more recently become a popular term as it relates to measures to safely assist people experiencing OUD (opioid use disorder) avoid becoming “dope sick” w/o fear of judgment and/or discrimination. These measures may include providing clean needles; free Narcan, tests strips, condoms; wound care; supervised use space; and/or counseling. Recent research has shown that compassionate care is a strategy that can improve the lives of those who misuse drugs while patterns of drug overdoses and deaths have followed major busts in several areas. With respect to the latter, why? Experts suggest that by destabilizing the illegal drug ecosystem in a given area, users seek their supply from less reliable sources (i.e., product with greater potency, laced with Xylazine, etc.) or go without drugs for a short period which can alter one’s tolerance when returning to use. As I have written before in this blog, policies on paper may look great but rarely ferret out issues much beyond first order consequences.

Let’s face it, this nation has:

a workforce shortage
over 2 million adults with OUD

Right or wrong, we cannot arrest our way out of the opioids crisis. Maybe it is time to stop penalizing those with a disease and begin helping them become productive members of society!

Sources: https://www.npr.org/2023/07/05/1183172045/fentanyl-drug-busts-overdose-police-dealers-trafficking-indianapolis

First Responders & Suicide Prevention

MH: One Size does not Fit All

Total Worker Health & Jobsite Safety

India’s execs commit to MH

Firms hiring Chief Wellness Officers

Swapping hard hats for safety helmets

+50 War on Drugs

Cannabis & Mental Illness

Narcan on the jobsites!!!

Opioid ODs & Cognitive Abilities

Opioids’ Impact on Rural Workforce

Paramedics approach to repeat opioids ODs

Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 3

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of July 3, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how poverty negatively impacts a child’s brain to the benefits of hypnotherapy to the recent US Supreme Court’s rulings on colleges & affirmative action and student debt relief. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of the “graying” of America. This week I include no less than 4 articles touching on aspects of how grandparents’ duties have changed over the past couple of decades. In addition, why some people into their 80s choose to continue to work. Addressing the former, I have made it no secret in this weekly blog the extent of our country’s opioids crisis. One consequence is that more and more grandparents—who once viewed their retirement years as time for worldly travels, rest, and relaxation—are now stepping up to fill in as parents to their grandchildren. Far too many parents in the 25-54 year range have lost their lives to what I referred to as a “pandemic” long before we knew what COVID-19 was. With respect to the latter, on one hand, the instability of global markets, climate change, epidemics, and a lack of defined pension plans in most workplaces in the past 3 decades have been cause for many older Americans not having sufficient funds to live comfortably in retirement. Thus, finding PT work in retirement is a means of survival vs a need to feed a hobby. While, on the other hand, there are those of us who are able to seek opportunities to contribute. Beyond the ultruism of paying it forward, research suggests that staying active (i.e., consulting, volunteering, etc.) builds/maintains social connections which can help stave off loneliness and early death. With an apparent worker shortage, it seems to make sense for firms to recruit and accommodate retirees to assist in filling in the gaps. To this end, retirees can offer more than institutional knowledge…they can also serve as role models. As my dear friend Dr Doug Swanson recently remarked, “This is the first time in US history that we have 5 generations in the workforce at the same time.” To me, that sounds less like a death knell and more like opportunity knocking!

Sources: https://the1a.org/segments/the-opioid-crisis-is-causing-grandparents-to-become-caregivers-again/

https://www.wsj.com/articles/grandparents-get-their-version-of-parental-leave-825fa88c

https://www.npr.org/2023/06/26/1184268060/what-does-an-older-population-mean-for-the-economy-society-at-large

https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/social-fitness/amp/

On Social Fitness

Shortage of cancer drugs?

The science of trauma

Impact of Poverty on Children’s Brains

NYC / Homeless / Mental Illness

Is there a link between Marijuana / Schizophrenia / Young Men?

How to unwind w/o alcohol

On teachers & family leave

Help for vulnerable Moms in TX

Overview: EMDR Therapy

What to know about Ketamine

Dopamine & Your Brain

Stop treating back pain w/ Opioids

Good Sighs

Mental Imaging

Gen Z & MH

Coping w/ Grief: Kids

Wellness & Well-being Highlights June 26

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of June 26, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how changes in states’ marijuana policies are posing problems for management to a focus on keeping working teens safe to how yoga can improve your sleep. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of work-related stress. The MO AFL-CIO established the MWI’s Worker Wellness Program in an effort to help reduce this very matter. As noted in the report from Canada herein, heavy workloads and the inability to find work-life balance are suspected culprits…even more so for women! Since COVID, many workers have been doing more with less: less staff, less support. As such, stress becomes more common. When “bad” stress consumes our lives (inside and outside of work) we find it difficult to not always be in the “on” mode. As a result, it may be time to step back before you burnout and consider taking a mental health day. Meanwhile, we also need to building and maintaining strong social networks. In so doing, we must learn the importance of forgiving ourselves and others. Experts suggest that this ability to forgive improves the physical and mental health of those around us.

Sources: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230619/dq230619c-eng.htm?utm_campaign=Headlines_062023_CAN&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/signs-you-should-take-a-mental-health-day-and-how-to-do-it/?slot=0&xid=nl_EHNLemohealth_2023-06-19_31834789&utm_source=Newsletters&nl_key=nl_mentalhealth_mooddisorders&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2023-06-19&utm_campaign=Mental_Health_and_Mood_Disorders&utm_term=creativeA&zdee=gAAAAABikG1kcRpju65OYCK7OOXNGPqsAHzj0TznqvuKxOMShKA7dc68seNhy4nsFj67Pyu5gaL7tn3lBuD6s0q5FP0XC2_KARLiqozFs-l0-aoEHEH7qiI%3D

https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/big-ways-forgiveness-is-good-for-your-health/?slot=0&xid=nl_EHNLemohealth_2023-06-21_31855319&utm_source=Newsletters&nl_key=nl_mentalhealth_mooddisorders&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2023-06-21&utm_campaign=Mental_Health_and_Mood_Disorders&utm_term=creativeA&zdee=gAAAAABikG1kcRpju65OYCK7OOXNGPqsAHzj0TznqvuKxOMShKA7dc68seNhy4nsFj67Pyu5gaL7tn3lBuD6s0q5FP0XC2_KARLiqozFs-l0-aoEHEH7qiI%3D

What’s behind work-related stress?

Jobsite safety matters!

988 awareness lags

Marijuana & Work

Opioids settlement tracker

Missouri fact sheet: Opioids settlement

7 Days in Arkansas

Indonesia / Drug rehab / Slavery

Teen wins award: Suicide prevention

Teen vaping continues

Children / Gun violence / MH

Youth workers & Safety/Well-being

Youth stressors

Kids & Summer boredom

COVID & Rise in MH apps

Screening ALL adults for anxiety?

Vagus nerve & MH

How to be happy?

Grandparents & Happiness

Caring for our elderly

When to take a MH day?

On building resilience

Vets & Yoga

Why Tai Chi?

Yoga & Sleep

Why “forgiveness” matters?

Does Ozempic reduce cravings?

Drugs & Body positivity

Senate targets labor rights

Missouri may penalize teachers

Starbucks & Pride strike

Supreme Court & DEI

Youth tests scores drop

Skills vs Degree

Dechurching

AI tools

AI: Human vs Machine touch

Young adults: Should milestones matter?

Homelessness on the rise

Force + # of hits = CTE

Concussion/CTE prevention protocol

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

Adult MHFA

Youth MHFA

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/training/videolectures/kratom-a-botanical-with-traditional-use-in-asia-to-treat-pain-and-opioid-use-problems

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/training/videolectures/change-your-brain-transform-mind

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.

June 26, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights June 19

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of June 19, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from Illinois’ top psychiatrist sharing his vision for improving the mental health “system” to how Russia cannot find enough workers due to the exodus related to their invasion of Ukraine…meanwhile, China cannot supply enough jobs for their recent college graduates to how nearly 30% of FATHERS prefer WFH arrangements in order to establish better work-life balance. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of peer support in the construction industry. Earlier this past week, STL Public Radio’s “St. Louis on the Air” show provided a full hour coverage on how STL Laborers Locals 42 & 110 are addressing the mental health needs of their members and their dependents. I tip my hat to Don Willey, Diana Marburger, and the Laborers Health & Welfare Trust funds’ trustees for being pioneers in this much-needed space of addiction awareness and suicide prevention. The STL LEAN (Laborers Escaping Addiction Now) model is based on a 24/7/365 program in Massachusetts that has been operating for several years now. My hopes are that other trades and industries design and implement similar programs for their members/workers. In the meantime, let’s also consider how technology may play a part in our outreach efforts.

Sources: https://www.constructforstl.org/how-lean-stl-helps-st-louis-laborers-fight-addiction/

https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2023-06-15/peoria-psychiatrist-outlines-blueprint-for-improving-access-to-mental-health-care-across-illinois

https://www.themoxyvoice.com/moxy-voice/powerful-roundtable-discussion-emphasizes-peer-support-in-the-construction-industry

Dr Lancia’s blueprint for improving MH

How STL Laborers are providing peer support

More on peer support in the construction industry

A game changer: Naloxone

Harm reduction: MOBILE treatment for opioids

Who is fighting the opioids settlement?

Where are the opioids settlement funds???

Reneging on the opioids settlement!

Tranq: Xylazine’s dangers (1)

Tranq: Xylazine’s dangers (2)

Tranq: Xylazine’s dangers (3)

What is Congress doing about Fentanyl’s future?

Is Syria a bigger drug dealer than Mexico?

Wellness & Well-being Highlights June 11

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of June 11, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from how the decrease in opium production has impacted the Taliban to how practicing gratitude improves lives beyond the giver and receiver to how retirees need to actively manage their money. Today, I wish to shed some light on the issue of child care in the USA. This week, I have posted links to at least 5 timely articles on this topic. Between the impact of COVID, grandparents living longer and seeking more adventure, and lingering student debt, caretakers (mainly women) are having to make choices that often involve dire consequences…especially for those who are trying to survive at low-wage jobs. If children truly are our future, then we need to collectively propose solutions that ensure all kids have opportunities to learn and grow in safe and loving environments. Research suggests that kids who are not reading at grade level by grade 4, are more than likely to become part of the criminal justice system. A number of European countries addressed this important topic decades ago. Might it be time that we consider their lessons learned?

Sources: https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/25/health/child-care-parenting-explainer-intl/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/upshot/child-care-biden.html

Drug addiction & prevention info (Multiple Languages)

Ontario requires some businesses to carry Narcan

Narcan: How much is too much?

Opium & Taliban’s feature

Opioid settlement funds: Going forward

Opioid settlement disappointment (1)

Opioid settlement disappointment (2)

Weight loss drugs & Addictions?

Are people w/ SUD being mistreated by medical professionals?

On triggering depression

Signs of childhood depression

Parents’ response to the loss of their daughter

How Social Media is impacting our kids

MH & Career discrimination

Mpox awareness: Summer 2023

The benefits of GRATITUDE

When self-care is no longer self-care

Religion & Health

On long term care insurance

On exhausting your retirement savings

MH & Rural Living

Tick season is here

Newt’s demise

Japan wants foreign workers

The US child care dilemma (1)

The US child care dilemma (2)

The US child care dilemma (3)

Child care & Grandma…Don’t count on it

Child care / Women / COVID rebound

The lifeguard shortage

Teaching others to SWIM

Elie’s Night: Revisited

Animal rights?

Helicopter parents…in the workplace!

RUST in the workplace

Menopause benefits?

Neonatal leave?

Women / Men / Time

The job of attracting & retaining apprentices

Take the PHISHING quiz

The Gay badge of honor

Upcoming webinar:

Queering the farm

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.

June 14, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Wellness & Well-being Highlights August 14

Wellness & Well-being Highlights August 7

Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 30

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