The Hartford Helps Workers Bounce Back After a Disability

Tips on Returning to Active, Productive Life Following an Illness or Injury

• Return To Work Tips
• Tips For Children

Many of us will experience a disability in our lifetime. Three in 10 workers will become disabled before retiring, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration (2007). Overcoming that disability can be one of the most challenging times in one’s life.

Every day, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), a leading U.S. provider of group disability insurance, helps employees return to work following an illness or injury. Based on its years of experience, The Hartford offers these practical tips on how to recover after a disability:

Note: Be sure to consult your physician before starting a program of physical activity.

• Sweat away the stress. Physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Work out at a local YMCA or YWCA or find physical therapy resources on the websites of the Easter Seals or United Way of America. The National Center of Physical Activity and Disability has descriptions of sports and exercise on its website (http://www.ncpad.org/index.php).
• Exercise your mind. Think of something you have always wanted to learn, such as editing digital photographs or creative writing, and then look for an adult education class on that subject. If you’ve been at home for awhile, a class will help you socialize in a non-threatening environment. You might develop a new professional network. Depending on the activity, it might aid in your recovery too. For example, tai chi can help with your balance. 
• Take a fresh approach to old tasks. Consult with a rehabilitation counselor, occupational therapist, or physical therapist to find new ways of doing things, such as household chores, running errands, and completing tasks at work.
• Nourish your body. Your appetite can be affected by your disability and/or medication. While you’re recuperating from an illness or injury, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet. Talk with your physician. You’ll find nutrition and exercise information on the website for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (www.mypyramid.gov/). The site includes tips and charts on the dietary guidelines, as well as a tool that calculates what and how much you need to eat based on your age, sex, and height.
• Be sure to get your Zs. Sleep is often a victim of stress and can be affected by some medications. Restful sleep is important part of your healing. Talk to your physician about how to get the rest you need.
• Heal your mind and body. Dealing with a disability is stressful; don’t be afraid to ask for help. Check on whether your company offers an employee assistance program (EAP). Additional resources can be found on websites for the National Council on Disability (www.ncd.gov) and the New Freedom’s Initiative’s Online Resources for Americans with Disabilities (www.disabilityinfo.gov).
• Be a good sport. Hit the court or take to the field as part of rehabilitation. Learning a sport is a valuable way to regain self confidence and motivation after a disability. Physical activity doesn’t need to be strenuous to be beneficial, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
• Get in the driver’s seat. Getting back behind the wheel can be a significant milestone after a disability. AAA offers a guide for the disabled driver. You’ll also find resources at the website for National Organization on Disability (www.nod.org). Consult with a physician before hitting the road.
• Get help balancing your checkbook. Handling your family finances and legal issues can be overwhelming while you’re recuperating from an illness or injury. Consider calling your company’s EAP to get professional help and ease your stress during your recovery.
• Have an “elevator speech” ready. Before you make your way back into the community or in the office, figure out how you will respond to questions about your absence or any visible signs of a disability, such as a cane or a wheelchair. Your physician or physical or occupational therapist can help you with this.

Tips for Children

• Fuel up. Give your child the nutrients that he or she needs to help the healing process. Find out how to eat right by visiting the website for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (http://www.mypyramid.gov/). Kids can play an interactive computer game that teaches them about a healthy diet.
• Pull the plug. Video games and movies can be a great distraction while your child is recuperating from an injury or illness. But you don’t want it to be a hurdle to recuperation. Talk to your physician about the amount of time that your child watches TV or sits in front of the computer. Instead, plan an activity with the entire family, like a walk.
• Learn while playing. Consult with an occupational therapist on how your child can develop physical coordination, social skills, and maturity through fun activities. You may need a referral from your child’s physician.
• Ease back into the school day. Schedule a playdate or fun outing with your child’s friends (one or two) to give them an opportunity to become re-acquainted in a low-pressure environment.
• Get creative juices flowing. Sign your child up for a group or club where he or she can use his or her strengths to engage with peers in a meaningful way.
• Start at home. Create an active environment that encourages physical fitness. Small steps include giving your child gifts that encourage activity, such as sporting equipment.
• Play hard. You’ll find fun info about fitness, including activity sheets, on the website for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhardkids). Be sure to consult with your child’s physician before beginning a program of physical activity.