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March/April 2005

Table of contents:

1. Are Your Job Descriptions Adequate?
2. All About RSDS - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Disorder
3. Think Safe! - Fitness Facts

 

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Are Your Job Descriptions Adequate?

Many organizations are operating with old, inadequate - and sometimes even non-existent - job descriptions. This can mean significant problems when it comes to hiring the right person for the job, returning employees to work following an injury, and determining reasonable accommodations when hiring those with disabilities.

Having an ADA compliant Function Job Description (FJD) in place for each job position can save your organization time and hassle. A FJD details the essential and marginal functions of a job and quantifies the physical demand requirements necessary to fulfill those functions. It identifies the amount of time an employee spends performing certain job tasks, the amount of weight or force involved in performing activities, and the conditions in which these activities are being performed.

FJD's are particularly helpful when hiring new employees. Job applicants can review the FJD and have a comprehensive understanding of the functions and physical demand requirements before they apply for the job or accept an offer. Human Resources personnel can ask an applicant if they believe they can perform the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Following an offer of employment to a person with a disability, the FJD can be used to identify the tasks where accommodations need to be considered.

A FJD can also be the basis for the development of Post-Offer Screens. Post-Offer Screens test the new hire's ability to meet the physical demands of the job prior to starting work. If a new hire fails the screen, the offer of employment can often be rescinded. (Look for more information on this topic in the next newsletter).

FJD's are also extremely useful when dealing with employees suffering from work-related injuries. The FJD can be immediately shared with the employee's physician so that there is an unbiased understanding of the physical demands of the injured worker's job. This allows the physician to make a more informed decision on the necessity of work restrictions or on the appropriate restrictions. This understanding can cut down on an organization's lost-time and restricted-duty days by accelerating the return to work process.

FJD's take time and expertise to create - things that may be of short supply at many of today's organizations. If you would like some assistance in getting these important tools in place in a timely fashion, please contact us at (866) 298-1312.

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All About RSDS - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

What Is It?
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is a chronic condition characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch. The syndrome is a nerve disorder that occurs at the site of an injury (most often to the arms or legs). It occurs especially after injuries from high-velocity impacts such as those from bullets or shrapnel. However, it may occur without apparent injury. RSDS is a unique disease in that it simultaneously affects the muscles, joints, bones, skin, blood vessels and nerves.

What Are the Symptoms?

I First Stage (one - three months):

1. Severe, burning pain at affected area
2. Muscle spasms
3. Joint stiffness
4. Restricted mobility
5. Rapid hair growth
6. Nail growth
7. Hot and/or redness of the skin

II Second stage (three - six months):

1. Severity of pain intensifies
2. Swelling spreads
3. Hair growth diminishes
4. Nails become brittle
5. Osteoporosis becomes diffuse and severe
6. Joints thicken
7. Muscle atrophy

III Third stage may result in permanent / irreversible changes:

1. Severe pain continues and often envelops the entire limb
2. Skin may become drawn.
3. Muscles atrophy
4. Severe limited mobility of affected areas
5. Flexor tendon contractors
6. Marked bone softening
7. Overall reduced function of entire affected area

What Causes It?
The cause of RSDS is unknown at this time, it can occur as a result of injury to nerves, bones, joints, occasionally muscles, tendons or ligaments. Other mechanisms can precipitate this condition such as, cancer, infections, surgery, cerebral lesions, thyroid disorders, lung disease and heart complications.

Treatment Options
An early diagnosis combined with treatment can help reduce or prevent permanent damage. Various treatment options are available, depending on each individual.

Treatment options include:

1. Exercise
2. Biofeedback
3. Medications: alpha-blocking drugs, calcium channel blockers, local anesthetic blockers, Bien block
4. TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
5. Physical therapy
6. Surgery

Who Is At Risk?
RSDS can strike at any age, but most commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Research suggests that children, adolescents and young adults with RSDS are increasing. RSDS affects men and women, but statistically more often in women.

Resources
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association
website: http://www.rsds.org/

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Think Safe! - Fitness Facts

ARE YOU FIT?
Can you touch your toes?
Can you lift a heavy bag of groceries without too much effort?
Can you still fit into the clothes you want to wear?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you may want to start a fitness program.

WHY IS EXERCISE IMPORTANT?
People who are physically fit:

• Are more alert and productive
• Have more stamina, both physically and mentally
• Handle stress better
• Have less trouble sleeping.

Exercise also keeps you feeling and looking good. Regular exercise is key to weight loss and weight control. While a healthy diet is important, exercise also helps you lose those extra pounds and stay trim.

Studies show those who regularly exercise live 25-30% longer than those who do not exercise. More importantly, those who are physically active are more likely to enjoy those added years. Inactive people are more prone to general fatigue, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, excessive stress, bad backs, obesity, low productivity and depression. Which would you rather be? Exercise is also important in managing and controlling certain conditions or diseases such as diabetes. If you have a chronic condition, talk to your doctor to find the best exercise plan for you.

COMPONENTS OF FITNESS
Fitness doesn't necessarily mean having big muscles or being able to run a marathon. Fitness is a balance of three areas:

1. Aerobic Conditioning
"Aerobic" means in the presence of oxygen. Aerobic exercises use large muscle groups and get the heart pumping oxygen to all parts of your body. Walking, jogging, bicycling and swimming are all aerobic exercises that strengthen your heart and lungs. To get the full benefits of aerobic exercise, follow the F.I.T. principle.

2. Flexibility
Everyone needs flexibility. Stretching exercises help keep the body limber and decrease the risk of injury. They also help you look and feel younger. While loss of flexibility is often a part of aging, it does not have to happen. You can increase your flexibility no matter how old you are.

Stretching is a good stress reliever at work. Sitting or standing for long periods of time in the same position can leave you stiff and tense. Pay special attention to the neck and shoulders, since tension seems to settle there.

3. Strength Strong, well-toned muscles look better than flabby ones and they help you function better. Muscular strength is important for proper posture, good lifting techniques and injury prevention. And believe it or not, toned muscles burn more calories, even at rest. F.I.T. PRINICIPLE Exercising too hard does not make you fit faster. To stay fit with aerobic exercise, think F.I.T.

Frequency - 3 to 4 times a week is ideal. A helpful guide is to never let more than two days pass without aerobic activity. There is a greater chance of injury when you do impact exercises, such as jogging, more than 5 times a week.

Intensity - The goal is to raise your heart rate to your training level - between 60-80% of your maximum heart rate. The best guide is the talk test: you should be able to comfortably maintain a conversation while you're exercising. If you can't, slow down!

Here's how to find your target heart rate:

Subtract your age from 220 (that's your maximum heart rate), then multiply the result by 60% (0.60) or 80% (0.80) to get the low or high end of your target heart rate.

Time - Keeping your heart rate at training level for 20 minutes will provide you with the major benefits of aerobic exercise. For most people, this means a total exercise time of 30 to 40 minutes: a 5-minute warm up, 20 minutes at training level and 5-10 minutes to cool down.

DO YOU NEED TO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR?
Check with your doctor if:

• you are over 40 and do not exercise
• you have ever had a heart attack
• you have ever been told that you have high blood pressure, a heart murmur, heart or lung disease
• your heartbeat is ever irregular or you have spells where it is suddenly fast
• you have ever had chest, neck, shoulder or arm pain or pressure during exercise
• you are taking medication for your heart
• you have bone or joint problems such as arthritis
• your cholesterol is over 240
• you have diabetes
• you are pregnant and did not exercise before becoming pregnant

Read the next issue for part 2 of this article for details on choosing exercises right for you, proper warm up and stretching, burning fat, and maintaining the benefits.

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