Return to Main Menu

Fall is here, get that flu shot For flu shots, TB skin tests, or  information about health care worker safety, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Children’s Hospital Lobby.   Fall is upon us, and with the crisp air and changing leaves, the time to start preparing for winter time ailments is here. Flu shots and TB skin tests will be provided to employees during next week’s Wellness Wednesday and will be administered by Employee Health staff.   The Centers for Disease Control and JCAHO have recommended increasing the number of health care workers immunized against influenza. Information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5502a1.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-flu.pdf. It takes approximately two weeks to build immunity, so it is recommended that employees receive the flu vaccine no later than two weeks before holiday gatherings, when they will be around family and friends.   Employees who do not wish to be vaccinated should complete the declination form, http://www.musc.edu/ehs/Influenza%20Vaccine%202006%20Declination.pdf and fax to 792-1200. Health care worker safety MUSC employees deserve to work in a safe environment, and it’s important that all employees know how to remain injury free.  Brochures provided by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) will offer a variety of topics including back safety, what to do in a violent situation, working in high temperatures and  more.  Weekly tips from the Healthy S.C. Challenge Healthy S.C. Challenge is a results-oriented initiative created by Gov. Mark Sanford and first lady Jenny Sanford to motivate people to start making choices that can improve health and well-being. Visit http://www.healthysc.gov. Nutrition Boost energy with dark chocolate by eating an ounce or two of high quality  dark chocolate. It provides the right amount of sugar and caffeine to give an instant lift, along with a antioxidant flavanols that can enhance blood flow. Physical activity When taking breaks at work, try walking or doing desk exercises to incorporate physical activity into the daily routine.     Friday, Oct. 27, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.