July 2012 Issue 1, Vol. 1 HEAT STRESS. Preparing Makes Sense. Image Credit to: CDC/Amanda Mills

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1 ewsletter July 2012 Issue 1, Vol. 1 HEAT STRESS Preparing Makes Sense Image Credit to: CDC/Amanda Mills

2 HEAT STRESS Overview Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam. Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented. Types of Heat Stress Heat Stroke Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. of heat stroke include: Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Hallucinations Chills Throbbing headache High body temperature Confusion/dizziness Slurred speech Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke: 2 American Home Health Newsletter July 2012 Call 911 and notify their supervisor. Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area. Cool the worker using methods such as: Soaking their clothes with water. Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water. Fanning their body. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment. of heat exhaustion include: Heavy sweating Extreme weakness or fatigue Dizziness, confusion Nausea Clammy, moist skin Pale or flushed complexion Muscle cramps Slightly elevated body temperature Fast and shallow breathing Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following: Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Heat Syncope Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization. of heat syncope include: Light-headedness Dizziness Fainting Workers with heat syncope should: Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms. Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage. Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Workers with heat cramps should: Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention if any of the following apply: The worker has heart problems. The worker is on a low-sodium diet. The cramps do not subside within one hour. Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. of heat rash include: Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Workers experiencing heat rash should: Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort. Continued on page 3

HEAT STRESS Continued from page 2 Recommendations for Employers Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress: Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for

3 HEAT STRESS Continued from page 2 Recommendations for Employers Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress: Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months. Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day. Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments. Reduce the physical demands of workers. Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs. Provide cool water or liquids to workers. Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar. Provide rest periods with water breaks. Provide cool areas for use during break periods. Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress. Provide heat stress training that includes information about: Worker risk Prevention The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms Treatment Personal protective equipment Recommendations for Workers Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing. Gradually build up to heavy work. Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day. Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible. Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. Approximately 1 cup every minutes. Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar. Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. Source: Firework Safety for Summer The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and for many Americans fireworks are an integral part of the celebration. June is Firework Safety Month and the perfect time to brush up in preparation for Independence Day. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, hospitals treat 200 firework-related injuries daily during the months surrounding the Fourth of July. Follow these tips to make sure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable holiday: Never allow young children to play with or ignite any type of firework even sparklers burn at temperatures around 2,000 degrees. Always have an adult supervise the use of fireworks. Be sure that any fireworks you purchase are intended for use by the general public. Some fireworks are made strictly for professional use and could cause serious injury or even death. Don t carry fireworks in a pocket, purse or backpack, as a single spark could cause them to ignite. Never attempt to re-light or pick up any firework that has not ignited properly it may still be dangerous. Light fireworks one at a time to prevent confusion and accidents. Have a bucket of water or garden hose on hand in case of an emergency and to douse fireworks before discarding them. Keep unused fireworks away from the lighting area to prevent a spark from accidently igniting them. Many parts of the country prohibit the use of fireworks. Make sure they are legal in your area before buying or using them. If your area is experiencing a drought, fireworks may be temporarily banned. Whether you re watching your community s firework display, or setting them off in your own back yard, put safety first! 3 American Home Health Newsletter July 2012

4 Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs Step 1: Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies from fires and floods to potential terrorist attacks. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared. This guide outlines commonsense measures individuals with disabilities, special needs, and their caregivers can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen. Preparing makes sense for people with disabilities and special needs. Get Ready Now. 1) Get a Kit - Of Emergency Supplies The first step is to consider how an emergency might affect your individual needs. Plan to make it on your own, for at least three days. It s possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that you and your family think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if those resources are limited or not available. Basic Supplies: Think first about the basics for survival - food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items you require. Consider two kits. In one kit put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own for a period of time. The other kit should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to leave your home. Recommended basic emergency supplies include: Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener if kit contains canned food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-inplace Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Local maps Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet or service animal Preparedness Tip #1 Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in your home, and you need to leave quickly. What are the best escape routes from your home? Find at least two ways out of each room. Now, write it down - you ve got the beginning of a plan. Preparedness Tip #2 Pick a place to meet after a disaster. Designate two meeting places. Choose one right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency, such as a fire. The second place you choose needs to be outside your neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to your home. Source: and Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 4 American Home Health Newsletter July 2012

Outdoor Exercise: Getting the Right Gear Transitioning from running indoors to outside? Prepare yourself for the outdoor elements by investing in the following three key pieces of equipment: 1.

5 Outdoor Exercise: Getting the Right Gear Transitioning from running indoors to outside? Prepare yourself for the outdoor elements by investing in the following three key pieces of equipment: 1. New shoes If your running shoes are worn out from a winter of running on the treadmill, look into ditching the old ones in favor of a new, water-resistant pair. After you spend some time running on the hard asphalt and through puddles, your feet will thank you. 2. A running pack If you plan on running long distances, make sure you get a light-weight running backpack or fanny pack. These packs can store a water bottle for a run in the sun, or rain gear in case the weather turns. 3. Rain gear If you don t have any already, consider picking up packable, water-resistant pants and jacket. That way you won t have to call off your run on account of rain. Save on Seasonal Style In need of a wardrobe refresh but don t want to pay full price? Check out the following tips to discover how to dress for the summer season without breaking the bank. Buy your summer clothes nine months early. By shopping the sale racks at the end of summer you ll be able to save significant amounts on a new summer wardrobe. Store the clothes with the tags intact and be sure to save the receipt, that way if you go up or down a size you can get back what you paid for them. Summer is garage sale season and the perfect time to find a few gently-used items. Remember to negotiate with the owner; they may be willing to offer a reduced price if you are purchasing more than one item. Going to a consignment shop or second-hand store may be well worth the trip. The prices are almost always rock-bottom and are better organized than garage sales. Check out the lots of summer clothing on Often times you can find large quantities of seasonal clothing in a single size for a small price. If you have growing children in your family, organize a clothing swap with your friends, family or in your neighborhood. Everyone can trade out their kids outgrown clothes for larger sizes. You get rid of unneeded clothing and get a brand new wardrobe for your child for free! Fresh Summer Gazpacho Keep your cool with this refreshing chilled soup! Gazpacho originated in the south of Spain and is typically served during the warm months to help people beat the heat perfect for the first day of summer. 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped ½ cup cucumber, seeded and chopped ½ cup green pepper, chopped 2 green onions, sliced 2 cups low-sodium vegetable juice cocktail 1 tbsp. lemon juice ½ tsp. basil, dried ¼ tsp. hot pepper sauce 1 clove garlic, minced Combine all ingredients, except for ¼ cup of cucumber, in a large bowl, mixing them thoroughly. Cover and store in refrigerator for several hours, until completely chilled. When ready to serve, garnish with the remaining chopped cucumber. Yield: 4 servings. Each serving provides 53 calories, less than 1g total fat, less than 1g saturated fat, 12g carbohydrates, 41mg sodium and 2g fiber. Source: 5 American Home Health Newsletter July 2012

Buying Organic: The Dirty Dozen Want to go organic but not sure if it s worth the extra cost? For some types of produce, it almost certainly is.

The USDA found that some fruits and veggies without a tough, protective skin often contained residue from pesticides.

Apples 2. Celery 3. Strawberries 4. Peaches 5. Spinach 6. Nectarines 7. Grapes 8. Sweet Bell Peppers 9. Potatoes 10. Blueberries 11. Lettuce 12.

Onions, sweet corn, pineapples, avocados, asparagus and sweet peas have been found to have very small amounts of residue.

Positions available in: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lee, and Will County. American Home Health offers benefits to part time and full time employees.

6 Buying Organic: The Dirty Dozen Want to go organic but not sure if it s worth the extra cost? For some types of produce, it almost certainly is. According to data from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), some types of produce are more susceptible to pesticides than others. The USDA found that some fruits and veggies without a tough, protective skin often contained residue from pesticides. The Dirty Dozen are the 12 types of produce most likely to contain pesticides. To avoid chemicals, consider going organic when purchasing these fruits and vegetables: 1. Apples 2. Celery 3. Strawberries 4. Peaches 5. Spinach 6. Nectarines 7. Grapes 8. Sweet Bell Peppers 9. Potatoes 10. Blueberries 11. Lettuce 12. Kale/Collard Grees DID YOU KNOW While most non-organic produce contain some amount of pesticide residue, a few types are fairly resistant. Onions, sweet corn, pineapples, avocados, asparagus and sweet peas have been found to have very small amounts of residue. Home Health Nurses Wanted American Home Health is seeking experienced Home Health/Intermittent RNs with strong IV experience. Positions available in: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lee, and Will County. American Home Health offers benefits to part time and full time employees. For more information or to apply, please go to: or call American Home Health Newsletter July 2012 Follow us on YouTube. Our channel is You Tube AHHC Newsletter Editors: Karen Centowski & Edward Lara Designer: Edward Lara Contributions: Edward Lara, Jan Fulfs, Janelle Fulfs For Contributions, please hr@ahhc-1.com or write to 1660 N. Farnsworth Ave., Ste.3 Aurora, IL 60505

Get Ready. Emergency. for an NEW JERSEY COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WWW

Get Ready. Emergency. for an NEW JERSEY COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WWW Get New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities PO Box 700, Trenton, NJ 08625 WWW www.njcdd.org 2008 2010 NEW JERSEY COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MORE NOTES and REMINDERS for ME Review this