IN SEARCH OF GOOD HEALTH

Life at sea can be sometimes long and hard. To perform well during shipboard duties, to do the everyday tasks, it is essential, if not regulatory, to have a standard of medical fitness. It is essential, as stated in STCW, that all seafarers should "meet the standards of medical fitness".

Many of us don't value our health until it's all too late. And yet we can help to prevent poor health by taking simple steps towards good health.

So how can we make sure that our standard of fitness is maintained and we are fit to work during the sometime long voyages at sea'

Several key functions of the human body are covered in this video package:

• The effect that over exertion has on the brain, highlighting how important relaxation and proper rest is in order for seafarers to function effectively.
• How essential good hearing is and the possible dangers of not wearing protective aids.
• The importance of a good smile and keeping teeth and gums healthy.
• Skin diseases contracted through over exposure to the sun and the use of harmful liquids can be prevented by using covers or creams as a form of protection.
• Maintaining a healthy heart through regular exercise, check ups and a healthy diet can help to prevent heart disease.
• Smoking and passive smoking could lead to lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and cancer.
• Some basic preventative steps and back exercises are demonstrated in order to combat the common and recurring problem of back pain.
• Drinking excessively can and will impair performance at work as well as possibly causing the liver, a vital organ, to fail.
• The shocking reality of contracting HIV and other STDs are graphically shown and the importance of having protected sex is emphasised.
• Keeping muscles strong and undamaged is important towards the daily running of a ship. Regular exercise is essential towards maintaining flexibility and alleviating stress.

Good health is our best investment. It's worth making the effort to eat healthier foods, and to get some form of exercise daily. This video aims to illustrate to seafarers exactly how they can maintain their health and a good standard of fitness by adopting a easy daily routine which is simple, practical and highly beneficial. Helping the seafarer to be FIT FOR LIFE, FIT TO WORK.