School Myhealth Is Here
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
MARINE ATLANTIC EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2015 SAFETY BACK TO SCHOOL // PAGE 2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH MYHEALTH IS HERE // PAGE 6 Working with employees, our Occupational Health Nurses will focus on the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health as well as the prevention of illness and injury in our workplace. Occupational Health Nurses Karen Devoe (left) and Jacqueline Munden (right) // 2 HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT MAKE SAFETY A HABIT GREEN MARINE MAKES A DIFFERENCE BACK TO SCHOOL The Green Marine Program has grown dramatically since its inception in 2008. SAFETY There are now over 90 participating Marine-based organizations. As school doors open, traffic gets a little heavier on our streets. People are back from holidays, school buses and public transit Marine Atlantic’s membership in Green Marine are on regular routes, and more people are walking, cycling or has continued to build our relationships with driving to school. Help everyone stay safe this school year with the companies such as Algoma Central Corporation, following tips! Atlantic Towing Limited (Irving), Washington State Ferries, BC Ferries and Montreal Gateway Terminals. 1) Observe School Zone Speeds Although you should always obey posted speed limits, it is Not only do these relationships enhance our especially important during the school year. Children crossing the profile, they expand our knowledge, including road on their way to and from school can easily get distracted and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls our step into harm's way. Slowing down and being vigilant is crucial peers have experienced. to keeping kids safe. Children are often out throughout the day at recess, lunch, and for certain classes, so it's important to drive slowly throughout the day. We are pleased that our employees are very accepting of this initiative. Cooperation among 2) Obey the Crossing Guard employees has been significant and vital to its Some areas may have a crossing guard in place to keep children success. In fact, there seems to be a genuine safe. If you approach an intersection as the light turns green, interest among staff to do their part to protect the crossing guard may still indicate for you to STOP. Follow the and promote a healthy environment. crossing guard's direction – there might be a child still crossing the street that you can't see. We have learned that most companies who join Green Marine sign on as either ship owners or 3) Watch for Darting Children terminals. We are proud to share that Marine Atlantic Kids are small and easily distracted, and for drivers, this can create is unique by committing to all of our properties, dangerous situations on the roads. Be vigilant and alert behind the wheel – never text and drive! You never know when a small child including four ships and three terminals. might step out from between parked cars or off a sidewalk. Your fast reflexes might be needed to prevent an accident. We are particularly delighted that we received certification for our ships and terminals in less 4) School Buses than one year. Most mishaps take place outside the bus. Make sure children don't arrive too early at the bus stop where they can wander or get into Green Marine is an excellent example of an industry mischief. Make sure children wait well away from the road and commitment to sustainable environmental leadership stay back until the school bus makes a full stop and the doors and continuous improvement, year over year. We are open. Explain that they must walk at least three meters (10 feet) proud to do our part. away when crossing in front of the bus so the driver can see them. When driving your car near a school bus please note that extra caution is needed. To learn more about Green Marine and/or the You should never pass a school bus when the signal lights are flashing (as children are often crossing the road at certification process, visit www.green-marine.org. that time), and drive slowly as a general precaution. Green Marine Makes Us Greener! http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201009-en.aspx Strait Talk // September 2015 HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT // 3 BACK TO SCHOOL NUTRITION TIPS As we prepare to send our kids back to school for the busy BERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE month of September, we must remember that the menu we serve fuels their active minds and bodies. As hard as it may be 2 cups frozen mixed berries for some children to crawl out of bed in the morning, a powerful 1 cup strawberry yogurt mind starts with a nutritious breakfast! Keep these back-to- 1 banana, sliced school basics in mind to help your kids achieve their best in 1 cup of milk the school year ahead! ½ teaspoon of sugar (optional) HEALTHY BREAKFAST BLEND and ENJOY! Makes about 4 servings. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By the time a child awakens for school, he/she most likely has gone ten hours Health Canada or more without anything to eat. Eating a healthy breakfast www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php provides children with energy to start their day and essential nutrients for healthy growth and development. Eating a healthy breakfast is associated with improved memory, better test scores, attendance and overall improved behavior. Skipping breakfast often leads to trouble concentrating and tiredness. A balanced breakfast includes food from at least three of the four food groups. Some quick and easy ideas are listed here. Check out Canada’s food guide for more suggestions. Veggies and Fruits • bananas, frozen blueberries, cucumber, canned fruit Grain Products whole grain cereals, whole wheat tortillas, oatmeal, • whole wheat toast Milk and alternatives • yogurt, smoothies, cottage cheese Meat and alternatives • eggs, almonds, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter // 4 Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being WE ARE PROUD TO LAUNCH MYHEALTH, A WELLNESS PROGRAM and not merely THAT HAS BEEN CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR OUR EMPLOYEES. the absence of disease. The primary focus of myhealth is to keep our employees healthy. In support of the launch, and as part of the wellness program, activities, events and education WORLD HEALTH sessions will be organized throughout the year. Our goal is to provide employees ORGANIZATION (WHO), with the understanding and knowledge necessary to live a healthy lifestyle – 1946 mentally, physically and emotionally. Employees will have access to an MAI Occupational Health Nurse to provide guidance, education and support in health related matters. What is a workplace wellness program? Our new workplace wellness program is an organized program that includes access to medical professionals as well as other support programs designed to support all employees to adopt and sustain behaviours that reduce health risks, improve quality of life and enhance personal effectiveness. That will benefit the organization overall through a healthier, more engaged workforce. Why should every employee take advantage of our new workplace wellness program? We all have some sort of health risk to varying degrees, whether it’s unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or sleep, drinking, smoking, or even a genetic condition such as diabetes. Taking advantage of our workplace wellness program through educational sessions we will be offering, or by contacting one of our nurses on staff, can help you to make positive changes. Not only will you be more able to complete your everyday responsibilities here at work, you will have more energy to give to your family and friends when you get home. As our workplace wellness program evolves, we will promote different sessions that may be relevant to you and help you to get healthier. This could simply be learning how to reduce stress and muscle strain when you are on the job, cope with holiday stress or keep physically active during the winter season. Strait Talk // September 2015 // 5 The primary focus of myhealth is to keep our employees healthy. We will also be hosting clinics and individual sessions to assist you in meeting weight loss goals, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and achieving healthier sleep. Sometimes all you need is a little motivation, so our nurses will be here to help you get started. Can I contact our Occupational Health Nurses directly? Absolutely. Please contact Karen or Jacqueline directly concerning your health questions. Your personal health information will be confidential. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSES CONNECT Karen Devoe, BN RN COHN(C) [email protected] North Sydney 902-794-6089 Jacqueline Munden, BN RN [email protected] Port aux Basques 709-695-4394 // 6 Argentia Update Top Row, L-R: John Le Riche; Roxanne Lake, Tara Greene, Leo Duke, Theresa Power, Brian Griffin; Captain Barry Noel. Bottom Row: Brendan Whiffen, Allan Griffiths Argentia Having Another Great Summer Season After 11 years as Terminal Manager in Argentia, John LeRiche has witnessed significant change which has translated into a stronger and much more positive experience for customers. From new investments, infrastructure upgrades, and a hard-working dedicated team of professionals on the ground, John is very proud of what his team has accomplished together during his time in Argentia. John recently announced that this would be his last summer Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed over his 11 years, as Argentia Terminal Manager as he prepares to retire at the John highlights how the camaraderie of the staff has grown, end of November, but you can see the pride in his face when employees have become closer and people really enjoy discussing his 11 years at the terminal. One thing is for certain, showing up at work every day. "We have a fabulous working he has plenty of positive words for the people he works with relationship with each other and with the vessel which makes day in and day out.