All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MARCH IS NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

Did you know that more than 26 million Americans  have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and many of them had no idea they had it?  According to a new report published in the March issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, (the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation), persons who have kidney disease have a limited understanding of symptoms, the course of kidney disease and risk factors –  diabetes and hypertension.  This disease can be silent, with few symptoms.   All too often, we do not realize the importance of the organs that basically keep our bodies healthy.  Many do not understand that the kidneys:

  • Remove waste from the body;
  • Remove drugs from the body;
  • Balance fluids in the body;
  • Release hormones that regulate blood pressure;
  • Produce an active form of Vitamin D, which promotes healthy, strong bones;
  • Control production of blood cells.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee,  surveyed 401 people with kidney disease attending a nephrology clinic.  More than three-fourths of participants had stage 3 chronic kidney disease or above.  While 94% of patients surveyed knew they had a kidney “problem,” more than 30% were unaware they had a serious, potentially life-threatening disease.  All of the patients surveyed were under the care of a nephrologist ( kidney specialist).  Also, those patients taking part in the 34-question survey showed that 78% of them did not realize that the disease may progress with no symptoms.  More than 34% were unaware that they were at an increased risk for heart disease, and 32% did not know that the kidneys make urine.  This study highlights the need for providers to better communicate with their patients, the seriousness of the disease.  Persons at risk – those with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, should get their kidney function checked regularly.

Physicians should stress the importance of the patient taking action to prevent the disease from worsening.  Patients should get involved in their own care, by avoiding medications, such as overuse of NSAIDS and over-the-counter pain medications that are toxic to the kidneys, keeping their blood pressure under control, and understanding the risk factor of diabetes.  They should talk to their physician about diabetes and high blood pressure, and know how to keep their kidneys healthy.  There are many steps that persons can take to save their health.  Choosing a healthier diet – one with a moderate amount of protein, fluids (water), and a reduction of salt will be helpful.  Cranberry juice is also beneficial for urinary tract infections and cleaning out the kidneys.  Exercise is also recommended – patients should have a goal of two and one-half hours per week of physical activity.

At one time or another, many of us have been curious about using herbal supplements for certain ailments.  Use of herbal supplements may be unsafe for chronic kidney disease patients, since their body is not able to clear waste products the same as those who do not have kidney disease.  Very few herbs have been studied in CKD patients.  While they may be safe for healthy individuals, they may not be for someone who has CKD;  in fact, they could be dangerous.  The exact contents of these products are unknown because the government does not regulate these supplements.  Also, there are no requirements for testing, so the safety, purity, and effectiveness of supplements are also unknown.  In addition, they may be contaminated with toxic, heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, and minerals that are harmful to CKD patients, like potassium.

A healthy habit for all of us is to drink more water, and fewer soft drinks.  Many drinks that contain caffeine actually do not hydrate us, but just the opposite. Carbonated drinks (especially dark ones) should be limited to one every 2-3 days.  Choose water or lemonade instead. 

March is National Kidney Month; the National Kidney Foundation will be offering free screenings for those at risk throughout the country.  This program is called the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP).    And remember, have regular checkups, expecially if you have any health issues.  Stay in touch with your doctor.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

GREEN JOBS ARE NOT NECESSARILY SAFE JOBS!

Green Jobs are defined as jobs that help improve the environment.  In addition to revitalizing the economy by putting people back to work, they help the public become more aware of the ways we can all help our planet, each by doing his part to keep Mother Earth in better shape.  Green jobs are not always safe jobs, as we will point out some of the hazards that workers face in two particular “green job” fields:  Biofuels and Green Roofs.  Other green jobs are Wind Energy, Solar, Geo-Thermal Energy, Weather Insulation/Sealing, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Recycling, which we will cover in different segments. 

Biofuels have become a fast growing part of the energy sector, because demand for low-carbon impact, domestically produced fuels has increased.  These are created from renewable resources, such as plant biomass, vegetable oils, grains, and treated municipal and industrial wastes.  They can involve potentially dangerous situations, because they are combustible or flammable.  Workers must be protected from hazards of these fuels during their production processes.  The two types of biofuels that are currently being produced in the United States are Ethanol and Biodiesel.     

  • Ethanol is a flammable liquid that is readily ignited at ordinary temperatures.  Renewable ethanol is produced by fermented grains, or by using advanced technologies, from cellulosic materials such as waste paper, wood chips, and agricultural wastes.  The production process can involve other hazardous materials, such as bases, gasoline, and acids.  Up to 10% ethanol is blended with gasoline in most automotive fuel currently sold in the U.S.  Higher ethanol blends up to “E85” (85% ethanol blended with gasoline) are available in some parts of the country.
  • Biodiesel is a combustible liquid that burns readily when heated.  Blending with petroleum diesel fuel or contamination by materials used in manufacturing can increase its flammability.  Biodiesel is produced by combining organic materials, such as vegetable oils, with an alcohol (typically methanol), and using a strong base, such as a caustic, as a catalyst.  Glycerin, a combustible liquid, is produced as a by-product.  The caustic is neutralized with acid, typically sulfuric acid.  All of these materials may require careful management to protect workers.  Biodiesel is widely available.

This type of work will require extensive safety planning and training and the correct type of personal protective equipment (PPE), for workers who are exposed to the making of these biofuels.  From eyewear and face protection, to protective clothing and gloves, employers must  provide PPE to their employees. 

Green Roofs are steadily growing in popularity throughout urban areas in the United States.  The oldest Green Roof in the U.S. is on top of Rockefeller Center in New York.  Although the Rockefeller rooftop garden was built in 1930, interest in Green Roof technology has only occurred within the last 15 years.  Chicago, New York, and Portland are leaders in implementing Green Roof technology in the U.S.   Landscapers and roofing contractors are becoming more involved with installing green roofs, which are most often installed by green roof specialty companies.  Maintenance of a green roof falls under OSHA’s general industry standards.  The safety challenges associated with this growing industry have some new and often familiar safety issues.  In addition to wearing the proper type of PPE that fits the job, fall-arrest systems are very important. 

We will talk more about other green jobs soon.  In the meantime, if you are sipping a cool one on your “green roof” or driving to your favorite pub in your ethanol-burning new vehicle, have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!   If you aren’t doing either of those things, have a good time celebrating with the Irish!  (Don’t forget to wear green.)

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

SOME “SHOCKING” FACTS ABOUT OSHA VIOLATIONS

We all understand that working with electricity can be dangerous, and only persons that have been trained in this field should attempt tasks that deal with it.  Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies.  Others, such as office workers and sales people, work indirectly with electricity and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.  Therefore, it is surprising that there were so many violations and citations leveled against companies that ignored electrical standards, risking injury or even death to their employees. 

Because electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect those employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.  Two of the Top Ten Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards violations for 2010 were #7 – Electric, Wiring Methods (CFR 1910.305), and #9 – Electric, General (CFR 1910.303).  On the Top Ten Highest Penalties assessed by OSHA for 2010, was another standard, Electric, General Requirements (CFR 1926.403), which was listed as #2 on that list. 

Electrical wiring in general refers to insulated conductors used to carry electricity, and associated devices.  This is in reference to providing power in buildings and structures.  Wiring safety codes are intended to protect people and buildings from electrical shock and fire hazards.  Regulations may be established by city, county, provincial/state or national legislation, sometimes by adopting in amended form a model code produced by a technical standards-setting organization (OSHA), or by a national standard electrical code. 

Companies should do their utmost to be in compliance with federal safety regulations.  There should be a safety program with defined responsibilities and training for workers.  Equipment should be marked with electrical safety labels.  Workers should realize what happens when there is an arc flash.  This is a short circuit through the air that can happen when conductors can’t support the voltage.  An arc flash can be as hot as 5,000 degrees Farenheit, and creates a brilliant flash of light and loud noise.  As radiant energy explodes out of the electrical equipment, hot gases and melted metal can endanger human life.  This is why there are four separate industry standards or electrical safety requirements in place to protect workers against arc flashes and electrical accidents. 

When working around electricity, the biggest hazard is always electric shock.  Although disconnecting the equipment from power sources and using non-conductive tools is important, there is still one last defense against shock: protective clothing.  Listed below are types of personal protective equipment (PPE),that should be worn:

  • Long, flame-resistant pants;
  • Safety goggles with side shields, or wraparound goggles;
  • Long sleeve, flame resistant shirt (synthetic materials can be flammable or melt into skin), or;
  • Hardhat with flame-resistant liner;
  • Hair fasteners (for those with long hair);
  • Leather work boots;
  • Leather work gloves. 

Everyone should treat electricity with respect, at home or work.  It’s important to follow manufacturers’ instructions (read them thoroughly),  read labels, and never overload circuits.  For those in the workplace, check and double-check safety regulations.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO STOP DROPPING BOXES

The following article is from Guest Blogger, Ward Greunke.  He wanted to share this great information with us and our readers.  I’ve never thought about the “lift to accept” theory, but it would save lots of hassle if everyone would try it.

Have you ever handed something heavy to someone and asked, “Do you have it?” and just as they say yes, they drop it?  The reason for this is that people usually wait for heavy things to be placed in their hands and then confirm verbally that they have it so the other person can let go. Unfortunately, as the first person starts to let go, the other person might not really have a good grip.

This miscommunication happens because the verbal feedback provided does not match the physical feedback.  If someone tells you they have the box and yet you are still carrying the weight, there is a mismatch and the potential for an accident.  To solve this, box companies should provide a logo that promotes the concept of “Lift to Accept”.

Here is how it works.  When someone hands you a box, instead of saying “I have it”, just lift the box out of the other person’s hands.  The first person’s hands will immediately drop away when you lift the box and there is no verbal confusion.  This works because the first person knows that you have the box because they no longer feel the weight in their hands.  Once this happens, they are left holding air and quickly remove their hands.  By placing the label below on boxes, box companies can eliminate the mismatch between verbal feedback and physical feedback.

Safety Benefits: Catching vs lifting.

In addition to the minimized confusion, there is also a safety benefit to this technique because people will be better prepared to support the weight.  When you are trying to catch something, you prepare for any possible events.  Your feet are ready to move, your knees are bent and springy and your arms are ready to help you run.  Think of a baseball outfielder trying to guess where the ball will go.  Their stance is optimized for movement, not for strength.

When you lift, you focus on a single event.  You plant your feet, align your body and make sure that you have a good grip.  Think of a weightlifter focusing on a single lift.  They position their body for maximum strength.  This alignment of the body prepares you to lift heavy objects and can minimize injury by trying to carry something in an awkward position.  If you are picking something off a table, you use a lifting response, but if you are catching something, you use a contingency response.  In one case, you are being proactive and controlling the situation.  In the other case you are being reactive and hope for the best.  When you follow “Lift to Accept”, you are positioning your body for maximum strength and personal safety.

The “Lift to Accept” method uses non-verbal feedback as well as better prepares people to carry heavy objects.  By showing customers this method to pass items, box companies can help their customers minimize losses caused by dropped material as well as potentially reduce workplace injuries.

Thanks, Ward, for this suggestion.  I wonder how many persons utilize this method of lifting items and passing them to the next person.  You can read more of Ward’s tips at latentvalue.blogspot.com.

General Safety Issues

TRIPLE TRAGEDIES IN JAPAN

Japan, the country that gave the world the word tsunami, has suffered tremendously at the hands of Mother Nature, first with an earthquake that measured 8.9, and then followed by a tsunami that contained 23 foot waves, and devastated much of the northeast part of the country.  If that weren’t enough to contend with, officials are now battling the threat of nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants.  The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami keeps climbing, as the last reports showed around 10,000 persons feared dead; thousands more are missing.  Hundreds of thousands of persons in Japan are struggling to find food and water.   

This has been like watching a bad horror movie, only it is real.  The U.S. Government, private aid groups, and American business corporations were all being mobilized Saturday to support rescue and recovery efforts in Japan.  The U.S. Military assistance operation, “Operation Tomodachi”, meaning “friendship”, was the name chosen by the Japanese.  USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which includes a destroyer, cruiser, and combat support ship is headed to the east coast of Honshu to serve as a platform for refueling Japanese military and other helicopters involved in rescue and recovery. 

In regard to Japan’s nuclear problems – a meltdown means there has been a serious collapse of a power plant’s systems and its ability to manage temperatures.  A complete meltdown would release uranium and dangerous byproducts into the environment that pose serious health problems.  When there is a loss of power and damage to generators, cooling systems crucial to cool down nuclear fuel rods become crippled and unable to perform their function.  On Saturday, safety officials from Japan told the International Atomic Energy Agency that the release of radioactive material so far has been small; however, Japanese authorities have evacuated more than 180,000 residents within a 12-mile radius, and are distributing iodine pills to residents around the power plants involved.  Potassium iodide, in concentrated form, can help reduce the dose of radiation to the thyroid and thus the risk of cancer.  The Nuclear Regulatory Committee in the U.S. recommends that persons living within 10-mile emergency planning radius of nuclear plants be given the same dosage of concentrated potassium iodide. 

Although this is largest earthquake Japan has experienced, and the 5th largest in the world since 1900, Japan has routinely conducted earthquake and tsunami drills and probably is better prepared for this type of disaster than any other country.  Inside modern Japanese buildings are extra steel bracing, giant rubber pads and embedded hydraulic shock absorbers, making them the sturdiest in the world.  Building codes have long been much more stringent on specific matters like how much a building may sway during an earthquake.  Hopefully, lives were saved because of this planning.  Time will tell. 

The tsunami from Japan sent strong waves thousands of miles away.  Hawaii is thankful that there was no loss of life or injuries from the tsunami, but several hotels experienced waves pushed into their lobbies on the Big Island, and also there was damage to about 60 homes.  Further away, in Crescent City, California, a community that depends on the fishing industry, the tsunami caused approximately $17.1 million dollars of damage to the harbor and vessels, and about $4 million to private boats.  One young man from a community about 20 miles south of Crescent City, remains missing, when he was washed away by the waves. 

Aftershocks continue in Japan, making rescue and recovery even more difficult.  Many of these aftershocks measure 5 or greater.  Keep the citizens of Japan in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the brave people who always show up in times of crisis – volunteers from around the world that search, treat the injured, feed the hungry, and serve in ways we can’t begin to imagine.  Disasters always bring friends from afar, countries pulling together to help their fellow human beings.

Sources: NY Times, AP, Chicago Tribune, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

BASKETBALL IS A FUN, ROUGH GAME!

Basketball is a fun sport that most kids have probably tried at one time or another.  From “Little Dribblers” on up, it is a great game.  Kids need to understand the rules of basketball and how much fun it can be when all participants follow those rules.  Because it is a contact sport, basketball injuries occur very often.  There’s lots of flailing of arms and throwing elbows while trying to go for rebounds or fending off a competitor.  Kids who want to participate in basketball or any sport usually are aware of the risks involved.  That is why they are taught the fundamentals of the game, and learn to be safe playing on the court with other players.   Those who play in team sports  bond with teammates, and that bond carries on through their school years and many times, beyond.

Strength training is important for preparing for any sport.  For basketball, strengthening the muscles around the knees can be very helpful.  Common injuries in athletes who play basketball are sprained knees, sprained ankles, jammed or broken fingers, broken noses, and poked eyes.  Other possibilities are colliding with other players, walls, or posts, and head concussions.   Players must wear the correct types of basketball shoes, protective mouth guards, and eye and nose gear as needed.  Doctors may prescribe certain bracing be worn by athletes who have experienced injuries of their knees.  (Now that we’ve pointed out a few hazards, let’s talk about some fun things.)

One of the most exciting March activities for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!   A total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.  Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs feature 64 teams competing to reach the Championships.  At the time of this writing, conference tournaments are being played to see who gets picked to compete in the regional play-offs and later advance to the Road to the Final Four.   This is the culmination of a season of hard-played basketball, with many games won by a margin of one-point.  It’s hard to pick the real winner when both teams are equally skilled, but the team with the top score gets to move on.  

Another exciting tournament held each year is the National Invitational Tournament, which invites teams that did not make the NCAA playoffs to first compete on campus sites, with the semi-final and final game played at Madison Square Garden, in New York City.  This is also an honor to the teams that almost made it to the Big Dance, but maybe missed by only a point or two in play-off games.  Because the NCAA tournament is required to host winners from all Division I conferences, chances are that some of the ones that missed an invitation to that tournament may have had better records.  Also,  pro basketball teams have been competing now for a while, so we will watch as they begin their playoffs, as well.  There’s plenty to enjoy if you are a round-ball fan, before we move on to baseball!

Each year, many talented college players  will be chosen to move on to professional basketball next season.  So, if your “little dribbler” aspires to play like his/her hero when he or she is older, teach him or her, to play safe, play fair, and keep in good physical condition.  Parents can start them off by providing them with healthy diets and teaching good sportsmanship.  Whether they choose to be an athlete, or a scholar, or both, leadership qualities are taught at home, at a young age.

Respiratory Safety

BREATHE EASIER WITH RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Number 5 on our  “Hit Parade” countdown of OSHA’s Top Ten violations for 2010 is Standard 29 CFR 1910.134,  Respiratory Protection, General Industry.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, respirators protect the user in two basic ways. The first is by the removal of contaminants from the air. Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles; and “gas masks” which filter out chemicals and gases. Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators that fall into this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source; and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.  Respirators should only be used when engineering control systems are not feasible. Engineering control systems, such as adequate ventilation or scrubbing of contaminants are the preferred control methods for reducing worker exposures. 

If you work where there is dust, heat, humidity, or mist around you, respirators are needed.  Respiratory protection is regulated by OSHA, which determines which type of respiratory protection is appropriate for each kind of hazard.  NIOSH regulates the manufacture and testing of face masks/respirators, labels them for the appropriate type of use, and OSHA is responsible for their use.  Employers are in charge of establishing and implementing a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use.  The provisions of the program include selecting the correct protection, medical evaluation, fit testing, training, use and care of respirators.  Persons with mustaches or beards may not be able to get a secure fit.  OSHA requires fit-testing, to be sure there are no leaks.  Respirators Fit-testing kits must be used to ensure their compliance to safety requirements. 

N95 filtering respirators, “air purifying respirators” cover the nose and mouth.  A respirator classified as N95 means that 95% of most penetrating particulates will be filtered out. This type of respirator protects the wearer against breathing in small particles that contain viruses, such as in a healthcare setting.  For other occupational exposures, the respirators filter out dust, mist, heat and vapors that can be harmful to your health.  To be fully effective, N95 respirators must fit closely to form a light seal over the mouth and nose.   Manufacturers make several different sizes of respirators to accommodate smaller faces.  The use of powered air-purifying respirators may be chosen as a suitable type in some cases. 

Workers must have received comprehensive and understandable training at least annually, and more often if necessary.  This training should include, at a minimum:

  • Limitations and capabilities of the respirator;
  • Effective use in emergencies;
  • Why it is necessary and how improper fit, use and maintenance can compromise its protective effect;
  • Recognition of medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use;
  • How to inspect, put on and remove, use and check the seals;
  • Maintenance and storage.

Listed among the top five violations by companies in the United States is an indicator that employees are being exposed to hazards that can be very harmful to their health.  We hope by this time next year,  most of the serious violations will be corrected, and that respiratory protection will be taken off the list.  We’ll all breathe easier when this happens, especially our workers!

 

Sources: OSHA, CDC

General Safety Issues

LET’S GET A HEAD START ON DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!

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Like it or not, this Sunday, March 13th, we will “spring forward” by setting our clocks ahead one hour.  This comes as a bitter pill to swallow for many persons.  Others take it in stride, but those who are not “morning persons” won’t be too happy about it for a while.  Canada, certain states in the U.S., and Mexico are affected by this mandated time change, as well as many other countries in the world.  During World War I, it was thought that the time change would save energy for the war effort.  The ruling has been off and on through the years, but since the Energy Policy Act of 2005, we’ve been “springing forward.” 

Here are some ideas that might help you be prepared, ahead of time:

  • Start getting ready for it now, this week!
  • Get up a little earlier than usual these last few days so you’ll be ready for Sunday.
  • Try not to take naps the weekend of the time change, so you’ll be able to go to sleep an hour earlier at bedtime.
  • Change all clocks on Saturday afternoon.
  • Think positive – get used to it as soon as possible.
  • Make arrangements for your children to get to school or to the school bus safely, because it may still be dark in your area.  If they ride their bike, or walk, be sure they wear something reflective on their clothes or bike, and accompany them, if possible for the first few days after the time change. 

I have always wished that we didn’t have this time change and have always referred to Central Standard Time as the “real time,” but as years have gone by, I have learned to adjust to it better and realize that there is extra time to get things done before the end of the day.  This is  a good time to get geared up for chores that we usually save for spring, so start planning to do a few of these things.  It always makes you feel better once you’ve done them:

  • Restock battery supplies.  Change smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, both now and after the time change in November, if necessary.
  • List special tasks that you could do annually at this time of the year.
  • Now’s the time to get ready for Spring Cleaning! (First day of Spring is March 20th).
  • Go through your old clothes and donate them to charity.
  • Get the whole family involved in cleaning out closets and passing on clothes they don’t plan to wear to someone who can use them.
  • Start sprucing up your yard.
  • Begin an your exercise program.  You will have that extra hour of sunlight, so there’s no excuse not to do it! 

Waking  up a little earlier in the mornings this week  will allow you to drive without getting drowsy.  Statistics from past time changes have shown that a high percentage of drivers drove while sleepy, and some even dozed off while driving, if only for a few seconds, immediately following the time change.  Darkness in the early hours of the day can cause more driving accidents, so be alert.  

Whether the hands on the clock point to “real time” or Daylight Saving Time, the main goal is to make the adjustment as soon as we can.   It’s time to remember: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life!”  Make every minute count!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PATIENT SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK, MARCH 6 – 12

As a former hospital administrative assistant, I learned that every employee should be a patient advocate.  Medical facilities are there for one reason – to save lives in emergencies, through surgery, or furnish excellent medical care.  There are times that patients may not make it, but it should not be because mistakes were made in the hospital where they were cared for.  Hospitals have compliance officers and quality assurance officers that work to ensure that all healthcare standards are met.  If a patient or family member has a complaint, they should ask for the compliance officer and express their issues regarding the care of the patient. 

Understanding the compliance process and patient advocacy is a very important issue to everyone, because sooner or later, all of us at one time or another will possibly be a patient, or have a family member in the hospital.  Patient Safety Awareness Week is a national observance sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation to promote an educational and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety. 

This is not meant to criticize the healthcare industry, which plays a very important roll in our well-being.  But in my experience, when mistakes are made, it’s by human errors, mainly because of inattention or lack of concern.  I’d like to give you a couple of examples:  (1) After waiting on a very important diagnosis, and  sitting in the examination room for almost an hour, the nurse came in and asked, “Now what’s your name?”   (Makes you feel kind of special, right?)  (2) How about: asking about lab work that was done a few days prior and was to be sent to a specialist, and hearing the nurse tell the doctor they guessed they put it under the wrong name.  A short time later, it was found, and sent on.  (Guess I would still be waiting, if I hadn’t asked.)  These experiences are minor, but they are frustrating to the patient, as well as the doctor.  Be your own advocate!  When a clinic or other facility tells you they will send your records to a specialist, call to be sure they have done so.  I have had several friends expecting to have their lab work or ct scan sent to a specialist located more than 100 miles away, only to find when they arrive, that the records haven’t. 

Electronic systems rather than paper patient charts are now used in many hospitals.   When a patient enters the emergency room, he/she is given a bracelet with a bar code.  This serves as identification throughout the patient’s stay to make sure the needed medications are accurate.  This system also assists with correct diet, medication, and other orders from the physician.   Medication errors have caused approximately 7,000 patient deaths per year.  Using these electronic systems require special training for the nurses, which usually takes a few days.  The rights of patient safety should ask:  Is it the right patient?  Is it the right drug?  Is it the right dose?  Is it the right route? And,  Is it the right time?  Other patient safety issues that hospitals must avoid are:

  • Wrong-site surgery;
  • Hospital-associated infections, (HAI’s);
  • Slips, trips, and falls;
  • Not being familiar with patient’s family history;
  • Ignoring alarms. 

When a patient is getting medical treatment in a hospital and given their wrist-band, (many times color-coded), the admissions person will ask if they have a living will, and if they don’t, the hospital will furnish one upon request, and also patient privacy information (HIPAA).  Persons should understand about a living will and a do-not-resusitate (DNR) order.   HIPAA is a federal law that prohibits medical facilities from giving out private information about the patient.  The amount of information that a care provider (nurse) can give is very limited under this law.

Families should ask a nurse to explain (especially if their family member is critically ill), about the monitors – which ones are being used, and the types of alarms that could sound,  which alarms they should be concerned with, and ones that are minor alarms.  Then if a critical alarm sounds, (usually it is more rapid and high-pitched), they can immediately go for help. Sometimes busy nurses do not hear the arlams or ignore the ones they think have low batteries.  “Alarm fatigue” is often experienced by nurses because of the volume of beeping sounds throughout their shift.  They must remember that many times the patient is depending on their quick response.

We are all thankful for hospitals, which goes without saying.  For the most part, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities do a great job.  But if you feel the safety of someone you know or love is being compromised, speak up!  You must be a patient advocate in every sense of the word.

General Safety Issues

WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE SPRING BREAK!

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One of the things that students look forward to the most, and parents probably worry about the most – Spring Break!  It’s a time when students are ready to let their hair down, and can hardly wait to break free from the routine of daily college life.  It’s no secret that kids are looking for places that offer warm weather, water, cheap booze, and bargains.  We don’t want to rain on their parade, but feel that we should join others in warning them about some of the risks involved when traveling, especially if they choose to go to out of the United States. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a very blunt statement on March 1st, stating  “Avoid Mexico travel during Spring Break and Stay Alive!”  The northern border cities were the most dangerous at one time; however, authorities have warned travelers that the drug-related violence is rapidly growing worse, and violence and other crimes have moved from the border to other parts of the country, even the resort areas in southern Mexico, as well as Mexico City.  This is the third warning in three months that the agency has advised totally staying out of Mexico.  Boaters are warned to stay on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake, where several Americans have been robbed and one young man killed in recent months.  Ted Poe, R- Humble, Texas, in his appearance on CBS’ Early Show on March 1st, said Americans or Mexican nationals are not safe in Mexico where the drug cartels are operating in different portions of the country.  A profound escalation of cartel-related conflicts in Mexico has created an environment in which deadly violence can happen anywhere, regardless of bystanders, their nationality or status.  He recommended that students go somewhere in the United States for their spring break. 

There are many places in Texas, Louisana, Florida, and other southern states that offer plenty of water and sunshine.  Because of the economy, it would keep more dollars at home.  Wherever your destination is, here’s a few tips:

  • The sun will maximize the effects of alcohol, and cause a hangover to be worse. 
  • Be sure to take along lots of sunscreen,  if you going to a beach area. 
  • Plan ahead, and think about the consequences of taking risks. 
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Drink responsibly. 
  • Have a designated driver, and check out the laws of the area.  

Family groups will be traveling during this time, too, and all of these tips can be helpful.  The “buddy system” applies to travel anytime, anywhere.  Never get separated from your group, nor leave with strangers.  There are predators who will try to steal or commit worse crimes on unsuspecting persons.  Water safety is another thing to understand.  Do not swim where there is no lifeguard on duty.  Know the flags for water safety:

  • Red – Stay out of water, strong undertow or riptides.
  • Yellow –Undertow and riptides possible.
  • Blue – Calm water; Swim safely!

Wherever you choose to travel this spring, please do this:

  1. Have an emergency plan: designate meeting  places in case of getting separated from your group, and know the evacuation plans of the hotel you are staying in.
  2. Pack a disaster kit (just in case): water, non-perishable food, battery-operated radio, cell phone, first aid kit,and flashlight.
  3. Stay informed. 

Here are also a few tips for all travelers to follow that will help everyone stay well while on vacation: take some hand sanitizer and wipes to keep down germs in your hotel room.  Use paper cups that are provided rather than glass ones, which may not have been washed properly.  Move the bedspread away and wipe down the remote control, phone, and bathroom handles.  It pays to be “germ-conscious” when staying away from home. 

Persons who are planning to vacation outside the U.S.  should always check the U.S. State Department website for up-to-date information related to security issues in the country they plan to travel.  Have fun, but use common sense, and stay safe.  Mom and Dad will sleep a lot better when you are back home.