Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine
Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine Ma'ayenei Hayeshua
Hospital
Many of our community work in the food preparation business,
and there are hazards there as well. Many bacteria have
preferences -- B. Cereus, for one, likes fried rice. Vibrio
species like fish. Clinorchis like herring. Tapeworm likes
beef. Improper refrigeration and cooking can lead to the
proliferation of these microorganisms, with the spread of
disease. Foods in "appetizing" stores stay out for a long
time with possible dreadful consequences.
Often foods need to be cut or sliced and often glasses break
during washing resulting in nasty lacerations. The cut should
be washed well under running water, as meats especially can
spread disease. If the cut is near a tendon, a complicated
repair needs to be done. Medical advice is warranted. Often
fingers bleed a lot and while there is no danger, one should
expect this.
For people who work in small groceries, a major complication
is back strain from improper lifting. Lifting should be done
from the knees with a straight back. Back pain can easily
turn chronic, so never try to be a hero and lift more than
you can -- you'll pay later!
Religious doctors, nurses and paramedics all know about the
danger of needlesticks -- and how one should never recap a
needle. All health professionals need to report needlesticks,
and get the hepatitis B vaccine. Facemasks should be used
when examining coughing patients, who should also cover their
faces.
Ozerets -- or people who clean houses -- often use
cleaning materials that are dangerous. The meisir
shumanim (oil solvents) are strong acids, and St. Moritz
is a dangerous base. Gloves must be worn, and spills on skin
should be cleaned with a lot of water. As none of these
fluids are sold with any child-proofing, they must be kept
out of reach of children as splashes to the eye and
swallowing these materials are very dangerous.
Dust and other airborne substances while cleaning can create
allergic and lung conditions. When cleaning dusty places a
face mask should be worn.
People who sit all day at desk jobs in front of a computer or
driving are at risk for many diseases just because of their
lack of exercise. Drivers, and especially air travelers, can
have a risk of DVT if they don't move around. DVT is a clot
in the leg that can travel to the lung.
People who stare at computers all day are at risk for eye
problems and seizures.
Drivers must not smoke (they all seem to) and should drive
carefully (Am I wasting my time with this?).
Did I miss someone's occupation? Questions? Write me in care
of the Yated.
A message from Glaxo, sponsor of this column. Smoking -
- we said there is a solution and that is Zyban -- the first
pill approved by the FDA to help stop smoking. Properly used,
you can stop within two months. Think of the money you'll
save and most of all think of the life you'll save!
