Thursday, July 31, 2008

"Sewage Spill Health Tips From NHCC Paddler Dr. Jon"

Re: sewage spill and minimizing risk to our paddlers my thoughts are as follows. If the contamination level is still an issue and the warning signs are there:

- No one should go in the water with open cuts/broken skin
- No one should go in the water who is feeling ill for any reason already
- As we did Tue., paddle straight out through the gap into the open ocean and do the work out there; do ‘warm up’ level paddling going out and ‘cool down’ coming back as you approach the site to minimize splashing
- Everyone should shower off with antibiotic soap ASAP, preferably at the site, or as soon as they get home, and if there is any question about contamination of their shirts/paddling shorts those should be washed separately and promptly.
- Watch for any signs of skin infection or irritation, and promptly seek medical attention if something develops
- Observe for signs of GI symptoms or eye irritation etc.; splashing can spread contaminated droplets to eyes, lips, nose etc. with potential for local or systemic exposure.
- And even more basic, as it was Tue., paddling from the site should be presented fairly as a personal decision, where each individual weighs his own risk factors and considerations, without “penalty” if they decide not to participate.

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