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10 Cheshvan 5763 - October 16, 2002 | Mordecai Plaut, director Published Weekly
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Home and Family


Your Medical Questions Answered!
by Joseph B. Leibman, MD

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!

 

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