Though we spend a large chunk of your time there, we often don't consider making changes to our work environment to improve our health. But as this article from Newsweek points out, there are health hazards in nearly every workplace. Rather than dreaming of an early (and impossible) retirement, try making a few small changes to your day to improve your working conditions, and your health.

• Protect your eyes. Computer users are at risk for eye strain and blurred vision. Remember to take frequent breaks from the screen, and to use eye drops if your eyes feel dry. According to Newsweek, you should also talk to your doctor about specific eyeglasses if your wear your reading glasses while doing computer work.
• Protect your back. Follow these tips for making your workstation more back-friendly. Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress.
• Protect your sanity. Studies show that noisy, open offices raise the levels of epinephrine -- a stress hormone -- in employees. If your co-workers' chatter is getting to you, try noise-canceling headphones or other products that may help you block out the noise.
• Protect your body. Working lunches, fast food, and office treats can quickly add to your waistline. Try to bring your lunch and remember that healthy eating habits are most important when you're stressed.
• Protect yourself. Bullying isn't just for the schoolyard, yet it often goes unreported in the workplace. Report office bullying to your supervisor.

Healthy habits that stay with you from home to work and back again will not only protect your physical health, but reduce stress as well.

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For most school is back in full swing, and as the first few days and weeks are past homework is starting to pile on in that nasty way it always does. I remember when I was a kid in school I used to wish my backpack had wheels on it like airline luggage, and although today some of them actually do many kids still use the traditional on-the-back backpack. And last year there were 7,300 injuries reported in U.S. emergency rooms due to backpacks that were overstuffed.

It's recommended that kids carry no more than 15% of their body weight, which isn't that much when you start piling on history and algebra books. Sometimes they even end up so packed with stuff they won't even zip shut! If your child has red marks from the backpack's straps, struggles to put the bag on or take it off, or of course is actually complaining of pain then the bag is too heavy. Consider getting them a bag that is proportionately sized to your child, has well-padded shoulder straps, and possibly even wheels if that makes sense. Some parents have even requested a second set of textbooks so it isn't necessary to tote them to and from school -- smart idea!


Via FitSugar

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It seems like summer just got started, yet already we're starting to hear echoes and whispers of "back to school." Of course back to school is the biggest season for the backpack industry, but year round people who have active outdoor lifestyles find themselves in need of a sturdy and comfortable way to carry stuff around. But unfortunately all too often backpacks are responsible for back, shoulder, and neck pain when they get overstuffed and all their design flaws become painfully obvious.

So this year before you go shopping check out these 4 ergonomically designed backpacks suggested by Natural Health -- ranging in price from $10 to $90 there's something for every taste and budget.

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As much as we all hear about ergonomics when it comes to setting up your workspace and office, exercise might actually be a bigger player in preventing unnecessary aches and pains. Studies have shown that regular physical activity, of any kind really, is more effective than ergonomics in preventing aches, pains, and even injuries from repetitive stress. How much activity? At least 30 minutes a day (which is the same amount recommended for all kinds of other health benefits, conveniently). And don't go trashing your lumbar-support chair and ergonomic keyboard just yet -- they do still help.

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If you work in an office at a desk or spend time sitting for extended periods of time at your job you might be overlooking the importance of one of the major influences on your health: how you sit. I don't know that there's really any such thing as a "sitting disorder," (well, I'm sure there is somewhere) but the idea really is that so many Americans (me included) spend so much time in front of desks and computers that the importance of doing it correctly becomes paramount to our wellbeing and our health. It seems like something so simple and straightforward that it's almost a "given" that everybody knows how to sit, but how many of us end up with achy backs and sore necks on a regular basis? Something isn't right.

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