ATLANTA, March 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN), www.aaohn.org, is spotlighting the valuable work occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs) perform in diagnosing lung-related illness in the workplace. AAOHN's upcoming Symposium & Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. will discuss this impact and offer spirometry education.
The practice of diagnosing lung-related illnesses, known as Spirometry, is one of today's key workplace and environmental health issues. OHNs often take the lead in diagnosing these illnesses in workers, saving lives and improving workplace environments through their invaluable expertise.
OHNs address workplace air quality by identifying pollutant and contamination sources and evaluating a building's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. They also observe production practices and provide physical examinations to employees to prevent future injuries and illnesses.
Renowned expert, Dr. Mary Townsend, a leading researcher and educator in spirometry, teaches AAOHN Symposium's NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course. Dr. Townsend is adjunct assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and consults with major corporations and private institutions. Participants completing the refresher course will be able to extend their certification from NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) for an additional five years.
The Symposium also offers OHNs and other employee health professionals numerous courses that address issues important in today's workplace. "Integrating Technology Into Behavioral Interventions," explains how interactive web tools can be used to extend or replace other forms of behavior change intervention within an employer-based workforce wellness program. "Occupational Health of an Elite Worker Population," examines the growth of biomedical research and its safety impact on employees in this high-risk arena. "Cognitive Ergonomics: Training That Works for Older Adults," highlights the best health and safety practices for workers over the age of 50. "Occupational Health: Addressing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profits," emphasizes OHNs' impact on business practices that benefit the employee, the company and the environment.
AAOHN welcomes all employee health and wellness professionals to attend Dr. Townsend's spirometry course and the rest of Symposium.
For more information on AAOHN's 2009 Symposium & Expo April 17-23, and to register for these and other courses, visit www.aaohn.org.
AAOHN is a global organization with members who encompass the entire range of health and safety workers, worker populations and community groups.