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Health

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CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

April - May - June 2025

MD, MPH Director, Occupational Health Clinic

The Red of the Roses and Not of Your Rash: Treating Common Skin Irritations from Gardening

Spring is in the air, and if you’re an avid gardener like my husband, dirt is likely in your hands. Gardening has been found to help with stress management, improve mood, burn calories, and encourage healthy eating by eating what you grow. It can also be a great way to spend time with family and pass down knowledge to the next generation (my husband has taught our daughters which vegetables can be planted next to each other and which ones do not get along). Gardening clubs abound and can be a wonderful way to bloom new friendships.

What most gardeners know and – let’s be honest—even love about gardening, is that gardening can be messy. Sometimes weeds and old growth must be cleared away from last year’s beds. This can lead to contact with harmful plants, such as poison ivy or others. If you brush up against one of these plants, immediately rinse the affected area with soap and water. Scrubbing under the fingernails also helps prevent the oil from spreading.

A rash from a harmful plant can keep you from enjoying your gardening and even prevent you from sleeping well. Usually, the rash will resolve on its own in a few weeks. Some steps you can take to help relieve the itching are:

• Place cool, wet compresses on the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes several times per day.

• Soak the affected area in a cool water bath containing a half cup of baking soda or an oatmealbased bath product.

• Apply over-the-counter cortisone ointment.

• Apply calamine lotion or creams containing menthol.

• Take oral antihistamines. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will make you sleepy, but loratadine (Claritin) will not.

Sometimes a rash can become infected or just doesn’t get better with over-the-counter treatments. The Occupational Health Clinic is here for you. It’s easy to schedule an appointment via the Health & Wellness Information Portal or My Health at Vanderbilt, or you can call 615-936-0955 and we are happy to help you. Walk-in appointments are also available. Then, you can get back to admiring the red of your roses instead of worrying over that red itchy rash.

1. What should I do to maintain my brain health over time?

Key lifestyle factors for brain health include cognitive and physical exercise (aim to sweat a bit!) and a healthful diet. These include things you enjoy naturally (e.g., playing cards or going for a brisk walk) and challenging yourself to try something new (e.g., a new hobby like painting or a Mediterranean diet recipe with more greens).

2. What risk factors may influence brain health?

Cardiovascular risk factors, including common ones like hypertension and diabetes, can negatively influence brain health, as can a sedentary lifestyle, such as sitting and watching TV for hours. Optimizing medical management and staying both cognitively and physically active can positively influence brain health.

(continued

Lealani Mae Acosta, MD, MPH, FAAN Associate Professor, Department of Neurology

Ana Nobis,

(continued from page 1)

3. When should I reach out to a provider with concerns about my brain health or cognitive impairment?

If you notice changes or a loved one has expressed concerns to you about changes, or if you are having more difficulty or need more assistance to complete routine tasks, connecting with your PCP is a good start. Evaluating for common medical conditions that impact cognitive function, such as thyroid disease or a vitamin deficiency, and looking for early signs of a neurodegenerative dementia are important.

4. How can I help loved ones who may be experiencing cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other)?

Ensure that loved ones are receiving appropriate medical care to address the cognitive concerns and any other condition that could adversely affect memory and thinking (e.g., poor sleep). Encourage independence as much as possible, including a realistic grasp of what they can still handle while remaining safe. Taking care of yourself is also vital: like the airplane adage of putting on your oxygen mask before helping others, you need to ensure you are taking care of yourself to support your loved ones.

Counselor’s Corner

Work/Life Connections - EAP Provides Free Gun Locks –No Questions Asked!

Did you know…

• Tennessee’s suicide rate is 19% higher than the national average and the vast majority of deaths by suicide are due to guns.

• Even when guns are hidden, 75% of children ages 5 to 14 know where they are kept.

Putting time, distance, and safety measures between people and firearms is proven to reduce risk. There is a solution. Gun locks are available for employees and their spouses at no cost through VUMC and Work/Life Connections-EAP.

If you want to obtain a gun lock in order to keep a child, adult, friend or loved one, or maybe even yourself safer – please contact the Work/Life Connections-EAP office at worklife.connections@vumc.org or by giving us a call at 615-936-1327. Gun locks are provided through the BeSMARTforKids initiative at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. For more information, visit BeSMARTforKids.org

Heather Kamper, LCSW SHARE Center Coordinator, Clinical Counselor, Work/Life Connections-EAP

Occupational Health Clinic

TB (Testing) or not TB (Testing)…That is the Question!

VUMC has employees who have worked here for many years. Those employees may well remember visiting the Occupational Health Clinic (OHC) each year for their annual tuberculosis (TB) screen. These employees became familiar faces and even friends to our OHC staff as we would see them year after year. These longstanding employees may wonder, “What happened to the annual TB screen? Does OHC not miss me?”

OHC follows the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and in 2019 the CDC updated its TB screening recommendation for healthcare personnel. While the CDC’s updated guidance no longer recommends annual TB testing, screening healthcare personnel for TB on hire is still recommended. The screening process includes a risk assessment and symptom evaluation, in addition to the TB test. The CDC updated its recommendation because recent data indicates that the risk of TB infection among healthcare workers in the U.S. has significantly decreased due to declining national TB rates. In other words, healthcare workers are now considered to have a similar TB risk to the general population.

Ana Nobis, MD, MPH Director, Occupational Health Clinic

Dr. Timothy Sterling is the director of the Vanderbilt Tuberculosis Center and professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, as well as the director of the Epidemiology and Outcomes Unit of the Tennessee Center for AIDS Research. He notes, “Although annual TB screening is no longer recommended by the CDC, evaluation with a TB screening blood test will occur if an employee has been exposed to TB in the hospital.”

So, while we miss seeing some of our friends for their annual TB screen, we know their time is being spent taking care of patients. We are here when you need us and look forward to seeing you around campus, at our 6th floor Occupational Health Clinic or first floor Express Care Clinic, or at Flulapalooza.

Passion at Work

Sherri Dean, BSN, MHA, RN still remembers the moment she decided to pursue a career as a neonatal/pediatric critical care transport nurse. She was working in a neonatal intensive care unit, fresh out of nursing school, when a transport team arrived with a newborn. “I saw the incredible skill with which the transport team worked on the newborn and then how they communicated with the family. As soon as they walked out the door, I told my manager, ‘I want to do that. That’s what I’m going to do.’” She had only been a nurse for 18 months, but she soon began a career on the transport team. “I loved the opportunity to be a little bit of comfort or bright spot on the worst day most people have ever had. Bad things are going to happen, and I wanted to be the calm in the storm and offer support.”

Sherri now serves as the Senior Director of Nursing of Vanderbilt LifeFlight after a vast career in transport nursing. Through her experience, she learned how to be an effective servant leader, how to lead teams in peer support and wellness, and how to manage her own stress well. Sherri also emphasized the importance of modeling well-being as a leader. It’s clear her team is important to her, and she encourages her employees to hold spaces outside of work where they can have their own cup filled, especially since LifeFlight jobs are often high consequence roles with high acuity patients.

For her own wellness, Sherri loves to be outside, and to bring people together and create community with others. In closing Sherri stated, “People saw things in me that I never would have ever seen in myself, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had. I hope I can give others those same opportunities and see things in them that they may not see in themselves.”

Join us monthly on Healthier You: A Vanderbilt Health & Wellness Podcast for a short episode packed with the latest tips and resources you need on all kinds of trending health topics. You can listen on our website at bit.ly/HealthierYouPodcast or via your favorite podcast app.

As an added bonus, you can receive credit on your Go for the Gold: Wellness Actions Log by listening to two podcast episodes throughout season two. Simply record your participation via the Wellness Actions Log. Join us for the latest episodes:

Season 2, Episode 3: Working Smarter, Not Harder: The Value of Ergonomics in Healthcare

Season 2, Episode 4: Green Flags in a Relationship

Season 2, Episode 5: Feeding Feelings: How to Conquer Stress Eating

Sherri Dean, BSN, MHA, RN Sr. Director, Vanderbilt LifeFlight

I want to spend time building meaningful relationships, but I feel so busy with work and family obligations. How can I make social connection a priority?

Ask a Lifestyle Coach Q A

Sofiya Stasiv, RN, BSN Preventive Care Coordinator Health Plus

Relationships are vital to our well-being, and the way we connect has shifted over the years. We have normalized saying “I don’t have time” when asked to do something, yet surveys suggest we are spending more time on screens than ever before. If you feel it’s time to step out and make meaningful connections, here are some quick tips for getting started:

1. Identify Your Core Values: Reflect on what you deeply value—family, kindness, adventure, creativity, balance to name a few. Write down a list or take a quiz to guide you. Understanding your values helps you engage in meaningful conversations and connect with like-minded people, reducing the overwhelm of where to start.

2. Combine Activities: Wellness events are becoming increasingly popular. Participate in run clubs, walking groups, cooking classes, and more. Challenge the idea of keeping activities separate. Take a walking break with a co-worker you enjoy, meditate with a friend, and socialize afterward. Host meal prep parties to build connections. By integrating wellness into your social activities, you make it easier and more enjoyable for yourself.

Nutrition Corner

Learn about a different nutrition topic each month to support your health. With tips and delicious recipes, Nutrition Corner makes healthy eating simple.

Roasted Kale Peanut Crunch Salad

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

Kale Crunch Salad:

4 large stalks kale, stems removed

Half a head of green cabbage

2 small fresno or mini bell peppers, sliced into rounds

1 cup peanuts, chopped

½ cup chopped cilantro, chopped

½ cup chopped green onions

Roasted Peanut Vinaigrette:

½ cup roasted peanut oil

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 clove garlic

2 ½ tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (more to taste) freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

3. Set Boundaries and Prioritize: Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries. Learn to say no to activities or people that don’t align with your values or goals. Prioritize social activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Schedule these activities like any important meeting or task to ensure your social life doesn’t get sidelined. Need further guidance? I would love to talk to you! Register for Lifestyle Coaching at bit.ly/healthpluslifestylecoaching

1. Blend vinaigrette ingredients in a small blender until smooth.

2. Using a food processor, pulse the kale and cabbage in batches until it is very finely chopped, stopping before the greens get mushy. If they release too much water, just give them a gentle squeeze with a paper towel. Transfer to a large bowl.

3. Toss kale and cabbage with some of the dressing; massage it together with your hands for a minute to make sure the kale is tender. Add peanuts, peppers, and the rest of the dressing. Enjoy on its own or increase the protein by topping with roasted chicken, tofu, or salmon.

Nutrition facts per serving (1/6 recipe):

Calories: 417, Total fat: 39g, Saturated fat: 3g, Sodium: 439g, Carbohydrates: 34g, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 10g, Added sugar: 0g, Protein: 9g

Source: Pinch of Yum

HR CORNER

Retirement Roadmap Retirement Roadmap

Savings Strategies for Every Stage of Your Career

Retirement might seem far away, but it’s never too early to start planning. If you begin saving now, even a small amount can grow a lot over time. To make it easier, we automatically take three percent of your salary from each paycheck and put it into the VUMC 403(b) account. VUMC matches that three percent and will match your voluntary contribution of two percent. That’s a five percent match. Who doesn’t love free money, right?

Mid-Career

If you’re in the middle of your career, now is a great time to get serious about planning for retirement. Start by checking where you are right now.

Look at your current savings and investments. Are you on track? If you’re not sure, you can talk to our financial advisors for free. You can book a session at www.netbenefits.com/VUMC. They can help you make a plan that fits your goals.

If you have questions, our retirement plan manager, Fidelity Investments, can help. They offer free webinars and a helpful website (www.netbenefits. com/VUMC), and you can also talk to financial advisors for free.

Ready for Retirement Getting Started

Also, try to increase your retirement contributions. If you are only putting in the minimum three percent, think about adding a bit more each year. Fidelity lets you schedule yearly increases so you can set it and forget it. Remember, VUMC will match your voluntary two percent contribution for a total of five percent.

if you’re close to retirement, that’s exciting! Now is the time to fine-tune your plans. First, look closely at your finances. Compare your expected expenses to your income from Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts. If there’s a gap, think about saving more now. Employees over 50 can contribute up to an extra $7,500 to their 403(b), and those aged 60-63 can add an extra $11,250 above the IRS limit.

When you retire, managing your money is important. Create a withdrawal plan to make sure your money lasts. Fidelity’s financial advisors can help you with this. Visit www.netbenefits.com/VUMC to book a free session. Also, check out VUMC’s free Social Security and Medicare webinars held in the spring and fall.

A special note for new hires: Even though your mandatory contributions don’t start until your one-year service anniversary (and 1,000 hours worked), you can start making voluntary contributions right away—up to the IRS limit. Visit www.netbenefits.com/VUMC to open an account.

Upcoming Events

NOTE: All events are subject to change. Please check details on event webpage prior to attendance.

Monthly Wellness Calendar

bit.ly/healthwellnessevents

Mindful Stretch Breaks

bit.ly/hpmindfulstretchbreak

Every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 11:30 am Virtual (Register to receive Teams link)

HP Pacers

bit.ly/healthpluspacers

Join our weekly walking and running club! Program begins April 1.

Step Challenges

bit.ly/healthplusstep

Register to join these upcoming challenges: Active in April (April 1-30) Move in May (May 1-31) Spring into Summer (June16 - July 14)

Babies & You

bit.ly/babiesandyou

Thursday, April 17, Noon to 1:00 pm, Virtual (Register to receive Teams link)

Thursday, May 15, Noon to 1:00 pm, Virtual (Register to receive Teams link) Thursday, June 19, Noon to 1:00 pm, Virtual (Register to receive Teams link)

Know Your Numbers

bit.ly/hpknowyournumbers

Find us in-person across VUMC sites throughout the year!

Weight Maintenance

bit.ly/hpweightmaintenance

Farmers’ Market

bit.ly/hpfarmersmarket

The Farmers’ Market returns weekly in May from 12:00 - 3:30 pm on the Medical Center Plaza on Main Campus.

Wellness League

bit.ly/healthpluswellnessleague

VANDERBILT F ACULTY & STAFF

In This Issue:

New Year's Goals: Progress, Not Perfection

The Red of Your Roses and Not of Your Rash: Treating Common Skin Irritations from Gardening with Ana Nobis, MD, MPH, Director, Occupational Health Clinic

Care Gaps Alert: Colon Cancer Awareness with Dawn M.

The Healthy Pulse

Care Gaps Alert: Brain Health with Lealani Mae Acosta, MD, MPH, FAAN

Winter is Here

Care Gaps Alert: Colon Cancer Awareness with Dawn M. Winter is Here

Work/Life Connections-EAP Provides Free Gun Locks – No Questions Asked! with Heather Kamper, LCSW, Work/Life Connections-EAP

BACK to Basics: Back Stretches as a Preventive Practice with Ana

TB (Testing) or not TB (Testing)…That is the Question! with Ana Nobis, MD, MPH, Director, Occupational Health Clinic

Ask a Lifestyle Coach Health Educator, Health Plus health.wellness@vumc.org.

Ask A Lifestyle Coach with Sofiya Stasiv, RN, BSN, Preventive Care Coordinator, Health Plus

Have a topic you want to see covered? Email us at health.wellness@vumc.org

Ask a Lifestyle Coach Health Educator, Health Plus health.wellness@vumc.org

Health & Wellness Connection Newsletter Editor: amy.r.thomas@vumc.org or 615.936.1806. Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness Connection Newsletter Editor: Amy R. Thomas, BA, Health & Wellness Administration

Contact amy.r.thomas@vumc.org or 615-936-1806

Health & Wellness Connection Newsletter Editor: amy.r.thomas@vumc.org or 615.936.1806

Health & Wellness Executive Director:

Health & Wellness Executive Director: Lori Rolando, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615.936.1327 HEALTH WELLNESS

Occupational Health Clinic’s Return to Work (RTW) Program allows staff to continue working if they cannot do their normal duties because of a job-related illness or injury. The Return to Work (RTW) Program is the principal reason why VUMC’s no-lost-time statistics are much higher than the national benchmark.

The good news data, it suggested that 76% of Vanderbilt University Medical Center employees report coping well. Unfortunately, some

Department Managers: Plus

Department Managers: Ana Nobis, MD, MPH, Occupational Health Clinic

Brad Awalt, MS, ACSM, Health Plus

Jim Kendall, LCSW ACSW, CEAP, Work/Life Connections-EAP

Andrew Haag, MBA, Health & Wellness Administration