Category: Health & Wellness

Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feet…

Turns out, this fun little saying from my childhood doesn’t work anymore since no one should be getting close enough to smell our feet.  In all seriousness, trick-or-treating presents some new challenges this year due to COVID-19. We wanted to share some tips courtesy of the CDC:

• Trick-or-Treat at home. Hide treats around the house so the little people in your life still get a treat without the potential threat of COVID.
• If you decide to Trick-or-Treat, incorporate a mask into your costume. Consider going as a doctor or a nurse – they’re the true super heroes this year anyway!
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone not in your direct household.
• If you’re handing out treats, consider setting up outside or putting out individually bagged treats for kids to grab (no contact required).
• Wash hands before handling/eating any treats.

No matter how you celebrate this weekend, have fun and be safe. Take the ‘h’ out of the ‘threat’ of COVID and go with a ‘treat’ instead.

… Gimme something good to eat!

PMG wants to break up the bland monotony of the brown bag by improving break time for the American workforce one lunchbox at a time. No matter where it happens, production is powered by people who are fueled by food. We want you to feed yourself with something that makes you feel better and we have tips, tricks, and recipes to make that possible! If you missed last month’s lunchbox hack, check it out on our blog page now.

Tip

Break time, COVID restrictions in the cafeteria, and questionable cleanliness for the microwave and other communal appliances can cause more complications during lunchtime. With all of this in mind, it’s important to keep your meal prep simple. When cooking dinner at home, make enough to use those ingredients for lunch the next day.

Pro Tip: Pre-cooking meals is even more convenient if you can eat your ingredients without reheating.

Trick

Put it on a stick. Here in Minnesota, home of the largest state fair in America (you heard that right, Texas!) we know that literally anything is better when served on a skinny piece of wood, bamboo, or metal (like these flexible skewers). The same principle applies to your lunchbox. No matter what you ate the night before, we promise it will prep, pack, and eat better from a stick the next day. Just think deconstructed- Taco Tuesday with the family sounds a lot like Southwest Skewers the next day for lunch.

Recipe

If you consider yourself to be a steak and potatoes person, try this easy 3-step kabob recipe \ for dinner. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, consider some meat-less protein alternatives in lieu of steak and also read our How It’s Made blog on plant-based burgers. Either way, be sure to make enough so you can pack some for an all-in-one, no-heat lunch the next day. However, you might get some envious stares from your coworkers. Maybe think about bringing extras!

Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate

We’re on a mission to improve break time for the American workforce one lunchbox at a time. From the shop to the warehouse to the field, production is powered by people who are fueled by food. We’re sure most of us would appreciate something better in our brown bags. If you missed last month’s lunchbox hack, check it out on our blog page now. But, if you liked what you learned (or you’re just tired of the same old same old), read on to harvest the fruits of our (admittedly delicious) labor.

Lunch Tip

A balanced meal is important, but so is proper rest. It’s no surprise then that most of us pass on packing a proper lunch in favor of one more press of the snooze button every morning. It doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition though! Pack your lunch the evening before (during other meal prep or clean up) and you’ll always be ready to walk out the door in the morning!

Trick

Freeze your fruits and veggies. Many lunchboxes are insulated (like this classic from Stanley) but most still need something to keep them cool. Ice melts and makes a mess while freezer packs take up space better used for food. If you want to keep your produce fresh, freeze it the night before and use it in lieu of ice. Your lunch will be fresh at break and you won’t have to sacrifice items or eat them soggy.

Recipe

Try this Watermelon, Tomato, and Cheese Salad recipe from Food.com. Watermelon and tomato are both great foods to help you hydrate. This a perfect meal for those looking to beat the summer heat at work too!

Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate

Heat-related illnesses are a real thing and a big concern both on a personal level and a professional level. If you find yourself working in hot weather or hot environments, whether outside or at your place of employment, the items below are important for you to consider to ensure you stay safe while working.

Symptoms of Heat Stress/Exhaustion/Stroke

• Extremely high body temperature
• Hot, dry, skin – an inability to cool the body through perspiration may cause the skin to feel dry
• Increased heart and respiration rates as blood pressure drops and the heart attempts to maintain adequate circulation
• Throbbing headache, nausea or vomiting due to dehydration
• Weakness, fainting, or dizziness – especially if standing position is assumed quickly – due to low blood pressure from dehydration
• Muscle cramps
• Dark-colored urine – a sign of dehydration
• Confused, hostile, or seemingly intoxicated behavior
• Pale or bluish skin color in advanced cases due to constricted blood vessels
• Seizures or unconsciousness

If you are experiencing Heat Stress symptoms, follow the steps below:

1. Notify your supervisor immediately. If he/she is not around, notify a co-worker.
2. Sit down if you’re standing
3. Move to a cooler or air-conditioned environment
4. Loosen clothing
5. Drink water!

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How to Avoid Heat Stress/Exhaustion/Stroke

Drink Water

A glass first thing in the morning is great for you. Then drink it frequently throughout the day. If you think you’ve had a lot, you can probably have more!

If water gets boring, try the following:

• Coconut water
• Add electrolyte powders
• Add fruit or cucumber
• Freeze cubes of no-sugar added juice then add to your water
• Drink hot tea or ice it down
• Add water enhancers
• Look for those with limited to no added sugars, limited to no caffeine, and be careful to consider sodium levels, if needed
• Mix in sports drinks (like Gatorade) but not too many

Avoid and/or Limit These Beverages

• Pop or Soda
• Lemonade
• Energy Drinks
• Sweet Tea
• Too Much Coffee
• Hot Cocoa
• Beer, Wine, Liquor
• Flavored Milk

Eat Water-Rich Foods

• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Peaches
• Apples
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Cabbage
• Bell Peppers
• Zucchini
• Celery
• Plain yogurt
• Skim Milk
• Lower Sodium Broths and Soups
• Cottage Cheese

Get Rest

It is critical that the body rests and receives an appropriate amount of sleep each evening. This includes taking it easy before and after work as well as ensuring you sleep the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep each evening.

Keep in Mind

• Sweat cools the body when it evaporates. The more you sweat, the more fluids you need.
• Check your urine – it should be pale yellow and clear. If it’s darker, you are likely dehydrated.
• Take cool showers if possible. This limits sweating and thus keeps you hydrated.
• By the time you’re thirsty, you are already 2% hydrated.
• Drink hydrating fluids frequently and consistently, rather than large amounts at limited times. This maintains consistent hydration.
• Avoid excessive amounts of sodium/salt. Sodium acts as a binder and maintains fluids within your body but too much sodium/salt can hold excess amounts of fluids which creates a burden on your hear. It also increase your blood pressure and increase risk of stroke.
• What you do today affects today, tomorrow, and each day. Be consistent at staying hydrated.

Kim Mooney, Technical Manager & Coach

After decades spent in fields, at shops, and on job sites, I know that food options can be limited for those in the trades trying to fuel themselves through yet another long shift. The reality is that S⁴L (Sandwich, Soup, Salad, Snack, and Leftovers) can get expensive, unhealthy, and boring quickly. But don’t worry, PMG isn’t just about the work; we’re here for you in regards to food too.

If you’re wondering what this has to do with America’s manufacturing workforce, check out our latest webinar (hosted by yours truly) on the importance of healthy habits for those working in manufacturing to learn more. But, the upshot is, starting today, we will provide a monthly recipe, as well as tips and tricks, to help spice up your lunchbox.

Lunchbox Tip

When trying to make a meal-time masterpiece for your next lunch break, it’s important to remember the four E’s:

Effective (as in cost)

Easy (to make)

Exciting (at least kind of, that is the idea here anyway)

health-E (ok, I know I’m stretching it now, but you get the point).

Trick

Sauce it up. You and I both know those celery sticks got packed because your doctor says you need to mix in more fiber, but that doesn’t mean you have to hate it. A little dipping sauce can go a long way and you don’t have to worry about spilling now either with a handy travel ramekin like this one from Kitchen Dance.

Recipe

Checkout this Crunchy Peanut Butter Wrap recipe from Food.com if you want a modern twist on the brown bag classic PB&J for 2020. You’d be nutty not to!

Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate 

I’ve worked in a few manufacturing facilities throughout my career and no matter where I’ve been, management always tooted their horn about how important safety was.  I’ve heard the slogans: ‘No Safety – Know Pain’, ‘Accidents Hurt.  Safety Doesn’t.’, ‘Safety Starts With YOU!’.  I’ve heard the talk, but I haven’t always believed it was as important as it should have been (and I’m certain I wasn’t alone in my skepticism).

PMG’s Summer of Safety Series

While PMG corporate employees aren’t working in a manufacturing facility most days, safety still needs to be a priority for us. This said, we’re taking the summer to turn our focus to the importance of safety in ANY workplace.

So far, we’ve developed an emergency evacuation map, defined tornado shelter space, watched a video preparing us for an active shooter situation, had the Bloomington fire inspectors teach us how to properly use a fire extinguisher, and participated in a self-defense class provided by Krav Maga Minneapolis.

Looking for more information on safety in the workplace, read our article on Dealing with Legalized Marijuana in Today’s Workplace.

Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

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As the summer starts to wind down, our focus will be shifting to injuries that our employees have experienced out in the field.  With that, I wanted to take a minute to talk about staying safe during extreme heat (while I dream of snow, comfy sweatshirts, and the LONG winter ahead):

• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes
• Eat light – the more calories you take in, the more body heat you produce
• Hydrate and drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Drink at least 8 ounces of fluid per half hour
• Avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine, or large amounts of sugar
• Choose the proper type and amount of clothing – cotton and linen allow skin to breathe and absorb sweat
• Take frequent breaks in shady areas
• Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors
• If you take medicines regularly, ask your doctor for advice about hot-weather activity and your risk of getting a heat-related illness
• Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies

Read more on the National Safety Council’s website

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat

Enjoy what is left of the summer while it flies by and be safe in the process!

Beth Bangtson, HR Manager

PMG Leadership recognizes we need to have happy and healthy employees in order to meet our company goals. Last year, PMG rolled out a Wellness Program which gives each employee a monthly allowance to go towards any wellness activity in the following categories: physical/mental, career, social, community or financial.

Some great examples of ways current employees utilize this program are as follows; gym memberships, counseling, nutritionist, chiropractor, networking groups, book clubs, sports teams, volunteer events, free Little Library construction, financial advisor, estate/will planning and so much more! This is a great benefit and we encourage every employee to take advantage and sign up!

In addition to a monthly allowance, PMG also gives each employee a Fitbit. This Fitbit is used for healthy competition around the office and to promote activity in-and outside the workplace.  For example, our most recent competition was based on who could get the most steps in Q2. This quarter alone our office walked 8,420,929 steps! We had 6 team members that walked over 500,000 steps.

Our two winners are Kathy, who walked 1,083,981 steps and Wally, who walked 1,018,969 steps! Congratulations to you both!

PMG has seen fantastic results from the implementation of the wellness program. Studies show that promoting work-life balance increases retention rates and productivity of employees. The wellness program has also increased employee engagement. For Q3 the office is competing together in a new step challenge. Since Minnesota is the home of 11,842 lakes, each team member has a daily step goal of 11,842 and 30 active minutes per day. Let the walking begin!