Phoenix Occupational Medicine

We regularly talk about the Health Benefits of Good Work, but what happens when you retire? Volunteering! A recent study by Seoyoun Kim and colleagues suggests frequent volunteering (1-49 hours / year and 200+ hours / year) may lead to decelerated epigenetic aging. This study examined the impact of formal volunteering on epigenetic 'clocks'. Epigenetic clocks are tools used to estimate how fast or slow someone is aging bioloigically compared to their chronological age. The study findings suggested volunteering was beneficial for older adults. Why? This study wasn't designed to tell us a cause, but the authors suggest volunteering may lead to: 🚶♀️ Increased physical activity 🙏 A sense of meaning and purpose 🧠 Cognitive engagement and knowledge acquisition 👯 Social interactions Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/gh3eFHVK

'Just what I wanted!' Said no-one, to the 'gift' of a few additional kilograms on the scales. 'But - if it's just a few extra kgs, where is the harm?', you ask. Recent Australian research on the impact of small weight gains in men (roughly 3 kg), shows an increased risk of back pain and disability. The study, led by Professor Anita Wluka, from the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, examined men with no or low-intensity back pain and disability between 2006–2010 within the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Professor Wluka commented on the importance of the study (on the Monash website), stating "...in men of the working age group (45–74 years), the prevalence of back problems including back pain is higher in Australia and they are off work longer – so predictive factors for back pain need to be examined in men and women separately and can provide clinicians with risk factors to look out for." The impact of body weight on work fitness is often a reason Phoenix Occupational Medicine clinicians get involved to assist workers and employers as part of a Health Improvement Plan. Questions? Reach out to our team on 07 3333 2222. For more details on the full paper: Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle: Body Composition and Incident High-Intensity Back Pain and/or High Disability: A 10-Year Prospective Population-Based Male Cohort. DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.1364.

"Really? We can just send our candidates to your clinic in the city?" When we're assisting clients nationally with their pre-employment medicals, we sometimes forget to remind them - we also deliver pre-employment medicals in our own clinic here in Brisbane's CBD. Here's a quick video, showcasing the options. 📞 Contact our team on 3333 2222 for more information.

This picture tells you our ‘why’ for providing quality health surveillance. There are changes to your ‘why’ - coming in 2025. Did you know that in Queensland, from 29 July 2025, you must provide audiometric testing for workers who are required to use personal protective equipment to protect themselves from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard? This testing must be provided to the worker: 📆 within 3 months of the worker commencing work, and 📅 at least once every two years. ⏰ You've got time to get ready - contact our team today https://lnkd.in/e6Y5nnAD

It's been a busy time in our offices these past few months: ☑️ ISO 9001 ✅ ISO 27001 ☑️ SafeWork Month And now we're pleased to share our new website with a fresh new look. The original site was built back in 2019, and the business and world have gone through significant change since then. Take a look at our new site - built for us by the wonderful team over at Vine Digital. https://lnkd.in/gCKJ6Ams

From soaring temperatures to working with hazardous substances, agricultural workers face a range of risks in their jobs. Adding to this the mental challenges of operating a business in uncertain times - and its clear working on a farm is not an easy role.   In fact, Safe Work Australia data indicates tragically 30 people died in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry this year to date.   As an organisation with connections to many people in this sector, we’re passionate about keeping farmers well. Get in touch or explore our website (https://lnkd.in/gCKJ6Ams) to learn about the ways we can assist you.

Work from home (WFH) is a hot topic right now. Love it or hate it, it is here to stay in one form or another. This week ABC News shared a South Australian Employment Tribunal ruling, which is likely to have struck fear in employers who grant WFH. Understanding the benefits of WFH, alongside the risks of WFH are integral to determining how to proceed. At Phoenix Occupational Medicine, our team can deliver a webinar to your team - "Work from home - What to be aware of. " Speak to us today about presenting this webinar to your workforce. connect@phoenixoccmed.com.au or 07 3333 2222. https://lnkd.in/gyTaiPcq

With bushfire and heatwave warnings hitting the Queensland news headlines, it is a timely reminder to ensure that you know how to manage heat related illness. Heat related injury is prevalent in babies, the elderly, breastfeeding people, asthmatics and people who work in heat extremes. Take care to stay cool when possible, wear appropriate clothing, use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and check in on each other. SafeWork Australia's advice for first aid for heat injuries is a must read for all. https://lnkd.in/gkKDpEYn

Today I had the pleasure of listening to Dr Sid O'Toole deliver a presentation - Fear as a Barrier to Return to Work. This presentation highlights the complex nature of injury recovery, and deep dives on the barriers of return to work. If you would like us to deliver this to your managers please reach out to us via connect@phoenixoccmed.com.au or 07 3333 2222. Don't take my word for it though - the feedback from the attendees really does say it all.

Beaches. Tropics. Sunshine. Picnics. Four words that bring to mind how lovely Queensland can be during summer. Storms. Humidty. Heat. Mould. Four words that all Queenslanders dread. This article from ABC highlights some of the less enticing elements of living in Queensland. Mould isn't just an issue for shoes (and other clothing), it can have serious health consequences in homes, and at work. If you are concerned about mould - and other summer related issues - impacting your workforces, contact the team at Phoenix Occupational Medicine today. https://lnkd.in/gvgcXR3S