QHS Health Line Blog

Summer's coming, enjoy it but be Sun Safe.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:44:00 GMT

As we are fast approaching the hot Australian summer, it is extremely important to be aware of the damage the sun can cause. Unfortunately the results of too much sun are not necessarily immediate but can be disastrous when they occur possibly years later. The effects can range from premature ageing, to potentially life threatening skin cancers.

To reduce the potential damage caused by the sun, it is important to make sure that at least half an hour before we expose ourselves to the sun, we apply adequate, good quality sunscreen. To give effective protection, don't skimp on the amount used, at least 1 teaspoonful of sunscreen to each limb, plus the front and back of your torso. Don't forget areas like the ears and back of the neck, and especially the areas of your body that receive the most sun, such as the back of your hands, nose, shoulders, and the top of your head.

Make sure you read the directions on the brand you are using as some products will last much longer than others, even after swimming. Make sure you reapply as regularly as necessary.

It is interesting to note that poor application of a sunscreen product can reduce its effectiveness by up to 75%.

A good idea is to avoid the sun in the hottest parts of the day, between 10 am and 3 pm. Also use a hat, preferably full brimmed to protect the neck, ears and face. Wear sunglasses, and cover your skin with clothing if you have to spend extended periods of time in the sun. If you are going to spend the day at the beach or park, why not take an umbrella or shade tent.

Wellness by Prevention and Intention

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:51:00 GMT

By implementing health screening and office wellness programs many health issues can be addresses in the early stages.

Knowledge and intention can initiate change helping prevent the onset of disease or ill health.

This is so important in cardiovascular health and diseases such as diabetes.

What the Financial Review said about our ageing workforce

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:57:00 GMT

More than half the population aged between 60 - 64 are now working

In the last three year 40% of new worker were aged over 55.

The biggest increase across the population is in working women aged over 65.

The complete article can be seen on the Financial Review website.

As we work longer it's another good reason to keep fit and healthy.

Workplace Wellness Programs - improve stress management

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:20:00 GMT

Workplace Wellness Programs have measurable results improving stress management. Stress has a direct effect on health and good health starts with good intentions.

Corporate Wellness Advisor

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:46:00 GMT

An article in Corporate Wellness Advisor reports that for every $1.00 spent on workplace wellness there is a measurable return of $2.00 - $10.00.

Corporate Wellness Programs

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:44:00 GMT

As far as your business goes, for example, an employee’s health can be as important as his or her work skills. Promoting health in the workplace is a long-term investment in a company’s most valuable asset: the people who keep it running smoothly.

Healthy workers can bolster the well-being of your company in several ways: decreasing absenteeism, increasing productivity, and saving a significant amount in health-care costs.

People spend the majority of their waking hours at the office, so workplace health and wellness initiatives can have a significant effect on their lives.

Beyond that, workers who make healthy lifestyle changes will likely take them home to their families, multiplying the positive effects exponentially and bringing us one step closer to the ultimate goal: a nation filled with people who are healthy, happy, and fit.

Quotes from the Amercian Heart Association

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:11:00 GMT

Employers can save $16 for every $1 they spend on health and wellness.
Fitness programs have reduced employer health care costs by 20% to 55%.
Reducing just one health risk in the workplace increases productivity by 9%.
Reducing one health risk decreases absenteeism by 2%.
Physically active people save $500 a year in health care costs.

Healthy Bone Week

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:28:00 GMT

Healthy Bone Week 1 - 7 August
Book a bone scan for your staff now.

Diabetes Awareness Week

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:24:00 GMT

Next week 11 - 17 July is Diabetes week - do you know your BSL (Blood Sugar Level)?

Health Benefits of Asparagus

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:50:00 GMT

Thanks for sending through the email about the health benefits of Asparagus it was really interesting.

Wear red today 11 June for women's heart health

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:33:00 GMT

Help raise awareness of women's heart health by wearing red Friday 11 June.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea – are you running one?

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:08:00 GMT

Raise awareness of cancer by holding a Morning Tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council's many programmes. You are sure to have many talented cooks among your staff who could produce goodies to sell. Early detection of cancer is very important. if you have employees that spend time in the sun during their working day, encourage them to have their skin checked. Female employees should be reminded of the importance of regular breast self-examination. When done correctly it saves lives. Offer a Breast Cancer awareness clinic during work hours, or a lunch & learn on the topic.

Benefits after you quit smoking

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:26:00 GMT

1 day after you quit smoking your heart rate slows down and carbon monoxide leaves your body.
5 days after you quit your blood pressure drops slightly and your blood oxygen levels rise.
3 months after you quit smoking the cilia in your lungs begins to recover and they can clean themselves again.
1 year after you quit your risk of heart disease is halved. These facts come from both Quit and the Heart Foundation.

Winter colour – Blog

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:19:00 GMT

Did you know that wearing a scarf around your neck or waist during winter can help improve your mood and your immune
system. Red is a good colour to increase energy, orange to help adapt to change and green or pink to be kind and loving.

Acai (berry)

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:12:00 GMT

Has anyone tried the Acai berries? Their uses and benefits include being a weight-loss aid, immune booster, anti-aging, skin health,
antioxidant and prevention of chronic disease. They are full of vitamins and minerals, as well as anthycyannis.