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On June 14, 2017, CBC’s World News reported that “5 people, including Michigan health chief, charged in Flint water probe”.   The investigation follows the poor quality of water in Flint where more than 100, 000 people were exposed to high levels of lead.

This topic may not be related to respiratory health but does speak to our accountability and actions as individuals with power and influence over other’s health.

Take the time to review:
-CSRT’s Standards of Practice at http://www.csrt.com/standards-of-practice/ and

-CRTO’s Stands of Practice at http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/Standards_of_Practice.pdf
Resources:

– CBC World Newshttp://www.cbc.ca/news/world/flint-water-health-chief-charged-1.4159883

-CNN-Flint Water Crisis Facts http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/04/us/flint-water-crisis-fast-facts/index.html

 

Farzad ‘Raffi’ Refahi

June 14, 2017

I was given the chance to share my thoughts and views in the Leadership Forum of Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapist in the 2017 annual conference.  I spent few months studying and preparing a list of recommendations to remind managers of ways to improve their workforce (relating to different generations).  In this post however, I will share some advice for employees, staff and students.

As you know, there are several factors that influence the characteristics of individuals such as gender, cultures, politics, race and ethnicity, educational background, age and many other factors.   While individuals are grouped in various categories so they are better understood, each individual is unique.

Check out this quick chart with the list of the recent Generations:

Cohort	Veteran (Traditionalist)	Baby Boomer	Generation X	Generation Y (Millennial)	Generation Z
Age*	74-92	57-75	36-56	17-35	7-21
DOB	1925- 1943	1942-1960	1961-1981	1982-2000	1996-2010
*Age in 2017

Veterans grew up during wartime and scarcity.  In order to survive and be successful, they had to be make calculated decisions, and had to work hard at their job.  Change was associated with risks, which they may have not recovered from.   Thus calculated decision making and royalty was the key to success.  There are few existing biases and negative stereotypes out there which include Veterans being out of touch, Baby Boomers being workaholics, Generation Xers being slackers and Generation Y being demanding and disloyal.     I hope that by explaining the experience and mentality of the individuals from different generations, it would lead to better understanding, empathy, and communication between people.   I like to promote a culture of respects for everyone (regardless of their generation).

Baby Boomers are stereotyped as being workaholics.   Just like Veterans, working hard lead to success!  While Baby Boomers also had to work in a hierarchical structured workplace, they may not fully agree with this Top-Down structure.  They enjoy having more options and more influence in the decision making.

Generation Xers are stereotyped as being Slackers.  This generation cohort grew up taking care of themselves as both their parents were working.  Keep in mind that there was an increase in divorce rates.  It is not surprising that Generation Xers grew up being resourceful and independent.  In addition, this generation was introduced to computers and access to information.  They watched as corporations failed and had to laid-off staff.   With a lack of full trust in institution and organizations, Generation Xers are careful in their relationships with organizations or employers.  Generation Xers are resourceful, calculated, and may not be dedicated to a single employer/organization.  This generation values work-life balance.

Millennials (Gen Y) are stereotyped as demanding and disloyal.  Just like Generation Xers, Millennials are cautious about their relationship with organizations and employers.  Grown up with instant access to computers, technology and information, this generations has higher expectations.  Unlike the experience of Generation Xers, the parents of Millennials provided a lot of options to them, and included their children in more decision making.  Thus, for Millennials and Generation Z, sharing their thoughts has been a normal part of their life.

Generation Z receives similar negative stereotype as Millennials.  Just like Millennials, individuals from Gen Z are educated, enjoy instant access to information and opportunities.

To improve communication and to reduce the chance of perceived disrespect between generations, keep the communication style more formal and proper for older generations.  Younger generation is comfortable with less formal communication and in less formal settings.     Older generations value being heard as they like to pass on their knowledge and wisdom.   Younger generation also enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas despite having less experience than older generations.

Staff, students and employees need to realize that one size does not fit all, and they need to look at things through different lenses.  Everyone is unique.  Each person deserves a chance to work where they feel respected.

This post is meant to be short, simple, and to serve as a reminder.  If you require additional information or have additional questions, feel free to get in touch with me.

Image credit: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Models-Old-Communication-Generations-Phone-1662191

Farzad Raffi Refahi  May 18, 2017

This is the third part to a series of posts, titled ‘Improved’, aimed to assist with development and improvement of Respiratory Therapists and other Healthcare Providers as individuals and as clinicians.

I share recommendations and advice from Mr. Piyush Jadav, a healthcare professional with educational and work experience as a chropodist.  In my conversation with Mr. Jadav, I asked for any recommendations for clinicians who either work 12 hours long day/night shifts/ acute care, and/or to those who work sedentary 9 hours shifts/diagnostic/patient education.

In time for foot health month, this post is released in May.

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Footwear Advice for Clinicians/Hospital Workers

First off, when speaking about footwear; the most important thing is comfort. I have told many patients about what footwear is the best or most appropriate for them. The biggest issue with compliance has to deal with the level of comfort.

When speaking about footwear, at the most basic level there are 3 shapes of “lasts”. A last is the structure on which a shoe is built around.

 

1. Straight last
   1. most appropriate footwear is motion control (high torsional stability,  stiff heel counter)
   2. Most appropriate for patients with over pronation, low arch profile
2. Semi Curved Last
   1. most appropriate footwear is cross-trainer (medium torsional stability, EVA midsole (dual or single))
   2. most appropriate for patients with mild over pronation
3. C- shaped Last
   1. Most appropriate footwear is cushioning/running shoe/minimalist shoe
   2. Most appropriate with patients with high degree of supination, high arch profile

With respect to hospitals, these same examples can be applied. Mesh/net material in shoes is usually not allowed in some departments due to risk of infection and lack of protection. Shoes that are used for long periods of walking in the hospital or clinic setting should not be used to recreational activity. Footwear that is meant for running/exercising are designed to absorb more force due its high demands.

Look for footwear with either Velcro or laces which provide stability to the midfoot as well as the ankles. Slip on shoes provide little to no support and have a shorter lifespan.

The best time to try on shoes is closer to the evening because one’s feet do swell slightly during the day. This will ensure a proper fit.

Also, try to change socks at least once a day. Try to designate a pair of shoes for work only, allowing them to breathe overnight. This will prevent excessive odour and moisture from building into the shoe. Never wear your shoes without socks, this can harbour excessive moisture and may contribute to athlete’s foot.

A typical clinician/hospital worker can be on their feet for 8-12 hours per day. Standing for long periods of time has been linked increased pressure on peripheral blood vessels. In addition, this can lead to varicose veins or “bulging veins”. Some of the first symptoms may include cramping, muscle aches and mild swelling. An inexpensive option to help with this would be to use mild compression (10-15 mmHg) stockings which may help with relieving symptoms, which can be picked up without a prescription from the pharmacy.

Written by:

Piyush Jadav, B.Sc., D.Ch
Registered Chiropodist

Primary site of practice:
Uptown Health Centre
9325 Yonge St Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1V4
(905) 508 -8876

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This is the second part to a series of posts, titled ‘Improved’, aimed to improve the life and work of Respiratory Therapist and other healthcare providers.

I share recommendations and advice from a friend who is a health professional with educational and work experience as a nutritionist.  In my short conversation with her, I asked for any recommendations for clinicians who either work long 12 hours long day/night shifts/ acute care, and/or to those who work sedentary 9 hours shifts/diagnostic/patient education.  I have added relevant resources to some of the suggestions so I recommend that you check out the reference section for additional information.

Regardless of the work-setting, clinicians get heavily involved with their responsibilities and may loose track of time and their food intake.  Nutrition can directly impact cognition, concentration and decision making (1).  My source, the nutritionist, suggests: stay hydrated, eat healthier, plan your meals, have healthier snacks, and give yourself time to adjust to healthy eating habits.

Stay Hydrated. Don’t ignore thirst. Drink water. Carry a container of water with you (at your desk/RT department). If you choose to drink other fluids, check out the 2014 guideline by Dietitian of Canada (2). This guideline suggests a daily water intake of  2.2 L for women and 3 L for men (19 years and older).

 Eat Healthier.  Eat more vegetables and fruits.  It also adds more fiber to your diet (just remember to increase your water intake with it).  Limit foods that are high in  calories, fat and salt.  Consider lean meat or alternatives. Check out Canada’s Food Guide for more details.

Meal Preparation. A main obstacle in healthy eating at work is preparation.  Prepare food in advance:  Purchase, prepare and cut your veggies before it is time to cook.  Use slow cookers or pressure cookers to better fit your schedule.  Cook higher quantity of food than needed and freeze it for later consumption (reference 5).  If you don’t have time to prepare a meal and have to purchase a one at work, cut up some veggies and fruits to take with you.

Snacks. No matter how busy you may get, take the time to eat something, e.g. instead of having cookies and chips, cut up some bell peppers and celery sticks. Pair it with protein such as almonds and walnuts. It is better than working on an empty stomach (impacting concentration and overall performance at work). (3 and 5 ).  Also when it comes to shakes, it is better to eat food than to drink it (chewing food improves the transmission of satiety signals).

Habits. Keep in mind that any behavioural change, including improving dietary intake, requires time and practice. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Rewarding, and Timely) .  Take small steps, keep motivated and enjoy!

Thank you to my nutritionist source (anonymous, so her opinions would not reflective of her employer(s) ) .  Also, a thank you to my followers for allowing me to be part of your  personal or professional development and growth.

Resources and references:

1. Friedman, Ron. What you eat affect your productivity. October 17, 2014. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2014/10/what-you-eat-affects-your-productivity
2. Guidelines for Drinking Fluids To Stay Hydrated. Nov 27, 2014. Dietitians of Canada. https://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Water/Why-is-water-so-important-for-my-body—Know-when-.aspx
3. 10 Nutrition Tips for Shift Workers. Dietitians of Canada. 2013 http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/10-Nutrition-Tips-for-Shift-Workers.aspx
4. Miller, Carla. Changing Your Habits for Better Health. June 2013. NIDDK (NIH).  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/diet/changing-habits/Pages/changing-your-habits.aspx
5. Canada’s Food Guide: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php
   Limit these: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/maintain-adopt/limit-eng.php
   Fruits/Vegies  http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/choose-choix/fruit/tips-trucs-eng.php
   Fast and Easy Meal Ideas: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/choose-choix/fruit/tips-trucs-eng.php
   Planning Tips: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/using-utiliser/plan-eng.php
6. Getting Started: Setting SMART goals.  Alberta Health Services. Mar 2012. http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-getting-started.pdf
7. Image credit. Freepik. http://www.freepik.com/free-photo/table-with-vegetables_889630.htm

 

[End] [Farzad ‘Raffi’ Refahi HBSc/RRT/CRE. FarzadRefahi.com April 02, 2017]