12/18/2009
Arbor Sponsors the Mega Job Expo in Maryland

12/07/2009
ResCare – New Deal in the UK

12/01/2009
2nd Arbor E&T Bake Sale raises $500 for SHARE

11/25/2009
Notification of Breach of Private Information

11/23/2009
Mon Valley Bridge Open House

11/20/2009
SuperJobs Seasonal Hiring

11/18/2009
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2009, Allen County

11/16/2009
Arbor Welcomes New Texas Regional Vice President

11/06/2009
A moment to honor our veterans

10/22/2009
Arbor Fights the Flu

10/16/2009
ResCare Comments on Indiana Governor’s Announcement

10/07/2009
In the News: Arbor and Green Guide Network

10/01/2009
Tremendous Project in Cincinnati

9/28/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Five

9/22/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Four

9/15/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Three

9/15/2009
Arbor Sponsors Literacy Gala

9/08/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview Two

9/01/2009
Five Project Directors: Interview One

8/26/2009
Snohomish County Enlarges Dislocated Worker Program

8/20/2009
Pennsylvania Governor Visits Harrisburg Summer Youth Program

8/18/2009
Canoga Park Job and Resource Fair

8/13/2009
VIPs in SuperJobs Cincy

8/12/2009
U.S. Department of Labor’s 2009 United We Serve Initiative Begins

7/28/2009
An Innovative Summer Youth Project in Oregon

7/21/2009
Tulsa iJobs Program in Full Swing

7/20/2009
ARRA 2009

7/17/2009
Green Strategies Workgroup

7/15/2009
Green Jobs

7/6/2009
Arbor TANF Partnership in Nebraska Receiving Positive Feedback

7/1/2009
Arbor E&T is Thinking Green

Arbor Fights the Flu

By Jamie M. Barnes

Faced with the Swine Flu outbreak this year, Arbor’s centers are actively working to increase awareness and encourage good health practices, such as frequent hand-washing and using hand sanitizer that is readily available to customers and staff. Many centers are using bulletins to post information about the flu, and some are making influenza prevention a part of their staff meetings by reviewing fact sheets and attending training, such as the US Department of Labor’s webinar, “What is the Role of One Stops in H1N1.”

Many centers are receiving H1N1 updates from their Workforce Investment Boards, and some have developed specific flu policies. The most frequently employed policy is to encourage staff to use sick days if they have flu-like symptoms. As a proactive step in some areas, there is an increase in community health involvement – new partnerships are being formed with local health departments and clinics, and some centers are distributing leaflets with free flu shot locations and times. Others are offering to hold free or reduced cost flu shot clinics on site for job seekers and staff.

When faced with center customers who appear to be ill, Arbor staff is calm and understanding. Because serving the customer is our most important job, no customers are barred from participation if they appear to be sick. Staff assists ill customers with good manners and common sense, creating a polite physical distance without being offensive or panicky. If a customer wants to reschedule an appointment or orientation due to illness staff work to accommodate his/her needs and review what services can be accomplished over the phone and on the Internet for the customer’s convenience.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu is different from the seasonal flu, and has the potential to make more people sick and cause more severe illness than usual. The symptoms of all types of influenza come on suddenly and usually include a high fever, headache and extreme tiredness; a dry cough, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose; muscle aches, and stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you experience flu symptoms, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. S/he may prescribe antiviral medications or other treatments to help your body deal with the virus. In addition to visiting your doctor for treatment, avoid direct contact with others, and use “good flu etiquette,” such as covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, quickly disposing of used tissues, and frequently washing your hands with antimicrobial soap and water.

The CDC states that about 36,000 people die from seasonal flu-related causes each year, and that the best prevention is to get the flu shot. Other ways to help prevent the flu are to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and wash your hands frequently.

When asked what flu season advice they would like to share, most of Arbor’s front-line staff seem to agree with the CDC – wash your hands often and get a flu shot! Other sound advice is to not touch your face or eyes (because you can inadvertently infect yourself with the flu picked up from a doorknob or phone) and, my favorite bit of advice, “Don’t panic.”

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC Web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.htm.