Workplace Health Digest Jan - Mar 09
 
COVER STORY

Leading the way to healthy organisations

Dr Graham Lowe, an expert in workplace health and organisation culture and keynote speaker at the 8th National Conference on Workplace Health Promotion, shares his concept of a healthy organisation.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
PUB’s winning ways to optimise employee mental wellbeing

PUB, the national water agency, was conferred the Mental Wellbeing Award at the 2008 SHA Awards presentation. We find out how PUB optimises the mental wellbeing of its employees.
Healthy eating - 2 companies share their journey

Eating right at the workplace can positively influence the health of your employees. Two companies share their workplace nutrition programme with us.
LATEST NEWS
Singapore HEALTH Award 2008

The Singapore HEALTH Award, held on 20th November 2008 at the Singapore Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, saw 358 companies receive recognition for their commendable workplace health programmes.
Smoking costs more than you think!

The Health Promotion Board has launched a new Workplace Campaign titled Smoking Costs More Than You Think!, from January to March 2009, to help your company and colleagues save more in these bad times.

find out more...

Healthier Canteen Certification Programme

HPB congratulates winners of the Healthier Canteen Certification Programme (2008-2009) for successfully attaining certification. Their commendable efforts in availing healthier food to their employees made a huge difference.
Singapore’s premier World AIDS Day concert generates enthusiastic response

Love Amplified-Singapore’s premier World AIDS Day concert, which took place on 29 November 2008, generated enthusiastic response.
Unique mobile roadshow brings smiles to workplaces

Mobile roadshow Use La! is now on till March 2009. Click here to find out how you can bring this enjoyable form of edu-tainment, designed for workers to learn more about HIV/AIDS, to your workplace.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

HR Communication Specialist, Bessie Kum shares her views on being a role model at Pratt & Whitney Canada (SEA) Pte Ltd.

find out more...

 
 
New TYM Workshop: ‘Learning Optimism’
HPB is launching a new workshop titled ‘Learning Optimism’ as part of its Treasure Your Mind (TYM) programme. The purpose of the workshop is to help the individual re-frame his/her thinking pattern, from one that is pessimistic and permanently debilitating to one that is optimistic and encouraging.
‘Food for Health’ one-stop online portal
HPB has set up a new ‘Food for Health’ one-stop online portal for all matters relating to nutrition and health. From the “how-to” of food label reading and preparing meals on a shoestring budget to tips on looking good and feeling great on a healthy diet.  
Empower your staff to learn more about HIV/AIDS
The newly launched Workplace Poster Campaign (2008/2009), aims to bring the HIV/AIDS awareness message to the workplace. find out more.
Seminar on Smoking Cessation
HPB is conducting a complimentary seminar on how to implement an effective workplace smoking control programme. find out more.

Free smoking cessation talks and on-site counselling sessions

Companies interested in participating in the workplace smoking control campaign are eligible for free talks and on-site counselling sessions.

Free Talk on Influenza Prevention at your workplace

Learn how to avoid coming down with the flu and reduce the amount spent on medical bills...

TIP OF THE DAY

Tips on Bone Health / Osteoporosis prevention

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by low bone density and the deterioration of bone tissue, leaving the bones susceptible to fractures.

Although the risk of osteoporosis increases with age, this disease can be prevented.

By making simple modifications to your lifestyle, you can delay or avoid the onset of osteoporosis later in life.

 

1) Exercise regularly
 

Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercises, such as jogging, dancing, brisk-walking, tennis, push-ups and lifting free weights, are beneficial to building strong bones.

Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine for at least five days a week. If time is a concern, you can also do 10 or 15-minute bouts of physical activity each time, to make up the 30 minutes.

   
2) Consume adequate calcium
 
Adequate daily intake of calcium may help to prevent bone loss.

The recommended daily allowance for calcium is:

800mg for adults aged between 19-50 years
1000mg for adults aged 51 years and above, and for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Look out for food products that are high in calcium and/or fortified with calcium, to help you meet the recommended daily amount.

   
3) Get enough vitamin D
 

Vitamin D is needed to enhance the absorption of calcium in the body. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is:

100 IU for adults aged 19 years and above
400 IU for pregnant or breast-feeding women

One of the best ways to obtain vitamin D is from exposure to the sun, for about 10 minutes, two or three times a week. However, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest period of the day (11am to 3pm).

   
4) Stop smoking
 

Smoking accelerates bone loss and increases the risk of osteoporosis. If you smoke, consider quitting.

   
5) Limit the use of alcohol
 

Excessive drinking can affect bone formation and the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Limit your consumption of alcohol.

Make simple changes to reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Start TODAY!

   
   
 
Brought to you by                         
To unsubscribe from mailing list, please send an email to Hpb_health_at_work@hpb.gov.sg

For more news stories and information about Workplace Health Promotion visit our News and Events section at http://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthatwork

If you wish to receive our quarterly eNewletter and updates on all the Workplace Health Promotion activities please click here to subscribe.