Tobacco Cessation
Tobacco Use in North Carolina: The Impact on Productivity, Absenteeism,
and the Myths of Vaping
Tobacco use continues to be a major public health issue in North Carolina,
a state historically rooted in the tobacco industry. Smoking rates remain
higher here than in many parts of the country, with 14.5% of adults in
North Carolina identifying as smokers. While the personal health risks
of smoking are well known, the impact on workplaces is often overlooked.
Employees who smoke tend to experience higher rates of absenteeism, increased
healthcare costs, and reduced productivity, all of which take a toll on
businesses.
For employers, the consequences of tobacco use among employees are far-reaching.
Smokers take approximately six more sick days per year compared to non-smokers,
often due to illnesses exacerbated by smoking such as respiratory infections
and cardiovascular issues. This absenteeism can lead to workflow disruptions,
decreased overall productivity, and additional costs for companies that
must account for lost labor hours. Additionally, smokers cost their employers
an estimated $5,816 more per year in healthcare costs continuing to rise,
North Carolina businesses are shouldering a significant financial burden
due to tobacco use among their employees.
As cigarette smoking rates decline nationally, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes
have surged. However, many people falsely believe that vaping is a safe
alternative to smoking. The truth is that while e-cigarettes contain fewer
toxins than traditional cigarettes, they still pose serious health risks.
E-cigarettes often contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, along
with other harmful chemicals like heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
In fact, vaping aerosols can expose users to substances like formaldehyde
and lead, both of which are harmful when inhaled.
One persistent myth is that vaping can help people quit smoking. However,
studies suggest that e-cigarettes are not effective for smoking cessation
and often lead to “dual use,” where individuals continue smoking
traditional cigarettes while also using e-cigarettes.
Given the clear impact that smoking and vaping have on health and workplace
performance, providing employees with the tools to quit is critical. Catawba
Valley Health System offers tailored Tobacco Cessation classes to local
companies, helping employees break free from tobacco use. Investing in
tobacco cessation programs not only boosts employee health but also reduces
absenteeism and healthcare costs, creating a healthier and more productive
workforce. To learn more about how CVMC can support your employees in
quitting tobacco, contact Meghan Harmon at 828-732-6201.
Boost Your Business: Why Investing in Tobacco Cessation is a Game-Changer
Did you know that smoking costs the United States an estimated $600 billion?
That includes a staggering $185 billion in lost productivity from smoking-related
illnesses and health conditions, in 2018. Studies have found that compared
with nonsmoking employees, employees who currently smoke were 33% more
likely to miss work and were absent from the workplace for an average
of 2.7 more days per year. In terms of overall economic impact, the annual
additional cost of an employee who smokes cigarettes is approximately $5,816.
But you can turn that around! Investing in tobacco cessation programs is
one of the smartest moves you can make. Not only will it save on healthcare
cost, but it also boosts productivity, reduces absenteeism, and fosters
a healthier, happier workplace.
Vaping Isn’t the Solution
Think vaping is a safer alternative? Think again. Vaping exposes users
to harmful chemicals like lead and formaldehyde, increasing health risks.
Worse yet, about 3 in 10 adults who vaped also smoke cigarettes. This
is called dual use. Dual use is not an effective way to protect health
and may result in worse respiratory outcomes than using either product along.
Get ahead of the curve by helping your team quit for good! Catawba Valley
Medical Center’s Tobacco Cessation classes can give your employees
the tools they need to break free from smoking. Take action now to build
a healthier, more productive workforce! Contact Meghan Harmon at 828-732-6201
for more information.
Occupational Health - Pulmonary Function Testing
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) works to ensure safe
and healthy environments for workers by setting and enforcing standards
and providing education, training, and outreach assistance. Employers
must comply with all applicable OSHA standards related to their industry.
Catawba Valley Occupational Health offers
Pulmonary Function Testing to help meet OSHA standards in the workplace.
Pulmonary function testing
Spirometry, or Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) plays an important role
in occupational respiratory health surveillance by helping to determine
if a worker demonstrates a specific pattern of respiratory impairment
and to assess the effectiveness of protective measures in the workplace.
When performed on a new hire, a PFT can identify employees who may not
be suited for wearing a respirator or working in an environment where
there are potential hazardous exposures.
What is a PFT?
Pulmonary function tests are non-invasive tests that measure how well the
lungs exchange air. The lungs help take air in (inhale) and breathe air
out (exhale). A PFT works by measuring lung volume, capacity, rates of
flow, and oxygen/gas exchange. These results may be used to evaluate a
worker’s respiratory health and to screen for their ability to perform
certain work tasks in various occupational settings such as healthcare,
industrial/manufacturing, first responders, and firefighters.
Occupational Health offers Pulmonary function testing for companies by
appointment in our clinic, Mon-Fri. and on-site per request. For more
information, contact Debbie Lutz at 828-326-3230
Diabetes Self-Management Training
According to the American Diabetes Association, 38 million Americans live
with diabetes and nearly 98 million adults have prediabetes. The annual
cost of this disease has reached 412.9 billion dollars:
one-fourth of healthcare dollars spent in our country.
The Diabetes Education Center at Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is making a difference through Diabetes Self-Management Training!
- Our program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association
- Post program surveys show that 100% of participants agree our program helps
reach their goals
- We see an average A1C reduction of 1.21% (compared to 0.55% national average)
- Healthier employees help reduce healthcare costs
What is Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT)?
DSMT is an evidence-based standard of care program that teaches your employees
how to cope with and manage diabetes. The program includes tips for healthy
eating, being active, monitoring blood sugar, taking medicine, and reducing
risks. This program is run by diabetes educators who help participants
develop self-management skills and incorporates their needs and goals
into a personalized plan that has proven to improve health outcomes.
Overview of Services:
-
DSMT Group Classes-
On-site, comprehensive diabetes education that includes four, 2-hour classes
-
Individual Counseling- Meet individually with a diabetes educator at The Diabetes Education
Center at CVMC for tailored guidance and education
Contact Us:
For more information about programs or classes, please contact the Diabetes Education
Coordinator, Renee Greene, RD, LDN, CDCES at
DiabetesEd@cvmc.us.