Hammer Jan. 2009 - Hammer Magazine Maui

12 12 Hammer Hammer Magazine Magazine 2009 2009 808 * 808 264-3967 * 264-3967 www.hammermagonline.com
Maui’s sun is a slow burn but could be deadly
without protection. Especially in construction, you
are in constant exposure under the sun. Paradise
offers an abundance of sun. Every day is summer.
Construction workers do not realize how vulner- Tina Ili
able they are when it comes to skin cancer. Skin cancer
is on the rise and the industry’s lack of awareness about this deadly
disease heightens the problem. The rate of all skin cancer incidents in
United States has surged an alarming 26% from 1993 to 2003,
according to the American Cancer Society. The odds of contracting the
illness are far worse for pool builders, subcontractors, plasterers,
roofing, fencing and service technicians. They spend most of the workdays
outdoors. The statistics are staggering. More than 1.5 million new
cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. For
men over 50, it’s the No.1 disease, ahead of prostate, colon and lung
cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
SKIN CANCER 101
Skin cancer that spreads or metastasizes results in poor outcomes.
Some cancers are classified as non-melanoma. They usually can occur
in squamous cells or basal, which are located at the base of the outer
layer of skin. It generally appears on sun-exposed areas of the body,
such as the top of your skull, face, neck & ears. It can be slow or fast
growing and generally don’t spread to other parts of the body. But
Melanoma comprises the smallest percentage of skin cancer and the
the most deadly form of the disease. It begins in cells known as melanin.
It provides the pigmentation and protects the deeper layers of skin
from harmful ultraviolet rays. People who develop melanoma can remember
having severe sunburn in some point in their life. It is very disturbing
when many workers are in their early to mid-20s & believe
they’re invincible and will live forever! Filipinos, Blacks and Latinos were
once thought to be relatively impervious to skin cancer. Due to the fact
that their skin pigmentation proved protected from the sun’s harmful
rays. However, a University of Miami study completed the study early in
2006 shows that blacks are more than 3 times as likely as whites to be
diagnosed with melanoma. Plus, Latinos-a huge labor group within the
pool and spa industry, are nearly twice as likely. Perhaps the reason
most people have the false perception that people of color can’t get skin
cancer is because of their pigmentation. Thus, when it is noticed & diagnosed,
it’s already spread through out the body. It is not too late to practice
prevention. Be sure to have a skin test and have a complete check
up before starting any construction job.
PREVENTION 101
• Always use Sea & Ski with SPF 50- 50 UVA & UVB protection. For
face, arms, and legs.
• Dress appropriately. Protect your legs and arms. Use long sleeves
and pants.
• Use construction boots to protect your feet.
• Be sure you use your hard hat and construction glasses.
• If hard hat is not applicable, use any hat to protect your face.
• Construction sun glasses with UV might be necessary to protect
your eyes from the sun.
• Remember to drink a lot of water.
Maui’s sun is beautiful and should be respected. It is very important to
practice prevention. If you are not in construction you still need to
practice prevention. Check with your physician and ask for his/her
recommendation.
Enjoy Maui but respect the beauty and the land. Malama aina (caring for
the land) is important to us and please “Kokua” That means to please
understand and please cooperate.
Mahalo!
Depth can change abruptly, a
dangerous change of water
from wading depth to over
your head. Beware of strong
currents and avoid ledges and
drop off.
Don’t’ panic! Call for help
and wave one or both hands
in the air. Scream and call for
help. Swimming across the
current to break free from the
current not against it!
Foot protection is advised.
Coral reefs have sharp edges.
and most Hawaiian beaches
have sharp coral reefs close to
the shore line. Use caution
when swimming.
Opposing winds and water
currents combine to push the
Man-O-War to the beaches.
The stings can be painful and
may be life threatening.
Lots of rocks are covered by
a thick algae. It is very
slippery so use extreme
caution when walking along
these areas. A severe injury
can occur.
Waves can break directly
on the shore. Small waves
can be dangerous too,
especially when surf is up.
Waves are very unpredictable
and can cause serious
injuries.
Be cautious when walking
along rocky coastlines
even when you
think the ocean appears
calm. Large swells can
rise quickly without
warning.
It is very important that all of us heed the
warning signs. It is posted for a
reason. To Save Your Life.
Enjoy Maui but respect our ocean.