Category Archives: Health Issues

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

AN EPIDEMIC: THE U.S.’s MOST RAMPANT ADDICTIONS (GUEST POST)

There can be no doubt that the United States is facing a health care epidemic. All across the nation, there are millions of people fighting addiction and the negative consequences it brings into their lives. These men and women are up against the toughest enemy anyone could ever face: their own mind. The neurochemistry of the brain releases pleasure hormones every time an illegal substance is consumed. It’s why people start using in the first place. It’s why, unfortunately, they get hooked. There are literally an infinite number of different addictions occurring simultaneously here in America. However, there are those addictions that are much more common than others. Here is a brief look at America’s epidemic: our most prevalent addictions and what we’re doing to stop them. 

Marijuana

For anyone over the tender age of 12, Marijuana has become the vice of choice. It is, statistically, the most consumed illicit drug in this nation. The pot industry (both regulated and deregulated) is worth billions alone. 
There is academic debate as of whether or not Marijuana is intrinsically addictive or harmful. Even if it doesn’t have a chemical component making it addicting all, there are a number of people who become addicted due to the pleasant high. A number of people simply outgrow their usage. Some states are fighting addiction by minimizing the illegality of the substance. Rehab services deal with thousands of cases a year in which people become lethargic after extended marijuana usage. So much so that they’re either living in squalor or are entirely dependent on another person.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug addiction is the fastest growing addiction in the nation. Every year, thousands of people become addicted to potent medications that should only be distributed by qualified medical professionals. However, that’s often the problem. People receive medication for pain and they become hooked. They seek out the continuance of pleasure and only find the negativity of their addiction.
Children are becoming frequent users of their parent’s medications. Pill parties are reported to be common affairs. The process to becoming detoxified from these drugs can be long and arduous.

Tobacco

Tobacco is the most addictive legally available item on the market. Although usage has gone down over the years thanks to the government’s efforts to prevent nicotine addiction, there are still millions of people who can’t quit smoking. The grip of nicotine is such that most people who try quitting will fail repeatedly– even with medical intervention. It’s a destructive process that can only be stopped through sheer will power and a lot of determination.
 
Author Bio: Annette Hazard is a freelance blogger that is currently promoting rehab with freedomdrugrehab.com/ups-and-downs-in-life-course/. She usually writes about health issues.
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

IS MY CHILDCARE PROVIDER UP ON SAFETY MEASURES? WHAT TO LOOK FOR (GUEST POST)

When you place your child in day care, you do so under the assumption that they will be safe. You want to know that your child is free from any type of harm, including that from dangerous toys or accessories. You also want to make sure that the place is sanitary. Children touch everything, and viruses can spread quickly if their surroundings are not kept clean.

To ensure that your child remains safe while not in your care, parents should look for signs that their care provider is keeping up to the standards you expect. Some of these “signs” include: 

1. Look at the outdoor equipment. Does it look rugged and well worn? While it is to be expected that play items will be well-used, you need to know that your child care dollars are going for upkeep as well as payroll. If the equipment looks too used, chances are it is not safe.

2. Look at the toys inside. Do the toys seem age-appropriate for the children? Some toys can present choking hazards or have sharp edges. These are dangerous to very small children.

3. Look at the infant area. This is especially important since babies can easily be harmed and catch viruses. Does this area contain:

*Does the baby play yard have removable mats and fabric? You want your infant to be in a play yard that can easily be washed and cleaned. Is a top sanitary precaution.  

*Heavy objects? As infants start to grow, they begin to reach and pull themselves up. Large bookcases and other items of this nature can easily topple over on infants, causing great harm.

*Hand sanitizer? You want your care providers to have clean hands when they are interacting with your baby.

*Crib sheets. Are the cribs or bassinets being used look and smell clean? Do they have removable sheets? You do not want your baby sleeping in an area that cannot be easily cleaned.

*Stuffed animals or large blankets in sleeping areas. Babies should never be placed to sleep with a large comforter or stuffed animal. This can cause suffocation.
4. Children’s furniture. Do the tables and chairs appear to be the right size for the children? Are they well-worn and seem to be wobbly? Are they made of metal? All of these things could pose a risk to your child.

While this may seem a little overprotective, it is not. Day care centers are obligated to keep your child safe, and that includes making sure that the equipment that they use, toys they provide, and their cleanliness level all meet specific standards.

If you have any concerns about any of these issues, or other things that you may have noticed, you should take the time to talk with the center about the problems. In many cases, the problem can be quickly resolved. If not, you may find that you need to search for more qualified care providers for your child.

Researcher and author Nickey Williams writes this article to create child safety awareness. The washable baby play yard is part of the Shiloh by InGenuity collection. Fabrics simply zip off in less than a minute for machine washing and you can swiftly fold & go without extracting the bassinet, making this product extremely convenient. 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Hearing Protection

WORKING IN LOUD ENVIRONMENTS: TREATMENT AND PREVENTION (GUEST POST)

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When we first learn to sing in tune, we learn the connection between intonation, sound and our ears, nose and throat. Live or loud music therefore impacts not only these bodily functions, but our jaw and teeth too.

Causes of jaw and teeth pain from loud music and treatments

The following are potential causes for the experience of pain in the jaw and teeth while listening to live or loud music:

Existing ENT condition

Some individuals may suffer from an existing Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) condition that may be the underlying cause of discomfort when experiencing live music. The ENT region may become more sensitized to sound. 

Treatment: A referral from a General Practitioner (GP) to an ENT specialist may help identify if this is the cause and the best available treatment to reduce sensitivity.

Clicking Jaw or TMJ disorder

A temporo-mandibular joint disorder or clicking jaw is when the upper and lower jaw do not function as they should, causing dysfunctional bite and pain in the jawbone, teeth and face. The sound vibrations may aggravate symptoms of TMJ.

Treatment: An Orthodontist may assess if TMJ is the cause and recommend treatments such as orthodontic braces and pain relief.

Loose teeth or Periodontal disease

People who suffer from gum disease, such as Periodontitis, may have loose teeth that are particularly affected by the vibrations from loud or live music. Periodontitis or gum disease occurs when decay damages the periodontal ligament that keeps the teeth secured to the jaw bone through the gum tissue. Once the ligament becomes destroyed, teeth become sore, infected and loose. These loose teeth may literally rattle to the music, causing further pain that radiates through the jawbone and face.

Treatment: Periodontists and Endodontists are dentists who specialise in treatments for gum disease. Root canal treatment may be used to remove infected gum tissue so that the tooth may be replaced by a dental restoration anchored to a dental implant. Missing teeth may be replaced by dentures, dental bridges and crowns.

Noise Anxiety and Bruxism

We all experience thresholds to sound differently and some of us may be more sensitive to sound volume than others. When anxiety due to noise or loud sound is experienced, some people may clench their teeth and grind their teeth. The teeth and jaw may ache from the teeth grinding.

Treatments: Dental mouth guards or shields may be custom-made for individuals who grind their teeth, whether due to noise anxiety, other fears or at night during sleep. Mouth guards prevent grinding teeth-on-teeth contact that may damage the tooth enamel causing teeth sensitivity. Some people may need to speak to their GP about anti-anxiety medication to prevent future TMJ disorders from developing.

Our thanks to James at netvectors.co.uk, for showing us another risk that is taken by people who listen to extremely loud music or work in loud environments.  For the best in hearing protection, which might help solve the dental problems, see our large variety of noise protection. pb

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PRIVATE SCREENING TESTS FOR YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH (GUEST POST)

Whether you are too embarrassed to ask your primary care physician to run a test for something specific such as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or you simply do not have time during office hours to fit in an appointment, you can now find out if you have a long list of different health issues by ordering the screening tests privately at home. If a lab visit is required, the tests will be performed by a qualified healthcare facility that is not affiliated with your doctor’s office, and they can even keep the results out of your medical records.

Which Screening Tests Should My Family Get?

Regardless of whether you use a private service or go directly to your doctor for assistance, you should definitely focus on getting health screenings on a regular basis. For example, if you have your heart and cholesterol checked at least once a year, you can avoid dealing with the serious ramifications of a related health issue that spirals out of control.

It is also a good idea to utilize disease detection testing to ensure that you have not developed a serious health condition such as cancer. Keep in mind that most debilitating diseases do not present noticeable symptoms until after damage has already been done to your body. By signing up for regular disease detection screenings, you will have an important medical head start if you develop an issue.

The Importance of STD Screenings

Anyone who has ever been sexually active without using protection is at risk for contracting an STD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that STDs are a rampant problem in the U.S. that is currently very under-diagnosed. Unfortunately, a large percentage of individuals who have a STD are not even aware of their condition because many of these diseases do not cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. Therefore, if you do not get tested, it is definitely possible that you could be unwittingly passing on an STD to anyone who you have sex with.

Thankfully, you can now get a screening for STDs confidentially without having to deal with the embarrassment that is associated with asking your regular physician to run these important tests. Most people agree that STD testing should be private.  However, if you choose to go to a local doctor or clinic they are required to put your test results on your permanent medical record. Luckily, there are labs like those at www.healthtestingcenters.com that do not have to do this and will send you the results directly.  

Other Screenings

Men understandably detest going through the process of a prostate exam, but now they have the option to order a screening test online and go directly through the lab. Other options include allergy screenings, fertility tests and even drug screenings for teenagers and at-risk family members. Although you cannot get a screening at home for every possible medical condition, the technology is continuously expanding to include additional tests.

With the combination of discreet home screenings and your primary care physician, there is no reason to neglect your health. After all, an early diagnosis is the best way to prevent a minor condition from turning into something that will threaten your life. By taking advantage of the available confidential screening tests, you can have peace of mind and the privacy that most people desire.

Researcher Shelby Warden posts this article for those who like the idea of easy and confidential health screening.  

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

CUT THE CLEANING BILL? CLEANING RISKS AND HAZARDS FOR EMPLOYEES (GUEST POST)

 Many businesses have been finding ways to cut down on bills and expenses. In their minds, some services are becoming ‘unnecessary’ or they can already be done by a contracted employee for the same pay.  Some businesses are cutting down by eliminating the need for cleaning services. 

 Employees in many businesses and big corporations will notice a growing trend of providing a communal rubbish and recycling bins in one or two locations on each floor. This is a development from having trash bins at every single desk in the workplace. This method promotes the idea of decreasing the amount of trash generated. In addition, it forces employees to contemplate whatever they are throwing away and walk the distance between their desks and the trash bin. For the cleaning crew, it takes only half the time in comparison to remove trash from every bin and recycling from the building. 

Hidden Hazards for Employees  

Some businesses are taking a step farther. They ask employees to monitor the cleaning of their own workspaces, with the inclusion of the kitchen and bathroom.  General tidiness is a must and expected from all employees. This might be seen as efficient in a business point of view but many employers and employees are not aware of the activities’ hazards. There are many Occupational Health and Safety issues hidden within simple tasks like mopping the washroom floor or climbing up a ladder to store your own files. In Australia, employees expected to undertake such tasks must be properly trained to do so or the company will be at risk. Such risks are injury caused by manual handling and damage caused by chemical handling and exposure. 

In the first risk, manual handling is defined as any time an employee uses a ladder, must put something above a comfortable height, lifts a box or even pushes a vacuum. An employer who would require these actions should prepare a training for the employees by using a training module.   

Regarding chemical handling and exposure, if an employee suffers a chemical burn, chemical overexposure or any type of chemical related damage, this will be considered as OHS issue if the employee has no chemical handling training. 

Other Risks 

There are other risks for employees if they are also asked to do the cleaning of their workspace. For instance, the company will be held liable for any instance that an employee suffers an injury at work, whether from an isolated incident or repeat strain. This could happen anytime and it could led to medical bills due to injury. 

Another factor for consideration is the operation of cleaning equipment and machinery, chemicals, slippery and damp surfaces and other environmental elements which might not be taken seriously at first. However, these can be the things that may lead to a cleaning accident for the employees, whether they are trained or untrained. 

Cost is something that businesses take seriously. It is up to the business whether they wish to cut their cleaning costs and train their employees for cleaning tasks. It is also their choice to hire a professional cleaning company to get the job done. It might be even more practical and financially sound to simply hire people who are aware and trained in their work. 

This guest post was written by Sharon Freeman, an Australian freelance writer and blogger.  She has been writing about commercial cleaning services and workplace cleanliness articles for companies like http://cleangroup.com.au/

Sharon, this article should make us think about our own housekeeping duties in our work area.  workplace safety posters located throughout the area could communicate the importance of keeping their workplace safe and clean.  Many people don’t  appreciate their work enough to monitor this task. Whether their employer contracts cleaning crews or has their own, it’s still important that workers respect their workplace enough to keep it safe, and tidy, as well. pb

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOW TO AVOID SICKNESS (GUEST POST)

Illness is an inescapable part of life. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for people to bolster themselves against many of the harmful organisms and physical developments that negatively affect their health. Following are several tips that will show you how to avoid sickness, even when everyone else around you is feeling feverish and dizzy.

Sufficient Sleep
Depriving your body of sufficient sleep is one of the quickest ways to decrease your immune system’s abilities. While you may not be able to get a full 8 hours of rest every night, you should try to do so as often as you can. It’s important to remember that sleep balances your moods, keeps you focused and will help you to be more productive in both physical and cognitive tasks. Staying up late might seem like the best way to get more done, but it will actually have a detrimental impact on your efficiency and your overall health.

Dietary
Eating too many refined sugars and empty calories will negatively impact your general health and immune system. A diet that is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits will contain a vast array of vitamins that your body needs for optimal performance. In fact, the more colorful your produce selection, the better protected you will be against common forms of illness. This is especially important during the flu and cold season. You should also know that fresh onions and garlic have many anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. If you feel an illness coming on, indulging in homemade soup or a fresh salad that contain lots of onions and garlic may just help to stave this sickness off.

Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is another vital measure for avoiding illness. If your body doesn’t have sufficient fluids, many systems will begin to shut down. You should be drinking at least five, eight ounce glasses of water each day. If you exercise regularly, use tobacco products or consume a number of caffeinated beverages each day, you should be drinking more water to compensate for the effects of these activities.

Detoxification
Ridding yourself of internal toxins on a routine basis is a great way to ensure that your body is in optimal condition for protecting itself. Healthy people are much less likely to get sick after having come in contact with illness than those who live unhealthy lifestyles. Unless you follow a strict natural and/or organic diet, you are (through no fault of your own) constantly introducing toxins into your body. These come from the foods you consume, the beauty and self-care products you are using and even your external environment. When too many of these build-up in your system, your immune system can become overwhelmed. Detoxification can be as simple as taking a break from junk foods, fast foods and even meat. You can go on an all-vegetable diet for several days or a juice fast. You can even purchase detoxification products from a local health store. These efforts work best at preventing illness if they are performed at least once every six months.

Regular Exercise
Any physician will tell you that staying active is a vital part of good health. When you engage in activities that increase your circulation, your body filters out toxins more effectively. You don’t have to become a marathon runner. Simply taking a walk for thirty minutes is enough to bolster your immune system. Studies have also shown that exercise can help your body prevent cancer.

Supplements
You can also stave off illness by giving your body more of what it needs in the form of herbal supplements. Products like black walnut hulls help to cleanse the intestines of parasitic organisms and they also restore internal pH balance. Colloidal silver, echinacea, garlic and other supplements will aid your fight against illness too, and one of the most effective supplement is fish oil. Most people could do with a daily dose of fish oil in addition to a multivitamin.

Ultimately, the key to avoiding illness lies in promoting optimal health. You are exposed to viruses, bacteria and germs all day, everyday, but if you’re well rested, properly hydrated and nourished with a proper diet, you will be far less susceptible to sickness when it passes your way. Exercising and ridding your body of toxins are additional measures that you can take to ensure a robust immune system.

Vincent Marguiles writes about health and nutrition. His recent work is on the Top 10 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs.

Thank you, Vincent Marguiles, for this advice on how to keep well.  Keep hand sanitizer at work, and in your car, in order to cut down on the germs on doors, money, or any surfaces you touch.  Clean hands help avoid illness.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFETY TIPS WHEN LEAVING A SENIOR ALONE AT HOME (GUEST POST)

A lot of things can happen which might jeopardize the safety of an elderly person. Even in your own home, safety can be at risk due to certain factors. Living with a senior, either temporarily or permanently, can be a bit challenging in terms of keeping him/her safe all the time.

A mishap can take place any time. That is why it is critical to take extra precautions to avoid untoward incidents. If you need to go somewhere for a while leaving your elderly alone, there are simple safety measures you can do to make sure nothing bad happens to your senior. 

  • Unclutter – Make it a habit to keep every room in your home uncluttered. Cleaning the house is one way of making it safe not just for elderly person, but for everyone as well. Organize things inside the house. Keep things in their proper places. See to it that your floor is free from anything which might trip your senior. Kids love to play on the floor; so be sure to store their toys in a box or in their room after playing. With a tidy and organized home, you do not have to worry about leaving your elderly all alone.
  • Easy accessibility of needs – Take note of every item that your senior needs. Store these items in an easy-to-reach shelves or storage. For instance, keep the commonly used kitchen ware in the drawers so it will be easier for the senior to grab them. Never put anything needed above eye level. This might force your elderly to stand in a stool to reach for it – not a good idea. Before you go, make sure everything your senior need is within reach.
  • Clear hallways/stairways – Check your hallway and stairway. Do you have a rug in there? Even though rug is a practical and a unique decorative item, it is one cause of accident to senior citizen. So, it is better to remove it and place it elsewhere – where your senior do not usually pass by. Clear the stairway from any objects. If needed, you can place non-slip pads on the steps to prevent the risk of falling.
  • Install mat on bathroom – Leaving your senior alone means you cannot look after him/her when going to the bathroom. For added safety measure, put a rubber mat on the bathroom floor to prevent accidental falls. When the floor is wet,  your senior is prone to slipping which could result into broken hips and minor injuries. Additionally, slipping can cause internal hemorrhage leading to death. The rubber mat could save a life.
  • Keep medications close at hands – Before leaving the house, keep all the medications needed in a storage box or container. Some elderly have a maintenance medication, which of course, should be taken at prescribed time. Make a note of the quantity and what time the medicine must be taken. Stick the note on the container so your senior can easily read it. Put the medicine box in the bedside table so your senior will find it quickly.
Keeping your senior safe while you left him/her is pretty simple. For additional safety precaution, purchase an alert device such as medical guardian system to inform you instantaneously when an emergency occurs. Otherwise, you can ask someone to watch over your senior for you.
 
Ashley O’connor loves sharing ideas on how to practice safety at home, on the road, at the office and just about everywhere. Aside from writing, she also enjoys cooking and reading books. Follower her on Twitter at @AshleyOconnor82, Google+ or add her on Facebook.
 
Thanks, Ashley, for the great advice on how to keep our seniors safe. I might add that small pets, such as dogs and cats, are sometimes a hazard to cause someone to fall.  They are innocent bystanders, but many times get underfoot.  Especially when leaving someone alone, it might be a good idea to leave your pet in a kennel or with a friend.  pb
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ARTHRITIS SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Arthritis is one of the most common disabilities in the United States, affecting about 21 million adults, according to a National Health Interview Survey from 2007-2009. Arthritis is a term used to describe hundreds of rheumatic diseases and conditions, from fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions affect the joints, tissue around the joints, and other connective tissue.
 
Since this disability is so widespread in America, it is important that people with arthritis take the necessary precautions to ease their pain and joint stress. While arthritis is incurable, there are steps people can take to ensure their safety, health, and comfort. 
 
 
Be Conscious of Medications
Many anti-inflammatory medications taken by arthritis sufferers have dangerous interactions with over-the-counter medication. It is important to discuss every medication you take with your doctor. 
 
Prescription arthritis medication also has serious side effects. The most commonly used arthritis medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are known to cause stomach problems, heart attacks, and strokes. These side effects can be combated by taking the prescription with food or antacids. 
 
DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are more invasive than NSAIDs and can cause kidney and liver damage. It is important to take frequent blood tests when taking DMARDs.  
 
Protect Your Joints
The use of splints and braces can aid in joint protection. There are other assistive devices like jar openers, raised toilet seats, and “grabbers” that can be used to accomplish basic tasks. 
 
Good posture can also protect the back and joints, as well. Practicing proper body mechanics will make your body move more efficiently. If you work in an office, use wrist support while typing. When you’re sitting down, be sure to have both back and foot support.  
 
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve joint flexibility and make them stronger. Water exercises reduce the stress on joints. Look to the internet for exercise options http://arthritis.answers.com/management arthritis management. 
It has been proven that weight loss can significantly reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints. Losing weight can improve mobility and decrease the need for joint replacement in the future.  
 
Get Proper Sleep
The pain and difficulty that comes with walking can reduce the energy level of arthritis sufferers. In order for a person with arthritis to function at a higher level (both mentally and physically), they must get a proper amount of sleep. 
 
 
Stay Healthy
According to the http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ Center for Disease Control  (CDC), people with arthritis are at a higher risk for respiratory infections and the flu. Also, adding Omega-3 fatty acids will greatly decrease stiffness. They naturally reduce inflammation in the body. 
 
Vitamin C is another helpful addition to a diet. It helps the body build collagen and connective tissue. Using olive oil when cooking, instead of butter or other oils. Oleocanthal, the compound found in olive oil, works to prevent inflammation and provides about as much relief as a dose of ibuprofen. 
 
By Liam Garcia
 
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THE TOP FIVE RISKS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN RECOVERING FROM SURGERY (GUEST POST)

 When it comes to surgery, most people worry just about the procedure itself and think that once it’s over, you’re “out of the woods.” However, the time spent recovering after surgery is just as dangerous if not more so than during the procedure itself, as the patient is still in a precarious state. While every case is different, there are a few post-op risks that are common to many surgical procedures: 

  • Anesthesia Complications – It may be commonplace in hospitals, but anesthesia can nonetheless cause permanent damage if not properly administered and/or if the patient reacts badly to it. Issues range from a simple sore throat to nausea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration if not properly cared for. Emergence delirium, a condition in which the patient wakes up confused and agitated, is also a threat since patients can injure themselves while still in a daze. Inquire as to the anesthesiologist’s experience and if they have worked with the rest of the team before.
  • Infection – Surgery literally opens up your body to infection, and sanitization procedures notwithstanding, surgical centers and hospitals are hot spots for bacteria and viruses. Nurses in the PACU should keep a close eye on your incision site, change the bandages often, and take immediate action if an infection is suspected.
  • Lack of Oversight – Not all surgical centers have the same staffing policies, and if your PACU doesn’t have enough staff on hand to effectively monitor patients, your condition could rapidly deteriorate without nurses noticing. Look for a one-to-one ratio of nurses to patients, particularly if you’ll be receiving painkillers.
  • Malfunctioning or Incorrectly Set up Equipment – In a recent medical malpractice settlement, a surgical center’s PACU monitoring machines were found to have been muted, which played a role in the death of a 17-year-old girl after a routine tonsillectomy.
  • Medications – Pain management is a main tenant of post-operative care, but narcotics can also come with significant side effects. Fentanyl, for example, is a very strong painkiller often given to surgical patients, but it comes with the risk of respiratory issues. Ask before your procedure if you’ll be given medications following it, and if so what they will be and the potential side effects. 

While you can never protect yourself completely going into a surgical procedure, being aware of the potential risks both during and after the surgery, as well as taking steps to mitigate them, can help you lower the chance of complications. Your doctor may also have helpful information on how to prepare. 

Mario Cattabiani is the Director of Communications at Ross Feller Casey, LLP, a personal injury and medical malpractice law firm. Check out their post-op care checklist for additional information.