1. Overexertion injuries like .pulling, lifting, pushing, and throwing activities atwork account for approximately $13.5 billion in benefit costs annually.

2. Slipping on wet floors or tripping over a foreign object/uneven surface cancause muscle injuries, and other medical issues.

3. Falls that happen from an elevated area such as ladders or stairways can result in serious injury

4. Reaction injuries caused by slipping and tripping without falling can cause muscle injuries, and other medical issues.

5. Falling object injuries can cause serious damage, the most common beinghead injury.

6. Unintentionally running into static objects such as walls, doors, cabinetsand furniture can cause head, knee, neck, and foot injuries.
6. Action: Maintain a neat and tidy workplace at work and at home. Clearly mark potential obstacles and hazards and practice diligence in your surroundings.

8. Machine entanglement injuries can happen at work and at home. They usually occur where heavy machinery is being used. Loose clothing,shoes, jewelry, fingers and unbound hair may become caught.

9. Repetitive motion injuries such as typing and excessive use of the computer can strain muscles and tendons which can lead to back, visionother disorders.

10. There can be violent acts leading to injury from arguments and officepolitics.

May is National Employee Health and Fitness Month

RCPS employees-live ahealthier and happier life!

1. Alone...on those breaks take a walk outside and breathe in that fresh spring air and get some sunshine while drinking your water•.•during lunch enjoy that sandwich made with100 % whole wheat bread and a big salad of fresh veggies!
2. With another employee...pledge to walk together at school around the trackor in the parking lot. Keep those walking shoes in the trunk of your car.. Holdeach other accountable!!
3. In a group..•Exercise together perhaps before school or after- Prepare aspecial lunch one day a week-plan for it and share recipes!

1. Plan a family weekend outing and include healthy food and a hike.
2. Encourage neighbors to come together and form a walking/bicycling groupmay aim for a local SK. May also plan a neighborhood "Healthy cookout".The more you encourage others the stronger will be your commitment toliving a healthy lifestyle!
3. Check your calendar to make sure you have scheduled your annual physicalassessment and dental checkup.
4. Think of personal habits you need to change such as cutting back on fastfoods,remembering moderationin in the good foods/habits,stoppingsmoking,getting more sleep (7-9 hrs./night),a regular exercise program, time alone to think and or meditate.
5. Plant a garden-in the ground or in pots!!

Remember today is the first day of the rest of your life­ andis made up of"moments" !

 April is stress reduction month 

1. Ask yourself what you can do about the identified sources of stress in yourlife. Think about the pros and cons then take action where you can.
2. Keep a positive realistic attitude.
3. Stand up for yourself in a polite way. Share your feelings, opinions andbeliefs, instead of becoming angry,defensive or passive.
4. Apologize forgive and forget.
5. Learn relaxation techniques (i.e. Breathing exercise-meditation) and takebreaks. Utilize the break room to stop, read,and drink water or your favorite herbal tea.Take a walk outside and get that fresh air!
6. Eat healthy. "Focus on the fresh" . Incorporate whole fruits and vegetablesand whole grains which contain B Vitamins that support a healthy nervous system.
7. Work to manage your time wisely.Saying "No" can be a good thing!
8. Make time for hobbies and interests.Schedule "me/quiet" time!
9. Exercise regularly. You will feel better and be more prepared to handle problems.
10. Get enough sleep and rest. They are not the same! Your body needs torecover from stressful events.
11. Don't rely on alcohol,drugs,or food to help control stress.
12. Spend time with people you love.
13. Separate work from home.
14. Utilize your EAP program as needed.
15. Plan your work then work your plan. Don't overload your schedule.