Tips for Creating a healthier work environment

http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/11/06/tips-for-creating-a-healthier-work-environment#

s work a pain in the neck? Your back aches? Not to mention your wrists too.

Join the office crowd. We've morphed into "chair people" and it's costing us big time – our bodies are taking a beating.

The slump trumps. "We are now sitting more than ever and as a country we are becoming more sedentary" thanks to screen time at work and home, says Dr. Stacy Irvine.

Chronic inactivity or "sitting disease" is a risk factor for several chronic disease states, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity, says Irvine, chiropractor and exercise specialist at Totum Life Science.

Nothing good comes from not moving enough, including weight gain, weakness in our muscles and postural changes. "Eventually these postural changes may lead to conditions such as low back pain, degenerative disk disease, neck pain, upper cross syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome and the list goes on," says Irvine, of Totum.ca.

"We do know that if people are in a healthy work environment they tend to perform better and have less sick days during the year," says Irvine, adding that creating a healthier work environment can be relatively simple and inexpensive.

Don't just sit on the problem. Get up and move during the day, stresses Irvine, including scheduling "walking meetings," standing up when you take a phone call at your desk, switching from your desk to a boardroom for part of the day, and taking small walking breaks for lunch and any other time you can leave your desk.

"Ensure your work station is as ergonomically efficient as possible. While sitting at your desk, add stretching breaks or simply try moving your feet, to change your position and keep your circulation flowing," she adds.

A regulated health care professional can help repair chronic postural damage by finding ways to improve the ergonomics of your work space, manage your discomfort and strengthen your body, says Irvine, adding to visit Yourback-health.com.