MIND is a leading mental health charity for England and Wales and has been a vigorously campaigning for a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all. Their goal is a society where people suffering from mental distress are treated fairly, positively and with respect. As an organization, they also target campaigns that could identify possible causes of mental distress and how the lives of people with experience of mental health problems can be improved.

One of their on-going campaigns is Taking Care of Business: Mental Health at Work which is designed to help people understand and start talking about the costs of neglecting mental wellbeing in the workplace.

They believe that 1 out of 6 workers is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress but their research showed a more alarming result which is that workers are afraid of being fired or forced out of their jobs if they admit to feeling stressed or depressed

The survey done by MIND on 2000 workers established that work is one of the leading causes of stress with 41% of them admitting to being very stressed about work.

Unfortunately 1 out of 5 workers believe that admitting you are stressed because of work could put them first in line for redundancy.

The charity has found that the worker’s fears are not unfounded since 22% of those who have made known a mental health problem in their previous jobs have either been fired or forced to quit.

Half of those questioned were scared to take time off sick especially because two out of three workers had been put under more pressure by managers since the economic downturn and a third felt stressed by budget cuts in their workplace.

And worse, more these professionals in work clothes believe that their boss would not help them cope with stress.

The global economic crisis has in fact worsened the situation when workers stress levels are increased with issues of budget cuts and job losses as well as excessive workloads and unrealistic targets.

MIND voiced concern about the mental health situation in the workplace. They compared it to an elephant because it is something really big but most often is unaddressed or ignored.

Firms and employers are urged by MIND to tackle stress in the workplace by investing in staff wellbeing and encouraging an open culture, where staff is able to open up about their feelings, the stress and pressures being experienced, and feel that they are being supported by their company. The management should not only be seen as boss in business clothes but as human beings who care for their workers.

Making the necessary changes to ensure a workplace that is more mentally healthy need not be expensive. Simple and practical changes like making sure staff take proper breaks and giving them the chance to talk can make a huge difference.

Nurture a positive workplace culture by treating your people well, promoting their health and wellbeing and also by being there to support them when things get them down. It can be an employer’s best investment as it will reduce sickness absence and have a productive and committed workforce.

Mental health problems at work should be properly addressed by companies and it is high time they start doing it NOW!

The recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown us that we have a considerable public health problem that is very much preventable if only we act on it. The data shows that 1 in 6 Americans or 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year largely due to food borne diseases. We have existing laws and oversight from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that have kept the vast majority of Americans safe from diseases brought about by consuming harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses and toxins found in some of our food. But, the data as well as several cases of contamination shows that we still have much to do to keep us safer. And that we make stricter laws and continuous improvements in food safety.

For the first time in 70 years a major bill that tackles food safety was signed into a law. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which was signed into law in January 4, 2011, gives the FDA the much needed mandate in protecting our food supply by pursuing a system that prevents food-borne illnesses from the onset. The system deals with the hazards from farm to table and checks on the production, processing, transport and food preparation to ensure the food supply safety. Previously, FDA could only negotiate with businesses to order voluntary recalls but the new food law gives them the authority better respond to issues including ordering recalls of contaminated foods. The new law requires companies to develop and implement written food safety plans making it easier for the agency to monitor. Also, under FSMA provisions, the FDA will be able to ensure that imported foods are as safe as the food produced in the US. 

Food borne illnesses are very much preventable is only there is an agency with enough authority, as well as tools and systems, to ensure proper monitoring and can make the necessary call in case there are food supply hazards. Also, food chains being held responsible and accountable at each step can ensure that they are very careful in making sure about their products. 

Here are some of the provisions or elements in the Food Safety Modernization Act:

Preventive controls plan – The whole new law is based on prevention and so the system created by FDA would require comprehensive, prevention-based controls across the food supply. In this case, FDA will require food chains and facilities to develop a written food safety plans that spell out what possible problems could affect the safety of their products and how they plan to prevent it from happening or minimize the possibility of it happening. This would include food processing apron and lab coats and other measures that help ensure workers do not contaminate their products.

Science-based standards – The FDA is tasked to establish science-based standards for safe production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables. Both natural and man-made hazards to the safety of fresh produce will be considered by the standards. 

Increased number of inspections – To ensure that the food industry is made responsible and accountable in guaranteeing that they produce safe food for the people, the FDA is directed to increase the frequency of their inspections based on risks. High-risk domestic food and facilities would be the priority of the initial inspections with recurring inspections thereafter. 

Issuing Recalls – FDA has now the authority to recall tainted and unsafe food products if the food company does not do so voluntarily. Previously, except for infant formula, the agency could only request food manufacturers and distributors to recall voluntarily. This time they are provided a more flexible standard for administrative detention and allowed to suspend the registration of food facilities who fails food safety. 

Imported food safety – Americans have enjoyed imported food for a long time but only the new law gives FDA new tools to ensure that these imported foods meet US standards and are safe for consumers. Included here is that importers are made accountable in verifying that their foreign suppliers have adequate preventive controls in place to ensure safety. FDA will be able to accredit qualified 3rd party auditors that certify that foreign food facilities are complying with US food safety standards and that they can refuse entry into the US of a food that has refused U.S. inspection.

Improved partnerships with other agencies – The law recognizes the need for strengthened inter-agencies relationships and collaboration to ensure the success of the law and to achieve public health goals. Hence, the FDA is directed to give trainings to local food safety officials.

Exemptions – Community supported agriculture programs (CSA) and small farms that sell directly to consumers are exempted from the produce safety standards.

The focus of the law is prevention and the process is long-term as a new food safety system is established. But some of the authorities of FDA take effect immediately, such as the mandatory recall authority, while some requires FDA to prepare and issue documents that would be the be the basis of the regulation. The new law is a step forward in making the food industry really safe for consumption. We have made steps in making sure medicine, medical devices and other products are safe for use. Therefore we have more reason to ensure that our basic needs, such as food, have high standards, too. The law may not be as perfect as we want it to be but it is a step towards it, especially for those who are not really conscious of what they buy and eat.

Image: blastmagazine.com, freshplaza.com, thekindlife.com

Most would probably think this is a little late or too early to be discussing about. I certainly don’t think so. With kids, you always need to be one step ahead and for those who will be sending their kids to school for the first time, it is but high time you start the practice so that by the time comes, you’ll be ready because they are used to it already. Getting them ready in their school uniform every morning need not be a hardship as long as they have done it a million times. The same discipline that you instill in them early on is something that will benefit them in the long run.

After a long summer vacation where there wasn’t any need to wake up that early for a hectic and packed daily schedule going back can be quite daunting. After a lazy and very relaxed month or two, going back to school with its very fast paced and tightly packed school schedule is tough. It not only means waking up really early but then there is also a need to adjust parents schedules to accommodate breakfast, lunch box preparation, bathroom use and many more. So after getting used to making it in their business casual very leisurely, now they also have to rush in order to be able to finish all tasks and still manage to come to work on time.

So, while it is not yet school time, get the kids used to earlier wake-up times. Once a good routine has been established getting them ready and off to school is a breeze. Let them enjoy waking up late during the summer but don’t make a habit of it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with kids waking up early as long as they still have enough quality sleep which means of course having them sleep early to fulfill that. Consistency and routine make life so much easier for you when school starts in September or February (if you are from Australia).

Start Early With a Plan
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start planning for the changes that will no doubt occur. Have a family meeting three or two weeks before the start of classes to discuss the plan that has to be implemented. This is the time when you need to announce the new sleep schedule which is the hardest part because then parents would also need to change the computer time, TV time and all the things tweens live for. This is the time when parents need to explain the importance of sleep to growing children and the danger of not getting enough sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, kids ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Although parents do understand that children need enough sleep but because they are also busy they are not able to give their children the critical sleep they need to develop and function properly. Sound sleep is very important because it ensures that children will have a sound foundation for proper mind and body development. If children need to fulfill the 10 to 11 hours of sleep, they need to sleep really early say 7 pm and wake up really late like 6 am. Sometimes with the busy schedule in the office and long hours of work, dinner and bedtimes are pushed back late but children would still need to wake up early in order to be able to eat breakfast and be in their school uniform before the school bus arrives. This then causes children to miss out on the necessary amount of sleeping.

Marc Weissbluth, MD in his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child shares some insightful comments to show how important sleep is:

"Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm. Every night and at every nap, sleep recharges the brain's battery. Sleeping well increases brainpower just as weight lifting builds stronger muscles, because sleeping well increases your attention span and allows you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Then you are at your personal best."

Making your children realize the value of sleeping allows the whole family to be in the same page and see the need to set and follow the new sleep schedule and won’t see it as a dictatorship.

It’s Not All about Bedtime
Researchers at SRI International, an independent American research institute based in California, have found that children who had a regular bedtime performed better at languages, reading and maths than those who went to bed at different times. They also found that the earlier the child who went to bed, the better they performed at school.

When we say bedtime it does not only mean being in their beds early. What we want is to get them into an after school routine or a bedtime routine and that also means having them on the dinner table on a set time, limited time on computer, TV, and video and with enough time for studies. Setting a study time with a parent is also important in the after school routine. Let us not expect children to sleep early if they eat late. And when we say bedtime, it does not mean being in their bedrooms or their bed and still online or on the phone. In order that they can still get the much needed sleep they would have to forego some online time.

Bedtime routine is not set by children but by the parents. Setting a bedtime routine especially for babies and toddlers is important in making a significant impact on children’s emergent literacy and language skills. The data of the research done by SRI International on 8000 children showed that having a regular bedtime was the most consistent predictor of positive developmental outcomes. Children whose parents have rules on what time their children go to bed scored higher receptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, literacy and early math abilities.

Establish a Good Routine
After weeks of staying up late and sleeping in during the summer months becomes a routine. Changing that would be a little hard. What parents can do is establish the same routine whether school days or not when it comes to sleeping and waking up late. If you do change it a bit during the summer vacation, the make sure you go back to the same routine 2 or three weeks before school starts. Now, it’s not possible to immediately change the routine that has already been established. With the help of the alarm clock, adjust the body clock of our children little by little. Maybe for the first day, let them sleep at the usual time but wake them a little bit earlier than the usual. Then for that day adjust the sleeping time since they woke up earlier until they have adjusted their body clock to going to bed at the same time they will go during the school year.

Getting All the Help
One other tip that can help is getting all things ready the night before. Make sure all the things needed are in their backpacks or bags. Let your children do this after studying, it is their responsibility, but it is still important for parents to check it. Ready their school uniform or whatever they are going to wear for school so that they do not have to take too long while thinking of what to wear. This routine is for younger school children but can also be done for tweens with them choosing what to wear but having it ready for the next day. Asking one of them to help in preparing breakfast or the lunch bags will also help. Make sure that every time they do well and follow the established routine is recognized, praised or appreciated. It also helps in bolstering their self-esteem.

There are times parents have established a different routine and if it works then there is no problem. There are different factors to consider when establishing a routine that can be specific to your family. What is important is that children get the necessary sleep and that you are consistent. Consistency with any routine will benefit you and your child in less time than you may think.

Creating Positive Bedtime Rituals
Pediatrician Dr. Scott Cohen says: "Routine and predictability is the key."
Limit Sugar before Bed
Limit TV/Video Games 1 hour before bed

Parenting Consultant Ann Corwin, Ph.D says: "Kids need to feel safe when they go to bed."
Remember , for a child, going to bed is the ultimate separation from their parent.
Bedtime should always be about teaching kids to be able comfort themselves and feel safe even though their parents cannot be with them at that moment. So NEVER tell kids they need to 'go to bed' as a punishment/discipline technique.
Pick an Attachment Object.

Mommy Blogger Lisa Belkin, says: "Rituals that worked best at our house have varied from age to age."
Tucking in the stuffed animals.
Have your kids recount their day.
If your kids can't sleep, develop a special snack.
Singing a favorite lullaby.
Give them something to concentrate on once you leave the room.

Are you one of those who work at night or what they often call the graveyard shift? Or does your office have rotational shifts? If this is the case, you might be having some difficulties sleeping or worse you now have a sleeping disorder. Shift work sleep disorder or simply shift work disorder (SWD) is a sleep disorder commonly affecting those who frequently work on a night shift, have rotating shifts or any non-traditional work schedule. Meaning, those who do not work the normal 9-5 work hours. According to the experts, the change in the normal work schedule goes against the body’s natural Circadian rhythm. This is the physical, mental and behavioral changes that follows roughly 24-hour cycle which responds primarily to the light and darkness in the environment. Some may think this is simply biological block. Although closely related, these two are different. It is our biological clock that drives our Circadian rhythm.

Approximately 15 million Americans work on a non-traditional work shift and 10% to 25% of night shift workers and/or rotating-shift workers suffer from shift work disorder (SWD). Meaning 1 out every 4 people working the night or rotating shifts may be suffering from SWD. You might not often see or notice but there are actually a wide range of occupations that require permanent or occasional shift work such as the professional and business service. The accountants, stockbrokers, customer service reps, IT support staff and other people who simply hung their corporate uniforms on the back of their seats are part of the professional and business service.  Healthcare professionals including nurses, emergency room physicians, and overnight pharmacists have to stay up late too. Production and manufacturing workers in their work uniforms such as steel, textile, and other factory workers as well as those in the protective services like firefighters, security guards and even cops need to work on shifts. There are 3.75 Americans at risk with SWD.

 Once these workers don their work uniforms, they know that they have to do their task even if they feel sleepy. This runs contrary to their biological clocks or the body’s internal sleep-wake clock and thus causes sleeping disorders. Normally, our body tells us when to sleep and people sleep when they feel sleepy. Not so in the case of healthcare professionals and others who work on a night shift. Even if they are sleepy in their medical scrubs they have to stay awake in order to perform their duties to their patients and often living on coffee and snack bars to stay awake. While both men and women can be affected by SWD, those who are 50 years and older, those with history of sleep disorder or stomach disorder, diabetics and those with heart disease will have more difficulty coping with shift work and become more vulnerable.

Unfortunately, shift work disorder has other consequences other that its effect to the person suffering with it. This disorder increase accidents, work-related errors, sick leave, irritability and other problems. That is because people with SWD struggle to stay awake during their waking hours and still have problem sleeping during their sleeping hours. Most often it’s because of the environment; they are trying to sleep when the whole world is bright and awake. So, in order that these shift workers not suffer from SWD, they need to make sleep a priority. They and their family should help in making sure they get to sleep during the day. Families should avoid doing household chores that can disturb the sleep. The family should be able to create a quiet and peaceful setting that is conducive to sleeping.