APG Newsletter December 2019

HUMAN RESOURCES

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2019

Bozeman, MT, late spring storm

HUMAN RESOURCES

HELP KEEP EVERYONE FLU-FREE THIS WINTER While young children and older adults are most at risk for getting the flu, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot every year — even if you’re healthy. It not only protects you, but also helps prevent the spread of the influenza virus to people who are vulnerable or at high risk.

Protect yourself and those around you this flu season and get a flu shot. If you’ve already gotten your flu shot this year, thank you for doing your part to keep everyone healthy.

ANSWERS TO THE TOP SIX QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FLU SHOT

WONDERING WHY THE INFLUENZA VACCINE IS IMPORTANT? LEARN WHY YOU SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT EVERY YEAR.

The influenza vaccine, or flu shot, is our best weapon against influenza. Influenza is a viral infection that causes many symptoms. It is still a deadly virus in Minnesota, especially for certain people at high risk. Yet not everyone gets vaccinated. Here’s what you need to know.

WHO SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT? Everyone should get a flu shot. You get the flu shot not just to protect yourself, but to protect your loved ones as well. By getting the flu shot, you prevent the spread of the influenza virus.

DIGI-KNOW

HOW MANY PEOPLE GET THE FLU EVERY YEAR IN MINNESOTA? Thousands of Minnesotans get the flu every year. The Minnesota Department of Health reported that the 2014-2015 flu season resulted in 4,202 hospitalizations.

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WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR THE FLU? Children, the elderly, pregnant women, anyone with a compromised immune system and those with chronic diseases are at risk for the flu. High-risk people are also more likely to experience severe symptoms or complications from the flu. The flu shot helps protect these vulnerable populations.

IS THE FLU VACCINE EXPENSIVE? The flu shot is usually covered by your health plan at no cost to you. It’s considered preventive care. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out whether your flu shot is covered. Blue Cross plans cover the flu shot.

DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE DOCTOR TO GET THE FLU SHOT? CAN YOU GET THE FLU You can get a flu shot from your regular FROM THE FLU SHOT? doctor.

Or you can get a flu shot from other You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. places.

Most pharmacies, clinics, retail You may experience a low fever. This is clinics, public health offices, as well as your your body responding to the vaccine and doctor’s office, offer the flu shot. Sometimes building your immunity to the influenza virus. flu shots are offered in the workplace.

Ever feel like you’re missing out on the digital conversation? Things seem too complex?

Just don’t know where to start your digital sales journey? JOIN US EVERY MONDAY AT 4EST/3CST/2MST/1PST FOR DIGI-KNOW.

A company-wide call that allows our digital marketing experts from all markets across the company to share knowledge, success stories and how they are keeping digital revenue at the forefront of their discussions with clients and an opportunity to ask your questions.

CALL IN INFORMATION IS:

DIAL IN: 605-313-5111 | CONFERENCE ID: 446335

SAFETY

SAFETY

SPACE HEATER TIPS

ARE YOU FREEZING AT WORK? YOUR CO-WORKERS MAY BE BURNING UP Unfortunately, space heaters can increase the risks of fire and electric shock if not used properly. Portable electric space heaters used in workplaces across the country can pose a major workplace safety hazard. Fires can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.

Educating employees about safe space heater practices can reduce the risks to employees and facilities. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers the following space heater safety tips: • Employees should be required to obtain approval from a supervisor or facility manager prior to using a space heater at work.

• All space heaters should have the certification of an independent testing laboratory.

• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.

• Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.

• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire.

• Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.

• Operating space heaters should never be left unattended. They should be turned off and unplugged at the end of the work day or whenever the employee leaves the room.

AskHR!

Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name.

Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.

DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL? CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES. JO ANN HOPSON, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS

CHARLENE VOLD

APG Vice President of Human Resources All states, Based in Tennessee/North Carolina joann.hopson@adamspg.com | 423.620.8771

HR Manager – APG Media Central Division, Minnesota, Wisconsin 763.712.2412

TOM CLOUTIER

HR Manager - Greenville, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City,NC and Key West, FL gdavis@apgenc.com | 252.366.8139

DEB BROOKS

APG Media of Southern Wisconsin HR Generalist – APG Janesville, Antigo and Beloit, Wisconsin sluebke@gazetteextra.com

Talent Acquisition Director for APG HR Manager – APG Maryland/Ohio tcloutier@adamspg.com | 410.770.4159 HR Manager – APG Midwestern Division, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Utah dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com | 360.416.2187

GWEN DAVIS

STEPHANIE LUEBKE

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MOVIE NIGHT

MOVIE NIGHT NOW PLAYING: THE POLAR EXPRESS

For your chance to be the lucky winner of an APG Swag and Movie Bag, answer the trivia question below correctly:

IN “THE POLAR EXPRESS,” WHAT HOLLYWOOD ACTOR PLAYED SIX ROLES INCLUDING SANTA CLAUS, THE CONDUCTOR AND THE NARRATOR? All answers should be submitted to AskHR@adamspg.com.

The winner will be drawn on Friday, December 15, 2019.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOVEMBER WINNER – NIKKI MOORE, STAR DEMOCRAT The Question: In “Addams Family Values,” what character is Wednesday Addams cast as in the camp Thanksgiving play? *Contents of winner’s prize pack may vary.

The Answer Was: Pocahontas

DO YOU HAVE A BRIGHT IDEA FOR OUR COMPANY NEWSLETTER?

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Send your thoughts, suggestions, ideas for future newsletters to AskHR@adamspg.com.

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