Pomerene Hospital Blog

Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Short term exposure to loud noises may also lead temporary change in hearing causing ringing in your ears. Repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss.

As an employer the effects of noise exposure can not only be hazardous to your employees but can also effect the bottom line. Loud noise can create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, and contribute to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals. The effects of noise induced hearing loss can be profound, limiting your ability to hear high frequency sounds, understand speech, and seriously impairing your ability to communicate.

Exposure to Noise is measured in units of sound pressure levels called decibels. There are several ways to control and reduce worker exposure to noise in a workplace where exposure has been shown to be excessive.

Administrative controls are changes in the workplace or schedule that reduce or eliminate the worker exposure to noise.

Operating the loudest machines during shifts when fewer people are exposed, limiting the exposure time, and providing quiet areas are examples of effective and inexpensive administrative controls. It is worth noting that every time you double the distance between the source of noise there is a reduction in decibels of 6dBA. 

Engineering controls involve modifying or replacing equipment, or making physical changes at the noise source or along the transmission path to reduce the noise level at the worker's ear.

Choosing low-noise tools and machinery, maintaining and lubricating machinery and equipment placing a barrier such as walls or curtains between the noise source and employee and enclosing or isolating the noise source are all examples of ways to control noise exposure via engineering.

Noise exposure can be an often overlooked area in workplace safety. Make sure that you are protecting your workers and keeping them productive by controlling their exposure.

Water is needed for overall good health. Drinking enough water can help your body stay healthy and function at its best. Water is involved in every bodily

function from circulation, digestion, controlling of body temperature and the excretion of waste products.

The importance of water in the body:

1. Main component of saliva which is essential for breaking down solid foods and for a healthy mouth

2. Regulate your body temperature-your body loses water through sweat in hot temperatures and with physical activity. Your temperature will rise if you don’t replenish the water you lose.

3. Lubricates and cushions your tissues, spinal cord and joints

4. Keeps you regular-more water means less constipation

5. Helps to prevent kidney stones, urinary tract infections and helps your kidneys filter waste

6. Water carries oxygen and nutrients to your body by improving circulation

7. Proper hydration can reduce fatigue and improve endurance for exercise

8. Can lessen or relieve a headache

REMEMBER, WATER IS IMPORTANT TO NEARLY EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY.

Aim to take in optimum amounts every day to stay healthy and hydrated! 

Blog written by: TJ Darr, Health and Wellness Coach at Pomerene Hospital

Spring is in the air! So why are you feeling miserable? During the spring allergy season, chronic sinus sufferers often experience symptom flare ups – or worse, symptoms that just never seem to go away, even with medication. Do you still experience facial pain or pressure, headaches, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, difficulty breathing and/or loss of taste or smell? Do you suffer from frequent headaches?

Don’t put your follow-up visit or sinus procedure on hold any longer. Schedule an appointment today to get back on the road to relief!

Dr. Kurt Garren is ready to make the process easy for you. Call today at 330-343-9600 to book your consultation!

April is National Stress Awareness Month!

One of the greatest stress management methods is finding way to get moving in order to stay energized.
Every time you move, you burn calories. Commit to move more each day!

5 Ways to Add Movement to Your Days:

1. Take the stairs whenever you can.  If you have time, walk up and down more than once!
   
2. Move around while making phone calls, use a resistance band at your desk, or ask the group you are meeting with if they would like to stand together for the meeting time.
3. Walk at lunch. Grab a quick, healthy bite to eat before or after your walk. Or you could pack something simple to eat while you continue your work, and use your break time to get your steps in!
4. Make active play part of your day. Be sure to have time to play with your kids/ grand-kids, walk the dog, or go for a walk before you rest for the day.
5. March in place whenever you are waiting in line. 

Do you like walking or running with a view?



Click here to view our trail walk/run training program!

• 1. Because of busy schedules, many families eat large meals at odd times on holidays. For example, Thanksgiving dinner may be served as a late lunch at 1 or 2 pm. Prepare ahead of time how you may need to adjust if this meal does not line up with your usual schedule. If you take insulin or a pill that lowers blood glucose, you may need to have a snack at your normal meal time to prevent a low blood glucose.
  
  
• 2. Most Holiday feasts offer an abundance of carbohydrate rich foods so be mindful of your portion sizes. If you can't decide on three or four servings of carbohydrate foods, take very small portions of several dishes. Try to keep your total carbohydrate intake similar to a normal day.
  
  
• 3. Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates as well as calories. They will help you to feel full without over eating other high-calorie and high-fat foods.
  
  
• 4. Physical activity is the best way to make up for eating more than usual. Start a new tradition that involves staying active. Take a post meal walk with the family, play a game of football or frisbee.
  
  
• 5. Make sure you are getting enough sleep as sleep deprivation is associated with higher blood sugar levels, increased hunger, decreased problem solving and increased likelihood of illness.
  

With numbers like those above, it’s easy to see why prevention is in a company’s best interest to work on reducing the falls risk.Below are some practical advice on creating a safer working environment.

Slippery Surfaces

Industrial environments typically have surfaces that are slippery when wet. Some of these environments include:

• Parking lots
  
• Sidewalks
  
• Cement floors
  

These surfaces are impacted with the changing weather including the white stuff falling from the sky. Strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk including:

• Keeping parking lots and sidewalks in good repair and clean.
  
• Using adhesive striping or anti-skid paint.
  
• Keeping absorbent mats at entry ways with backings that are non-slip.

Adequate Lighting

Poor lighting is associated with an increase in accidents. With the change in seasons we also are burdened with less sunlight.

• Keep light switches unobstructed.
• Repair any missing or damaged lighting.
• Keep poorly lit areas clutter free.

Avoid Obstacles in Walkways

Tripping hazards occur often due to clutter gathering in work areas.

• Have designated walkways and aisles.
  
• Avoid cords, cables or air hoses in walkways or designated aisles.
  
• Conduct periodic inspections of areas and counsel those not adhering to safe practices.
  

The fall season is not always a change in the weather, but with diligent precautions and safety practices we can do our best to minimize the impact of falls in the workplace.

We are all aware that it is summer time and this year there seems to be an abundance of heat and humidity. Like a well-oiled machine, workplaces run best with prevention in mind. We will discuss how to avoid the dangers of working in heat and what to look for to keep workers safe. There are four typical heat related injuries that occur, each one has different signs/symptoms and prevention strategies.

Heat Rash

A heat rash is very similar to diaper rash where the skin is irritated by heat and perspiration. Areas where clothing is tightest against the body like the neck, waistline and arms are the most commonly affected areas. To prevent this, the type of clothing is key so that you don’t overheat. Typically, a heat rash will go away once the skin has dried off and cooled.

Heat Cramps

We are all familiar with a “Charlie Horse”, the painful muscle spasm that can bring you to your knees. Typically this is caused by over exertion and poor water consumption. Preventing this is easy by drinking plenty of water before a shift and having easy access cool water during the shift. The best way to address heat cramps when they do occur is to try to fix the body’s electrolyte levels by drinking things like Gatorade in addition to water.

The next two heat related illnesses are serious conditions, your first response should be to call 911.

Heat Exhaustion

Exposure to extreme heat and humidity can cause heat exhaustion. Staying hydrated, taking work breaks and appropriate clothing can help avoid heat exhaustion. Symptoms include confusion, dark-colored urine, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect heat exhaustion, call 911 immediately and try to cool the worker by moving them to a cool place, using cold compresses and removing unnecessary clothing.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can’t be missed. The body’s failure to regulate temperature causes this condition. Throbbing headache, lack of sweating despite the heat, red, hot, and dry skin, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, rapid shallow breathing are all symptoms of heat stroke. Your first response should be to call 911 immediately. You should also stay with the worker until help arrives and then move the worker to a cooler area, remove unnecessary clothing and place cold compresses on the forehead and underarms.

How Can We Help?

It is important to do everything possible to prevent heat related injuries. The best way to avoid heat-related illnesses is by having a prevention plan in place. Pomerene Occupational Medicine can work with you to develop a prevention strategy that works for the employees and the business.

Contact us today via our website http://www.pomerenehospital.org/pomerene-occupational-medicine or call us at (330) 763-8688.

Amber signed up for the race of her life; a half-marathon that required deep conviction to conquer the hilly course. She had trained with tenacity, and prepared for the day knowing she would be carrying her body 13 plus miles.

Early on race morning, she stepped from her car with tears in her eyes. Emotions grasped her insecurities presenting the question of, "Am I Worthy of Being Here?" The anxiety was almost too much as she observed lean athletes jogging the parking lot to warm up for the race.

She was so fearful of the task ahead, that she wanted to fall down and fake an injury to excuse her from the race. Doing that would be like eating rice crispy squares when no one was watching; somehow cheating on herself.

Amber knew she must fully commit. It was not a frivolous decision of simply half-showing up on race day. She had to journey deep within herself, and drum up her courage. It was a requirement.

Whether you are simply in the journey to a more fit body, or contemplating signing up for a racing event beyond your current comfort zone, there are 9 key strategies that can help you get out of your negative head, into your internal stride and reach your running goals.

Build yourself up with continual positive affirmations by choosing praise over negating inner language. If doubt creeps in, discard it immediately. Believe in yourself at all costs. 

2. Commit to Training

Sign up for a race as the intended dangling carrot. Going our for a casual walk or easy run as part of your weight loss regimen can be fleeting. Whereas training for race day will help you to commit on a deeper level. 

3. Find the Parallels

Think about your run or walk training as a metaphor for your life. The goals you have already conquered finishing school or reaching for the next level in your profession are similar to winning your fit body. 

Challenging hills can represent the obstacles you have overcome. Don't run or walk a different route to avoid them, shift your mindset that you can conquer anything that comes your way. Finishing a hard run or walk, even though it rocked you to the core, is a good thing for your spirit. 

4. Prove Yourself Right

Create a strategy for your runs or walks. If just starting out, challenge yourself to run or walk to the next tree or electrical pole. Each time your run or walk that same route, go further. Set a specific landmark as your goal, and prove to yourself that you can make it. As you advance, have courage to push beyond your self-imposed limitations. 

5. Remind Yourself Why

Write down your favorite affirmation or word on your body. If you are choosing to lose weight in order to be a better example to your child, write their name down where you can see it if you run or walk. Think up a great phrase that inspires you and write it across your knuckles. Here are some great ideas to get you started:

• Because I can
  
• Doing it for (insert name)
  
• It makes me a better mom/dad
  
• I deserve to be happy
  
• Every step gets me close to my goal
  

6. Progression

Don't expect to run like Wonder Woman or walk like a supermodel from the get-go. As in every new venture, there is a learning curve. Know from the start, wherever you are is further than the day before. You will be surprised how quickly you progress over a three-month period. Log your runs or walk; record your distance, time and how you felt about the run or walk. Review often to measure your progress. 

7. Prepare Your Body

If your training is less than one hour there is no need to carb load or fuel for the run. To burn fat, eat plenty of slow-burning carbs (vegetables) and always accompany with a good, lean protein. Eat your carb meals (whole grains, fruits) only after you exercise to reload your glycogen stores. 

8. Run on Clouds

Use your mind to be light on your feet. Think about your feet hitting the ground as if they are softly running on cushioning clouds. With purpose, run lightly, and focus on striking with your mid-foot rather than your heel. 

9. Find a Community

Gather up your friends or join a running or walking group. You will progress more quickly with people that challenge you to step-it-up. Be vocal about your new goal to create a built-in support system around you. You are less likely to let yourself down when you know others are counting on your to follow through. 

If you have a specific fitness goal or need a new level of challenge to your exercise program, join us for the 20th Annual Fall Trail Run in beautiful Holmes County, Ohio on Saturday, September 1, 2018. Race day options include a half marathon, 10K, 5K and a 2-mile fun walk. Register here! Let the goal-setting begin!

Blog Written by: Lyndee Zeigler, Exercise Specialist at Pomerene Kinetics

So it is finally warm (ish... it’s June 6th and the high today was mid 60s, but in Ohio, this is not unexpected). Even on a cool and cloudy day however, you should be thinking about sun safety. UV rays are still a concern on cloudy days and it only takes 15 minutes of exposure to cause skin damage.

Here are some tips for staying safe this summer.

1. Shade is your best bet. Find a shady spot under a tree, umbrella, or other structure while enjoying the outdoors.
   
2. Wear clothing with UV protection. Even a plain T-shirt is better than nothing.
   
3. Wear a wide brimmed hat or a ball cap. But remember your ears with a ball cap!
   
4. Wearing sunglasses reduces your risk of cataracts and permanent eye damage.
   
5. Wear sunscreen and apply often, especially after swimming or sweating. Your sunscreen should be at least 15 SPF. What does SPF mean? A SPF of 15 means you can be in the sun 15 times longer before burning. So a SPF of 70 is even better and will protect you longer. Make sure your makeup and lip balm also contain SPF.
   

What to do if you get burned?

• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for discomfort.
  
• Increase your water intake.
  
• Try a cool bath or cool rags on the burned areas.
  
• Use a soothing cream or aloe on burn.
  
• Do not break blisters.
  

Seek medical attention if:

• Your burns are severe and greater than 15% of your body.
  
• You are dehydrated.
  
• You have a fever.
  
• You have extreme pain for greater than 48 hours.
  

Hope you have a safe and fun summer!

Blog written by: Beth Amicone, APRN, FNP-C