Americans miss 24.5 million workdays each year due to “occupational asthma” and lose energy and focus due to sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. And these numbers are getting worse as the number of people with allergies is increasing and global warming, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, is fueling longer allergy seasons.
With the EPA saying the lingering cold weather threatens to make this late-blooming allergy season the worst ever, the pollen tsunami rolling through offices here is threatening workplace productivity more than ever before. “Are you allergic to work?” is suddenly a legitimate question!
To help employers keep their workplaces healthy this allergy season, local office cleaning experts from Stratus Building Solutions created the Office Allergy Checklist. “Workplace allergies fall under workers’ compensation laws, so, with the Office Allergy Checklist, we’re helping local employers clean up the pollen petri dish that’s invading offices and making people sick,” says Afshin Cangarlu, CEO of Stratus Building Solutions, the nation’s leading green commercial cleaning franchise, whose company can also visit businesses onsite to demonstrate with props how to combat invading allergens and clean up neglected areas. “There are simple steps employers and employees can take to make the office healthier this allergy season.”
Stop Sprayin’ and Prayin’. Ditch the reliance on fragrances, disinfectant sprays, chemical cleaners, etc. to mask smells and clean spills. Alkaline and acid cleaners contain dangerous chemicals and people are allergic to various scents. Use green, plant-based disinfectant wipes and consider a “scent-free” policy to combat these issues. And if an employee wears a strong perfume or cologne, it might be time to privately ask him or her to stop. Strong scents can aggravate allergies and make colleagues sick.
Eating. Pollen gets worse later in the day, so encourage employees to arrive early. Spicy/ bold foods trigger more histamines — sending people into allergy fits. It would be wise to know about employees’ food allergies that may require the office to have a separate refrigerator or microwave to avoid inadvertent food contact. For businesses that bring in lunch, consider catering with allergy-fighting foods, such as fish, walnuts, peppers and strawberries.
Vent Away. Effective filtration is critical during allergy season. Conduct an indoor air quality test to make sure air is recirculated so the system is not sucking in outdoor allergens. Also, minimize workplace humidity (to less than 50 percent) and frequently clean poorly ventilated areas to protect against mold.
Plan Projects. Don’t compound the pollen problem with other projects/items that spark allergic reactions. Save office improvement projects requiring painting for the holidays when many aren’t working, because all types of paint
can cause allergy issues. Many folks have latex allergies, so eliminate all latex from the office, especially rubber latex products such as rubber bands, balloons, medical supplies and plastic bottles. And if possible, during allergy season, ask the lawn crews to come as early as possible (when pollen isn’t as bad) or late when everyone’s gone home.
Celebrate a “Dust Your Desk Day.” Allergy danger zones lurk on desks and behind computers, so throw an office cleaning party to eliminate the desk clutter that’s collecting dust and allergens. Check up on cleaning crews to make certain they’re tackling the office’s dustiest places that rarely get cleaned (keyboards, mice/pads, monitors, computer cords/plugs, window blinds, upholstered furniture, and cubical partitions).
Make offices safer, healthier places to work while helping employees cut down on their sneezing and coughing this allergy season.
—Graham ChapmanStratus Building Solutions stratusbuildingsolutions.com
With healthcare front and foremost on the mind of many business owners and executives, and recognizing that healthcare and wellness programs involve the whole community working together, the editorial staff of In Business Magazine has compiled the 2019 Business Healthcare Services Guide. Presented on the following pages are listings of companies in the healthcare industry, organized by category.
Many associations and government healthcare services give specific information on policies, open enrollment dates and services provided that may help employers understand the many options. Below is a list of local organizations.
Arizona Dental Association
3193 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale (480) 344-5777 azda.org
Arizona Foundation for Medical Care
2700 N. Central Ave., Suite 810, Phoenix (602) 252-4042
azfmc.com
Arizona Health Care Association
1440 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix (602) 265-5331 azhca.org
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
801 E. Je erson St., Phoenix (602) 417-4000 azahcccsa.gov
Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
2800 N. Central Ave., Suite 1450, Phoenix (602) 445-4300 azhha.org
Arizona Medical Association 810 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix (602) 246-8901 azmed.org
Arizona Pharmacy Association 1845 E. Southern Ave., Tempe (480) 838-3385
azpharmacy.org
Maricopa County Medical Society
326 E. Coronado Rd., Phoenix (602) 252-2015
mcmsonline.com
Using a consultant to work though options and the many plans can alleviate much of the confusion surrounding healthcare these days. We have included a list of brokers and firms that are reputable and have a tremendous amount of experience working with business to provide plans and ensure compliance.
Arizona Bene t Consultants, LLC
6245 N. 24th Pkwy., Suite 201, Phoenix (602) 956-5515
www.arizonabene tconsultants.com
Bene ts By Design
4500 S. Lakeshore Dr., Suite 300, Tempe (480) 831-7700
bene tsbydesignaz.com
Bene ts Commerce Group
14300 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale (480) 515-5010
bene tscommerce.com
Blue Water Bene ts Consulting
7848 E. Davenport Dr., Scottsdale (480) 313-0910
employeebene tcompliance.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts
Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832
breslauinsurance.com
Connect Bene ts
1818 E. Southern Ave., Mesa (480) 985-2555
connect-bene ts.com
FBC Services, Inc.
14201 N. 87th St., Scottsdale (602) 277-8477
fbcserv.com
Focus Bene ts Group
4120 N. 20th St., Suite B, Phoenix (602) 381-9900
focusbene ts.com
Health Insurance Express, Inc.
Superstition Marketplace
1155 S. Power Rd., Bldg. 101, Mesa (480) 654-1200
healthinsurance-express.com
Horizon Bene ts Group
6245 N. 24th Pkwy., Suite 216, Phoenix (602) 957-3755
horizonbene ts.com
LIFE CAN CHANGE PRETTY QUICKLY. LET US HANDLE THE OTHER STUFF, SO YOU DON’T MISS WHAT MATTERS MOST.
Getting the right coverage means truly investigating the best plans and supplemental plans. Here is a list of area companies offering dental insurance that have a great reputation and plan options for individuals and groups.
American Dental Plan
1645 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix (602) 265-6677
arizdental.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts
Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832
breslauinsurance.com
Delta Dental of Arizona
5656 W. Talavi Blvd., Glendale (602) 938-3131
deltadentalaz.com
Matsock & Associates
2400 E. Arizona Biltmore Circle, Phoenix (602) 955-0200
matsock.com
Knowing what plan is right for your employees and understanding who is managing that plan can make all the difference for your company. We have included below a list of reputable and experienced insurance companies, many of which you will be familiar with, that can guide your organization to the perfect group or individual plans.
Amenda Insurance Associates Ltd.
5046 E. Red eld Rd., Scottsdale (480) 284-6400
douglasamenda.com
American Family Insurance
Multiple agents Valley-wide (877) 777-4804
amfam.com
Banner Aetna (800) 381-6789
banneraetna.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
2444 W. Las Palmaritas Dr., Phoenix (602) 864-4899
azblue.com
Bowman & Associates
16042 N. 32nd St., Bldg. A, Phoenix (602) 482-3300
bowmaninsurance.com
Breslau Insurance & Bene ts
Paul Breslau
8362 E. Via de Risa, Scottsdale (602) 692-6832
breslauinsurance.com
Cigna
Multiple locations Valley-wide cigna.com
urance Group
Kara Anspach
7077 E. Marilyn Rd., Suite 125, Scottsdale (480) 998-8070
farmersagent.com/kanspach
Glass Financial Group
4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 260D, Phoenix (602) 952-1202
glass nancialgroup.com
HealthNet
1230 W. Washington St., Suite 401, Tempe (602) 286-9194
healthnet.com
Humana Health Insurance of Phoenix
20860 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 400, Phoenix (480) 515-6400
humana.com
Reseco Insurance Advisors
Todd Newton
7901 N. 16th St., Suite 100, Phoenix (602) 753-4250
resecoadvisors.com
State Farm Arizona
Multiple agents Valley-wide (877) 331-8261
statefarm.com
UnitedHealthcare
1 E. Washington St., Suite 1700, Phoenix (800) 985-2356
uhc.com
Many of the healthcare providers listed below are part of specific networks or have created their own network to lower costs for businesses and individuals with the intent to provide all needed services for the patient.
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital
1930 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 532-1000
abrazohealth.com
Abrazo Arrowhead Campus
18701 N. 67th Ave., Glendale (623) 561-1000
arrowheadhospital.org
Abrazo Central Campus
2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix (602) 249-0212
phoenixbaptisthospital.com
Abrazo Maryvale Campus
5102 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix (623) 848-5000
maryvalehospital.com
Abrazo Scottsdale Campus
3929 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix (602) 923-5000
paradisevalleyhospital.com
Banner Baywood Medical Center
6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa (480) 321-2000
bannerhealth.com/baywood
Banner Boswell Medical Center 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City (623) 832-4000
bannerhealth.com/boswell
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West (623) 524-4000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Desert Medical Center
1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa (480) 412-3000
bannerhealth.com/desert
Banner Estrella Medical Center 9201 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (623) 327-4000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Gateway Medical Center
1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert (480) 543-2000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Heart Hospital 6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa (480) 854-5000
bannerhealth.com
Banner Ironwood Medical Center 37000 N. Gantzel Rd., San Tan Valley (480) 394-4000
bannerhealth.com/ironwood
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert (480) 256-6444
bannerhealth.com
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale (602) 865-5555
bannerhealth.com
Banner University Medical Center Campus
1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix (602) 839-2000
bannerhealth.com
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
at Western Regional Medical Center 14200 Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear (623) 207-3000
cancercenter.com
Cardon Children’s Medical Center
1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa (480) 412-5437
bannerhealth.com
Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center
1955 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 728-3000
chandlerregional.org
Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
3555 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert (480) 728-8000
mercygilbert.org
Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center
350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 406-3000
stjosephs-phx.org
Gilbert Hospital
5656 S. Power Rd., Gilbert (480) 984-2000
gilberter.com
Honor Health Deer Valley Hospital 19829 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix (623) 879-6100
jcl.com
Honor Health John C. Lincoln Medical Center
250 E. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix (602) 943-2381
jcl.com
Honor Health Osborn Medical Center 7400 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale (480) 882-4000
shc.org
Honor Health Shea Medical Center –Shea Medical Center
9003 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale (480) 323-3000 shc.org
Maricopa Medical Center
2601 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix (602) 344-5011 mihs.org
Mayo Clinic Hospital
5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix (480) 515-6296 mayoclinic.org
Mountain Vista Medical Center
1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa (480) 358-6100 mvmedicalcenter.com
Phoenix Children’s
1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 933-1000 phoenixchildrens.org
St. Luke’s Medical Center
1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix (602) 251-8100 stlukesmedcenter.com
Walk-in, face-to-face, brick-and-mortar urgent care facilities remain an important element in the healthcare system, even as virtual options expand.
FastMed Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (480) 545-2787
fastmed.com
NextCare Urgent Care
Multiple Valley locations (888) 958-2128
nextcare.com
One Health Alliance Urgent Care
7 Valley locations (855) 887-4368
onehealthurgentcare.com
Phoenix Children’s Urgent Care
4 Valley locations (480) 922-5437
phoenixchildrens.com/urgent-care
Urgent Care Extra
Multiple Valley locations urgentcareextra.com
In focusing on creating the perfect plan for your company, local providers offer direct benefits that your organization may rely on to ensure a strong healthcare program and policies for your employees.
Arrowhead Health Centers
Multiple locations (623) 334-4000
arrowheadhealth.com
Wellness includes how our bodies function in our work spaces, and is therefore greatly impacted by the physical elements of that space. These businesses provide solutions, from chairs to desks to lighting — and beyond.
Ergoguys Products
5622 W. Orchid Ln., Chandler (602) 354-4190
ergoguys.com
ESI Ergonomic Solutions
4030 E. Quenton Dr., Suite 101, Mesa (480) 517-1871 esiergo.com
Goodmans Interior Structures
1400 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix (602) 263-1110
goodmansinc.com
There are many companies working to orchestrate alternative healthcare plans and consulting to customize healthcare benefits programs and policies for companies. These organizations below offer consulting, program development and direct care programs for businesses of all sizes.
Absolute Health
8360 E. Raintree Dr., Suite 135, Scottsdale (480) 991-9945
absolutehealthaz.com
Healthcare Solutions Centers
4831 N. 11th St., Phoenix (602) 424-2101
hcsonsite.com
LifeCore Group
P.O. Box 10264, Glendale (602) 235-2800
myhealthdividends.com
