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Five things Chile miners will have to tackle next

The story of the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for two months, a story that captivated the world, will soon fade into the backdrop. But for these men, their reemergence on the surface Wednesday is just the beginning of months, possibly years, of adjustment to their heightened status in society and the changes that happened while they were underground. Below are some of the things the miners will have to tackle next.

1. Health issues

Hugo Infante/Chilean Government/AP Photo
Miner Pedro Cortez, center, is helped by rescue workers after being pulled out of the San Jose gold and copper mine where he had been trapped with 32 other miners for over two months near Copiapo, Chile, Wednesday Oct. 13.

  • By Ariel Zirulnick Correspondent

Perhaps the most pressing concern is the miners’ health. Many of the men lost weight while underground, but none were in any kind of immediate medical danger once the established contact and began receiving food. The men are now under observation at a nearby hospital and the BBC reports that many are receiving care for dental and eye problems. Two men are being treated for a diagnosis of lung disease and doctors are concerned that one of the miners may be showing signs of depression. However, doctors also said they are surprised by the overall good health of the group, but will monitor their mental health as they readjust to life above ground.

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