Cruise to Health – Are Your Employees Going South? (rescheduled to Feb 25, 2010)
We all want our employees to go on vacation and have the best time ever, come home relaxed and return to work refreshed! Here are some quick tips on sun protection, artificial tanning and alcohol that can help your employees return to work safe and healthy.
Sun Protection Quick Tips
One of the best parts of a vacation is having the time to do some of the things you really enjoy. This can mean long bike rides, swimming, snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of fun outdoor activities. This may mean long hours in the tropical sun. The sun in the tropics is much stronger than in
Wherever your outdoor activities take you, here are some tips for safety under the sun:
· Look for or make your own shade.
· Dress in clothing that covers your arms and legs. Tightly woven fabrics are best.
· Wear a hat that shades your face, ears and neck. A 3 inch brim is best.
· Protect your eyes with sunglasses that screen both UVA and UVB rays.
· Wear sunscreen and lip balm with UVA and UVB protection and SPF 30 or higher. Apply
it 20 to 30 minutes before going out. Reapply it every 2 to 3 hours. Check the expiry
date.
Artificial Tanning Quick Tips
• New research shows that tanning beds and sunlamps cause skin cancer.
• The use of tanning beds and sunlamps also cause wrinkles, brown spots and aging of
the skin.
Be aware that some health and fitness centers provide and encourage artificial tanning!
• Base tans provide an SPF of only 2-5 not enough to protect you from a burn.
• The safest way to get your vitamin D is through a supplement.
• Ultraviolet radiation can be given off in high doses by tanning lamps.
You are more at risk if:
• you have fair skin, freckles, moles or burn easily; and,
• if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Alcohol Quick Tips
When the weather is hot we all reach for a drink. It’s a good idea to drink more water in hot weather or when you are very active.
Alcoholic drinks are available all day and night at many all inclusive resorts in the South and people may drink more alcohol than they would at home.
• Wait 1 hour between alcoholic drinks;
• Have something to eat. Drink non-alcoholic beverages, such as a bottle of water, soft
drinks or fruit juices between drinks. Mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) are delicious
alternatives to alcoholic beverages;
• Follow the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines; and,
• When consuming alcohol do not engage in sports or physical activities where you need
to be in control.
Workplaces that hold business meetings or offer incentive trips can decrease risks by having Alcohol Policies in place.
Alcohol Resources
Low Risk Drinking Guidelines The Low Risk Drinking Guidelines were developed to decrease the risk of injury and certain diseases. They were developed for people of legal drinking age and do not apply if you are pregnant and or breastfeeding, are taking certain medications or are driving or operating machinery.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health-Having a Party Having a Party? Great tips to lower your risks as a host.
Workplace Alcohol Policy Let’s Take Action on Alcohol Problems in the Workplace. A practical guide to policy development for employers, employees and others concerned about health, safety and liability.
Mark Your Calendar-Upcoming Events
Project Health Networking Session- Cruise to Health
Healthy Workplace Awards Program Launch
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day –
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October
Healthy Workplace Month - October
Influenza Immunization Awareness Month – October
Osteoporosis Month – November
Drug Awareness Week –
National Sun Awareness Week 2010
Dermatologists around
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