Millions of people experience allergies caused by everyday exposures to agents such as dust mites, cat dander, and pollens.  Workers who encounter agents can also develop allergic reactions such as asthma, nasal and sinus allergies, hives, and even severe anaphylactic reactions.  Work-related asthma, which is caused by exposure to an agent in the workplace, is the most common occupational respiratory disorder in developed countries.  An estimated 15% of asthmatic cases reported in the United States are occupation-related.  In Canada, asthma affects over three million citizens.  Many are not aware that certain agents at their work place could lead to hyper-responsiveness of airway or aggravating pre-existing asthmatic symptoms.  Because of that, it is likely that the cases of occupational related asthma are under reported. 

Asthma is a common lung disease that creates narrowing of the air passages, making it difficult to breathe.  It can affect your ability to work, and your overall quality of life.  When asthma is not managed, it can even threaten your life.  If you are exposed to certain workplace chemicals or agents, you may be at risk for developing occupational asthma.  Many people with work-related asthma don’t realize that their symptoms are related to their work because they are the same as those for regular asthma: attacks of difficult breathing, tightness of the chest, coughing, and wheezing.  In work–related asthma, the symptoms are worse on workdays and improve when the person is away from the workplace, such as on the weekend, days off, and vacation.  Also, symptoms may be more severe at the end of the week, as compared to the beginning of the week. 

Risk factors for occupational asthma include frequent exposure to the agents involved, allergies, family history of allergies, or asthma, and smoking.  A good clinical history will help in identifying the possibility of work-related asthma.  An occupational physician could carry out a walk-through survey in the workplace to identify the possible agents that cause asthmatic attack.  Also, a look at the list of chemicals in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) would give a clue to that. 

There are many agents that can cause occupational asthma.   Here are some examples:

• Certain chemicals;
• Metals and metal-working fluids;
• Dyes, drugs, and enzymes;
• Grains, flours, plants, and gums;
• Natural rubber latex;
• Animal and shellfish proteins;
• Fungi;
• Wood dusts, including red cedar.

Factors that can trigger work-aggravated asthma:

• Vapors, gases, dusts, mists, sprays or fumes from industrial materials and cleaning products;
• Dust mites or mold/fungal spores;
• Indoor air pollution resulting from poor ventilation;
• Outdoor air pollution and smog (for outdoor workers). 

Both employers and employees can help control or prevent work-related asthma.  Employers should:

• Eliminate the asthma-causing agent from the workplace.
• If elimination is not possible, substitute a less hazardous agent.
• Apply administrative controls such as policies, procedures, safe work practices, and job rotation to minimize exposure time of workers.
• Control the exposure.
• Install ventilation systems to contain emissions, such as gases or vapors at the source.
• Provide Personal Protect Equipment, such as respirators.  PPE should not be used as the only method of exposure control when exposures are ongoing.
• Train employees on the proper use, storage and maintenance of PPE, proper handling procedures, avoidance of spills, and safe working and good housekeeping procedures.
• Monitor the exposure level of hazardous agents in the workplace. 

Employees should:

• Learn about the hazards in your workplace by speaking to the employer, health and safety or union representative, or an occupational health professional.
• Be aware of the symptoms of work-related asthma.
• Use PPE that is provided.
• Report any problems with equipment, PPE, or ventilation systems to the supervisor.
• Attend training courses on work-related asthma and occupational health and safety, and participate in all health and safety programs in the workplace. 

If not recognized and treated early enough, work-related asthma is a serious illness that can result in disability and job loss. Fortunately, when potential hazards are recognized, work-related allergies and asthma can often be prevented, or their effects minimized. Employers and employees must work together to prevent work-related asthma, so all can breathe easy at work.

Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

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Because February is American Heart Month, we want to share more information regarding heart health.  There are some important numbers you should know.  You could keep this list, and the next time you have a physical, including blood work, ask your doctor to explain just exactly where your numbers are. 

• 120/80 or under is normal blood pressure for adults.
• Less than 200 mg/dl is a desirable cholesterol level.
• Less than 100 mg/dl is an optimal level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
• More than 40 mg/dl is a desirable level of HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
• Less than 150 mg/dl is a desirable level of triglycerides.  This blood fat, like LDL, can make your arteries harden or narrow.
• Less than 35 inches for women, and less than 40 inches for men, is the best waist size.  Too much fat around the waist ups heart disease risk.  To measure your waist, put a tape measure around your midsection, just above your hips, and breathe out.
• Between 18.5 and 24.9 is a normal body mass index (BMI).  A higher BMI can increase your risk for heart disease.
• ZERO is your ideal exposure to tobacco, including secondhand smoke.
• At least 30 minutes most days is how much to exercise.  Regular exercise can lower your resting heart rate.  According to a recent study in American Heart Journal, a resting heart rate higher than 90 doubled the risk for heart disease. 

FACTS WOMEN SHOULD BE AWARE OF

Many women think of heart disease as a man’s problem; however, each year, almost as many women as men die of heart disease.  Women may be less likely to survive heart attacks as men.  Why? One possible reason is women’s smaller hearts and blood vessels are more likely to be damaged.  Another reason is women may not recognize or respond to heart attack symptoms. 

Both genders usually experience the most common sign of a heart attack – pain and discomfort in the chest.  Women are more likely than men to have other signs of a heart attack.  Here are some of the symptoms they may have:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue, sometimes for days or weeks beforehand
• Pain in the back, neck, and jaw
• Light-headedness or a cold sweat
• Heartburn, coughing, heart flutters, or loss of appetite 

These symptoms can come on suddenly or develop over days or weeks.  The more signs you have, the likelier it is to be a heart attack.  Every minute counts: treatment within an hour offers the best chance for survival.  If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately.  On a personal note: my sister-in-law is an E.R. nurse, and she told me that too many times men come to the E.R. complaining of indigestion, when in fact, they are having a heart attack.

Don’t ignore the symptoms.  Get to an emergency room in order to be sure of what is causing the pain.  My husband thought his problem was indigestion; however, when he finally decided to go to the E.R., he was immediately taken by ambulance to a larger hospital, where they discovered he needed four bypasses.  Thankfully, he is doing well now.  

Please take care of your ticker – it’s the only one you have! 

Sources: CDC; American Academy of Family Physicians, National Women’s Health Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and American Heart Association.

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If you stop to think about it, how many hand tools do you have around your house?  Most houses have hammers, flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, shovels, hoes, staplers, and wrenches.  Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is hard to remember that they could pose hazards.  The tools are designed with safety in mind, but tragically, a serious accident often occurs before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards. 

In the workplace, to remove or avoid hazards, workers must learn to recognize hazards associated with different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to prevent those hazards.   Hand tools are non-powered.  This includes everything from axes to wrenches.  Misuse and improper maintenance are two of the greatest hazards posed by hand tools.  The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees – however, the employees are responsible for properly using and maintaining tools. 

Hand tools are indispensable helpmates.  They have played a vital role in helping in endless tasks like cutting, drilling, chopping, slicing, stripping, striking, punching, gripping, etc.  They have a very important place not only in daily routine work and home repairs but also in various industries, farm shops, vehicles, machinery or facility repair.  If they are not used with care and maintained properly, they can lead to serious injuries, such as: loss of eye; puncture wounds, contusions, severed fingers, and broken bones. 

Here are tips for hand tools safety:

• Always choose the right tool for the right job: for example, don’t use a knife as a saw or a wrench as a hammer or screwdriver as a chisel, etc.
• Use the right size tool – forcing a small hand tool to do the job of a large one may result in tool damage or injury.
• Proper training: users should know how to use the tool correctly.  One example: a wood chisel should be driven outward and away from the body.
• Wear the right protection for the job.  Protective clothing such as eyewear, goggles, facemasks, coveralls, and appropriate shoes should be chosen for the particular job.  Gloves can sometimes be bulky and make gripping difficult, so if there is a need for gloves, choose ones that furnish a good grip.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and in good condition.  Dull tools are considered to be more hazardous than sharp ones.  The tools and work area should always be kept clean.  Dirty, oily and greasy tools should be cleaned after use.
• Inspect tools before using.  Don’t use tools that are loose or cracked.
• Tools with “mushroomed heads” during use should be sharpened regularly.
• Sharp-edged and pointed tools should be handled with care.
• Store tools and materials vertically, with points and heavy end down.
• Don’t force screws; make sure that the correct screw for the job is being used.
• All small work and short work should be secured with a vise or clamp.
• Never use a screwdriver to check if electrical circuits are hot. (Ouch!)
• Never use a carpenter’s hammer instead of a machinist’s hammer.
• Never strike a hardened steel surface using a steel hammer, because a small piece of steel may break off and injure someone.
• Do not use pliers in place of a wrench.
• Razor blades, saw blades, knife blades should be disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container.
• Never use wrenches if their jaws are sprung or loose. 

We hope those who use these types of tools in their line of work will take every precaution to work safely.  I, for one, have decided I will let my husband do all the little carpentry work that I thought I could do.  I’ve even stuck myself when chopping ice with an ice pick, so I can only imagine what damage I could do with a saw or wrench!  That’s not to say there aren’t lots of women out there that can compete with the men!  (There’s all sorts of P.P.E. sized for the ladies.  Click on womens gloves to view several items sized especially for the girls).  When you reach for that wrench, knife, shears, bolt cutters, or whatever, use with caution! 

P.S. As stated on our home page, if you need any safety products, go to www.tasco-safety.com, and be sure to mention “safety blog 5% discount offer.”

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Not too very many years ago, there were few assistive devices for folks who needed some help just going through a routine day.  Many had to depend on another person to cook their food, help them dress, do laundry, help with grooming, bathing, and/or many things that we take for granted.  I knew someone who needed help with these things and more – my mom.  She developed rheumatoid arthritis in her twenties, and my dad was her “aide.”  He never minded taking care of her.  Despite numerous surgeries to help remain mobile, she fought hard to keep walking, which she did, with the help of a walker.  They are both gone now, but the advancements in devices that persons can use to help with their independence are wonderful.  Even such a small thing as a remote control, which we now take for granted, is so helpful to a person who can’t get up out of a chair to switch channels on the television. 

Maybe that is what makes me more aware of those who need a little help.  Recently, some friends and I went shopping, and one of my friends with arthritis is unable to walk very far at a time.  She can shop, then sit and rest, and she enjoys the outings with everyone.  She is not disabled, as my mother was, but when she shops in a “superstore,” she is always in need of one of the motorized carts.  We began to realize how much demand there is for those carts, and sadly, there are just not enough to go around.  Yesterday, the only two carts there were unavailable because they were being charged.  One of the employees said that they just can not get all of them charged up to keep up with the demand.  One problem, she mentioned, is the fact that while a person is using the cart, say waiting on medications at the pharmacy, they keep the cart running for maybe 20 minutes or more, which causes it to use up the power from the battery.    Hopefully, this message will serve as a hint to utilize the cart only as long as necessary, and try to return it for the next person who is waiting, by not letting it idle too long. 

In the state of Texas, as other states, there are placards for those who need special parking due to an illness or handicap.  According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, it is illegal for others to use these spaces.  Blue placards designate a permanent disability; red placards designate a temporary disability.  Misuse of these placards can cost fines up to $1,250, and/or up to 50 hours of community service.  I can empathize with persons who have to drive all around malls, looking for handicapped parking, as I’ve done it several times, only to see someone get out of their car who can walk just fine.  That extra parking space is there to allow more room to help someone in and out of the car to be seated in a wheelchair.   

Thankfully, we have more and more products that make life a little easier.  There are handicap vans, all types of mobility aids, automobile accessories, bathroom, kitchen accessories, and grooming aids.  If a person’s physician prescribes things such as a lift chair, scooter, wheelchair, Medicare or Medicaid may help pay for it. 

Now, individuals need to be more conscientious about helping others.  Don’t ignore someone who may need help with some tiny little task that you could do with your eyes closed.  Most persons won’t ask for help, as they want to maintain their independence, but your offer will be appreciated.  Pay attention to those you think you can do a favor for.  Remember, none of us are getting any younger, and hopefully, that kindness will be repaid some day.

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This is a tough topic to write about, but a far tougher experience when a family goes through seeing their child burned in an accident.  Eighty percent of burn injuries occur in and around our homes.  Most of the time, the victims of these accidents are small children.  And, most of the time, those accidents were preventable.  Anyone who has raised children can verify that you can’t turn your back on a toddler.  

There are five national organizations – the International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, the American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee, the Federation of Burn Foundations, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Home Safety Council (now merged with Safe Kids Worldwide) – who have joined forces to create  National Scald Prevention.  This campaign focuses on the high -risk population 0-4 years of age and the senior population.  Also, the Shriners Hospitals for Children has begun its annual Burn Prevention Campaign.  As we said, homes are the sites of thousands of burn injuries to children every year, including scalds and fire-related injuries.  By following basic safety tips, many of these incidents would not have happened.  Shriners Hospitals for Children changes lives every day through innovative pediatric care, world-class research and outstanding medical education.  Twenty-two hospitals in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. 

One type of fire injury that toddlers and children suffer is from touching the glass front of a gas fireplace.  FairWarning report published in 2011 revealed that more than 2,000 children ages 5 and younger have suffered burns from fireplace glass since 1999, according to a federal estimate; however, some burn specialists think the actual toll is higher.  Children’s Hospital Colorado Burn Center reports:

•          Contact with the glass of gas fireplace doors can result in second or third degree burns.
•          Burns of the hand can result in hand dysfunction causing long term impairment and disability.
•          Treatment of burns of the hand are time intensive, costly, painful, and can require long term therapy of the hand.
•          The glass barrier of a gas fireplace door can heat up to more than 200 degrees F in approximately 6 minutes. 

Every year there are approximately 25,000 burn injuries resulting from scalds.  These injuries are very painful and require prolonged treatment.  The majority of scald injuries are related to hot tap water and cooking accidents.  These are places where we adults have the most control. Adequate and continuous supervision is the most effective way to prevent young children from receiving scald burns.  

The kitchen is the place where children under five are at the highest risk for burns caused by hot fluids.  We must teach our children/grandchildren under age five to not play around the stove or microwave.  Tablecloths and place mats are tempting for children to pull on, which could also cause a spill of hot foods.  Next, the bathroom is the second highest risk area for scald burn injuries in the home.  The temperature of the water that comes from the water heater should be set at a maximum of 120 degrees F.  To test bath water, submerge the hand, spread the fingers and move the hand vigorously in the water.  If the water is uncomfortable to the hand, it is too hot for a child.  Young children’s skin is thinner that adults, therefore there is an increased risk of scalding. 

Children should never be left unattended around burning candles.  Cigarettes, lighters, and other incendiary products should never be where a toddler can get to them.  There could be nothing worse than the guilt of leaving something around where curious little fingers could pick them up and injury occurred.  These tips are also directed to those who care for or are responsible for senior citizens that may be at the point of being left unattended in their homes.  Hundreds of seniors have been seriously burned, or even worse, because they simply forgot that they left something cooking on their stove, until it was too late.  They may not be able to take responsibility for themselves.  Their personal safety should be the responsibility of a close family member, or close friend.  If they have no one to check on them or a caregiver, neighbors should call Family Protective Services or another local organization that can follow up to ensure their safety. 

Please observe Burn Awareness not just this week, but all year long.  Watch out for our “little citizens” and “senior citizens.”

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A very important component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the safety vest, or surveyors vest.  Just about anywhere you go, you will see all types of workers wearing safety vests.  These vests play an important role to ensure that workers are more visible, especially in traffic areas.  There are several things to consider when purchasing safety vests. 

In your search for traffic safety vests, it’s likely you have come across products called A.N.S.I. Surveyor Vests.  ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute.  ANSI, founded in 1918, is the voice of U.S. Standards and conformity assessment system.  The official U.S. representative to the International Standard Organization, the main mission of ANSI is to help along operational and business standards that allow the United States to become competitive in the global market.  OSHA identifies rules and regulations for all types of workplace vests, including fire safety vests, traffic vests, and vests worn by law enforcement.  It should be noted that ANSI does not directly set standards, but OSHA normally uses ANSI data, after both institutions have fully done their own testing.  OSHA also analyzes volumes of data regarding workplace safety and PPE.  In the protective equipment area, however, OSHA most often takes ANSI standards and uses them as their own.  Because ANSI safety vests are approved with a high standard that meets both reflective and observed visibility minimums, OSHA will also recommend that ANSI approved vests promote worksite safety and accident avoidance. 

Colors and Materials of Vests

 Non-ANSI approved traffic safety vests are used in Class 1, for low traffic areas (such as parking lot attendants.)  Most popular colors are orange, yellow, and lime green.  Class 2 (ANSI approved) reflective safety vests are used by workers where traffic speeds are usually 25 mph or less.  These vests are orange, yellow, or lime green.  Class 3 (ANSI approved) traffic safety (speeds in excess of 50 mph) vests must be the same colors for Class 2 and 3 ANSI safety vests, using highly reflective material, which can also be worn for nigh work.  Night work greatly increases potential hazards, meaning their vests should have reflective strips for high visibility.  There is also another, the LED safety vest, that lights up while working at night. 

Typical safety and surveyors vests are made up of mesh and solid materials.  Mesh furnishes a cooler vest in warm weather.  Some vests are made of mirror-like material that shines at night when exposed to a light source.  The vests also have different types of stripes on them, which adds to their visibility. 

Surveyors vests contain many more pockets than safety vests.  There are pockets both inside and outside the vests, as surveyors have to carry many small instruments, measuring tape, and other small tools, so the pockets are a necessary part of the vest.  Another type of vest is the Incident Command Vest.  These are different colors, such as navy, red, or black, and are used by law enforcement, EMS, and firemen.  These vests have a place for an identifying badge, or can be imprinted with professional identification. 

These days, people are staying out longer during the days and evenings, such as those who enjoy riding bicycles, jogging or running.  Safety vests are an ideal way for them to be seen, as well.  Safety products for work for athletes because they are sleek and not bulky, and are intended to keep citizens safe, too, as well as those who wear them to work each day.  Another good idea is to purchase some reflective strips for your children’s bikes, to help them be more visible to drivers.

Source: Life Tips, (Texas America Safety Company), OSHA

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Doctor Who Attempted To Have Whistleblowing Nurses Prosecuted Is Put On Probation

February 9th, 2011 by GruntDoc in Better Health Network, News  From an AP article in the Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

AUSTIN — “Texas medical regulators on Friday placed on probation a West Texas doctor involved in the unsuccessful prosecution of two nurses who complained anonymously that the physician was unethical and risking patients’ health.  The Texas Medical Board technically suspended Dr. Rolando G. Arafiles Jr. but allowed him to continue to practice medicine while on probation for four years if he completes additional training. The board also said Arafiles must be monitored by another physician and submit patient medical and billing records for review. The monitor will report his or her findings to the board. In the mediated order signed in Austin, the board concluded that Arafiles failed to treat emergency room patients properly, did not apply hormone therapy to a female patient appropriately and failed to document patient diagnoses and treatment plans.  The board also found that Arafiles improperly tried to intimidate two nurses who reported him to the medical board for unethical behavior.” 

This particular whistleblowing issue happened in a town where we lived for several years, Kermit, Texas.  The nurses had turned the doctor in to the hospital and an outside review for things they believed were harmful to patients, being done by this physician.  When the issue was virtually ignored, they reported anonymously to the Texas Medical Board, giving the file numbers (not patient names).  It took years to resolve the problem, but as you see in the above article, the physician in question was reprimanded.  The nurses, with the support of the American Nurses Association, and hundreds of nurses, were absolved of any abuse of divulging medical records, and received settlements, as well as reestablishing their good names. 

This is an example of accusations of violating Health Insurance Portablilty and Accountability Act of 1996, which protects the privacy of individuals’ health information.  An employee who thinks that he or she has been retaliated against for disclosing HIPAA-protected information in the course of reporting or complaining about a workplace safety or health issue, may file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the retaliation.  OSHA is charged with regulating health and safety in the workplace, and is considered a public health authority and a health oversight agency under HIPAA. 

Persons in all types of work have the right to complain, if they feel their work conditions may be harmful and the company isn’t taking action to correct it.  One example is employees who work for publicly traded companies or companies that are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are protected from retaliation for reporting alleged mail, wire, bank, or securities fraud; violation(s) of SEC rules and regulations; or violation(s) of Federal law relating to fraud against shareholders.  This became effective under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

If you believe that your employer retaliated against you because you exercised your legal rights as an employee, contact your local OSHA office as soon as possible, because there are legal time limits.  You have a limited right under the OSH Act to refuse to do a job  because conditions are hazardous.  You may do so under the OSH Act only when (1) you believe that you face death or serious injury (and the situation is so clearly hazardous that any reasonable person would believe the same thing); (2) you have tried to get your employer to correct the condition, and there is no other way to do the job safely; and (3) the situation is so urgent that you do not have time to eliminate the hazard through regulatory channels such as calling OSHA.  Regardless of the unsafe condition, you are not protected if you simply walk off the job.  Go to www.osha.gov for more information if you are in any type of situation that you fear for your safety.  

Unfavorable personnel actions may include: 

•          Firing or laying off
•          Demoting
•          Denying overtime or promotion
•          Disciplining
•          Blacklisting
•          Failing to hire or rehire
•          Denying benefits
•          Reassignment affecting promotion prospects
•          Reducing pay or hours
•          Intimidation 

We hope that this will help anyone who questions their safety on the job; we also hope that work conditions are favorable to all employees, and that they are guaranteed their safety under the law.

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We can say goodbye to January; we hope that it was a wonderful first month of the New Year for everyone!  The month of February brings Valentine’s Day, on the 14th, with thoughts of expressing your love for your spouse, children, boyfriend/girlfriend, those who are dear to you, by remembering them with a special card, gift of candy or flowers, or doing something thoughtful for them.  February is American Heart Month, and the best gift we can give ourselves and those we love is to be “heart-healthy” in our daily lives. 

The first Friday in February is “Wear Red Day.”  Americans nationwide will take women’s health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness.  Most of us have lost loved ones to heart disease and stroke.  Women may not respond to the warning signs of an heart attack, as they may be different from the symptoms men experience when having one.  Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.  One in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.  In September, 2011, a national initiative began to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the next five years. Million Hearts  has the support of multiple federal agencies and key private organizations, including the American Heart Association, American Pharmacists’ Association, the YMCA, Walgreens and United Health Care.  This group will be pursuing commitments and participation from many more partners in health care, public health, industry and government. 

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and loved ones from heart disease and stroke.  First, challenge your family and friends to take the Million Hearts  pledge at www.millionhearts.hhs.gov.  Here’s some other suggestions to help:

• Know your ABC’s:
• Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin each day.
• Find out if you have high Blood Pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
• If you Smoke, get help to quit.
• Take control of your heart health by following your doctor’s prescription instructions.
• Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
• Select fat-free, one per cent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
• Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
• Exercise!  Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day.  Take the time – you deserve it – and you will feel better for it! 

Know these signs of a heart attack.  According to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute, these may mean that a heart attack is in progress:

• Chest discomfort.  Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.  It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Shortness of breath; may occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.  Symptoms may include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. 

Regardless of where you live in this big world, we hope you will take care of your heart, and it will take care of you.  Keeping healthy through exercise and proper diet is a good way to prevent heart disease and other illnesses.  Love your family and friends by loving your heart!

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HIPPA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191.  This means that “covered entities” must protect the privacy of individuals’ health information.  When it first began, it was hard to get the message across to some individuals that they could not discuss private patient information.  Employees that are guilty of leaking private health information can be penalized by fine and even jail, depending on the circumstances.

Prior to this law, hospitals displayed a list of patients in the hospital, or even published them in the newspaper.  That made it pretty handy for local citizens to visit their friends if they learned that they were hospitalized.  However, once the law was passed, and the list was not public information, many persons were very mad and just couldn’t understand why hospitals kept their census secret.  I had a lady slam the phone down one day because I wouldn’t tell her who was in the hospital so she could put them on their church prayer list.  Volunteers at hospitals or other health care facilities must observe HIPAA law, as well.

“Covered entities” include healthcare plans, healthcare providers, healthcare clearing houses, pharmacies, private care, dentists, emergency service providers, and physical therapists, etc.  If you call a nurses’ desk and ask for the condition of a patient by name, they may give you a brief description, such as fair, or good.  The HIPAA privacy regulation provides that individually identifiable information about a person’s physical or mental health or health care (in any written or oral form) – including computer records – is protected from unauthorized disclosure.  Most physicians’ forms require the patient or guardian to fill out the name of any other doctor and entity that their report should be sent to, as well as permission to release their medical information to family members and/or friends.

The Privacy Rule does not require a health care provider or health plan to share information with your family or friends, unless they are your personal representative.  Then providers may share information with them in certain circumstances.  A provider or plan may also share relevant information with these persons if, using its professional judgment, it believes that you do not object.  For example, if you send your friend to pick up your prescription for you, the pharmacist can assume that you do not object to their being given the medication.  When you are not there or when you are injured and cannot give your permission, a provider may share information with these persons when it decides that doing so would be in your best interest. 

In all reality, this is a good thing, because if you are hospitalized, your diagnosis will kept between you, your family and physician; you have the right to know that it will not be given to anyone else.  Many times, things get stretched and are not so bad as rumors would have one believe.  Rest assured, most hospitals and healthcare facilities are very aware to respect HIPAA.  This means that your medical information is safe.

We will do an article later this week regarding Rights as a Whistleblower, and how it pertains to HIPAA, as well as other workplace laws.

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Estimates are that around 100,000 police-reported road crashes each year are caused by driver drowsiness and fatigue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Drowsiness is as dangerous to driving as falling asleep at the wheel.  When drivers are tired and have stared at the little white line in the middle of the road too long, it causes a trance-like state.  Road trance can result in slow perceptions and reaction times, and can leave drivers unable to remember how they even got to their destinations.  Most drivers have probably experienced this driving fatigue at one time or another.  Some of the basic causes of fatigue are lack of sleep, poor diet, being overweight, lack of exercise, and drinking alcohol.  If you are planning a long road trip, or drive for a living, you should take an active part in prevention when it comes to driving in a tired or distracted state. 

Truck Driver Fatigue 

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report that each year truck crashes kill over 5,000 people and injure almost 150,000 more on our nation’s roads and highways.  Large trucks are involved in multiple-vehicle fatal crashes at twice the rate of passenger vehicles.  Almost 800 large truck occupants, almost all of them drivers, die each year in these crashes.  Commercial drivers become fatigued from excessive daily and weekly work hours.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that more than 750 people die and 20,000 more are injured each year due directly to fatigued commercial vehicle drivers.  Drivers are limited to a certain amount of continuous driving; however, many times they are loading and unloading their cargo, which adds to their hours of work.  A proposed safety rule is that long-haul and regional drivers are required to use tamper-proof devices such as Electric On-Board Recorders, which monitor actual daily and weekly driving time. 

Symptoms of Driver Fatigue and Road Trance:

• Eyes burning;
• Heavy eyelids;
• Muscles twitching;
• Inability to focus eyes;
• Yawning;
• Wandering thoughts and disconnections;
• Limbs feeling heavy, or numb, light and tingly;
• Shallow breating. 

Recommendations to Help Prevent Driver Fatigue and Road Trance:

• Regular exercise;
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet;
• Start your trip as early in the day as possible;
• Don’t eat a heavy meal before driving;
• Avoid driving alone whenever possible;
• Keep driver’s area cool and well-ventilated;
• Talk to passengers without being distracted;
• Be alert for road and traffic signs;
• Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles; (may be difficult for long-haul drivers.)
• On break, get out of vehicle and walk or stretch.
• Avoid alcohol and any medications that could cause drowsiness.
• If it is necessary, stop and take a 20-minute nap; sleeping longer will make you feel groggy. 

These suggestions from the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, may help avoid accidents that often result from driver fatigue and road trance.  An alert driver is a safe driver.  Remember to practice safety at all times. Don’t learn it by accident!

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