A comparison of Omaha worksite health promotion activities to the 1992 national survey with a special perspective on program intervention.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the results from a survey of Omaha worksite health promotion activities with the results of a 1992 national survey. Comparisons were made on: (1) the kinds of health promotion activities offered, (2) progress toward the Healthy People 2000 worksite objectives, (3) types of program intervention offered, and (4) administrative factors. DESIGN: A one-time, written, mail-out/mail-back survey design was used. SETTING: The study took place in Omaha, Nebraska. SUBJECTS: All area public and private worksites with 250 or more employees were sent surveys. Individuals who were preselected and identified as the best qualified within the company completed the survey instrument. Of the 176 worksites surveyed, 86 completed the survey (49%). MEASURES: Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to compare the two surveys on kinds of programs offered, progress toward Healthy People 2000 related to worksite health promotion, the types of program intervention offered, and administrative factors. RESULTS: Generally, a greater percentage of respondent worksites from the national survey are offering more health promotion activities and have made more progress toward the Healthy People 2000 worksite objectives than the Omaha worksites. Results from both surveys showed that low levels of intervention are more prevalent than high levels of intervention, and that health promotion activities in most worksites are coordinated by human resources departments and not by someone professionally prepared in health education. CONCLUSIONS: Traditionally, major goals of worksite health promotion programs have focused on important organizational outcomes such as improved productivity/morale, reduction in absenteeism, and health care cost-containment. It is important to recognize, however, that low levels of intervention have less impact than more intensive programs on these desired outcomes. Future goals for local and national worksite health promotion programs may need to encourage implementation of more intensive intervention programs.

Doxylamine overdose as a potential cause of rhabdomyolysis.

Doxylamine succinate, an over-the-counter antihistamine, is commonly used as a nighttime sleep aid in the short-term management of insomnia. It is also used in combination with antitussive and decongestant agents for the temporary relief of common cold symptoms. Doxylamine is frequently involved in accidental and intentional overdoses. Rhabdomyolysis and secondary acute renal failure are rare but potentially serious complications, making early recognition and treatment essential. With the large number of nonprescription antihistamines and sleep aids available to the general public, it is important to keep in mind that overdose is a potential problem. The complications associated with overdose of these medications are just as life threatening as those associated with prescription drugs. A high index of suspicion and evaluation of rhabdomyolysis is warranted in antihistamine toxicity. We report an observation of severe rhabdomyolysis associated with doxylamine overdose.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and acne conglobata associated with spondyloarthropathy.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and acne conglobata are well-described chronic dermatologic diseases. Although the exact incidence of these disorders is unknown, both are relatively uncommon conditions. The incidence of spondyloarthropathy is less than 1% in the general population. Therefore, a triad of hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata and spondyloarthropathy is a rare syndrome described only in a few case reports in the literature. We report a case of hidradenitis suppurativa and acne conglobata associated with spondyloarthropathy.