Back Care Program #1

Maintaining a healthy back will always start with POSTURE. The first thing to remember is to always be aware of your back, whether you be in your car, to in a chair with a high or low back, to even sleeping in a recliner to a bed. So remember this tip when you sit...

1. Push your navel back toward your spine - this will create a natural curve to your back.

2. Try and keep your knees higher than your hips - if you don't you will find yourself slouching and increases pressure on your back.

3. Do not put your legs on an ottoman while sitting - this can put stress and strain directly to your low back.

For more information, email: industrial@oneaccordservices.com

All Hands on Deck for Safety at Frito Lay

Frito Lay, Casa Grande, has recently created a 12 member safety team comprised of a cross section of all employees at the Casa Grande manufacturing site. This team was created to promote discussion around how to make the site safer and improve overall wellness of the employees. These 12 team members have set their goal for 2009 to see a 30% reduction in total incidents vs. 2008. The safety team, who through regular scheduled meetings, have identified 3 main areas which they intend to target. Below is listed there target areas and initial action plans:


Target I: Aged and Tenured Work Force - 10%

• Educate tenured employees who have chronic aches through involvement with their site therapist provided by One Accord Industrial Services.
• Focus training-visual training- pictures Reminders/examples – LOTO, back safety, stretch posters, etc.
• Utilize the One Accord Industrial Newsletter through the Web site which will integration information on health tips, healthier choices of foods, etc.
• Ergo Advocate present on-site for off shift and weekend coverage.
• Posters for general awareness medical condition and ICE/badge med id
  

Target II: Process Modifications - 10%

• Write immediate work orders for faulty equipment identified by team members.
• Re-enforce safe speeds of forklifts and drivers
• Pedestrian walkway Installed w/ flashing warning light
  

Target III: Daily Operating Parameters - 10%

• Ensure proper proficiency for all new hires.
• Increase safety focus at all meetings and venues.
• Create structured pre-shift meetings with daily health related information.

There goals are simple, yet specific. Way to go Casa Grande! The project manager the safety team is Miranda Rodriquez, if you have any questions or would like more information regarding their program, you can contact her at miranda.rodriguez@fritolay.com

Functional Preventative Stretch #1

Door-Way Stretch

Train your shoulders properly by promoting good posture by stretching the muscles in front of the shoulder into the chest muscle. This will promote posterior shoulder rotation, improve your strength and prevent shoulder injuries. In other words, stand up straight like your mama taught you!

Key Points:

1. Stand up straight and bring your forearm up to a solid surface.

2. Elbows and shoulder at 90 degrees.

3. Step through with the same side leg (ie. as in the picture, step through with the left leg)

4. Hold that position for 10-15 seconds.

5. Repeat multiple times per day.

How Do I Listen to my Body While Working in a Physical Job?

When working long hours, or simply training your body, it is important that we all listen to our bodies. The biggest question is what are we listening for. The solution is very clear, but sometimes we are scared to do what is right.

Some listen so hard to their body, they become paranoid to every new symptom, feeling, or physical change. This is followed by frequent changes in habits or direction in their wellness. Others ignore the tale tale signs and don't know they have an illness or injury until its too late. This will slowly end up, in what I like to refer to as "the breaking point of your weak link", whatever that may be for you.

There is a way to find the middle of the road. Be aware of your body, and make educated decisions of your next step. The traffic light used in many circles can guide us to those proper decision making.


Green - Feel good at the end of the day, stretching through out the day improves stiffness and tightness. An ice pack may even help alleviate some sore muscles, including the ever popular Biofreeze or Painzone ointment. You understand that proper lifting and ergonomics are key to your health. If you are stuck in front of this light, keep going, great job!




Yellow - Soreness and muscle cramps last more than a few days and never goes away during a scheduled day off. Fatigue sets in and you find yourself lifting improperly and using poor ergonomic techniques, with low energy output. If you are stuck in front of this light, there is hope! Understand that you are not alone, do not re-invent the wheel here, focus on re-energizing your body!

1. Start eating energy foods such as pasta the night before work
2. Continue with nuts and cheeses during the day.
3. Drink more water, even a sports drink to balance your electrolytes.
4. Chat with your local physical therapist or wellness specialist at your work.
5. How about this question, "Am I doing everything I should be doing?"
   

Red - Soreness is now discomfort and your ability to complete a task is inhibited. Back off your work, reduce the intensity, decrease the number of repetitions and call for help. Don't try and push through the pain, stop and seek help! Call your resource and get a hold of your physical therapist. We can help you get back to GREEN, through stretching, massage, and abatement strategies.

Benefits of Green Tea in the Physically Active

Green Tea has been widely used in medicine for thousands of years. In eastern societies, Green Tea has been used from everything from cancer, to headaches and even mental disease. Much of the information that is available to the public must be scrutinized to ensure accuracy and validity in their claims. Research is a viable tool which allows health care professionals to strictly judge the effectiveness of medical information.

Research has shown that drinking Green Tea can reduce the risk of attaining some cancers, reduce inflammation, improve immune system function, and help reduce cholesterol levels. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences, published in May 2008, researchers show the effectiveness of reducing some of the negative effects of exercise and resistive training as seen in the physically active.

Green Tea is rich in a substance called polyphenols. Polyphenols are one of many powerful anti-oxidants that help reduce free radicals within our bodies. Due to the high anti-oxident levels which are present in Green Tea, research has shown that daily consumption of Green Tea reduced the amount of free radicals, and significant reduction in lipid hydroperoxide, which is an indicator of post exercise oxidative stress.

Another study found in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, published in November 1999, showed that drinking caffeine and Green Tea burned more calories than just drinking caffeine. So if you have a few pounds to shed, Green Tea may be a smart choice.

Now, how does this apply to me? Whether you trying to shed a few pounds or work in a physically demanding job, drinking Green Tea can help reduce damage to the muscoloskeletal system by reducing free radicals and prevent oxidative damage.

It is recommended that you drink anywhere from 4 to 10 cups a day of Green Tea. However you look at it, it is a reliable source of anti-oxidants. Although there are many brands and types of Green Tea in the market today, the best is always natural and brewed. In general, here are some safe guidelines for you to consider on your next Green Tea purchase:

1. Avoid Green Tea Energy Drinks - Too much caffeine
2. Avoid instant or Bottled Green Tea - There may be other chemicals added
3. Look for regular Green Tea you can brew - Most natural

Resources:

Training & Conditioning - August 2008

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - November 1999

Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences - May 2008

Chair Massages Available Now

One Accord Industrial is now offering a valuable adjunct to early intervention for all non-occupational discomfort, Massage Therapy. Massage therapy is another tool to maintain wellness in your life.

Massage Therapy is made available as a post treatment program for our patients in the clinical setting. With the great benefits, we would like to now make Massage Therapy available to you as an employee and general public as part of your personal wellness program.

Our program is run by Christopher Grammer who is a licensed massage therapist. Chris specializes in all areas, but not just limited to upper and lower extremities.

The benefits of massage are vast and effective. It can be used to reduce and eliminate inflammation, reduce tension, reduce scar tissue, help reduce pain associated with arthritis, and improve wellness and balance to your body. Chris is flexible and willing to travel for office functions or safety fairs.

Prices

• Half hour table massage for $35


• Chair massages also available for $1 a min. up to 20 min.


• Couple massages are also available by appointment

If you would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 836-8621