January 2010

Taking Concrete Steps Toward Feeling Great!

Bloomers exercise after clocking in every day. Find out why, and learn a few tips that might benefit you in 2010!

It's 6 in the morning and the Isabel Bloom artisans are beginning their day. Stashing their coats and bags, they head away from the work carts filled with unfinished Baby Rattles, Bluebirds and Hearts toward the center hallway. There, they plant their feet, stretch their arms forward and pull back on each hand. Laughter and conversation fill the air.
 
Although Bloomers have been exercising for years, the regimen changed in 2008 after a coater (an artisan who applies the final clear coating to each sculpture) hurt her hand during the Easter rush. Lynn Reffet (3rd from the left, above) had picked up one egg too many. The repetitive motion cramped her hand so severely that she suddenly couldn't extend it. The company sent her to an occupational therapist that afternoon. 
 
"The therapist learned about my job, then gave me a list of exercises and stretches to help protect me from another injury," Lynn says. "We thought, this is a good idea for everyone. So we invited her to come to Bloom and work with everyone."

Lynn applies a clear coating of Glazon to protect the new Isabel Bloom Bluebird. The repetitive motion of grasping and painting sculptures could eventually cause an injury without proper exercise and stretching.

The Bloom Solution
 
Genesis Occupational Therapist Sue Clemens studied the Bloomers as they worked, noting the repetitive and potentially injurious motions, and created personalized exercises for each.
 
"They have been wonderful to work with," Sue says. "They love their jobs, but want to stay comfortable and productive. That makes them very compliant."
 
Compliant, indeed. They wouldn't think of starting work without warming up first. It not only helps them work quickly and comfortably, it's fun to socialize before getting down to business.
 
"I feel great because of this," 62-year-old Lynn says, in between exercises with her workmates. "Even if I come in late and am the only one here, I still do them. They help keep me strong and healthy."
 
The exercises, which take 10 to 15 minutes, are designed to strengthen and stretch the artisans' muscles in the opposite direction of the tasks they perform. So hands are stretched open, necks are arched back, and shoulder blades are squeezed together. It's a regimen that promotes comfort and reduces stress, while strengthening the bonds of the Bloom family.

Lynn says she provides the "final loving touch" by signing sculptures before they are shipped out. Since beginning her exercise regime 2 years ago, she enjoys more comfort doing so!
 
A Matter of Balance
 
Balance is the goal, Sue explains.
 
"You achieve balance by strengthening the opposite muscle group," she says. "For example, picking up and holding sculptures creates strong gripping muscles, but does nothing for the opposing muscles. By stretching and exercising the opposing muscles, you restore balance, and reduce the risk of injury.
 
"Exercise and stretching are key to helping your body cope with the rigors of any repetitive motion," she continues. "Whether you are sitting at a computer or handling concrete sculptures, you can suffer an injury. Simple stretches and exercises can help prevent it."
 
Lynn says she feels better than she has in years, and she credits both Bloom and her exercises.
 
"Exercise is more important to me than sleep," Lynn says. "I am so grateful to be working for a company that sees the value of it, and provides its employees with what they need to work comfortably.
 
"I would say to anyone, try some exercise. I don't go crazy, but exercise is an important part of my day. My advice? Make 2010 the year you do something for yourself. Stretch, move around. Buy some sticky notes and put reminders on your computer to Get Up! Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Shrug your shoulders. Give it 5 minutes a day and you'll feel a lot better, I promise!"

Bloomers may joke and laugh during exercise time, but they take it seriously. They say a few minutes a day allows them to enjoy their jobs - and the rest of the day - in greater comfort!

Get Comfortable! Exercise Tips for Everyone
 
Genesis Occupational Therapist Sue Clemens says these 4 easy exercises will help relax and limber you up, especially if you spend time hunched over a desk, workstation or even your garden this spring. Combine them with a walk (go to the mall during inclement weather) and you'll have a great start on improving your comfort!