The Good Kind of Pressure

Sometimes health and wellness isn’t about traditional care.

Sometimes health and wellness is about work life too.

Sometimes we wonder why certain care is considered “alternative” when it predates modern medicine. And is extremely effective.

If you agree with those statements - this edition is for you!

- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik

The Tasting Menu

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A Vital Awareness

• Health Benefits of Acupressure and Acupuncture

• Chronic Illness and the Workplace

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A Vital Awareness

Let's delve into a condition that’s rarely discussed: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID.

PID is a medical condition that occurs when bacteria infiltrate the reproductive system, including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to infection. People shy away from talking about it because the most common infections causing PIDs are sexually transmitted infections. However, let’s do away with shame and learn what we need to know. 

In addition to STIs, anytime there is a possibility of bacteria passing the cervix can be an opportunity for an infection to start. This includes menstruation, insertion of the IUD, childbirth and abortion. 

The symptoms of PID are not to be taken lightly and may include painful periods, unusual discharge, fever, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. These signs are your clue to talk to your healthcare provider. 

Now, let's talk about prevention for PID. Here are some steps you can take:

• Consistently practicing safe sex by using condoms can serve as a robust defense against PID, acting as a barrier to bacteria that can cause this condition.

• Regular visits to your gynecologist who can detect and address potential issues before they escalate into major health concerns.

• If you experience any unusual symptoms in the pelvic region, such as pain or irregular discharge, it is imperative to seek prompt medical attention. Early intervention can mitigate the severity of PI

If your provider suspects an infection, simple tests like a pelvic exam, bloodwork and urine tests are the first steps. They may also consider tests for STIs or an ultrasound to see what the source of pain may be. A PID diagnosis is usually addressed with antibiotics.

Without treatment, it can lead to abscesses, scarring and increased chance for ectopic pregnancy. 

As with all pain and signs of illness, open conversations with your healthcare provider and not ignoring symptoms or delaying getting help is your best asset in your reproductive health.

Health Benefits of Acupressure and Acupuncture

At some point in our healthcare journeys, we all look toward other methods to improve health and find alternative treatments for what’s bothering us. Acupuncture and acupressure are a couple of integrative treatments that have a variety of impacts and benefits on your health. 

Before we get into that however, what is the difference?

Both acupressure and acupuncture are traditional Chinese medicine practices to improve our Qi – or our life force energy, but each has different ways of activating various pressure points.

Acupuncture uses very thin needles to stimulate different ‘acupoints’ and get energy flowing to the organs that most need it. Acupressure on the other hand is a non-invasive procedure that uses hands, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to specific points. If you want to get acupuncture, you have to go to a trained specialist and pay for each treatment, whereas acupressure is something that can be DIY and you can do on your own at home.

There’s a lot more documented studies on the benefits of acupuncture compared to acupressure, but it’s believed that acupressure can help with:

• Insomnia

• Stress management

• Headaches

• Menstrual cramps

• Muscle tension & pain

• Nausea & vomiting

• Fatigue

Acupuncture can help with some of the above conditions, in addition to:

• Addiction

• Fibromyalgia

• Myofascial pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Asthma

Johns Hopkins (linked above) also has a list of specific conditions that acupuncture can benefit or improve symptoms.

Choosing what treatment is right for you comes down to a question of your comfortability with needles, budget, and severity of your symptoms. Your doctor can also advise on where acupuncture or acupressure may help as well. 

Chronic Illness in the Workplace: Rights and Tips for Success

Yet again, Maggie’s HR background and passion for educating people about wellness come together. 

Chronic illness is an all-too-common reality for many individuals, impacting their daily lives and, inevitably, their work. In addition to being armed with information about your health, we want those of you managing chronic illnesses and work to know your rights and have some strategies to thrive professionally. 

Rights and Legal Protections:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) In the United States, the ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities, including chronic illnesses. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, such as flexible work hours or modified job tasks, to help employees perform their jobs effectively.  The accommodation process is a two way conversation that might take a few rounds to come to the right solutions. We loved this piece in CNET to help understand the difference between illness and disability and some tips for you.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) FMLA enables eligible employees to take unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks per year for medical reasons, including chronic illnesses. This provides job security and ensures that employees can focus on their health when necessary.  What many people don’t know is this protection extends to intermittent leave.  That means you can take time in smaller increments over multiple instances rather than taking a long block of time. For those with chronic conditions, this may better meet your needs.

Those are the laws protecting you at the Federal level. Many states have created greater protections like paid sick leave. 

Tips for Talking about Chronic Illness in the Workplace and Getting What You Need

• Honest and transparent communication with your manager and HR is hard but important. Inform your supervisor about your chronic illness and set clear boundaries on what information you want to share and with whom.

• Keep detailed records of your condition, medical appointments, and any communication related to your illness. This documentation can be vital if you need to request accommodations or if issues arise.

• Talk with your medical provider about what options might help. Things like requesting flexible work hours or telecommuting options if they can help you manage your illness better.

• Ask to keep conversations about your needs and performance separate. Accommodations are there to enable you to perform your job as well as you can. If an accommodation conversation turns to a performance issue or the other way around, it will add to confusion and stress. 

• Prioritize self-care outside of work. Managing your health proactively, including adhering to treatment plans and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can improve your ability to handle the demands of your job.

• Seek support from employee assistance programs, or support groups for individuals with similar conditions. Knowing you have a support network can reduce stress and provide valuable advice

Chronic illness should not be a barrier to career success. With the right combination of legal protections, open communication, and self-care strategies, you can effectively navigate the workplace while maintaining your health and well-being. 

Medical Term of the Week

This is a legal term for the week rather than a medical term.  Under the ADA you are entitled to reasonable accommodations.

So what makes it reasonable?

First it should be something that enables you to perform the essential duties of your job. Reducing those core responsibilities isn’t an accommodation.

The cost or effort the employer has to incur to make the accommodation should be one that doesn’t put a large burden on the business. This is why sometimes larger employers are able to make accommodations that a smaller employer might not be able to. 

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