HealthyLife Articles

Category: Work Life

Be More Tech-Savvy

WORK LIFE

Keeping up with the latest technology can be daunting. Being tech-savvy means being proficient in the use of technology, especially computers.

While you may not need to be able to write complex codes, feeling confident and comfortable with modern technology makes you a valuable employee and helps you connect with family and friends. Here are some easy ways to boost your tech-savvy.

Google it

If you don’t know how to use a platform, software, or device, use a search engine like Google. The answer to most questions can be found online if you’re willing to take the time. Be as specific with your search terms as possible to find the best answer.

Search YouTube

A video with step-by-step instructions will get you in the know fast. There are videos out there on most devices, apps, programs, and even video games. Not all videos are equal, so take a few minutes to find one that provides the information you need.

Take a class at the library

Your local library likely offers classes that provide hands-on instruction on many new forms of technology. Plus, you get to learn in a supportive environment with others committed to broadening their horizons.

Troubleshoot

Impatience and frustration are barriers to learning. Take the time to explore new technology with a mindset of curiosity. Slow down and see what you can learn by clicking through menus and using the “help” function.

Learn about cyber security

Anyone who uses modern technology needs to know how to keep their personal information safe online. Password managers, updated software, and email security are some of the most essential tech-savvy tools out there.

Update your technology

While you don’t need to jump on every new gadget or device available, keeping your technology current will naturally keep you up-to-date. Newer technology is more user-friendly and offers a chance to gain new skills.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Why You Need A Vacation

WORK LIFE

If your time off is accruing year after year, you might be missing out on one of the secrets to being a good employee.

It’s time to take a vacation! While many people are reluctant to be away from their jobs, a vacation can make you a better employee.

Vacations are refreshing

A week off can leave you feeling rested and energized. You’ll be ready to dive into work with renewed vigor.

Good for mental health

Taking a break from your daily routine allows your mind to let go of stress and anxiety. When you return to work, you might find you have a better mental outlook.

Increase productivity

Studies have shown that people who take regular vacations are more productive when they return. Time away might be just what you need to become even better at your job.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Breastfeeding And Work

WORK LIFE

Going back to work doesn’t mean an end to breastfeeding. Many new moms find they can pump their breastmilk while at work. This allows them to keep their milk supply up. It also gives them milk to feed their baby later, so they can reduce the need for formula.

* Ask your employer about a place to pump at work. You should have a place to pump safely and privately that’s not a bathroom.

* Your employer should also allow adequate break times to pump.

* Invest in a quality pump. Many moms find that electric pumps are easier and faster than manual ones. A pump may be covered by your insurance.

* Have ice packs and coolers to store your milk while at work. It’s important to keep breastmilk fresh and safe for your baby.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Work-Related Skin Problems

WORK LIFE

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and it has important functions. When it’s healthy, your skin helps:

* Regulate your body’s temperature

* Keep invaders like bacteria and fungus out

* Protect you from the elements, such as cold and sun

Your job & your skin

Your skin needs care and protection to stay healthy – at home and at work. Do you work with chemicals or harmful substances? Do you wash your hands often? People who work in these fields are more prone to work-related skin problems:

* Manufacturing

* Food production

* Construction

* Machine tool operation

* Printing

* Metal plating

* Leather processing

* Engine service

* Landscaping

* Farming

* Forestry

* Health care

Healthy skin at work

Take precautions to prevent skin irritation and injury at work. If you work with chemicals, follow these steps:

* Store all chemicals safely and label them correctly.

* Use proper waste containers.

* Have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every dangerous substance used at work.

* Wear protective gear like gloves, aprons, hats and masks.

* Take off oil- or chemical-soaked work clothes before you leave work.

* Know what to do if your skin comes in contact with a harmful substance.

* When possible, use tools to handle dangerous materials so they don’t touch your skin.

* If you work with radiation, wear protective clothing and gear to prevent exposure.

If you wash your hands frequently at work:

* Do not clean your skin with chemicals. Use only cleansers designed for the skin.

* Apply lotion, cream or petroleum jelly after washing hands to prevent dryness, cracking and eczema.

If you work outdoors, take sun protection seriously. Make sure you:

* Apply sunscreen at least every two hours if you’re in the sun.

* Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your body.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Dealing With Difficult Personalities

WORK LIFE

Everyone’s personality has its own quirks and idiosyncrasies. In the workplace, you may have to deal with many different personalities, each with a unique set of positives and negatives. Learning how to get along with a variety of people will make you a better co-worker and employee.

When you tap into people’s strengths and work productively together, you contribute to a work environment where everyone can thrive.

Acknowledge their contributions

It can be easy to identify the frustrating parts of someone’s personality. But, everyone brings something to the table. If you focus on what everyone contributes, it can change your whole perspective.

Get in the habit of noticing what others do well or correctly. Say thank you, or send an email letting them know you appreciate them.

Pick your battles

Sometimes people just rub each other the wrong way. It’s a normal and unavoidable part of life. At work, it’s often better to let things go instead of getting upset over every irritation. There will be times when conflict is unavoidable. So, save your energy for when it really matters.

Ask questions

Take the time to get to know and understand the people you work with. Find out how they work best so you can develop strategies for interacting with them. For example, if you know a co-worker is slow responding to email, choose another form of communication. Building on each others’ strengths will decrease everyone’s frustration and stress.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Aim High For Your Career Well-Being

Work Life

* “Career” includes your line of work and how you spend non-work hours.

* Choose career goals that suit your personality, skills, talents, and interests.

* Take education and training steps needed to achieve your goals. Gain experience as a volunteer.

* Find your passion in life. Do something you enjoy every day, week, or month.

Dos

* Do the work you love and work at loving what you do.

* Be with people who understand the challenges you face to reach your goals.

Don’ts

* Don’t get stuck in the same routines that prevent you from pursuing your goals.

* Don’t spend time with friends and coworkers who criticize your values and interests.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Email – Use It Wisely

WORK LIFE

Like it or not, email is a part of daily life. Most people use it at work as well as at home.

Email can be convenient and a great way to share information. But it has downsides, too. When you are reading someone’s words on a screen instead of talking to them, it’s hard to know what they really mean.

Communication skills like tone of voice, facial expression, and body language, don’t come across in emails. As a result, you might misunderstand what someone is trying to say in an email. For example, someone might get angry about an email you wrote when you intended it to be friendly. Also, unnecessary emails can be an annoyance.

Many of these problems can be avoided if you know how to use email wisely. These tips can help:

*Call or talk face-to-face when you can.If you don’t need to share files or other things in writing, consider skipping the email. Go and talk to the person. Your conversation may be more productive and can help build better relationships at work.

*Use the “cc” line correctly.If you expect a reply from someone, put them in the “to” line. People who need to know the information but don’t need to reply usually go in the “cc” line.

*Be careful with “reply all.”The “reply all” button is useful for group conversations where everyone needs to be in the loop. But, simple responses like, “thanks” probably don’t need to be copied to everyone.

*Don’t include people on an email unless it’s needed.Many people get dozens – if not hundreds -of emails a day. Before you include someone on an email, ask yourself whether they need to be copied. Will the information in the email help them? Are they involved in the discussion? Did they specifically ask to be included in the conversation? If the answer is no, consider leaving them off. The person will probably appreciate it.

*Don’t fire off a response when you’re upset or angry.Before you email a response in anger or frustration, wait a while. Go back and read the email again later once you’ve calmed down. Even better, call the person on the phone or ask to have a meeting with them in person. This often clears up any misunderstanding. It also helps you avoid sending a response that you may regret in the near future.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Balance It All

Work Life

Career, family, and a personal life. You can have it all, can’t you? Absolutely! But when the demands of work overtake the demands of your family and personal life, you can suffer chronic stress and burnout. And miss out on some of the best things in life. Sometimes it takes effort to balance it all.

The key might be to keep your eye on your values, learn to say no, stop reaching for perfection, and “unplug” regularly.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ergonomics For The Home Office

WORK LIFE

If you are working from home, either full or part-time, you should ensure your home office is set up ergonomically. A set-up that is not designed for efficiency and comfort can lead to wasted time and poor posture.

Do a quick assessment of your work space and see if it meets ergonomic standards.

Things to check when seated at your desk:

* Are your head and neck balanced and in line with your spine?

* Can you sit upright in your chair with your lower back fully supported?

* Are your shoulders relaxed and forearms parallel to the floor?

* Are your wrists straight when using the mouse or keyboard?

* Is your monitor an arm’s length away and in direct line of sight?

Home office considerations:

* Are you working in a comfortable location?

* Can you alternate between sitting and standing?

* Do you move regularly to stretch and change position?

* Are your most used items within easy reach?

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Do The Work You Love & Work At Loving What You Do

Work Life

Spend time with coworkers you enjoy being with. Avoid people with negative attitudes.

* Enjoy using your skills and talents on the job, as well as during non-work hours.

* Take pride in your accomplishments. Learn from setbacks.

* Choose to be happy at work. Greet others with a smile.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026