Services

A genealogical DNA test looks at a person’s genome at specific locations. Results give information about genealogy or personal ancestry. In general, these tests compare the results of an individual to others from the same lineage or to current and historic ethnic groups. The test results are not meant for medical use, where different types of genetic testing are needed. They do not determine specific genetic diseases or disorders. They are intended only to give genealogical information.

Taking a genealogical DNA test requires the submission of a DNA sample. The most common way to collect a DNA sample, which can be done by either visiting a DNA test clinic or by ordering a home test through an independent DNA test supplier, is by a cheek-scraping (also known as a buccal swab). Other methods include spit-cups, mouthwash, and chewing gum. After collection, the sample is mailed to a testing lab.
Some laboratories, such as the Human Origins Genotyping Laboratory (HOGL) at the University of Arizona, offer to store DNA samples for ease of future testing.

A glucose test is a type of blood test used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. It is mainly used in screening for prediabetes or diabetes. Patients are instructed not to consume anything but water during the fasting period. Caffeine will also distort the results. If the person eats during the period in which he or she is supposed to have been fasting then they may show blood sugar levels that may cause his or her doctor to think the person has or is at increased risk of having diabetes. In people already having diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is used with frequent intervals in the management of the condition.

There are several different kinds of glucose tests:
Fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG): 8 or 12 or 14 hours after eating
Glucose tolerance test:[2] continuous testing
Postprandial glucose test (PC): 2 hours after eating
Random glucose test

An eye examination, or vision screening, is a series of tests performed by an ophthalmologist (medical doctor), optometrist, or orthoptist assessing vision and ability to focus on and discern objects, as well as other tests and examinations pertaining to the eyes. Health care professionals often recommend that all people should have periodic and thorough eye examinations as part of routine primary care, especially since many eye diseases are asymptomatic.
Eye examinations may detect potentially treatable blinding eye diseases, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, or signs of tumours or other anomalies of the brain.

Hypertension is one of the ten most expensive conditions for U.S. employers. According to the CDC “Employees with multiple heart disease and stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, cost employers more in terms of medical care, absenteeism and lost productivity than employees with one or none of these risk factors.” Another study found the economic burden of illness was higher for hypertension, $392 per eligible employee, than nine other health conditions. The same study found individuals with hypertension miss 0.9 to 4.2 additional days of work, compared to those without chronic diseases.

In addition to being one of the most ten most expensive conditions for U.S. employers, hypertension is one of the most prevalent health conditions facing Americans. An estimated 68 million Americans, one in every three U.S. adults, have high blood pressure. Almost 30% of American adults have prehypertension, which raises the risk of developing high blood pressure, and less than half of those with high blood pressure have their condition under control.

Nearly 20% of Americans are unaware they have the disease, which is why high blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer”. Hypertension often presents no signs or symptoms until a serious medical event occurs, such as a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

Early detection is key. Work place blood pressure screenings can not only reduce costs and improve productivity, they can significantly improve the lives of your employees.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.

Respiratory protection is one of the top 10 most cited OSHA violations.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration – also called “OSHA” – and State OSHA Agencies require employers to fit test workers who must wear respirators on the job. Employers must also provide employees with worksite-specific training.

A respirator can’t protect you if it doesn’t fit your face. It’s that simple. Certain respirators, known as tight-fitting respirators, must form a tight seal with your face or neck to work properly. If your respirator doesn’t fit your face properly, contaminated air can leak into your respirator facepiece, and you could breathe in hazardous substances. Before you wear a tight-fitting respirator at work, employers must be sure that your respirator fits you. Employers do this by performing a fit test on you while you wear the same make, model, and size of respirator that you will be using on the job. That way, you know that your respirator fits you properly and can protect you, as long as you use it correctly.

Businesses hoping to maintain healthy productivity levels this flu season are advised to consider establishing a flu vaccination program. Health experts agree that an annual flu shot is the single best way to stay flu-free, and having access to flu shots at work gives people one less excuse for not getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 to 20 percent of the United States population (15 to 60 million people) catch the flu each year.

To address this problem, flu vaccine guidelines have changed; the CDC now recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. Working adults are especially urged to comply, since their ability to spread the virus is enhanced by their daily contact with others. “No business is immune to the flu – a workplace epidemic could wipe out a labor force during its busiest season and devastate a company’s bottom line,” says Dr. Jeffrey Greiff, founder of Flu Busters, a leading preventive healthcare provider for companies of all sizes. “Many workers won’t get a flu shot because of the perceived time and energy it takes. On-site preventive services bring immunizations to employees.”

Flu season starts in October and lasts until March, but can continue into spring. Yearly flu vaccinations typically begin in late September and continue throughout the flu season. For employers, planning flu clinics in fall and early winter makes good business sense. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that healthy workers who had been vaccinated against the flu reported 43 percent fewer sick days and 44 percent fewer doctor visits as a result of upper-respiratory illnesses. “With flu season right around the corner, businesses need to begin employee vaccination plans now,” says Greiff. “By investing in employees’ health, businesses can save countless dollars in lost productivity, insurance and other health care costs.” Companies wanting to implement an employee flu program are advised to consider a third-party immunization provider that will allow employees to be vaccinated at or near their place of employment.This makes the whole process convenient for workers and employers.
People of any age or health condition can catch the flu, which is much more serious than the common cold. Symptoms of flu include high fever, muscle aches, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, cough and congestion. Each year, thousands are hospitalized due to health complications stemming from the flu. The flu is highly contagious and can be easily spread in the workplace, especially since an infected person can be contagious five days before symptoms even appear. Planning a workplace flu clinic is one of the smartest and most cost-effective decisions a business can make to keep all employees healthy and productivity levels high.

A health fair is an educational and interactive event designed for outreach to provide basic preventive medicine and medical screening to people in the community or employees at work in conjunction with workplace wellness. It can also be a public health intervention.

Health fairs are typically offered in the community, on site corporations, work sites, churches or schools. The consist of a variety of vendors and exhibitors that educate on all aspects of health, wellness, fitness and lifestyle improvements. Topics can include such things as chiropractic, acupuncture, fitness clubs and hospitals.It is very common to see health screenings such as cholesterol testing or blood pressure screenings. Health Fairs are advertised and promoted ahead of time by print media, radio, or television and are usually a one-day event.

Health fairs are often organized and run by professional health fair organization companies but can also be done by medical providers, benefits directors, medical students or nurses.

According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, workplace drug testing lets employers ensure their employees are not using illegal drugs on the job or during their time off. The following is from the article by Emily Weller, of Demand Media

Ensures Employee Safety
Some jobs are dangerous to perform even if a person is completely sober. Using heavy equipment or driving a truck requires an employee to be alert and not under the influence. For example, an employee working a deli counter should not be using drugs while handling sharp knives and working over a hot stove. Drug testing before a person goes to work will ensure that he doesn’t work while under the influence, protecting himself and other staff from potential accidents.

Avoiding Problems Down the Road
A company may decide to screen all potential hires to prevent problems that can arise from persistent drug use. A drug problem can quickly spiral out of control, and someone who may seem like a good employee when hired can soon become unreliable, showing up late to work or not focusing on his duties. Paying for a drug test upfront may save a company money later on, when it does not have to re-hire or compensate an injured employee.

It’s Required
In some cases, testing employees is a requirement. Companies covered by the United States Department of Transportation must test employees for drug use. Covered companies typically include public transportation agencies, airlines and railroads. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires some companies to test employees if they wish to obtain a contract with the federal government. In addition, if a company receives a grant from the federal government, it must test its employees for drug use.

Fairness
Some companies may drug test employees to ensure a sense of fairness. In 2011, the governor of Florida required state employees to submit to drug testing. Since employees of the state are paid with taxpayer dollars, the governor felt it fair to have them undergo drug testing so that residents of the state know they are not funding drug use. In addition, Florida passed a law requiring those applying for the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to submit to a drug test before they can receive money.

Medway OHS specializes in on-site health screenings of employees (and their spouses if desired). We are happy to accommodate all work shifts and spouse schedules as necessary. The positive short-term and long-term impact biometric health screenings have on individuals and companies is well established and documented.

Employee wellness is the process of promoting a healthy, responsible life style for employees and their families through wellness efforts promoted and supported in the workplace. Promoting employee wellness in the workplace provides employers with more positive employee morale and motivation, more interest in health and wellness, and by some reports, reduced cost and use of employee benefits. Employee wellness efforts and programs in the workplace are a win-win for employers and employees.

Biometric health screenings are a proactive way to measure factors commonly related to health and wellness. Higher weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar can increase health costs and out-of-pocket health expenses. The good news is there are health improvement programs and incentive strategies that are proven to help people address the conditions which increase costs, according to a three-year study of health plan consumer data.

A biometric health screening is simply a way to help employees to monitor indicators of these common health conditions. Early detection not only reduces health costs it saves lives.

MedWay OHS conducts biometric health screenings in a way that is convenient to your workforce. When we come to your workplace to conduct a screening our professionalism and your productivity are our priority.