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| 7 Company Blog |
2/11/2008
Brain Fitness Software Headed To The Workplace
Given the desire of baby boomers to stay in the workforce for years to come, there is growing support that brain health is far more than a fad. Companies are likely to see significant benefits in areas such as productivity and retention through the use of computer based “brain fitness” tools as part of their employee training and wellness programs.
Until now, companies haven't paid much attention to brain health as corporate health fairs typically do not have exhibits focused on the brain. There are some concerns that exercises in front of a computer will bore people or that employees in their 40s, 50s and 60s will feel stigmatized or will view participation in a “brain fitness” program as some admission of weakness. Also, corporate training departments have largely ignored sharpening their employees’ mental skills such as memory or language processing.
The number of workers 55 and older in the United States is projected to grow by 46.7 percent (over 5 times the growth rate projected for workers overall) between 2006 and 2016, according to a December report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given this projected graying of the workforce, the lack of employers’ focus on brain fitness is bound to change. The January 14th issue of Workforce Management includes a Training and HR Technology Special Report titled Retraining the Brain which features the emergence of brain fitness technology in the workplace. CLICK HERE to read the full article.
A Reston based Home Care Organization, Anova Senior Kare, has partnered with 7Company to provide brain health exhibits at the health fairs 7Company organizes for its corporate clients. In addition, Jim Luce, Anova Senior Kare’s COO provides customized brain fitness presentations for a variety of business and community audiences.
About Anova Senior Kare Inc.
Anova Senior Kare is licensed by the Virginia Department of Health to provide in-home care to seniors throughout Northern Virginia, helping them to continue living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include personal care, companion care, assistance with bathing and grooming, meal preparation, errand running, personal transportation, and more.
Anova Senior Kare is the DC Area Authorized Provider of Posit Science’s ground breaking Brain Fitness Program™ which has been scientifically validated to improve cognitive function by 10 years.
Anova Senior Kare 1900 Campus Commons Dr Suite 100, Reston VA 20191
On the Web: www.anovask.com Telephone: 703-621-4825 X-1101
1/13/2008
Today's adults are different from their predecessors. They will live longer, have lower disability rates, and are proactive in demanding higher levels of healthcare. And their numbers are swelling: the U.S. population of senior citizens is set to double in the next 25 years, reaching 72 million by 2030.
Brain health is a major issue for millions of people, even when their brains are aging normally. Many people have heard that when it comes to cognitive health, you have to “use it or lose it.” What’s not well understood, however, is how to “use it” effectively. What can people do that they can feel confident will build and sustain their cognitive abilities? This question is becoming more salient --- and more urgent as the population grows older.
At the Gerontological Society of America's annual conference in November, Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski of the University of Southern California presented findings from the IMPACT Study, the first large-scale randomized controlled trial of a non-invasive, computer-based cognitive intervention for aging adults. The IMPACT study helps to shed light on whether—and how—people can “use it” for better cognitive function.
In the IMPACT study, the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program™ was significantly more effective than activities a doctor might currently recommend for cognitive health. Study participants who used the Brain Fitness Program™ made substantial gains in memory and speed of processing, and these gains translated into benefits in daily life.
Great Falls based Anova Senior Kare is an Authorized Provider of the Brain Fitness Program™ for the Greater DC Metro Area. Jim Luce, Chief Operating Officer at Anova Senior Kare, says, “The Brain Fitness Program™ is another way we help Seniors remain independent and in their own home. Also, the sons and daughters of our Senior clients often find the Brain Fitness Program™ significantly improves their cognitive abilities.”
For more information contact Jim Luce at Anova Senior Kare at jluce@anovask.com
About Anova Senior Kare Inc.
Anova Senior Kare, Inc. provides in-home care to seniors throughout Northern Virginia, helping them to continue living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include personal care, companion care, assistance with bathing and grooming, meal preparation, errand running, personal transportation, and more. Anova Senior Kare provides the perfect answer for Seniors who aren't ready to leave their home for an institutional setting, but need support to remain at home.
Anova Senior Kare 1900 Campus Commons Dr Suite 100, Reston VA 20191
On the Web: www.anovask.com Telephone: 703-621-4825 X-1101
For many of us, the Holiday season is one of the few times during the year that adults and their older loved ones spend quality time together. Here are 10 signs to help determine if your Senior loved one may need help:
1. Personal hygiene problems
2. Home in disarray/needing to be cleaned
3. Spoiled food or insufficient food in the home
4. Failure to manage medications
5. Increased difficulty with mobility
6. Unopened mail or unread newspapers
7. Missed bill payments
8. Unusual purchases
9. Failing to maintain friendships
10. Most importantly watch for signs of change ---- in health, mood, or living conditions.
Concerned families and loved ones should take advantage of the time when everyone is gathered together to initiate a conversation about "what if" scenarios and health and financial concerns. But the many long-term care decisions can easily become overwhelming – Where to live? What kind of care? What legal documents? What financial plans? Who can I trust? Where do I go for help?
Consider using the C.A.R.E approach created by The Parent Care Solution (to learn more see www.parentcaresolution.com ) to allow your loved ones to have complete control over the way their aging future looks. Your biggest job is to just listen and then to help them implement their plans.
By Jim Luce, co-owner of Great Falls based Anova Senior Kare, is a Certified Senior Advisor. Anova Senior Care is licensed by the Virginia Department of Health to help Seniors remain at home by providing in-home care from a few hours a day, a few days a week to 24 hour live-in care. The Anova Senior Kare Partners provide resources to help Seniors and their families address their long term care decisions. For more information see www.anovaseniorkare.com or call 703-621-4825.
Strategies For A
Successful Health Fair
“Displays” Your 30 Second Image:
That’s right; you only have 30 seconds to grab the attention of a potential client. Make the most of those 30 seconds. The rule of thumb for setting up a successful display is to remember the 3 S’s: SIGHT, SMELL, and SOUND. People are attracted to new experiences by their senses, usually first by the visual, closely followed by the smell and then the sound. Start with a brightly colored display (keep it simple) sticking with your business colors is always best-an association to you and your business is the key here. Think 3-D, use different size boxes under a drape to add dimension to your table. If your display consists of mostly handouts, use your imagination…place literature in unique containers related to your business: use baskets, a brass letter holder, kitchen items, medical items – let your imagination run wild and be creative!! For smell, add some potpourri or fragrant oil – available in everything from chocolate to baby powder. Or fresh flowers. Then the final touch –soft music or even the recorded sounds of nature. Whether you incorporate one or all three you are sure to see a response at the event.
Health Fairs by 7company encourages you to have a tablecloth in your company colors and with your logo on it.
Is your exhibit “user friendly?:
Do you make it easy for visitors to see and hear what you are selling? Take a look at where the signs in your booth are placed. Are they in the line-of-sight? Can visitors traveling down the aisle see them? Or are they placed too low, as in most cases? Many exhibitors design their booth for an empty hall, not one full of people. But it only takes one person standing in front of your booth to block out that important sign – when it is placed below waist level. Check it out, you’ll see what I mean. The solution is simple: Don’t place anything below 4’ that you want visitors to notice. On a related note, does your booth layout make visitors physically uncomfortable? The answer is YES if you make them bend over for long periods of time. If you must show an interactive product (such as a computer program) provide a chair for your prospect.
A Welcome Invitation:
Attendees are often hesitant about trying products displayed in the booth. You could put out a sign that says “Try Me”, or “Ask me about a free massage”, or whatever service you may be offering. A direct invitation to get involved is better than making the visitor guess if it’s “OK.” An even better idea is to issue personal invitations to passers-by.
Sales:
Retail sales are not allowed at most health fairs. Health fairs are meant to be a benefit to the employees and you should be providing education and an interactive service if possible. You may collect information from the employees for later follow-up. Free screenings, giveaways, food samples and door prizes will draw attention to you.
Follow-up:
Follow-up is key to your success. Bring your appointment book and set appointments during the fair. An incentive for an employee to book an appointment might be to ask them to donate $20 to you which will be given to your charity. This technique gains commitment from the employee and allows you to fund raise for your active charity.
Be as interactive as possible. You may want to design a health evaluation for prospects to complete specific to your services. Do you send out a newsletter? Ask if they would like to be on your mailing list.
Packing/Unpacking:
If setting up and tearing down your booth isn’t going as quickly as you’d like, the problem may be the way you pack. Pack so that one box or container holds all that you need for one setup. For example, if you have two display tables, pack the graphics, products, table drapes, everything you need for each table in the same case. Then you can set up one table at a time, avoiding the confusion of searching through a booth of half-empty boxes for the items you need. This will also make breakdown easier – just pack in reverse of your set-up. Never list the contents of the containers on the outside- that tells the not-so-honest people what’s inside.
Food and Feet:
Most of the health fairs run over the lunch hour. You cannot always depend on food or drinks being available at the health fair. Bring a water bottle and brown bag lunch. And, take care of your feet. Wear comfortable shoes. When your feet hurt, you show it in your posture and your face. And when you are hungry, you get distracted. Take care of yourself!
Prompt and Reliable:
Have your display set up before the fair opens. Not being ready when the employees arrive detracts from the image of professionalism that you want to convey. And, never leave early. You’ve committed to the event and by leaving early you say to the corporate client that you do not respect or appreciate the effort that’s been made to put on a successful event. That could result in your not being invited to return for future health fairs. Sometimes the best business occurs at the very end of the day.
Copyright 7Company LLC. Proprietary. Written by Jennifer Seven, 703-327-3737, email: Jennifer@7Company.com
1/12/2008
CDC Show Relationship Between
Diabetes and Obesity
The CDC has found a direct link between obesity and the growing incidence of diabetes in the U.S. The CDC study cited below provides concrete evidence of the strong relationship between America becoming more obese and the rise of diabetes.
The prevalence of diabetes has risen 5% annually since 1990, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD). This is a big concern for the Government and Corporations.
“The growth in diabetes prevalence and incidence accelerated in the early 1990s and this acceleration remained unabated,” said Linda s. Geiss, the chief of diabetes surveillance for the CDC. “It is likely tied to the growth in obesity in this country, and if we are going to stem the growing burden of diabetes, we must improve our prevention efforts.”
Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the country. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of cases. Though it used to occur mainly in overweight adults, more children and adolescents are becoming overweight and inactive and developing type 2 diabetes.
There are distinct periods in the rate of existing diabetes in the population at a given time:
· From 1963 to 1975, prevalence increased from 13.6 to 25.8 per 1,000 adults – 5.1 percent per year.
· Between 1975 and 1990, prevalence did not increase.
· Between 1980 and 1991, the rate of occurrence of new cases did not increase.
· From 1990 to 2005, prevalence increased substantially from 26.4 to 54.5 per 1,000 adults.
· 4.6 percent per year.
§ Between 1991 and 2005, incidence increased from 4.0 to 7.7 per 1,000 adults – 5.1 percent annually.
The connection between rising obesity rates and rising diabetes rates starting in 1990 is clear, according to the CDC.
“Using the same data source, we examined weight trends among adults age 20 and over and found that obesity in the U.S. population began to increase at a more rapid rate in 1986, four years prior to the time when diabetes began to increase significantly,” Geiss said. “The growth in diabetes accelerated in 1990, shows no sign of slowing down, and appears to be linked to increasing obesity. These trends highlight the need for continued and intensified efforts to prevent diabetes.”
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 20222; www.CDC.gov
Contact Jennifer Seven of 7Company LLC if you would like for her to arrange a free customized health fair. A workforce that is aware of their health is less likely to develop diabetes. In upcoming issues, Jennifer will share more tips on how to keep your employees healthy. Jennifer@7Company.com 703-327-3737, 1-888-AT-Seven (Toll-free). Website: www.7Company.com When should you get a flu shot?
By Jennifer Seven
The flu season typically lasts from November to April. Most cases of the flu occur between the end of December and early March. It typically takes 2 weeks from when you receive your flu vaccination for it to be in full effect. Consequently getting your flu shot before the flu season is in full-force gives your immune system the best chance to build up your immunity from the flu virus. I personally get my flu shot as early as I can, usually in early October. Why do I get mine so early? I have 3 young children and I have found the best protection I have from getting the flu from my children is to get myself vaccinated early.
There are also “high risk groups” that should get their flu shot early. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the CDC currently recommend that these high-risk groups be given the flu shot as early possible:
- kids 6–59 months old
- anyone 50 years and older
- women who will be pregnant during the flu season
- anyone who lives or works with infants under 6 months old
- health-care personnel who have direct contact with patients
And for the first time, U.S. health authorities this year are recommending that children aged 23 months to 5 years old also be vaccinated against the flu.
Does the flu vaccine work? I personally believe it does and so do many experts. "The flu vaccine works about 70 to 90 percent of the time in preventing infection in children and young adults and about 40 or 50 percent to 70 percent in the elderly," said Dr. Peter Gross, an influenza expert and chairman of medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, N.J.
How many people get the flu each year? Amazingly, one out of five Americans (an estimated 20 percent) get the flu each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and as many as 36,000 die from the infection each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I am getting my flu shot this year as early as possible!
Contact Jennifer Seven of 7Company LLC if you would like for her to arrange a flu shot clinic for you. 7Company also offers free customized health fairs. In upcoming issues, Jennifer will share more tips on how to keep your employees healthy. Jennifer@7Company.com 703-327-3737, 1-888-AT-Seven (Toll-free). Website: www.7Company.com
Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
Need motivation to exercise? Here are seven ways exercise can improve your life — starting today!
Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than old-fashioned exercise.
The merits of exercise — from preventing chronic health conditions to boosting confidence and self-esteem — are hard to ignore. And the benefits are yours for the taking, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing? Check out seven specific ways exercise can improve your life.
1. Exercise improves your mood.
Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.
Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Exercise even reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Regular exercise might be the ticket.
Regular exercise can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular exercise boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
And there's more. Regular exercise can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.
Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.
This one's a no-brainer. When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intensely you exercise, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.
4. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs.
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular exercise can leave you breathing easier.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep.
Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.
A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And, you guessed it, exercise is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. The timing is up to you — but if you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to try late afternoon workouts. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after you exercise might help you fall asleep.
6. Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life.
Are you too tired to have sex? Or feeling too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Exercise to the rescue.
Regular exercise can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Exercise improves your circulation, which can lead to more satisfying sex. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise, especially as they get older.
7. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!
Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Looking for an activity that suits the entire family? Get physical!
Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find an activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!
Are you convinced? Good. Start reaping the benefits of physical activity today!
Source: Mayo Clinic, July 26, 2007
Contact Jennifer Seven of 7Company LLC if you would like for her to arrange a free customized health fair. A workforce that is aware of their health is less likely to develop diabetes. In upcoming issues, Jennifer will share more tips on how to keep your employees healthy. Jennifer@7Company.com 703-327-3737, 1-888-AT-Seven (Toll-free). Website: www.7Company.com 12/11/2007Thank you for entering the 7Company blog. |
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