Tag Archives: risks

General Safety Issues

THIS IS NATIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES WEEK!

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Between May 15th through May 21st, communities and medical personnel come together to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day life saving of emergency medicine’s “front line.”  May 18th is a day set aside as Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.  FEMA regional Administrator Ken Murphy states that this is all about celebrating EMS providers – first responders, hospitals, emergency physicians and public health providers, with this year’s theme, “Everyday Heroes.” 

We citizens may take this front line of emergency medicine for granted, not fully understanding how much training and preparation has to be done to take care of us in an emergency situation.  Ambulances with trained staff, as well as our fire departments, police, and other agencies are on location quickly.  Some EMT’s and paramedics work with airplane and helicopter transports and are highly trained to keep patients stable until they reach a trauma unit for further care.  First responders serve not only those in cities and communities, but are stationed at remote sites such as offshore oil rigs.  They offer stand-by services at events such as concerts and ballgames.  Paramedics teach first aid courses to both company employees and individuals.  This enables all of us to be better prepared in times of emergencies. 

Our lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMT’s) and paramedics.  These professionals see various types of injuries, resulting from heart attacks, slips and falls, automobile accidents or gunshot wounds, requiring immediate medical attention.  EMT’s and paramedics assess the nature of the patient’s condition, and determine what emergency care is needed while they transport the patient to a medical facility.  

The EMT-Basic represents the first level of the emergency medical team.  He/she is prepared through training to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under the direction of more highly trained medical personnel.  They have the skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies.  These EMT-Basics know how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers.  Once they have graduated from approved training programs, they must pass a written and practical examination administered by the State licensing agency or the NREMT. 

The EMT-Intermediate level has training requirements that vary by state.  Typically, this level requires 30 to 350 hours of training based on scope of practice.  They learn advanced skills such as the use of advanced airway devices, intravenous fluids, and some medications. 

Paramedic is the most advanced level of training for this occupation.  This level of caregiver has received training in anatomy and physiology, as well as advanced medical skills.  This training is most commonly conducted in community colleges and technical schools, which may result in an associate degree.  These programs may take up to one to two years.  Paramedics may become supervisors, managers, administrative directors, or executive directors of emergency services.  Some EMT’s and paramedics become instructors, or physician assistants.  

Hopefully, this week, you will stop and think about the important role our emergency medical providers play in our lives.  These folks are required to do much kneeling, bending and heavy lifting.  They are at a higher risk for contacting illnesses or experiencing injuries on the job.  Many times, they work long hours, and the work is not only strenuous but can be very stressful.  Their services are required 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  When you get a chance, say “Thank You” to a first responder for what they do. 

This article is dedicated to David, our son-in-law, who has been a Paramedic for years.  He was an executive director of pre-hospital services for a large Texas hospital prior to starting his own medical transport service.  A very knowledgeable and caring person, he truly is an “Everyday Hero.”

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

CLEANING UP AFTER A FLOOD IS NOT “CLEAN”

The Mississippi River has crested at 48′ at this time, and the main part of the city is safe, thanks to levees and walls that are holding firm.  Many residents in outlying areas, however, have been evacuated from their homes, which are now underwater.

If you have ever seen the remnants of buildings that have been flooded, you know that it is a huge mess!  Some that I have seen looked the same as if they had been ravaged by a tornado.  There are so very many dangers lurking for those rescue, recovery and volunteer personnel that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of precautions that should be taken to stay safe. 

After flooding, the strength of the waters may have moved and/or buried hazardous waste and chemical containers far from their normal storage places.  This is a risk for anyone who comes into contact with them, and should be handled only by the police or fire department.  Flooded areas may also contain electrical or fire hazards connected with downed power lines.  Extreme caution should be exercised with these particular hazards, which hold the potential for fires and explosions. 

Floods can cause sickness in those workers who come in contact with contaminated floodwater.  This can be caused by the disruption of water purification and sewage systems, overflowing of toxic waste sites, and dislodgement of chemicals previously stored above ground.  This being said, workers should be aware that floodwater can contain infectious organisms, which include intestinal bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Heptitis A virus, and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid, and tetanus.  It is important that workers’ tetanus shots are current.  Tetanus can be acquired from contaminated soil or water entering broken areas of the skin.  This is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms, known as lockjaw. 

Pools of standing or stagnant water also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can cause West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases.  By wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and using insect repellants, the threat of mosquito and other insect bites can be decreased.  Workers should also be alert for animals that have been displaced by the flood –  frightened, and prone to biting someone.  Seek immediate medical care for all animal bites.  (And be sure to watch for cottonmouth snakes, they have been seen often in the flooding Mississippi.)

Cleanup workers may need to wear special chemical resistant clothing and protective goggles.  They should also have on plastic or rubber gloves, boots, and other protective clothing needed to avoid contact with floodwater.  In addition to toxic and chemical wastes, agricultural wastes may be in floodwater.  Children should never be allowed to play in floodwater.  All toys recovered must be disinfected. 

All water should be considered unsafe until local authorities announce that the public water supply is not dangerous.  Keep an adequate supply of safe water available for washing and potable water for drinking.  Do not use contaminated water to wash and prepare food, brush your teeth, wash dishes, or make ice.  If you are unsure about the safety of a food or beverage, throw it out.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides emergency personnel to assist with restoring power and other tasks in disaster areas.  Their engineering expertise is used for inspecting and assessing damage and clean up in disaster areas.  They recommend that workers wear appropriate life-saving equipment, such as vests, when working around deep water or where the currents are swift.  

This is a very unpleasant job for all persons concerned, especially those who citizens who have watched their homes and property disappear right before their eyes.  We hope that those who have been warned to leave will do so, and seek shelter until it is safe to return, and know that help is on its way.

General Safety Issues

APRIL IS INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

We are just about to run out of “month” before we run out of observances!  For those of us in the safety business, injury prevention is important every day!   As OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) states,  “we are all about getting to dangerous workplaces before injuries happen that can kill or injure workers.”   Employers are expected to meet the standards that OSHA has set to prevent their workers from risking life and limb. 

According to a survey from 2000, every year 50 million people are hurt severely enough to require medical treatment.  Most injuries that require medical care are preventable.  The costs from U.S. injuries in 2000 were $406 billion, $80 billion in medical treatment and $326 billion in lost productivity.  Consider what the costs were in 2010.  Falls and vehicle crashes cause approximately two-fifths of the injuries and lost productivity costs from injuries.  

The Centers for Disease Control emphasize that we must prevent injuries from happening in the first place.  One of the effective methods of keeping teen drivers safer is the Graduated Drivers’ Licensing program.  This allows high-risk teen drivers to get initial driving experience under low-risk conditions.  Studies show that in the United States, approximately 11 teens die in car crashes every day.  

Brain concussions in youth sports in the United States are a high priority concern at this time.  The nation’s first sports concussion law, the Zackery Lystedt Law, was enacted in the state of Washington in May, 2009.  Named for a young athlete who was permanently disabled after sustaining a concussion in 2006, this law requires parents and athletes to read and sign a concussion information sheet before the beginning of each sports season.  It states further that athletes participating in school sports who show signs of a concussion be removed from practice or play, and if a player is injured and removed from the game, permission from a licensed health care provider is required before the athlete is allowed to play.  This can have a huge impact on improving the safety of young athletes. 

Violence prevention and injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, homicides, domestic violence, neglect of children and drug overdoses are part of the tragedies that we hear about every day.  Many of these events that lead to injury are predictable – therefore, they are preventable, as we said earlier.  Older adults and children are most vulnerable to sustaining injury that requires medical attention.  Injuries and violence affect us all.  Research shows that three-fourths of all deaths in young people are the result of injuries and violence.   

Whatever the reason, we should all take strides to improve our safety record by paying attention to what we are doing.  In the workplace, accidents happen, and some may be unavoidable, but most are caused by inattention, carelessness or faulty equipment.  Workers have the benefit of protecting their bodies with personal protective equipment, or PPEi safety products.  The choice of the right PPE for the particular job is made by the employer.  Then it’s up to the worker to wear it correctly.  Workers can be covered from head to toe, and many jobs require it all – from steel-toed boots, coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, earplugs, to hardhats.  PPE is the last line of defense that protects workers.

We can also choose protective products for work, at home, or in the garden.  Athletes must wear equipment that keeps their bodies safe.  The rest of it is left up to each individual.  Whether driving a vehicle, playing a game, mowing the lawn, or doing our regular daily routines, we must stay safe and avoid injury.  Being hurt is no fun at all, and we miss out on things we take for granted – like going to school or work! 

Stay safe and well.

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.

General Safety Issues

NASCAR’S READY TO ROLL AGAIN!

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Sixty-three years old, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is ready to begin its’ new season with the Daytona 500, this Sunday, February 20th.  The 38-race season runs from February to November.  Sports fans are getting ready to watch their favorite drivers and race teams display fast speeds and daring driving. 

Little emphasis was placed on safety in the early days of racing, but following several high speed crashes that caused the deaths of beloved drivers, the industry has focused on every detail from building safer cars to outfitting the drivers with the safest equipment and protective clothing.   Racing safety has evolved rather slowly through the years.  Drivers began wearing crash helmets in the 40’s.  Roll bars were added to the cars in the 50’s, and roll cages came along in the 60’s.  When the HANS (head and neck system) device was developed in the 80’s, many drivers were adamant that they would not wear it.  Now, drivers are required to wear this life-saving piece of equipment.  Drivers wear fire retardant suits made of Proban or Nomex material.  Some prefer to wear full-face helmets, while others say a full-face helmet restricts their peripheral vision, and choose open-face helmets with goggles.  Most drivers wear six-point harness belts that wrap around their legs.  All belts are connected to a single harness that can be quickly released to exit the cockpit rapidly. 

In 2002, NASCAR built it’s Research and Development Center, a combination warehouse, lab, and machine shop.  The goal of the R&D Center is to affect all three areas – safety, competition, and cost – in a positive way.  This center is the equivalent of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.  A platform with a portable coordinate measurement machine checks each chassis.  This machine makes up to 220 measurements and is accurate to one ten thousandth of an inch.  It gives the car a unique serial number and installs about 10 small radio frequency chips. A record of this inspection is saved for future comparisons.  There is no expense to the teams, but allows NASCAR inspectors in the field to scan the chips to ensure the car is the one that has been certified.  In the event of an accident, the car must be re-certified before it can be raced again.  Other safety improvements in the cars include moving the driver’s seat closer to the center of the car, enlarging the cockpit area and adding crushable material in the doorframes.  

Just this past Sunday, NASCAR announced the addition of a pressure relief valve to the engine and small front grille openings in hopes of reducing the time two cars can remain in drafting tandems.  Tandem drafting has become a fine dance of two drivers connecting nose to tail at speeds over 200 mph to achieve an advantage over other race cars on the track.   But NASCAR’s recent decisions to decrease the airflow to the grill, limit the psi (pounds per square inch) in the pressure relief valves, and then Wednesday’s switch to a smaller restrictor plate, were designed to lower speeds and discourage the extended periods of two-car drafts that occurred in Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout, according to Fox News.  In the tandems last Saturday night, speeds exceeded 206 m.p.h.   NASCAR  reported Wednesday the size of restrictor plates will be reduced in an attempt to cut speeds before the season-opening Daytona 500.  The reduction amounts to 1/64” and possibly could cut 8 r.p.m.s from engines. 

Barriers called SAFER have been built to absorb crashes better than concrete.  These barriers contain crushable foam insulation behind a series of square steel tubes.  Since these have been in place there have been no fatalities resulting from incidents with an outer wall barrier in any of NASCAR’s three major series. 

By sharing this information about this popular sport, we hope you fans will appreciate knowing the many steps that are taken to keep the drivers safe.  Be prepared if you plan to attend a big race, by taking along some earplugs, sunscreen, and safety sunglasses.  Wear your team hardhat to support your favorite driver, at the race or at work!

As with any occupation, it is up to every individual to be safe.  These drivers make the decision to earn their living in a job that poses more danger than many others.  They know the consequences, but choose be involved in a sport that they love.  We wish them all the success in the world, and a safe season for 2011.  

Source: NASCAR.com

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

CONVEYOR BELT SAFETY

Conveyor belts are one of the most effective means of transporting bulk materials.  Because persons are working with a movable piece of equipment, there is a very serious chance of  injury or death if employees are not trained on how to work around conveyor belts.  Training is the basic and most fundamental part of preparing employees on how to keep themselves safe in all industrial settings.  Management must convey all safety issues to their new employees and be certain that they understand about how dangerous the equipment that they will be working from can be.  

Listed below are some general requirements from Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

  • An audible signal shall be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor.
  • If operating station is at a remote spot, similar provisions for stopping motor or engine shall be provided at the motor or engine location.
  • There should be an emergency stop switch arranged so that the conveyor cannot be started again until the actuating stop switch as been reset to running on the “on” position.
  • Screw conveyors shall be guarded to prevent employees’ contact with turning flights.
  • Guards shall be provided to protect employees required to work below the conveyors that pass under work areas, aisles or thoroughfares.  Those crossovers, aisles, and passageways shall be conspicuously marked with suitable signs.
  • Conveyors shall be locked out or rendered inoperable and tagged with a “Do Not Operate” tag during repairs and when operation is hazardous to employees performing maintenance work.
  • All conveyors in use must meet applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ANSI B20-1-1957, Safety Code for conveyors, cableways and related equipment. 

Conveyors contribute to the one of the most common ways of being injured.  When visitors are in the facility, they should be informed of the ways to be safe around conveyors and other moving equipment. 

Other important rules regarding conveyor belt safety are:

  •          Only authorized maintenance personnel should service conveyors.
  •          Never ride, step, or sit on a conveyor belt at any time.
  •          Never remove guards.  They are there as protection from moving parts, such as gears and chains. 
  •          Know the location of start/stop controls, and keep the area free from obstructions.
  •          Clean only when the conveyor is stopped.
  •          Report all unsafe practices to your supervisor.
  •          Never load a stopped conveyor or overload a running conveyor.  This will assist in preserving your equipment, as well as not overheating it. 
  •         Trying to clear converter jams can create unsafe conditions and possibly damage equipment.
  •         Use correct lifting techniques.  Unsafe position and posture  could cause injuries while working around conveyors.
  •         Be sure the area is clear of debris and tripping hazards.
  •         If persons work beneath conveyors, there should be nets installed to catch any falling items. 
  •         Maintenance should never be performed on the conveyor until all hydraulic, electric and gravity energy sources    have been locked out and blocked.
  •          It is recommended that the right Personal Protective Equipment be used, relevant to the task and work area.  Gloves that furnish good grip are needed for handling bulky items, safety glasses should be worn when the materials on the belt are hazardous, and safety back supports will assist workers required to do lifting.
  •          Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all body parts away from the conveyor belt. 

Anyone who does this type of work knows that it isn’t like the old “I Love Lucy” episode when Ethel and Lucy were working at the candy factory  and couldn’t keep up, when the conveyor belt started going faster.  They tried to eat the candy and hide it in their aprons!   This is a very serious occupation and those companies that train their employees to be vigilant toward safety are to be commended.  It requires a good safety plan, excellent training, and dependable supervision to be successful in protecting conscientious workers.

Uncategorized

PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 330 baby boomers turn 60 every day!  There are almost 78 million persons who are considered baby boomers – those born from 1946 to 1964.  Estimates are that all but the youngest ones will reach retirement age by the year 2018.  With the state of our economy, however, older workers are still going strong, well past retirement age. 

Manufacturing companies and other industries may have trouble filling the jobs held by many types of skilled workers due to the fact that younger workers are looking for white-collar (non-manufacturing) positions.  It is imperative that companies look ahead and support their current base as well as attract new workers.  Companies that can meld all ages into their work- force will be successful with productivity, competitiveness, and safety.  Knowledge that can be passed on from older workers to younger ones in ample time is very important. 

Although older workers normally don’t sustain injuries as often as less-experienced ones, recovery time may take longer.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers 65 and older may experience an absence time of 16 days, compared to 6 days for workers ages 25-34.  Of course, this depends on the extent of the injury.  An older worker may fracture a bone, rather than experience a sprain or strain, at an earlier age. 

Companies must be mindful that as bodies change, accommodations to their jobs can be made.  Cross-departmental risk assessments can be beneficial, as different groups working together can  furnish fresh pairs of eyes that are able to spot safety issues in new ways.   The training process of new workers is of the utmost importance.  Including the experienced workers into that training process will afford the new employee a “first-hand view” of the job involved.   If it is felt that the older worker has some physical problems, the company can offer him/her alternate tasks, especially those that require repetitive movements during a full shift.  Another option is to ask older workers if they are interested in part-time shifts or job-sharing. 

Annual health screenings are very important, both to companies and employees alike.  Those companies who strive for 100% participation in these screenings will benefit from them.  Especially if they are held during work time, employees will be more likely to participate.  On-site exercise equipment is also a great way to encourage workers (young and old) to stay in shape. 

We all know the importance of wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment.  Experienced workers could be asked to demonstrate to new employees the types of equipment that are required in their particular job, and stress the importance of wearing and maintaining their PPE.  They can explain that they wear it every day – whether it’s goggles, earplugs, OSHA safety glasses, gloves, or any other type of PPE, in order to protect themselves.  They, along with safety leaders, can give details of the hazards that exist.   Sometimes, hearing it from someone who has seen incidents or been involved in accidents, can make a greater impact on a new employee. 

As mentioned earlier, we see more and more of the “chronologically-gifted workforce,” and are thankful for it.  There are many folks well past the baby boomers that get up and go to work every day.  There are many reasons – some simply enjoy staying active and others work because they can use the extra money, or both!  Older workers bring knowledge and experience to businesses.  They are dedicated to their work, and have positive attitudes toward their work and coworkers.  They set a good example to keep the “youngsters” going!  We must keep them and all workers safe!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

TIMBERRRRRR!

For those brave souls who make their living  in the logging industry, “Timber” is a very familiar word to warn fellow workers that a tree in their area is being felled.  According to NIOSH (National Institute for Safety and Health), logging has been one of the most consistently hazardous industries, with a fatality rate 23 times higher than the rate of other dangerous occupations.  The Bureau of Labor statistics shows that there are 81 fatalities per 100,000 workers.

By many measures, logging is the most dangerous occupation in the United States. The tools and equipment such as chain saws and logging machines pose hazards wherever they are used. As loggers use their tools and equipment, they deal with massive weights and irresistible momentum of falling, rolling, and sliding trees and logs. The hazards are even worse when dangerous environmental conditions are factored in, such as uneven, unstable or rough terrain; inclement weather including rain, snow, lightning, winds, and extreme cold and/or remote and isolated work sites where health care facilities are not immediately accessible.  The combination of these hazards present a significant risk to employees working in logging operations throughout the country, regardless of the type of timber being logged, where it is logged, or the end use of the wood.

According to Eric Johnson, editor of Northern Logging and Timber Processing magazine, mechanized equipment has helped to make logging safer.  Loggers now often sit in steel enclosed cabs of big machines, rather than working with chainsaws on the ground.  Controls send chain saws out onto tree trunks from a safer distance.  Heavy machines and equipment are used to cut trees to be transported to a log mill.  Logging contractors are hired by industries such as agriculture, commercial businesses, industrial plants, and government agencies, as well as individual homeowners.  

Loggers can get crushed when trees fall in the wrong direction.  Large broken branches from up in the treetops often fall unexpectedly as the trees come down.   These are called “widow makers”.  Medical care is often very far away, so in the event of an injury, it takes a long time to get the attention the worker may need.

Logging companies must follow OSHA regulations in great detail.  Workers must be properly trained, and be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment:  gloves, hardhats, safety glasses, and face protection, as well steel-toe boots.  Well-stocked first aid kits should be at each work location and in each worker transportation vehicle.

We give our logging workers a big “High Five”!  It takes special folks to do what they do.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

‘THINK PINK’ AGAIN THIS YEAR!

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you will probably see a lot more people wearing pink.  For the past twenty-six years, this project has promoted awareness and education regarding breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancers.  Breast cancer is the country’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 

National public service associations such as the America Cancer Society, medical associations, and government agencies have all joined together in promoting breast cancer issues.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also observed internationally during October, with many charities raising funds for research.  It was great watching NFL teams wearing pink this past Sunday-either pink gloves, pink wristbands, or pink shoes.  Check out your community’s plans for promoting this worthy cause, and see how you can participate.   

According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the single most important risk factor.  Other things to consider are:

  • Family history; About 30% of women with breast cancer have a family history of it.
  • Body weight; being overweight increases the risk, especially in post-menopausal women.
  • Lack of physical activity; exercise tends to reduce the risk of breast cancer and recurrence of it.
  • Alcohol consumption; drinking alcohol slightly increases the risk.
  • Gender; breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than men.
  •  Age; Studies show that older women are more at risk, with about 80% of all cases in women over 50.
  •  HRT: long-term (several years) of hormone replacement therapy slightly increases the risk. 

Early detection is very important.  Physicians or mammography centers can show women how to do self-exams, and annual mammograms can save lives.  Surprisingly, one-half of breast cancer cases show up in women over age 65; therefore, they should continue getting mammograms through their 70’s. 

You will see all types of benefits and activities in October, promoting this very important issue that affects thousands.  If you see a man wearing pink, tell him “thanks”.  Chances are he has a mom, grandmother, wife, or daughter that he hopes won’t have to face breast cancer, or that he knows someone who is fighting the battle.  There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in our country, thanks to the hard work that cancer research and medical technology have provided.  These survivors are to be commended for their courage.  Support this worthy cause, either by walking in one of their planned walks, or giving money and any assistance that you are able to do.  Hopefully, cancer research will find a cure for this devastating disease.

There is no one that doesn’t look “pretty in pink!”