Health

22 HEALTH • Fall 2016 Don't take the work day sitting down S itting, according to some stud- ies, is the new smoking. For the most part we really don't have a choice in the matter. After all, office workers spend the majori- ty of the eight hours of the day sit- ting at a desk in front of a computer. That doesn't count sitting during the commute to and from work. And because we have worked so hard during the week, our weekends are for relaxing and, you guessed it , more sitting. Many of us use fitness tracking devices that monitor our steps, workout time, and even time spent standing. For those of you that have them, take a look at and add up how many hours during the day you are moving, standing or exercising and you might be surprised to find that on average you are only moving about three to three-and-a-half hours a day. Alternative workstations Thankfully, many companies are starting to take notice and investing in products that encourage their employees to stand and move more during the day. Two such products are elevated desktops and treadmill desks. Companies use the elevated desk- tops as an inexpensive and simple but effective way to encourage their employees to stand while working. This increased movement can help their workers to be more productive, alert, and less likely to crash during that dreaded post-lunch time of day. Companies also appreciate the ease of installation of these desktops. It's as simple as unpacking the desktop from their box and placing them on top of an existing desk. Ample space is available for computer mon- itors, note pads, and keyboards. Some people don't like to exercise and those who do may not have the time to head down to the office gym (if there is one) or go to the gym either before or after work. For peo- ple looking to incorporate more movement into their day, a treadmill desk offers a great solution. Treadmill desks are a little bit more involved in that they require a dedi- cated space within the office and require a professional installation and setup. Employers tend to put these in areas that are easily accessi- ble during the workday and users can either sign up for a specified time or, depending on the number of employees, use it as it's available. Typically, the treadmills won't go much past three to four miles per hour and a good model will allow for electronic elevation control of the desk to accommodate for differ- ent body sizes, as well as electric and ethernet ports for laptop charging and connectivity. Human bodies are meant to be in motion but in today's society of con- venience, it is easy for us to fall into a sedentary mode. By incorporating more movement during the day we can enjoy a host of positive benefits, including better mood, increased energy, and better sleep. For employers, this increased movement has positive effects on job perfor- mance and creativity, reduces absen- teeism and creates an overall happier environment. David Ramsey is the commercial sales manager for Precision Fitness Equipment, a major supplier of commercial and residential fitness equipment in New England. He's also been a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and holds a mar- keting degree from the University of Rhode Island. BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION By David Ramsey We offer: • Long-term and short-term care • Ancillary Services: dental, eye, podiatry provided at the nursing home • Respite and Hospice Care • PT/OT/ST Rehab services; 7 days a week • Full time Physician Assistant • Continuing Care Community: Assisted Living services and Independent Living cottages & apartments on the Briarwood Community campus "Healthcare Environment State of the Art" • Restaurant-style dining room • Bright and airy rooms • Activities; 7 days a week • Cable TV and telephones available in each room • Resident computer and free access to internet • Pet therapy through Tufts Veterinary Program Schedule a Tour Today! www.knollwoodnursingcenter.com 87 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606 508-853-6910 LET US HELP YOU… • Feel happier, empowered, and more connected with family and friends • Communicate and perform better at work • Become more comfortable in group conversations • Improve relationships by spending more productive, quality time with loved ones • Feel more self –confident and have more energy. • Be more active, engaged and more independent Don't let hearing loss compromise your happiness & health At Professional Hearing of Westboro we're committed to helping our clients overcome the effects of hearing loss. From hearing evaluations to custom hearing aid fittings and adjustments, our team is deeply dedicated to helping our family of customers improve their hearing and their lives. Get started on your journey to better hearing. Call us today! 508-366-8686 33 Lyman Street • Westboro, MA 01581 www.prohearinghealth.com Human bodies are meant to be in motion

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