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4. Importance of Prevention
Health care workers are prone to injury
Injuries usually due to poor practice
As one ages, risks increase
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Risk Factors
Poor posture
Poor body mechanics
Low level of fitness
Obesity
Stress
Mechanical and psychological
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6. Best Preventive Practices
Good posture
Exercise regularly
Stretch for flexibility
Good nutrition habits prevent weight gain
Adopt good lifestyle habits to reduce stress
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Definitions
Body mechanics
Correct positioning for a given task
Ergonomics
Science of designing and arranging work and living environments
Maximize efficiency and health and safety
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8. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Also referred to as RMI
Overuse of one body part places stress on tendons, nerves, or joints
Causes inflammation, swelling, and pain
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Most Common RMIs
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Tendonitis
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General Principles
Maintain three normal curves of back
Warm up and stretch before and after activities
Use largest joints and muscles
Avoid static positions
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General Principles
Make adjustments or stop if pain occurs
Use supports as recommended
Seek treatment early
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Body Mechanics
Proper mechanics while sitting
Proper mechanics while standing and walking
Proper mechanics while lifting
OSHA statement on back belts
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Back Belts—Pro
Increases intra-abdominal pressure to support muscles during lifting
Warm muscles of abdomen and back to increase flexibility
Serves as a reminder to follow proper body mechanics
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Back Belts—Con
Increases blood and pelvic pressures that could cause cardiac problems
Heat rashes
Improper fit can cause pain and injuries
False sense of security
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15. Computers and Ergonomics
Impact on RMIs
Use of mouse and RMI
How to decrease RMIs from use of mouse
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Computer Exercises
Make fist, open hands, spread fingers
Interlace fingers, extend arms
Rotate head
Shrug shoulders and then relax
Place arm on other shoulder and turn head to opposite shoulder
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Computer Workstation
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Visual Problems
Eyestrain
Headaches
Why eyes tire easier when viewing computer
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Prevent Eyestrain
Look away from computer
Rest eyes every 20 to 30 minutes
Adjust contrast on computer
Keep computer screen clean
Avoid glare on screen
Use paper holder
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