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This article discusses the benefits of physical activity on brain health and emphasizes the importance of integrating physical activity promotion into workplace health promotion efforts. Regular physical activity has positive effects on mental health and cognitive function, and it can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The article highlights the relationship between physical activity and brain health, including its impact on anxiety, depression, cognition, dementia, and other neurological conditions. It also suggests strategies for integrating physical activity into worksite health promotion, such as policy and systems changes, benchmarking, and scorecards. The article concludes by calling for further research to provide specific physical activity prescriptions for improving cognition and reducing the risk of neurological conditions. [Extracted from the article]

One large employer surveyed their employees; with greater than 90% response, employees most frequently describe returning to an office as i ' I pointless'. Employers are concerned with employees' well-being, work culture, employee burnout, and retention. In response to COVID-19, many employers have offered increased flexibility for where employees work, including remote (an employee's workstation is at home) and hybrid work (an employee works both at the employer worksite and remotely, on pre-determined schedules). [Extracted from the article]

Hybrid environments and remote work are shifting how employees in more sedentary positions work during the day and how employers can offer opportunities for employees to be physically active. Additionally, organizations with a higher proportion of employees working from home reported their physical work environment to be less likely to support physical activity by providing amenities such as onsite fitness centers, walking trails, and standing desks.[20] A person's employment industry determines how and when they work. Keywords: physical activity; exercise; workplace wellness; workplace physical activity; remote work; technology; activity tracking; exercise is medicine; community partnerships EN physical activity exercise workplace wellness workplace physical activity remote work technology activity tracking exercise is medicine community partnerships 723 730 8 06/06/23 20230601 NES 230601 Introduction How and where we do our work is changing in the United States across industry, government, and non-profit sectors. These employees may get more of their physical activity at work (ie, occupational physical activity) vs in leisure time, so workplace health promotion programs should prioritize the safety of their physical activity and adjust for other health and well-being priorities like work-life balance. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias among hospitalized patients. Among patients admitted with septic shock (SS), the new occurrence of atrial fibrillation has been associated with an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and in-hospital mortality. This is partially related to further reduction in cardiac output and thus worsening organ perfusion due to atrial fibrillation. However, there is a paucity of research on the outcomes of patients who have underlying chronic AF (UCAF) and then develop SS. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with UCAF admitted with SS compared to patients with SS without UCAF. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the 2016 and 2017 Nationwide Readmission Database. ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients with SS, and these patients were stratified into those with and without UCAF. Propensity matching analyses were performed to compare clinical outcomes and in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Results: A total of 353,422 patients with hospitalization for SS were identified, 5.8% (n = 20,772) of whom had UCAF. After 2:1 propensity matching, 20,719 patients were identified as having SS with UCAF, and 41,438 patients were identified as having SS without UCAF. Patients with SS and UCAF had a higher incidence of ischemic stroke [2.5% versus 2.2%, p = 0.012], length of stay [11.5 days versus 10.9 days, p < 0.001], mean total charges [$154,094 versus $144,037, p < 0.001] compared to those with SS without UCAF. In-hospital mortality was high in both groups, but was slightly higher among those with SS and UCAF than those with SS and no UCAF [34.4% versus 34.1%, p = 0.049]. Conclusions: This study identified UCAF as an adverse prognosticator for clinical outcomes. Patients with SS and UCAF need to be identified as a higher risk category of SS who will require more intensive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mortality estimates from sepsis and septic shock ranged from 18% to 35% and 40% to 60%, respectively, prior to 2014. Sepsis patients who experience subsequent cardiovascular events have increased mortality; however, data are limited among septic shock patients. This study reports in-hospital mortality, incident cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular procedures among sepsis patients with and without subsequent septic shock. Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of sepsis with and without a secondary diagnosis of septic shock were identified from the 2016 and 2017 National Readmissions Database. These patients were then evaluated for the occurrence of cardiovascular events and procedures. Results: A total of 2,127,137 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 66 years. Twenty percent of patients (n =420,135) developed subsequent septic shock. In-hospital mortality among patients with a primary diagnosis of sepsis was 5.3%, and it was 31.2% for those with subsequent septic shock. Notable cardiovascular events occurring among sepsis patients with and without subsequent septic shock, respectively, included: acute kidney injury (65.1% vs. 32.8%, P < .0001), acute systolic heart failure (9.8% vs. 5.1%, P < .0001), NSTEMI (8.8% vs. 3.2%, P < .0001), and ischemic stroke (2.3% vs. 0.9%, P < .0001). Similarly, the most common cardiovascular procedures between the two groups were: percutaneous coronary intervention (0.37% vs. 0.20%, P < .0001), intraaortic balloon pump (0.19% vs. 0.02%, P < .0001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (0.18% vs. 0.01%, P < .0001). Conclusions: Sepsis with subsequent septic shock is associated with an increased frequency of in-hospital cardiovascular events and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worksite wellness programs that target individual employees, rather than worksites, have demonstrated limited long-term success. The purpose of this overview was to describe the theoretical basis for implementing an effective worksite wellness initiative, WorkWell Kansas (WorkWell KS). WorkWell KS is not a traditional worksite wellness initiative, as its goal is to create healthy worksites, rather than target workers. Methods : The WorkWell KS Strategic Framework is based on academic research that identified successful worksite wellness elements that produce sustainably healthy worksites. The curricula were built around the 3-4-80: three modifiable behaviors (tobacco use, poor access to nutritious foods and beverages, and physical inactivity) contribute to at least four chronic diseases (heart disease, type II diabetes, lung disease, and some cancers), which in turn contribute to approximately 80% of the premature deaths in the United States. Findings : To properly address these modifiable behaviors, the WorkWell KS Strategic Framework was developed to guide worksites to first build a solid worksite wellness foundation, which consists of five elements: the wellness committee, exercising leadership, communications, incentives, and data. Once built, worksites are then encouraged to employ a socio-ecological approach to developing a comprehensive, multi-strategy (information, program, benefit design, policy, and environment) intervention, focusing on one health behavior at a time. Conclusions/Application to Practice : The goal of WorkWell KS was to create healthy worksites, which creates environments for employees to practice these healthy behaviors. Worksite wellness committees, occupational health professionals, and others interested in altering health behaviors at worksites have an opportunity to reframe their approach using this framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some research suggests that physicians who are not neurosurgeons can safely place intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors. The purpose of this study was to compare intracranial pressure monitor placement complications between neurosurgeons, trauma physicians, and general surgery residents. We hypothesized that with appropriate training, general residents can safely place ICP monitors. Methods: A 10-year retrospective chart review of all trauma patients that required ICP monitor placement between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2021, was conducted. Comparisons were made between treatment groups. Results: During the study period, 194 patients required ICP monitor placement. General surgery residents placed 94.3% of ICP monitors, 3.6% were placed by attending trauma physicians, and 2.1% by neurosurgeons. No ICP monitors were placed by attending trauma physicians or neurosurgeons between 2015 and 2018. Overall, minor complications during ICP monitor placement included device malfunction (2.7%) and inaccurate readings (.5%). There were no major complications during ICP monitor placement. Post-ICP monitor placement complications included one patient who experienced a central nervous system infection (.5%) and three patients who had mechanical problems (1.5%). No complications occurred among the neurosurgeon or attending trauma physician treatment groups. Conclusion: Most intracranial pressure monitors in our study sample were safely placed by surgical residents. Based on our study findings and considering the shortage and downtrend of neurosurgery specialists, ICP bolt placement needs to become a core clinical skill in surgical resident programs across the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regardless of the occupation or work environment, these changing dynamics impacted how people move during the workday, and employers should be paying attention. This special issue: (1) provides the rationale for building the movement, describing why and how physical activity and fitness contribute to our well-being at work, (2) highlights a new CEO Pledge from the Physical Activity Alliance that is catalyzing change, and (3) includes interviews from leading voices on how employers and employees are adapting to changing work environments and prioritizing their health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic transformed our work environments. [Extracted from the article]

The authors offer a working definition of a traditional worksite wellness model and propose a more comprehensive model. Topics discussed include the five features of the traditional worksite wellness model, the role of worksite in influencing the wellness or illness of employees, and implementation of interventions that are predominantly informational or programmatic.

pandemic. Methods: A 1-year retrospective review was performed of adult patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide. Results: Of the 30 patients included, most injuries involved firearms (37%) and cutting/piercing (30%). Sixty-three percent of patients presented with an Injury Severity Score ≥16, and 37% of injuries involved the head. Upon admission, an alcohol test was completed for 83% of patients, 56% of whom tested positive. Thirty percent of patients died from their injuries, with all but one involving a firearm. Most of those who survived to discharge (62%) were discharged to an inpatient behavioral health facility. Discussion: The current study indicated a large proportion of suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic involved firearms and alcohol use. These findings point to the need for interventions aimed at preventing suicide and substance abuse during pandemic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants aged 1 to 12 months. The purpose of this study was to assess prenatal and postnatal physicians'knowledge about SIDS in a county with high rates of SIDS deaths. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of pediatricians, family practitioners, and obstetricians in Sedgwick County, Kansas. Most physicians reported correctly that there were effective measures to reduce SIDS. Most respondents agreed it was important to discuss SIDS with parents. Pediatricians were more likely than family practitioners and obstetricians to recognize that pacifier use is important for infants in their first year to reduce SIDS and 2 to 4 months is the age range for peak incidence of SIDS. Pediatricians, family practitioners, and obstetricians are knowledgeable about SIDS and SIDS risk reduction. However, they are not allocating adequate time for discussing SIDS and SIDS reduction efforts with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study explores the decision-making process, including motivating factors, for small and midsized businesses in the Midwest to implement health promotion initiatives. Method. This a replication of a study conducted in the Pacific Northwest. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with key informants from 12 Midwestern metropolitan employers with fewer than 1,000 employees. Informants were interviewed regarding their companies’ policies and practices around workplace health promotion programming adoption and valuation. Results. Workplace health promotion adoption at these small and midsized businesses was motivated by three goals: to lower health care costs, to address human relations objectives, and to improve productivity. Low upfront cost was the most frequently considered criterion in choosing which workplace health promotion program to offer. Barriers to implementation included lack of employee buy-in, prohibitive costs, and personnel or time constraints. Aids to implementation included employee buy-in and affordability. Conclusions. This study suggests that cost considerations predominate in the workplace health promotion decision-making process at small to midsized businesses. Furthermore, employee buy-in cannot be underestimated as a factor in successful program implementation or longevity. Employees, along with executives and human resources management, must be appropriately targeted by health promotion practitioners in workplace health promotion efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article offers information on the benefits offered by worksite physical activity policies in terms of health and productivity among employees. It mentions several policies that support physical activities in the workplace such as short activity breaks, flex-time, and walking meetings. It discusses several factors for the proper implementation of successful worksite physical activity policies.

Background: Little is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted older adults admitted to the hospital with fall-related injuries. This research sought to determine if there was a difference in patient characteristics and hospital outcomes among older adults with fall-related injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a non-pandemic period. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients 65 years or older admitted for traumatic falls before and during COVID-19 was undertaken. Data abstracted included demographics, fall details, injury data, and hospital course. Results: Of 1598 patients, 50.5% presented during COVID-19 (cases), and 49.5% presented pre-pandemic (controls). Fewer cases fell in rural areas (28.6% vs 34.1%, P = .018) and were transferred from outside hospitals (32.1% vs 38.2%, P = .011). More cases experienced alcohol (4.6% vs 2.4%, P = .017) and substance use disorders (1.4% vs .4%, P = .029). Fewer cases had subdural hemorrhages (11.8% vs 16.4%, P = .007), and more had pneumothoraxes (3.5% vs 1.8%, P = .032). More patients admitted during COVID-19 experienced acute respiratory failure (2.0% vs .0%, P < .001), hypoxia (1.5% vs .3%, P = .005), and delirium (6.3% vs 1.0%, P < .001). Fewer cases were discharged to skilled nursing facilities (50.8% vs 57.3%, P = .009) and more to home with services (13.1% vs 8.3%, P = .002). Discussion: This study suggested there was a similar frequency of presentation for falls among older adults during the two study periods. Older adults with fall-related injuries experienced differences in presenting comorbidities, injury patterns, complications, and discharge locations during the study periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information regarding the importance for employers to promote physical activity in the workplace due to various benefits such as reduction of chronic disease and brain health. Topics include the release of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), various worksite policies that promotes physicial activity, and an outcomes-focused road map developed by the Prescription for Activity (PfA) Task Force.

The effects of methamphetamines (MAs) on trauma patient outcomes have been evaluated, but with discordant results. The purpose of this study was to identify hospital outcomes associated with MA use after traumatic injury. Retrospective review of adult trauma patients admitted to an American College of Surgeons verified-Level I trauma center who received a urine drug screen (UDS) between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mortality. Patients with a negative UDS were used as controls. Among the 2321 patients included, 75.1 per cent were male, 81.9 per cent were white, and the average age was 39. Patients were grouped by UDS results (negative, MA only, other drug plus MA, or other drug without MA). A positive drug screen result of other drug without MA demonstrated a significantly lower risk for mortality, but longer intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, as well as increased ventilator days than negative results. Results of MA only did not alter the risk of mortality. These findings suggest that patients who test positive for MAs are not at an increased risk of in-hospital mortality when compared with patients having a negative drug screen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most emergency medical service personnel rely on one of two techniques to extricate motor vehicle crash victims; the Rapid Extrication Maneuver (REM) or the Kendrick Extrication Device (KED). The purpose of this study was to compare pre- and postextrication neurological outcomes between these two techniques. A retrospective review was conducted of all adult patients with a vertebral column injury resulting from motor vehicle collision and admitted to a Level I trauma center between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2010. Standardized pre- and postextrication neurological examinations were reviewed for all patients. More than half of patients (N = 81) were extricated using the KED (53.1%, n = 43) and 46.9 per cent (n = 38) were extricated with the REM. Except for the thoracic Abbreviated Injury Score, no differences between groups emerged related to the Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score or Abbreviated Injury Score. There were no pre- and postextrication changes for motor to all extremities and sensation to all extremities using either method. The results of this study suggest that the REM and the KED are equivalent in protecting the patient from neurologic injury after motor vehicle collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]