“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Semisonic, “Closing Time”
Visual Strain & Headaches at Work
Neck and back pain are common complaints for people that are sitting to work all day, or who lift heavier things repetitively as part of their job. While these certainly are common injuries with detrimental consequences, eye strain and headaches is another common complaint. In fact, the American Optometric Association has found that eye strain impacts nearly 70% of working Americans. The amount of time the collective workforce spends looking at computer screens each day has increased exponentially in recent years. Not only does eye strain (also known as visual strain) lead to headaches, it can also contribute to neck, upper back, and shoulder stiffness and pain, all of which can impact our efficiency and productivity on the job.
Common symptoms associated with visual strain include burning and stinging sensations, redness or “tired” eyes, headaches, blurry vision, difficulty focusing as well as neck and shoulder pain. Eye strain has been found to be related to certain factors in the work place such as:
· poor lighting in the work space,
· glare from computer screens and/or nearby lights,
· maintaining a fixed or close visual distance from screens for extended periods
of time
· unsuitable work stations
· declining vision or inadequate prescription strength not yet diagnosed
Using task analysis skills and closely examining the fit between the worker, job, and unique work environment, occupational therapists can play a key role in addressing visual strain and headaches at work. Here are some great low cost solutions that you can try:
· Change the lighting at your work station, ensuring it is not too bright or dim
· Alter the contrast of your computer monitor
· Increase font size to reduce the need to squint
· If you find office lighting too bright but are unable to alter it, wear sunglasses
· Remove overhead florescent bulbs and replace with desk lamps
· Purchase an anti-glare screen or monitor cover
· Purchase light-reducing window dressings
· Use a larger monitor to increase options for size and document configuration
· Consult with an optometrist to see if your vision is changing as you age and to ensure your prescription (if you have one) is suitable for your work environment.
For more information see Entwistle Power’s FREE DOWNLOADABLE office ergonomics e-book or contact an Occupational Therapist for more information.
Inspired
Say “I Will…” this New Year
So how can you help make this year your best? This article from the Huffington Post talks about how you can make positive change this New Year by using 15 common phrases. But I wanted to add a 16th: “I WILL”. So many people live by the “I should” or “I want to” but if you can frame this positively and with a proactive statement like “I WILL” you are convincing yourself it will happen as you say it. Let the power of a proactive and positive mind guide you to success this year!
The Huffington Post: 15 Phrases That Will Change Your Life In 2015
Inspired
“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.”
Brad Paisley
New Year… New You! Resolutions The Right Way
Happy New Year! For many of us, this is when we take time to reflect on the previous year, and set Resolutions or Goals for the year ahead. However, significant research highlights that many people who set resolutions or goals for the year end up abandoning these before the end of January. Why does this happen and how can you ensure the positive changes you wish to make come to fruition?
Check out the following infographic created by Weight Watchers on “The Life and Death of a New Year’s Resolution”
Here is a summary of this helpful graphic:
1. Set A Realistic Goal: Many people start December 31st or January 1st with the mindset that this is the year for change. They make a resolution to lose 20 lbs, or eat healthier each and every day, add $10 000 to their savings, or quit smoking immediately. These resolutions are fantastic! But are they realistic? You know yourself and your limitations best. Ensure the resolution you are making is achievable. Start small and build upon it.
2. Create a Plan with Milestones: If you are hoping to lose 20 lbs in 2015 it would be extremely unhealthy and unlikely to do this in one month. Create a plan of what is an attainable amount to lose each month to reach this goal and HOW you can accomplish this. If you’re struggling with creating this plan, enlist the help of a professional who can help you along the way!
3. Make Your Goals and Milestones Public: Use social media to your advantage! Making your goal public on facebook or simply via an announcement to your friends will help hold you accountable, thus helping you stick to your plans.
4. Celebrate Success: When you reach a milestone on your plan, it’s time to celebrate! Take time out to be proud of what you have accomplished and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Knowing that you accomplished a small part of your plan will keep you motivated toward the next goal.
5. Use Technology: In the world today it’s easy to find apps, and devices to help you reach your goal. Whether looking to save money, reduce debt, lose weight or kick a bad habit, as Apple says: “there’s an app for that!” Invest in a FitBit (or other wearable device) or app to help you with your goals.
Check out the following lists of the best apps of 2014 from Healthline to help you meet your goals!
Whatever your resolution we hope these tips help you to make 2015 your healthiest and happiest year yet!
Happy New Year!
The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day 12
On the 12th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…The Ice Bucket Challenge
This summer it seemed like the entire world, from the Average Joe to celebrities and politicians, were dumping freezing cold buckets of ice over their heads to raise awareness for ALS. And the challenge did just that. Raising $115 million in the US alone, and educating millions of people in the process, ALS is now more understood across the globe and researchers can use the funds to hopefully find a cure. The following is a deeply moving reminder of WHY this challenge was important.
The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day 11
On the 11th day of inspiration my OT gave to me… A Soul Surfer taking on the Amazing Race.
Bethany Hamilton, best known as the inspiration for the movie Soul Surfer, who lost her arm from a shark bite at age 13 has overcome many challenges in her life. She and her husband Adam took on the challenge of a lifetime and had a fantastic and inspiring performance the 25th season of the Amazing Race.
The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day 10
On the 10th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…a woman proving to the world that “bald is beautiful”.
Sharon Blynn fought her battle with ovarian cancer at the young age of 28. Her story is one of survival and one that has inspired the world to know that “bald is beautiful.”