Q: Being a new doctor in practice I need all the help I can get. We will be implementing many of your ideas from the smart start book so I'll let you know how the practice grows. I wanted to ask you, I remember in class that you talked about targeting large companies such as Home Depot and Sam's Club, well we have both across the street from our office space. Is there usually any problems contacting main people in charge to schedule health talks and are they usually open to the idea?? A: Thanks for the e-mail. If you approach these companies with positive vibes and a strong purpose towards educating and helping them be pro-active with employee enhancement programs .. you'll have a head start. First step .. create a flow chart and handout of material to present to corporate safety folks. Look within my Smart Start Book in Chapters 3 & 7 .. I think. Nonetheless .. look around for the menu of programs and the flow of who and how to contact these companies. Prepare a sheet of paper with some of these ideas that you can display to them within a loose leaf book with plastic paper protectors .. like a flip chart. Second step is to visit the Home Depot and Sam's. Once there ask if you can speak with the store manager and/or safety manager. If they are there (if not come back later .. don't leave anything with the other person) .. shake their hand and simply say who you are and where you work and since you are community neighbors it would be a great idea for you to extend your pro-active community outreach programs with their employees and members (customers). You have an ergonomic program with no cost for the employees during their various shifts and postural/stress screenings with a local charity for members. What you would like to do is set up a time to present a safety program for their associates (employees) which is called Safety on the Job. It is a 20-30 minute review of conservative action steps to avoid chronic wear and tear such as sprain and strain and helping them be more proactive both at work and home with simple but effective stretch exercises. There is no charge for this as it is part of your Community Outreach Program .. but it will assist in employee productivity and reduce physical downtime. This approach works well for both these companies. If they need to get corporate approval it will hold things back .. but if not set up a workshop right there .. be sure to have dates set aside .. then go for it Have a Great Day Dr. M