Health Corner 7- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

by: desertknightfm Rhojel

Every day, we experience sound in our environment, such as the sounds from television and radio, household appliances, and traffic. Normally, we hear these sounds at safe levels that do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise—sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time—sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

^{What are the effects of NIHL?}

^{Exposure to harmful sounds causes damage to the hair cells as well as the auditory, or hearing, nerve. Impulse sound can result in immediate hearing loss that may be permanent. This kind of hearing loss may be accompanied by tinnitus—a ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears or head—which may subside over time. Hearing loss and tinnitus may be experienced in one or both ears, and tinnitus may continue constantly or occasionally throughout a lifetime. Continuous exposure to loud noise also can damage the structure of hair cells, resulting in hearing loss and tinnitus, although the process occurs more gradually than for impulse noise. Exposure to impulse and continuous noise may cause only a temporary hearing loss. If a person regains hearing, the temporary hearing loss is called a temporary threshold shift. The temporary threshold shift largely disappears 16 to 48 hours after exposure to loud noise. You can prevent NIHL from both impulse and continuous noise by regularly using hearing protectors such as earplugs or earmuffs. Scientists believe that, depending on the type of noise, the pure force of vibrations from the noise can cause hearing loss. Recent studies also show that exposure to harmful noise levels triggers the formation of molecules inside the ear that damage hair cells and result in NIHL. These destructive molecules play an important role in hearing loss in children and adults who listen to loud noise for too long.}

What are the symptoms of NIHL?

When a person is exposed to loud noise over a long period of time, symptoms of NIHL will increase gradually. Over time, the sounds a person hears may become distorted or muffled, and it may be difficult for the person to understand speech. Someone with NIHL may not even be aware of the loss, but it can be detected with a hearing test.

Can NIHL be prevented?

NIHL is 100 percent preventable. All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health in everyday life. To protect your hearing:

1. Know which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 decibels).
2. Wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity(special earplugs and earmuffs are available at tool room).
3. Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
4. Make friends and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise.
5. If you suspect hearing loss, have a medical examination by an otolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck) and a hearing test by an audiologist (a health professional trained to measure and help individuals deal with hearing loss). 

Toolbox 11- TEN RULES TO SAVE YOUR TEN FINGERS

by: desertknightfm Rhojel

It has been estimated that in a given year there will be a half million accidents in which hands are severed, crushed, mangled or burned.  The national safety council points out that hand injury account for nearly 25 percent (25%) of all industrial injuries.

Strict adherence to the ten rules listed below will greatly reduces the number of hand injuries.  These rules apply both on and off the job.

1.      Beware of pinch points.  Train yourself to recognize pinch points and avoid placing your hands and fingers in such hazardous spots.

2.      Expect the unexpected.  When using wrenches, persuaders, bars, and other hand tools with which you expect resistance.  Anticipate that the tool might slip or the objet to which pressure is being applied may suddenly give way.  Failure to anticipate such a move could result in painful and serious injuries to hand and fingers.

3.      Inspect tools.  Check to see if they are in good condition and safe to use.  A wrench with worn or spread jaws, a mush-room-headed chisel, a worn screwdriver, or a hammer with a cracked handle are example of effective tools, which are frequently the cause of injuries to hands and fingers.

4.      Do not work on moving equipment unnecessarily.  If the equipment can be stopped, do so.  Working on moving equipment presents a real threat to hands and fingers.

5.      Replace machine guards following repairs the require removal of guards.  The presence of machine guars is an important factor in keeping hands and fingers out of dangerous areas.

6.      Be mindful of equipment that starts automatically.  Never work on such equipment without first de-energizing it and eliminating the possibility of automatic start-up.

7.      De-energize electrical equipment prior to working on it.  Flash burns caused by electrical equipment shorting out are an ever-present threat to hands and fingers when work around such equipment is being performed.

8.      Be mindful when closing doors.  Keep hands and fingers clear.  It is a safe bet that everyone has at one time or another caught a finger in a door.  Attention to detail can prevent this painful and sometimes serious injury.

9.      Avoid touching lines or equipment that is hot.  Every hot line or hot piece of equipment is a potential source of painful injury to any hand or finger that comes contact with it.

10.  If the work being performed requires gloves, use them.  Gloves offer protection from wood and metal splinters, caustic acids, electrical burns, thermal burns, chemicals, and many other sources of injury.

Don’t expose your hands to hand traps.  Think as you work.  Give your hands and fingers special protection by using your foresight an avoiding those situations that have a potential for injury.

REMEMBER:        HANDS AND FINGERS ARE THE BEST TOOLS FOR THE JOB… 



WOW for the Month of April 2014 "The ultimate purpose of the Memorial is our national interest..."

“With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It is about defending what is legitimately ours. It is about securing our children’s future. It is about guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all nations. It is about helping to preserve regional peace, security and stability. And finally, it is about seeking not just any kind of resolution but a just and durable solution grounded on International Law,” ~Albert del Rosario

Philippine The Rising Tiger Of Asia

Ang banta sa "Kasarinlan"

Ang Pilipinas ay kasalukuyang nahaharap sa bantang pananakop ng bansang Tsina. Hindi kaila sa atin na ang Tsina ay isa sa mga bansang may malaking populasyon, at sa dami ng populasyon ang kanilang natural resources ay unti unting numinipis at ito ang marahil na dahilan kung kaya ang kanilang mangingisda ay walang pakundangan nangingisda sa mga teritoryo ng mga kalapit bansa nito. At upang maprotektahan ang kanilang mga kababayan mangingisda sa mga karagatan na hindi na sakop ng kanilang bansa ay unti unti nilang pinalalawig ang teritoryo ng kanilang karagatan lalo na sa mga maliliit na bansang walang kakayahan tapatan ang kanilang puwersang militar.


Ito ay kuha mula sa South Korea na kung saan 2 Chinese fishing boats ang nahuli ng mga Korean Coast guard na nangingisda sa kanilang karagatan.~Photo credit to Global Balita

   

Mapapansin ang bandila ng Pilipinas sa isang nahuling fishing boat ng Tsina sa Tubbataha Reef , ito ay upang maiwasan ang pagkahuli sa kanila ng Philippine Coast Guard ngunit ang bandila ng Tsina sa parteng likuran nito ay nakaligtaan itago.~ Photo credit to NBC News.

Dismayado ang isa sa mga opisyales ng Philippine Coast Guard sa mga nahuling Intsik na nangingisda sa ating karagatan.~ Photo credit to NBC News.

Ang "Memorial"

Nitong ika-30 ng Marso 2014 araw ng Lingo ang Pilipinas ay pormal na nagsampa ng kaso sa International tribunal hingil sa pananakop ng Tsina sa teritoryo ng ating bansa. Ang nasabing kaso ay tinawag na "Memorial" na tumatalakay sa pagtatangol ng soberanya at ang kahalagahan nito para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak at ng mga manlalayag.

Minsan na hinanapan ng ating gobyerno ang Tsina ng mga legal na dokumento na magpapatunay sa kanilang pagangkin sa pitongpong (70%) pursyento ng ating karagatan sa West Philippine sea ngunit ang naging basihan lamang ng Tsina ay ang sinaunang mapa nito. Wala din silang naging tugon sa kasong isinampa (Memorial) sa kanila ng ating gobyerno sa International Tribunal hingil sa panghihimasok at pagangkin nila sa pinatutupad na 370- kilometer o 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Ang EEZ ay itinakda sa bawat karagatan ng bawat bansa para sa pagsasaliksik o pagexplore ng  mapagkukunan ng enerhiya nito tulad ng langis, mineral, at mga yaman dagat. Sa madaling salita hindi ginagalang ng Tsina ang batas na ito at handa nilang sakupin ang ating karagatan sa marahas na pamamaraan.

Ito ang mapa na basihan ng Tsina ng kanilang pagangkin sa karagatan sakop ng Pilipinas na West Philippine Sea at pinagbabawalan ang sinuman na maglayag o mangisda dito na walang permiso mula sa kanila. Bagamat ang Tsina ay isa sa mga sumangayon at lumagda sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS sila ngayon ang lumalabag sa batas.

Psywar Tactics ng Tsina

“It is without any doubt that the Philippine side is the one who provokes and makes troubles.” ito ang winika ni Hong Lei Foreign Ministry ng Tsina. Sa kanyang binitiwan mga salita ay tila ang Pilipinas pa ang siyang nanggugulo o lumalabas na masama sa kabila ng kanilang pananakop sa ating teritoryo. Ang paraang ito ay isang defense mechanism na tinatawag na Denial at Rationalization upang sa ganon ay kanilang mapaglabanan ang kanilang konsensya sa kanilang pagkakasala o GUILT. Mabisang paraan din ito upang bigyan katwiran ang anumang agresibong pagkilos ng Tsina laban sa Pinas at ituring bilang dipensa o self defence kung sakaling atakihin nila ang anumang barko o bangka naglalayag sa ating teritoryong na kanilang sinakop. Isang halimbawa na ay ang naganap na pagharang ng China Coast Guard sa Philippine Government vessel AM700  ng ito ay magdala ng supply sa Second Thomas Shoal na kung saan ang grupo ni 1st Lt. Mike Pelotera ay nagbabantay sa ating teritoryo gamit ang Philippine Navy ship LT 57 Sierra Madre, base sa paliwanag ng Tsina, ang pagharang sa barko ay isa lamang daw na paraan ng pagdipensa sa kanilang teritoryo, ang pahayag na ito ay umani ng pagbatikos mula sa iba't ibang bansa kabilang na ang US.

 Ang nasabing pang bubully ay nasabay sa pagsasampa ng kaso sa UNCLOS ng Pilipinas laban sa Tsina sa kanilang pananakop sa West Philippine Sea noong ika-30 ng Marso 2014 at ito ay tinurin ng Tsina na pagatake sa kanila. Ang nangyaring pang bubully na ito ay lalong nagdiin at nagpatunay sa akusasyon ng Pilipinas na lalong kinabahala ng Tsina, dahil  sa legal na pamamaraan na ipaglaban ang kasarinlan ng ating bansa sa isang sibilisado at mapayapang solusyon ay maaaring magdulot ng alyansa ng iba't ibang bansa upang papanagutin ang Tsina sa kanilang paglabag.

Nitong ika-2 ng Abril 2014 ay dumaong ang 2 Japanese destroyer sa Manila South Harbor para sa isang goodwill visit upang sanayin ang ating Philippine Navy sa pakikidigma. Bagamat ang bansang Japan ay naging kaaway natin noong World War II, ngayun sila at ang US ay tinuturing na isang matalik na kaibigan ng ating bansa at kabilang sila sa mga bansa na nagpahayag nadin ng pagsuporta sa isinusulong na diplomatikong pagresulba sa pagangkin ng Tsina sa ating karagatan.

 Ang psywar na isinasagawa ng Tsina upang makakuha ng simpatya sa United Nation ay di umubra kaya ngayon ito ay kanilang ginagamit sa kanilang mamamayan upang bulagin sa katotohanan na ang kasalukuyang namumuno nila ay dumadanas ng tinatawag na Delusion Of Grandeur na siyang dinanas ni Hitler at ni Sadam Hussain ng sila ay magsimulang manakop dahil sa pagaakala na ang kanilang kagamitan pandigma at sundalo ay higit na malakas sa buong daigdig at sa pamamagitan ng pananakop ay mapapayaman nila ang kanilang bansa.

Sana ay mamulat ang Tsina na ang panahon ng Emperyalismo sa panahon ngayon ay hindi na kukunsintihin ng mga sibilisadong bansa o ng buong mundo at ang paniniil o tyranny ng isang lider o gobyerno ay lubos na tinututulan ng may matinong pagiisip tulad ng naganap sa gitnang silangan halimbawa na rito ay ang mga rebolusyon sa Tunisian, Egypt, Libya, at Syria. 


Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Regular Press Conference on April 1, 2014~ Photo Credit to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

Philippine naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre na nagbabantay sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas. Nang aking makita ang litratong ito naging pamilyar ang kanyang itsura sa akin, hanggang sa makita ko ang numero sa kanyang tagiliran, at naalala ko na siya nga ang barko na minsan ko nasakyan upang magpakuha ng picture habang siya ay nakadaong sa Corregidor Island noong 1994. Sa mga panahon na iyon ang kulay ng barko ay blue gray, maayos at walang kalawang na makikita sa kanyang tagiliran.

1st Lt. Mike Pelotera at ang kanyang mga tauhan habang itinataas ang ating bandila sa Pilippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre photo credits to INQUIRER/GRIG.C MONTEGRANDE



Ang Phillipine Navy vessel AM 700 sa gitna ng 2 naglalakihang barko ng China Coast Guard (sa kaliwa at kanan) na nakikipag patintero noong ika-30 ng Marso 2014 upang makapagdala ng supply sa BRP Sierra Madre. Nalusutan ang dalawang dambuhalang barko ng AM 700 matapos ito ay dumaan sa mababaw na bahagi ng karagatan. Kinakatwiran ng bansang Tsina na ang pagharang sa AM 700 ay pamamaraan ng pagprotekta sa kanilang teritoryo.~ Photo Credit to Manila Bulletin

Ang dating kaaway na ngayun ay matalik na kakampi.



Ang pagdaong ng Japanese Destroyer JS Shirane sa Manila South Harbor nitong ika-2 ng Abril 2014 ~ Photo credit to Alexis Romero


 Matatandaan nitong nakaraang ika-22 ng Enero 2014 ang Japan Prime Minister na si Shinzo Abe ay nagsalita sa ginanap na World Economic Forum sa Davos Switzerland at kanyang kinumpara ang ginagawa ng Tsina sa Germany noong World War II dagdag pa rito ang kanyang pasaring na pananalita sa Tsina.

“We must restrain military expansion in Asia . . . which otherwise could go unchecked,”

Ito ay sinabi ni Abe sa taunang pagpupulong ng global business and political leaders,
dagdag pa niya...

“If peace and stability were shaken in Asia, the knock-on effect for the entire world would be enormous,” ...“The dividend of growth in Asia must not be wasted on military expansion.”

Nito lang nakaraan buwan March 2014 sa emergency meeting ng G8 na ngayun ay G7 muli dahil sa pagkakatanggal ng Russia sa grupo, sa Hague Netherland ay muling nagsalita si Abe at kanya ikinumpara ang Tsina sa Russia sa usapin ng pagsakop nito sa Crimea na lalong ikinainsulto ni Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Lei.


AFP Modernization Act.

Noong 1995 sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ni dating pangulong Fidel V. Ramos nilagdaan ang AFP Modernization Act na isasagawa sa loob ng 15 taon, ngunit hindi naisaprayoridad ng mga sumunod na administrasyon dahil sa naganap na Asia financial problem nitong 1997 at simula noon ang AFP modernization Act ay tuluyan ng isinantabi.

Ngayun ang bansa ay nahaharap sa magkabilang pagatake ng ibat ibang armadong grupo at kasabay nito ang pagangkin ng ating karagatan ng Tsina. Ang AFP Modernization Act ay muling niribisa at nilagdaan ng kasalukuyang pangulo na si Pangulong Benigno Aquino III.  Sa bagong nilagdaan AFP Modernization Act ang Department of National Defense sa pamumuno ni Secretary Voltair Gazmin ay maglalaan ng pondo na umaabot sa halagang P85.3 billion para sa taon 2013-2017.

 Ang pondo na nakalaan sa modernisasyon ng Army ay umaabot sa halagang P8.6 billion, ang Air Force naman ay P43.4 billion, ang pondo para sa Navy ay P28.2 billion at ang General Headquarters ay P5.2 billion. Bagamat di pa nasisimulan ay marami nanaman mga gustong magpasikat sa Kongreso at sumasalungat sa planong modernisasyon, isa na dito si Representative Rodolf Albano III na patuloy na kumokontra sa planong pagbili ng anti-submarine-aircraft, fighter jet, at helicopter. Giit niya na imbis na ipambili ang P5.4 billion ng anti-submarine-aircraft eh ipambili nalang ng basic equipment para sa ating mga sundalo tulad ng combat shoes.

Sa halimbawang tulad nito ay dito natin maoobserbahan ang ilan mga leader na hindi naiisip o di kaya'y kulang ang pangunawa sa programang nilagdaan ng pangulo at ang brakedown ng budget para sa modernization ng AFP na may nakalaan naman talaga sa modernisasyon ng ating mga Army para sa basic equipment nito, at ang nakakabahala pa ay baka marami tulad niya na sumangayon sa kanyang panukala.

Leaders With A Little Knowledge Is Dangerous

Ito ang Anti Submarine Chopper na nais bilhin ng DND ang AW-159 Wild Cat ay maykakayahan makipagbakbakan sa karagatan at katihan, epektibo din sa mga search and rescue mission, surveillance at scout operation. Ang nasabing  2 helicopters ay itatalaga sa barkong pandigma ang BRP Gregorio Del Pilar at BRP Ramon Alcaraz. 

Ngayun ko lubos napatunayan ang kasabihan na "little knowledge is dangerous." ayon kay Albert Einstein, sapagkat kung maraming mga lider na makikitid ang utak na walang ibang gawin kundi maghanap ng pagkakamali at pagpuna sa kongreso at sa senado ay baka sa huli sa kangkungan nalang tayo pulutin. 

Pinaguusapan sa kongreso ay ang kahandaan ng ating bansa sakaling sumiklab ang gera, abay! kung saan na napunta ang usapan kaysa hindi kailangan ang mga sopistikadong gamit laban sa NPA, kaysa mas kailangan bumili ng eroplano para sa pagdadala ng relief good in case may kalamidad, ang boots mas higit na kailangan sa pagpapatrol at kung ano ano pa ang nasabi ganon ang issue ay ang pagapruba at pagbili ng anti-submarine-aircraft para sa AFP Modernization Act.

 Siyempre di pahuhuli ang mga militanteng Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Pamamalakaya ng Pilipinas o PAMALAKAYA sa issue at ito ang kanilang aksyon at pakiusap sa Pangulong Aquino III, na bawiin ang pagangkat ng fighter jet sa Korea at helicopter sa Canada bagkus ang perang gagamitin sa AFP Modernization Act ay ilaan nalang sa rehabilitasyon ng mga lugar ng tinamaan ng bagyong Yolanda. Hindi manlang naintindihan ng mga ito na sila ang pangunahing apektado sakaling makuha ng Tsina ang ating karagatan.

 Son of a Gun! ito ang dahilan bakit hindi matuloy tuloy ang AFP Modernization Act dahil sa ganitong klaseng kaisipan na lagi nangyayari sa loob at labas ng kongreso, hindi malayo na baka mamulat nalang tayo na ang ating mga anak ay ala ng makain isda sa hapag kainan dahil pinagbabawalan tayo ng Tsina na mangisda sa karagatan natin.
  Ang pagasa na maka ahon ang Pilipinas sa kahirapan dahil sa mga yaman dagat na di pa natutuklasan tulad ng langis sa pinagaagawan teretoryo ng West Philippine Sea ay tuluyan ng maglaho kasabay ang paglaho ng ating bansa sa mapa.

Ang kailangan natin leader sa panahon ngayun bukod sa matalino ay ang proactive, sibilisado, at modernong magisip tulad ng kasalukuyang Pangulong Aquino III at ng dating pangulong Marcos. Noong administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos ang bansang Pinas ay pinangingilagan ng buong bansa sa Asia at nakilala tayo sa tawag na the Tiger of Asia dahil sa pinaka moderno at sopistikadong mga kagamitan pandigma sa buong Asia at ipinanukala din ni Marcos ang paggamit ng Nuclear Power Plant na noong panahon ng kanyang administrasyon ay kasalukuyan ito itinatayo sa Morong Bataan, alinsunod sa makabagong teknolohiya na pagkukunan ng murang enerhiya.

Isa pa sa hindi makakalimutan sa kasaysayan ng administrasyon Marcos ay ang pagiging pangalawa natin sa Japan sa pinaka mayamang bansa at kung sakaling nakipagsabayan tayo sa Japan sa paggamit ng Nuclear Energy Plant malamang naungusan pa natin ang Japan.

Sapagkat kaakibat ng paglakas ng ekonomiya ng bansa ay ang kalidad ng pinagmumulan ng enerhiya at ang mababang gastusin sa pagangkat nito. Bilyon piso ang matitipid ng bansa sa mababang presyo ng kuryente at kung magkagayon ang pangunahing mabebenepisyuhan ay ang mahihirap natin mamamayan.

Makakaakit din tayo ng maraming foreign investor dahil sa mababang kosto dulot ng mababang singil ng kuryente at magkakaroon ng maraming job opportunity, mababawasan na ang mga Filipinong Domestic Helper sa ibang bansa dahil matutugunan na ng gobyerno ang libreng edukasyon.

Lalaki din ang revenue at sa pamamagitan nito ay makakabili tayo ng mga moderno at higit na epektibong kagamitan para sa ating AFP na magagamit upang masiguro ang sekyuridad at kapayapaan ng bansa sa mga lokal at banyagang may masamang tangka sa ating gobyerno, ekonomiya at kasarinlan.

Siguro panahon na upang ipagbawal makisabat sa usapan ang mga lider na may little knowledge dahil mas dangerous pa sila sa mga nuke.

-End-

Masonic Education 4- Mommy, Is That Man A Mason?

by Ex. Comp. Don Maybaugh, Jr. (Ohio)

The Royal Arch Mason - Spring 1977

The following story was related to me by my daughter.

A couple of months ago, my five-year-old granddaughter was in the front yard, jumping rope with her sister. The one end of the rope was tied to a tree, the other end, in the hands of her sister was being twirled. My granddaughter was jumping when suddenly the rope became tangled.

Just then a retired neighbor from the next street came walking by. Seeing the girls were in trouble, he stopped to help untangle the rope and retied it properly. He then took hold of the other end and spent several minutes showing them how to twirl it properly. My granddaughter then thanked him.

His answer to her was, "Honey, you don't have to thank me it was my duty," after which he continued walking down the street.

My granddaughter then went into the house and asked her mother, "Mommy, is that man a Mason?" Her mother smiled and said, "Yes, honey, that man is a Mason!"

They say that out of the mouths of babes come words of wisdom. That same man was senior warden 30 years ago, when I was raised a Master Mason. Although, due to ill health, he had not attended lodge in the last few years, he still remembered his obligations. When he was active, he inspired me enough that I vowed to myself that someday I would become master. Due to my work for 20 years, I was unable to fulfill that vow. But, in the last few years, I have been privileged to serve as master, high priest, and now as generalissimo of my Commandery. I am hoping to serve as commander next year.

As such, I have often heard, "Why is attendance in all bodies on the decline?" We strive for perfection in our lodge ritual work, but do we, as Masons, let our light shine before men that they may see our good works?

The Mason of whom I have spoken, although unable to attend lodge, was able to impress a five-year-old girl. Can we not learn from this event that our everyday lives in lodge, work and the home are what it is all about? My little granddaughter has seen me rush home from work, dress and hurry to lodge. The night I was installed as master, she gave me a worshipful master's pin to wear on my lapel.

She may be only five years old, but she seems to know what Masonry is about.

I ask each of you who read this now ... during your lifetime, how many times has the question been asked about you by your neighbors, adults and children alike, is he a Mason?

Earlier this evening we gave this man a Masonic burial service. I than related this event to his widow and family. Upon returning home, I asked myself: How many times has this man let his light before other that they could see his good works?

He served Wellington Lodge as master and was high priest of Wellington Chapter during the year 1947. His name: Lloyd Irish.

Health Corner 6- Heel Spur Syndrome

by: desertknightfm Rhojel

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone. On an X-ray, a heel spur protrusion can extend forward by as much as a half-inch. Without visible X-ray evidence, the condition is sometimes known as "heel spur syndrome."

Although heel spurs are often painless, they can cause heel pain. They are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. 

Treatments for heel spurs and associated conditions include exercise, custom-made orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary.

Causes of Heel Spurs

Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping.

Continue reading below...

Risk factors for heel spurs include:

·   Walking gait abnormalities,which place excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments, and nerves near the heel

·   Running or jogging, especially on hard surfaces

·   Poorly fitted or badly worn shoes, especially those lacking appropriate arch support

·   Excess weight and obesity

Other risk factors associated with plantar fasciitis include:

·   Increasing age, which decreases plantar fascia flexibility and thins the heel's protective fat pad

·   Diabetes

·   Spending most of the day on one's feet

·   Frequent short bursts of physical activity

·   Having either flat feet or high arches

 Symptoms of Heel Spurs

Heel spurs often cause no symptoms. But heel spurs can be associated with intermittent or chronic pain -- especially while walking, jogging, or running -- if inflammation develops at the point of the spur formation. In general, the cause of the pain is not the heel spur itself but the soft-tissue injury associated with it.

Many people describe the pain of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as a knife or pin sticking into the bottom of their feet when they first stand up in the morning -- a pain that later turns into a dull ache. They often complain that the sharp pain returns after they stand up after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

Toolbox 10- Prevent Fire

by: desertknightfm Rhojel 

A fire on the job can have devastating results. It can damage property and injure or even kill people. Yet every fire can be prevented.

To prevent on – job fires:

·         Follow Safety Procedures

Handle flammables with extreme care. Be aware of the flammables in your area and know their hazards. Become familiar with all required safety procedures and follow them. For example, use approved containers to store and transport flammables, wear proper personal protective equipment, avoid spills and drips, and follow all specified disposal procedures.

·         Inspect Equipment

The equipment and machinery you use should be inspected routinely to make certain that they are working properly. All fire fighting equipment should be checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition.

·         Practice Good Housekeeping

Always practice good housekeeping. Conduct routine inspection of your work area to ensure that all flammable materials are properly identified and in approved containers, excess flammables are removed, and fire exit are not blocked by materials or equipment.

·         Proper Storage of Flammable Liquids

We are all aware of the rigorous safety precautions at bulk plants, where million of gallons of      flammable products are stored. But even a small quantity of a flammable liquid like gasoline can be the source fire or explosion. It is important therefore to follow correct safety procedures around flammable liquids, including using the right containers to store and dispense them.

Portable ‘safety cans’ are available which are specially designed for handling small quantities of flammable liquids (from 1 pint to 5 gallons). Safety cans should be marked as having been approved by a recognized testing laboratory.

Approved containers have the following safety features:

·         A SPRING ACTION COVER. This has three vital safety functions: (1) it provides over-pressure relief, (2) it seals the containers against leakage, and (3) it minimizes evaporation and escape of vapors. The cover is designed to release pressure between 3 and 5 psi (pound per square inch). Rising temperatures may cause pressure build up to occur, the cap open to vent excess vapors in small controlled amounts, which can dissipate harmlessly into atmosphere.

·         A FLAME ARRESTER. This is the form of a wire screen located in the spout of the container. It is designed to prevent the vapor in the can igniting from outside heat source (for example, welding sparks or a lighted cigarette). To be effective, the flame arrester screen should fit properly and be held in place securely.

As well as fire and explosion hazards, these containers protect against health hazards containing vapors. Gasoline vapors in concentration of 1-2 percent can cause fatal unconsciousness, and concentration in excess of 2.4 percent can be fatal.

Safety cans should be stored safely in well-ventilated locations, and away from heat sources.

Proper storage also means proper labeling. Each container should be clearly labeled to identify its contents. In addition, containers should carry warning labels reading: Danger – Flammable – Keep Away from Heat, Sparks, and Open Flames. Keep Closed When Not In Use.

      FIRE EASY TO PREVENT … HARD TO FIGHT    

Toolbox 9- Fall Hazard and Protection

by: desertknightfm Rhojel 

Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, causing fully half of all construction fatalities.  Fatalities and injuries can be prevented by following the site fall protection program as instituted by your Site Safety and Health Representative (SSHR).

Fall Protection Program

1.      Assess the task and its scope, identify and classify all fall hazards, and determine the protection needs.

·         What is the fall hazard?

·         How can it be corrected or eliminated?

·         What personal protection equipment is needed?

·         What associated dangers exist?

2.      Consider all aspect of hazards.

·         What is the location?

·         What work is to be performed?

·         Is there a need to install or remove equipment?

·         Where are the anchorage points?

3.      Learn about the fall protection plan that your Site Safety Heath Representative has designed.  The plan is an OSHA requirement that addresses hazards, compliance methods, and training.

4.      Obtain the proper equipment. There are many different types of equipment.  Choose the types that provide the best protection for the job and are mutually compatible.

5.      Make sure you know the fall protection basics, such as how to work at various elevations, how to install fall protection systems, and how to use harnesses properly.  If you ever feel unclear about a task or any associated fall protection provisions, stop and ask your supervisor or the Site Safety Health Representative.

6.      As you go about your daily tasks, continually assess your work environment to see that hazards are addressed.  Suggest improvements to the fall protection program if you think they are necessary.

REMEMBER:    “DO NOT LEARN FROM ACCIDENT…  FOLLOW ALL SITE SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS!