Archives

Best Practices in the Detection and Monitoring of Pesticide Exposure

Farmers and agricultural workers are routinely exposed to a wide variety of chemicals. Toxicity Category I and II organophosphates (OPs) and N-methyl carbamates are cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides commonly used in agriculture to kill insects or prevent them from damaging or destroying crops. Over-exposure to these chemicals results in the inhibition of the enzyme cholinesterase (ChE) which is utilized in the body’s conducting tissue, such as nerve and muscle motor sensory fibers. Acute toxic effects can include confusion, headache, and even loss of consciousness. Severe inhibition of ChE in the body can result in muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, seizures, coma, and death. Currently, there is no practice standard or national medical surveillance program for cholinesterase monitoring.

Fall Prevention in Older Adults

Falls by older adults are common and usually multifactorial. Falls are associated with functional decline. Prevention of falls in older adults is better than treatment. Screening for fall risk factors is essential to create customized preventive interventions and is very effective. Falls prevention guidelines by different health organizations and their recommendation for multifactorial interventions are available.

Tools for Healthcare Professionals Working in Agricultural Communities (February 19, 2021)

In this webinar, attendees will learn about tools they can make use to enhance healthcare services for their farming and ranching patients. Alex Cavanaugh from the Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub) will provide a general overview of services including: Rural Response Issue Guides for COVID-19, Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention resources, and the Agricultural Health and Safety Topic Guide. Sarah Dauterive of AgriSafe Network will introduce MedlinePlus and its uses for healthcare professionals.

Take Five

This resource was developed to help agricultural workers educate their health care providers about the daily tasks they perform on the farm that could influence their health.

Agricultural Respiratory Selection Booklet

This guide is designed to assist trained Agricultural Health Professionals to recommend appropriate respirators based on the clients’ agricultural exposure. (This guide is not intended for the professional who has not received training in respirator selection.)

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMDPs)

Improving the way opioids are prescribed will ensure patients have access to safer, more effective chronic pain treatment while reducing opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose.

Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings

The purpose of this manual is to provide healthcare professionals with current consensus recommendations for treating patients with pesticide-related illnesses or injuries.

Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale

The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is an 11-item scale designed to be administered by a clinician.