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When you’re working with sick patients and have a stress-filled job as a healthcare professional, keeping healthy yourself becomes a priority. During National Safety Month, this week highlights tips for working comfortably and safely – wherever you are.
While there are precautions such as gloves and masks, health encompasses everything including staying physically, nutritionally and mentally healthy to do your best job and enjoy life at the same time.
Here are a few tips on how to stay strong, fit and happy in your career:
It’s important to take time for yourself. Whether it’s exercising, yoga, or reading, take the time to relax and refresh your mind and mentally prepare for the next day ahead. Self care can help you monitor your thoughts and it’s crucial to realize when you’re feeling overwhelmed or overworked. Keep tabs on yourself and remember that recharging is so important to your success.
The last thing you probably want to do is hit the gym after a long shift on your feet. You may have a million other things you need to get done on your time off, but it’s important that you take the time to make exercise part of your routine.
Not only is sweating a great stress reliever, it releases all your toxins. If you have long hours – working 12 hour night shifts – it can be extremely challenging to be physically healthy. But when you do exercise, it makes you feel productive, healthy, and fit for the future. Add a sweat sesh to your morning, it will give you more energy throughout the day, making it easier to tackle those grueling shifts with a smile.
Working weird hours and long shifts can take a toll on anyone. Getting some good shut eye is crucial. Lack of sleep can contribute to fatigue and medical errors. If you’re tired, you’ll make mistakes and even get sick yourself. Your body will shut down and even driving home after a 14 hour shift can become a safety issue if you are so drowsy.
Don’t know how to adjust to shift work and get enough zzz’s? Try a black out curtain, turning off the phone, exercising when you get up, not eating too much before you go to bed, or even watching caffeine intake during your shifts.
You’re busy from the moment you clock in for your shift until you update your last patient chart for the day. You might even find yourself eating out of convenience – grabbing a snack from the vending machine whenever you have a spare second. That being said, it’s likely you aren’t taking in the right balance of nutrients while on the job. The foods you eat are connected to how you feel throughout the day. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, even when on duty, and you’ll be able to power through your long shift.
Bring healthy snacks that are high in protein, complex carbohydrates and low in sodium, refined fats and sugars. Add some water to that routine and you’ll have natural fuel for your busy day!
While nursing is a huge part of your life, and it may define things about yourself, it’s crucial to create a healthy balance of work and a personal life. Make time for family, friends, and yourself in order to reduce stress and promote overall satisfaction with your life.
Nurses have a skill in taking care of others, but it’s easy to lose sight of how to take care of themselves. Practice these tips to improve your overall wellness and get to a happier, healthier you!
KPG Healthcare is proud to be your go-to source for healthcare opportunities in the West, specializing in California. Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!
As of June 1st, it’s officially Men’s Health Month! Whether it’s your friend, brother, dad, boyfriend, spouse, or even boss, show how much you care about them and their health by wearing blue for awareness and talking about how to seek the right healthcare for mental and physical suffering.
Men have health problems – both mentally and physically – and it’s time we talk about it. With a goal to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys, Men’s Health Month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
Take action to be healthy and safe – motivate men and boys in your life to make their health a priority. Check out these different ways men can improve their health below.
Get Some Rest
Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Whether it’s spending time at a sleep clinic or buying products to help lull you to sleep, make sure you’re getting the proper amount of shuteye for your health.
Tame Stress
While sometimes stress can be a good motivator, it’s also harmful to your mental health. When severe enough, it makes you feel overwhelmed and out of control. Take back the the control by avoiding drugs and alcohol – and asking for help. Find the support you need and stay connected with the right people who can put you on a path to ease.
Pay Attention To Warning Signs
Be aware of signs and symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, and problems with urination. If you have these or symptoms of any kind, be sure to see your doctor or nurse. Don’t wait!
Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), or any others you may have. If those numbers are high or low, your doctor or nurse can explain what they mean and suggest how to get them back to a healthier range. Be sure to ask him or her what tests you need and how often you need them.
Get Vaccinated
Everyone needs immunizations to stay healthy – including men. No matter how old or healthy you are, immunity can fade with time. Vaccine recommendations are based on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and your medical history. Don’t know where to go? Find the right place to get your vaccine administered with Vaccine Finder!
Move More
Healthy adults need a little over 2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and muscle strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms. While you don’t have to do it all at once, you can spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller amounts of time during the day.
Men’s Health Month is all about reaching men and their families with health awareness messages where they live, work, and play. Whether that means making healthy lifestyle choices, scheduling annual visits to the doctor, getting educated on heart disease or diabetes, starting general health conversations with your male friends, or just talking to your spouse about mental health, get involved with men’s health today – and all this month!
KPG Healthcare is proud to be your go-to source for healthcare opportunities in the West, specializing in California. Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!
Are you living in the San Francisco Bay Area on temporary assignment? While the Bay Area is absolutely amazing and has lots to offer, you might be itching for an adventure! Whether you want to relax on the beach, spend a day at the spa, go biking or wine tasting, there is plenty to choose from near San Francisco. Check out some of NorCal’s hottest getaways – some are closer to home than you might think!
Sonoma County does not disappoint. With rolling vineyards, a plethora of chic tasting rooms, and some of the best eats in NorCal, Sonoma is the iconic postcard waiting to be part of your Instagram! Combining country relaxation with great food, outdoor events, and excellent spas, you won’t have trouble finding the perfect winery.
Home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, wineries, and scenic ocean view trails perfect for whale watching, Monterey is worth the almost two hour drive. Whether you feel like strolling through the quaint town of Monterey or want to wander around the vibrant artist community of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this road trip will be one to remember.
Just a ferry ride across the bay, go on a day trip to Sausalito for some fun! You’ll find spectacular views, unique boutiques and endless amounts of outdoor activities such as kayaking, sailing and even hiking. Want a great view of the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island or Alcatraz? Relax and unwind in a beautiful setting thanks to the stylish Sausalito.
The location of some of the most famous wineries, hotels, and restaurants, you’ll be sure to enjoy a weekend in Napa. Feel the fresh air by going on a morning hot air balloon ride, and then spend your afternoon checking out the shops, restaurants, and attractions of Downtown Napa!
Only an hour south of San Francisco, the chill town of Pescadero is a paradise with a scenic coastline that just won’t quit. Far from the sting of the city’s farm-to-fork bromides, you’ll delight on actual farms and fork your way through food harvested from the local land – plus, there’s plenty of pie! With gorgeous green fields, crisp sea air, and cozy interiors, make Pescadero your weekend getaway.
Treat yourself to a beautiful getaway in NorCal – the possibilities are endless! Whether you pamper yourself in Pescadero or soothe your soul in Sonoma, Northern California is the luxurious location for all your weekend adventures!
KPG Healthcare is proud to be your go-to source for healthcare opportunities in the West, specializing in California. Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!