• HOME
• PREVENTION
• THERAPY
• CASE MGMT
• REFERRALS
• CASE STUDIES
• TESTIMONIALS
• EVENTS
• NEWSLETTER
• Patient Survey
• CONTACT US

We are a proud member of the following organizations:

CLICK to view past issues and articles in the NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE . . .

March / April 2009

Table of Contents:

1. Early Intervention Program: Saves money and keeps workers healthy
2. Budget Friendly Home Workouts
3. Think Safe! The knowledge that can save a life

---

CLICK to return to top

Early Intervention Program:

Saves money and keeps workers healthy

Many organizations that have struggled to minimize OSHA recordables and Worker's Compensation costs have found the answer: an Early Intervention Program (EIP). With EIP, 85% of workers seen for EIP did not become an OSHA recordable and the companies Worker's Compensation costs were reduced by over 50%.

What is EIP?

EIP is designed to address work-related sprains and strains before they become OSHA recordables. It is for companies that want to be proactive in regard to injury management and cost containment. It can be a stand-alone program or serve as an extension of your current in-house occupational health program.

How Does EIP Work?

Each EIP is tailored to meet the needs of your organization. However, the basic components are the same:

1. An employee reports a mild sprain or strain.
2. A licensed therapist assesses the worker's reported injury, usually before s/he makes a visit to the doctor.
3. The therapist typically:
   • Instructs the worker in appropriate stretches or exercises for the involved area and the use of self-management techniques to alleviate symptoms.
   • Observes the employee as s/he performs his/her job in order to make specific recommendations that may prevent exacerbation of the condition. These interventions can reduce the costly progression of the worker's current condition and the chance of re-injury.
4. The therapist usually sees the employee for one to four visits, making a referral to a physician if and when it is believed to be necessary.

What are the Benefits of an EIP Program?

There are many benefits that organizations realize when they implement EIP. These are just a few:

• Work pain problems are addressed early, before they develop in to an expensive lost-time injury.
• EIP visits are not recordable. All techniques used during an EIP visit fall under OSHA's definition of "First Aid", thus making the visit non-recordable.
• There are no work restrictions for you to accommodate.
• The EIP visit is significantly less expensive than a physician visit and there are no additional medical tests (x-rays, MRI's) ordered.
• Since the therapist directly observes the worker performing his/her job, recommendations for alternate work techniques can be made immediately, reducing the stresses on the aggravated area.
• Over 75% of our EIP clients have not required additional medical follow- up.

If you are wondering if an EIP program is right for your organization, give us a call at (866) 298-1312 or jpanozzo@cisonsite.com.

---

CLICK to return to top

Budget-Friendly Home Workouts

Adopted from Mayo Clinic Embody Health

You don’t need a lot of money to start getting in shape. In fact, with the sample home workout routines listed below, you can build your endurance, core strength, and flexibility for little more than the cost of a jump-rope.

Endurance

Aerobic conditioning is important for your heart and lungs and improves your overall health. Consider these two home workouts.

• Jumping rope. Jump rope is strenuous, so start with just 30 to 60 seconds and gradually increase your time as you’re able. Use both feet or alternate feet, stand in one spot, or jump and “walk” at the same time.
• Stepping. In addition to its aerobic benefits, stair stepping may improve your bone density and increase your strength. Use the stairs in your house or purchase an inexpensive step from a discount store. Start slowly and gradually increase your time to 30 to 60 minutes.

Strength

You don’t need to buy hand weights for these exercises, which strengthen your core and neck muscles. Some examples include:

• Core. Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor and your arms at your sides. Slowly raise your buttocks off the floor, keeping your back straight. Breathe out slowly while holding this position for six to ten seconds. Then slowly lower your buttocks as you breathe in. Gradually increase your time until you can hold the position for one minute.
• Neck. Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor, and your right hand on your right cheek. Holding your hand steady, push your face against your right hand. Hold this position for six to ten seconds, and then repeat on your other side. Practice until you can do ten repetitions on each side.

Flexibility

Do flexibility exercises when your muscles are warm, such as after endurance exercises. You should feel some tension – but not pain – when you stretch. Some examples include:

• Neck and shoulders. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed in front of you. Put your hands behind your head and tilt your chin down, letting the weight of your hands gently push your head toward your chest. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then return to start and repeat.
• Neck. Sit in an armless chair and hold the bottom of the seat with your left hand. Tilt your head to the right and rest your right hand above your left ear. Breathe deeply, then return to the starting position and repeat this exercise on your left. Repeat one to three times on each side.

---

CLICK to return to top

Think Safe!

The knowledge that can save a life

Adopted from CareWise News

If you or someone else were having a heart attack,
would you know it?

Forget the dramatic, chest-clutching “movie” heart attack. IN real life, most heart attacks begin slowly. Symptoms may come and go. The classic warning signs of a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) are:

• Pain, uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of the chest.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fainting, cool, clammy sweating or nausea, with or without chest discomfort.

Less common symptoms are:

• Abdominal or stomach pain, or no pain.
• Feelings of anxiety, weakness or fatigue.
• Palpitations.
• Unusually pale skin.

Besides chest pain, women are more likely to experience symptoms such as weakness in the arms with severe fatigue, dizziness, cold sweats, shortness of breath and jaw pain.

During a heart attack (myocardial infarction), the heart is deprived of blood and oxygen. The longer the heart goes without oxygen, the worse the damage. Half of each year’s 460,000 heart attack deaths happen within an hour of the start of symptoms.

If you suspect a heart attack, call 9-1-1. Don’t wait more than five minutes – even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack. Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment when they arrive. They have equipment to restart a heart if it stops beating. If you are having a heart attack and can’t call 9-1-1, have someone else drive you to the hospital.

Reduce your heat attack risk by following these AHA-recommended ABCs: Avoid tobacco, Be more active, and Choose good nutrition.

If you've missed any of our previous newsletters, check the Archives

CLICK to return to top

• Employment
• Links
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2005 - 2009 Comprehensive Industrial Services, Inc. All rights reserved.