Tuesday, March 27, 2007

How important is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is something that everyone needs to be aware of in their daily life. This could be a reason for injury or pain. Ergonomics can make your days more enjoyable and comfortable if you take a few moments to become aware of your movements, thinking (behaviors), and environment. Ergonomics can be broken down in Greek words “ergon” means work and “nomos” means natural laws. And Ergonomists study the human body capabilities related to work demands. There are three area that Ergonomists review, physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics. Physical ergonomics is our body and how it is set up. Cognitive ergonomics is our mind power and what are brain’s capabilities and abilities. Organizational ergonomics is the space surrounding us and what we come in contact with in our work spaces (desks, chairs, etc). Ergonomics developed from the Alexander Technique. Alexander Techniques try to teach individuals to use their bodies with more appropriate levels of work in a relative activity.


Source - http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/lzone/office.htm

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Are you eating Healthy?

Choosing foods that are going to provide good health and energy are sometimes difficult. Using a food pyramid can help you balance your diet and make sure your getting the correct kinds of food. Take some time to check out a food pyramid where you can view a food pyramid.

  • Choosing foods from the pyramid – the pyramid in narrow at the top and wider at the bottom. You should be eating more of the foods at the bottom of the pyramid rather than the top.
  • The Pyramid shows different widths of each kind of food. The wider the angle the more of that type of food you should eat.
  • Eat in colors – the more colorful food intake you have the greater chances of staying health because you will be fulfilling requires of your vitamins and minerals intake. 5-a-day idea keeps the doctor away. This site is directed towards kids however, it is simple ways to understand the idea. click here
  • Limit your oils – you need a small amount to be healthy. You can get oils from nuts, avocados, and fish. Other oils suggested are olive, canola, safflower or corn oil rather than butter or margarine.
  • Physical Activity – plays a huge role in keeping balance in your life.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Wellness in the eyes of a student

As a student, wellness sometimes is overlooked in many ways. Some of us do not make enough time for ourselves and become distracted with the moments or other obligations. Some students have misconception on their own wellness being at an acceptable level. Some make excuses of not having time or money for their wellness. However, in the view of others they are potentially not taking care of themselves; not sleeping enough, partying a lot, eating unhealthy foods, not exercising, and the list continues. Some students make it their goal to make time for themselves, which most students could improve on this one goal. Just think if every student made their goal to make time for themselves in each day, how healthy the student body population could become with a little bit of effort. Wellness can be achieved inexpensively if the individual is aware of their personal choices. Seizing the Day for every moment it offers could help an individual. Start out the day on the right foot and do some light stretches in the morning by reaching as high as you can on one side than the other. Take a few deep breaths and roll your shoulders in both directions. Open your mouth as wide as it gets. Give them a try.