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What should I do about my workplace injury?

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Workplace accidents result in injury more often than one may think. Each workplace is legally responsible to protect the health and safety of the workers by preventing workplace accidents. Injuries can happen to anyone, so it’s important to know your rights and the appropriate action to take when dealing with on-site accidents. Keep reading to learn more!

Inform your supervisor.

If you’ve been in a workplace accident, notify your supervisor or boss immediately – regardless of the injuries you may or may not have received. It’s best to have your experience documented as most states require it. Be sure to file immediately to avoid losing your legal right to compensation benefits due to state deadlines.

Seek medical care.

If your injury or illness requires immediate attention, seek medical care. Do not wait to speak to your supervisor or boss, as your health and well-being are top priorities. If you’re not seriously injured, ask your employer if you’re required to see a certain doctor or if you can choose your own. If you’re unhappy with the doctor’s diagnosis, you may be entitled to a second opinion under workers’ compensation. Keep in mind the doctor’s report can impact the benefits you receive.

Consult an attorney.

It’s often a good idea to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney before filing a claim. With years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims, they can greatly benefit your case. An initial consultation is usually free and can help you understand the benefits you’re entitled to and what steps you should take.

File a claim.

As an employee, you are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. Filing a claim is not a lawsuit; rather, it is a request for benefits. The first step to filing a claim is notifying your employer. No matter the circumstances, your employer must offer you a claim form immediately. You must complete the form before being eligible for benefits. If you do not complete the form, your employer has no obligation to provide benefits. You will receive a copy of your claim from your employer that you should keep for your records.

If you need additional guidance regarding an on-site injury or accident, the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis offers legal guidance from volunteers with the Memphis Area Legal Services every first and third Monday of the month via phone consultation. Appointments are necessary, so give us a call at 901-306-5433 to set yours up!

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

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It’s commonly assumed that arthritis only affects the elderly, but this isn’t true. That’s why the month of July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, to bring attention to the condition that affects nearly 300,000 children and teens in the United States.

What is juvenile arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis (JA) is actually an umbrella term that encompasses multiple inflammatory and rheumatic diseases. Different factors can cause the synovium—the tissue lining the inside of joints—to become inflamed, and it’s considered to be juvenile arthritis when this occurs in children 16 or younger. JA also happens to be an autoimmune disease, which means that it involves the immune system (whose normal purpose is to attack foreign invaders) attacking healthy joint tissues instead.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

In some cases, children with JA experience no symptoms at all. In other cases, JA can cause joint stiffness, pain, swelling, or tenderness. Other symptoms can include limping, fatigue, blurred vision, rash, or persistent fever.

There is no specific test for diagnosing JA, so doctors typically make their diagnosis by eliminating other conditions that could lead to similar symptoms. Common tests that may be ordered include a complete blood count, x-rays, MRI scans, tests for viruses and Lyme disease, among others.

Treatment Options

With a combination of exercise, physical therapy, medications, and regular doctor visits, it’s possible to manage the symptoms of JA and slow its progression. Two of the most common classes of medications used to treat JA are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). Newer and more effective drugs are also continuously being developed.

If you have any questions about JA, the Wellness & Stress Clinic is here for you. Please call the clinic at (901) 306-5433 to schedule an appointment. As always, stay healthy and stay safe!

–The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team

Sources:

Scoliosis Awareness Month

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While scoliosis is probably an unfamiliar term to many, the condition is more common than you might think. Approximately 6 to 9 million Americans have been diagnosed with scoliosis— that’s about 1 in 40 people! In order to educate the public and encourage early detection and treatment, the month of June has been designated Scoliosis Awareness Month.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis simply means a sideways curve in the spine. This most often develops during the growth spurt right before puberty, and its severity can range from mild to disabling.

In addition to a visible curve in the back, scoliosis may cause the shoulders, hips, or waist to look uneven. It can also lead to back pain and stiffness, pain and numbness in the legs, and muscle fatigue.

Types of Scoliosis

About 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, which means that they have no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis typically presents in children between 10 and 12 years old. However, there are other less common types of scoliosis as well.

Congenital scoliosis, for example, may be diagnosed as early as the time of birth. Scoliosis can also be neuromuscular in origin, arising from damaged muscles (as a result of conditions like spina bifida or cerebral palsy) that are unable to correctly support the spine. Lastly, degenerative scoliosis is a form of scoliosis that can sometimes develop in adulthood as a result of wear and tear on the spine.

Treatments & Pain Management

In mild cases of scoliosis, oftentimes no treatment is necessary. Many children with mild scoliosis can even grow out of it. In more serious cases, though, your doctor may suggest wearing a brace around your torso or getting surgery. Your doctor may also encourage exercise, chiropractic treatment, or other pain management techniques to help manage the symptoms of scoliosis.

If you have any questions about scoliosis, the Wellness & Stress Clinic is here to help. To schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at (901) 306-5433. And as always, stay healthy and stay safe!

–The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team

Sources:

Feeling hot? Sit in the shade and follow these tips to avoid heat stroke.

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After a long winter and cool spring, summer is finally here! It’s time to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with loved ones. Let’s be honest – summers in Memphis can get very hot. To safely enjoy your summer activities, it is important to understand the risks of heat exposure.

Getting some vitamin D can benefit your overall health, but too much sun can be detrimental and can lead to further illness like heat stroke. It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke and heat-related illnesses. Understanding when you have had too much sun and heat exposure can help keep you safe and healthy during your summer.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness. It occurs when your body’s temperature regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It can be life threatening and requires immediate medical care.

What to look for:

  • Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher.
  • Hot, red, damp or dry skin. 
  • A fast, strong pulse.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness. 
  • Nausea or vomiting. 
  • Confusion. 
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Lethargy.

What to do:

If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, here are the steps you should follow:

  • Move the person to a cooler place.
  • Help lower body temperature by using cool cloths or putting them in a cool bath.
  • Remove excess clothes and fan the person.
  • Place ice packs on the armpit and groin areas.
  • Do NOT give the person anything to drink if they are unconscious or lethargic.

*Call 911 or local medical services immediately if the person is unconscious or showing severe symptoms*

Ways to prevent heat stroke:

The best way to avoid heat related illnesses is to take precautions to prevent overexposure. If you’re planning to spend a long period of time outdoors, be safe and do the following: 

  • Drink plenty of clear liquids. 
    • Avoid fluids with caffeine, as this can lead to further dehydration.
  • Do NOT leave children alone in the car, even with windows cracked open.
  • Dress in loose fitting and lightweight clothing.
  • Take rest breaks in shady areas when participating in sports or vigorous exercise.
  • Wear sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen to avoid sun damage.

Heat stroke can be easily prevented by following these precautions and knowing the early signs of heat related illnesses. Below are some resources to learn more about heat stroke:

  1. CDC Warning Signs and Symptoms 
  2. Children and Teen Information: University of Rochester Medical Center- Heat Related illness

June Is ptsd awareness month

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June is PTSD Awareness Month. 

What is PTSD? 

PTSD stands for post traumatic stress disorder.  It is an anxiety disorder that people experience after seeing or living through an event that was harmful. Symptoms can include irritability, anger, dreams of trauma, sleep problems, relationship issues, and isolation. PTSD can be treated, but it may take years for it to go away even after the event occurs. 

Why is this month important? 

Dedicating this month to raising awareness is important on many levels. PTSD can be experienced by a variety of people such as veterans or civilians who have survived sexual assault, natural disasters, or other traumatic events. This month is important because it raises awareness for the disorder and reassures that there is treatment available. Additionally this month is dedicated to relieving any stigma felt while experiencing this disorder.  It is a serious condition, and can be treated. This month we also honor the families and support groups that are helping those dealing with PTSD as well, and honoring their service as care providers. 

How to participate? 

The US Department of Veterans Affairs created a calendar of events of daily activities you can do in order to spread the word about PTSD and its effective treatments. 

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/docs/PTSDAware_Calendar.pdf

Work Consulted: 

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp
https://youth.gov/feature-article/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-awareness-month

Know your renter rights

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Wellness includes so much more than your physical health. As people, we need a safe place to rest and call home. The type of space you live in doesn’t necessarily matter. You could live in an apartment, townhome, house or condo. What’s important to your overall wellness is the way that you feel when you’re at home. You should feel safe, comfortable and like you have a sense of privacy. 

If you rent, how you feel in your home is influenced by your landlord, building owner or property management company. Some landlords are great and provide healthy, affordable and decent rental units to their tenants. Others take advantage of renters. 

It’s important to know that you have rights as a renter that protect your privacy and your home. A healthy rental situation requires your landlord to respect these rights. Understanding your rights and learning how to request fair treatment is an important first step to make you feel comfortable and safe at home. We’ll outline some of your rights as a Tennessee renter below, and will include links to learn about your rights as a renter in Arkansas and Mississippi.  

You have a right to a decent, clean and safe unit.

Your home should be safe, free of noticeable damage and an overall healthy environment. Before you move in, you have the right to visit the property and look for anything that is wrong with your unit. All of the plumbing, electrical, appliances and other materials should work properly. There should not be holes in the walls, ceiling or floor, and you should not feel any of the outside elements when you’re inside the building. All units must have a functioning heater. If you find that your potential rental property doesn’t meet all of these requirements, do not agree to rent the unit until they are repaired. If you still plan to rent the unit, take thorough photos to document what needs to be repaired.

You have a right to request records and documentation.

In the state of Tennessee, a rental agreement does not have to be documented on paper. Agreements can be made verbally between renters and landlords. However, it is always in your best interest to request a written and signed lease that outlines your rental terms. These terms should outline how much you are expected to pay, when your rent payments are due and how long you can rent the unit before you need to renew the lease. In addition to outlining your rental fees, your lease should outline all of the rules you must uphold as a tenant. Understanding these rules upfront and abiding by them will help prevent you from facing eviction, fines or other negative consequences.

Keeping a signed copy of your lease is important for your own protection. Without a written lease, your word is put against your landlord’s if any issues come up. For added security, we also recommend requesting a receipt for each rental payment you make and storing it with your lease. These receipts will allow you to dispute any claims of missed or late payments.

You have a right to privacy.

Your landlord cannot enter your unit unannounced except under the following circumstances:

  • It’s an emergency, like a fire or flood.
  • You are gone for longer than a week and didn’t alert your landlord. 
  • You’re too sick to answer the door or you die in the unit.
  • You go to jail.
  • The gas, lights or water are turned off and it’s your fault (not the landlord’s).
  • The landlord gets permission from a court.

Other important resources:

  • If you live in Shelby County, Tennessee, this document outlines in detail the rights you have as a tenant. 
  • If you are a renter in Arkansas, this government website outlines your rights as a tenant.
  • If you are a renter in Mississippi, this federal government website lists several reliable resources in your state for more information about tenant rights.

National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

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Spring is in the air. But, so are allergies! Learn more today!

Get ready for a sneeze fest.  This month we are talking about National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month. 

What is an allergy? 

Allergies affect as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S. They occur when the body’s immune system recognizes a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. Reactions can be uncomfortable, mild, or severe. The symptoms range from rashes, sneezing, difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous and creates difficulty breathing.  For people with severe allergies, an EpiPen must be carried around in case of emergencies. Common allergies include: Latex, nuts, pollen, or insect stings.

What is asthma? 

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects about 25 million Americans. Asthma causes  your airways to become swollen or inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Common asthma triggers include pollen and exercise. To tame these induced symptoms, doctors might prescribe inhalers and outline a treatment plan for each person. 

Both asthma and allergies deal with an immune system response, which is why they are often addressed together. We hope you participate in this month and learn a little more about this subject to help you enjoy this spring season sneeze-free!

If you are interested in spreading awareness for this month, fundraising, or taking action please visit this website: https://www.aafa.org/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/ 

Resources: https://www.hvrxsolutions.com/may-is-national-asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/

Air Quality Awareness Week

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According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is one of the top threats to human health worldwide. In fact, the WHO attributes about 7 million deaths per year to the microscopic pollutants in the air— too small for us to see, but large enough to infiltrate our circulatory and respiratory systems and cause significant damage. 

Both indoor and outdoor air pollution can be harmful. Fortunately, there are things we can do to reduce our exposure to each of these.

Minimizing Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution

  1. If you’re doing any activity that can generate fumes or pollutants (such as painting, welding, sanding, paint stripping, or using a gas stove), make sure you’re doing it in a well-ventilated area— or even outside, if you can. To increase ventilation, you can open windows and doors and run a window or attic fan.
  2. Don’t allow anyone to smoke indoors. Secondhand tobacco smoke is responsible for many serious health conditions, including lung cancer, sudden infant death syndrome, and severe asthma attacks. Opening a window will not make it any safer.
  3. Reduce fireplace use when possible. Wood burning fireplaces generate much more pollution than gas fireplaces.

Minimizing Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution

  1. Get into the habit of checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) each day. You can easily view this from any weather app on your phone. On days when the AQI is high, you should avoid exercising or spending a lot of time outdoors.
  2. You should also avoid exercising outdoors near any high-traffic areas, regardless of the AQI that day. Car emissions can increase the amount of pollutants in the air locally, and exercising makes it more likely that you’ll breathe the pollutants in.

Perhaps most importantly, you can reduce your personal risk for experiencing the health effects of air pollution by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing any chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and heart disease. The Wellness & Stress Clinic is always here to help with this. To make an appointment, please call the clinic at (901) 306-5433. As always, stay healthy and stay safe!

—The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team

Sources:

Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

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The month of April is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence— a pressing concern, given that an American is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. Every single one of us can, and should, play a role in preventing sexual assault.

How You Can Help

  • Support survivors. First and foremost, believe them and let them know that they are not alone. Offer to accompany them or give them a ride to seek immediate medical attention or longer-term psychological support. Be careful not to pressure them to do anything that they are not ready to do.
  • Create safe environments. Implement or advocate for zero-tolerance policies in your school or workplace. Provide specific training on how to prevent sexually aggressive behavior on a consistent basis.
  • Learn and teach about consent. Understand that anyone who is being pressured, coerced, or manipulated cannot give consent, nor can anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Also be aware that consent can be revoked at any time.
  • Speak up when you believe someone may be at risk of being sexually assaulted. Step in to make sure that the person is safe, and if necessary, get help to do so.

Where You Can Get Help

  • The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). This hotline will connect you with a local sexual assault service provider that will be able to provide confidential support and connect you with further resources. This service is available 24/7/365.
  • The Shelby County Crime Victims & Rape Crisis Center provides 24/7 sexual assault forensic exams (rape kits), as well as other services such as crisis intervention, court accompaniment, trauma counseling, support groups, and many others. All of these services are confidential and completely free.
  • Sexual assault is a crime, and you have the right to decide to report it to the police and press charges against the person who assaulted you. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. If not, you can dial the non-emergency line at (901) 545-COPS (2677).

WSC is also always here to support you— to schedule an appointment, please call the clinic at (901) 306-5433. As always, stay healthy and stay safe!

–The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team

Sources:

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

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The Month of April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

What is Parkinson’s disease? 

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that occurs when nerve cells that control motor abilities die or lessen. These affected nerve cells normally control the production of dopamine and norepinephrine.  With a lessened amounts of these chemicals, blood pressure and motor abilities decrease and often cause symptoms such as fatigue, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance or coordination.  

Want to learn more? 

Here are a few other options provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation to help increase your understanding around Parkinson’s disease. (Source-https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month ) 

  • Events – We have lots of great events of all types. Fitness classes, education seminars, Expert Briefing webinars and more. Join us virtually and you’ll be sure to #KnowMorePD by the end of each event.
  • Podcast – Did you know we have a podcast? Every other Tuesday, we bring you a new episode of Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s. Episodes focus on a range of topics relevant to your daily life, including new medications, exercise, clinical trials, nutrition and more! 
  • Publications – The PD Library is an extensive collection of books, fact sheets, videos, podcasts and more that can help you #KnowMorePD. And, all our books are also now available on Kindle! 
  • Social media – Follow along and engage with @ParkinsonDotOrg on your social media platform of choice for the newest information to help you #KnowMorePD.

How can I get involved in Spreading Awareness?

The Parkinson’s Foundation is focused on sharing more facts with the public regarding Parkinson’s disease. Here is a short quiz you can take in order to brush up on your knowledge: Take the Quiz

You can also used the #KnowMorePD to promote the quiz and others participation throughout the month. 

If you have any questions about Parkinson’s disease, please feel free to call the clinic at (901) 306-5433 to schedule an appointment. As always, stay healthy and stay safe!

—The Wellness & Stress Clinic Team