Nabenet

Please click hereto view a feature on the WorkHealth Initiative which aired as part of the Channel 7 News Broadcast in July 2010.  This feature highlighted the differences between the results of regional workers compared to those based in Metropolitan Melbourne.  As an Endorsed Service Provider for WorkHealth, Nabenet Health witnesses the evidence supporting these results on a daily basis.

Ingredients

500 grams pasta shells (cooked)

150 grams snow peas (blanched)

250 grams cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

1 x 425 gram can of tuna in springwater (drained)

Poppy Seed Dressing

1/2 cup natural reduced fat yoghurt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Method

1.  Combine pasta, snow peas, tomatoes and tuna in a large serving bowl.

2.  Place dressing ingredients in a screw top jar and shake until well combined.

3.  Pour over salad and toss.

Tip – for a change, use diced skin-free chicken instead of tuna.

Source:  Go for your life recipes

An article published in the Herald Sun on 5 July 2010 discusses the results of an analysis of 100,000 new Victorian WorkHealth Checks.  This analysis has found almost 50 percent of male workers are at high risk of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease compared with 32 percent of women.  The article highlights other concerning health trends found amongst the Victorian population.  To view the article please click here.  For more information about the WorkHealth Initiative please contact Katie Riches (03 9819 2377 or katieriches@nabenet.com.au).

The Institute for Health and Productivity Management is holding its annual Congress at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on the 9 and 10 August 2010.  This event is supported by The Health and Productivity Institute of Australia (HAPIA), which Nabenet Health is a member of.  The theme for this year’s congress is “Health – New Business Asset for the 21st Century” and will feature a range of presenters from the corporate health industry, leading academics and researchers and several peak health groups.  Please click here to view the Congress Program or visit the HPM Congress website by clicking here.

Nabenet Health has performed over 2,800 WorkHealth Checks at Victoria University for their staff and students across several of their campuses.  Victoria University is a leading employer in regards to offering their staff health and wellbeing services in the workplace.  As a research-based organisation, Victoria University is well aware of the evidence that shows there are benefits to be gained from having a health and wellbeing program in place.  Victoria University has utilised the WorkHealth Checks in order to assist in the promotion and prevention of chronic disease.  To view a video featuring Nabenet Health performing WorkHealth Checks at Victoria University please click here.

Research from the University of Nebraska USA has found that homemade chicken soup really does make sick people feel better.  It reduces congestion and inflammation by limiting movement of white blood cells that produce infection-related mucus.

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts

2 stalks of celery (cut in half)

4 garlic cloves

2 cups of carrot

1 medium onion in half

1 tsp of olive oil

1 jalapeno chilli (seeded and diced)

1 tbs of dried oregano

700 grams of potatoes (cut into bite sized pieces)

3 medium Roma tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1.  Put chicken, celery, 2 garlic cloves and half the onion into a large pot.

2.  Fill pot with cold water, 4cm above the ingredients and place over high heat.  When water boils, cover and reduce heat.  Simmer for 1 hour.

3.  Set the chicken aside to cool and discard vegetables.  Strain broth into a large bowl, skim fat from top and set aside.

4.  Put oil, chilli, oregano, the remaining garlic cloves (minced) and onion (chopped) into a larger pot.  Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

5.  Turn heat to high.  Add broth, potatoes and remaining carrots.  When broth boils, reduce heat to medium.  Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

6.  Remove skin and bones from chicken.  Shred into bite-size pieces.  Add chicken, tomatoes, salt and pepper to soup.  Cook until hot and serve immediately.

Source:  Women’s Health

On the 1st June 2010 Nabenet hosted the inaugural GOH&SN morning tea in Morwell.  This was a fantastic networking and education opportunity for all GOH&SN members, with three expert speakers from Nabenet delivering insights on:

Return to work planning in light of the legislative changes

-  Purpose of legislative changes

-  An outline of the sections that directly impact RTW

-  Practical examples of how to demonstrate compliance

The importance of early intervention in managing stress claims

-  Common signs of workplace stress, anxiety and depression

-  Common factors leading to stress, anxiety and depression

-  The role of the manager in supporting employees

Bottom line benefits of a healthy workforce

-  Why employee health is a focus for organisations

-  How to effectively implement WorkHealth Checks and workplace health programs

-  What the research says on health and wellbeing programs ROI

Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback, it is likely this event will be an ongoing feature of the GOH&SN calendar.

For more information on the topics discussed please contact Jeremy Rae (Business Development Manager) on 03 9329 3898 / jeremyrae@nabenet.com.au.

Six Nabenet employees attended the 4th ARPA National Injury Management Conference held in Sydney on 16th – 18th May 2010.  Appropriately titled ‘Wisdom + Innovation’ the conference hosted an array of impressive speakers who challenged us to consider health, well being and return to work from various directions adopting a ‘whole brain approach’.  Work is the most effective means to improve well being of individuals, their families and communities.

Professor Mansel Aylward gave insight into how biopsychosocial factors such as belief play a major role in the presentation of illness, recovery and return to work and how cognitive and behavioural intervention methods can shift core false beliefs and increase the likelihood of return to work following injury.

David Butler, author of ‘Explain Pain’ spoke on how evidence based therapeutic education including the neuroscience behind pain facilities changes in chronic pain and disability in individuals.  Click here to read more about David Butler’s work.

WorkSafeVictoria presented on how our state is leading the way in terms of measurement of the impact of occupational rehabilitation involvement in the return to work and how working with occupational rehabilitation providers is resulting in sustainable return to work outcomes.

In summary, for most individuals, working improves general health and well being, reduces psychological stress and facilitates return to optimal functioning.

Brooke Ryan, Injury Management Consultant – Physiotherapist.

WorkHealth recently announced that over 100,000 Victorian workers have now received a WorkHealth check since August 2009.  The following data has been collected from these health checks:

• 832 Victorian workers tested were found to have a very high risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes and advised to see a doctor within 24 hours of their WorkHealth check,
• 39% of workers tested were found to have a high risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes,
• 48% of male workers were found to have a high or very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as compared with 32% females,
• 93% eat less than the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables, and
• 73% reported inadequate exercise.

As an Endorsed Service Provider for WorkHealth, Nabenet Health has seen first hand the number of people at risk.  If your organisation is yet to jump on board and participate in the WorkHealth Initiative please contact Katie Riches (03 9819 2377) to receive an application form.

To view the full article please click here.

This year Nabenet entered 5 teams in the BRW Triathlon, which was held at Elwood Beach Sunday 28th February 2010.  As part of Nabenet’s health and wellbeing program, team members participated in group training sessions which were held before and after work in the lead up to the event.  The training sessions were a great way for employees to enjoy a social activity whilst increasing their fitness.  This is a great example of how a focus on health in an organisation can boost staff morale, fitness and wellness.  Employees have continued to train together and will participate in similar events in the future.

If you would like to implement a similar health and wellbeing program in your organisation please contact Katie Riches (03 9819 2377 or katieriches@nabenet.com.au) to discuss opportunities Nabenet can offer your business.