In its most recent Community Health Assessment, Steuben County identified chronic disease as a priority area. Towards that end, two Steuben members of the Southern Tier Diabetes Coalition recently received a grant to travel to the CDC for d
iabetes prevention training. One of the grantees was from the Steuben Rural Health Network, which provides diabetes prevention services through their Lifestyles Embracing Activity & Nutrition (LEAN) program. I have already covered their youth program, BodyWorks, but they also run an online community, a program for pre-school aged children, and an adult worksite wellness program. By directing their efforts across the community, Steuben County Health Dept. and Steuben Rural Health Network can reinforce the messages that they are giving children and their parents.
Don't forget to ask about hobbies with things like this, especially individuals who like building models (planes, trains, and automobiles). Any idea if silica irritation/exposure has chronic effects on the eyes? And in terms of prevention- would standard masks/goggles do the trick?
ReplyDeleteMatt Wiese
Hi Matt, definitely the organic inhalants- epoxies, etc. - are a risk for hobbyists. Silicosis is a disease of prolonged, intense exposure, and was more of an issue before WWII. About 250 people still die of it a year now. I can not find any recreational cases- I suppose it is possible if someone is an extremely intense hobbyist potter with a dusty studio. It is certainly an eye irritant, and prolonged corneal irritation can certainly lead to vision loss. An N95 mask is recommended as sufficient by OHSA for protecting against lung exposures.
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