Story (http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/03/31/hospital.obesity.ap/index.html)

Last year, patient care director Colleen Becker decided to check the numbers. She looked at a daily hospital census -- about one-third of the 900 patients weighed 350 pounds or more.



ATF Healthcare, a union representing 70,000 nurses and other workers at hospitals in 18 states, last week called for new laws forcing hospitals to buy equipment such as portable hoists to prevent worker injuries.




Try the "Know how much you eat?" Quiz to the right.

I did horrible on the quiz. Two out of nine. :o

Ambulance for the obese (http://www.playfuls.com/news_00598_Super_sized_Ambulance_to_Handle_Obese_P atients_in_Vegas.html).

I saw this story yesterday on Google News. A converted ambulance capable of handling up to 1,600 pounds by winch/lift with an oversized gurney and hoist that can move patients in excess of 500 lbs.

When will the wake up call come for the rest of this nation? When they're converting tractor trailers into ambulances?

-R

I got 4/9.

Here's a video of a 800+ pound man in hospital (http://www.thatvideosite.com/view/1982.html).

Let me just say that if you are overweight and get sick, you care is compromised. Every procedure done is more complicated. Starting IV's and basic nursing care is a struggle. Xrays and CT scans aren't as good. Surgery is ten times more difficult and may even be impossible. Even simple ones like appendectomies. Unfortunately, more and more, the sick ones are also morbidly obese.

I only got 1 right. :o