Yes, I think blogging is an effective learning tool for students in college and should be explored as a learning tool for high school students as well. The majority of students aged 15-22 are very familiar with the internet, since it's existence became so popular when we were young and absorbing all of the information presented to us. These young adults interact with people through various forms of social media almost everyday, so why not apply blogging to the scholarly learning process? I would argue that no matter how familiar one may be with blogging, they will learn skills in articulating the importance of a topic in a fashion that is attractive to internet viewers after repeated exposure throughout a typical semester.
Too often, students are forced to rapidly take notes in class and read thick chapters in their textbook so that they can be tested in a high-anxiety filled classroom. I think that this way of learning is definitely not effective in certain circumstances. Cramming too much information in your head and being expected to spew out random definitions or calculations in a small time frame in an uncomfortable desk is very stressful for students, and might not necessarily be the best form of evaluating their knowledge of a subject or topic. Blogging at home is much more relaxing for students because they can work at their own pace during the research and reporting process, all in the comfort of their couch or bed. In addition, each person has their own personality and educational background that they can apply in blogging to produce an interesting format.
I am thankful to complete two college courses with Dr. Moss at Ohio University for such positive aspects of his teaching philosophy. Other than keeping his lectures engaging with personal anecdotes or jokes, his homework assignments are enjoyable. Additionally, I feel as though I can retain the information that I learned through writing blogs better than if I had been forced to be tested on them. Lastly, researching topics relating to class is entertaining for me personally and show my blogs to any family members or friends that are interested in how educational blogging actually works.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The Difference Between Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two heat-related illnesses that are known to affect people of all races and ethnic groups all around the world. It is largely important to know the difference between the two for educating both yourself and others in both preventive action and treatment. Both heat-related illnesses are due to a disturbance in the body's internal and external temperature regulating system. Although we often hear reports of such heat-related illnesses on the news during the summer, many viewers do not know the differences between the two, which is dangerous and unfortunate.
The Mayo Clinic offers helpful information pertaining to heatstroke for internet viewers. The health professionals define heatstroke as "a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures". Relating to occupational health and safety, this heat-related illness is most often posed to construction workers. Heatstroke is the most dangerous and serious form of heat injury, and should be paid close attention to by construction managers. Anytime an individual's body temperature rises over 104 Fahrenheit or higher, they are at serious risk to death. When untreated, heatstroke can quickly target the brain, kidneys, heart and muscles. Some symptoms associated with heatstroke include: altered mental state, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing patterns, headache and alterations in sweating. As a citizen, knowing these symptoms may allow you to save someone's life. If these symptoms are noted, the individual needs to be brought into a cool space immediately, all clothes need to be removed and placed in an ice bath other other means of cooling down.
eMedicineHealth is another informative source of heat-related illness. Their health experts define heat exhaustion as a condition that occurs when the body overheats and fails to maintain a normal core temperature. Although both these heat-related illnesses' definitions appear similar, they occur differently and have different symptoms. Symptoms associated with heat exhaustion include: dizziness, weakness, cramping, fainting, clammy skin, and heavy sweating. If these symptoms are ignored and heat exhaustion persists, it will develop into a heatstroke. To treat heat exhaustion, remove the individual from the hot environment and use methods of cooling them down such as: rehydration, cold damp rag on the forehead and fanning them. Heat exhaustion can occur in anyone, but pregnant women, infants, and elderly patient are at the most risk. It is also important to not that dogs and cats can experience heat exhaustion if left outside too long on a hot day.
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related condition characterized by heavy sweating and heat cramps. Cooling measures can be taken to treat heat exhaustion to prevent heat stroke. For example, placing an cold towel on your forehead is an efficient way to treat mild heat exhaustion. Another example is placing a fan in close proximity to an individual experiencing heat-related symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic offers helpful information pertaining to heatstroke for internet viewers. The health professionals define heatstroke as "a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures". Relating to occupational health and safety, this heat-related illness is most often posed to construction workers. Heatstroke is the most dangerous and serious form of heat injury, and should be paid close attention to by construction managers. Anytime an individual's body temperature rises over 104 Fahrenheit or higher, they are at serious risk to death. When untreated, heatstroke can quickly target the brain, kidneys, heart and muscles. Some symptoms associated with heatstroke include: altered mental state, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing patterns, headache and alterations in sweating. As a citizen, knowing these symptoms may allow you to save someone's life. If these symptoms are noted, the individual needs to be brought into a cool space immediately, all clothes need to be removed and placed in an ice bath other other means of cooling down.
eMedicineHealth is another informative source of heat-related illness. Their health experts define heat exhaustion as a condition that occurs when the body overheats and fails to maintain a normal core temperature. Although both these heat-related illnesses' definitions appear similar, they occur differently and have different symptoms. Symptoms associated with heat exhaustion include: dizziness, weakness, cramping, fainting, clammy skin, and heavy sweating. If these symptoms are ignored and heat exhaustion persists, it will develop into a heatstroke. To treat heat exhaustion, remove the individual from the hot environment and use methods of cooling them down such as: rehydration, cold damp rag on the forehead and fanning them. Heat exhaustion can occur in anyone, but pregnant women, infants, and elderly patient are at the most risk. It is also important to not that dogs and cats can experience heat exhaustion if left outside too long on a hot day.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
The Hazards of Exposure to UV Radiation
Although UV radiation is beneficial in producing Vitamin D as well as increasing serotonin levels in humans, the aftermath of overexposure to UV radiation is greatly detrimental. It's easy going day to day completing normal tasks outside, without even realizing that you're putting yourself at risk to a potentially deadly form of cancer. The World Health Organziation (WHO) offers a comprehensive guide to all hazards associated with acute and chronic exposure to UV Radiation. The most well known effect of acute UV radiation exposure is erythema (AKA sunburn). An occasional sunburn once or twice year may not seem like a big deal, however if this result is produced year after year, one might find his or herself with a more serious health condition.
One serious health condition is melanoma, otherwise classified as a cancer of the skin. People of all races and ethnic groups are posed to melanoma, despise a common misconception about melanin pigment. Although melanoma is a more common cancer in fair-skinned people, WHO argues that people of all skin colors need to be take the same necessary precautions as lighter-skinned people do. The organization also reports that approximately 130,000 malignant melanomas occur yearly. Another serious health condition associated with exposure to harmful UV radiation is known as cataracts. Cataracts is a condition in which an inflammatory reaction in the eyes causes a deterioration in vision, ultimately causing blindness. To prevent these most serious hazards of exposure to UV radiation, one should apply and reapply sunscreen on days where the majority of their time is spent outside. Additionally, wearing polarized UV-protective sunglasses are an effective way to decrease the chances of getting cataracts.
Other than the skin and eyes, the body's immune system is also at great risk to UV radiation. UV Awareness is a website that offers a complete guide to the result of immunosuppression from exposure to UV radiation. This health condition is perhaps less well-known as the ones discussed above, but still incredibly harmful nonetheless. Scientists have determined that UV radiation is able to reduce the strength of one's immune system, by altering the activity and distribution of some of the cells responsible for triggering immune system responses. This effect can increase the chance of contracting bacterial, viral and fungal infections in people of all races and ethnic groups.
Cataracts is a serious health condition in which one's eyes produce an inflammatory response to overexposure to UV radiation. Cataracts deteriorates the vision of the eyes, which often leads to blindness. You can reduce your chances of cataracts by wearing UV protective sunglasses everyday.
Every time you step outside, you are prone to UV radiation exposure. However, wearing sunscreen and SPF containing cosmetics is a great way to reduce exposure, Everyday, I wear foundation with SPF in it since i have fair skin.
One serious health condition is melanoma, otherwise classified as a cancer of the skin. People of all races and ethnic groups are posed to melanoma, despise a common misconception about melanin pigment. Although melanoma is a more common cancer in fair-skinned people, WHO argues that people of all skin colors need to be take the same necessary precautions as lighter-skinned people do. The organization also reports that approximately 130,000 malignant melanomas occur yearly. Another serious health condition associated with exposure to harmful UV radiation is known as cataracts. Cataracts is a condition in which an inflammatory reaction in the eyes causes a deterioration in vision, ultimately causing blindness. To prevent these most serious hazards of exposure to UV radiation, one should apply and reapply sunscreen on days where the majority of their time is spent outside. Additionally, wearing polarized UV-protective sunglasses are an effective way to decrease the chances of getting cataracts.
Other than the skin and eyes, the body's immune system is also at great risk to UV radiation. UV Awareness is a website that offers a complete guide to the result of immunosuppression from exposure to UV radiation. This health condition is perhaps less well-known as the ones discussed above, but still incredibly harmful nonetheless. Scientists have determined that UV radiation is able to reduce the strength of one's immune system, by altering the activity and distribution of some of the cells responsible for triggering immune system responses. This effect can increase the chance of contracting bacterial, viral and fungal infections in people of all races and ethnic groups.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Contact Dermatitis
Although skin is the the human body's largest organ, its physiology is delicate and can be susceptible to disease especially in certain occupational environments. Often, workers do not realize that their skin is over exposed to seemingly harmless substances until the skin disease becomes visible. Contact dermatitis is a common skin disease that affects a large majority of workers in close contact with various irritating substances used in their specific occupation. The Mayo Clinic offers detailed information on the characteristics of contact dermatitis, including methods for prevention. Contact dermatitis is most often recognized as a red, flaky and itchy rash, which usually appears on areas of the skin that came into direct contact with one or more irritating substances. Although the rash is not life-threatening, it becomes more and more uncomfortable without proper treatment.
Contact dermatitis can be separated into three different categories: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and occupational contact dermatitis. Occupational contact dermatitis refers to dermatitis caused by an substance that either irritates or produces an auto-immune allergic reaction in a worker. Many healthcare workers, custodial workers and cosmetologists experience occupational contact dermatitis due to the various chemical substances used throughout their typical work day. It is important that workers in such occupations to take action if contact dermatitis occurs because it can lead to serious complications if not properly treated. For example, bacterial and fungal infection can occur if a rash is oozing open.
The best way to avoid life threatening complications associated with occupational contact dermatitis, its best to take simple preventative steps. According to NHS(UK), the best preventative action is to avoid contact with the specific allergens or irritants responsible for symptoms. However, since workers often have no choice but to interact with such substances, there are other preventative methods. These include wearing protective clothing/equipment (PPE), applying emollients or barrier creams to areas of the skin that are susceptible to exposure, and most importantly-- routine cleaning of skin.
Laundry detergents can be a source of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. However, there are many detergents designed specifically for individuals with sensitive skin.
Contact dermatitis can be separated into three different categories: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and occupational contact dermatitis. Occupational contact dermatitis refers to dermatitis caused by an substance that either irritates or produces an auto-immune allergic reaction in a worker. Many healthcare workers, custodial workers and cosmetologists experience occupational contact dermatitis due to the various chemical substances used throughout their typical work day. It is important that workers in such occupations to take action if contact dermatitis occurs because it can lead to serious complications if not properly treated. For example, bacterial and fungal infection can occur if a rash is oozing open.
The best way to avoid life threatening complications associated with occupational contact dermatitis, its best to take simple preventative steps. According to NHS(UK), the best preventative action is to avoid contact with the specific allergens or irritants responsible for symptoms. However, since workers often have no choice but to interact with such substances, there are other preventative methods. These include wearing protective clothing/equipment (PPE), applying emollients or barrier creams to areas of the skin that are susceptible to exposure, and most importantly-- routine cleaning of skin.
Hair dye is a common source of occupational contact dermatitis in the cosmetology industry. Cosmetologists can prevent this skin disease by wearing proper protective equipment such as gloves.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Silicosis
Despite modern advancements in the medical industry, many harmful upper and lower respiratory diseases do not have a cure and continue to pose a risk to the entire population. In particular, individuals in the mining and manufacturing industry face a greater risk to diseases of the lung due to various particles suspended in indoor and outdoor workplace environments. Depending on the particle material and time-length of exposure, negative acute and chronic effects take place in the body, typically starting in the lung.
Silica is a mineral toxicant that can result in either acute, chronic and accelerated silicosis depending on length of exposure. This lung disease is often posed to workers in mining, fracking and glass manufacturing industries in which silica particles can be inhaled. The American Lung Association characterizes acute silicosis with cough, weight loss and fatigue resulting only few weeks after exposure. Acute silicosis inflames the lungs making them likely to fill with fluid. Chronic silicosis is an upper respiratory disease characterized by extensive scaring of the lungs, which results between 10-30 years of exposure. In chronic silicosis, silica dust and particles swell the lungs and chest lymph nodes. Lastly, accelerated silicosis typically occurs 10 years after high-level silica exposure and results in similar symptoms that develop more rapidly. All three types of silicosis can develop into a more serious condition known as progressive massive fibrosis and all three can increase the risk of lung cancer or chronic bronchitis.
OSHA has recently implemented stronger controls for silica dust exposure which will save over 600 lives and prevent over 900 new cases of silicosis each year. Some key provisions include reducing the PEL of silica exposure to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air; averaged over an 8-hour shift, requiring use of engineering controls (such as ventilation systems), and providing reoccurring medical exams for workers exposed to silica dust. In addition, OSHA implements a strict compliance schedule for construction, general industry and maritime, and hydraulic fracturing.
These are packets of Silica Gel that I found in a bag bought from China. Silica gel manufacturing poses risks of silica dust inhalation to workers.
Glass products are all around us. Silica dust inhalation is a common workplace risk in glass manufacturing, which OSHA aims to reduce through strict controls and regulations.
Silica is a mineral toxicant that can result in either acute, chronic and accelerated silicosis depending on length of exposure. This lung disease is often posed to workers in mining, fracking and glass manufacturing industries in which silica particles can be inhaled. The American Lung Association characterizes acute silicosis with cough, weight loss and fatigue resulting only few weeks after exposure. Acute silicosis inflames the lungs making them likely to fill with fluid. Chronic silicosis is an upper respiratory disease characterized by extensive scaring of the lungs, which results between 10-30 years of exposure. In chronic silicosis, silica dust and particles swell the lungs and chest lymph nodes. Lastly, accelerated silicosis typically occurs 10 years after high-level silica exposure and results in similar symptoms that develop more rapidly. All three types of silicosis can develop into a more serious condition known as progressive massive fibrosis and all three can increase the risk of lung cancer or chronic bronchitis.
OSHA has recently implemented stronger controls for silica dust exposure which will save over 600 lives and prevent over 900 new cases of silicosis each year. Some key provisions include reducing the PEL of silica exposure to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air; averaged over an 8-hour shift, requiring use of engineering controls (such as ventilation systems), and providing reoccurring medical exams for workers exposed to silica dust. In addition, OSHA implements a strict compliance schedule for construction, general industry and maritime, and hydraulic fracturing.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Time-Weighted Average
Workers in manufacturing, construction and mining industries are often exposed to loud noise, particles, gases, vapors and other various elements. Such hazardous physical and chemical factors of a working environment must be inspected to define Permissible Exposure Limits (PELS) and regulated to prevent overexposure. The most practical method to measure one's daily exposure to such potentially dangerous materials is utilizing the Time-Weighted Average (TWA) calculation. Sacremento State Water Programs defines the TWA calculation as an equation that takes into account the average levels of the substance or agent and the time spent in the area before being averaged to an eight-hour work shift of a forty-hour work week.
Time-Weighted Average measurements are most often conducted by OSHA compliance officers who are experienced in different sampling methods. Commonly, instruments are placed on or in close proximity of individuals at risk to observe and measure an accurate concentration or amount of hazardous material within the workplace. Concentrations of substance or agents are often represented in parts per million or parts per billion, depending on the volume in which they are measured.
Once concentrations are measured and recorded, the TWA calculation can be applied to the data. First, the concentrations are multiplied by the time interval in which they were measured in. Next, these results are summed and then divided by eight-hours to achieve a true time-weighted average. Lastly, these time-weighted averages are then compared to the legal OSHA PELs to determine if exposure levels are within compliance or not. If workers are discovered to be over-exposed to hazardous materials, OSHA compliance officers take whichever corrective action is necessary to decrease exposure limits. Heavy fines and citations are often issued as a result of over-exposure observations. Environmental health and safety managers work to regulate exposure levels throughout the eight-hour work day which increases workers' health and decreases the risk of fines or corrective actions.
These are two different warnings for the potential risks of an overexposure to carbon monoxide and propane, respectively. Carbon monoxide and propane are used in many industrial workplaces can produce harmful fumes, flames, and gases if not regulated and controlled.
Time-Weighted Average measurements are most often conducted by OSHA compliance officers who are experienced in different sampling methods. Commonly, instruments are placed on or in close proximity of individuals at risk to observe and measure an accurate concentration or amount of hazardous material within the workplace. Concentrations of substance or agents are often represented in parts per million or parts per billion, depending on the volume in which they are measured.
Once concentrations are measured and recorded, the TWA calculation can be applied to the data. First, the concentrations are multiplied by the time interval in which they were measured in. Next, these results are summed and then divided by eight-hours to achieve a true time-weighted average. Lastly, these time-weighted averages are then compared to the legal OSHA PELs to determine if exposure levels are within compliance or not. If workers are discovered to be over-exposed to hazardous materials, OSHA compliance officers take whichever corrective action is necessary to decrease exposure limits. Heavy fines and citations are often issued as a result of over-exposure observations. Environmental health and safety managers work to regulate exposure levels throughout the eight-hour work day which increases workers' health and decreases the risk of fines or corrective actions.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
The Dose-Response Relationship
Understanding the dose-response relationship is essential for multiple scientific studies and disciplines such as pharmacology, chemistry and biology. In particular, dose-response relationships are studied prevantly in Toxicology closely studies the various predictions and implications of dose-response relationships. The Dose-response relationships are so crucial to the field of toxicology simply because a wide variety of toxic reactions (responses) exist, which correspond to the amount or concentration of a toxic substance (dose) administered to an individual. Since the human body is so intricate and connected, dose-response relationships must be studied carefully. The Merck Manual importantly notes that "the response to concentration [of dose] may be complex and is often nonlinear".
Before recording data and constructing the curve of dose-response relationships, one must first understand the relationships' implications. Extension Toxicology Network (EXTOXNET) define two implications: that there is almost always a dose in which no response occurs or can be measured below a certain level and that any further increases in a dose or concentration will not result in any increased effect once the maximum response is achieved. These two implications are helpful in defining the threshold of a fatal response for any given toxic substance.
Two types of curves can be constructed to further understand the potential hazard of a given toxic substance: one that displays and describes the responses of a dose to an individual, and one that displays and describes the responses of a dose to a population. For both curves, the dose is represented on the x-axis as a function of time and the response is represented on the y-axis. Additionally, both curves most always form in a hyperbolic fashion. The visual representation of dose-response relationships in a mathematical form allow toxicologists to define the threshold of responses for a toxic substance more clearly.
The development of dose-response relationship studies have been extremely useful for administering and prescribing drugs in medical environments. By understanding dose-response relationships, millions of lives have been saved and improved. Toxicologists will continue to utilize curves and dose-response experiments to prevent the detrimental consequences of toxic substances.
These pictures show warning labels of a bottle nail polish remover and Bacardi rum. These warnings were most likely based on a population dose-response curve rather than an individual dose-response curve.
Before recording data and constructing the curve of dose-response relationships, one must first understand the relationships' implications. Extension Toxicology Network (EXTOXNET) define two implications: that there is almost always a dose in which no response occurs or can be measured below a certain level and that any further increases in a dose or concentration will not result in any increased effect once the maximum response is achieved. These two implications are helpful in defining the threshold of a fatal response for any given toxic substance.
Two types of curves can be constructed to further understand the potential hazard of a given toxic substance: one that displays and describes the responses of a dose to an individual, and one that displays and describes the responses of a dose to a population. For both curves, the dose is represented on the x-axis as a function of time and the response is represented on the y-axis. Additionally, both curves most always form in a hyperbolic fashion. The visual representation of dose-response relationships in a mathematical form allow toxicologists to define the threshold of responses for a toxic substance more clearly.
The development of dose-response relationship studies have been extremely useful for administering and prescribing drugs in medical environments. By understanding dose-response relationships, millions of lives have been saved and improved. Toxicologists will continue to utilize curves and dose-response experiments to prevent the detrimental consequences of toxic substances.
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