This link outlines and defines what ergonomics is as a science form as well as how to apply it practically to your work station. This article is a must read for anyone who has no idea to what ergonomics is, or for people who want to learn a bit more about the ergonomic fundamentals. Key point raised in the article are the origin of ergonomics and where its name is derived from, a definition of ergonomics as well as the physical stressors and the environmental factors involved.
Archive for the ‘Ergonomics’ Category
What is ergonomics?
Thursday, November 25th, 20105 ways to correct posture
Sunday, November 21st, 2010We are always on the lookout for interesting articles on the web, and we recently came across this one. It’s a good summary of ways you can correct your posture.
This article highlights 5 ways to improve and correct your posture and the benefits it would have on your day to day functions. The article goes into detail on the benefits of good posture and how to implement the advice. The Top 5 is as follows:
- Yoga
- Bad Posture Exercises
- Ergonomic Posture Chairs
- Posture Braces
- Comfortable Clothing and good shoes
http://heheli.com/general-health/5-ways-to-correct-bad-posture/
It’s even got a free ebook download with some good exercises in it. Worth a read.
The 5 essential ergonomic products you will need this term at University
Friday, October 1st, 2010So the new university term has begun and whether you are a fresh faced first year or seasoned third year you will not be able to hide from the endless conveyor belt of assignments, projects, hand-ins and of course the life devouring dissertation, with all this work inevitable and unavoidable you will find yourself stuck in front of a computer for hours on end researching, referencing and refining your work. Spending more time in front of a computer than ever before and a more deskbound lifestyle may result in you to develop neck or back pain, a distraction from your work that you won’t enjoy.
However Posture People are here to help as we give you our Top Five Ergonomic Products that can offer increased support and movement to proactively reduce the risk of future problems.
1) Chair
- Axia Pro Chair
This sleek stylish chair offers an ideal combination of ergonomics and style fulfilling its purpose of providing exceptional comfort for hours and hours, especially when you are on the final stretch referencing your work whilst the dreaded deadline is drawing near you might be complaining about your time management but you would not be complaining of a bad back.
Price: £660.35
2) Mouse – Evoluent Mouse
The Evo is like no other normal mouse you would have used before; this uniquely designed ergo mouse supports your hand in a comfortable handshake shape position, to eliminate any pain in the arm caused due to tension from unnecessary forearm twisting. The mouse incorporates a clever five key design making it easier to switch back and forth from page to page on your screen, extremely useful when multitasking and having multiple windows open at once.
Price: £79.90
3) Laptop Stand
– Posture Pouch
The Posture Pouch is the perfect ergonomic accessory for the student on the go. The posture pouch allows any student to have your laptop screen at the correct height were ever you may be, whether you’re in the library, on the train or in the park with friends the posture pouch offers extra protection around your laptop, it also allows you to comfortably place your laptop on your lap correctly and without it over heating on you. The laptop and the stand can fold away as one, convenient if you’re a student on the go.
Price: £70.49
4) Document Holder – Docuglide
Do you spend your days painfully huddled over your desk while surrounded by towers of books? If so the Docuglide could be what you have been waiting for, productivity and posture can be improved dramatically as the Docuglide allows you to complete tasks such a reading, writing and typing to optimise your work flow as the writing slope is elevated to allow you to maintain good posture but at the same time read and use the keyboard.
Price: £111.63
5) Keyboard – Microsoft Natural 4000 keyboard
So you have just been assigned your dissertation which is for most people a minimum of 10,000 words, now that is a lot of typing! Flat keyboards promote unnatural wrist and forearm pressure causing strain in those areas, this could result in you having a distracting discomfort when you need to be completely focused. By incorporating the Natural 4000 your concentration will remain undiminished as this keyboard supports a natural position for superior comfort.
Price: £49.53
How To Choose The Right Mattress For You
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010The sign of a good mattress can usually be determined by its price tag. Cheap and cheerful may save you a few pounds in the short term. But after you`ve slept on an economy mattress for a year you could quickly find that your poor quality mattress is the cause of disturbed sleep, back pain and tiredness.
Most people sleep for around eight hours each night and so it makes sense that if a third of your life is spent in bed, you should really be prepared to invest in making it as comfortable as possible. The essential rule for choosing a mattress is to buy the best that you can afford within your budget. A good night`s sleep is the key to general wellbeing and a well structured, quality mattress will give you 10 to 25 years of consistent support.
There are several types of mattress, so when choosing the one that`s most suitable for your needs, you should weigh up the pros and cons of each and not just opt for the most expensive hoping that it`s the best.
A basic sprung mattress consists of springs throughout and a solid wire or rod edge maintains the box shape. These are the cheapest type of mattresses available but their life expectancy is usually under five years.
Pocket sprung mattresses are made from individual smaller springs in separated fabric pockets and as each pocket is isolated from the next, they work independently and distribute body weight more effectively. These are a good option for use by two people who have very different body shapes.
Memory foam mattresses are still fairly new but increasing in popularity as prices are starting to come down. They are still a top of the range choice, but the quality is superb and they are ideal for maintaining correct spine alignment throughout the night. The memory foam reacts to body heat and moulds to cushion the body, providing excellent support and natural movement.
The degree of firmness is important in a mattress as it has to provide effective back and neck support. It`s always a wise idea to try before you buy and don`t be afraid of lying down on several different types of mattress in the showroom in order to help you decide.
A quick test you can perform in the showroom is to lie down flat on your back, place your hand between the small of your back and the mattress and gently push away. If there`s a big gap, it`s too soft and if there is no gap at all then the mattress is too firm. If you can push your hand away slightly then the tension is probably just about right for your body weight.
Weight is an essential thing to consider when buying a mattress and someone who has the physique of a ballet dancer would not require the same support from a mattress as a 15 stone rugby player. It is for this reason that a couple who are very different in body shape or weight may wish to opt for a mattress that is different on either side. Single mattresses can be bought that are specifically made to mix and match with another from the same range and zip together to make a double mattress that is perfect for both people.
When deciding on which mattress is the best for you, remember that well known brand names may be more expensive than budget versions that look the same, mattresses by Silentnight are a good option and offer a wide range of choice. But it’s exactly the same as buying an office chair, go to the shop and try out a few.
The Core Stability Myth – have you bought into it?
Thursday, August 19th, 2010The Times on Tuesday 10 August published an article about how exercise scientists were doubting the need to have a strong core. Pilates particularly is based around the principles that a strong core is the key to better posture and a life free from backpain.
The Times journalist Peta Bee questioned whether too much emphasis could in fact cause problems rather than solve them. Obviously being interested in all things that can help and prevent backpain, it was interesting to read an article which argues against core stability exercises.
We found this interesting rebuttal of the article by Glenn Withers. http://www.ausphysio.com/info/media.aspx?article=26, where he argues the article doesn’t include all the research in the area, and that actually core stability work does still have a place in today’s exercise routines.
Our view is that the article maybe concentrated too much in one area. We don’t believe that people with backpain should look for just one solution i.e. just doing core stability exercises, in fact most of our clients find that it’s a combination of factors that can reduce backpain. Exercise is just one factor. Lifestyle, working habits and stress levels are all factors, and often all need to be considered when people are reviewing why they are suffering with backpain.
People often start the process with treatment, and it often becomes a cycle – get treated, feel fine for awhile and then because nothing else has changed then the problem reoccurs. So then you have to look at changing your environment, which is often the way you work.
When people buy a new ergonomic chair from us, we often advise that this isn’t an instant cure. The ergonomic chair still needs to be set up correctly, the desk it’s being used at needs to be set up correctly and if you are using a laptop it’s essential to have it on a laptop stand. The next bit of the puzzle is to look at long term strengthening of your back, and that’s where we believe that exercise can help.
So to refer back to the article, actually if you only focus on one area such as core stability then you could be causing problems but if you think of core stability as one of the building blocks, it’s far more likely to be successful.
Put your back into it England
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010To celebrate the world cup, how about a St Georges Chair? RH have produced their fabulour Highback Extend & RH400 chair in this patriotic fabric. We couldn’t resist and have one on display in our Brighton Showroom.
To be honest the chair is a definite winner as RH have just extended the warranty period on the majority of their chairs to 10 years. So this chair will still be under warranty if England are successful in their bid to hold the World Cup in 2018.
To find out more about the range, or get a quote for a St Georges chair give us a call on 0845 313 1503.
The Brighton Fringe 2010 – Are you sitting (and standing) comfortably?
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010For those of you who’ve been trapped in a crevasse up in the Sussex Downs for the last week or so, you’ve missed the beginning of a rather large, explosive event. No we don’t mean the stage show that is our current post-general election antics – although the majority of the country is eagerly waiting for an encore of some description – we mean the eclectic Brighton Fringe Festival is now under way.
Although Brighton is a constant source of energy and excitement, the Fringe adds something unique and special to the city every year, and has for some time now. Brighton and Hove has presented Fringe frivolities since the Brighton Festivals’ creation way back in 1967. Over the past 43 years, it’s possessed a number of aliases, such as ‘Umbrella’ and ‘The Open’, but was finally named the ‘Brighton Festival Fringe’ in 2002.
Brighton Festival Fringe is one of the largest, progressive open access arts festival in the world, and the largest in the England. Its sole aim has always been to “stimulate, educate and entertain” people, with over 700 events at more than 240 venues, which means you don’t need to be an eminent artist to fully savour the Fringe.
(Image from: www.hartshornhook.com)
However, what it does mean for you and the other 170,000 revellers watching the festival’s offerings is you’ll be either sitting down or standing for long periods of time. We know that this is all part of the occasion, of course; sitting on an old, cold bench, or leaning against the bar as you sip fine ale and consume even finer comedy; this is what epitomises the true essence of the Fringe. But, what about your poor old posture?
“Poor posture is something that develops over time, but definitely a contributing factor to everyday aches and pains can be standing or sitting for long periods watching the numerous free events around Brighton. Have you ever found yourself standing up watching a concert and starting to shift from foot to foot, this ‘fidget’ factor is the body’s way of saying that it would like to move, which really means that it’s not very comfortable.” says Jo Blood, Director of Posture People, who specialise in ergonomic furniture and reducing the effects of bad posture and back pain.
Here are some quick and easy tips from Posture People to ensure you’re sitting and standing comfortably, as well as correctly:
Keep your feet on the ground
We fully appreciate this is a very hard thing to accomplish, especially when you’re watching a lively performance. However, do try to keep your feet flat on the floor when still, and if possible, don’t cross your legs as this can potentially cut off circulation and cause hip problems.
You ‘knee’d’ to know this
It’s highly unlikely the festival organisers will be supplying ergonomic chairs, so if you have a choice try to select a chair high enough so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips. This will keep your hip sockets open, ensuring blood circulation to your feet and legs. It will also help prevent the cramping of your leg muscles.
(Image by: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/2253960352_1f597f6b9f.jpg)
It’s all about bums on seats!
But, make sure your bum has the right one. Choose one that is firm and flat, not hollow or bucket shaped. This is the best type to give you solid support for your pelvis and the rest of your body. If you suffer from persistent back or posture problems, then we certainly recommend you take a pillow with you for support. Or better still a sitting wedge.
Making a stand
We guarantee that you’ll be involved in a standing ovation at some point over the next few weeks, but if you’re standing for long periods of time then try to keep the majority of your weight spread evenly over your foot as opposed to just on the heels or toes. Your arms should hang down naturally too. You should also watch out for leaning down onto one hip, as well as pulling your shoulders back too.
“The last thing that we want is for aches and pains to dull your enjoyment of the performance, so hopefully these tips will help everyone enjoy the Festival that little bit more.” continues Jo.
Posture People ergonomic seating solutions will also be enjoying the Fringe, and if we spot anyone not sitting or standing correctly, we may just have a little word in your ear…!
The Brighton Fringe Festival is on from now until the 23rd May. For more information visit www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk
How to camp without the pain
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010Five top tips to reduce the pain of camping
Waking up with the sound of the bird’s song rippling and trilling through the folds of glorious green canvas, with the smell of the smouldering campfire and a stream of bright yellow sunlight falling gently on the sleeping eyes of your family – sounds wonderful doesn’t it?
Camping can be extremely fun and there is no better way to bond family and friends than a nice weekend with the ponies in the New Forest, but there is one thing that year upon year spoilt it for me: back ache!
Sleeping on the floor is, so I have read numerous times, very good for your back. Well, it certainly doesn’t feel like it! So, here are our top tips to have a more comfortable camping experience!
- Tent size: Remember, if it says sleeps 5 on it, and there are 5 of you – buy the tent that says sleeps 6! Space is important especially because people need to have room to wriggle in their sleep!
- Air Mattress: This is a must have for camping. It raises you a few inches off the ground, which helps you adjust to lower-level sleeping.
- Ear plugs: A must have! It is not just his snoring to contend with – it is a microcosm of things outside the tent! Bugs and foxes if you’re in Britain; bears and mountain lions if you’re in the US!
- Sleep clean: We are referring to two things here – bathing and PJs. Firstly you are much more likely to get to sleep having showered, so don’t be lazy and use whatever amenities are available. Secondly, wear fresh PJs. Bring a pair per 2 – 3 nights and it will make a huge difference!
- Back brace: For those of you with a bit of a back issue in daily life, invest in a back brace before you head off camping. These will keep your vital back areas warm and support you whilst you are twisting to put up the tent and lifting the food out of the car
RH Chairs extend their warranty period to 10 years
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010RH Chairs have long been one of our favourite manufacturers, their chairs are amongst the best in the ergonomic marketplace, but now there’s another reason to look at them. They have just extended their warranty period to 10 years from the standard 5 years found on most other chairs. The 10 year warranty period applies to the Extend, RH Logic 300 & RH Logic 400 range of ergonomic office chairs.
This means that over the 10 year guaranteed period, a RH Logic 400 with a neckrest and adjustable arms works out to be £82.90 per year or 22p per day.
Now surely every employee is worth 22p per day?
RH Chairs Medium Back Extend
RH Chairs reduce Co2 Emissions by 30%
Monday, March 29th, 2010RH Chairs have long been known for producing some of the best ergonomic chairs in the marketplace, but what isn’t so well known is just how environmentally friendly they are. RH Chairs were one of the first seating manufacturers to achieve EPD certification for their products, gaining them ISO 14025 (one of the highest levels of environmental friendliness available).
But they’ve just announced even more improvements, with CO2 emissions from the production of RH Extend and RH Logic 400 chairs falling by over 30% in the last year. The findings were from a third party audit conducted in relation to EPD documentation and climate declarations.
This decrease is due to large parts of the chairs that were made from virgin aluminium now being made using recycled aluminium. The RH 400 now has a new aluminium base which consists of less aluminium and also has a lower weight. .
RH Logic 400 Ergonomic Office Chair
If you’d like to know more click on the links below:
