Worker Health and Wellness

Cambridge, England – Lack of sleep among U.S. workers results in an increased risk of death and the loss of 1.2 million working days per year, and costs the economy up to $411 billion annually, according to a new report from RAND Europe, part of the nonprofit research institute RAND Corp.

Rochester, MN – A team of researchers from Mayo Clinic recently presented nine strategies intended to help curb burnout among physicians.

Helsinki, Finland – Airborne exposure to metalworking fluid mist and other gaseous pollutants puts both machinists and other machine shop workers at risk for respiratory and skin problems, according to a recent study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Lahti, Finland – Being a pessimist may raise a person’s risk of death from coronary heart disease, even though optimism does not offer protection from the disease, according to a study from researchers at Päijät-Häme Central Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry.

Bergen, Norway – Worrying about heart disease and other serious illnesses may boost your risk of developing heart disease, according to a recent study.

Food allergies, whether mild or serious, are medical conditions that affect up to 15 million people in the United States, according to Food Allergy Research & Education, a nonprofit organization.

From workers at microwave popcorn plants to coffee roasters, people who work with the flavoring chemicals diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione may be at risk for bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible disease also known as “popcorn lung.”

Corvallis, OR – Repeatedly thinking about conflicts between work and personal life puts people at risk for physical and mental health issues, according to a study from Oregon State University.

Omaha, NE – People who participate in a weight management program at work experience lower health care costs and better quality of life, according to a study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Fairfax, VA – The International Association of Fire Chiefs has released a guide intended to help health care providers evaluate and treat firefighters, as well as to aid firefighters in managing their own health care.