Friday, March &, 2019 YUBA-SUTTERAGLIFE APPEAL-DEMOCRAT 7 Rocio Valdez, director of communications for Ampla Health, said some of the most common diagnosis for agricultural worker patients at Ampla Health are related to obesity and the fact that many aren't seeking medical attention when they need to. She said many suffer from hypertension and "During the work season, they're very occu pied," Valdez said. "... Some of them are afraid to lose the job or of losing that day of work. Some don't have medical insurance as well, she said. Some don't qualily for Medi-Cal during the work season and there are also some who are afraid to seek medical attention because of immi gration concerns. She said nutrition is another possible concen when it comes to the workers' health "I think their eating habits have a lot to do with it, Valdez said. "What they eat and not having a lot of education as far as nutrition. A rest station for seed pollination workers near Grimes. didn't see a lot of that last year, Boden said. She said some don't understand how some foods are affecting their bodies and health Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, said there is still ongoing research about the health effects of pesticide exposure when it's inhaled into the lngs, Those risks are why there are rules and regulations for the use of pesticides, he said, including regulations when an app cation site is near a school A lack of exercise is another factor, Valdez said. Even though they're working a lot, the work they're doing is not necessarily enough, and they work long hours so some are not exercising after One of the areas of concern is dust being a carrier for pesticides into the lungs or "There's a lot of buit in safety factors," respiratory tract, especially for workers Bowden said during pesticide application, but theexact effects are not known at this point, Pinker- ton said There are some restrictive chemicals where an employee is required to be certified or be under the supervision of a person who is certified to use the chemical, where workers can't be in the field that is Bowden said. The state requires employ being sprayed, but there is the potential for ers to train their applicators on an annual drift, he said. basis. She said Ampla Health makes efforts to reach out to the community and make sure people know about the services and programs that are avail- able to help them, such as classes and payment options. During application, there are regulations Workers might be in an adjacent field and be exposed," Pinkerton said. Kent Pinkerton, director at the Western