1. Benefits of Exercise & Injury Prevention
For the Health Care Professional

2. Prevalence of Injury in Healthcare
Nursing aides and orderlies suffer the highest prevalence (18.8%) and report the most annual cases (269,000) of work-related back pain among workers in the United States.
In 2000, 10,983 registered nurses (RNs) suffered lost-time work injuries due to lifting patients.
12% of nurses report that they left the nursing profession due to back injuries¹
Back pain has the highest incidence of injuries in the healthcare field

3. Negative Results of Back Injury
Pain
Lost time from work
Expense
Lost wages
Inconvenience
Disability

4. Benefits of Exercise² Exercise helps controls weight
Helps prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
Improves mood
Boosts energy
Promotes improved sleep patterns
Increases overall fitness level

5. Only 30 minutes a day!
As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, preferably a mix of cardiovascular and resistance training

6. Cardio & Weight Training³
Increases bone density
Strengthens muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage
Improves ability to heal faster
Increases natural HGH (human growth hormone)
Improves blood flow

7. Exercise Benefits
In general, the stronger you are, the less likely you are to be injured at work
The stronger your muscles & the greater your ability to use proper body mechanics is the best prevention of injuries in the workplace
Use lifting equipment, if available
Ask for help if needed

8. References ¹ http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2008/09/lifting/¹ ² ³