Resource Articles

Exposure to Pertussis

What is pertussis and how is it spread? Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract which generally begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms and can progress to severe attacks of coughing (paroxysmal stage), often with a characteristic inspiratory whoop. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis. Transmission occurs by close contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person.

Post-Traumatic Stress Self-Assessment

When a person experiences, witnesses, or is confronted with an event or situation that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others, he or she can experience fear, helplessness, and horror.  PTSD results when effects of exposure to a traumatic event persist beyond one month following the event. Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have been exposed to or witnessed a traumatic event and have engaged in or experienced any of the following over the past month on a fairly consistent basis.

Alcohol Use Self-Assessment

According to the World Health Organization's moderate drinking guidelines, women should consume no more than one 5 ounce serving of alcohol per day, and men are to consume no more than two 5 ounce serving of alcohol per day.  A 5 ounce serving of alcohol is equal to one shot of 100 proof liquor or a 12 ounce mug of beer.  In addition, women should not consume more than 4 alcoholic beverages on any occasion, and men should not consume more than 5.  The more a person goes over these recommended amounts of alcohol consumption, the higher his or her risk for alcohol dependence.

Email Stress Can Create A Mess

E-mail is a convenient form of communication, but it has its limitations and associated problems.  For example, it can be stressful to receive an e-mail from someone that has a “tone” that feels harsh or attacking.  The sender may not have intended to convey his or her message in that way, but the receiver may misinterpret or puzzle over the actual intent of the message. Here are 12 easy to follow tips for sending professional e-mails and reducing the potential for miscommunication: