Evaluation of a work site relaxation training program using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Article Abstract:
Stress reduction in occupational settings is thought to play a role in improving job effectiveness while also making the work site a more psychologically compatible environment for workers. An important measure of relaxation, control of stress, and general good health is a normal blood pressure. Sixty-six asymptomatic hazardous waste workers (workers who do not have a problem controlling blood pressure) of a state agency in New Jersey participated in a study to assess the physical and emotional effects of an occupational stress management program involving progressive muscle relaxation and meditation. Blood pressure measurement was used to assess reaction to stress and the effectiveness of the stress management techniques. Both laboratory and ambulatory (at home and at work) blood pressure were monitored. The variability, but not the absolute value, of diastolic blood pressure (pressure within arteries when the heart is in its relaxed state) was significantly lowered among both asymptomatic and symptomatic workers. Blood pressure reactive persons, though, exhibited clearly lower mean systolic blood pressure, suggesting their overall reactivity to daily stress was decreased. Moreover, the diastolic variability reductions were achieved for blood pressure at home, only. The results suggest that stress management procedures that are effective among symptomatic persons (those with high blood pressure in the case of this study) also reduce blood pressure variability in asymptomatic workers in an occupational environment. Furthermore, when participants were asked to evaluate the impact of the program, their subjective reports were consistently positive. However, neither laboratory blood pressures nor psychologic symptoms were reduced among the participants, and no treatment effects for baseline blood pressures at home or during a stressful task were seen. In conclusion, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation yield a moderate reduction of blood pressure variability among asymptomatic workers and in systolic blood pressure in asymptomatic reactive workers. Absolute blood pressure and its variability at work, though, were not significantly affected by the physical stress management techniques.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
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Work-site smoking policies in small businesses
Article Abstract:
Alarge number of US workers are employed in small businesses, and more small businesses are being established in trade and service areas. Many of these concerns have policies restricting smoking, especially since announcements relating to the health hazards from secondary smoke. Many others encourage smoking stoppage, but without formal restrictive policies. The larger companies generally have smoking restriction policies. This study reviewed the smoking policies and practices of smaller enterprises. During the fall of 1987, 116 work sites with smoking policies and 100 without smoking policies, with less than 120 employees, were interviewed by telephone. The firms were involved in manufacturing, construction, finance, insurance, real estate, utilities, transportation, communications, and wholesale and retail trade. Among the companies with policies, many programs were totally restrictive. These policies were urged by management, and in many cases, at the request of the work force. Many established their own policies internally, while others sought the guidance of outside consultants. Forty-two percent of companies that enforced a no smoking policy offered smoking cessation assistance to their employees. Ninety-six percent of companies without policies had no current plans to introduce smoking restrictions, but 76 percent of these companies reported they would restrict smoking if it was required by law. The expansion of non-smoking practices is expected as the risks of smoking, even to nonsmokers, become more apparent. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Industrial noise exposure and ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate
Article Abstract:
Exposure to noise under laboratory conditions has produced acute increases in blood pressure (BP). The effects of long-term noise exposure on blood pressure and heart rate have been reported with conflicting results. Some studies suggest an adverse effect of noise on BP and heart rate which may actually contribute to an overall increase in heart problems. The effect of varying industrial noise levels on ambulatory BP and heart rate was the scope of this study. A total of 191 male industrial plant employees between 25 and 65 years old participated in the project. Ambulatory blood pressures were taken on each employee during the work day and in the evening. A monitor recorded heart rate at 30-minute intervals. Noise levels were monitored continuously during the workday by personally worn devices to record decibel levels. The BPs of younger employees were higher when they were exposed to higher noise levels. The effect of noise on BP appears to diminish with age. Heart rates were elevated in all age groups at higher noise levels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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