My body likes that.

I walk down the long hallway and back again, sometimes glancing into other offices along the way out of my peripheral vision.

I walk through the main atrium, zig-zagging through the traffic of people milling about or waiting in line to buy a cup o' joe and pastry from the little coffee kiosk.

I walk down the stairs to the basement, travel through the coridors and then climb up the stairs to the 4th floor where my office is located.

I walk fast, like a power walker- but without all the arm pumping. People who see me may think I'm on an important mission. You could say I'm on a noble mission to improve my health. I suppose that's true, but really... I just want to get the feeling back into my bum!!!

Originally posted 2008-02-27 09:00:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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What is Numb Bum Syndrome?

The Numb Bum Syndrome is a physiological condition caused by sustained pressure to the buttocks, resulting in restricted blood flow, nerve conduction, and reduced muscular strength.

Who is at risk?

Men and women, usually in their 20-50's whose job duties entail sitting at a desk all day to complete important documents and secure anti-gravity office chairs. Individuals with this condition often can be found on cubical farms.

Signs/Symptoms:

• Numbness, tingling, and soreness in buttocks
• Skin may have temporary red discoloration
• Long term symptoms include a flat and/or sagging gluteal appearance

Treatment:

A regimen of light to heavy cardio, strength-training, and stretching exercises may be prescribed depending on severity of symptoms.

Prevention:

• Frequent walking, movement, and exercise
• Avoid long periods of sitting

As you can see, the Numb Bum Syndrome, while serious, is also preventable. And if you have already experienced symptoms of Numb Bum Syndrome (I tend to have recurring bouts of this condition), there's still hope! This ailment is very treatable with a high rate of recovery!

Note: I made up this syndrome! It is not a true medical diagnosis, although I think it should be!

.

Photo credit: denzani

Originally posted 2008-02-06 08:00:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The human body was meant for motion, and unfortunately most Americans don't get their daily exercise or work in sedentary professions. Day in and day out, many adults sit behind a desk for hours on end without proper breaks. Even worse, these sedentary days are also often spent sitting in an uncomfortable chair which many don't even realize may be the cause of their pain. A poorly designed office chair wasn't designed to handle the stresses that sitting all day can have on the body. They cause the body to awkwardly strain which can lead to poor posture and chronic neck and back pain. These seemingly harmless pains can progress into chronic head aches or neck and back strain which can become so severe that they may even cause you to miss work.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim to chronic neck and back pain while in the office is to purchase an ergonomic chair. Ergonomic chairs are designed to complement the body, and to support it accordingly so that you avoid strains and pains. Although most regular office chairs provide minimal lumbar support, very few offer mid and upper back support. The best chairs for back pain will offer lumbar, mid, and upper back support. Each of these areas of the back should be supported evenly regardless of your movement. Even when reclining, a good ergonomic chair should properly support your back

When you decide to purchase an ergonomic chair of your own, make sure to research the various chairs on the market. Different ergonomic chairs offer different support. Some are more specially designed to relieve upper back and shoulder pain while others may be more inclined to prevent lower back pain. Generally, the more you have to pay for an ergonomic chair, the better it will be for your back so don't be afraid to spend a few extra dollars. Buying one of the best chairs on the market will actually be one of the best healthcare purchases you will make as it will save you hundreds on chiropractic, doctor visits, and pain killers over the life of the chair.

Photo Credits: Kare_Products

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I was really in the mood for fruit juice,so off I went to the snack shop in search of said fruit juice and a bottle of water. 

I picked a bottle that said 100% cranberry juice and checked the ingredients.  I sighed as I read high fructose corn syrup as the second ingredient and replaced the bottle back to its refrigerated shelf.  I inspected other fruit juices.  Some were listed as “immune defense” or “metabolism booster.”  Others were called “smart,” “clear,” “lite,” or “energy.”

Every one had either sugar, sucralose, aspartame, or high fructose corn syrup listed as an ingredient. It was rather disheartening.  All I wanted was just plain, fruit juice, nothing else. Is that too much to ask for?  Apparentely, it was!  

The only fruit drink that lacked these ingredients was a single bottle of orange juice with a thick layer of sediment at the bottom.  I opted to decline.  I ended up choosing a bottle of Dansani water, which I do like.  In the end, the water is probably better for me anyway.  

Good reminders to self: Bringing food (and drinks, in this case) is healthier than buying at work.  It always helps if I don't forget to actually do this! 

Originally posted 2008-05-08 19:00:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Sometimes when I have a task to accomplish, I will bury myself in the project until it’s done.

I say this is good and bad.

The good is obvious: I will get the task done! The bad, however: I will work through lunch hours which leaves me wide open to a sweet tooth attack later in the day. I will sit (although fidgeting constantly!) for long periods of time in front of a computer screen which leads to the Heavy Eyes Numb Bum Syndrome.

And like the Law of Diminishing Returns from Economics 101, the longer I sit, the less productive I am.

I have recently started realizing the power of “The Break.”

In some respects I don't think I've been used to taking breaks on the job! Kind of funny, isn't it? I used to work on an inpatient unit for many years where "The Break" was a fantasy, like Santa Claus! (You... all... don't still believe in Santa... right???)

Now I’m in a completely different work environment where "The Break" is real, available, and plentiful! Yet I almost feel guilty if I stop working for a while to enjoy it!

This week I’ve started making myself take breaks throughout the day. I even - heaven forbid - leave the hospital during my lunch break! And I like it! What a rebel I am!

I find that my total productivity increases with breaks, even though technically I'm working less. Plus, breaks seem to make the work day go by quicker (big, cheesy grin)!

You may be thinking, "Yeah, I already knew all of this!" But apparently I have not been well versed in the power of "The Break."

I have every confidence, though, that I'll be quite a master of it... and very soon!

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