July 22, 2009
Did you know...?
The annual cost of allergies to businesses and the health care system in the Unites States is $7.9 billion…
Allergic disorders are a chronic and highly prevalent condition in the general population and the workforce. How prevalent are allergies? Allergies are more abundant than all other major disease states combined. 2006 statistics showed 60 million Americans diagnosed with allergic rhinitis alone! Typical allergy symptoms are sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, as well as coughing, wheezing and other breathing difficulties. These conditions are often associated with other complications, including repeated episodes of sinus infections, ear problems, and asthma. Such problems can lead to work loss or school absences.
American businesses spend a staggering 7.9 billion annually on medical care due to allergies of which 3.4 billion is due to lost productivity and absenteeism. That does not include the billions spent by your employees on over–the-counter remedies and out of pocket costs for physician visits. Allergic rhinitis (runny nose) and asthma - both often related to allergies - are the two leading causes of absenteeism due to health conditions.
The effect of allergies on workers and corporate costs go beyond the direct cost of treatment and absenteeism, as the condition can lower a worker's productivity. More likely than absence is the circumstance of workers being present at work but limited in their daily productivity because of the symptoms of allergic disorders (often referred to as Presenteeism). Compared with workers without allergies, employees with allergies who reported using no medication showed a 10% decrease in productivity. Treatment for allergy “symptoms” may further diminish employee productivity by as much as 25%.
How Can You Manage Allergies at Work? Experts recommend a three-pronged approach that includes: accurate diagnosis, environmental control and medication.
Diagnosis must come first -- even if you think you already know what you're allergic to.
Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called "allergens”. It is estimated that one in four Americans will suffer from allergies or asthma in their lifetime. Anyone can become “allergic” at any time. A combination of issues such as: moving to a new location, having a weakened immune system from environmental or lifestyle factors can cause allergic reactions. People who have allergies can live healthy and active lives with proper diagnosis and treatment.
People, who suffer from allergies at least 4 months out of a
given year or have allergic symptoms daily, may benefit from more aggressive
treatment focused at “desensitizing” the body’s reaction to the triggering
allergen rather than focusing on treating the “symptoms” of
the allergen . By introducing small amounts of the allergen over a
long period of time, the body is tricked into thinking the allergen is not a
threat and stops reacting when it comes in contact with it. Historically
in the
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is still considered an
alternative therapy in the
While the prevalence of allergies is growing (the number of Americans with allergies has doubled since 2000), the number of allergists is not keeping pace. Adult Quick Care (AQC) is pleased to announce that we will begin offering environmental allergy evaluations and treatment which may include sublingual immunotherapy as a scheduled service for our patients. If you would like more information about allergy testing and treatment for your employees please contact AQC at 816-559-6320 or by email at ClientServices@adultquickcare.com. We are also happy to come out to your facility to provide a brief lecture to your employees on allergies, treatment and tips to reduce the symptoms. Please contact client services if interested.
Sources for this article include: the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), the American Journal of Managed Care, the National Academy of an Aging Society & the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
*Please feel free to forward this information to any member of management in your company who would benefit from it.*
To view the Tip of the Week in Spanish please visit our Tip of the Week library at http://www.ohscompcare.com/totw/.
To learn more about
services OHS-COMPCARE has to offer, contact our Client Services
Team at (816) 561-2105 option 1 or by e-mail at customerservice@ohscompcare.com. You can also visit us at www.ohscompcare.com.
Why choose us? Because OHS-COMPCARE has a physician on call 24/7/365 days a year to respond to our clients’ needs.
OHS-COMPCARE now featuring Adult Quick Care has seven (7) area clinical facilities:
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19000
E. Eastland Center Crt, |
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13830 S Us Highway 71 |
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816-478-9299 |
913-495-9905 |
816-233-7702 |
816-761-4664 |
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After Hours Available |
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KCMO/Broadway Clinical Facility |
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1650 Broadway |
6501
East Commerce, |
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816-842-2020 |
816-483-5550 |
913-596-2774 |
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Adult Quick Care
provides Urgent Care to Adults and Adolescents Age 14 and Older. No
appointment is necessary at Adult Quick Care.
When you are sick or have a new injury, Adult Quick Care is your affordable, time saving choice for quality care.
To learn more about Adult Quick Care please call 816-559-6320 or visit www.adultquickcare.com.