Worker Health and Wellness

Minneapolis – People with chronic low back pain are more likely to use illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota.

Davis, CA – Drinking more water at work may help you avoid the temptations of “food altars” such as birthday cake, donuts or other junk food placed in common areas, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis.

Baton Rouge, LA – Service industry workers in Louisiana report a higher prevalence of poor health, chronic health conditions, and risk factors such as smoking and binge drinking than all other workers in the state, according to an analysis conducted by the state’s Occupational Health and Injury Surveillance Program.

Blacksburg, VA – Employee anxiety over management’s expectations for monitoring email during non-work hours causes “anticipatory stress” that can negatively impact worker well-being and job performance, according to research from Virginia Tech.

Durham, NC – Many people begin to experience physical decline when they are in their 50s, indicating a need to work on maintaining or improving strength and endurance earlier in life, according to a new study from Duke University.

Olympia, WA – Workers are spending more time on computers and, as a result, the percentage of office workers with musculoskeletal issues is increasing, according to an ergonomics evaluation study conducted by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Amsterdam – Men who get too much or too little sleep could be at greater risk of developing diabetes, according to a new study from the VU Medical Centre in Amsterdam.

Boston – A recent survey of U.S. workers shows 16 percent believe their job is having a negative impact on their health – with stress topping the list.

Silver Spring, MD – Caffeine found in coffee, tea and soft drinks doesn’t appear to be enough to ward off the negative effects of getting too little sleep over several consecutive nights, according to a study from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

Columbus, OH – Have you been experiencing knee, hip or back pain? “Dormant butt syndrome” – a condition found among people with weak gluteal muscles and tight hip flexors – is a possible cause, according to experts from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.