The setup of your workstation can have a major impact on your health! Here's some simple ergonomics tips to reduce stress on your back and neck:

1. Position the top of your monitor screen to be at eye level or slightly below eye level.
2. Center your body in front of the monitor and keyboard so that you're not constantly twisting your back.
3. Forearms should be level or tilted-up slightly, and wrists should not rest while typing.
4. Chair should provide lower back support.

I find it helps to set a timer to go off every half hour to remind yourself to get back into good posture position. I'll go into more detail on workstation ergonomics in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

For a personal assessment of your workstation, schedule an appointment.

Related: Ergonomic Needs Assessment

What do you do if you hurt your ankle? Everyone knows about R.I.C.E: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Then it became P.R.I.C.E: protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation.  

From now on...Call the P.O.L.I.C.E.

No, not New York's finest, but a better way to heal: protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation.

More recent studies have shown that injuries heal better when the appropriate amount of stress is placed on the healing body part. While we've always been taught to rest an injury, it’s now known that rest can lead to weakness and stiffness as the injury heals. Hence the O.L. in P.O.L.I.C.E. - for “optimal loading”.

With complete tendon tears, unstable fractures, or severe pain, optimal loading could mean no loading at all. As for minor injuries, activity can help the injured body part heal properly. Loading could mean light range of motion for a mild sprain. It may also include as much weight bearing as the injury can tolerate without increasing pain, as well as keeping the joints around the injured area moving to keep them strong and flexible.

Optimal loading should not increase your pain, but help an injury heal better. When in doubt, check it out. If you’re not sure what to do, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or physical therapist for advice.

Every year, one out of three adults aged 65 or older fall. These falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. One of the most heartbreaking things I see in my practice isn't the physical effects of a fall, but the psychological toll. Many older adults fear falling again, and as a result, they limit their activity and social engagement. This often leads to social isolation, depression, a loss of independence, and feelings of helplessness. While we can't completely prevent older adults from falling, there are ways to help improve their balance.

 Here are some tips:

• Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medications, as some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness
• Have their home assessed for ways to make it safer. Consider adding grab bars in the bathroom, railings on both sides of the staircase, and ensure that there is adequate lighting throughout the house
• Exercise regularly. Yes, even the elderly need exercise! As strength and flexibility decrease, the risk of falls increases. A program that includes strengthening of the legs, increasing balance, and education on fall prevention can help.

For some more information, visit the following sites:
NCOA.org
CDC.gov

Related: New Website Features with Caretakers in Mind