Take one step

2/8/2010

What do you see when you look in the mirror? If you feel comfortable, happy and healthy with your weight and have a realistic perception of your size and shape, this is identified as a healthy body image. Problems exist when you look in the mirror and have a distorted image of your shape and size.
Being unhappy with your body can affect how you think and feel about yourself as a person. A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
Developing a positive body image and healthy mental attitude is crucial to more...

Category: Emotional Health; Physical Health

2/1/2010

Smoking Cessation

Smoking cigarettes is a powerful addiction. If you have tried to quit in the past, you know how difficult it can be. Quitting the habit for good will have a positive effect on your health and well being for life.

Stopping smoking requires desire, determination and commitment. You can be successful when you know what to expect and create a game plan to combat the physical and psychological side effects. Here are just a few tips to assist you:

• Design a personal game plan. This may include quitting cold turkey, gradually decreasing the amount of nicotine over a period of time or speak to your more...

Category: Disease Prevention; Physical Health

1/25/2010

Preventing Vision Problems at Work

Both intensity and quality of lighting (illumination) are important for preventing vision problems at work. Common lighting problems include too much light, too little light, glare and shadows. In order to see fine objects and read in poor lighting, we often use awkward body positions. Lighting should be evenly distributed throughout the workplace and should not create glare or shadows.

Here are some tips to prevent vision problems:

POSITION work so that it is easy to see. Use adjustable chairs, well-positioned computer monitors, adjustable work surfaces, and task lights.

USE legible source more...

Category: Ergonomics; General Safety Reminders; Physical Health

1/18/2010

Life Balance and New Years Resolutions

After the holidays and into the new year, we work our way into getting back into a routine which is often thrown off at this time of the year. Many people make new years resolutions and tell themselves this will be the year to make changes.
A life balance approach to new years resolutions means that we take a realistic view of ourselves and our situations, and we set goals accordingly. Resolutions should motivate you but should also be attainable. Rather than saying "I want to lose 30 lbs this year", we can reframe this into "I want to feel and look my best this year".
After more...

Category: Emotional Health; Physical Health

1/11/2010

Tips for Choosing An Office Chair

When it comes to buying an office chair, you will soon discover there are many different shapes and styles to select from. Here is a list of chair features that you should consider to ensure your chair is ergonomic:

CHOOSE a chair with:

√ adjustable height, seat, arm rest and back rest

√ a backrest which is shaped to support the lower back and does not give way

√ a seat height which does not put pressure on back of the thighs

√ a seat that curves downwards at the front edge to prevent pressure on the back of legs

√ arm rests which do not prevent the chair from being drawn up to the desk more...

Category: Accident Prevention; Ergonomics

12/21/2009

Stay Safe and Warm this Winter

Some suggestions for staying safe and warm this winter:

Dress to suit the weather

Thin layers of loose fitting clothing will trap body heat while aiding air circulation. Outer clothing should be hooded, tightly woven, and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. It is important to cover extremities to minimise body heat loss. If it is extremely cold, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

Watch for signs of hypothermia

This is particularly threatening to the very young and elderly. Feeling cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body more...

Category: General Safety Reminders; Physical Health

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