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Letters to the Editors
Editors’ note:
OUR FRIENDS IN QUEBEC The Quebec conference was an especially up-lifting and positive gathering, with over 380 in attendance. This was by far, the largest single gathering of electrologists in North America in recent history. All from a Canadian province, that has less population than the state of Ohio. Association president Corinne Bonfond and her staff put together one of the most outstanding electrolysis conventions we have attended. What a fine-tuned organization they have, one which could be a model for any association, electrology or otherwise. This was their 25th anniversary conference and they just keep getting better. All Attendees that we spoke with were delighted with the venue (Le Chateau Bonne Entente) and the program. The conference offered a full complement of informative and varied lectures, buffet lunches, lots of exhibits and time to visit them, an antique epilator museum, cocktail hour and banquet with stage show. There was only one small downside to the entire trip. The Conference of the America’s was in town at the same time with presidents Chretien, Bush and Fox among others. This had no effect on the Quebec electrologists’ conference, but it did keep us from visiting our favorite Quebec City restaurant for dinner. A small price to pay, all things considered. All in all, this conference proved that electrology is alive and well, at least in Quebec. With all the “hits” that electrolysis has taken of recent, it provided a sterling example, that our profession remains very strong and growing in the province of Quebec. I can remember feeling the same about the U.S. sometime ago. Perhaps we all can learn from our friends in Quebec. We sure left Quebec with a nice, warm feeling and are looking forward to our next visit.
— Harry W. Cary III
UPBEAT QUEBEC The amount of time extended for attendees to visit the exhibits is excellent and starts refreshingly at a civilized hour each morning. This year I believe there were 380 plus delegates attending and judging by the crowded exhibition hall each day, I’m sure they all visited the exhibitors’ booths. At a time when there could be a negative mood within our industry, there appeared to be a very upbeat atmosphere amongst these extremely dedicated Quebec electrologists. “Merci beaucoup,” Quebec, for making Sterex Electrolysis Ltd. so welcome at your congress.
— Bob Chapman
DISPOSABLE NEEDLES DEEMED When I joined the AEA’s Infection Control committee, one of the things that I intended to defend in the Standards was the section that allowed the in-office sterilization of the electrology needle after use. After careful consideration and several discussions with colleagues, my view on the subject of re-using needles has changed. In this day and age, electrology has come under the scrutiny of our competition, the public, and governmental agencies. There are several factors that have evolved from this scrutiny. Not only have we been accused of transmitting disease by our competition, but the public has expressed fears regarding the re-use of any type of needle, for any reason. Along with those concerns, we have experienced the fact that some blood banks have been refusing donations from consumers of needle electrology. In addition, schools and clinics with employees face the fact that they must comply with OSHA [U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration] guidelines. Those guidelines indicate that disposables be used, since to do so would help avoid a possible puncture injury from a used needle. While I do not doubt the ability of an electrologist to properly clean and sterilize used needles, I believe that to avoid risks, we must be using presterilized disposable needles. I have personally used presterilized disposables since 1990, and believe that they present us with the easiest, least expensive way to provide a safe treatment. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion on the subject.
— Barbara Kieffer
SUCCESS LIES IN THE SKILL The article says, “Old electrolysis devices often caused burning, scabbing and sometimes even scarring,” then quotes Teresa Petricca [executive director of the AEA], as saying “these risks are unheard of, thanks to computerized technology that allows the flow of electricity to be controlled more precisely . . .” Trying one’s best to prevent burning, scabbing, and scarring lies in the skill of the electrologist and knowledge of the epilator that is used. Not all electrologists choose to become “computerized.” To indicate to the public that epilators were to blame for these side effects is irresponsible. The laser and Vaniqa are two more options for hair control, and both manufacturers and electrologists have felt their impact. The choices that electrologists make about their equipment, needles, and modalities are based on the efficacy of their treatments. Consumers need to feel secure about their decision to have electrolysis treatments, not be confused about the type of epilator or needles that are being used. Many factors influence pain perception, and each individual has their own pain threshold. To suggest that feeling more than just a “whisper of pain” is due to “the needle being inserted improperly,” is a sure way to discourage any return visits and ultimately destroy the profession. Fortunately, we have many options for pain control with our settings and topicals. I believe in supporting associations, and I believe certification can be a great asset. However, in 19 years of practice I have witnessed beautiful work with and without the credential: nothing replaces skill. It is self-serving when we make equipment, associations, or credentials the emphasis and focus of stories in magazines. The public deserves better representation and education of our profession. There are still many misconceptions; what one has, or what one uses, should not be one of them.
— Susan Frison, RN, RE |
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