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Caution while out In the sun Associate Assistance Program provides confidential service Clinton Mills employees are responding well to the Associate Assistance Program. The program offers a free and confidential counseling service to employees. Most of us experience personal problems at some point or another in our lives. For the majority, the problems normally solve themselves with a minor adjustment period. However, some problems are of a more serious nature and require outside help. Clinton employees are offered excellent counseling services on a free and confidential basis. The Company’s program has provided numerous employees professional assistance due to personal, fami ly, financial, and job related problems. The Associate Assistance Program is a reasonable place to start for personal concerns that effect job performance and the employee’s personal life. One of the major benefits of the Associate Assistance Program has been the services provided for employees with alcohol and drug related problems. Alcohol problems cause much distress within a family. Many employee’s family members have entered alcohol and drug treatment centers after meeting with Clinton’s assigned counselors. The AAP counselor will do everything possible to provide ap propriate services at no cost. However, expenses that are incurred through specialized treatment centers will be discussed with the employees. Anyone wishing to use the AAP can contact the counselor through their Personnel Department, Plant Nurse, or Supervisor. Enjoy your vacation Summer is here at last! Although it is a time for vacations, gardening and other outdoor activities, one should be aware of the possible dangers of over exposure to the heat. Sunburn The most common type of over exposure to heat is sunburn. This can range from simple to severe. Simple sunburns, which are discomforting but not damaging, can usually be treated by simply sitting in a tub of cool water and applying a soothing lotion. A severe sunburn is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues and is much more uncomfortable and harder to treat. Sometimes there isn’t much pain, depending on the depth of the burn. These types of sunburns may even lead to hospitalization. If you’re just seeking a nice tan this summer, remember to plan your ex posure to the sun. Take it gradually by getting only a little sun each day at about the same time each day, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Also, remember that although you appear to be acquiring a nice tan, you’re still not immune to the harsh ef fects of the sun. So still use common sense and avoid spending several hours at one time outside during peak temperatures. Those with light complexions or sen sitivities to the sun should use some type of sunscreen preparation. If in doubt as to which to use, ask your doc tor or druggist. Heat Cramps Another problem that arises from heat exposure is heat cramps. This is a painful muscle spasm that usually follows strenuous activity. It is caused by loss of salt from the body, Symptoms are (1) muscle cramps in legs and ab domen, (2) pain accompanying cramps, (3) faintness, and (4) heavy perspiration. To relieve these symp toms, drink sips of salted water and massage the cramped muscles. Also move to a cool place. If symptoms con tinue, see your doctor. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion, also known as heat prostration or collapse, can take several forms. Most typical is a fainting spell in the presence of profuse sweating. Other symptoms include headache, nausea and tiredness. Heat exhaustion usually occurs when people are out in the sun all day and are not used to it. lb treat heat exhaustion, remove as much clothing as possible. Give sips of cool salt water. Do not allow chilling or over cooling. If possi ble, you can fan the person. Heat Stroke The most serious type of heat-related disorder is the heat stroke, which is a disturbance of the heat regulating mechanism. The body retains heat and the body does not perspire. This can result for direct exposure to sun, poor air circulation and physical condition. This affects mostly people over 40 and it is a serious threat of life. The symptoms appear very sudden ly. They are (1) dry hot skin, (2) dilated pupils, (3) loss of consciousness, (4) fast pulse, (5) breathing is deep at first and shallow later, (6) muscle spasms or convulsions, and (7) body temperature rising to 105 degrees or above. Emergency care should be pro vided immediately. While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, remove the person to cooler surroundings, douse the body with water or wrap a wet sheet around the person. If available, cold packs can be placed under the arms and around the neck and ankles. Most persons who are healthy and who take common-sense precautions and increase salt and fluid intake, should not experience serious difficul ty during hot weather. So play it cool and have a safe, enjoyable summer. You’re earned your vacation and you should enjoy it. Even though you’ll be taking some time off from work, remember not to take “time off” from safety. Playing it safe while you’re on vacation can help you and your family avoid injury while getting the rest and recreation you deserve. Playing it safe means preparing ahead of time, secur ing your home if you’ll be away, and us ing common safety sense. Prepare for activity Think ahead to where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing. If you’re plan ning a vacation in a warm climate, be sure to pack sunscreen, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, and a cooler or jug for car rying cool liquids. Recent reports from medical research indicate you’re bet ter off to avoid excessive exposure to the sun because of the risk of cancer and the aging effect. However, if you must be exposed to the sun, build up your sun exposure gradually - 15 minutes the first day, 20 minutes to se cond day, 25 minutes the third day, and so on. If you will be boating, swimming, waterskiing, or enjoying other water sports, make sure that all family members can swim before allowing them to participate in these activities. Take lessons in each activity from a qualified professional who can teach you the rules of the sport as well as specific safety tips. Secure your home Before leaving on vacation, make sure that your home is secured. This checklist can help you prepare for your departure. * Are all electrical appliances (ex cept your refrigerator) unplugged? * Are gas pilots and water faucets turned off? * Are windows and doors shut and locked. * Have you arranged for someone to pick up your mail? * Did you cancel your newspaper subscription? * Have you notified friends, relatives, and/or neighbors where you’ll be and how you can be reached? * Have you set a timer to turn lights on and off, or asked someone to do it for you? * Have you notified your local police station when you’ll be leaving and when you’ll be back? Safety sense In addition to these tips, your most important tool for having a safe vaca tion is your own common sense. When staying in unfamiliar surroundings, always check for fire exits, alarms and escape routes. Wherever you go, be sure to bring along your family’s medical information - insurance ID card, immunization records, history of diseases, and prescription medicines - in the event one your family should become ill. Never leave small children unattended. Bring along a first aid kit and manual and familiarize yourself with their contents. When you use your safety sense, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation. You’ll come back refreshed and ready...for next year! New responsibilities In departments The Company has restructured certain management responsibilities in the Operations and Manufacturing areas. Operations Bob Hooks, Bailey Plant Manager, will assume new responsibilities as Manager of Manufacturing Services, effective July 2,1990. Debbie Alexander, has assumed the newly-created position of Manager of Customer Service, effective June 4, 1990. Manufacturing Joe Aiton, Clinton No. 2 Plant Weaving Superintendent, will succeed Mr. Hooks as Bailey Plant Manager, effective July 2,1990. George Grant, Clinton Plant No. 2 Assistant General Superintendent Weav ing, will assume the newly-created position of Superintendent of Weaving-Clinton No. 2 Weave Room, effective July 2,1990. Ronald Hallman, Clinton Plant No. 2 Assistant General Superintendent Weav ing, will assume the also newly-created position of Superintendent of Weaving- Clinton No. 3 Weave Room, effective July 2,1990. page 10 - Cloth Maker