Bibliographic Information
Article Title
Mitigating Chronic Diseases during Archaeological Fieldwork: Lessons from Managing Asthma, Diabetes, and Depression
Journal Title
Advances in Archaeological Practice
Author(s)
Klehm, Carla and Hildebrand, Elisabeth and Meyers, Maureen S.
Month of Publication
March
Year of Publication
2021
Volume Number
9
Issue Number
1
Article Pages
41–48
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Language
English
Notes
Abstract
Chronic diseases and preexisting conditions shape daily life for many archaeologists both in and out of the field. Chronic issues, however, can be overlooked in safety planning, which more often focuses on emergency situations because they are considered mundane, or they are imperceptible to project directors and crews until a serious problem arises. This article focuses on asthma, diabetes, and depression as common medical conditions that impact otherwise healthy archaeologists during fieldwork, with the goal of raising awareness of these conditions in particular, and the need to be more attentive to chronic diseases in general. Archaeological fieldwork presents novel situations that put those with chronic diseases and preexisting conditions at risk: environmental hazards, remoteness from medical and social resources and networks, lack of group awareness, and varying cultural norms. As a result, if chronic diseases are not attended to properly in the field, they can lead to life-threatening situations. Managing the risk presented by these conditions requires a group culture where team members are aware of issues, as appropriate, and collaborate to mitigate them during fieldwork. Descriptions of how chronic diseases affect archaeologists in the field are followed by “best practice” recommendations for self-management and for group leaders.
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
- Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
- Integrity of Research Methodology
- Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation
Keywords & Terms
- Adequate Preparation
- Chronic Diseases and Pre-Existing Conditions
- Emergency Response
- Funding, Employment, and/or Compensation for Work
- Health and Wellness
- Incident Response
- Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
- Mental Health
- Outdoor Leadership
- Professional Qualification
- Professional Relationships and Communication
- Professional Standards
- Standards of Training and Student/Teacher Responsibilities
- Workplace Safety Standards
Topics & Issues
- Ableism in Archaeology
- Archaeological Ethics - Other
- Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
- Careers in Archaeology
- Compensation for Work
- Contract Archaeology
- Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
- Equity, Representation, and Diversity
- Ethical Case Studies
- Ethical Dilemmas
- Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
- Job Security, Unemployment, and Compensation
- Privilege and Issues of Inclusivity
- Professional Development
- Professionalism and Professional Standards
- Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, and Other Forms of Discrimination
- Working with Student Volunteers and the Public

