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The Last Word
SEPTEMBER 1989, VOL. 50, Y
AORN JOURNAL
l
Thc)Last Word
0 If you have a deadly fear of the dentist’s drill, you soon may be able to “wave” good-bye to painful cavity repair. If a new method is approved, dentists may use neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers to remove cavities. According to a report in Science News, the NdYAG laser vaporizes the organic material in cavities without damaging healthy enamel. In contrast to carbon dioxide lasers, which are too hot for teeth, the NdYAG lasers use a pulse too short to trigger a pain response. The procedure is essentially painless, but some patients report some warmth or tingling. As a bonus to patients, the laser also eliminates the noise of the high-speed. drill. Now, if something can be done about the dreaded pick . . .
0The dangers inherent in shaking soda pop cans are known to most people, but now reports of the hazards of shaking soda pop machines have surfaced. Although the machines usually are not considered dangerous, the Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported that several injuries and three fatalities were caused by pop machines. The victims all were injured when the machines fell on top of them. According to the report, the victims were shaking and rocking the machines trying to dislodge a drink stuck inside or to get a free drink or participating in some other act of hooliganism. Without changes in the design or added security measures, the article warned that the machines may claim more victims. Remember that warning the next time a soda pop machine eats your money-it can fight back. 720
0 In the battle against cancer, scientists at the National Cancer Institute have uncovered a new dietary weapon to prevent stomach cancer-garlic and onions. The scientists found links between heavy users of garlic and onions and low rates of stomach cancer among a sample group of 1.000 in China. Evidence is still sketchy concerning why the rates are lower among garlic eaters, but the researchers suspect that the smelly ally1 sulfides in garlic plants might inhibit cancerous tumor growth, according to the report in Health. Although those heavy users may not endear themselves to those they live with, they did have a 40% less chance of developing stomach cancer than nonusers. 0 Recently, controversy has arisen over the number of snakes in the symbol of medicine. Should there be one or two snakes slithering up the staff? After noticing it used both ways in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a reader wrote to the editor pointing out the discrepancy. The reader explained that a single snake, as seen in statues of Hippocrates and on the seal of the American Medical Association, is the true symbol of medicine. The caduceus with two entwined snakes is the symbol of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, eloquence, invention, travel, and theft, according to the reader. Furthermore, Hermes was regarded as a rather unsavory character- not the kind of god dedicated medical personnel would aspire to follow. Now you know.
AORN JOURNAL
l
Thc)Last Word
0 If you have a deadly fear of the dentist’s drill, you soon may be able to “wave” good-bye to painful cavity repair. If a new method is approved, dentists may use neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers to remove cavities. According to a report in Science News, the NdYAG laser vaporizes the organic material in cavities without damaging healthy enamel. In contrast to carbon dioxide lasers, which are too hot for teeth, the NdYAG lasers use a pulse too short to trigger a pain response. The procedure is essentially painless, but some patients report some warmth or tingling. As a bonus to patients, the laser also eliminates the noise of the high-speed. drill. Now, if something can be done about the dreaded pick . . .
0The dangers inherent in shaking soda pop cans are known to most people, but now reports of the hazards of shaking soda pop machines have surfaced. Although the machines usually are not considered dangerous, the Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported that several injuries and three fatalities were caused by pop machines. The victims all were injured when the machines fell on top of them. According to the report, the victims were shaking and rocking the machines trying to dislodge a drink stuck inside or to get a free drink or participating in some other act of hooliganism. Without changes in the design or added security measures, the article warned that the machines may claim more victims. Remember that warning the next time a soda pop machine eats your money-it can fight back. 720
0 In the battle against cancer, scientists at the National Cancer Institute have uncovered a new dietary weapon to prevent stomach cancer-garlic and onions. The scientists found links between heavy users of garlic and onions and low rates of stomach cancer among a sample group of 1.000 in China. Evidence is still sketchy concerning why the rates are lower among garlic eaters, but the researchers suspect that the smelly ally1 sulfides in garlic plants might inhibit cancerous tumor growth, according to the report in Health. Although those heavy users may not endear themselves to those they live with, they did have a 40% less chance of developing stomach cancer than nonusers. 0 Recently, controversy has arisen over the number of snakes in the symbol of medicine. Should there be one or two snakes slithering up the staff? After noticing it used both ways in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a reader wrote to the editor pointing out the discrepancy. The reader explained that a single snake, as seen in statues of Hippocrates and on the seal of the American Medical Association, is the true symbol of medicine. The caduceus with two entwined snakes is the symbol of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, eloquence, invention, travel, and theft, according to the reader. Furthermore, Hermes was regarded as a rather unsavory character- not the kind of god dedicated medical personnel would aspire to follow. Now you know.