Wellness & Well-being Highlights July 29

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of July 29, 2024

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog offers you a look at how a high-ranking Mexican drug kingpin (think Fentanyl) duped another into being arrested in the USA—to the importance of pool safety (drowning is the #1 killer of children between 1-4 yo)—to how a lab at Virginia Tech is applying its focus on studying football helmet safety to the role safety helmets now play in the construction industry. This week I would like to take this opportunity to take a closer look at this year’s presidential election. By now, most of us know that President Joe Biden removed himself as a candidate this November and soon thereafter went on to support VP Kamala Harris. Since then, a lot has been said from both sides of the political spectrum. However, nothing more important than the unsubstantiated/immature comments coming from her political opponent and his running mate. This blog is not about voicing political viewpoints it is about wellness and well-being. However, when it comes to vying for the most important position in this country (and possibly the world), isn’t about time we focus on the issues vs name-calling? After all, are we in 3^rd grade (my apologies to 3^rd graders)? We as a nation should demand better. In my opinion, supporting candidates who wish to LEAD this nation when they use demeaning language against their opponent—like “bum” and “childless cat ladies”—is a means of harassment (as in Hostile Environment) that negatively impacts our society’s well-being.[1]

Which brings me back to an issue I reported on a few weeks ago…US Supreme Court ethics. Yes, it sounds like an oxymoron. In what world do we allow people to police themselves and expect transparency? [2] These are NOT merely common people amongst us but rather the those who have LIFETIME appointments to the highest court in this country!!! And, are making judgement calls that impact our daily lives. Whether you are for or against serious issues like abortion, climate change, and workers’ rights, this court has recently made decisions that are sure to effect the world around you. Most importantly there is the issue of conflict of interest…At least one of those on this bench who is passing judgement has accepted (substantial) gifts from his longtime (political) supporter and, until recently, failed to report such transactions. Meanwhile, he was the leading influencer on matters that recently threatened the future of unions.[3] So, as I said last week, with this being an ELECTION year, one must weigh the importance of the CHOICES before us. How will YOUR vote this November impact the future for your kids and grandkids?

Sources: [1] https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/vance-responds-to-childless-cat-ladies-backlash-claims-democrats-are-anti-family/ar-BB1qHmV6?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[2] https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/justice-elena-kagan-calls-for-enforceable-supreme-court-ethics-rules-e750ae7d?st=7rff5uzq93lhv6y&reflink=article_gmail_share

[3] https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-backs-starbucks-over-fired-pro-union-workers-2024-06-13/

US arrests Mexican Cartel’s Leaders (1)

US arrests Mexican Cartel’s Leaders (2)

US arrests Mexican Cartel’s Leaders (3)

OUD Harm Reduction on Wheels