Your health news update from ChiroVoice

Workstation Ergonomics

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to employee capabilities. An ergonomic assessment of the workplace critically appraises the physical work environment followed by changes based on the assessment. Ergonomic principles are then used to make the workplace compatible with the employee, improving his or her safety and productivity. In other words, the easier it is to do a job, the more productive and happy the worker will be. Watch this video for a quick tutorial on how to set up an ergonomic computer workstation.    

October is National Chiropractic Health Month!

In honor of National Chiropractic Health Month, the American Chiropractic Association is bringing attention to the rise in musculoskeletal injuries caused by excessive use of mobile devices, computers and other technologies. While they may offer convenience in our work and private lives, these devices also can lead to neck, back, wrist and even thumb pain, in addition to other musculoskeletal injuries. During National Chiropractic Health Month, doctors of chiropractic are sharing ergonomic and other injury-prevention tips that will keep people connected—and healthy!

Frequent texters can try these stretches to avoid pain from repetitive motion:

• Hand stretch. Start with your hands in a fist and stretch your fingers out as wide as they’ll go and then return to a fist. Shoot for about 10 stretches with each hand. For added resistance you can stretch a rubber band around your fingers.
• Squeeze a stress ball. Do this for approximately 30 seconds for each hand.
• Wrist circles. Clench your hands into a fist and roll your wrist in 10 circles in each direction.
• Forearm stretch. Place your hands in a praying position and squeeze them together for 10 seconds. Keeping your hands in the same position, point your fingers toward the ground and squeeze your hands together for another 10 seconds.
• Chest stretch. To counteract the hunched posture of texting, stand up straight with your arms down at your sides. Turn your forearms until your thumbs are pointing to the wall behind you.

Cubicle Conditioning

Exercise is an important component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but we don't always have the time to punch out hour-long kickboxing classes or breathe through 90 minutes of yoga. For those with packed schedules, consider getting some exercise while in your office. Remember that taking frequent breaks is recommended, especially when your job requires you to sit at a desk and work at a computer all day. Here, you'll find a variety of simple stretches and exercises that can be completed right from work. 

Get Healthy with Chiropractic!

ACA's public Facebook page offers tips and information on getting fit and healthy while preventing injuries. 

Help Advocate for Expanded Access to Chiropractic for Our Veterans

Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), recently introduced the Chiropractic Care to All Veterans Act (H.R. 329), a bill similar to legislation that was overwhelmingly passed by the House in 2010, but was not considered in the Senate. H.R. 329 would require the VA to have a chiropractic physician on staff at all major VA medical facilities by 2014. You too can help ensure chiropractic care is available to the brave men and women who have served our country. H.R. 329 needs cosponsors to increase the likelihood of its success. Simply click here to urge your legislators to cosponsor H.R. 329!