Introduction. Yerba Mate, also called Paraguay tea, is obtained from the dried leaves (approximately 95%) and stems (about 5%) of the evergreen shrub-tree Ilex paraguariensis. Each year, the consumption of yerba mate becomes increasingly popular in North America and Europe. The fashion for Paraguay tea has also reached Poland. During the period 2012-2018, as much as an 8-fold increase has been observed in the import of this raw material to our country. Objective. The aim of the study is analysis of the present state of knowledge concerning the health effects of Yerba Mate, based on selected scientific literature. Dicussion. The consumption of yerba mate may exert a beneficial effect on human health and its consumption is recommended in the treatment of obesity and while practicing sports. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a very high consumption of the tea, especially when very hot, may increase the risk of occurrence of cancer, which has not been unequivocally confirmed by scientific studies to-date. Conclusions. It has been confirmed that this beverage shows a number of beneficial health effects, including: a protective effect on liver cells, stimulation of the central nervous system, anti-inflammatory effect, as well as a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

The paper presents the relationship between the parameters (temperature and time) of infrared heating and wheat grain compressive resistance. Additionally, an attempt to explain the mechanism of decrease in the strength of grain under thermal processing was undertaken. Based on the results obtained, we reached the conclusion that thermal processing with infrared (IR) radiation leads to a decrease in wheat grain compressive resistance. The range of compressive resistance changes depends on the temperature and the time that the wheat grain is exposed to IR radiation: The higher the temperature and the longer the processing time, the lower grain compressive resistance. The lowest values of compressive force were recorded following the process carried out at 180°C for 150 s. Changes of grain resistance are caused by damage done to their internal structure resulting from the thermal influence of infrared radiation. The damage scope is related to the temperature and processing time. There are particularly noticeable changes after processing at temperature above 150°C and time exceeding 90 s. In the course of the process carried out under these conditions (t>150°C, τ>90 s), a phenomenon of starch gelatinization occurs. Starch begins to gelatinize from the inside of the grains, which is characteristic of the absorption and heat transfer mechanisms occurring during electromagnetic wave heating.

Introduction. Employees performing work underground in coal mines are exposed to the effect of many hazardous factors in their work environment which negatively affect their health. Objective. The objective of the study was to recognize the opinions of employes working underground in one of the coal mines concerning the occurrence of factors hazardous for health in their work environment. Materials and method. The study was conducted in a group of 700 persons working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine in Łęczna (Eastern Poland). The study was carried out using a questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using software STATISTICA v. 7.1. Results. The vast majority of respondents (approximately 80%) reported that noise and dustiness at their workplace create risk for their health. More than a half of them mentioned that the microclimate in the mine threatens their health (high humidity and high temperature), and a half of respondents indicated vibration and poor lighting. The greatest differences of opinions concerning the effect of hazardous factors on health of persons employed in the mine were observed in the subgroups distinguished according to the work position. Health risk at a workplace was most often identified by those employed as miners. Conclusions. Among actions reducing the negative effect of the work environment on health is the introduction of new, safer technologies of coal mining. Also, the human factor is very important for work safety in mining, including the proper preparation of employees who undertake work in a mine. It is recommended that new, more effective educational programmes are implemented in the area of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at workplaces.

Introduction. Researchers indicate an important relationship between the level of job satisfaction and the state of health of the employees. Some elements of work related with its character, organization, and interpersonal relationships may evoke strong stress, manifested by, among others, an increased musculoskeletal tension which, in turn, may lead to permanent dysfunction of this system. Objective. The objective of the study was analysis of the relationship between the level of job satisfaction and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of the State Forests. Materials and method. The research material was collected using two instruments: the modified Nordic Questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal disorders, and a questionnaire concerning job satisfaction. The study was conducted in a group of 396 employees of the State Forests from 8 regions of Poland. Results. The results of analysis confirmed a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The lower the level of job satisfaction, the more frequent the experiencing of musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion. Low level of job satisfaction is a risk factor for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Shaping of work conditions, which are the source of job satisfaction, should be considered as one of the main elements of prevention of musculoskeletal complaints.

The work of a forester which consist, among other things, in relocation on foot or by vehicle over long distances along an uneven terrain and in various weather conditions, is a risk factor of the occurrence of musculosceletal disorders concerning the low back and knees.