Clients of mine are using a new adjustable computer mouse pad called the ErgoNav. Velcro straps attach it to the arm of a chair, allowing you to mouse with the hand, wrist, and forearm position that is most natural and comfortable for you.
Many people these days are experiencing neck pain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged computer use. This device may help to ease these symptoms by eliminating postural stress due to reaching to the desk for the mouse combined with awkward hand/wrist/forearm angles.
To learn more about the ErgoNav Ergonomic Adjustable Mouse Platform, go to www.ergonav.com.
THE HOLIDAYS ARE APPROACHING . . . THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE PERFECT GIFTS FOR CLIENTS, COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY !
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
TAKE A BREAK!
When times are tough, many people feel it's time to cut out fun and relaxation. But that can be bad for your health, according to a study by Professor Karen Matthews of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Some people feel guilty about enjoying themselves when things are bad," she says, "but that can just make things worse." In fact, during difficult times your body and mind need more attention, not less.
The study found that participating in leisure activities - such as eating with others, playing sports, travel, hiking, and spiritual practices - was associated with lower blood pressure, stress levels, waist circumference, and body mass index. Even taking little breathers like coffee breaks was shown to have mental and physical benefits.
Source: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs ARE A GREAT WAY TO GIVE A RELAXING BREAK TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT -- INCLUDING YOURSELF. THEY MAKE THOUGHTFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS TOO!
The study found that participating in leisure activities - such as eating with others, playing sports, travel, hiking, and spiritual practices - was associated with lower blood pressure, stress levels, waist circumference, and body mass index. Even taking little breathers like coffee breaks was shown to have mental and physical benefits.
Source: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs ARE A GREAT WAY TO GIVE A RELAXING BREAK TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT -- INCLUDING YOURSELF. THEY MAKE THOUGHTFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS TOO!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
PRINTER PRIVACY ALERT
Did you know that many copy machines in offices and commercial shops keep digital files of the material they copy, print, scan, or fax on an internal hard drive? That information often remains on the machine when it's sold or discarded and could easily be retrieved by identity thieves.
A CBS New crew searched in a warehouse of used copiers recently. It unearthed data including prescriptions and a cancer diagnosis from a copier that was once at a health insurance company and pay stubs with names, addresses, and Social Security numbers from a construction company's copier.
Some commercial copiers completely and automatically erase the last file scanned, but they cost more than others. Until safer machines are more widespread:
- Ask the staff at a copy shop whether its machines have security safeguards.
- Just copy -- there is greater risk when copiers are used for printing, scanning, or faxing than when used solely for copying.
- Use a home printer -- copiers built in to those printers hold data in a buffer and only long enough to print it once.
Sources: CBS News, Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection, Consumer Reports
HERE'S A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA ~ MY SISTER, FRAN HARDY, HAS CREATED A BOOK TITLED THE ENCHANTED FOREST. IT CONTAINS HER BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS INTERSPERSED WITH ESSAYS ABOUT TREES AND SUSTAINABILITY. PLEASE SEE: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1645403.
YOU CAN ALSO SEE MORE OF HER WORK AT www.franhardy.com
A CBS New crew searched in a warehouse of used copiers recently. It unearthed data including prescriptions and a cancer diagnosis from a copier that was once at a health insurance company and pay stubs with names, addresses, and Social Security numbers from a construction company's copier.
Some commercial copiers completely and automatically erase the last file scanned, but they cost more than others. Until safer machines are more widespread:
- Ask the staff at a copy shop whether its machines have security safeguards.
- Just copy -- there is greater risk when copiers are used for printing, scanning, or faxing than when used solely for copying.
- Use a home printer -- copiers built in to those printers hold data in a buffer and only long enough to print it once.
Sources: CBS News, Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection, Consumer Reports
HERE'S A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA ~ MY SISTER, FRAN HARDY, HAS CREATED A BOOK TITLED THE ENCHANTED FOREST. IT CONTAINS HER BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS INTERSPERSED WITH ESSAYS ABOUT TREES AND SUSTAINABILITY. PLEASE SEE: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1645403.
YOU CAN ALSO SEE MORE OF HER WORK AT www.franhardy.com
Friday, October 8, 2010
AVOID ACHING FROM RAKING !
Here are some tips for making those pesky lawn care chores easier --
- Choose the right tool: a standard width (24-inch) rake requires less downward pressure to drag leaves across a lawn than an extra-wide (36-inch) rake. Ergonomic rakes, often with a bent handle, are designed to reduce bending, but aren't a good fit for everyone. Buy a rake with a soft grip that's comfortable for your height and strength. Before buying, practice raking movements in the store.
- Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, and if needed, apply sunscreen and tick repellent.
- Pick up any debris that could cause you to trip.
- Warm up with light activity before raking and stretch afterwards to minimize aching muscles. Therapeutic massage and heat (warm shower or heating pad) can also be helpful.
- Wear gloves, and keep space between your hands on the grip to increase leverage. Alternate leg and arm positions and switch sides.
- To prevent back injury, don't overfill leaf bags. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist -- use your leg muscles instead of your back muscles.
- Don't twist to toss leaves over a shoulder or to the side.
- When you're finished put the rake away so no one gets hurt by stepping on it by mistake.
Source: Consumer Reports, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT? I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 FOR MORE INFO.
- Choose the right tool: a standard width (24-inch) rake requires less downward pressure to drag leaves across a lawn than an extra-wide (36-inch) rake. Ergonomic rakes, often with a bent handle, are designed to reduce bending, but aren't a good fit for everyone. Buy a rake with a soft grip that's comfortable for your height and strength. Before buying, practice raking movements in the store.
- Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, and if needed, apply sunscreen and tick repellent.
- Pick up any debris that could cause you to trip.
- Warm up with light activity before raking and stretch afterwards to minimize aching muscles. Therapeutic massage and heat (warm shower or heating pad) can also be helpful.
- Wear gloves, and keep space between your hands on the grip to increase leverage. Alternate leg and arm positions and switch sides.
- To prevent back injury, don't overfill leaf bags. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist -- use your leg muscles instead of your back muscles.
- Don't twist to toss leaves over a shoulder or to the side.
- When you're finished put the rake away so no one gets hurt by stepping on it by mistake.
Source: Consumer Reports, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT? I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 FOR MORE INFO.
Friday, September 3, 2010
EXPLORE BROOKLINE'S SECRET GARDENS!
On Sunday, September 19th, from 1 - 5 PM, the organization Bountiful Brookline will be hosting an Edible Gardens Harvest Tour followed by a reception with locally produced snacks and live music at the Brookline Community Foundation.
It's a great opportunity to get a little walking exercise in the beautiful Fall weather, pick up gardening tips, and meet some delightful Brookline folks!
I have gotten involved in Bountiful Brookline this past year through volunteering at the Greenside Out garden at Brookline Community Foundation, 40 Webster Place, Brookline Village, where a group of us raise fruit and vegetables for the Brookline Food Pantry. It's fun and I've learned a lot more about gardening.
New volunteers are always welcome . . . no experience necessary! You'll have a good time learning from the seasoned gardeners.
Please go to www.BountifulBrookline.org and click on "events" in the right side column to learn more about the garden tour and volunteer opportunities.
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH FOR GUARANTEED HIGH RETURNS -- CALL JOAN AT 617-738-8222 TO SCHEDULE A MASSAGE TODAY!
It's a great opportunity to get a little walking exercise in the beautiful Fall weather, pick up gardening tips, and meet some delightful Brookline folks!
I have gotten involved in Bountiful Brookline this past year through volunteering at the Greenside Out garden at Brookline Community Foundation, 40 Webster Place, Brookline Village, where a group of us raise fruit and vegetables for the Brookline Food Pantry. It's fun and I've learned a lot more about gardening.
New volunteers are always welcome . . . no experience necessary! You'll have a good time learning from the seasoned gardeners.
Please go to www.BountifulBrookline.org and click on "events" in the right side column to learn more about the garden tour and volunteer opportunities.
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH FOR GUARANTEED HIGH RETURNS -- CALL JOAN AT 617-738-8222 TO SCHEDULE A MASSAGE TODAY!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
BACTERIA IN THE BAGS
Did you know that the cloth grocery bags that we are reusing may be contaminated with E. coli and other bacteria? Research shows that bacteria levels are significant enough to cause serious health problems from food-borne illnesses. Here are some important safety tips:
* Hand or machine wash reusable grocery bags between uses to reduce bacteria by more than 99.9% (no bacteria were detected on new fabric or plastic bags).
* Separate raw foods from other food products and meat from fruits and vegetables to prevent cross contamination. Even packaged foods can leak or have bacteria on the outside of the wrapper.
* Do not use bags carrying groceries for storing or transporting other items such as snacks, clothing, or books which may be contaminated with additional bacteria.
* Do not store meat or produce in your car trunk because the higher temperatures promote bacterial growth on the bags.
Source: University of Arizona, Loma Linda University
COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT? I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.
* Hand or machine wash reusable grocery bags between uses to reduce bacteria by more than 99.9% (no bacteria were detected on new fabric or plastic bags).
* Separate raw foods from other food products and meat from fruits and vegetables to prevent cross contamination. Even packaged foods can leak or have bacteria on the outside of the wrapper.
* Do not use bags carrying groceries for storing or transporting other items such as snacks, clothing, or books which may be contaminated with additional bacteria.
* Do not store meat or produce in your car trunk because the higher temperatures promote bacterial growth on the bags.
Source: University of Arizona, Loma Linda University
COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT? I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
PROTEIN SHAKE ALERT !
Do you drink protein shakes? Laboratory analysis reveals that many of these supplemental beverages contain toxic contaminants, especially the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. It takes decades for the body to eliminate heavy metals; in the meantime, they can severely damage internal organs. EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shake (liquid), Muscle Milk Chocolate (powder), and Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme (powder) have been found to have heavy metal levels exceeding limits set by the US Pharmacopeia (USP), the federal authority that sets standards for health products. Muscle Milk Nutritional Shake Chocolate (liquid) closely approaches the limits, and other brands, although within the limits, also contain toxins.
In the US, dietary supplements, unlike prescription drugs, are usually not required to be tested before they are sold to ensure that they are safe, effective, free of contaminants, and health claims are not assessed for validity. The American Dietetic Association reports that protein drinks have not been shown to improve athletic performance and should be used conservatively. High protein intake can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Kidney malfunction can also be a result, especially for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and those with kidney disease -- a lot of people are undiagnosed and don't know that they already have these conditions.
The bottom line: most people can meet their protein needs, minimize exposure to toxins, and save money too by eating healthy, real foods.
Source: Consumer Reports
IT'S TIME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR BODY -- SCHEDULE YOUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TODAY ! CALL 617-738-8222.
In the US, dietary supplements, unlike prescription drugs, are usually not required to be tested before they are sold to ensure that they are safe, effective, free of contaminants, and health claims are not assessed for validity. The American Dietetic Association reports that protein drinks have not been shown to improve athletic performance and should be used conservatively. High protein intake can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Kidney malfunction can also be a result, especially for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and those with kidney disease -- a lot of people are undiagnosed and don't know that they already have these conditions.
The bottom line: most people can meet their protein needs, minimize exposure to toxins, and save money too by eating healthy, real foods.
Source: Consumer Reports
IT'S TIME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR BODY -- SCHEDULE YOUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TODAY ! CALL 617-738-8222.
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