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Dear Seafarer / Visitor,
Have you wondered what you have to do if
you fall sick on board ship in the middle of the vast ocean?
Not a pleasant thought isn't it? We are not talking about
seasickness, or motion sickness.
That will normally cease when the ship is stationary.
On board ship, the 2nd Officer
will normally have the duty to
handle minor medical problems.
Furthermore, all competent officers and engineers are trained
in basic first aid. So there should not be a great concern if
you sustain
minor injuries like cuts, bruises, fracture of bones, and
others.
If you have a fever, the 2nd Officer can
issue you with common pain killer pills that you can just swallow. In no time at all, your body
temperature will revert back
to normal.
That is, if your body resistance is
sufficiently strong. The body tends to heal itself even if no medication is
given. Read about calcium
supplements.
On the open sea, the air is so fresh
that harmful germs may find it difficult to spread. There is no
industrial pollution to harbor contagious diseases.
This page will help you keep healthy while
working on board ship.
Ergonomics
The method a person uses his body for
his daily work activities should be the first thing to keep in
mind to avoid injury. For example, if a person have to lift
heavy objects, it is advisable not to bend the back, but to
bend the legs. Any strain on the backbone could have lasting
effects. Methods have been adopted
by stevedores for carrying heavy objects. These methods
usually emphasizes putting the weight as near to the center of
gravity of the body as possible, so that there is less chances
of straining the back muscles.
When it is possible, use chain blocks, levers and other
mechanical devices to assist in carrying heavy objects.
Here again, we find that a healthy individual is less liable
to sustain injuries than one who is undergoing a stressful
work period. Exercise is important to maintain the tone of the
muscles and should be encouraged.
Larger ships often contain gyms where
seafarers can workout physically. People who are overweight
will often suffer many ailments. For them, it makes good sense
to keep trim and reduce weight. Eating proper food and rest
is important.
However, sometimes on long voyages,
fresh green vegetables are no longer available after the first
few days in the journey. Then, the only vegetables could be
cabbages, carrots, and other long lasting vegetables.
Could the nutrition value be less then?
Perhaps we might need to supplement on vitamins, minerals and
other essential elements.
Health Food
Supplement
When we fall sick due to germs, very often
the body heals itself. The natural body resistance is able to
fight back, even without medicines or drugs.
In order for natural healing to occur, the
body resistance must be strong. It is the preferred method for
healing. Especially with epidemics occurring in various parts
of the world, a seafarer could be subjected to contagious
diseases every time he goes ashore. Or even when his shipmate
goes ashore.
It is therefore very wise to boost up on
the body resistances with vitamins and other natural foods.
Perhaps this might be the only solution for resisting various
strains of unknown viruses and bacteria that have mutated.
You should arm yourself with
health
supplements to strengthen your own body resistance.
Toothache
If you have a toothache in the middle of the ocean, most
probably the 2nd Officer will give you clove oil to swap on
the affected tooth. Maybe he will also provide a painkiller
pills that can help you overcome the pain. But for how long?
It's only a temporary measure. Anyone who has a toothache will
know that the pain can be excruciating and it could even
affect a person's sleep. If the ship is still many miles from
the nearest port, it means a prolonged period of suffering for
the one affected. So it is wise to complete all dental
treatment even before you join a ship! Have a dental checkup
before you face the open sea.
US residents can check out the most economical and
comprehensive Dental Plans here.
There are also
calcium supplements to strengthen the bones and teeth.
Spiritual Food
When you are faced with hurricanes, huge waves and tremendous
forces of nature, somehow you will come to realize that your
ship, creaking and floating on the vast ocean is just a tiny
spec that is part of the ever changing tapestry of creation.
Perhaps some books for personal spiritual reflections will
help a person ride through traumatic experiences either on the
ocean, with colleagues or on shore.
The seafarer can sometimes be hit by very stressful situations
that can drain every last drop of energy and will-power away
from him. Seemingly "hopeless" life-and-death situations can
occur.
Will he be strong enough to ride through those stressful
episodes?
Spiritual programs like the Sedona
Method can sometimes help a person overcome obstacles
better.
Surviving Extremes of
Temperature
Hypothermia is a condition that can be fatal in cold
countries. The body temperature can drop so low that the
victim will not able to recover if other people do not help.
It is good to stock up on warm clothing when joining ship.
Thermal underwear are excellent
because they are light and effective for keeping the body
heat. Summary
Take care of your physical body and you will enjoy your
life on board ship. Take care of your spiritual growth, and
you will find a sense of direction and meaning in life.
The seafarer's life is so full of adventure. Live it to the
full and enjoy!
Sincerely,
Publisher
Marine Engineer World
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