In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin celebrate five years of podcasting while diving into a critical topic: opioid awareness and pain management in the context of surgery. They are joined by Brand Newland, the CEO and co-founder of Goldfinch Health, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on how to navigate the challenges associated with opioid prescriptions following surgery.

Brand begins by addressing the opioid crisis, emphasizing the need for a shift in how we approach pain management, particularly in surgical settings. He shares insights from his experience as a pharmacist and discusses the founding of Goldfinch Health in 2018, which aims to improve the surgical experience by advocating for better pain management practices that reduce reliance on opioids.

The conversation highlights the importance of multimodal pain management strategies, which include using non-opioid medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as innovative approaches such as the TLC method (Tylenol, Lyrica, and Celebrex) to manage pain effectively before and after surgery. Brand explains how these methods can lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications, ultimately allowing patients to return to work sooner—an average of 35 days faster than national benchmarks.

Jon and Chris share their personal experiences with opioid prescriptions, illustrating the common issue of being prescribed excessive amounts of pain medication post-surgery. Brand reassures listeners that there are alternatives and encourages them to advocate for themselves and their loved ones when it comes to pain management.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of better pain management practices, with Brand discussing a recent study that shows a significant return on investment for employers who implement Goldfinch's programs. This is particularly relevant for those in the construction industry, where physical labor is a daily reality, and managing pain effectively can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

As the discussion progresses, Brand introduces the concept of enhanced recovery protocols and the importance of preparing for surgery in a way that minimizes pain and anxiety. He shares practical tips, such as staying hydrated and consuming clear liquids before surgery, which can help improve recovery outcomes.

Towards the end of the episode, Brand discusses Goldfinch's new initiative, the Billion Pill Fudge Program, aimed at reducing the number of leftover opioid pills after surgery. He emphasizes the importance of safe disposal methods to prevent accidental poisoning, particularly among children.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into a significant legal case that has captured the attention of the construction industry in Pennsylvania, the Clearfield County Jail case. Joined by legal expert Mike Pascoe from Ice Miller, the discussion centers around the implications of a legal doctrine known as "nullum tempus" and its potential application to the statute of repose in construction law.

The episode begins with Jon and Chris introducing Mike Pascoe, who provides a brief overview of his background in construction litigation. Mike explains that the Clearfield County case involves a renovation of a jail built 40 years ago, during which it was discovered that critical structural elements were missing. The county is now facing an estimated $4 million in costs to rectify these issues. Traditionally, contractors and design professionals would not be held liable for problems arising after such a long period, but the county is arguing that the nullum tempus doctrine should allow them to pursue legal action indefinitely.

As the conversation unfolds, Mike elaborates on the differences between the statute of limitations and the statute of repose, emphasizing that the latter provides a definitive end date for legal claims. The Clearfield County case is significant because it challenges the long-standing understanding of these legal principles, potentially allowing public entities to sue contractors and designers long after the completion of a project.

Jon and Chris express their concerns about the ramifications of this case for the construction industry, particularly regarding the burden it could place on contractors who may be held liable for work completed decades ago. They discuss the practical implications of maintaining extensive documentation for projects that could be scrutinized many years later, highlighting the challenges of record-keeping in an industry where practices have evolved significantly over the decades.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of storing project data over long periods, with Mike providing eye-opening statistics on the costs associated with data management. The discussion underscores the importance of finality in construction contracts and the potential chaos that could ensue if public entities are allowed to pursue claims indefinitely.

As the episode wraps up, Mike shares insights into the current status of the case, including the timeline for briefs and the potential for oral arguments before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The co-hosts express their commitment to keeping their audience informed about the developments in this case, recognizing its far-reaching impact on the construction industry.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an often-overlooked aspect of the construction industry: physical health. Joined by nurse practitioner and founder of Construction Care Solutions, Linde Collingwood, the conversation explores the unique health challenges faced by blue-collar workers, particularly in the construction sector.

Linde shares her extensive experience working on-site with pipeline construction crews, where she provided on-the-job medical care and developed a strong rapport with the workers. With a staggering 88% of her patients presenting with high blood pressure, she emphasizes the importance of addressing physical health alongside mental health, a topic that has been a focus of the podcast in the past.

The discussion highlights the cultural barriers that prevent workers from seeking medical care, including the stigma around self-care and the fear of job loss. Linde advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging workers to prioritize their health without feeling weak.

Listeners will gain insights into the innovative telehealth services Linde offers, making healthcare accessible for those who often feel invisible in the system. This episode is a call to action for both workers and employers to recognize the importance of physical well-being in maintaining a healthy workforce.

Tune in to learn more about how Linde is making a difference in the lives of construction workers and how you can support this vital aspect of the industry.