Fight the Bite: Avoiding Vector-Borne Disease
Published Date: Jul 27
image by James Gathany
As we enjoy the outdoors, it's important to remember to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and ticks that may spread the viruses or bacteria that cause serious illness such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or chikungunya.
Along with the continued risk of contracting diseases already established in the U.S., newly-identified vector-borne diseases and expanding geographical regions of transmission highlight the importance of protecting yourself, whether you travel into your backyard or abroad.
Fortunately, we can all take steps such as:
The CDC also provides educational information on approved repellents and other methods for preventing tick and mosquito bites.
OH&S Safety Short: Fight the Bite
image by James GathanyAlong with the continued risk of contracting diseases already established in the U.S., newly-identified vector-borne diseases and expanding geographical regions of transmission highlight the importance of protecting yourself, whether you travel into your backyard or abroad.
Fortunately, we can all take steps such as:
- use an effective insect repellent on skin and clothing
- wear long sleeves and long pants (when it's not too hot)
- take care of our yards to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs
- reduce brush, tall grasses, leaf litter, and harborage where ticks may like to hang out
The CDC also provides educational information on approved repellents and other methods for preventing tick and mosquito bites.
OH&S Safety Short: Fight the Bite
Extreme Heat! Be Prepared!
Published Date: Jul 15
image by Joost Nelissen
Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Temperatures are rising across the country and many cities are feeling the heat of 100 degrees or more. With the addition of humidity, some areas will begin to experience extreme heat. During extreme heat, it is important to stay cool.
Extreme heat causes more deaths than hurricanes, tornados, floods and earthquakes combined. Heat related illnesses occur when the body is not able to compensate and properly cool itself. The great news is extreme heat is preventable by following a few tips:
For more information on beating the heat visit:
http://www.ready.gov/heat
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
image by Joost NelissenTemperatures are rising across the country and many cities are feeling the heat of 100 degrees or more. With the addition of humidity, some areas will begin to experience extreme heat. During extreme heat, it is important to stay cool.
Extreme heat causes more deaths than hurricanes, tornados, floods and earthquakes combined. Heat related illnesses occur when the body is not able to compensate and properly cool itself. The great news is extreme heat is preventable by following a few tips:
- Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperatures.
- Do not leave children or pets in the car unattended at any time.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities.
- Weather strip doors and windows to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sunshine with drapes, shades or awnings.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Stay indoors. If you do not have air conditioning, visit a cooling station such as your local library or shopping mall.
- Wear light weight and light colored clothing with sunscreen to reduce exposure to the sun.
- Pace yourself in your outside activities. Reschedule if needed.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
For more information on beating the heat visit:
http://www.ready.gov/heat
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
No Eating in Labs
Published Date: Mar 23
In order to comply with requirements set forth by state and federal regulatory bodies and accrediting agencies and reduce the potential for occupational exposure to hazardous biological, radioactive, and chemical agents in the course of laboratory operations, please follow the following laboratory best practices:
No Eating in Labs Announcement
In order to comply with requirements set forth by state and federal regulatory bodies and accrediting agencies and reduce the potential for occupational exposure to hazardous biological, radioactive, and chemical agents in the course of laboratory operations, please follow the following laboratory best practices:No Eating in Labs Announcement