News Release                   For Immediate Release

October 3, 2003

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 which 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 workshops:

October 21, 2003                                or                     October 24, 2003
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.                                                    8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Rusty Gull Restaurant                                                 Bruce County Resource Library

Owen Sound                                                                Port Elgin

The $40.00 fee includes refreshments, lunch and “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 15 participants per workshop.

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For more information:

Mary Lynn Barron

Public Health Nurse

The Public Health Unit

(519) 797-2010 or 1-800-230-7719