Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 3 Summer Arena

Arena health

Your health and your safety at work is a vital part of Usdaw’s service.

For more advice visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/healthandsafety

You can download booklets on breast care, the menopause, cervical screening and other health topics from www.usdaw.org.uk/resource_library

Q. My wife and I are planning a trip this summer but we don't know what vaccinations we might need and whether it will cost anything.

The vaccinations you need depend on where you are travelling and your current medical condition. For many European countries vaccinations can be unnecessary, but you should check with your GP. If you are visiting Spain, for example, you may be advised to have a booster for hepatitis A. India, on the other hand, usually requires courses or boosters for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, polio, diphtheria and others. Malaria cannot be vaccinated against but you will be advised to take precautions such as protecting your skin from mosquitoes and taking anti-malarial tablets. Fortunately, common vaccinations such as typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis C, tetanus and polio are usually free. Consult your GP at least eight weeks before your trip. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Q. I am finding myself under enormous pressure at my work and in my private life. It feels as if I have very little control. Am I suffering from stress?

Stress is a serious hazard in the modern world. The HSE describes stress as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other demands placed on them.

The key word is 'excessive'. We all have pressures to cope with but when they get too much then the risk of stress-related illness such as depression, heart disease and digestive disorders increases.

Illness caused by work-related stress results in more days off sick than any other work health hazard.

Your employer may not be able to do much to reduce stress in your private life, but your employer certainly should be taking steps to reduce work-related stress. If your work is adding to your stress levels talk to your union rep.

For more information on stress visit: www.hse.gov.uk/stress/index.htm

Q. I'm increasingly concerned that my children aren't eating healthily enough. Are there any ways of encouraging them to do so?

A It's perfectly normal for kids to want sweet, salty or energy dense foods, but it's essential that this does not get out of hand and that they receive the necessary nutrients. One trick is to put a bowl of fruit slightly out of the way and be seen eating from it regularly. They may well get into the habit of eating this 'forbidden fruit' when you're not looking. Another is to place numerous dishes of healthy food at the centre of the table at mealtimes and let them help themselves - it's more fun. And there's no better way of encouraging a child to eat something than to involve him or her in the cooking.

Q. My friend and I both sit at tills all day and she has recently started getting pain in her back. I'm really scared that I'll get the same. How can I avoid this?

Working on a checkout can be physically strenuous work. Over the length of a four hour shift in a busy store you can handle several tonnes of goods!

There is a high risk of back injury or injuries to the shoulders, neck and arms. It's important that the checkout is adjusted to fit you as the operator. Belts that bring goods to you should be working, the design should allow you to slide heavy items to scan them rather than lifting them and it should be possible to adjust the seat so that it provides good back support. It's a good idea to change between standing and sitting to vary your posture.

Talk to your colleagues to see if any others are suffering from aches and pains. Tell your Usdaw safety rep about your concerns. Safety reps have powers to investigate and to take the issue up with management to get it sorted.

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