Menopause and Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is a common ophthalmic complaint. Women, especially menopausal women with comorbidities, are at greater risk for developing dry eye syndrome and subsequent negative effects on their overall eye health. In this article, I review the anatomy and physiology of the ocular surface of the eye, pathophysiology of dry eyes and its complications, risk factors for menopausal women, and assessment tools that nurses can use. Implications for nursing practice are discussed, and a case example illustrates clinical points.

Effects of Menopause on Appetite and the Gastrointestinal System.

This article includes a brief literature review and case example to explore the effects of menopause on hormones that influence appetite and the function of the gastrointestinal system. The importance of exercise and diet are discussed, as are implications for nursing practice.

Metformin: Adjunct Therapy in Cancer Treatment.

An employee undergoing cancer treatment was prescribed metformin, a medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and currently used as adjunct therapy for cancer. Metformin's anti-inflammatory properties inhibit tumor growth. It is speculated that cancer cells develop a metabolism that enhances aerobic glycolysis, which promotes cell growth and increases the need for glucose. Metformin decreases insulin in the blood, which decreases the amount of glucose available to cancer cells, thus starving the cells of nutrition, resulting in cell death. This case study explores the role of metformin in cancer treatment, with implications for occupational health nurses.

An Employee With Undiagnosed Leprosy: Are Other Employees at Risk?

MJ is a janitor working in an office building for the past 5 years. He sustained a third-degree burn with a secondary infection and was sent to the county hospital. He was diagnosed with leprosy. The employees in the office building were concerned with the risk of transmission. This article reviews leprosy, and implications for occupational health nurses are discussed.

Menopause and Exercise Intolerance.

Central adiposity and weight gain are common among postmenopausal women. Because of the metabolic changes that many postmenopausal women experience, there can be a decrease in exercise tolerance related to the loss of potent estrogens. This can lead to the development of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Despite the challenges that exercise intolerance may pose for some postmenopausal women, evidence suggests that regular exercise and caloric restriction are crucial for weight management after menopause.

Dupuytren's Contracture.

Dupuytren's disorder is considered a genetic disorder and therefore not covered under workers' compensation. Personal risk factors include workers of Northern European descent and workers that are older than 50 years. However, new evidence has shown that certain occupational activities may increase the risk of developing this disorder. This article is a review of the literature with a case study. Work-related and personal risk factors are explored, as well as interventions and return to work recommendations.

Identifying Reverse Malingering in the Civilian Occupational Setting.

Malingering is a common phenomenon in the workplace. However, reverse malingering can be just as common, but may have greater negative consequences for employees and employers. The only research on reverse malingering has been conducted in the military; however, little is known about this phenomenon in the civilian setting.

Flat Feet and a Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis in a Marine Corps Recruit.

A 22-year-old man sought care at an orthopedic clinic for acute plantar fasciitis. He reported that he had begun an intensive exercise program to prepare himself for Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. Pes Planus, or flat feet, was noted on physical examination. This article reviews the diagnoses of pes planus and plantar fasciitis as well as current intervention strategies.

Occupational risk assessment and irritant contact dermatitis.

Dermatological disorders are a common workplace injury. Workers in many occupations are at increased risk of developing dermatological skin disorders due to chemical and physical hazards in the workplace. Contact irritant dermatitis can have adverse health effects on workers and may cause permanent scarring and disability. An occupational risk assessment may identify those workers at risk, and provide strategies to decrease the risk of developing contact irritant dermatitis and treatment options.

Diabetic worker with history of falls: a case study.

A 58-year old male employee presented to the occupational health clinic for evaluation after experiencing several falls. He had been diagnosed as having type II diabetes 5 years earlier. The physical examination noted peripheral neuropathy. This article reviews the effects of diabetes on peripheral nerves and discusses interventions that the occupational health nurse may use to monitor workers with diabetes.

Recognizing early dementia in the workplace: a case study.

A case study of diagnosis of early dementia is presented and recommendations for educating health care professionals to recognize and treat this condition among workers are offered.

Reverse malingering-staying on the job at any cost.

Reverse malingering in the workplace is not as common as malingering. Despite their injuries, some workers will stay at work for various reasons regardless of the potential for further injury. Employers must be aware of reverse malingering and should consider alternative work assignments that will satisfy themselves and employees. [Workplace Health Saf 2013;61(7):297-298.].

Organophosphate exposure with pseudocholinesterase deficiency.

A 36-year-old correctional officer was exposed to lice while at work and self-treated with chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate. The correctional officer applied chlorpyrifos to her entire body and did not wash it off for 8 to 12 hours. Eight hours after the initial application, the correctional officer developed abdominal cramps, diarrhea, sweating, excessive salivation, frequent urination, and increased bronchial secretions. After a phone consultation with the occupational health clinic, the correctional officer reported to the emergency department, was diagnosed with organophosphate toxicity, and was treated with atropine. Later testing revealed that the correctional officer had pseudocholinesterase deficiency.