Straight-as-a-board upright posture that you may have been striving for in the interest of ergonomic correctness is not what it is cracked up to be, according to a research. The research was conducted at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland. The Scottish and Canadian team presented its findings to the Radiological Society of North America.
The scientists used advanced MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), taking measurements of spinal angles and disc height, and noting the movement of discs across the various positions. Volunteers were scanned as they sat upright, hunched forward or leaned back at an angle of 135 degrees.
The laid-back posture is better for preventing back problems than sitting up straight, the series of images revealed. Slouching forward is hardest on the spine, the images showed. Surprisingly, sitting bolt upright may also cause trouble, resulting in damage to discs in the lower part of the spine. The leaning-back position placed the least strain on discs, muscles and tendons, the researchers observed.
Epilepsy care
If you or your near and dear one has epilepsy, there are things you can do at home to reduce the risk of an injury during a seizure.
The following suggestions will help you during the crisis:
* Make sure your home is well carpeted and padded underneath.
* Cover any sharp corners on furniture with padding.
* Always close fireplace screens when the fireplace (oven) is lit. People with epilepsy should avoid lighting a fire or carrying lit candles.
* When buying space heaters or any type of iron, look for appliances with an automatic turn-off function.
* Use chairs that have arms, making a fall less likely.
Source: The Daily Star, December 19, 2009
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