People with disABILITIES

EnterpriseWorks For People with disABILITIES, in partnership with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, assists people with disabilities to start a business or to help strengthen an existing business. We help prospective entrepreneurs decide if self-employment is the right career decision and help build the business step by step through a combination of classroom participation and individualized technical assistance. If already self-employed, EnterpriseWorks will guide individuals as they strengthen or expand their business.

The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) might be able to assist you. To find out, visit their web site or call them at 1-800-282-4536 Voice/TTY, toll-free in Ohio.

• Have a disABILITY?
• Reside in Ohio?
• Interested in self-employment?

If you have an open case with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, notify your counselor of your interest in self-employment. Your counselor will make the necessary arrangements and schedule an appointment with the EnterpriseWorks Coordinator in your area.

If you have questions about this program, click here or call 1-800-867-2997.

July is

National UV Safety and Eye Injury Prevention  Month

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is emitted by the sun.  While some UV radiation is essential for health and well-being, too much can cause health problems.  UV radiation stimulates the production of Vitamin D in the body which plays a critical role in bone development and immune function.  A little sun exposure is good for you, however 5-15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week is sufficient to keep your Vitamin D levels high, therefore it is unlikely that healthy adults will suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency.  It is important to understand the possible effects of UV exposure and how to protect yourself during summer sun-filled activities.

Many people believe that a tan gives them a healthy glow; however there is no such thing as a healthy tan.  The skin produces a darker color pigment to try to shield itself from the damaging UV radiation.  A suntan is a sign that your skin has been damaged by UV radiation and is trying to protect itself.  High doses of UV radiation kill skin cells in the upper layer of skin. 

UV radiation can also prematurely age the skin, making it sag and wrinkle.  UV radiation can cause a thickening of the outer layer of skin along with disturbing the tissue underneath the skin causing the skin to gradually loose its elasticity.  The loss of elasticity can cause wrinkles, sags, and bags.  Overexposure to the sun’s rays can also cause skin to dry out resulting in a coarse and leathery appearance.

In addition to altering the appearance and feel of skin, overexposure to UV radiation leading to sunburns can increase one’s likelihood of developing skin cancer.  Some skin cancers (non-melanoma skin cancers) are not usually fatal and can be treated however treatment often leaves a scar and can be painful.  Other skin cancers (melanoma skin cancers) if left untreated can develop tumors and spread throughout the body.  If you have a mole, freckle, or spot that you are concerned about please see your doctor.  Any mole that grows, changes in shape or color, is inflamed or itchy, weeps or bleeds should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. 

By following a few simple suggestions, you can enjoy the summer sun and protect your body from overexposure to UV radiation.  Most UV damage is avoidable by these few simple steps:

• Limit time in the midday sun
• UV radiation is strongest between 10am – 4pm daily
• Watch the UV index
• Take special precautions and limit outdoor activity when the UV index is high
• Seek shade
• While it may not offer compete protection, during the most intense hours of UV exposure it will offer some protection 
• “Watch your shadow- Short shadow, seek shade
• Wear protective clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, tight-woven loosely fitting clothing
• Use sunscreen
• SPF 15+ liberally and reapply after 2 hours or activity
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds

July has been officially recognized as Eye Injury Prevention Month. For this reason, a focus is placed on protecting your eyes in various environments, namely the workplace.

Eye injuries of all types occur at a rate of more than 2,000 per day. In particular, an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that almost 70% of the eye injuries studied occur from falling or flying objects, or sparks striking the eye.

The best ways to prevent injury to the eye is to always wear the appropriate eye protection. Surprisingly, the BLS reports that approximately three out of every five workers injured were either not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. To be effective, eyewear must fit properly and be designed to effectively protect workers while they work. It is estimated that over 90% of eye injuries are preventable with the use of proper safety eyewear. The Occupational Safety Health Administration, OSHA, has standards that require employers to provide their workers with the appropriate eye protection.

In addition to the proper safety eyewear, early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AAO, children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before the age of 5. Although most young adults have healthy vision, if eye problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing, and excessive dryness occur, they should see an eye doctor. Adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye exam every two to four years. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam at least every one to two years. Ultimately, the key to preventing eye injuries is to take a more proactive approach to sustaining healthy vision.

For more information about preventing eye injuries, please visit the following websites:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
• Eye Protection in the Workplace
  www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=142
• Workplace Eye Safety www.preventblindness.org