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Reducing the burden of obesity in Oregon through multiple buy deltasone 20mg otc allergy medicine isn't working, evidence-based strategies will achieve better population health and lower health care costs deltasone 10 mg line allergy nose. Obesity-related diseases include: arthritis buy deltasone with american express allergy testing bay area, asthma, some cancers, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention • 5 Year Plan 15 Obesity Strategy 1 By June 30, 2017, develop a comprehensive obesity prevention and education infrastructure to build state and community capacity for chronic disease prevention. Rationale: There is growing evidence that a comprehensive community approach can decrease the rate of obesity. To create healthy communities, it is critical to engage state and local public health partners with opportunities to promote informed decision making, policy development and funding that support access to healthy foods, active transportation and physical activity for all Oregonians. Obesity Strategy 2 By June 30, 2017, promote healthy eating and physical activity options, and warn of the dangers of sugary beverages, through education and awareness messages that are meaningful to all people in Oregon. Rationale: Rising consumption of sugary drinks has been a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. Education and awareness messages, when combined with other obesity interventions, are an effective strategy to increase healthy eating and reduce the consumption of sugary beverages. Obesity Strategy 3 By June 30, 2017, increase the number of environments that have adopted and implemented standards for nutrition and physical activity. Rationale: Healthy eating and active living are supported when environments promote and provide safe and sustainable options to eat better, move more, and discourage the consumption of sugary beverages. Rationale: Transportation and land use planning inclusive of considerations fot the public’s health provide opportunites for informed decision making, policy development and funding that support access to healthy foods, active transportation and physical activity options for all Oregonians. Obesity Strategy 5 By June 30, 2017, develop a sustainable delivery system for evidence-based chronic disease self-management programs. Rationale: Self-management programs can enhance self-efficacy and adoption of healthy behaviors, including healthy eating and physical activity. Developing a sustainable delivery system for self-management programs will increase access and referrals to evidence-based programs that can address risk factors for obesity. Obesity Strategy 6 By June 30, 2017, promote a health system infrastructure that supports effective prevention, screening and management of chronic diseases and related risk factors through a coordinated, patient-centered approach. Rationale: Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and management of obesity will improve quality of care for and prevention of obesity- related diseases. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention • 5 Year Plan 17 Decrease heart disease and stroke During the past 20 years, Oregon has seen significant reductions in the rates of death due to heart disease and stroke. Still heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in the state, accounting for 25 percent of all deaths each year. In 2011, there were 37,601 hospitalizations due to heart disease and stroke, with an average cost of nearly $71,000 per hospitalization, for a total cost of more than $1. The burden of heart disease and stroke in Oregon can be reduced through the management of heart-related chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and through the promotion of nutrition standards addressing trans fat and sodium intake. Additionally, modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke — such as tobacco use and obesity — can be addressed through proven prevention strategies. Science-based policy, systems and environmental approaches can prevent or reduce heart disease and stroke, increase the chances of surviving heart attack and stroke incidents, and reduce deaths, disability and the financial burden of heart disease and stroke among Oregonians. The 2010 baseline was 135 hospitalizations per 100,000 people under the age of 74 and the 2017 target is 119 hospitalizations per 100,000 people under the age of 74. Leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke include: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, tobacco use and physical inactivity. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention • 5 Year Plan 19 Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy 1 By June 30, 2017, increase the number of environments that have adopted and implemented standards for nutrition and physical activity. Rationale: High blood pressure and cholesterol may be prevented or controlled through a healthy diet and physical activity. Nutrition standards can help increase public awareness and acceptance of healthier food options, and influence the practices and products of food companies. Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy 2 By June 30, 2017, the five largest Oregon manufacturers will reduce sodium in bread products. Rationale: High amounts of dietary sodium have been linked to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease events. Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy 3 By June 30, 2017, eliminate trans fats from restaurants in Oregon. Rationale: Healthy eating and active living are supported when environments promote and provide safe and sustainable options to eat better, move more, and discourage the consumption of trans-fats. Rationale: Developing a sustainable delivery system for self-management and cessation tools will increase access to evidence-based programs that promote cessation and manage or lower heart disease risk factors. Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy 5 By June 29, 2017, promote a health system infrastructure that supports effective prevention, screening and management of chronic diseases and related risk factors through a coordinated, patient-centered approach. Rationale: Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and management of obesity will improve quality of care for and prevention of obesity- related diseases. Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy 6 By June 30, 2017, increase the number of environments where tobacco use is prohibited. Rationale: Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers. Tobacco-free environments encourage quitting among tobacco users, protect people from secondhand smoke and reduce youth initiation of tobacco. Screening can actually prevent colorectal cancer when pre-cancerous cells are found and removed. Colorectal cancer screening services have an “‘A’ Recommendation” (the highest) from the U. Because screening rates are so low, more than half of all colorectal cancers are found at late stages. Strategies to increase screening, particularly among Oregon’s African American, Native American, and Latino populations, are the focus of The Cancer You Can Prevent campaign (www. The campaign encourages those who have been screened to tell others to get screened and engage health providers and community members to spread the word about these lifesaving tests. By reducing the burden of colorectal cancer incidence, deaths and disability through evidence-based interventions, Oregon will achieve better health, better care, and lower health care costs. The 2008 baseline is 65 late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses per 100,000 Oregonians 50 years or older and the 2017 target is 49 late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses per 100,000 Oregonians 50 years or older. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention • 5 Year Plan 23 Colorectal Cancer Strategy 1 By June 30, 2017, through education and awareness messages, increase completed science-based colorectal cancer screenings among recommended populations. Colorectal cancer screening is one of the only cancer screenings that has the possibility to prevent cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps, in addition to being highly effective at detecting cancer early. With appropriate screening follow up, colorectal cancer screening is the most effective intervention to decrease late-stage diagnosis. Colorectal Cancer Strategy 2 By June 30, 2017, promote health system infrastructure that supports effective colorectal cancer screening services through a coordinated, patient-centered approach. Rationale: Health provider adherence to evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and management of risk factors for colorectal cancer will improve quality of care for and prevent colorectal cancer. Colorectal Cancer Strategy 3 By June 30, 2017, remove cost barriers to receiving colorectal cancer medical services from screening through diagnosis. Rationale: The Affordable Care Act mandates the provision of evidence-based preventive screenings with no cost-sharing for clients. However, in some cases, clients receive bills for a colorectal cancer screening procedure.

About 50% of patients develop chronic active hepatitis and 20% progress to cirrhosis purchase deltasone no prescription allergy levels in chicago. Approximately 5–10% of hepatitis cases known to be trans- If antibody is present it is possible that the virus is also mitted by blood transfusion cannot be attributed to a known present and the patient is infectious purchase deltasone american express allergy shots oral, but this is not necessar- virus buy deltasone 20mg low cost allergy testing false negative. Hepatitis F virus (a virus of uncer- are much more restricted in their distribution (e. In Asia, infections with the human liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis are acquired by eating fish infected with the metacer- Parasitic infections affecting the liver carial stage. Juvenile flukes released in the intestine move up An inflammatory response to the eggs of the bile duct and attach to the duct epithelium, feeding on Schistosoma mansoni results in severe liver the cells and blood and tissue fluids. In heavy infections there damage is a pronounced inflammatory response, and proliferation Liver pathology in parasitic infections is most severe in S. There only a relatively short time in the liver before moving to the may be an association with cholangiocarcinoma, but there is mesenteric vessels, eggs released by the females can be swept little evidence for this in humans. These include species of Opisthorchis (in Asia these trapped eggs is the primary cause of the complex and Eastern Europe) and the common liver fluke Fasciola hep- changes that result in hepatomegaly, fibrosis and the forma- atica. Other parasitic Whereas schistosomiasis is widespread in tropical and sub- infections associated with liver pathology are malaria, leishma- tropical regions, other parasitic infections affecting the liver niasis, extraintestinal amebiasis, hydatid disease and ascariasis. In the related Schistosoma haematobium infection, a similar process occurs in the wall of the bladder. Despite its name an amebic liver abscess Mycobacterial infection requires specific antituberculous does not consist of pus therapy (see Chapter 30), while actinomycosis responds well E. However, the term ‘amebic liver abscess’ is not strictly accu- rate because the lesion formed in the liver consists of necrotic Summary liver tissue rather than pus. True liver abscesses – walled-off lesions containing organisms and dead or dying polymorphs The length and complexity of the gastrointestinal tract is (pus) – are frequently polymicrobial, containing a mixed flora matched by the variety of microorganisms that can be of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (Fig. Lesions caused acquired by this route, causing damage locally or invading to by Echinococcus granulosus in hydatid disease can become sec- cause disseminated disease. The source of infection may of morbidity and mortality in malnourished populations in be local to the lesion or another body site, but is usually the developing world and will only be combatted successfully undiagnosed. Broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy is when there are adequate public health measures. Biliary tract infections Certain infections such as typhoid are initiated in the gas- Infection is a common complication of trointestinal tract, but cause systemic disease, while hepatitis biliary tract disease A is acquired and excreted by the intestinal route. The Although infection is not often the primary cause of disease remaining members of the hepatitis ‘alphabet’ are also dealt in the biliary tract, it is a common complication. Infections result not only from the inges- patients with gallstones obstructing the biliary system tion of pathogens from an external source, but also from the develop infective complications caused by organisms from the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract if there are acciden- normal gastrointestinal flora such as enterobacteria and tal or manmade breaches of the mucosa as microorganisms anaerobes. Local infection can result in cholangitis and sub- can then ‘escape’ and cause intra-abdominal sepsis. Removing the underly- ing obstruction in the biliary tree is a prerequisite to success- ful therapy. Antibacterial therapy is usually broad-spectrum, covering both aerobes and anaerobes. Peritonitis and intra-abdominal sepsis The peritoneal cavity is normally sterile, but is in constant danger of becoming contaminated by bacteria discharged through perforations in the gut wall arising from trauma (accidental or surgical) or infection. The outcome of peri- toneal contamination depends upon the volume of the inocu- lum (1 ml of gut contents contains many millions of microorganisms), and the ability of the local defenses to wall off and destroy the microorganisms. Peritonitis is usually caused by Bacteroides fragilis mixed with facultative anaerobes Fig. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Actinomyces can Edematous bowel also cause intraperitoneal infection (Fig. Suitable regimens include a combination of gen- tamicin (for the aerobic Gram-negative rods), ampicillin (for Summary 285 • Diarrheal disease is a major cause of morbidity cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A wide • Viral gastroenteritis causes appalling morbidity range of diverse microbes cause infections of the and mortality, especially in young children in gastrointestinal tract. The chief culprits are the symptom, ranges from mild and self-limiting to rotaviruses, which are specific to humans, severe with consequent dehydration and death. The number of organisms ingested • Ingestion of food or water contaminated with and their virulence attributes are critical factors S. These pathogens invade the gut mucosa and • Microbiologic diagnosis is usually impossible are ingested by, and survive in, macrophages. Other less common causes therapy is required and specific prevention is include Cl. Important worms cause disease by multiplication in the gut and are Ascaris, Trichuris and the hookworms. Transmission is prevented by good • Parasitic infections involving the liver include hygiene, clean drinking water and hygienic infections by S. Other parasitic infections with enterotoxin, which acts on the gastrointestinal important liver pathology include malaria, mucosal cells. In contrast, Shigella invades the leishmaniasis, extraintestinal amebiasis, mucosa, causing ulceration and bloody diarrhea, hydatid disease and ascariasis. Removal of the bacterium by cause mixed infections, which may extend to combination treatment with antibiotics and produce liver abscesses and septicemia. The gut (usually due to antibiotic treatment) allows presentation is acute and infection can be fatal. What is the most likely diagnosis and what is he feels nauseated, and does not feel like eating, the differential diagnosis of a viral hepatitis in and he has developed right-sided abdominal this setting? Why was ice-cream involved and where did gastroenteritis were reported from Minnesota, the bacteria come from? What actions would you have recommended in caused an estimated total of 2000 cases of illness the ice-cream plant? What would be your immediate management pediatric unit with a two-day history of fever, of this baby? On examination she is unwell, mildly dehydrated, and febrile with a temperature of 38°C. Most nations with a developed understanding of health inequalities accept that health systems sometimes need to take account of differences between population groups in order to achieve fairer outcomes. There is no logical reason why gender differences in health outcome should not be treated in the same way. If this is so obvious, why do our authors - from countries as culturally varied and geographically distant from each other as Malaysia and Denmark, New Zealand and Canada – report similar diffculties in persuading governments to pay particular attention to the health of men? One reason is the one we have just considered - the idea that the problem lies with men them- selves. This may lead to the regrettable political view that it is up to men to change, not services. This is a fallacious argument that fails to acknowledge men’s poorer health as the inequality that it is. Furthermore, as our authors report, cultural pressures and social expectations make help-seeking very diffcult for men all over the world. Some may argue that would be desirable - but the only realistic view to take is that change on that scale is not going to happen in the foreseeable future.

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Phomopsis cane and leaf spot is more severe in grape-growing regions characterized by a humid temperate climate through the growing season safe 5mg deltasone allergy medicine birth control. Crop losses up to 30% have been reported to be caused by Phomopsis cane and leaf spot (Úrbez Torres et al quality 20 mg deltasone allergy treatment using hookworms. On the young shoots order 5 mg deltasone overnight delivery allergy testing with blood, the disease results in the first internodes with the presence of small black spots, that later develop into well-individualized blackish-brown crusts or brown lesions with strips of corky appearance like "chocolate”. In branches, it could appear as a strangulation at their base, which can lead to breakage under certain conditions (wind, weight of the crop). During the dormant season, canes show a white appearance with black points at internode zones. Blackish necrotic spots may also be encountered along the main and secondary veins as well as the petioles. On the other hand, the fruits turn brown and wither, with mummies or shriveled berries close to harvest (Larignon, 2012; Úrbez Torres et al. Other associated fungi, like Phomopsis theicola and its symptoms are characterized by the mortality of the great part of a young plant. In the wood, particular sectorial necrosis and some punctuations of brown color are usually observed. Nowadays, this is not a big problem, but these decays are still present and described in Great Britain (Larignon, 2012). Eutypa lata is an ascomycete (Diatrypaceae) and it is classified among the “soft decay” fungi, because it develops inside the secondary walls forming cavities (Larignon et al. It shows its presence through the shriveling of shoots (fan leaf) which present chlorotic, wrinkled and ripped leaves with marginal necrosis, and can become widespread over the whole limb. Sometimes, eutypiosis can produce dried out inflorescences or clusters millerandage. In the trunk, a brown and hard sectorial necrosis with dark stripes or scratches is the main symptom (Larignon, 2012). A review Botryosphaeriae dieback Botryosphaeriae dieback known for a very long time under the name of “slow stroke” (D. To date, several studies have allowed the identification of at least 21 different species in the Botryosphaeriaceae occurring in grapevines worldwide (Úrbez-Torres, 2011). Other fungi like Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Neofusicoccum parvum and Botryosphaeria dothidea are associated with this disease too. Foliar symptoms are characterized by interveinal areas without yellow border at the first stages of appearance of symptoms in red cultivars, but with yellow border at the end similar to Esca (Lecomte et al. Some cultivars are more sensitive to this disease (Cabernet, Sauvignon, Ugni-Blanc, etc. The affected plants are characterized by dead branches with weakened vegetative development, sometimes still alive but with low percentage of bud break. It is not usual to detect characteristic foliar symptoms, but sometimes chlorosis weaknesses or some deformations of leaves (Larignon, 2012) can be observed. The main symptom in the trunk is a typical sectorial necrosis with vascular discoloration. Two fungal trunk diseases are associated to young vineyards decline: Petri disease and Black foot disease. Environmental factors and host stress such as malnutrition, poor drainage, soil compaction, heavy crop loads on young plants, planting of vines in poorly prepared soil and improper plant holes also play an important part in the development of black-foot and Petri diseases (Gramaje and Armengol, 2011). External symptoms are expressed on aerial organs level with the presence of weakened vegetation or less developed vegetation, chlorotic leaves with necrotic borders and an undersized trunk. Inside the trunk, it could be observed a typical brown streaking and brown red/brown necrosis, which is a result of tyloses, gums, and phenolic compounds formed inside these vessels by the host in response to the fungus growing in and around the xylem vessels (Gramaje and Armengol, 2011). Especially at the grafted level, some brown or black spots appear, when the cutting is transversely performed. This sap flux originates often from those necrosis and it is popularly called "black goo" (Larignon, 2012). Black foot disease of grapevines is a well-documented disease in various countries and it was previously reported as caused by Cylindrocarpon spp. Characteristic symptoms of black-foot disease include a reduction in root biomass and root hairs with sunken and necrotic root lesions (Agustí-Brisach and Armengol, 2013). In some cases the rootstock diameter of older vines is thinner below the superficial (second) tier. To compensate for the loss of functional roots, a second crown of horizontally growing roots is sometimes formed close to the soil surface. Black foot also expresses at aerial organ level either by an absence of breaking bud, or by a presence of weakened vegetation, which mostly dries out during the season (Larignon, 2004). It should be noted that the roots at the first level are necrotic, showing an intoxicated color between black and grey (according to the degree attack). The plant shows a reduced vigour with small-sized trunks, shortened internodes, uneven wood maturity, sparse foliage, and small leaves with interveinal chlorosis and necrosis (Agustí-Brisach and Armengol, 2013). The black foot is identified by a black necrosis which starts at the bottom and goes up affecting most of the rootstock wood. Current methods to control and mitigation: Currently proposed methods are not curative (fungicides, chemical products and biological stimulators, etc. A healthy vine is fundamental to the successful beginning and sustainability of all grape vineyards (Gramaje and Armengol, 2011), being the first point in the production chain. There are many opportunities for infection by trunk disease pathogens during propagation processes: wounds at every stage of production or improperly healed graft unions are some examples to infection in the nursery, and if the vines survive, after planting in the vineyard. Consequently, good hygiene and wound protection are of the utmost importance (Gramaje and Armengol, 2011). Even so, research on the management of black-foot disease and Petri diseases as well as Botryosphaeriaceae dieback (main species in mother fields, nurseries, and open root field nurseries or young vineyards) are being carried out in different areas. Several studies have led to the conclusion that planting material can be already infected in young vineyards, either systemically from infected mother vines (Ridgway et al. A review infections could increase from 40% before cuttings up to 70% after nursery processing (Gramaje and Armengol, 2011). Hence, detection prior to planting is critical to assure longevity of newly established vineyards (Urbez-Torres et al. Some practices such as dipping the bottom of the grafts in a fungicide, act like a protection against pathogen attack (Rego et al. Moreover, the range of temperatures used depends on the pathogens that need to be controlled. First of all, culture control methods are essential to limit the spread of inoculum by removing and burning branches, dead/dying vines, pruning residues, pruning dead arms, and trying to avoid dry periods, etc. Then it is also highly recommended to reduce and protect pruning wounds (plastics, mastic, oils, etc. Late pruning in the dormant season (as close as possible to budbreak) was also a recommended cultural practice, since the wounds heal faster with high degree-day temperatures. Nevertheless, recent studies revealed that the rate of natural infection of pruning wounds was lower following early pruning (autumn) than following late pruning (winter). The susceptibility of the wound is mostly influenced by the relative humidity and rainfall periods (Luque et al.

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The seaman in this case was also suffering from delirium tremens order deltasone mastercard allergy forecast orland park, and the “Ship’s Medicine Chest” was sited in discussing the proper treatment of a crew member so afflicted order deltasone 10 mg overnight delivery allergy symptoms of colon cancer. Although not discussed purchase 5mg deltasone mastercard allergy shots worth it, the Master may have been subjected to criminal penalties in that case. The salient difference between this situation and others discussed thus far is that the Master here, although aware of the hallucinations of the crew member, was not sufficiently apprised of any tendency toward violence or self- injury. Coast Guard stated: “While the shipmasters have well defined responsibility, including timely and apt measures for protection of their crew members, the evidence of this case falls far short of establishing culpable fault or negligence against this shipmaster. The deranged crew member had committed no violence to either his shipmates or himself. He had readily responded to the reasoning of his shipmates; and those who were in more close association with him than the Master were reluctant to even suggest much less recommend his confinement. An appellate court found negligence where a Master of a vessel made no attempt to search for a seaman who was not reported missing until 5 hours after he was last 32 seen. The Court of Appeals stated: “We think the Court was in error (referring to the lower court) in its basic premise that Gardner was overboard soon after he was last seen. Unless such a search was made by that or other vessels in the area, it could not be determined that Gardner was beyond rescue. In this case the Master turned the vessel back on its course, but stopped searching when darkness fell, 70 miles from the place where the vessel had been when the seaman had last been seen. The court stated: “A series of speculations must all be indulged in and resolved in favor of the missing crew member in order to find any basis for saying that he could possibly have stayed afloat and alive long enough to be pulled up. Each of these speculations must also reach a result which is contrary to the overwhelming probabilities. This is necessary because it is usually unclear whether or not the crewmember fell overboard just after he or she was last seen, or just before he or she was noted to be missing. There is, however, a rule of reason applied as to when the search can be called off. When the probabilities are that the crewmember will not be rescued, it is doubtful that the U. A Master’s responsibility, of course, does not completely end when an injured or infirm crewmember dies during a voyage. Even if the Master has acted reasonably and well up to that point, he or she is still tasked with certain duties concerning the deceased crewmember. If the seaman’s death occurs at sea, such money, property, or wages shall be delivered to district court or a consular officer within one week of the vessel’s arrival at the first port call after the seaman’s death. Pre-planning for medical situations and acting responsibly when problems arise will be helpful in avoiding legal liability. For practical purposes, significant risk of immersion hypothermia usually begins in water colder than 77° F. This means that the risk of immersion hypothermia in North America is nearly universal during most of the year. Cold water immersion is associated with two significant medical emergencies: near drowning and hypothermia. The following pages discuss these topics, with emphasis on the body’s response to immersion and on the treatment of hypothermia and near- drowning. This reflex causes an instantaneous gasping for air and sudden increases in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood flow and blood pressure. The cold-shock reflex (see below for a more complete discussion) only lasts for a few minutes, but it can be deadly if the victim’s head is underwater (leading to immediate aspiration and drowning) or if the victim has no flotation assistance and cannot keep his/her head above the water. Also, the muscles of the extremities cool rapidly, leading to a loss of manual dexterity and grip strength. As the body continues to cool, shivering eventually ceases, heart rate and blood pressure decrease, and the victim begins to suffer mental impairment, difficulty in thinking clearly, impaired perception, and finally loss of consciousness. An unconscious victim in the water will drown, oftentimes even if he/she is wearing a personal flotation device. If an immersed unconscious hypothermia victim does not drown, continued body cooling will eventually lead to cardiac arrest. Oral temperatures and axillary (armpit) temperatures are not accurate in hypothermia. Shivering; impaired manual dexterity, grip strength and muscle coordination; impaired mental processes. Extremity stiffness; vital signs difficult to measure or absent; severe risk of ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest from rough handling during rescue or treatment; cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation usually occurs spontaneously at body temperatures below 77° F. The body’s responses to cold-water immersion can be divided into three stages: 1) initial immersion and the cold-shock response; 2) short-term immersion and loss of performance; and 3) long-term immersion and the onset of hypothermia. Each phase is accompanied by specific survival hazards for the immersion victim from a variety of physiological mechanisms. Stage 1: Initial Immersion: the Cold Shock Response: The cold shock response occurs within the first 1-4 minutes of cold water immersion and is dependent on the extent and rate of skin cooling. The responses are generally those affecting the respiratory system and those affecting the heart and the body’s metabolism. Rapid skin cooling initiates an immediate gasp response, the inability to breath-hold, and hyperventilation. The gasp response may cause drowning if the head is submersed during the initial entry into cold water. The significant lessening of breath holding time makes it more difficult to escape underwater from a capsized vessel, and it further increases the risk drowning in high seas. Finally, hyperventilation may cause a low level of blood carbon dioxide, which can lead to decreased brain blood flow and oxygen supply. Skin cooling also initiates peripheral vasoconstriction (the constriction of small blood vessels in the skin and superficial tissues) as well as increased cardiac output, heart rate and blood pressure. The increased workload on the heart may lead to myocardial ischemia (low blood oxygen levels in the heart muscle) and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), including ventricular fibrillation. Thus, sudden death can occur either immediately or within a matter of minutes after immersion in susceptible individuals (i. Stage 2: Short-Therm Immersion: Impaired Performance: For those surviving the cold shock response, significant cooling of muscles and other soft tissue, especially in the extremities, continues with most of the effect occurring over the first 30 minutes of 10-2 immersion. This cooling has a direct negative effect on neuromuscular activity (nerve and muscle control). This effect is especially significant in the hands, where blood circulation is negligible, leading to finger stiffness, poor coordination of gross and fine motor activity, and loss of power. It has been shown that this effect is primarily due to peripheral and not central cooling. The loss of motor control makes it difficult, if not impossible, to execute survival procedures such as grasping a rescue line or hoist, operating a radio, using signaling devices, etc. Thus the ultimate cause of death is drowning, either through a failure to initiate or maintain survival performance (i. If cold-water immersion does occur however, it is best to quickly determine and execute a plan of action: 1) try to enter the water without submersing the head; 2) escape (i.