Watch Your Back! Fall & Winter Are Coming...

Wow. September already. As if this year hasn't gone fast enough, my local Costco already has Christmas decorations out — right next to the Halloween stuff. Yikes.

Well, if nothing else, it serves as a timely reminder that we'll soon be raking leaves and shoveling snow again. Activities that can very easily aggravate back problems.

So my best advice is to pay more attention to your back right now. And the best way to do that?

First, make sure your work environment is properly adjusted to prevent needless back strain:

• Seat height: you should be able to plant your feet firmly on the floor.
• Chair back angles and lower back support: your back should be well supported.
• Keyboard height: the home row should be near your elbow height.
• Keyboard slope: your wrists should be in a comfortable, neutral position.
• Pointing device: it should be placed to the immediate left or right of your keyboard.
• Monitor distance, height, and angle: you should allow your head to be balanced comfortably over your shoulders...don't slouch!
• Document holder, phone, and reference materials: frequently used items should be within easy reach.

Then, every once in a while, run down this "comfort checklist" to make sure you're not slipping back into bad habits.

1. Have you found a range of seated postures that are most comfortable for you?
2. Are you changing postures within your "comfort zone" throughout the day, especially in the afternoon? (Your comfort zone is a range of positions that is generally appropriate and comfortable for your given work situation.)
3. Are your feet firmly planted?
4. Are the undersides of your thighs near your knees free of pressure?
5. Are the backs of your lower legs free of pressure?
6. Is there sufficient space under your work surface for your knees and legs?
7. Is your lower back properly supported?

Lastly, get into the habit of stretching your back and neck on a regular basis. Beyond being great therapy for your back, it does wonders for lowering stress.

Of course, if you really want to do yourself a favor, you should get a nice massage recliner. The affordable HTT-10 from Interactive Health provides an extraordinary massage for your back, legs and feet. It's really incredible.

Hey, wouldn't raking and shoveling be a little easier if you knew you had a great massage waiting for you back in the house?

Check it out on our site or call us toll-free at 1-877-MY-OFFICE if you'd like more information.