Attaining and maintaining balance is the biggest challenge facing many people in North America.

There are very few people who would tell you they feel their lives are balanced with work, family, friends, and their health. It is usually taking care of their health that is last on the list of priorities.

Up to 80% of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives. How do you avoid becoming one of the statistics? There is no one magic answer but you can make a few minor changes to have a healthier, more balanced life and back.

1) Improve your postural alignment, especially while sitting.
2) Avoid repetitive movements which place increased pressure and load on the back.
3) The 'weekend warrior' is a person who is inactive throughout the week and expects their body to perform at its peak on the weekend.
4) Know your limits and do not stray too far from them.
5) Work on your core stability.
6) Improve your physical sense of balance.

You have one body and all the parts are not replaceable. Take the time to take care of yourself now so it will be able to take care of you for many more years to come.

Chista K. Shahrokh, B.Sc., D.C. is a chiropractor practicing in a North Vancouver multidisciplinary clinic. She is actively involved at the national level with the clinical and written examinations as part of the Canadian Chiropractic Examination Board. The clinic was one of the first multidisciplinary clinics to actively promote and utilize the Evolution Chair. They kindly donate all proceeds from the clinic's Evolution Chair sales to the Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House is a charity that creates a special home-away- from-home for families with children receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

Now that you have your Evolution Chair, it's time to tackle your posture that has been slacking ever since you decided to earn your living by sitting. The Tabletop Tango will help your firm up your rear end and make your co-workers double take. Why not shake things up a bit and be a leader in the new frontier of healthy living at work.

EXERCISE: TABLETOP TANGO
Ahhh... finally everyone has gone home. Just you, your ball, and your butt. Before you strip out of your office attire and throw on those fab jeans, let's tighten that derriere!

Start by sitting on the ball, PAC it in and slowly walk it out until your body is creating a flat tabletop position with your shoulders remaining on the ball. Slowly drop your bum toward the floor, then squeeze and slowly lift those hips toward the ceiling. Repeat twenty times. You should feel this exercise in your hamstrings, butt, and lower back.

Jane Clapp & Sarah Robichaud, authored the book "Working On the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness" which features a series of excellent ball exercises and health tips, available at bookstores across North America.

"I am so pleased with the Evolution Chair! Immediately upon using it, I have felt more alert and energized throughout the day, and surprisingly have been able to integrate it immediately into my work life 8-10 hours/day with virtually no fatigue or muscle tension.

I have done some introductory core strength training, and am really excited about introducing the exercises on the evolutionchair.com website into my daily routine. I was looking for an exercise solution that I could use at work that wouldn't require me to go to a gym or get changed, and as a martial artist and professional dancer, I am looking forward to enhanced performance outside of the office too!

Jessica Malach
Alive Magazine

Please email in your personal review or comments.

The Winners of Last Issue's 'Forward to a Friend' Online Prize Draw were Queen West Physiotherapy and Corporate Express ( Edmonton). They received a copy of Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud awesome book Working On the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness.

This month's draw is for a set of Gliding Discs provided by Twist Sport Conditioning. See the coupon below for details on how to win.

In our June/July issue of 'Your Connection with the Experts' we will feature, Kevin Duggan of Davies Home Healthcare.

Davies Home Healthcare has been serving the North Shore with quality medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for 30 years. Their expert staff of pharmacists, nurses, and technicians can provide you with a full range of products for a healthy life style.

What question you would like to ask Kevin?