What are some of the common health issues among the elderly?

Aging can make one more prone to diseases. A person's genetic makeup, lifestyle habits, and pre-existing conditions can contribute to the quality of their living as they grow older. Public health professional Martin Sanders shares some of the common health issues among the elderly population.

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Sensory impairment: Hearing loss, vision impairment, and other related problems affect the majority of the elderly population. As these issues are common, these can be addressed quickly with assistive tools such as hearing aids or eyeglasses. The eyesight and hearing of aging individuals must be regularly checked so they can be provided with the right treatment and tools, and their condition improves.

Chronic conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory illness, and other chronic conditions can greatly affect the quality of life among senior citizens. Lack of physical activity and treatment can make them more vulnerable to complications that might come with these chronic diseases. Martin Sanders and other health experts suggest that keeping an active lifestyle, eating the right foods, and following doctor-prescribed treatments will significantly improve the overall well-being of senior citizens.

Malnutrition: This health issue usually goes undetected and is typically a sign of an underlying condition. Not having the right nutrition can compromise a person's immune system as well as affect the essential functions of the body. Aside from providing the elderly with nutritious foods, health supplements can also boost their appetite.

Family members and caregivers must be aware of these common health issues so that they can provide the elderly with the best care they deserve. Regularly consulting with their doctors is also important to keep their physical condition in check.

Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., has years of experience in the field of occupational safety and health. He recently obtained a certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. For more reads on public safety and health, visit this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

How to safely evacuate buildings

There’s a reason why the government and private companies mandate regular fire drills. This is because knowing how to safely and effectively evacuate buildings is necessary for saving lives. According to Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, fire marshals estimate that hundreds of people could die during an emergency if people take too long when evacuating a building.

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Regardless if you’re an employee that spent years working in a building or a guest, it’s important to know where the fire exits are located. Buildings often have multiple fire exits so be sure to take note of each. During an emergency like an earthquake, some exits could be blocked by debris.

If you are always wearing specific footwear at work that makes it difficult to move swiftly like platform shoes or heels, always have a pair of comfortable footwear with you so you can switch when an emergency takes place. And if you have a lot of belongings with you that could slow you or others down, leave them at a safe location like an office drawer.

In the event of an emergency and everyone is requested to evacuate, do not panic. Find the exit nearest you and make your way down in a brisk manner. Do not push or shove people along the way to get ahead.

Once you reach the outside of the building, get some distance between you and the building. Capt. Martin Sanders states that you need to give room for others exiting the building and should always treat the whole of the building as a non-safe zone.

Captain Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, had been deeply involved in biosafety and biosecurity issues both domestic and international. In addition, he has been a member of many research teams and has contributed to several published studies on epidemiology. Visit this page for similar reads.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin Sanders in his spersonal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

What you should do during a biological warfare attack

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A bioterror attack employs the use of biological agents. The government explains biological agents as "organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops." This kind of attack has been designed to make its victims sick through germs, bacteria, and virus that spread infection and disease. Since the dispersal of a biochemical agent can be sudden or stealthy, you’ll need to understand the signs of an attack and react in an informed manner, to prevent harm to yourself and your loved ones, says public health professional Martin Sanders.

In case you were given adequate time to prepare for the attack, you should prepare your disaster kits and formulate a family emergency escape plan.

You should visit your doctor and check immunization records for each of your family members and get yourselves vaccinated for shots you’re missing. You should prepare your home by installing HEPA filter kits on your ventilation or furnace return ducts.

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During the attack itself, you should find information about the disease, where supply drops are being made, and where vaccinations are being given. You will need to remove yourself from any area you suspect is the attack site. You and your family members should wear face masks or at least cover your nose and mouth with three layers of clean cloth. Isolate and decontaminate yourself if you believe you've been infected. If that is the case, avoid crowds, approach emergency medical responders, and undergo quarantine. Do not infect others by sharing utensils or staying with them in close quarters.

After the attack, you will need medical checkup in order to see if you’re well, advises Martin Sanders. Should the attack be widespread, it’s possible doctors and responders in your area will be busy. You can wait and listen to any announcements about the nature of the agent and follow instructions from your local government. You can also seek information about the agents in the Center for Disease Control website. Of course, you should still actively seek the attention of medical and emergency personnel as much as possible.

Capt. Ph.D., has completed all requirements needed to obtain a certification as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). For more insightful reads on public safety, visit this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

How to lower your chances of contracting airborne diseases

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In a world where a trip to the emergency room can bury you in debt, staying healthy should be everyone’s priority. Prevention is better than expensive treatment, especially if the diseases one can get are avoidable. According to Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, airborne diseases are very common and at the same time, quite preventable. Here are some ways on how to lower your chances of contracting airborne diseases like influenza, the common cold, measles, and mumps.

If you know that a person is sick with a disease that can be transferred, avoid close contact with them. The same goes for people who show symptoms of the disease like coughing, sneezing, having a runny nose, or have a sore throat.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to spot people who display these types of symptoms, especially when one is in transit. It can also be possible that avoiding people who show these symptoms is not something you can do. It could be a co-worker that came in ill or a sick customer ordering coffee. In these cases, you can wear a face mask to prevent breathing in germs.

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While you could be safe from inhaling germs, your hands can be the vehicle to which they enter your body. According to Capt. Martin Sanders, one must wash their hands thoroughly and as often as possible. Also, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is a scientist officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. He has more than 10 years of service in the field of epidemiology and occupational safety and health, with extensive experience in biological defense activities and infectious disease outbreak investigation. For more articles like this, visit thisblog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

What to do during a powerful earthquake

An earthquake is one of the most unpredictable natural phenomena that occurs almost every day in various degrees of intensity and in different locations around the world. While weaker earthquakes can easily be shrugged off, powerful earthquakes can decimate towns and cities in mere seconds. According to public safety expert Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, it is important to know what to do during a powerful earthquake. How you react in the first few seconds of the earthquake can determine your survival. Here are actions you must do to ensure your safety during a powerful earthquake.

If you are indoors, quickly go under a table or any other sturdy piece of furniture to shield you from falling debris. Stick to the side closest to the legs of the table instead of the middle. This is because a heavy object could fall on the table and split the table in half. If there aren’t any covers available, drop down and cover your face and head with your arms. Also, remember to quickly move away from windows or any glass fixtures.

Wait until the shaking stops before heading outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people try to exit buildings while the earthquake is still ongoing. Once the shaking stops, use emergency stairs instead of elevators. If you feel that a hallway is unsafe to pass due to loose debris, find an alternate route to the exit.

If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, quickly move away from buildings with windows that may shatter and fall on you. Likewise, distance yourself from nearby power lines or other structures like scaffolding which may buckle. According to Martin Sanders, everyone should know how to properly react during a powerful earthquake. Remember not to panic and keep a level head.

Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., has years of experience in the field of occupational safety and health. He recently obtained a certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. For more reads on public safety, visit this page.
Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department

Tips to protect your eyes at work

Eye-related injuries in the workplace aren’t a rare occurrence.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around 2,000 U.S. workers every day sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical attention.  Safety experts, however, believe that 90 percent of these injuries can be lessened in severity or entirely prevented with proper eye protection.  Here are some tips to consider.

Know eye hazards at work

Every company should identify eye hazards and properly communicate them to workers.  Look for safety measures in place and observe them at all times while at work.  Complete an eye hazard assessment, too.


Identify the red flags

Increasing the risk of eye injury in the workplace includes the lack of eye protection, workers not wearing eye protection even if it’s available, insufficient knowledge of properly operating tools and equipment, and work involving the use of metal.  Seek to address and discuss these concerns with management.


Select the right type of eye protection

Safety glasses, while they resemble regular dress eyewear, have lenses and frames that are much stronger than regular eyeglasses.  They protect against dust, chips, or flying particles when one is working.  Goggles shield against dust, impact, and chemical splash, while face shields and helmets protect those exposed to chemicals, heat, or blood-borne pathogens.


Apply proper first aid or seek medical attention

Seek medical help as soon as possible after an injury, especially if there’s eye pain, blurred vision, or vision loss.  Apply proper first aid for chemicals or particles in the eye, as well as for bows or cuts and punctures.

Captain Martin Sanders is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) where the Surgeon General had appointed him as Chief Scientist. He has had nearly two decades of service in the field of occupational safety and health. For more articles like this, visit this page.

Frederick County: Setting an example in emergency planning and management

In this day and age, the wealth of information and technology should be used to ensure the safety of communities especially in times of disasters and emergencies. In Frederick County, Maryland, having a countywide emergency notification system serves as the first step toward assisting citizens when these unwanted situations arise. 

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Along with an information system, drafting an emergency plan is also important. Sharing knowledge on how to keep people, property, pets, and other valuables safe can prevent devastating loss in times of disasters. Through the county's Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Management, and Emergency Communications departments, the community is encouraged to be aware of what they should prepare for and what they can do in times of need. The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) systems can further reinforce the steps citizens can take to ensure their safety as well as provide information on where they can find shelter and assistance. 

Before establishing a reliable emergency planning and management system, Frederick County has also been known for having an outstanding emergency medical system in place. This year, the county’s EMS system was named the outstanding emergency medical services agency in the state of Maryland. The recognition was given by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. In the past year, the Frederick EMS earned national accreditation for their paramedic training. In partnership with the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, the Health Department, and the Regional Health System, they have also launched a mobile integrated health program that will reach more citizens especially those with major health concerns but unable to visit the hospital regularly. 

The continued cooperation of different sectors will ensure the whole county’s safety. By bringing together their skills and excellence, citizens can trust in authorities that will come to their rescue when emergencies happen. 

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Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., is the former Chief of Safety for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), responsible for the HHS regulatory oversight related to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Visit this page for more information on public safety and emergency preparedness.