July 27 –Many of us have trouble falling asleep.  Our circadian rhythms have been affected by countless changes in sleep patterns thanks to our unpredictable schedules.  Only a licensed physician can help you determine if a prescription sleep medication is right for you.  This EAP summary on zolpidem (brand name Ambien) and its possible side effects may help.  Please consider these facts:

• Taking zolpidem without 7 to 8 hours to rest may result in impaired memory
• Allergic reactions include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face or throat
• If you have a history of depression or alcohol addiction, using zolpidem may affect your recovery or compound your mental illness
• "Ambien" for sale on the internet has been found to contain potent antipsychotic drugs with dangerous side effects; only purchase zolpidem from a trusted pharmacy
  
• Physical dependency may occur if used for longer than a few weeks

Review of "Fear of Flying" Provision for Global Events

April 29 – MEC EAP Committee Chair Rosemary Miller and Vice Chair Bill Voecks would like to remind flight attendants of the "fear of flying" (FF) provision negotiated after September 11.  During this time of global concern for the potential spread of swine flu, flight attendants must follow proper protocol if electing to exercise their rights under this provision.  Please review the FF policy on the MEC EAP page by clicking here.

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Important Update Regarding Prescription Medications

March 30 – The Park Nicollet Clinic, where NWA’s Medical Review Officer (MRO), Dr. Zanick, was based, has closed its Occupational Health operations.  From now on, calls will be taken by Dr. Zanick's long-time assistant, Registered Nurse (RN) Sandy Taylor, at the new Air Crew and Passenger Health Services (ACPHS), at 612-727-9757. 

For the next 6-8 months, that number will be answered exclusively by Sandy, while she manages the integration of NWA's medical functions during the transition to Delta.   After that, Sandy will be joined by 3 other Delta RNs.  Rest assured that, throughout this process, ALL CALLS ARE STILL CONFIDENTIAL. 

Do not hesitate to get correct information about any prescription medications you are taking, and how they relate to your work as a crew member, by calling Sandy.

Why AFA Offers Peer-Based Employee Assistance
– even when Northwest offers a "company" program

• Flight attendants have unpredictable and ever-changing schedules
• We work in multiple and even moving locations
• We perform our duties with minimal or no supervision
• We have little to no in-person communication with a supervisory structure for long periods
• We spend our working and layover time with other flight attendants and have developed a culture of social support within our own peer group (a.k.a., "jumpseat therapy")
• A peer-based EAP is a natural extension of an existing support process
• Peers have greater opportunities for observing our behavior
• 80% of all flight attendants are females, who work in a safety-sensitive occupation and in a highly stressful environment.  Our exposure to work-related traumatic events – both on and off the aircraft – is significant
• Exposure to trauma as First Responders places flight attendants in a group that is "at risk" for depression, anxiety (including PTSD) and substance abuse
• Early identification of and intervention with troubled flight attendants can positively impact public safety, clinical outcomes, health claim costs and employee retention
• Airlines and employees can benefit from early identification and intervention
• Flight attendants and pilots may be hesitant to use company EAPs for many reasons, including concerns about confidentiality, misunderstanding of the services offered and a perception that the company EAP is synonymous with the employer

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Substance Use Update

Please read the following before taking over-the-counter medications

The use of alcohol and prescription medication is on the rise.  Remember that we have the "peer identification" option at Northwest Airlines, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our EAP Chair, Rosemary Miller, MEC Officers and negotiators.  If you have questions on that process, give your EAP representative a call.  It could save someone's life – and job!  [Reminder: federal testing of safety professionals includes only opiates, marijuana cocaine, amphetamines and phencyclidine (PCP).]

Did You Know. . .?

You COULD test positive for MARIJUANA if you are using: Advil, Nuprin, Mediprin, Motrin, Rufen or if you have a bladder infection or liver disorder!  Over-the-counter products with hemp seed oil (i.e., lotions, teas, salad dressings) may have the same positive result.

You COULD test positive for AMPHETAMINES if you are using:  Nyquil, Vicks inhaler, Contac, Sudafed, diet pills, health and asthma medications, or a nasal spray.

You COULD test positive for COCAINE if you are using: Amoxicillin, tonic water or herbal tea.

You COULD test positive for METHADONE if you are using:  Elavel, Benadryl, Soma, Norflex or Penergan.

You COULD test positive for BARBITUATES if you are using:  Dilantin or phenobarbital.

You COULD test positive for HEROIN if you are using:  Penergan, Vick's Formulla 44, tonic water or poppy seeds.

You COULD test positive for ALCOHOL if you are using:  Contac, Dristan, Nyquil, Hall's Mentholated cough drops, Terpinhydrate and many other cough medicines.

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Department of Transportation

Issues New "Direct Observation"

Workplace Testing Rules

Please click on the image at left for details from AFA-CWA's Employee Assistance Program.

NOTE:  These changes will only affect flight attendants who have previously tested positive and are required to complete "return-to-duty" follow-up tests.