Flight Safety Foundation Human Factors & Aviation Medicine 1998

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November–December 1998

Layovers in Underdeveloped Countries Increase Risk of Contracting Infectious Diseases 6 pages. [PDF 177K]

Diseases that are rare or virtually nonexistent in many developed countries are widespread in some other parts of the world. Crewmembers flying to countries where such diseases are prevalent can protect themselves from infection through vaccination and medications. Prior knowledge of the risks to be encountered at destinations, and of preventive measures available, can reduce risk by a large measure.

September–October 1998

Smoking Tobacco May Add to Risk of Dementia 4 pages. [PDF 38K]

Researchers found that, among a group of older volunteers who did not have symptoms of dementia at the beginning of a two-year study, a greater percentage of smokers than nonsmokers later developed dementia. Smoking was associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in the study.

July–August 1998

Overcoming Effects of Stress Offers Greatest Opportunity to Sleep Well 8 pages. [PDF 62K]

Relaxation strategies, including “sleep hygiene” — regular bedtime rituals that help put the mind at ease — are useful for many. And the environment in which sleep takes place can make a large difference, for good or bad. Exercise and diet can also play an important role in obtaining restful sleep.

May–June 1998

Sporting Goods, Oddly Shaped Items Have Highest Injury Rates in Study of Falling Overhead Baggage 8 pages. [PDF 54K]

Minimal traumatic brain injury is one serious consequence of injury caused by baggage falling from overhead compartments. Between 20 percent and 60 percent of such patients have symptoms three months after being injured.

March–April 1998

Continued Caution Urged for Pilot Use of Alcohol 4 pages. [PDF 38K]

Medical studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption offers health benefits in limited areas. But news accounts of the studies tend to focus on the “good news,” while ignoring or de-emphasizing negative consequences.

January–February 1998

Pilot Fatigue Manageable, But Remains Insidious Threat 6 pages. [PDF 50K]

When a pilot becomes tired, problem-solving slows, motor skills degrade and attentiveness is impaired. Many accident-causing human errors are probably the result of pilot fatigue.