Category Archives: Health Information

Sunburn and Sun Poisoning Facts Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation damages the skin and also can damage the eyes. UV rays are most intense at noon and the hours immediately before and after (between 10AM and 3PM). Immediate symptoms of sunburn are […]

Your ligaments are tough, elastic-like bands that attach to your bones and hold your joints in place. A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by excessive stretching. The ligament can have tears in it, or it can be completely torn apart. Of all sprains, ankle and knee sprains occur most often. Sprained ligaments […]

If possible, before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves. Don’t reposition displaced organs. If the wound is abdominal and organs have been displaced, don’t try to push them back into place — cover the wound with a dressing. For other cases of severe bleeding, […]

Advice on dealing with Seizures The following tips will help to ensure your safety if you have a seizure. Always carry medical identification. If an emergency occurs, knowledge of your seizure disorder can help the people around you maintain your safety and provide the appropriate treatment. Make sure your family, friends and co-workers know what […]

A puncture wound doesn’t usually cause excessive bleeding. Often the wound seems to close almost instantly. But these features don’t mean treatment isn’t necessary. A puncture wound — such as results from stepping on a nail or being stuck with a tack — can be dangerous because of the risk of infection. The object that […]

Poisoning Overview If you or someone you know has swallowed or breathed in a poison, and you or they have serious signs or symptoms (nausea, vomiting, pain, trouble breathing, seizure, confusion, or abnormal skin colour), then you must either call an ambulance for transport to a hospital emergency department or call a poison control centre […]

What is the Risk? The main risk from a needle-stick injury is exposure to blood-borne viruses (BBV) such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Whilst there is a vaccine available for Hepatitis B there is no vaccine for other blood-borne viruses. Who is at Risk? Those most at risk are people within the healthcare […]

Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or substance. Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or […]

Heat exhaustion facts Heat exhaustion is one part of the spectrum of heat-related illnesses that include, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The body cools itself by sweating and allowing that sweat to evaporate. This requires enough fluid in the body to make sweat, air circulating across the skin, and low air humidity to […]

Introduction Eyesight is a valuable and complex sense and your attention should be drawn to the fact that the vast majority of eye injuries are preventable. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. If your place of work does not have readily available tap water, e.g. sinks in the WC, or kitchen etc. then provisions should be made […]