Employer Health Services Newsletter – February 2026

Most of us don’t think about breathing. However, our ability to breathe—and how well we breathe—has a significant impact on our ability to perform tasks at work. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to conduct medical evaluations, develop respiratory protection programs, and perform pulmonary function testing. Catawba Valley Occupational Health can help you meet each of these requirements. This month, we’re focusing on Pulmonary Function Testing and Respiratory Fit Testing, two key components of OSHA’s respiratory protection standards. 

Pulmonary Function Testing 

Spirometry, also known as Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), plays an essential role in occupational respiratory health surveillance. These tests help determine whether a worker shows signs of respiratory impairment and assess how effective current protective measures are within the workplace. 

When conducted as part of a pre-employment evaluation, PFTs can also identify individuals who may not be medically suited to wear a respirator or work in environments with potential hazardous exposures. Early identification helps employers place workers appropriately and reduce the risk of respiratory-related incidents. 

What Is a Pulmonary Function Test? 

Pulmonary function tests are non-invasive procedures that measure how well the lungs exchange air. They assess lung volume, capacity, airflow rates, and oxygen or gas exchange. These results provide valuable insight into a worker’s respiratory health and help determine their ability to safely perform job-related tasks. PFTs are commonly used in occupational settings such as healthcare, industrial and manufacturing environments, and among first responders and firefighters. 

Respiratory Fit Testing 

Millions of workers across the United States are required to wear respirators in various workplace environments. Respirators protect employees from insufficient oxygen levels and exposure to harmful dusts, fibers, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, sprays, and airborne disease particles. Without proper protection, these hazards can lead to serious illnesses, lung impairment, cancer, or even death. 

Compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard can prevent countless work-related illnesses and fatalities each year. Respirators function in two primary ways: by removing contaminants from the air using filters or cartridges, or by supplying clean air from an independent source. To ensure effectiveness, employers must provide training on proper respirator use, fit testing, and ongoing maintenance. 

Catawba Valley Occupational Health can assist you with all of your OSHA requirements. For more information or to schedule an appointment for pulmonary function testing, respiratory fit testing, and/or a medical evaluation, contact Debbie Lutz, Director of Occupational Health, at dlutz@catawbavalleymc.org or call the office at (828) 326-3231. 

Benefits of Workplace Health Screenings 

The costs associated with managing chronic disease across your workforce can be daunting. However, employers can head-off some of those costs by offering onsite preventive screenings. By catching conditions earlier, treatment can be put in place and often prevent more involved management, which can quickly become expensive.  Cost savings isn’t the only benefit associated with offering onsite preventive screening. Here is a list of onsite screening available through Catawba Valley Health System’s Health First department. 

Benefits of onsite health screenings 

• Providing convenient health screening services at the workplace can reduce the need for time off and increase employee participation; 

• Employers may save on travel and possible off-site provider fees; 

• Onsite screenings that are conducted by healthcare providers that are familiar with employer/employee needs can ensure that accurate and reliable results are received in a timely manner with support for any follow-up healthcare recommendations; 

• The ability to participate onsite allows employees to stay focused on their tasks and maintain productivity;  

• Regular health screenings can lead to fewer sick days and absenteeism, as employees are more likely to stay healthy and engaged.  

These advantages contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce with a positive work environment. 

 Catawba Valley Health System’s onsite screenings include: 

• Heart Check Profile: Fasting blood draw, lipid panel & glucose 

• General Health Profile: Fasting blood draw, CBC, CMP, lipid panel & glucose 

• PSA: Blood draw, Prostate specific antigen, male only 

• TSH: Blood draw, Thyroid-stimulating hormone 

• Height/Weight/BMI 

• Grip Strength: Proven to be directly related to cardiovascular health 

• A1C: Fasting blood draw 

• Blood Pressure 

• Waist/Hip Ratio  

• Mobile Mammography:  

All results are reviewed by a health care professional. Each participant receives an individualized packet with results, recommendations and educational materials. The Health First team can also assist with connecting a patient/employee to any resources or health care provider.  

Let Catawba Valley Health System help you provide onsite wellness screenings and services that heighten awareness of disease factors, provide important early detection services, and skills to help prevent or cope with illness. For more information or to schedule a health screening event, contact Meghan Harmon at mharmon@cvmc.us or call (828-732-6201) 

Heart Healthy Food Swaps 

February is Heart Health Month, and it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves that heart-healthy changes don’t have to be complicated or expensive. In Outpatient Nutrition, we focus on teaching simple habits that add up over time – supporting better cholesterol levels, healthier blood pressure, and improved energy.  See below to learn more about why we should watch out for saturated fats and to see easy swaps we can make to our choices, “Heart Healthy Choices”. 

1. Saturated fats 

Saturated fats are the type of fat that are solid at room temperature – think butter, lard, shortening, the visible fat on meats, and the “marbling” you see running through steaks. These fats are also found in higher-fat dairy products, fried foods, pastries, and many packaged snacks. 

Because saturated fats can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, we remind patients to keep saturated fat to less than 10% of total daily calories. 

For most adults, that’s about 13 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet. 

Choosing leaner cuts of meat, trimming visible fat, selecting lower-fat dairy, and using plant-based oils instead of solid fats are simple ways to stay within this limit while still enjoying your meals. 

2. Heart-Healthy Swaps by Food Group

Protein Foods 

Small changes can make meals lighter on saturated fat without feeling restrictive. 

Budget-friendly swaps: 

• Choose skinless chicken thighs instead of fried chicken or high-fat red meat 

• Use ground turkey or lean ground beef (90%+) instead of regular 70–80% beef 

• Replace part of the meat in recipes with beans or lentils, which are inexpensive and high in fiber 

• Swap deli meats for canned tuna, canned chicken, or beans to cut back on sodium and saturated fat 

Why it helps: Lean proteins and plant-based options reduce saturated fat and support better cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Dairy 

Instead of cutting dairy out, patients often benefit from choosing lower-fat varieties. 

Budget-friendly swaps: 

• Use 1% or skim milk instead of whole milk 

• Choose low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat yogurts 

• Try reduced-fat shredded cheese or simply use a smaller amount 

Why it helps: Lower-fat dairy helps reduce saturated fat intake while still providing calcium and protein. 

Grains & Starches 

Whole grains provide fiber, which naturally helps lower cholesterol. 

Budget-friendly swaps: 

• Switch to oatmeal, whole-grain bread, brown rice, or whole-wheat pasta instead of refined versions 

• Choose potatoes with the skin on for extra fiber 

• Replace sugary breakfast cereals with store-brand oats 

Why it helps: More fiber = better digestion, better blood glucose control, and decreased LDL cholesterol. 

Vegetables & Fruits 

Increasing produce doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Budget-friendly swaps: 

• Buy frozen vegetables—they’re nutritious, inexpensive, and long-lasting 

• Choose fresh produce on sale, especially apples, carrots, bananas, cucumbers, and seasonal items 

• Use frozen berries for smoothies or oatmeal instead of pricey fresh berries 

Why it helps: Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and potassium—important for blood pressure and heart health. 

Fats & Oils 

Instead of avoiding fat completely, choose healthier kinds. 

Budget-friendly swaps: 

• Use olive oil or canola oil instead of butter or coconut oil 

• Choose natural peanut butter instead of shortening-based spreads 

• Add healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or seeds in small, affordable portions 

Why it helps: Plant-based fats support heart health by improving cholesterol patterns and reducing inflammation. 

Snacks & Sweets 

You can still enjoy snacks – just with smart adjustments. 

Budget-friendly swaps: 

• Choose air-popped popcorn instead of chips 

• Pick fruit + handful of nuts instead of pastries 

• Try whole-grain crackers with hummus instead of higher-fat snack mixes 

Why it helps: Minimizing added sugars and saturated fats supports better blood pressure and cholesterol. 

3. Build a More Balanced Plate

Instead of focusing on strict rules, we encourage patients to use the simple plate method: 

• ½ plate fruits & vegetables 

• ¼ plate whole grains 

• ¼ plate lean protein 

• Add heart-healthy fats in moderation 

*This pattern is easy to follow at home, dining out, or even when grabbing something quick.

4. Understand Sodium “Hot Spots”

Most sodium doesn’t come from the salt shaker – it comes from packaged foods, quick meals, and restaurant items. Learning where sodium hides is one of the most eye-opening parts of our outpatient and rehab education. 

Try these simple changes: 

• Choose reduced-sodium broths, sauces, and canned goods 

• Flavor meals with herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegar 

• Compare labels – brands often vary by hundreds of milligrams of sodium 

*Small reductions add up to lower blood pressure and improved fluid balance. 

If you are interested in learning more about heart healthy nutrition choices, reach out to our Registered Dietitian, Lindsie Covington, MS, RDN, LDN at lcovington@catawbavalleymc.org or call (828-326-2262)