Texting and driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents in Ontario. Take a look at the following from Pace Law Firm as they discuss this growing problem and how tougher laws that could help reduce distracted driving may be coming our way.
Inspired
“There is no such thing as a failure who keeps on trying. Coasting to the bottom is the only disgrace.”
Blues Traveler, Just Wait
Increasing Physical Activity At Work
Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)
While anti-smoking campaigns have been in effect for decades, more recent health promotion efforts are being directed at preventing obesity, heart disease and the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting, now called “sitting disease”. As society experiences this paradigm shift away from sedentary activity, employers too need to be on board with solutions on ways to keep employees active when the job demands require continuous desk work.
If you are concerned about the effects of sitting disease and are looking for ways to increase health and wellness at work, the solution is actually simple. Just start by getting moving! If you are an employer and are not ready or able to invest in a comprehensive wellness program, or you are an employee and these are not offered where you work, start with some simple team-building challenges. Consider the following:
1. Stair climbing. Try to challenge workplace to at 30 day “Climb It Challenge” where everyone takes the stairs. Or if your office is too high up, no problem, take the elevator 5 floors below your level and walk the stairs from there.
2. 30 day squat challenge. This is easy, requires no equipment and won’t leave your office team with the need to shower following. Have those interested meet for 5-10 minutes a day and complete each day’s challenge. This 30 day squat challenge has a daily plan you can follow.
3. Bike or walk to work month. This is easier to do in the warmer weather months, so try to challenge your team to walk or bike to work each day. If you are in a remote location, or if employees commute, ask employees to park a couple of blocks away and walk or ride from there.
4. Get your yoga on. Each day with your team, take 10-15 minutes to run through some easy yoga poses to help boost posture and strength. Check out some of these beginner poses to try.
5. Organize a walking lunch group. Each day with your team take a 30 minute power walk at lunch or break time. Walking is great for cardiovascular and bone health and will help to prevent the negative effects of sitting all day.
Working together with a team dedicated to improving health and wellness will help to keep individuals motivated and on track. In the end, don’t forget to celebrate your success and keep the momentum going!
Check out more on staying healthy at the office on our Healthy Workplace page.
Inspired
Are Restaurant Meals Healthier Than Fast Food?
Many believe that when choosing to eat out, a sit down restaurant may provide healthier choices than the local fast food joint, however, a new study out of the University of Illinois shows otherwise. Although restaurant meals may provide more nutrients than a typical fast food meal, research shows that high sodium levels and large portion sizes are putting diners’ health at risk. Check out more on the study and tips for how to have a healthier “dining out” experience in the following article from Global News.
Global News: Your restaurant meal is just as bad as fast food, study warns
Inspired
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you’ll be a success.”
Albert Schweitzer
Accessibility In The Community
In this episode of our popular OT-V series we are discussing community accessibility. The following video discusses the important things to consider when someone with a mobility impairment arrives to a home or building to realize that they may need help to enter.
The following items to consider will help to ensure a safer and easier entrance.
• Understand the type of device you are using and its abilities and limitations
• Understand your own physical abilities
• Identify and assess the help you have available
• Seek out all available entrances and entrance types to select which one best suits your mobility aid or device
• Assess the size of the door you need to enter and what you will encounter upon entry
Watch the video to learn more about accessibility and the solutions available.
Inspired
Take a look at the amazing organization, Surfers Healing, that works to enrich the lives of children on the Autism spectrum.
Laughter Therapy
Weekly Mind Bender
Can you solve the following?
1. Forgive and Forget
2. Back Door
3. Go on a Double Date
4. Almost Impossible
5. Afternoon Tea
6. Not in Use