http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:29:39 +0200 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:29:39 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/The-Goal-of-Bionomics http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/The-Goal-of-Bionomics Ergonomics has evolved from a humble office arrangement to a more diversified state – Bionomics! Yes we have learned that the merging of ergonomics to any of mans daily activities is of great benefit, because it gives us ease of work as well as peace of mind because of the proper arrangements of the tools that we use. But as Man does not stay on the same corner, no we are never the stationary kind, in fact we also go with the tide, we constantly think of ways to better improve our way of life. We keep moving forward. Thus this newer version is born! The difference between Ergonomics and Bionomics is that the focus is not only limited to the physical environment alone; it also focuses on the proper management of the body as well. But before going further, Let us first define what bionomics. Bionomics is defined as the field within ergonomics that includes behavioral science, biomechanics as well as posture. The said area also includes vocationally based stretching. It is a combination of two words; Bio, as the body and Nomics as management. The goal of bionomics is to teach a person prevent any strains like back injuries at work or in life. Simply put, This is the completion of Ergonomics… well at least for now, because we always keep moving forward. The word bionomics was conceived as an answer to the prevalent high cost of work related strain/sprain. These injuries are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other ilk injuries; it is now commonly called as musculoskeletal disorders. These painful muscular discomforts causes big money loses to the U.S. industry because of costly errors and office related injuries. But a modification in the physical environment as well as the use of mechanical assistance has helped to lessen the exposure of stress for many employees. With this tool, work flow has experienced a sound atmosphere because of reduced absenteeism, and productivity boost. Indeed fundamental training like Ergonomic training has been a great help in both the people as well as the U.S. government. Simply because these safety trainings, teaches us to how to properly use our own bodies in our daily jobs thus preventing injuries and costly cycles of discomfort, pain, and the quality of job that we do. In line with this problem, the solution is born – Bionomics. It has been proven that the reduction of work related injuries; an employee can learn how to be responsible for their own well being, perform efficiently as well as perform effectively at work. This workable training method is the ultimate answer. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:06:16 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/How-to-Reduce-Back-Pain-through-Ergonomics http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/How-to-Reduce-Back-Pain-through-Ergonomics Ergonomics is defined as the science related to man and his work. This word embodies the anatomic, physiological, and mechanical principles which affect the efficiency of human energy. Examples of these are safe lifting techniques, appropriate seating positions, proper posture and adaptive equipments. In other words, Ergonomics is the study of how your body interacts with the environment that you’re in when you perform an activity or a task. Ergonomics often involves arranging your tools, lighting’s as well as the way you do a task-to fit you and the activity you are doing. With regards to the office; office ergonomics focuses on arranging your work environment in order that you feel eased while you do your job. When your workstation is properly arranged, there is a big percentage that you efficiently do your tasks, this way you don’t feel stressed because there are no piled up work that needs o be continued the following day. And you may be less likely to have problems such as eyestrain’s or headaches. Most of all you are most likely to reduce neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain and joint pain. So whether or not your workstation causes you physical problems, a workplace that is properly arranged can increase your productivity and the quality of your work life. An ergonomic office can help an employee become more comfortable in his work, thus he reduces stress and injuries that is caused by awkward positioning and repetitive tasks. It is in this situation that an ergonomic evaluation is needed. This evaluation examines the set-up of the workstation that is relative to the employee’s posture, the time spent that a position takes in doing a particular task, movement repetitions as well as the types of movements that an employee does in his workplace. It also examines the surroundings. This includes the work surface, the noise level which is relatively important, humidity and temperature and the lighting’s. Lastly this evaluation also targets the tools that an employee uses in his workplace. This includes the computer mouse as well as the scanning machines. Now, in the context of how to reduce back pain through ergonomics, there are certain basic ergonomic guidelines that may help you prevent back injury. To prevent these uncomfortable situations in your workstation, it is important that you position the work so that you can sit comfortably and minimize stress. This way you prevent any discomforts on a specific area of your body. This is called pain management. You also need to vary your positions and your tasks. This concept is not only applicable to your workstation; this concept is also applicable to the activities that you do at home or in any activity that you do. In the same vein a workplace that is ergonomically arranged reduces occupational illness and injury. Less money will also be spent on the worker’s compensation claims. There is also an improvement in the quality and productivity of the work, as well as less absenteeism on employees. It is therefore a must that a workplace needs an ergonomic touch , this way injury may be avoided and the workers can perform efficiently in a given task thus harmony embraces the workplace. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:10:15 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/Reward-Yourself-with-a-Nursing-Shoe http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/Reward-Yourself-with-a-Nursing-Shoe If you are in a hospital, the nurses are your angels. They are the people, whose efforts are mostly neglected, but their services are as important as those of the doctors, simply because they also do regular rounds, and with these rounds they’re also the ones who give the patients their medicines; and surprisingly they sometimes do this in the wee hours of the morning. It’s no surprise that most these hospital attendants suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. This is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot that most nurses experience. It is in this regard that I am writing this article, which is totally dedicated to the angels of the hospitals -- the Nurses! This article is inclined more in ergonomics. Simply because the idea behind ergonomics, is to adapt the work environment to the worker rather than adapt the worker to their environment. In this case this article is about finding the right shoes for the nurses. In finding the right nursing shoes, you should consider “Skid-proof”. The purpose of this is to avoid slipping or even falling. In short- Safety! The second thing to consider is the “Socks”. This is for those people who like to wear shoes without socks; now in my opinion, it is still a good idea that you make sure that the shoes that you buy can still be worn even with the socks on, simply because of your human factors. This means that you may need to wear socks if your workplace is quite cooler than you can endure. In my own opinion this is occupational health, because even in your workplace, you also need to think of your health and safety. And it is in this sense that ergonomics comes in. Another factor that you need to consider in buying for your own nursing sneakers is “Comfort”, because it would be awkward to use something that you’re uncomfortable wearing right? And along with Comfort, you may also need to use “Inserts”. Now there are many inserts available to put in your footwear to cushion and absorb pressure of walking on hard surfaces. This will provide you ease when you’re walking on your shifts. Now if we talk about comfort in the workplace, ergonomics immediately comes in the picture, because one of the aims of ergonomics is to provide comfort to the worker in his workplace. “Flexibility” is another factor that needs consideration in looking for your footwear, simply because, a footwear that is not flexible would mean strain on your feet and ankles. And obviously you wouldn’t want to experience this when you do your rounds. And lastly “Length and width” This aspect is as important as the others. Because you need to make sure that the shoe is big enough for your feet to expand throughout your shift. Therefore I say to you nurses; “Your job will be much easier if you do not suffer from an aching feet, ankles or legs”. So reward yourself with a nursing shoe, using the concept of Ergonomics. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:33:29 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/Prove-them-Wrong http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/Prove-them-Wrong Care giving is indeed one of the common trends nowadays, and I am happy about this newly discovered trend. Why? Well simply because it gives our Asian (mostly) brethrens a chance to work abroad and earn dollars, and most of all, they can have a degree with this kind of job. With regards to the kind of work our care givers have; I must admit that it’s definitely the opposite of what others perceive because surely there will be hardships and a never ending adjustment stage! And this is the very reason why I am writing this article, because I want to share something to the caregivers, something useful, and something they can use in order for them to better cope in their situation. But before I continue further, I am personally thanking all of the caregivers out there, and I would like you all to know that I feel your pain and I salute all of you. Once again I say thank you! Let me start by saying that all caregivers must know and understand the word Ergonomics. What is Ergonomics? Wikipedia, states that ergonomics is the science of designing the “JOB”, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. As a caregiver; start by giving a good impression to the family members, by knowing the person you are assigned to care. By this you should apply Ergonomics in the workplace, you should ask about the persons like and dislikes, as well as what the family’s rules and regulations. I mentioned this first because; you are a “STRANGER” to the lifestyles of the family you’re working. Therefore it is very crucial that you take time to know the rules and regulations of the house. The next step is to organize and investigate with the family members. This is where Ergonomics comes in. By saying organize; I mean that you should work with the family; ask about important matters like who to call in case of emergency, what numbers to dial and sort them out in level of importance. This is for safety reasons. You must also make a list of people to be called upon, in a given situation. And when I say investigate, it means that you should read books that in is line with you work, this should reinforce your learning, another good way is to look for websites that will help you learn about the illness of the person you’re caring. This way you build “trust” and most importantly you give healthcare. Another area where Ergonomics can fit, is in the concept of “Coordination” If you ask me, this is one surefire way to build trust and acceptance to the family you are working with. If you have skills on legal documents or Medicare, then offer it to them. If need be, device a plan on what to do, when the patient’s condition becomes severe, serious or fatal. Bottom line is, never be hesitant to offer a helping hand. Another area of importance is “sensitivity” to the needs of their elder. Posture is an important thing to the patient, because this will help promote better blood circulation to the patient and prevent any kinds of body pains, if this is so, ask the elderly on what kind of posture that he is comfortable with in a given situation, but if need be, let the family members and the elder also understand the important reasons why you place the patient in that kind of position. You see, one of the salient factors of Ergonomics is to provide good posture. Lastly, make a better Ergonomics by improvising, this appeals more to common sense, but if asked about this matter, I believe that, this is what’s lacking nowadays; it seems that common sense is not so common after all. So I say; “Prove them wrong”, and improvise, this will make you a better caregiver, friend and person. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 25 May 2009 09:59:11 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Office-Chair http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/Ergonomic-Office-Chair What is an Ergonomic Workstation? What does it imply? What are its advantages as well as its disadvantages? And, is it cost efficient? These are some of the questions that may pop in the minds of office workers, business owners and Entrepreneurs. First let us answer the question what is Ergonomics? The thesaurus.com answers this as comfort design, user friendly systems and workplace efficiency. On the other hand the Wikipedia answers this as the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. If this is so, then we can clearly say that the Ergonomics is more of an importance rather than a mere luxury or status symbol. If this is so, the said human engineering should be and must be applied in workplaces, homes as well as the mere furniture’s. In workstations such as offices or even manual labor workplaces, the chair is the single most common furniture that can be found. And the merge of Ergonomics to this humble Everyday furniture will make a big difference. It will benefit both the user in the aspects of performance and physical well being. In the aspect of Physical well-being, a comfortable workplace has comfortable ergonomic office chair that provide comfort and relaxation to the worker. A worker will definitely know if he/she is comfortable in his/her chair as soon as the worker sits on it. A good ergonomically designed chaise lounge will provide lumbar support for lower backs as well as allow effortless movements for the legs. The lounge will also include soft back pillows for air circulations to flow. Adjustability, Stability and Easy Mobility- This ergonomic office furniture must also be Stable, Adjustable and easy to move. This will qualify it as an Ergonomic office chair. Good ergonomic office chairs should include an adjustable vertical feature which is beneficial for comfort as it permits the user to lean well in the desired position. Backrest-This should be the most important feature. It is the most critical element of the lounge. Why? Because the said feature should offer good support to both the middle and the lower back. With regards to the physical wellbeing, a good Ergonomic Office Chair aims to reduce health problems due to the lack of salient features necessary for the wellness of the user. An improper chaise lounge can reduce the risk of back pains and neck pains. These problems can affect the productivity and efficiency of your personnel. It is also believed that more than a 50% who works for 15 hours a week is likely to have musculoskeletal problems on the first year of their office tenure. Therefore then the importance of a Good ergonomic Office chair is of great relevance and deal to workplaces. In the case of performance, the said subject also helps in the staff’s efficiency of work. Here are top picks for those who would like to buy a Good Ergonomic office chair. Neutral Posture High Back Task Chairs 6600. This can be used by any professionals regardless of the size of the place. This is one good ergonomic Office chair Human scale Liberty Chairs. Any person would feel comfortable in this butt rest, thus it is one of its amazing features. This also is one, ergonomic office chair that can stand the test of durability. Human scale Freedom Chairs with Headrest. This ergonomic office chair can be modified in ways you want. Bottom line is this is one chair you will ever want. So the next time you buy a seat for your staff, consider these ergonomic chairs in your working area, they are cost effective because your staff won’t be complaining of their discomfort, and the comfort of these seats are best for the productivity and efficiency of your staff’s performance. This ergonomic office chair is Beneficial. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 14 May 2009 06:13:50 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/healthy-office-socialization http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/healthy-office-socialization How many hours do you spend in the office everyday? And how many days in the week do you stay in your workplace? And if you’ve been working for years, well, imagine how much of your life you’ve literally lived in the office. Do the math—how many hours has it been, or days, or years since you’ve been a regular office “dweller”. Considering you basically inhabit your workplace on a regular basis and all in all for a significant amount of time, you have to make means to make it a better place. Not only in terms of declutering or organizing your workspace, but more importantly, the social atmosphere. You probably have (more than) enough stress coming from the tasks demanded of you. And if you happen to be “anti-social”, or else you feel an unlikely social workplace setting, then your stress is virtually doubled. By all means, take time for office socialization. Don’t be such a nerd or a dweeb so absorbed in what you “do” in the office. That is, don’t be a “robot” enclosed in your own cubicle eternally tinkering with the computer. Or else dribbling notes here and there that you don’t have time for occasional chit-chats. Much stress can be taken off you if you make means for healthy office socialization. Make your workplace the ultimate work setting, a place conducive for working and for you growing and becoming a better employee and person. Office socialization makes your workplace a comfortable place to be in. Have healthy and positive relationships with your bosses or colleagues in the workplace. This is office socialization which can ease stress anxiety and depression from your job, especially if it is tedious in itself. In fact, if you take time having amiable relationships with your co-workers, you find yourself more focused towards doing the tasks required of you. Office socialization is apparently a means for you to take care of yourself- as a person and as an employee. Social time in the workplace can actually boost your morale. Humor or a good laugh in the work setting would well be useful. But of course, it shouldn’t be offensive or derogatory. Having social time exchanging jokes ought to be within boundaries. Jokes you tell your old high school buddies might not be appropriate being shared with your colleagues, though. Sensitive jokes can endanger your professional standing or reputation. In office socialization events or parties, be mindful of “touching”, unless you go dancing with a co-worker or doing such other activities. You could prompt an eventual lawsuit by draping your arm around a co-worker, especially if you don’t have their permission. A handshake greeting is acceptable, but as much as possible, don’t make skin-to-skin contact with colleagues in your workplace. Effective office socialization also has to do with communicating with everybody in the place. And then of course, you also have to be an attentive listener. More importantly, you have to mind your manners. Pay attention to table etiquette when there’s a meal, or in your work habits, especially if your output is part of a team’s performance. Shop talk is better avoided—say only things which people appreciate hearing. Office socialization means you having to adjust with people in a place where different personalities abound. This is essential for a group setting wherein output and productivity is required. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:12:50 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/creating-your-own-Ergonomic-Workstation http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/creating-your-own-Ergonomic-Workstation Ergonomics is defined by Wikipedia as the scientific discipline concerned with designing according to human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. Ergonomics as a subject has 5 factors. They are Safety, Comfort, Ease of Use, Productivity and Performance and Aesthetics. Ergonomic Workstation on the other hand aims to provide you with a good working place aw well as a sound environment. Consider these tips as a tool in creating your own Ergonomic Workstation. The type of computer to be used. A chair to match your workers physical characteristics. The rooms’ good arrangement, that is not too stressful to the eyes. The type of chairs to be used. In setting up your Ergonomic computer workstation, always remember to know the extremes. These are the people who will be working; whether they are tall, small, thin, or even the broad. Choosing the right chair is also of great importance. Though, this is commonly unapplied. But there is actually more in this that, meets the eye! Backrest for Lumbar support is a great factor here! If more than one person will be using the chair, consider buying a chair with several ergonomic features. A good computer Set-up is also important. The viewing distance and the viewing angle of the user’s eye to the computer, so as to avoid eye strain.-A good wrist rest and wrist, normally this is associated with a straight wrist angle.-A sound environment. This enables the smooth workflow of the place. Ergonomic Workstation also handles the places’ lighting and ventilation. Because a good workplace must be cool and have a good lighting system that is not eye straining. The kind of color of the lights also affects the workers. Ergonomic Workstation also has to do with the largely with the employees safety! This can both be Long Term as well as Short Term as well. It is in this sense that Ergonomics can help reduce cost, if safety is also reduced! This would decrease the money paid out in workers’ compensation. In Workplaces Ergonomics, Reactive and Proactive approaches may be used. A reactive ergonomics is when something needs to be fixed and immediate action is done. While Proactive Ergonomics on the other hand is seeking out areas that needs immediate actions for possible future problems! This and more are the areas in which Workstation Ergonomics may dwell. And what is perceived by many to be of lower degree of concern is actually of great importance. And this is not only limited in the workplaces alone, These concepts are also applicable in your very own home, the place where you live can also use Good Ergonomics. Remember that your very place also needs good ergonomics. So assess well your home, work stations or even you’re Cabinet! Is it properly arranged? Are your furniture’s properly arranged that they don’t look bad! Lastly if it does not posses such “DO SOMETHING about it! It’s worth your time. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 1 Apr 2009 07:49:34 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/ergonomic-office-furniture1 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/ergonomic-office-furniture1 An office will not be so without office furniture. To make the best out of your workspace, you ought to get hold of the most suitable office furniture. So you’re out to look for the best office furniture. The “best” in this regard does not necessarily have to do with cost or brands, but more importantly that which is most suitable- to your needs, taste and budget. It can be quite a task to purchase office furniture, especially when it’s for the entire staff. But you can simplify the process with these tips. There are several things to take into consideration for you to buy quality office furniture. Cost might be a primary factor to consider in your case, but it actually doesn’t have to be. In fact, other factors rank higher than the cost element. For one thing, you have to take comfort into account. When it comes to comfort, ergonomics must be taken into the picture. The productivity of the staff significantly depends on the comfort and functionality of the furniture. And why consider ergonomics? Proper ergonomics allows maximum comfort and functionality to your staff. With ergonomically designed furniture, you can do away with strain and injuries. The staff is able to perform routine and repetitive tasks with ease and comfort. And so they are able to deliver output efficiently. Efficient output and productivity on the other hand is crucial to your business’ or company’s success. By all means, investing in ergonomic office furniture is wise. But comfort derived from these tools must not go beyond what is called for. You would not want furniture which is way too comfortable. What good would it do when your staff gets too comfortable sitting down in a cozy chair to the extent they fall asleep. What good is a lazing and sleeping staff to your company? Too much comfort in the office will decrease productivity. Your staff would basically forget about the day’s work when they feel like they’re on a cloud all day! Comfort to the extreme is no better than discomfort in this sense. Consider something midway or reasonably comfortable then. As for ergonomically designed furniture, injuries from repetitive motion, improper posture and the like can be warded off. On this matter, you would want to buy chairs which provide good posture support. Or desks most appropriate for keyboard use would significantly be helpful. Work stations are preferably ergonomically correct as well. There are keyboards and special sorts of mouse which prevent or reduce injuries. And then of course, you would have to consider the style and the cost. If yours is an workplace receiving visitors, then professional looking desks, chairs, couch, shelves and cabinets, among others are options which would convey the theme and atmosphere. As for the cost, it’s better not compromised for quality. It is often worth it to pay for quality, even if it might cost you. But consider that in the office, you and/or your staff spends majority of the day or the week doing tasks crucial to your business or company. Your workplace should then be conducive for working with maximum functionality and efficiency. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:36:42 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-symptoms http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-symptoms The “occupational disease of the 1990’s” as it has been termed. And so the pandemic continues to date- carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people do repetitive tasks due to the nature of their work. For instance, secretaries, meat cutters, carpenters, musicians, housewives and the prominent populace of regular computer users. These people are those more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other than repetitive tasks, certain diseases and conditions can be cts causative factors. For instance, fractures or falls on the hand or improperly designed hand tools. These can make a person predisposed to the syndrome as well. And then again there is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, gout, acromegaly and Paiget’s bone syndrome. These joint and bone-related conditions may also cause carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Cts primarily affects the carpal bones, or else the wrist bones. Bones in this particular area form a tunnel like structure, hence it is called the “carpal tunnel”. Nine tendons pass through this “tunnel” along with one nerve, called the median nerve. When the median nerve becomes irritated, this is when carpal tunnel syndrome begins to take place. There is said to be a relationship between spinal health and carpal tunnel syndrome. A large number of patients who had cts were found to be suffering from spinal nerve root irritation as well. Nerve compression in the neck often causes a blocked flow of nutrients to the wrists. The wrists may then become more prone to injury, one of which is cts. A study among 1,000 carpal tunnel syndrome patients cited that most subjects who had neck arthritis also have cts. There are varied approaches to carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. A thorough neurological exam may be performed, afterwhich it is determined which part of the nervous system has irregularities. When a patient suffers from one side of the body, the opposite side of the brain is often associated. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and the contrary also applies. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body. If, for instance, the right side of the body is experiencing pain, then the left side of the brain might be firing at an abnormally high rate. The particular brain area concerned would often have to fire at a higher frequency for the corresponding body part to perceive pain. If it so happens that the pain is bilateral (both sides), then the brain stem or the cerebellum may be associated. The carpal tunnel syndrome pandemic is an offshoot of occupations demanded of the new century. Called by many other names such as occupational neuritis, partial thenar atrophy and median neuritis, cts may well be anticipated especially with poor working conditions. Numerous occupations require repetitive tasks to carry out. It would significantly aid to be properly informed about carpal tunnel syndrome. Not merely in terms of treatment, but most especially prevention. Where not only a person is spared from physical and occupational inconvenience, but further health care costs and expenses. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:05:01 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/corporate-clothing http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/corporate-clothing It may seem superficial to say that “clothes make the person”. But in today’s corporate scene, clothes can spell the difference between career success or stagnation. In a corporate setting, a person must exude dignity and confidence. The air of intimidation is a common “feel “ in such an environment. It is challenge of a different level in the corporate arena, and required of it is a different kind of boldness. One of the ways to thrive in this setting through the persona that one projects. Appearance is a vital element for corporate success. One of the major aspects which concerns appearance is clothing. For one who wants advancement in the field, corporate clothing is a significant consideration. In the business arena, personal looks is a crucial factor towards being acknowledged. Corporate clothing exudes a strong statement, and if a person wants to exert a “voice” in the workplace, clothes is a vital tool. There are different styles of corporate clothing. These different styles relay different messages as well. Other than fashion, corporate clothes can be a tool for power play. Many offices allow their staff to modify their clothing. The staff can have the option of which clothes are most suited. Ranging from the trendy, to the popular, the expensive and the elegant, there is a wide selection of corporate clothing available. Being well-dressed in the office can make a person feel more confident. It can be a way for them to express their dignity. Local tailors can make the most apt and fitting corporate clothing. In most cases, significant resources have to be expended for this “need”. Reputed shops as well can allow one to have varied choices. In such shops, there are seperate sections for men and women. Aspects such as the material should be taken into account. Other than the style, essential is the quality of the material. It should be of good quality other than being comfortable. A person should be keen on choosing the quality of material and style of their corporate clothing. The corporate clothing a person has creates a major impression. It can make them appear as credible or otherwise. In the perspective of the customer, it can give off an air of prestige to the company. If it so happens that the clothing is inappropriate, it can jeopardize the company’s image. If a company wants to be taken seriously by their clients and customers, they have to pay attention to their staff’s clothing. For a company promoting products or services, their staff’s clothing can be a means for advertising. The clothing’s color is a statement in itself as well. It can express the company’s identity other than the staff’s. It is important that it looks professional, too. A positive image can be conveyed by the most fitting corporate clothing. For a company which aims on being taken seriously and being regarded with credibility and prestige, corporate clothing should be among the major concerns. Being in a competitive setting that it is, a company should be keen on every detail of its business. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:02:32 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/stiff-neck http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/stiff-neck Stiff neck is literally and figuratively a pain in the neck. You might have experienced that instance when you’ve felt neck pain and stiffness upon waking up in the morning. Or even more so when you have a regular 9 to 5 job and you stay in one position for hours while doing your work. If you constantly sleep or work with improper posture, you would be conditioning your spine to be in an unhealthy and abnormal alignment. One of the consequences of this is stiff neck. When we say that a person suffers from “stiff neck”, it means the neck feels tight and sore. The area would also experience some loss of one normal motion. Being in one position for an extended period of time or straining the neck more often cause this ailment. Unhealthy spine and back conditions can cause pressure on a nerve in this area. As for the nerves in the neck spine, they supply the muscles. Pressure on this part, may cause irritation, inflammation or imbalance in the muscles. And the result is a dreaded stiff neck, or pain in the area. This ailment is more likely to beset a person who has an improper posture which is out of alignment. Neck pain or stiffness might even become chronic or recurring for such individuals. People who are susceptible to this are those who have jobs which cause them to have a lot of strain. So it is with those who sleep with a pillow that doesn’t provide good support. Sleeping on the stomach can also result to this discomfort. It is only necessary that spine alignment is correct and that bad posture is reduced. One thing you have to do for this is to be aware of your posture. Take time to move around when you are constantly staying in one position. If you are in the habit of looking down when walking, try to do otherwise- look up and look straight. If your work station happens to be uncomfortable, then set it up to become more ergonomically efficient. When sleeping, use a good pillow for proper support. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as well. And also try to get hold of and practice good postural exercises. For these, you can see a chiropractor or physical therapist. And if you happen to suffer from chronic stiffness, doctors such as chiropractors will be able to adjust and manipulate the spine to restore proper alignment. Such solutions and remedies for stiff neck are simple and easy. More so, they will be beneficial in the long run if properly adhered to. Good posture and proper alignment are the best measures to prevent having to suffer from this ailment. Along with being conscious of your activities and posture, another natural remedy will be helpful- heat or hot compress. This will help to loosen the muscles. Stiff neck can be such an annoying and bothersome ailment which can disrupt your normal goings about. But nevertheless, it is preventable as long as you take time to be mindful of keeping to the right measures. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 1 Jul 2008 04:56:20 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/home-office1 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/home-office1 Use of the internet has had a massive growth in the recent years. More and more people now realize the convenience and importance of the internet. Countless of things can be done online ranging from shopping, researching, communications and transactions and yes, business. Earning money online has become a common idea and it’s actually an easier way to make a living. Oftentimes, people who work online or have an online business opt to work at home. And when it comes to working at home, a must is a home office. Working at home in a home office is great. You don’t have to force yourself to wake up early in the morning and go to work and then return in the evening. No hassles of going out and being stuck in traffic. Not too much pressure from a boss and even dealing with difficult co-workers. These and lots more- you probably get the point. With a home office, you’re free to move around as you are in the comfort of your own home. And even more, you can often do your work when you want to-you own your time. But all these is not a license for you to slack around and be a slob. You just can’t keep your workspace untidy which will make you uncomfortable. You have to take time to have an organized working area- clean, comfy and orderly. When it comes to this, your furniture is crucial. It can make or break the look, feel and efficiency of your workspace. There are many types of furniture for this purpose. You ought to know the difference between regular office furniture and home office furniture. The former is actually larger, while that for the home office is slightly smaller. Home office furniture is usually more compact to be able to fit in your house. Your house has other rooms and fixtures, thus, there could be lesser space for your home office furniture. This furniture is also easily assembled and put back again. Computer carts, for instance, would be great. Computer carts are not only useful, but also stylish. A computer cart will not make the room look cluttered. It’s basically a single unit where your computer fits and there are other spaces for miscellaneous items. You could also stack up your files, cd’s and papers on the cart. What’s more, you could easily move it around. The cart has wheels and you don’t have to unpack everything to move it. If you want to move it from one section of the house to another, it can be slowly pushed. Home office furniture is available in different shapes, sizes and colors. Most likely, you’ll be able to find those which will suit your house best. Mahogany, maple and pine are some of the wood materials the furniture is made of. They are also available in chrome, metal and more. Working from home means that you have more space and freedom. But even more, you can make it organized and stylish. Make your workspace free from clutter and you’ll have the best of time doing your work. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 4 Jun 2008 05:01:44 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/ergonomic-products http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/ergonomic-products Many are under the notion that ergonomics is a new and trendy concept. But the fact is, its principles have primitive beginnings. Believe it or not, our ancestors adhered to ergonomic principles. It’s not because they worked in offices or perennially faced the computer. It’s because they were aware of living healthily, of doing things and activities the proper way. Our ancestors were attuned to nature as well as their natural bodily processes. They can take cues from their bodies and are able to modify their lifestyle when there are irregularities. Primitive as they were, they lived a healthier lifestyle, and this could be where most of us in the present time fall short. Most of us are wedged in our chairs and desks for hours in the workplace. More often, we don’t adhere to proper working conditions and our lifestyles are disobliging. You may wonder what ergonomics has to do with our lifestyle in general? Ergonomics actually involves more than keeping to proper work habits. It applies to all physical activities in general, including sports and leisure. In fact, ergonomics is a branch of science which does not stand alone. It relies on other branches such as anatomy and physiology, cultural studies and human psychology. The word “ergonomics” is in fact Greek in origin- “ergon” for work, and “nomoi” which means law or rule. So simply put, ergonomics is the “law of work”. But one ought not to be mislead by the etymological meaning. As said, ergonomic principles do not solely apply to work and work conditions but to human physical actions such as sports and leisure activities as well. It is a branch of science which deals with designs of objects, systems and environment. To this day, more and more people are becoming aware of the principles relating to this science. And in fact, ergonomic products have been devised and manufactured as well. Ergonomic products and principles seek to produce a more conducive work environment, one wherein people can operate in their optimum levels of efficiency. Comfort is increased for those working, and fatigue is reduced. These are essential factors for them to function to the fullest. And in this way, they become more productive. Say for instance, there is a 6-foot tall individual. They will not be able to fit in a low car, or else they would have to place themselves in unnatural bodily postures. In turn, this would result to fatigue and would even undermine safety measures. In cases like this, a car should be designed to accommodate a 6-foot tall individual. They would then be able to drive comfortably without straining themselves. Such is one illustration of the principles behind ergonomic products. Ergonomically designed products are able to reduce stress at work places. This has been proven by many studies, and more companies are considering this matter. Ergonomic products are especially crucial to people working in the IT industry. People who are working in poor IT environments are prone to many psychological disorders. In depth studies have been carried out to reduce anomalies such as this, and so came the boom of ergonomically designed products in the market. In the endeavor of buying and making use of such products, though, one should make sure that the products are genuine. Only then can they get the optimum benefits from such tools. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 14 May 2008 11:17:11 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/office-furniture2 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/office-furniture2 Most everybody has to earn a living, and earning a living for them may mean having an office job. Such is why many people are wedged on their office desks and chairs for 8 hours a day. True, a large number of people spend most of their time in the office. And so, the office must be as close to comfort as home. To create such an atmosphere, essential is choosing the right office furniture. Furniture contributes so much to your life, whether it is at home or in the workplace. They not only beautify, but they give comfort as well. Think of what you will do when you are dead tired at the end of the day. Wouldn’t you want to relax on your couch and watch tv? Or perhaps just laze around in your bed? The couch and the bed are among your house furniture. What if they are poorly made or not in the proper condition? Surely you won’t get your much needed rest. That’s how crucial furniture is. It is not at all astounding to say that they affect your well-being. So it is with office furniture, and in choosing it, what should you consider? For your office furniture, the best way is to go ergonomic. Buying office furniture means you ought to take into account the nature of your workplace. The same can be said with the kind of work the employees do, and most of all, their comfort. Choosing ergonomic office furniture can significantly aid in your workers’ comfort. As such, they are able to work well and productivity is boosted. What happens when desks and chairs in the workplace are not in good condition? It will not only create a bad impression, but more so, health problems. Millions of office-goers in the UK suffer from conditions such as backaches. These are not only discomforting in themselves, but they can be debilitating. A primary cause of backaches can be the furniture. That’s how these implements can affect your well-being and functionality as an individual. When going ergonomic on desks and chairs in the workplace, think of the employees’ nature of work. That way, you can get the most appropriate sort. Say for instance, your employees constantly work on the computer. Then make it a point to use ergonomic computer chairs and desks. That way, the workers will be assured of comfort while they work. This will have them considering that you as an employer thinks of the welfare of the employees. Employees on the other hand would render more support to the company, and all in all, the company will be boosted. It takes investment, but such is necessary for your company’s success. Remember that backaches alone have a significant effect of your workers’ productivity. Thousands seek treatment for them each year, and they actually cause injury. And even more, a large percentage of sick leaves are carried out because of them. So be mindful of factors in your office furniture. Make them ergonomic and take into account the major elements. They may be shapes and sizes, the posture of the employees while doing the work and lighting. The same goes for heat and humidity and the surrounding noise. When you ensure your workers comfort and health, they can deliver increased productivity. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:59:53 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/posture-support http://www.healthzine.org/Ergonomics/posture-support Ergonomics is among the foremost necessities when working. People often neglect it as they often become complacent with their common working habits. But what is ergonomics primarily concerned about? Proper posture support, exercises and ergonomic furniture are some of its essential characteristics. For instance, typing ergonomics, or even the distance of the monitor from one’s eyes. Or how the monitor should be positioned, and the level of the desk. The same goes for the keyboard, it has to be ergonomically designed as well. As for posture support in ergonomics, it is mainly concerned with sitting up straight. These are some of the principles involved in ergonomics. Implementing them would mean that workers are not likely to suffer from neck or back pain. The same goes for repetitive stress and strain injury which is common in the workplace. Much havoc is caused by such ailments, including reduced productivity. This should then be one of the major concerns of a company. Employee productivity and efficiency are significantly associated with office ergonomics. Something as simple as correct sitting is an essential aspect of working in an office. Others may think it negligible, but improper sitting posture support can lead to neck and back pain. They are discomforting ailments in themselves, and when they become severe, they can be debilitating. It is rather easy to determine the correct sitting position, but maintaining it is another story. It is when posture support can become more difficult. People often understand that they have to “sit up straight”, and that they ought to maintain a chair and desk which allow the back to be in the ideal position. But gaining this knowledge is only part of getting to the goal. What happens when the muscles have difficulty keeping the right position for an extended period of time? What is most likely bound to happen is that they will get tired. For posture support, people may put a pillow or back support for their chair. But this tendency will only lead to the muscles being initially feeling stronger while getting weaker and weaker in the end. As they often say, “Use it or lose it”. So it is with the muscles- if they are not used, they will slowly get weaker. This in turn will make sitting in the right position more difficult. This is where posture support exercises come in. Such exercises can in fact be done without much difficulty. They can be done without the time and effort it took which made the posture weak in the first place. Many people doubt whether posture support exercises are effective. Well, they may never know unless they try. In fact, with these exercises done regularly, it is when one can really feel the difference. One will feel themselves becoming stronger until they are able to maintain proper posture longer. Till the time will come when they will no longer have trouble doing so. Posture exercises have to be incorporated into one’s daily routine so as to ward off neck and back pain. That way, working is done with comfort and more efficiency. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.