Click for current information on Mercy Urgent Care openings and relief resources

Top

Mercy Urgent Care

Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Columbus, Waynesville & Weaverville NC

Hurrican Helene Relief Fund donate now

workplace health

Portable audiometer at your company’s door

by

Mercy Occupational Medicine is proud to now offer OSHA-compliant occupational hearing testing in the clinic or on-site at your workplace, using new, portable equipment.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that 30 million workers are exposed to noise levels high enough to cause irreversible hearing loss — and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20,000 workplace hearing loss cases occur annually, with many resulting in permanent hearing loss. Additionally, an estimated 24% of all hearing loss in the United States has been attributed to workplace exposure, according to the CDC.

This can have a drastic impact on the individual, with untreated hearing loss significantly impacting a worker’s ability to effectively complete his or her job. Don’t be a statistic: Learn how you can provide testing for your workforce by contacting Jon Medin at jmedin@mercyurgentcare.org or by calling 828.252.3443.

National Foot Health Awareness Month

by

How often do you think about taking care of your feet? Though they enable us to navigate the world and carry us through our daily lives, feet tend to be one of the most ignored body parts when it comes to health and well-being. So, this April, for National Foot Health Awareness Month, give your feet the care and recognition they deserve — and encourage your employees to do the same.

According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 96,000 foot and ankle injuries resulted in lost workdays in 2018 alone. That same year, the average workers compensation claim for ankle injuries was $17,210 for medical costs with an additional $13,276 of indemnity. Workplace foot injuries were similarly expensive, averaging $15,762 in medical costs and $11,866 in indemnity.

The two major categories of work-related foot injuries come from punctures, crushing, sprains and lacerations, and those resulting from slips, trips and falls. These two categories, however, don’t account for the full and wide range of foot problems that can arise over the course of the workday, which cause other conditions like blisters, calluses, arthritis, severe aches, fallen arches, toe malformations and fungal infections.

For workers, these foot problems are often caused by long periods of standing, hard flooring and poorly fitted footwear, with common culprits being high heels, pointed shoes, lack of arch support and footwear that is too loose or too tight, as well as hot or humid work environments and strenuous work. Hard, unyielding floors like concrete are the least comfortable surfaces to work on and can have the impact of a hammer, pounding the heel at every step. Slippery floors are hazardous for slips and falls that can result in sprained ankles or broken foot bones.

How can foot safety be improved at my company?

While no worker is immune to a foot injury, the hazards differ according to the workplace and the types of tasks the worker does. The first step in developing a strategy to reduce foot problems is to identify the relevant hazards at the workplace and, from there, determining preventative measures for employees. These preventative measures can look like:

  • rotating workers from one job to another to provide a mix of standing and seated tasks — or, at the least, a variety of body positions and motions — throughout the day. This more evenly distributes tasks that require standing or repetitive motions and shortens the time each individual spends on their feet.
  • encouraging workers to rest to alleviate foot problems in cases where redesigning the job is impractical. Frequent short breaks are preferable to fewer long breaks and can make all the difference.
  • creating an adjustable work surface to accommodate standing workers of varying heights. In practice, this might include building a platform to raise the shorter worker or a pedestal to raise the object for a taller worker, providing a seat to rest on or installing foot rails or footrests to enable workers to shift weight from one leg to the other, thus reducing stress on the lower legs and feet. Workstation designs should additionally provide the worker with enough room to change body position throughout the day.
  • properly guarding machinery, separating equipment from pedestrian traffic and installing safety mirrors and warning signs to decrease the number of incidents that might result in cut, crushed or severed feet or toes.
  • keeping a clean workspace to ensure walkways are free of loose nails and other sharp objects.

Quick Concussion Assessment with BrainScope

by

A brain injury needs prompt diagnosis and treatment. But it’s not always easy to detect. That’s why it’s important to get any head injury checked, even if the injured party thinks they’re okay.

Fortunately, Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can screen for concussions and other serious brain injuries with an innovative new device called BrainScope®. A BrainScope head injury assessment is:

  • Fast: An assessment can be completed in as quickly as 10 minutes.
  • Patient-friendly: It’s non-invasive.
  • Accurate and comprehensive: BrainScope is the only device that objectively assesses the entire spectrum of brain injury – including concussions.
  • Convenient: Reduces the wait times, expense and stress of a typical ER visit.
  • Peace of mind: Get the answers you need, and treatment if you need it.

What to expect

Mercy’s medical staff will assess your employee’s injury and symptoms, then place a disposable BrainScope headset on their head. The device measures brain electrical activity and neurocognitive function. Using a handheld portable screen, the clinician will review the data to answer two key questions: Is it likely that there’s a structural brain injury that would be visible on a CT scan? Is there evidence of functional abnormality that would indicate a concussion?

Depending on those results, the individual may be referred for proper treatment or further tests.

Schedule an assessment today

BrainScope and Mercy Urgent Care are here to assess your employees’ injuries, getting them the help they need — fast. Available for patients 13-85 years of age, within 3 days of mild head injury, BrainScope assessments are offered at both Mercy Urgent Care West and Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville.

Brain Injury Awareness Month: Concussions in the Workplace

by

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, at least 2.8 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries — more commonly known as concussions — each year in the United States. About 24% of these injuries happen in the workplace, most commonly caused by falls, vehicular accidents or being struck in the head by machinery or falling objects. That’s why, for Brain Injury Awareness Month this March, it’s important for employers to learn about concussions in the workplace, from preventative measures to symptoms and treatment.

How can concussions at work be prevented?

It’s important to remember that, no matter how prepared you and your employees are, accidents still happen. That said, you can reduce risk in your workplace by:

  • ensuring employees are physically fit to perform a task before assigning it to them.
  • keeping staffing at adequate levels each shift to avoid employee fatigue.
  • scheduling ongoing concussion safety training.
  • keeping the workplace tidy and free of tripping hazards.
  • installing guardrails and safety nets.
  • providing adequate training to ensure each employee understands his or her tasks.
  • conducting regular safety inspections.
  • encouraging employees to report hazards.
  • having a protocol in place for head injuries in the workplace.

What are the symptoms of concussion?

Whenever an employee hits his or her head on the job, they should be monitored for signs of brain injury. But supervisors should be aware that not all concussions are caused by a direct blow to the skull. In fact, according to an article on neurology in Scientific American, many traumatic brain injuries do not involve a direct hit to the head. Any accident or sudden motion that causes the brain to “slosh around in the skull,” such as sudden deceleration during a vehicle collision or fall, can cause a serious concussion. With that in mind, here’s what to watch out for after accidents or injuries in the workplace.

To an observer, a concussed employee may:

  • not be able to recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
  • appear dazed or stunned.
  • forget instructions or seem confused about tasks following the injury.
  • move clumsily.
  • answer questions slowly.
  • lose consciousness (even briefly).
  • show mood, behavior or personality changes.

The employee may report or experience symptoms like:

  • headache or pressure in the head.
  • nausea or vomiting.
  • balance problems, dizziness or double/blurry vision.
  • being bothered by light or noise.
  • feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy.
  • confusion, concentration or memory problems.
  • “not feeling right” or feeling down.

Signs and symptoms generally begin to show up soon after the injury, but in some cases they take hours or days to appear. While an immediate response is necessary for any head injury, it’s important to continue assessing the individual for signs of brain injury throughout the rest of the workday — and for a few days following the accident.

What to do if an employee gets a head injury at work

  1. Be Prepared. The most important pre-injury step is to have a protocol in place for head injuries at work. Supervisors and other employees should be made aware of how to handle these situations so that prompt care can be provided to the injured individual.
  2. Respond Immediately. All head injuries on the job should be taken seriously, and injured employees should be referred to a medical provider who can identify and treat concussions. Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can quickly screen for concussions using an innovative device called BrainScope (more on this device below).
  3. Create a Work Injury Report. Keep a written record of the accident, including pictures, any equipment involved in the injury and witness testimony.
  4. Provide Workers Compensation Forms. If an employee sustains a head injury at work, help them file a workers compensation claim with the company’s insurance provider.
  5. Be Patient. Once an employee is cleared to return to work by a medical provider, they may require additional accommodations such as reduced hours or avoiding certain tasks until fully recovered.

Think one of your employees may have a concussion? Schedule a BrainScope assessment at our West Asheville or Weaverville location.

Heart health at work: What to look for in employees

by

Heart disease is common across all demographics, but it’s especially prevalent among working-age individuals — with increased risk among those with high levels of job-related stress. In fact, according to the CDC, cardiac issues top the list as the most expensive health-related issues for employers, costing $363 billion annually in the U.S.

With heart health in mind this month, and to reduce risk to your company and employees, here are a few signs and symptoms of heart-related issues to look out for in your workforce:

Chest pain
One of the more obvious symptoms of heart-related issues, chest pain can be an indicator of cardiac distress — though it may have other explanations. Watch for employees complaining of discomfort or tightness in the chest. Some may feel a heavy, crushing or squeezing pain, while others only feel mild discomfort. The pain may be sharp and spread to a person’s sternum, neck, arms, stomach, jaw or upper back.

It’s important to remember that the pain’s intensity does not always correlate to the severity of the problem.

Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
Those experiencing chronic heart conditions may complain of shortness of breath, especially during periods of activity or when lying flat on their backs. This is caused by the heart’s inability to efficiently pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Similarly, frequent coughing and wheezing may also indicate excess fluid in the lungs due to heart failure.

Employees experiencing long-term issues with shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing may need to seek medical evaluation.

Pain, discomfort or numbness in limbs
Those with narrowed blood vessels suffer much higher risk of heart attack and stroke, with patients often complaining of pain, aching, burning, numbness or other discomfort in the feet, calves or thighs — caused by poor blood supply to the legs.

If any workers complain of painful symptoms in the legs while walking or exercising, especially if accompanied by numbness while at rest, you may advise them to seek medical care.

Fatigue
Though anyone can be tired any time of day, feeling run down or exhausted with no apparent cause can be a sign of something more serious. If an employee seems much more tired than normal — to the point where it may be affecting their work — it may be time to seek immediate care.

Sudden, severe fatigue is a common sign of heart attack in women, especially when accompanied by extreme muscle weakness.

Heart palpitations
One of the more direct symptoms of heart trouble, palpitations are often experienced through the sensation of a fast or uneven heartbeat. When the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, it may begin beating faster to keep up, resulting in a throbbing or jumping feeling in the chest of the individual.

While not always a medical emergency, this points to a potential issue with the person’s heart rate or rhythm, which warrants a visit or follow up with a doctor.

When to call 911
While the above symptoms alone may not indicate a medical emergency, it’s important to train supervisors and staff to look out for the signs of severe cardiac distress.

If an employee complains of chest pain accompanied by lightheadedness or nausea, jaw, neck or back pain, discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder, or shortness of breath, he or she may be experiencing a heart attack — and emergency medical services should be called.

Understanding risk factors and symptoms of heart trouble, in addition to taking prompt action during emergencies, saves the lives of millions of Americans. To keep your company’s supervisors in-the-know about heart health, including what to do in case of an emergency, Mercy Occupational Medicine is here to help with supervisor training programs that focus on identifying risks, establishing protocols and promoting overall employee wellness. 

To schedule training for your company’s supervisors or to discuss other ways Mercy Occupational Medicine can help, contact Jon Medin at jmedin@mercyurgentcare.org or by calling 828.252.3443.

American Heart Month

by

When tending to your heart this month ahead of Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to extend some love to your anatomical heart, as well.

American Heart Month, celebrated every February, was created to spread awareness of heart health, while also motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease. The world’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease claims 17.9 million lives globally each year and is responsible for one of every four deaths (about 655,000 annually) in America. According to the CDC, one person in the U.S. dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. But, by controlling risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, about 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided.

So what can you do — both for your heart and the hearts of your loved ones?

Eat Well and Drink Wisely

  • Cut out sugar-filled beverages like sodas. Instead, try water with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
  • Cut down on processed, prepackaged foods. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, cheese or nuts contain just what your body needs (and less of what makes it ill).
  • Try to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. If that sounds like a lot, blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies — or get creative with your salads.
  • Meal plan by making large batches of healthy foods — grains and vegetables — and take it to work for lunch all week.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amounts for your age and gender.

Get Up and Move

  • Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times a week.
  • To keep you on your toes, mix up your exercise. Walking, dancing and intense housework all count as exercise.
  • If you spend much of your day sitting — whether it’s at a computer, hard at work, or binging the latest hot television series — remember to stand up and move around at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, climb stairs, do squats — whatever it takes to get a mini-workout in before getting back to work (or play).
  • Take advantage of Asheville’s wonderful hiking and biking opportunities. We live in one of the most gorgeous regions in the country, so don’t forget to take full advantage of our wonderful scenic exercise opportunities.
  • Let technology help! It’s a great time to be fit, with technology like Fitbits, Apple watches and smartphone apps that allow you to track your exercise progress, whether it’s miles walked, steps climbed or calories burned.

Stop Smoking

  • This is the single most important thing you can do for your heart and your overall health — and it’s one of the easiest to do, if you set your mind to it. By quitting use of tobacco products, your heart is already automatically healthier than those who continue to smoke. This one act can reduce or even reverse heart disease in patients.
  • Those around you stand to benefit from you quitting too. If no longer exposed to second-hand smoke, your loved ones will also benefit and have stronger overall health.