Non-traditional working hours are a “way of life” for those people who work a shift rotation. Laborers who work day, afternoon, and night shifts in a three week period often complain of digestive problems, a feeling of disorientation and problems with family and social relationships. Their families reported a lack of effective communication and limited involvement in traditional family celebrations/events. This paper describes the educational program which resulted from the cooperative efforts of the Minnesota Extension Service, industry, and shift workers' families. The program helped to provide some alternatives for families as they attempted to manage this stressful lifestyle.
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