In today’s workplace culture, testing for drug use has become increasingly popular. Workplace drug testing comes in three forms: pre-employment drug testing, a random drug testing program, or when used to test employees if the employer has a reasonable suspicion of substance abuse.
Reasonable suspicion comes in a number of forms, but often employers choose to drug test an employee if they receive credible information concerning that particular employee having a drug problem (or after a workplace accident/constant absenteeism).
Proponents of workplace drug testing cite lowered accident and injury rates and overall positive results as the number one benefit of screening job candidates for drugs.
While it is true that many on-the-job accidents are caused by alcohol and substance abusers, opponents argue that these injuries can actually increase when workers feel compelled to abuse drugs while at work to keep up with their non-using peers.
Drug testing in the workplace doesn’t just help identify individuals under the influence of drugs. It can also provide proof of a worker’s commitment to a drug-free workplace and the safety of fellow employees and the public. The way in which companies implement their drug testing policies can vary, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of drug testing from an employer’s perspective.
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How to Choose a Primary Care Physician
/in Primary CarePrimary care physicians (PCPs) are the foundation of the U.S. healthcare system, serving as the entry point to all other health care services, including specialists and hospitals. (Over 200 million visits to PCPs occur in the United States every year!)
In most cases, people visit their PCPs more than any other medical professional, which makes it important to choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. Why? Because research shows that patients who have strong relationships with their PCPs (aka patient-centered care) have better outcomes!
[FREE CHECKLIST] Are you asking your doctor the right questions? This checklist includes a comprehensive list of everything you should be asking!
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Signs That Can Mean Your Child Needs Counseling Support
/in Adolescent, Mental HealthSometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between normal growing pains and a serious emotional struggle. Children who are depressed, anxious, or dealing with other mental health concerns often know that something feels wrong, but find it difficult to get the help they need.
[FREE RESOURCE] Learn ways to help your child when they’re struggling with their emotions! Download our free guide today!
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 children (aged 2-8 years) have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Sadly, pediatricians and parents often mistake the early symptoms of childhood depression for normal moodiness or other behavioral problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). So, the importance of early detection and treatment for children with mental health issues cannot be stressed enough.
If you think your child is struggling but you’re not sure if he or she needs professional help, you may want to take a closer look at their day-to-day behavior. Below are some of the most common warning signs that your child needs therapy support.
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What Are the Most Common Addictions & Abused Substances?
/in Addiction HelpAddiction is a chronic mental illness that about 23 million American adults struggle with, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It’s a disease that ultimately affects every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships and families to work and hobbies.
Addiction is not just a craving; it’s an inherent need to partake in that action or substance, despite any negative consequences. People can form addictions to illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, nicotine, social media, and gambling, among many others. Learn more about the most common addictions and abused substances.
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Symptoms of Depression: How to Spot the Signs and Get Help
/in Mental HealthDepression isn’t about simply having a “bad day.” It’s not a failure of character. It’s not because you’re lazy or tired. Depression is an illness, and there’s treatment out there! That’s why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms of depression as soon as possible.
Nobody wants to talk about it, but a shockingly high number of Americans suffer from depression every year. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It’s a real medical condition that affects many people. So, what is depression, and how can you spot it in yourself or a loved one?
This blog will take you through a basic understanding of depression and common characteristics of the disorder. If you recognize these symptoms of depression, do not self-diagnose and seek help from a professional. *If this is an emergency, please call 911 or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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Getting Ready For Your Post-Job Offer Physical Exam
/in Occupational HealthSo you’ve made it through an interview (or two), and you’ve gotten a job offer. But now you’ve been told that the job requirements mean that you have to undergo a post-job offer physical exam. So, what does that entail?
A post-job offer physical is a form of pre-employment screening designed to give health care providers information about how physically capable you are to take on the demands of a full time job. Many employers use these tests to screen out individuals who may not be the best fit for their company.
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What Are the Most Common Mental Disorders?
/in Mental HealthJust like a broken bone, mental illness should be diagnosed and treated. However, it’s estimated that half of those with a mental health disorder never receive the care they need. Mental health problems are extremely common and affect millions of people. Here are some of the most common mental disorders that can affect a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
**If you feel like you might have a mental health disorder, do not self-diagnose. Instead, reach out to a mental health service provider.
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What Does a Chiropractor Do? Understanding Chiropractic Care.
/in Chiropractic CareChiropractors are health care professionals who treat patients by manually manipulating the spine and joints, helping to complement many aspects of traditional medical care. The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerves and surrounding tissue, which affects the function of other parts of the body. A chiropractor is also certified to diagnose injuries or conditions that affect your body’s ability to move freely and painlessly.
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The Role of a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
/in Primary CareA primary care physician (PCP), sometimes referred to as primary care provider, general practitioner or internist, is a clinician who establishes a long-term relationship with his or her patients (and sometimes the patient’s family) in order to provide preventive care and health education.
[FREE CHECKLIST] From general health and medications to test results and new diagnoses, this list has everything you should ask your doctor—and then some!
A PCP’s role is widespread: diagnose and treat illness and disease, manage complex health conditions, oversee medications and treatments, assist patients coping with stress and/or adjusting to major life events, communicate effectively with other medical specialists, and refer patients to appropriate specialist services as needed.
As the healthcare industry continues to rapidly change, with more and more people enrolling in health insurance plans, patients have more choices available to them when it comes to choosing a physician to see for care.
So, how does the role of a primary care physician differ from that of other doctors in the field?
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The Pros and Cons of Workplace Drug Testing
/in Addiction HelpIn today’s workplace culture, testing for drug use has become increasingly popular. Workplace drug testing comes in three forms: pre-employment drug testing, a random drug testing program, or when used to test employees if the employer has a reasonable suspicion of substance abuse.
Reasonable suspicion comes in a number of forms, but often employers choose to drug test an employee if they receive credible information concerning that particular employee having a drug problem (or after a workplace accident/constant absenteeism).
Proponents of workplace drug testing cite lowered accident and injury rates and overall positive results as the number one benefit of screening job candidates for drugs.
While it is true that many on-the-job accidents are caused by alcohol and substance abusers, opponents argue that these injuries can actually increase when workers feel compelled to abuse drugs while at work to keep up with their non-using peers.
Drug testing in the workplace doesn’t just help identify individuals under the influence of drugs. It can also provide proof of a worker’s commitment to a drug-free workplace and the safety of fellow employees and the public. The way in which companies implement their drug testing policies can vary, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of drug testing from an employer’s perspective.
Read more
Acupuncture: An Overview
/in AcupunctureAcupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body. The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) says that acupuncture is often used for chronic pain.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health conditions, from back pain and migraines to allergies and skin problems. It can also help treat anxiety and depression, as well as certain painful symptoms that occur with cancer treatment. Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points along the body known as acupoints, and after being inserted into the body, these needles can be moved or twirled to stimulate the desired acupoint.
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