Nearly every magazine from Forbes to Inc. has examined hugging in the workplace. It's highly controversial with no universal opinions. Plenty of do's and don'ts, and dozens of online legal opinions exist about who, what, when and where, and how long to hug or not hug. In 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit stated that hugging can contribute to a hostile workplace if it is unwelcome and pervasive. Although, it's not prohibited behavior, it appears that you probably should…

Most people in the Alabama area are aware of the new laws that prohibit the use of handheld gadgets such as phones, tablets, and laptop computers while driving (even when at a stoplight). Despite these new laws, many drivers continue to use their handheld devices while attempting to keep their eyes on the road, putting both themselves and other motorists at risk. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is a united effort to recognize and eliminate preventable deaths from…

One-the-job shortcuts are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. A shortcut places a priority on speed over safety. Employees who take shortcuts believe they are aware and savvy enough to avoid injury in exhange for saving time, hassling with safety gear, meeting quotas, or some other advantage. Insurance companies, which calculate risk and protect businesses, will tell you that the increased risk from an "unsafe work practice" is about 600 percent higher than doing it safely.…

The most common cause of fatal construction accidents is falls. More than half of all fatal falls are from only 6 to 15 feet. OSHA requires you to promote yourself from an accidental fall from as little as 4 feet! Beyond using fall protection equipment, you can prevent nearly all falls with four key tips: pick up tools so you don't trip, cover openings so you don't step in them, don't use shortcuts that risk injury, and don't rush the work. Learn more about workplace safety. 

Club drugs are illicit, psychoactive drugs used to get high. Frequently used at raves, bars, nightclubs, and concerts, club drugs are dangerous chemicals with harmful side effects. Several of these drugs are notorious as date rape substances that produce memory loss. These include GHB, Ketamine, MDMA (also called Ecstasy or Molly), and Rohypnol (Roofies).

Methamphetamine and LSD (acid) are also popular club drugs. Parents should be aware of these substances, particularly their post-use side…

Most of us don't like experiencing rejection. As a result, many employees hold back, don't risk, and even suppress productive ideas if they fear negative reactions for bringing them forth. To encourage risk taking, promote a "psychologically safe" workplace. Don't just agree that it's a good idea. Make it a tradition of your work group or team to encourage and invite vulnerability. Practice acceptance, and tolerate the new and unusual to eliminate fear that one's image, status, or career will…

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month - an opportunity to learn about the impact of DV in our communities and advance efforts to end violence. Intimate Partner Violence is widely recognized as a serious public health problem that affects millions of Americans. Because of fear, secrecy, and shame around the topic, domestic violence is often seen as a problem to be addressed in the home. But the reality is that a majority of DV victims report that is has a significant negative influences…

An opiate addiction health emergency exists nationwide. Here's how to help someone addicted to these or other substances: 1) Accept that enabling is initially part of any close relationship with someone who is addicted. 2) Learn how enabling helps the addicted person avoid seeking help or admitting they need it. 3) Stopping enabling is a learned skill with a shift in mindset. Discover how 12-step groups like Al-Anon help you make the switch. 4) Encourage the person struggling with addiction to…

Domestic violence is believed to be the most common, yet the least reported crime in the United States. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, cultures, income groups and religions. Reviewing the information below will help you better understand domestic violence and spot the warning signs of abuse.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is all about control. Abusers can control their victims using many different tactics; these include:

• Stalking
• Intimidation
• Sexua…