We would like to thank all of the health professionals for joining us this week at our 'Introduction to Seating and office Ergonomics' Presentations.

Our Backcare & Seating OT"s were thrilled to have the opportunity to provide you with knowledge and awareness of the most recent developments in ergonomic philosophy, its application and benefits through products for clients or patients.

Penclics’ Mini Keyboard creates a healthy working position while working in front of the computer. The compact size allows for a more relaxed and centered working position.

Not reaching for the computer accessories whilst working helps reduce RSI issues from occurring. It has an optimal 5 mm profile which decreases the strain on the wrists, while the mini keyboard is able to tilt slightly upwards to suit many different user needs. Penclic Mini Keyboard’s comfortable Quiet-Touch keys minimises noise and provides good tactile feeling while you are working. Only small keystrokes are needed and minimal pressure is required when typing, creating a relaxed and efficient time in front of the computer.

The Ergotron WorkFit-T, Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation is now available In store!

Presenting an ultra easy standing desk solution, which quickly converts a tabletop into a healthy sit-stand workstation. Simply place the WorkFit-T on an open surface and you’re ready to work!

WorkFit-T saves space because it moves straight up and down, always staying within the footprint of your desktop. The platform is extremely stable throughout its range of motion—one can freely lean on it while working without worry of tip or height-drop. 

Office workers need to get on their feet

New research suggests that office workers need to stand and move more frequently as part of their working day to prevent serious illness and premature death.

Desk jockeys should make a point to stand up for at least two hours during the workday in order to avoid the negative health consequences linked to too much sitting, new research suggests.

Illness and premature death

Gradually break up periods of prolonged sitting until you're on your feet four hours a day, advises a panel of international experts. Aside from taking regular walks throughout the workday, desk-bound employees can opt for sit-stand desks or workstations that require them to stand.

Read: Too much sitting increases heart, diabetes risk

The recommendations are based on an analysis of research that links prolonged periods spent seated with a heightened risk of serious illness and premature death.

"The evidence is clearly emerging that a first 'behavioural' step could be simply to get people standing and moving more frequently as part of their working day," the study authors reported online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Increasing the amount of time that people stand could be a more achievable goal than encouraging more daily exercise, the researchers said in a journal news release.

The report was commissioned by Public Health England, which is an agency of the U.K. Department of Health, and another British organisation, Active Working Community Interest Company.

Among the panel's other recommendations for office workers:

Move around. Standing in one place for too long can also have harmful health effects. Changing your posture or position, or going on a brief walk can reduce the risk for musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.

Employers can warn their staff about the health risks associated with prolonged sitting or being sedentary both in the office and at home.

Employers can invest in the health of their staff by designing working environments that encourage more activity.

The researchers acknowledged that the materials they reviewed don't prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between prolonged sitting and chronic illness.

Still, they believe on-the-job adjustments are in order. "While longer-term intervention studies are required, the level of consistent evidence accumulated to date, and the public health context of rising chronic diseases, suggest initial guidelines are justified," the panel wrote.

Is it possible to be incredibly fit yet still be at high risk of premature death and disability due to inactivity?

Wellness at work - Anatomy of a healthy workplace.