Although sitting does not involve a lot of muscular effort, it still causes fatigue.

Working at a computer often involves very few changes in body position, this lack of movement can lead to muscle pain and strain, resulting in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Kevin Duggan states, "Maintaining good posture and optimizing your muscle strength goes hand in hand. The old saying rings true in postural training, just as it does in just about all physical activities 'use it or lose it.'

Clinicians have long observed that slumped sitting and passive standing postures lead to increased lower back pain and the failure of key trunk muscles to properly activate."

The number of people working on computers is ever growing and the prevalence of MSDs has increased dramatically; 7% of the 22 million Canadians who experienced back pain lost a month or more off work. Consumers spent $21.5 million on back pain products in Canada in 1999.

By focusing on the correct use of body posture and incorporating movement throughout our day, we will reduce the incidence of work related MSDs and repetitive strain injuries. Both employers and employees benefit from a healthy, safe workplace.

Kevin Duggan of 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 product for a healthy life style.

A functional exercise is the most commonly used buzz word in fitness today. An exercise is considered functional when it prepares us for some movement challenge that we are actually likely to encounter.

So let's say you drop something on your floor at work. Many people injure their backs when they bend over to pick something up and lift back up to straight in a twisting motion.

The following exercise will help your build strength in your obliques and teach you how to bend over to the side without adding a twist.

EXERCISE: PICK UPS
Oops, you dropped something! Drop down to your right side and pick up that pencil with your right hand then drop down to your left side and pick up that paper clip with your left hand. Ensure you don't twist at the waist keeping your body in one plane like a wind-shield wiper. Keep your body facing straight forward and PAC it in. Do this 10 times each side. Your waist will thank you.

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.

In our next issue we will feature, Dr. Cruz, BS, DC, of San Rafael, California as our expert.

Dr. David Cruz, practices at Marin Orthopedics & Sports Medicine focusing on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of neck and back injuries, as well as promoting principles of a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Cruz is also the founder & president - WebExercises a web based software company enabling healthcare professional to create and send video demonstrations of exercises to patients via email for viewing at home, work, or when traveling.

"The whole office thinks I'm crazy, so far! But, after months of sitting on the ball, I am more on-the- ball than ever.

Working at my desk is no longer tiring and I feel better at the end of a shift. I am able to hold myself up straighter and I feel I can walk taller and smarter. Surprisingly I have no desire to go back to a conventional chair, as I was first afraid I would.

Balancing came easy and quickly and now, I never even think about it. I am enjoying the experience and the results."

Don Warren

Please email in your personal review or comments.

The winner of last issue's "Forward to a Friend Online Prize Draw" was Naz of Pacific Coast Rehabilitation. Naz received one set of Gliding Discs provided by Twist Sport Conditioning.

Thank you to Naz and all others that entered the draw.

This month's draw is for a set of Gliding Discs provided by Twist Sport Conditioning. See coupon below for details on how to enter this month's prize draw. Good luck!