💻 Our constant use of computers in every part of our lives—whether for work or leisure, and across all age groups, from toddlers to retirees—is now affecting our overall health and wellbeing.
In this interview with Sofie Formica | The Very Best Ideas, we discussed the health dangers of prolonged sitting and simple ways to protect ourselves.
CLICK HERE | To hear the full Interview
We sit for long periods in awkward postures and have become increasingly sedentary. This shift has led to:
– Over 86% of people report aches and pains, with 11% suffering daily.
– These stats worsened when COVID sent everyone home with laptops.
– Even primary school children are showing signs of pre-arthritic postures.
– When I started working in this area, neck and shoulder pain was the most common issue, but now lower back pain is a major concern.
Being increasingly sedentary also puts us at greater risk of chronic health issues like:
– Heart attacks
– Type 2 diabetes
– A range of cancers
– Depression
This is especially concerning for retirees and those nearing retirement.
The challenge? Technology has changed our world so fast that the new risks to our health and wellbeing have crept up on us. These include:
– Not knowing how to create an ergonomic setup, whether in the office or at home.
– A lack of awareness about the positive work habits we need.
– The gradual loss of physical conditioning that we need to maintain.
But there are simple, no-cost ways to protect ourselves from the pain and costs of our “sitting is the new smoking” world of tech:
– Keep Moving: Even adding 10 minutes of walking to your day can have significant benefits.
– For lower back pain, take a tip from a bus driver friend of mine: roll your ankles in both directions regularly to keep things limber.
– Relieve Tension: To ease neck, upper back pain, and tension headaches, try this:
– Regularly roll your shoulders in both directions, take a deep breath, and consciously relax—especially after sitting at your computer for a while.
– This helps release the tension that builds up in your neck and shoulders, which can lead to pain and headaches.
– Ergonomics: Here’s an easy tip to set your screen at the right height:
– Stretch your arm parallel to the floor; your fingertips should be level with the middle of your screen.
– This simple adjustment ensures your screen matches your stature—whether you’re sitting or standing, 4ft nothing, or 6ft 8in.
Let’s take proactive steps today to protect our health and wellbeing in this tech-driven world. 🌟
To hear the full Interview – find the link in the comments.
#Ergonomics #WorkplaceWellness #SedentaryLifestyle #HealthAtWork #SelfCare #WHS #Wellbeing