By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News August 2021 If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 Maine FishAbility: Fishing & Mental Health Issues Imagine working with an untreated broken arm. The pain is excruciating, your efficiency may be dramatically reduced. Your safety […]
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By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News Tendonitis is tendon irritation or inflammation caused by repetitive motion. Better known as tennis elbow, it can affect any joint. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, stiffness, weakness in the affected area, as well as numbness and tingling in extremities. Fishing is the very definition of […]
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By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News Commercial fishing involves working in harsh environments and being in physically and mentally strenuous situations. Energy Conservation can help; it’s the practice of examining tasks and structuring them to minimize muscle fatigue, joint stress, and pain by using your body efficiently and ergonomically. Weather […]
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By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, June 2021 Roughly 10.5% of the U.S. population has diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is largely due to excess body weight and physical inactivity; and as a result, the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to serious health issues. Fishermen with […]
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By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, May 2021 Knee pain is common in the fishing industry. Whether from an acute injury like a tear, or from a chronic issue (arthritis for example), fishing with knee issues makes for a hard day. Working on the sea means fishermen have better balance […]
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By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, April 2021 FishAbility for Maine Fishermen – April 2021 Back pain is a common complaint of commercial fishermen worldwide. In a 2016 OSHRI study, fully 50% of participating lobstermen in the Northeast reported having lower back issues. This should surprise no one. Most […]
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By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, March 2021 Fishermen’s work has been acknowledged by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Combining physical labor with working outdoors in the cold and wet, often on slick surfaces, all increase the likelihood of injuries. […]
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