EPA Announces Update on Atrazine (with editorial note on NJ)
EPA Announces Update on Atrazine (with editorial note on NJDEP 2018 ag use data summary)
IMPORTANT: EPA Issues Final Cancellation Order and Updates to Existing Stocks Provisions for Several Chlorpyrifos Products
EPA Releases Updates on Organophosphate Pesticides Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, and Tetrachlorvinphos
Beat the Heat: Water and Sports Drinks for Hydration
Article By: The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group: Kate Brown, Michelle Infante-Casella, Stephen Komar and William Bamka
When it comes to hydration, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends an adequate daily fluid intake of about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. Even with this guidance, the amount varies from person to person. Also, when temperatures are hotter and when workloads increase so should drinking water, to prevent dehydration and to help maintain the proper body temperature especially when sweating.
Regular intake of water throughout the day and during the evening, at recommended amounts may help prevent a person from becoming excessively thirsty and also prevent dehydration. The choice of drinking sports drinks that contain electrolytes may be considered when a person’s activities dramatically increase, when they excessively sweat, if they show signs of dehydration, and/or heat stress.
Most sports drinks are designed to replenish glucose, fluids, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) lost during strenuous exercise or heavy workloads. Sports drinks may contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar, usually glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, or sucrose. Some contain no sugar and are “sweetened” instead with low-calorie sweeteners. The amounts of sugar and electrolytes in sports drinks are intended to allow for quick hydration and absorption.
It is important to note, persons with diabetes should be mindful of not intaking amounts of sports drinks that are high in sugar that could raise blood sugar to unhealthy levels. Additionally, persons with high blood pressure should be mindful when drinking sports drinks that are high in sodium – most are. Persons who eat a healthy diet should have enough glucose and electrolytes to maintain their health, even during extra activities and with proper water intake. Some studies show drinking too many sports drinks, especially when not performing vigorous exercise, can increase the risk of overweight/obesity and other health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gout and the risk of dental cavities.
Water is the best choice to stay hydrated and it is the responsibility of each individual person to be sure they drink enough water to maintain their proper health.
Additional Information for New Jersey Farm Owners on H5N1 Bird Flu
The New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH) and Agriculture (NJDA) are closely monitoring the emerging situation with H5N1 bird flu and would like to provide important information to New Jersey farm owners. Please refer to the memo from NJDOH and NJDA: Information for Farm Owners and Farm Workers (highlights provided below). The public health risk of H5N1 bird flu is low, but people can sometimes get bird flu, usually after close, unprotected contact with infected animals. Poultry and livestock farmers and workers, veterinarians and veterinary staff, and slaughterhouse workers performing certain tasks on lactating dairy cattle are at increased risk of exposure to animals infected with bird flu viruses. Farms containing multiple species, particularly cattle, and/or poultry, should uphold biosecurity practices that reduce the risk of disease spreading between animals. Farm staff and visitors should adhere to recommended precautions regarding contact with other animals and follow personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is collaborating with NJDOH, following guidance from the CDC, to assist farm owners with preparedness by providing initial PPE supplies by request at county extension offices. To request PPE supplies and/or receive additional information, please contact your respective county extension office (https://njaes.rutgers.edu/county/). You will be asked to specify the quantity and type of PPE needed for your operation.
Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s flyer “Protect Yourself from H5N1 When Working With Farm Animals,” for more guidance on the application, removal, and disposal (or possible re-use) of each personal protective equipment item.
PPE from NJDOH includes the following as supply remains available:
- Bouffant caps
- Coveralls
- Face shields and refills
- Goggles
- Gloves
- N95 respirators
- Gowns
- Shoe covers
