Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, occur when a part, or parts, of the body remain pressed in one position for relatively long periods of time.  Friction and moisture in the area of the pressure, increase the likelihood of bedsores.  Those who are confined to bed, or to a wheelchair, are more susceptible to bedsores.  The elderly, whose skin tends to be thinner, and those who have poor circulation, are also more prone to suffer from bedsores.  Poor diet, and nerve damage, as well as some medications and diseases, can contribute to the formation of these pressure sores.

Bedsores, thought to occur only on boney areas of the body, can actually occur on any part of the body.  If pressure is applied to any area of skin, for a long enough period of time, the tissue on, and below the surface, will begin to die, due to an interruption of the blood flow, and resultant lack of oxygen.

Pressure sores  appear initially as pinkish, slightly swollen, areas.  They may be itchy, or painful.  If untreated, this area of skin will blister, and break open, and the tissue will begin to deteriorate, and eventually die.  Without care, the ‘ulcer’ will deepen, exposing bones, fat, muscles, and tendons.  Dead tissue may be seen in the fissure.

Untreated bedsores can be extremely dangerous.  Bacteria can enter the body through the open lesions, causing blood poisoning, which can quickly become life-threatening, especially to patients, who are ill, elderly, or have compromised immune systems.  Bones and joints that become infected can be so damaged that normal movement in these areas is not longer possible.  Any sore, that does not heal in a timely manner, is cause for concern.

How To Prevent Bedsores—-If you have any concerns, consult the attending physician or health care professional immediately and adhere to their advice.

1.  If someone is bedridden, even for a short time, it is essential that the skin be given proper care.  The patient should be bathed regularly, or as advised, using a mild soap and warm water.  Be gentle.  In the case of incontinence, the skin should be cleaned immediately after each incident.  If the skin tends to be dry, a moisturizing lotion should be applied.  Some patients may have excessively moist skin, and may benefit from a dusting of talcum powder.  Always consult the patient’s physician concerning the best products for skin use.

2.  If the patient is bedridden, or confined to a wheelchair, but is mentally alert and can move voluntarily, they should be reminded regularly to change position.  Make sure that the resting surface is firm, but adequately padded.  A variety of materials are available to provide padding.  Get medical advice to find the material best-suited to anyone in your care.

3.  If patients have nerve damage or are mentally fragile, they may not feel the need to move, even if they are able to do so.  Caregivers of these individuals must ensure that patients change position at least every two hours, more if possible.

4.  Beds that can be tilted are excellent for elderly or frail bedridden patients.  These beds are costly, but well worth the price.

5.  Pay attention to complaints.  Examine areas that are discolored, sore, itchy, or cold or hot to the touch.  Report these to the family physician, but in the meantime, provide extra padding for these areas.

6.  Examine the skin daily, especially around boney areas.  Provide extra soft padding for these areas.

7.  Most people in danger of getting bed sores, usually have a care giver to assist with daily living.  If you are such a care giver, make sure the person in your care is getting adequate nutrition.  They may need help feeding themselves, or they may need nutritional supplements.  Discuss this with the primary physician.

8.  Care givers shoul make use of all community resources available to them.  This includes the physician in charge, physio and occupational therapists, dieticians, volunteer agencies, and any family or friends that can spare an hour or so to assist with daily living.

How To Treat Bedsores

Once bedsores have been diagnosed, the physician in charge will decide how they must be treated.

Basic treatments will include proper cleaning and dressing of existing sores, managing pain, and ensuring that correct positioning is carried out.

Improvements in diet will be considered, and if necessary, surgery will be performed to remove damaged tissue.

Always consult your physician immediately, if you have any concern about your own health or the health of anyone in your care.

Scabies is a skin condition that causes extreme itching.  It appears as tiny red bumps or blisters, which are often in clusters.  If allowed to spread, scabies can cover virtually the whole body.  It is, however, more likely to be found in areas where the skin is more folded and hence stays warm and possibly moist.  Some of the areas where scabies is likely to appear initially are under the breasts, in the genital area, under the arms, on the scalp, on the palms of the hands, an between the fingers and toes.

Scabies is highly contagious and can quickly be spread by close physical contact of any kind.  It can also be spread through the contact or usage of infected clothing,- or bedding.  If one family member has scabies, it is quite likely the whole family will become victims.

Scabies is caused by the scabies mite, a microscopic mite that can quickly burrow beneath the skin.  Here the mite lays its eggs.  When the young hatch, they crawl to the surface of the skin, – these mites cannot fly – and make a burrow of their own, where they will lay eggs.  Although other animals, such as cats and dogs, may have scabies,  and the responsible mites may cause humans annoyance, animal scabies will not live long on a human host.

The itching from scabies can be intense, and subsequent scratching is likely to break the blisters and cause infection.  Generally this is the main danger associated with scabies.  However, individuals who have compromised immune systems, are ill, or elderly, may possibly suffer from a more severe form of scabies, called crusted scabies, or Norwegian scabies.  In Norwegian scabies, large portions of the body are severely affected.  Crusts from over the affected areas and the nails may become deformed.  Crusted scabies is very difficult to treat.

Visit your physician immediately, if you have any skin problems.  All problems respond more quickly to treatment if it is begun immediately.

Scabies is easily diagnosed through microscopic examination of a particle of infected skin.  Once the scabies mite is identified, treatment can begin.

There are several prescribed ointments available that will kill the scabies mite.  The ointment must be applied to the whole body, from top down.  By leaving the ointment on for the recommended length of time, the mites will be killed.  Usually the treatment must be repeated at least once to ensure that all the mites, and offspring, are dead.  If there is any likelihood that other family member may be infected, they too may need to be treated.  Although the mites may be killed quickly, the itching may persist for some time.  Antihistamines and anit-itch medication will deal with this problem.

Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you.

It may not be possible to prevent scabies, but good hygiene habits, and regular house cleaning can help.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic, not only in the United States, but around the world.  In the last thirty years, the number of children classified as overweight  has nearly doubled.

Overweight and obese children are more likely to suffer from a myriad of serious health problems early in life.  The prevalence of type two diabetes in young children has increased at an alarming rate.  Extra weight increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the potential for heart attacks and strokes.  Overweight and obese children suffer, more than do healthy children, from asthma and other breathing problems.  Extra body extra weight means an extra burden for joints.  Arthritis becomes more likely.  Children who are overweight or obese tend to have fewer friends, and are more prone to isolation and depression.

Some childhood obesity may be caused by genetic factors, but this is rarely the case.  Most childhood obesity comes from the practice of eating too much, or too much of the wrong kind of food, and also from a lack of exercise.  Not too surprisingly, the same holds true for adult obesity.

It is usually possible, at a glance to tell if a child is overweight.  It is certainly easy to tell if a child is obese.  If you do not know what your child should weigh, ask you family doctor.

Fat children are not healthy children.  Nor are they happy children.  It is the duty of parents to see that their children achieve and maintain a normal body weight.

If your infant or child is obese, you should discuss this problem with your family physician.  With an infant, it is simply a matter of providing healthy foods in appropriate portions.  Young children should have a variety of fruits and vegetables, served without sauces, and preferably raw -  lean meats, skinless chicken, and fish – and whole grains.  Drinks should consist of low fat milk, and plain water.  Whole fruit is better than fruit juice.  No sweet snacks, and no sugared drinks or sodas.

Dealing with excess weight in infants and very young children is relatively easy.  Dealing with these problems in older children is many times harder, so nip the problem in the bud.

Never use food as a reward with children of any age, or withhold it as a punishment.  Never force children to east all that is on their plates.  If they repeatedly leave food, serve smaller portions.  Eat meals together as a family, at the dinner table.  Talk about things that interest the child.  Appreciate the food, but do not overly emphasize it  Do not constantly mention the child’s weight.

If parents are active, the children will follow suit.  This means that if you have an obese or overweight child, you will have to instigate activities.  Go for a long walk every day.  Get the family on bikes, roller skates, skis, or whatever the child enjoys.  Play ball with your children, or badminton, or anything that involves running.  All this may be difficult for the child at first, but as the pounds disappear, the activity will become easier, and more enjoyable.  If your child is a teenager, and mature enough, join a gym together.  Get some help setting out an exercise program, fitting the child’s age and maturity.  Older children may want to work out alone.  Let them.

If you have an overweight or obese adolescent, you may have to begin a discussion of the problem with them.  You must do this with sensitivity.  It is best to start as soon as you feel there is a problem.  Let the child know that you sincerely want to help.  Together with the child, lay out a diet plan, with the help of your family doctor or a dietitian.  Help them by purchasing only healthy foods.  Be a good example for your children.  Go for long walks together, talk with them about their plans for the future, their hopes and their dreams.

Part of the problem with older children is that often a good portion of what they eat comes from outside the home, in the form of school lunches, treats at friend’s homes, or snacks purchased on outings.  It takes a lot of will power on the part of the child, as well as a lot of encouragement from the parents, to stick to dietary restrictions, when away from home.  Be positive!  Don’t give up.

Nail fungus can attack the nails on the hands, as well as the nails on the feet.  It is more commonly seen on the feet, where it can thrive unseen in a warm, and slightly damp location.  Although it may be more unsightly than dangerous, in its early stages,  nail fungus is nevertheless, a condition, which should be treated, before it can spread.  Although the condition can be easily treated, it can be stubborn and can reoccur.

Any small break can allow microscopic fungus to enter the nail.  This fungus can be picked up by anyone, of any age, no matter how clean you are or how regularly you care for your nails.  It is the type of fungus that is commonly picked up in gyms.  Nail fungus is  more common among the elderly, as nails naturally thicken with age  It is also more common among those with weakened immune systems or problems with their circulatory system.

Nail fungus is more common among males than females, who are possible more fastidious about nail care.

The first noticeable symptom of nail fungus is a slight discoloration or cloudiness of the nail.  This may occur as a whitish area which darkens with time.  One or more nails may be affected.  Later the nail may thicken, split, or crumble.  The affected nail may also fold or twist inward, or even detach itself from the nail bed.  The condition may or may not be painful.  Toenails grow more slowly than do fingernails, so the condition is more difficult to treat on the feet than on the hands.

It is important to treat nail fungus, because it can lead to more serious infections which may cause permanent damage, not only to the nail, but to the surrounding skin.  This type of infection can present a serious risk to the patients over-all health.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose your nail fungus with a visual inspection.  He will however take a scraping from under the nail for testing.  This testing is important to rule out the possibility of other conditions and also to ascertain the possible cause of the nail fungus.

Once the condition is confirmed as nail fungus, your doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment, depending  on your health and any complicating factors.  If the condition is mild, your doctor may prescribe topical treatment only, but be aware that the most effective treatments are those taken by mouth,  usually taken for four to six months.  These will eliminate the fungus and the new nail growth will appear normal.

There are some possible side affects to oral fungal medications, so make sure to discuss these with your physician.

There are a variety of over-the-counter medications available for nail fungus.  These are applied directly to the infected nail.  Unfortunately these are not generally effective, as the fungus can continue to thrive in the nail bed.

There are also a variety of home remedies such as Vicks, Listerine, vinegar, and tea tree oil.  Many individuals claim to have totally cured their nail fungus by using these products.  Discuss this with your physician.

There are a variety of things you can do to help prevent the possibility of contracting nail fungus.

1.  Keep you feet clean and well dried.

2.  Wear shoes that fit, with plenty of room for your toes to move.

3.  Change your socks often, especially if your feet feel hot and sweaty.  Cotton socks are best.

4.  Use an antifungal foot powder.

5.  Keep your toenails cut short and straight across.  This may also help prevent ingrown toenails.

6.  Avoid going barefoot in public places.

7.  Don’t self-medicate.  See you family physician at the first sign of nail fungus.

8.  Do not cover affected nails with nail polish.  The fungus will continue to thrive beneath the polish.

9.  Wash your hands after touching affected nails.

From the back, a normal spine appears as a straight line.  Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine, seen from the back,  twists abnormally, either to the right or to the left.

Although the cause of scoliosis may be unknown, it does have several known causes.

—–Scoliosis is, to a large degree, hereditary.  If a parent has the condition, their offspring will likely inherit it, to a lesser or greater degree.

—–Scoliosis may occur because of a malformation in the spine itself, usually a result of a birth defect.  The individual bones have not developed completely or are fused together.  This causes the spine’s twisted form.

—–A similar twisting may occur because of diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or polio.  With these diseases, not only is the spine twisted, but the muscles are usually too weak to maintain erect posture.

—–Some individuals, either from birth or through injury, have one leg shorter than the other.  This results in the inability to maintain the spine’s normal positioning, and scoliosis can result.

—–Degenerative conditions and diseases such as arthritis, degenerating disks, and osteoporosis can damage the disks of the spine, and scoliosis results.

—–Tumors on the spine can also cause scoliosis, as an individual regularly leans away from the tumor to reduce the pain.  These tumors are usually benign.

Scoliosis is more common in females than males, and in most cases, other than those caused by injury or disease, the symptoms appear before, or shortly after, the age of ten.  If females suffer from scoliosis it is more likely that their condition will worsen over time.  The good news is that most scoliosis is mild and needs no treatment.

The most visible sign of scoliosis is the body’s uneven appearance.  One shoulder or one hip will appear higher than the other.  The normally straight line of the waist will be sloped.  One shoulder blade may protrude more than the other, as seen in the picture above.  The curve in the spine itself may be visible.   These changes can occur gradually, so it is important that the alignment of the spine be checked regularly, especially that of growing children.

There is no significant pain attached to the curving of the spine itself.  However, there may be some associated back pain as the body must move in an  abnormal manner.  If the scoliosis is severe and worsening, it can eventually interfere with internal organs,  possibly damaging the lungs and heart.

If scoliosis is present, it is necessary to take x-rays of the spine, to see the extent of the problem.  If it is suspected that a tumor is causing the scoliosis, an MRI or other imaging test will be done.  Once a diagnosis of scoliosis  is confirmed, the physician will decide if treatment is needed.

There is no ‘cure’ for scoliosis, however, its progress can be limited, and its symptoms can be treated.

*****If the scoliosis is caused by a difference in leg length, an orthotic can usually balance out the body and control the curvature.  One will have to be specially designed to fit the individual.

*****If the patient is young and the scoliosis is very mild, usually no treatment is advised, but the patient should be monitored on a regular basis to make sure the problem does not become more severe.

*****Even if the scoliosis is  considered  mild, a brace may be prescribed.  There are several different  braces and the physician will decide what is best for each specific individual.  Braces are usually only used for young patients, whose bones are still growing.  The brace should be worn at all times, (with some exceptions) until the patient is full grown.  Braces cannot reverse the scoliosis but they will prevent the curve from becoming more acute.

*****If the scoliosis is severe, surgery may be advised.  The most common surgery for scoliosis involves grafting two or more vertebrae together to prevent more curvature.  The surgeon uses a variety of devices to hold the bones in place until they heal completely.  If surgery is to be undertaken, the surgeon will discuss it thoroughly with the patient.  At this time, the patient should ask questions so he/she understands the process, and what to expect.  Fusion prevents movement in the area fused.

Some exercises may not be suitable for those with advanced scoliosis, but it is important to remain healthy and as active as possible.  While exercise cannot cure scoliosis, it will keep the muscles strong and better able to support the back and other parts of the body.

Trench Mouth is an extremely serious form of gingivitis, a gum disease.  It is common among those who suffer from a poor diet and poor dental hygiene.  It is seldom seen today, in the more prosperous nations.  Left untreated the damaging effects of trench mouth can spread into adjacent tissue and bone.

Trench Mouth was given its name during world war one when the condition was rampant among troops stationed overseas.  Trenches were often dug for protection, and troops lived in and fought from these trenches for days and often weeks at a time.  The trenches grew filthy and unsanitary, and the dental hygiene of these men was, for obvious reasons, often neglected.  Nutrition was poor, and there was a scarcity of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Many of the troops smoked and all lived under stressful conditions.  All these factors contribute to the development of  trench mouth.

Today, modern supplements and transportation techniques, ensure that troops are better cared for when in battle.

Trench mouth is caused by bacteria.  Although the mouth always contains some bacteria,  too many harmful bacteria can cause infection.  This infection, unchecked, begins to destroy the delicate tissue of the gums.

Symptoms of trench mouth include pain, redness, and swollen, bleeding gums.  Ulcers will form along the gum line, turning into deep fissures or ‘trenches’.  there will be a foul taste in the mouth, bad breath, and a greyish film over the gums, indicating decay.  As the disease progresses, teeth will become loose and fall out, there may be fever, and it may become difficult to eat, swallow, and even talk.

Those, whose immune systems are compromised for any reason, along with those who are malnourished, are more likely to suffer from trench mouth, as are those who fail to treat mild gingivitis.

Since trench mouth is now rare among developed nations, it is up to the individual to safeguard themselves.  If you have any concerns about the condition of your mouth, consult your doctor or dentist.  Ask questions and make sure you understand fully any health problems you have and how they need to be treated.

To diagnose trench mouth, a dentist will need to first examine the teeth and gums, and possibly take x-rays, which will enable him/her to check for bone damage.  Blood tests may be suggested in order to eliminate any contributing condition or disease.

The treatment for trench mouth starts with the administration of antibiotics to control the bacteria.  If necessary, pain medications (over the counter or prescribed) may be used.  The teeth will then need to be professionally cleaned, and any dead tissue surgically removed.  When the gums begin to heal, the teeth will need to be properly cleaned, again professionally, below the gum line.  Your dentist will suggest a mouth wash, specifically designed, to control bacteria, aid healing, and decrease discomfort.

There are several things that can be done to prevent the possibility of trench mouth.

1.  Practice good oral hygiene.  Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss well once daily.

2.  Eat a good diet, rich in natural foods.  Limit your intake of sugar, and sticky snacks.

3.  Visit your dentist at least once a year and have your teeth cleaned, as he suggests.

4.  Do not smoke.

5.  Find ways to control the stress in your life.

Cholesterol is found in most of the body’s tissues.  It comes from two sources.  Some cholesterol is made within the body itelself, mostly in the liver.  Cholesterol also comes from the foods we eat.  We cannot voluntarily control the cholesterol made within our bodies, but we can contol the cholesterol that we voluntarily ingest.

Although cholesterol is essential for many body processes, too much cholesterol can lead to heart attack and stroke.  Excess cholesterol, beyond what the body needs to function, causes fatty deposits, known as ‘plaque’  to form in the blood vessels.  This plaque narrows the vessels and prevents the blood from flowing normally, starving the body of needed oxygen.

Some individuals that are more likely, than others, to suffer from high cholesterol.  These include individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, males over 45, females over 55, those who are inactive or eat poorly, those who smoke, and those who have already had at least one heart attack.  Those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart attack are also at risk.

High cholesterol, having no visible symptoms is considered, like high blood pressure,  to be a silent killer.

A simple blood test is all that is needed to ascertain cholesterol levels.

There are two main types of cholesterol, good HDL, and bad LDL.  Ideally good cholesterol, HDL, should be kept at over 50, and bad cholesterol, LDL, should be kept well under 100.  Individual cholesterol levels may vary for a variety of reasons.  You family physician will suggest an ideal level for you.

There are two main ways to lower your level of bad cholesterol.

1.  Decrease you level of cholesterol rich foods, which include:

egg yolks

dairy foods, which include butter, cheese, and milk (skim milk is a good option)

meats, especially organ meats (choose lean cuts of meat, in moderate portions)

shellfish, and shrimp

fish packed in oil

processed meats and fast food

2.  Increase your level of activity.  A minimum of thirty working up to sixty minutes per day of moderate exercise is needed.  If the activity is vigorous, it will not only decrease weight as it lowers bad cholesterol LDL, but it will also increase good cholesterol HDL.

HD, or good cholesterol, not only reduces the body’s bad cholesterol, it also promotes heart health, fights disease, and boosts the body’s immune system.

As  you work to decrease the bad cholesterol in the body, you must also work to increase your heart health.  Do this by:

A.  eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day,

B.   substituting red meats with heart healthy fish such as tuna, salmon, cod, and halibut,

C.  eating whole grains,

D.  avoiding fast foods and highly processed foods,

E. drinking only in moderation

F.  avoiding foods that contain trans fats.  Some margarine, often used to replace butter, may contain high levels of trans fats, which raise your bad cholesterol while reducing your good cholesterol.

Those who cannot lower their cholesterol with exercise and dietary changes, may need medication, something to be avoided if possible.

Cankers are sores in the mouth. They may be on the inside of the lips as in the picture above, on or under the tongue, or on the inside of the cheeks.  They can appear anywhere inside the mouth, but not on the lips themselves.  Canker sores only appear on the soft moist tissue inside the mouth, never on the lips themselves.  Sores, that are visible on the lips, are most probably cold sores.

Canker sores look like ulcers with whitish centers, in fact, their scientific name is aphthous ulcers.  They may appear singly or in clusters.  Large cankers can be extremely painful especially when eating hot foods and even when talking.

Cankers are not contagious, and they are not related to herpes.  It is believed that cankers may have more than one cause, even in individual victims.  People who have had one canker, will most likely have others.  Cankers may be caused by food allergies or even food sensitivities.  They may also be caused by problems with the immune system, some drugs, stress, poor diet (lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid), or injury to mouth tissue.  The sores may also be the result of the presence of ulcer related bacteria or diseases such as crohn disease, celiac disease, and HIV.  Products such as mouth washes and toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate may also cause cankers.  For some unknown reason, females are more likely to suffer from canker sores than are males.  The sores also run in families.

Most canker sores, no matter how large, usually disappear on their own in about seven to fourteen days.  Small ones leave no scars, but large ones may.  If you suffer from canker sores often, or if yours are especially painful, it would be wise to pay a visit to your doctor or dentist, in order to rule out unsuspected or undetected diseases that may be the cause.

There are a variety of treatments for canker sores.  For serious outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe mouth washes or ointments that will dull the pain and hasten healing.  Your pharmacist will discuss with you available over-the-counter remedies.  For minor outbreaks, there are several home remedies that work quite well to handle the pain.

1.  Rinse the mouth every few hours with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of tepid water, or 2 teaspoons of baking soda in two cups of tepid water.

2. Apply baking soda directly to the sore several times during the day.  Leave on until it dissolves and then rinse mouth gently.

3.  Practice good dental hygiene.  Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth.

4.  Eat a healthy diet including vitamin B12, and folic acid.

5.  Until the sore heals, avoid spicy foods, hot foods, acidic foods, and chocolate.

6. Suck on a few ice chips, letting them rest on the canker.

7.  Have a full medical checkup annually.

Above, a new pumpjack in the Eagle Ford shale near Karnes City.

One sector of the American economy that is still growing jobs is the oil and gas drilling industry. There are jobs in the Eagle Ford shale discovery in Texas for those with industrial, technical, truck driving, welding and other backgrounds.  What is the Eagle Ford shale? It has been called by some energy industry analysts the “largest domestic discovery of oil found in the last 50 years”. While other exciting new oil discoveries have also been made in similar shale rock formations around the United States, (such as the Bakken Shale in North Dakota and the new Utica shale discovery in Ohio), the Eagle Ford is new enough  that hundreds, if not thousands of skilled workers are still needed. Since the word is finally getting out across the United States about the number of oilfield jobs in South Texas, many people are either considering moving to the Eagle Ford shale region, or are already on their way. An estimated 500 new workers are moving each month to the 400 mile long area of South Texas  known in the industry as the “Eagle Ford shale play”. This article will describe some of the jobs that are available, as well as the challenges of living and working in the Eagle Ford shale area.

Truck Driver Jobs

One of the hottest job sectors in the Eagle Ford shale is the trucking industry. Eagle Ford shale truck driving jobs that may be available  includes frac sand hauler, gravel hauler, oil truck driver, vacuum truck driver, hot oil truck driver, pipe hauler, and wide load haulers among others. Since the Eagle Ford shale holds billions of barrels of oil, and things such as pipe and tanks must be brought in from elsewhere, you may find yourself doing either long hauls, or point to point shorter ones hauling things such as frac sand. Frac sand is used in great quantities in Eagle Ford shale wells as part of the final completion process. To search for these jobs, look in the online classified section in cities such as San Antonio and use the terms “eagle ford”, “frac”, “oilfield”, “oil”, “drilling”, etc.

Welding Jobs In The Eagle Ford Shale

Since the number of pipelines existing in South Texas is woefully inadequate to carry all of the new oil coming from newly drilled wells, hundreds of miles of new lines are being constructed. From smaller 6″ gathering lines all the way up to 30″ main oil and gas lines, there are scores of projects in progress. Texas is a “right to work” state, meaning that for most pipeline contractors you don’t need a union card, just proof you are a certified welder, or qualified welder’s helper.  Again, look in local online classified ads, Craigslist and Monster.com using the search terms “eagle ford”, “south texas pipeline”, “pipeline”, “welder”, “welder’s helper”, etc.

Service Company And Hotshot Driver Jobs In The Eagle Ford Shale

Service companies are outside contractors who provide many of the essential services required when drilling an oil well, such as drilling fluids, mobile homes for workers to live in and even highly specialized services such as well logging and directional drilling. Many of these jobs pay quite well, but most require some degree of oilfield knowledge. It is possible to find an entry level job, such as working for one of the directional drilling companies (Schlumberger, Weatherford, Baker Hughes, Sperry Sun, etc), as a shop hand, while studying the necessary subjects part time to work as a field hand.  Field hands generally earn higher pay than shop hands, though there are exceptions to this rule, such as supervisory or specialty positions.  Oilfield service companies will often hire trainees who have experience as mechanics, electronic technicians, computer techs, equipment operators and other skilled blue collar jobs.  Office jobs in the Eagle Ford shale include those for executive assistants, dispatchers, book keepers and managers and more.  Hot shot drivers perform the important service of delivering things such as small equipment, drill pipe, drill line, etc., to rig locations. They usually drive one-ton diesel, dually pickups, pulling a flatbed gooseneck trailer. Most of the jobs with the main Eagle Ford shale hotshot companies require you to have a commercial driver’s license, since having one allows you to pull heavier trailers.  Generally oilfield  hotshot driver jobs in the Eagle Ford shale will require you to live in or near on of the larger, established oilfield “hubs” such as Corpus Christi, Victoria, Freer, Alice, or one of the newly forming oilfield hub cities such as Carrizo Springs, Karnes City, Beeville, etc.  San Antonio is rapidly evolving into an oilfield hub city, with new offices being built by Baker Hughes, Weatherford, Schlumberger and other major service companies.

Oil Rig Jobs In The Eagle Ford Shale

Those who are in excellent physical condition and up to working in a challenging and demanding environment, may want to consider becoming an oil rig roughneck. Most companies hire new workers first as “roustabouts”, and if they “have what it takes”, will allow them to move up the ladder to “worm” or roughneck trainee. It is not a job for the weak of spirit or the lazy. Consider looking on sites such as TexasOilfieldJob.com for information on what drilling companies may be hiring.

Now For The Downside Of Working In The Eagle Ford Shale

Yes there are lots of new job openings in South Texas related to Eagle Ford shale oil drilling. One problem is that there is now heavier competition for these jobs, and companies prefer to hire employes with oilfield experience. Another problem is that many of these jobs  are located in small to medium sized communities such as Jourdanton, Yorktown, Pleasanton, Charlotte, TX, Big Wells, Cotulla, Karnes City, Carrizo Springs, etc. Finding housing in some of these small South Texas communities can be difficult, since so many new workers are moving there. RV parks are springing up in many of these towns, but there are still not nearly enough RV spaces available in most parks. There are a few new hotels being built,  but often a single service company, such as Halliburton, will come and lease up every available room for months, even before the motel is completed.  Before accepting any job position in the Eagle Ford shale, make sure that you can find suitable housing for you and your family. Another downside of moving to the Eagle Ford shale area is that grocery prices are on the rise, and often there is only once choice of grocery store  in the smaller communities.

For truck drivers and commuters, roads are often rough and crowded with oilfield trucks and equipment. Truck drivers may spend a long time being loaded or waiting to unload, which may cut down on their income, especially if they are paid by the mile. State troopers are starting to crack down on speeding and  overloaded trucks, as well as on out of state trucks who have not changed their tags yet, so beware of this.  For families with children, schools in new oilfield towns such as Three Rivers may be crowded. “Fitting in” as a newcomer can sometimes be a challenge in small towns that have not seen any major changes in decades. The Eagle Ford shale oil boom is literally turning this part of the country upside down overnight, and not all residents are happy about the influx of new workers. Another thing to consider is that although this is a major, proven oil discovery that will ultimately require the drilling of thousands of wells, the oil and gas industry is cyclical.  This is an industry that swings from boom to bust every decade or so. If the price of crude oil  holds up, then the drilling boom in the Eagle Ford shale will continue. If it does not, there could be layoffs.  All indications are that drilling in the Eagle Ford shale will continue full steam ahead, as long as the price of oil remains above $50 a barrel.

The website Eagle Ford Shale Blog is a good source of news and information about new developments in the area.

Years ago, mumps was considered to be a very common diseases.  It was mostly seen among children.  Unfortunately, the disease is highly contagious, and also attacks adults, sometimes with serious consequences.  Mumps is spread when coughing or sneezing throws droplets of the virus into the air and, from there, into the airways of other individuals.  It can also be spread on the implements used, and contaminated, by the original sufferer.   Once you have had mumps, you are considered immune.

The most visible symptom of mumps is the swelling on one or both sides of the face.   The swollen area is tender to the touch.   This swelling is caused by a viral infection in the parotid glands.  These are two small glands located one below each ear.  Before the swelling appears, the victim will often have a headache, and feel feverish, and tired.  They may experience a loss of appetite along with muscle aches and pains.  The throat may be sore, especially when swallowing.  Symptoms begin to appear about five days after contact with the virus.  The symptoms of mumps are similar to those of other conditions.  A simple blood test will confirm a diagnosis.

There is now a routine vaccination which can prevent mumps.  Two doses are considered necessary for total protection.  The vaccine is usually given during childhood.  Anyone who has not been vaccinated, or has not already had the disease can become infected.  Fortunately, because of widespread vaccination programs, cases of mumps are rare.  Unfortunately, because of the reluctance of some parents to have their children vaccinated, cases of mumps are again appearing.

There are several reasons why mumps is still so dangerous.  Most people who catch mumps do recover fully with no lasting effects.  Unfortunately, there are several serious complications that can occur.  Males who have reached puberty can experience inflammation of the testicles.  This can be painful, and occasionally, very occasionally, can lead to sterility.  Females can suffer from inflammation of the breasts or ovaries.  This can also be painful but again, very seldom affects the ability to conceive.  One serious side affect of mumps is the possibility, again rare, of hearing impairment or total loss, in one or both ears.  Another rare, but serious, side affect is  the possibility of encephalitis or inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord.  Encephalitis is an extremely serious condition that can cause coma and death.

There is no treatment for mumps, as it is a viral infection that will not respond to antibiotics.  Simple home care if usually sufficient.  This should include lots of fluids, bed rest, and over-the-counter medications, as directed by your physician, for pain and inflammation.  Anyone who has mumps should remain in isolation for one week, until they are of no longer a danger to others.  The very young, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system needs extra protection.  Those with compromised immune systems cannot be vaccinated against mumps.

To avoid contacting or spreading mumps, vaccinate your children and yourself, if needed.  Practice good hygiene.  Stay home and away from others if you have symptoms of any illness.  Do not share drinks or eating utensils with others.  Cover your mouth with a tissue or part of your clothing, when you cough or sneeze. Teach your children how and why they need to protect themselves and others from illness.  If your symptoms seem extreme, or you have concerns of any kind, contact your doctor immediately.