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December 2005
INDEX:
HOUSEKEEPING
HEALTH
ENVIRONMENT
OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY
QUALITY
THIS MONTH'S SAFETY TALKS
ARCHIVE
HOUSEKEEPING
HEALTH
DID YOU KNOW?
Anti-retro viral drugs can keep an HIV positive person alive and well for between 15 to 25 years.
Most people are too afraid to have an HIV test because they believe that of they ha a test they will get sick and die. This belief comes from the fact that most people only have a test when are already sick. It is because they are already sick that they get sick and die - not because they have had a test and the knowledge of being HIV positive. Having a test when you are still well is the most proactive thing that you can do for yourself.
Why?
Because there are 5 phases to this disease and there are different treatments that you could take at each phase.
Phase one is just after you get infected with HIV. You will get some signs and symptoms that are similar to flu. Some People will only get slight flu and others may get bad flu, but most people don’t know about this and so just believe that they have flu. This phase only lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks.
Phase two lasts from the end of phase one until about 6 to 10 years later. It is this phase that most people don’t know about. There are no signs and symptoms of illness at all except for few people that get swollen glands. People in this phase look well and feel well and can work without ever taking off sick. If a person knows that they are HIV positive at this stage they can begin looking after by changing their diet, taking immune boosting tablets and reaching the amount that they smoke and drink alcohol. They definitely need to practice safer sex so that they do not infect others, but also so that they do not get re-infected. It is possible to get re-infected by other positive people. Even a husband and wife who is both positive can re-infect each other.
Phase three is the phase when people start getting sick. These sickness are usually very slight and not bad enough to make them think that they have HIV. Some common signs and symptoms at this stage are:
Skin infections of all kinds. Shingles is quite common and so are fungal infections of the skin and nails. Flu and coughs and colds will become more common and it will be more difficult to get better because the immune system is starting to get weaker. They may feel tired more quickly than before and slightly weaker.
Some people reach phase three after only 2 years and others only after about 8 years. Why is there such a difference? It has got to do with their lifestyle and the strength of their immune system. During this phase it is very important to get treatment for these minor illnesses as quickly as possible so that they do not get worse.
It is only when the infected person reaches phase four that they get really ill. It is at this stage that they get serious illnesses such as pneumonia, TB, Thrust in the mouth, down the throat and even in the private parts. Skin infections get worse; eye and ear infections become common. Swollen glands and cancers of all kinds. Diarrhea and loss of weight. It is during this phase that most people will go for an HIV test because either clinic sister or the doctor has suggested that they have a test because of all the signs and symptoms that they have been experiencing.
So they have a test and find out that they are positive, they tell their close friends or family and suddenly their family notices that they are not well. This is where the belief comes from that it is the HIV test that is making them sick. During this phase the immune system gets really weak and so they can take medicine that will prevent them from getting bacterial infections. If they get serious fungal infections they can also take some medicine to prevent getting them again.
Phase five is the final phase of the illness. This is the phase that is called AIDS. It means that the immune system is now deficient. Not strong enough to keep all kinds of diseases away. It is when the person reaches this stage that they should start taking anti-retro viral drugs. We call them ARV’s. These drugs can turn a person’s life around. They can be almost dead when they start taking these drugs, but most get better and go back to work and live a normal life for many years. Never give up - there is hope for those with HIV.
ENVIRONMENT
 Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are vigorous growers, which are introduced into foreign countries where they take over from indigenous species. They crowd out local plants to the detriment of the environment and economies. Of most concern in South Africa is the fact that most of these species consume vast amounts of water. Experts maintain that more than 7% of all water run off is lost to alien plants. In addition, IAPs destroy the ecological balance and impact negatively on the hydrological functioning of large water catchment areas – a severe problem in water-scarce South Africa. The incremental water use of alien plants has been estimated at 3 300 million cubic metres a year; this volume is equivalent to the mean annual run-off of the Vaal River. Invading aliens use nearly three times more water than commercial forestry.
We all have a responsibly to protect water - our most valuable natural asset. You can assist by:
- Ensuring that you buy only indigenous plants. Do not buy invasive alien plants from nurseries, and do not support nurseries that sell such plants.
- Talking to your neighbours, so that your land is not invaded as a result of "seed pollution" from invasive alien plants on your neighbours' land.
- Not bringing foreign plants into our country (or take our plants to other countries).
- Joining a volunteer clearing ("hacking") group, and adopt a piece of land to keep it clear.
- Buy firewood, charcoal, crafts, furniture, toys, building material, mulch, etc made from invasive alien plants.
- Inform authorities about landowners who are causing the spread of invasive alien plants.
- Obtaining a list of the worst offenders.
- For a copy of the alien invader plant list, call the toll free number 0800 005 376.
See pictures of invasive alien plants at www.agis.agric.za/agisweb/wip.
OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY
WALKING WITH INTELLIGENCE
In a given year, it is estimated that three out of every on hundred people over the age of twelve will be raped, assaulted or robbed.
Statistics cause surprise and a certain degree of disbelief. To most, the estimated six million violent crimes committed annually occur in a distant universe – they happened to someone else.
Street criminals, rapists included, choose their victims at random, preying on people who appear easily intimidated and vulnerable. Assertive body language can help prevent assault. As you walk down the street – whether it be day or evening – keep your head up and don’t slouch. Look as though you may cause an uproar if bothered.
Make it clear that coarse remarks are not appreciated. Saying to the attacker, “Leave me alone”, rather than “Buzz off, buddy” may be more effective. “Buzz off” can infuriate.
QUALITY
THIS MONTH'S SAFETY TALKS
What Is Stress
Stress is the pressure we feel when we face a challenging situation. Stress can
be positive or negative.
PRODUCTIVE STRESS
You may be one of the many people who perform well under pressure. You may
feel a sense of achievement when you meet the demands of a stressful situation.
The success you attain through positive stress can help you grow personally.
It can increrase your sense of satisfaction and self-esteem.
DESTRUCTIVE STRESS
Negative stress usually involves too much tension that lasts too long. This kind of stress becomes distress. It can damage your family life, interfere with your
work and destroy your health.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT
The pressure to meet a challenge can make you feel your in danger. Your
body may want to fight or run. Your muscles tense up and your heart beats
faster. Your blood pressure rises. When this kind of stress lasts for a long
time, it can lower your resistance to disease.
ON –THE- JOB
Work-related stress can come from tight deadlines, an over-demanding supervisor or too many changes that happen too fast. Uncertainty and loss of control can also produce job-related stress. Some people feel stressed at work when they’re
not sure what they want from their jobs or where they’re going.
OFF-THE-JOB
Family problems, money concerns and worries about children and ageing parents
can produce stress. These concerns in turn can contribute to on-the-job stress.
ARCHIVE:
November 2005
January 2005
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