Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Fitness From your Employee Assistance Program Use or abuse? Diagnosing dependency Myths Dependence on alcohol or other drugs is a widespread problem. Many times, people don’t recognize it. Chemical dependency is simply the in ability to control the use of some physical substance—not being able to quit, and not being able to limit how much is used. If you have a dependen cy problem, recognizing it can help you to move towards a happier and health ier life. Editor’s Note: Employees having questions concerning their health should contact either of the company’s registered nurses: Mrs. Nell Haggart or Mrs. Mary Ann Stewart. AIDS, (Acquired Immune Deficien cy Syndrome) is a serious condition that damages the immune system—the body’s defense against disease. Without a strong immune system, a person is more susceptible to infections and cancers. AIDS is caused by the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus or HIV. The virus enters the body and attacks the immune system. The HIV is transmit ted by unsafe sexual practices. These involve the exchange of blood, semen or vaginal secretions with someone who is infected with HIV. It can also be transmitted through sharing of con taminated needles or syringes (drug users). HIV can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during or after birth through breast feeding. It is very rare now to contact HIV through blood transfusions of infected blood or blood products. All blood donations are now screened for signs of HIV infection. The Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus affects people in different ways. Some individuals affected with the virus show no signs of infection for an indefinite period. These people look healthy; however, they can infect others without knowing it. Some in dividuals may develop ARC (AIDS- Related Complex) which is a milder form of the disease that may later lead to AIDS. As the disease progresses, the follow ing symptoms may develop: swollen lymph glands in the neck, underarms or groin area; constant low grade fever (99.5 to 100 degrees); night sweats; loss of appetite; weight loss of more than 10 pounds (or 10% of body weight) in a month’s time that is not the result of dieting; constant fatigue, diarrhea; dry cough not caused by cold or flu; white spots or unusual blemishes in the You might think of a chemically dependent person as someone who can’t live without their drink or drugs, , who is often drunk or stoned, who uses every day, or is irresponsible, immoral, weak-willed or even evil. The fact is, a person can be chemically dependent without showing such obvious signs, and dependency can cause serious pro mouth; and pink, blue or purple blot ches on the skin, inside the mouth, nose, eyelids or rectum. They look like bruises but they don’t go away. If these symptoms continue for more than two weeks, your family physician should be consulted. AIDS is NOT acquired by casual con tact. It is not spread by handshakes, hugging or casual kissing; sneezing, coughing or spitting; dishes, utensils or food handled by a person with AIDS; toilet seats, bath tubs or sinks used by a person with AIDS. AIDS is not spread by donating blood. Research has shown that HIV is not passed through nonsexual everyday ac tivities. Working with someone who is infected with HIV or who has AIDS is NOT considered dangerous. The risk of contracting AIDS can be reduced by the following factors: prac ticing sexual abstinence (outside of normal marital relationships); avoid sexual activities that cause cuts or tears in the lining of the rectum, vagina or penis; not participating in un protected sex with multiple partners, or persons who practice high risk behaviors. If sexually active, reduce the number of sexual partners and know your partner’s drug and sexual history. Use latex condoms if you engage in sexual intercourse. Do not in ject drugs. Never share needles or syr inges. If you are a woman at risk for AIDS or a couple planning to have a child, talk to your physician and be tested for the HIV virus before becom ing pregnant. Currently, there is no cure for AIDS. Medical researchers have developed various medications that will either slow down the infection or stop it altogether. It is now believed that AIDS may be conquered by a three way approach—using drugs that specifi cally fight the unusual infections AIDS victims are prone to get; drugs that prevent the spread of the virus; and drugs that stimulate the immune system to produce new lymphocytes to fight infection. blems in a person’s life. We are gradu ally beginning to realize that a person’s genetic makeup may affect his or her chances of becoming dependent, and that dependency is often a physical con dition that cannot be cured by willpower alone. Symptoms Of Dependency Here are some signs that might in dicate a chemical dependency problem in you or someone you love: • Trying to cut down or quit using some substance, and failing at it. • “Blackouts,” or lapses of memory, after use. • Using the substance while alone, or hiding the evidence of use. • Using the substance to forget about problems or worries. • Doing things while “under the in fluence” that cause regret afterwards. • Not being able to enjoy an event without the substance. • Using much more than other people in a social gathering. • Neglecting responsibilities in order to use the substance. • Family, friends, or employer ex pressing concern about substance use. • Being willing to do almost any thing to get the substance. • Financial or legal problems from using the substance. Problems Caused By Dependency Chemically dependent people often act unwisely or inappropriately while under the influence of their drug. They may act in ways that will embarrass them later, such as by telling dirty jokes at a party. They may endanger their health and lives, and the lives of others, by having unsafe sex, or by driv ing while intoxicated. They may lose their jobs or families as people around them are hurt by their actions. What To Do Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step towards recovering from chemical dependency. If you think you might have a problem of this type, here are some steps you can take: • Acknowledge the problem openly. • Limit time spent with people who encourage drug use, or who believe that dependency is a problem of weak will. • Seek professional help from doc tors or therapists who deal with chemical dependency and recovery. You might benefit from counseling or a recovery program at a hospital or private clinic. • Seek out the support of people who are recovering themselves. Many 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous are available for various types of dependencies. Your employee assistance program can help you find these and other helpful resources. Numerous departments have participated in the safety refreshment breaks which have been taking place in the plants. To qualify, an employee’s depart mental shift must work ninety days without a medical accident. Employees reaching the milestone are treated to free soft drinks and an assortment of refreshments. Pearl James, left, and Ida Tapp are aware of the importance of working safe ly. They expressed their appreciation for the refreshments as well as the Com pany’s effort to promote a better safety record. During the 1990’S, safety will rank along with quality and production are major goals to be achieved. Health Column Facts About Aids Cloth Maker • page s