How To Prevent A Recordable Injury - Part 1

Injury prevention is one of many things that highly impact the wellness of an employee. Without focusing on employer support and responsibility we have found that curtain actions that employees can take which will generally help them overcome their presenting complaints. The following suggestions are guidelines for your quick recovery. If you have any questions, please call or email our 24 hour consultation line for more information. If any suggestion increases your symptoms or of which you have questions, please stop the activity until you consult with your therapist.

~If you get a delayed onset of pain, play Sherlock Holmes and discover what activity you are performing that causes your pain. Ask your therapist to provide you with different movement or postural suggestions to help decrease irritation.~

Superbowl Hangover

The beginning of the end starts with the super bowl. From Thanksgiving through the holidays, the Super Bowl is looked at as the small ray of light that many physical active industries, especially the food industry, look at as a time of rest. After the super bowl, many employees are able to slow down and not feel like they need to meet the physical demands of their job. This is also the time where many employees seek medical attention for those sometimes overlooked aches and pains. So if you fall into this category, remember these simple tips to help avoid unnecessary cost of medical intervention.

1. Start icing those aches and pains if you have not already. A simple bag of ice done consistently daily can reduce your signs and symptoms of discomfort.

2. How about a massage? Take time during your day off and seek a massage therapist for a tune-up. If you do not have access to or find it difficult financially, please contact us for other options. You can also see the site therapist for discomfort. Industrial@oneaccordservices.com

3. Spend extra time stretching before and after work. There is value in continued stretching to alleviate soreness. If you are doing the same stretches, try something new, see functional preventative stretches on this site.

4. Buy a new pair of shoes or get new equipment. This is a great time of the year to change your shoe wear. Out with the old and in with new and fresh. Give your feet a much deserved upgrade.

5. Start a new supplement or a new multi-vitamin. Taking a drug "holiday" can be helpful to introduce a new, and safe form of supplementation. Please seek a medical provider prior to changing any daily supplemental dose. Do not change your Rx medication without seeking a physician.

6. Visit our newsletter and browse the many topics from health tips to back care education. Be pro-active about your health and wellness.

Health Coaching - Building a Better Life

Building a better life begins with what you eat. Creating a healthy state of mind requires you to put in healthy foods. If you live in a hot climate or not, experts recommend that you drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. Most fruits and vegetables are 80% water, which contributes to about 3 to 4 cups toward your daily fluid intake. So instead of fast junk food, go for the fast fruits and veggies.

Health Coaching - Building a Better Life

Getting fit starts with one step at a time. Experts recommend walking 30-60 minutes per day at 70% of your max heart rate to burn calories and burn off weight.

Research has shown that when people exercise by walking, they walk 30% longer if they walk to music.

You can download walking music to your ipod by going to http://www.mywalkingmusic.com/

Back Care Program #5

This segment of the back care program will consist of RULES TO LIVE BY, basic patterns of back function. Repetition in the form of proper lifting is important to develop good habits in proper back posture. With that being said, remember these next key points.

1. Do bend at the hips and knees when lifting medium to heavy size objects, Do not just bend at the waist.

2. Always remember to carry objects close to the body and avoid lifting heavy objects above your waist. If you require a higher lift with a heavy object, ask for help!

3. When lifting an object, keep your back straight (neutral spine) until you return to standing position. Do not twist while you are coming to a standing position to save time!

4. Always face your work, never twist your torso while leaving your waist or hips behind. Move as a unit.

5. If you are to short to reach above your head to a higher shelf, always use a step stool. If you have difficulty going up and down steps, you have a weak glutius maximus (sitting muscle). Longer term weakness may cause back pain and injury.

6. Here is one we all are guilty off: Sit down when dressing shoes and socks, etc. Do not bend at the waist while trying to balance on one foot.

7. When you cough or sneeze, round your back and bend your knees to avoid sharp, quick jerking motions.

Functional Preventative Stretch #4

Arm Pit Stretch

This stretch is another stretch which promotes correct posture, specifically the neck in relation to the torso. If you have experienced any discomfort in your neck or upper shoulders, this stretch may help you! Remember to stretch often and rotate stretches to keep things fresh and motivating.

Key Points:

1. Side-bend your head to the right (right ear to right shoulder).

2. Place your right hand on top of your head and pull gently.

3. Rotate your head and look at your right arm-pit.

4. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds.

5. Repeat multiple times per day.