The Life of Joseph Merrick: The Elephant Man
London, 1884
In 1884 London, a doctor named Lord Frederick Treves was walking down the street when he found a painting in a shop window. Upon closer inspection, he saw it was a depiction of a creature, not a person, known as “The Elephant Man.” Intrigued, Dr. Treves entered the shop and encountered the creature, whose name was Joseph Merrick. Merrick was kept in a filthy room by the shop owner, Mr. Simons.
Merrick’s Appearance
Merrick’s appearance was striking. One side of his body, particularly his
Read MoreEmergency Preparedness: Safety and Response
Triangle of Life: Earthquake Safety
When buildings collapse, the weight of the roof often falls on objects or furniture inside, crushing them. However, a void is often created next to these objects. This space is known as the “Triangle of Life.” The larger, heavier, and stronger the object, the less it will be compacted. The less the object compacts under the weight, the greater the gap or hole beside it, and the greater the chance that a person using this void will not be injured.
Safety Instructions
Read MoreWorkplace Safety: Hazards and Prevention Measures
Item 10: Derivatives Risk Factors of Safety Conditions
Structural Risk Factors
Workspaces are those where normal work is performed, but areas of access, transit, or service must also be considered. Signaling and maintaining good order and cleanliness in the workplace help to prevent accidents.
Risk Factors Resulting from Handling Equipment
Equipment Description: Tools used by workers that may be moved to another place include:
- Hand tools: Tools utilizing human effort where there is a danger (e.g., hammer,
Medical Terminology: A Comprehensive Glossary for Healthcare
Urinalysis
- Urinalysis: The process of analyzing urine using physical or chemical tests.
- Urine: The fluid which is excreted by the kidneys.
- Urinal: Also called a bottle; used by male patients to pass urine into.
- Bed pan: A toileting receptacle which is used by bed-bound patients.
- Renal: Relating to the kidneys.
- pH: The measurement of how acidic or alkaline a solution is.
- Proteinuria: Protein in the urine, also called albuminuria.
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine.
- Specimen: A sample, usually of urine or blood.
Digestive System Disorders: Symptoms and Treatments
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)
- Definition: Reflux occurring two or more times a week
- Erosive Esophagitis: Inflammation due to acidity
- Signs and Symptoms: Regurgitation, pyrosis (heartburn), pain
- Causes: Increased intra-abdominal pressure, high alcohol/fat/chocolate intake
- Complications: Esophageal stricture (narrowing due to scarring), Barrett’s metaplasia (precancerous change with mucous cells)
- Treatment: Medications (antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, histamine blockers), lifestyle changes
Achalasia
- Definition:
Workplace Health and Safety: Understanding Risks and Prevention
Work and Health: Understanding the Relationship
Work directly affects health, both positively and negatively.
- Positive: Work can provide economic stability, personal development, mental stimulation, independence, and satisfaction.
- Negative: Work can lead to occupational diseases (e.g., stress, depression) and accidents.
World Health Organization (WHO) Definition of Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.