News Release                   For Immediate Release

April 28, 2004

Working Weird Hours?  New Course Offers Ways to Combat the Ill-Effects of Shiftwork

According to the latest findings of the General Social Survey by Statistics Canada, about one-in-three Canadian men and women aged 18 to 54 are working irregular hours. The major effects of shift work can include the disruption of the body's internal clock, unhealthy habits and stress that can lead to higher rates of heart disease, hypertension and gastrointestinal disorders.

To educate the workforce about this topic, the Public Health Unit is pleased to offer a new workshop called "Shiftwork Like Clockwork -- Healthy Living in a Shiftwork World".

The workshop will explore the health effects of shiftwork and provide participants with ways to combat the ill effects of working strange hours.  The workshop will also look at how workplaces can improve policies and develop programs to benefit shiftworkers.

“In Grey and Bruce there are a number of industries and employers that have staff working around the clock, or in staggered shifts.  We are offering this new course for both shiftworkers and workplace administrators to help them learn how to minimize the impact of working irregular hours,” says Mary Lynn Barron, Heart Health Coordinator at the Public Health Unit. 

Shiftworkers, shift schedulers, human resources personnel and occupational health & safety personnel are invited to attend the following workshop:

Wednesday, May 13
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Hanover Hospital Boardroom

The $40.00 fee includes refreshments, lunch and a resource package that includes “Working the Shift: A Self Help Guide" valued at $20.00. 

To register, please call Pat at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, ext. 268.

Registration is limited to 20 participants.

-  30 -

For more information:

Mary Lynn Barron

Public Health Nurse

or

Lynda Bumstead

Public Health Dietitian

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420 or 1-800-230-7719