theergonomicstore.com Blog » Holiday and Ergonomics

Gift Guide by Personality (with an ergonomic twist)

Administrator — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:16:47 +0000

Need last minute gift ideas?

Recognize anyone you know from the descriptions below?

Personality #1 “I don’t need anything, all I want is to spend time with you”.

This person has always loved your handmade gifts. Remember the clay ashtrays, holiday cards with your hand prints, special poems, class pictures…. This may be one of the most important people in your life, maybe a grandparent, parent or favorite aunt or uncle. This person deserves to be recognized and feel appreciated.

Idea #1 Come up with special words that describe that person in your life. You design it (It’s Free) and if you want you can frame it. They will love it!! Here’s a sample of the one I did for my mother-in-law. http://www.wordle.net

Idea #2 – Burn a CD with memorable songs that have special meaning to both of you. ie.family vacations you took as a kid, songs from favorite TV shows or movies you watched together, the first song you learned to play on the guitar or piano.

Ergonomics is all about healthy postures. Remember to work in a comfortable seated position with your arms at a 90 degree angle when custom designing your gift and or burning your CD.

Personality #2 The “Super-stylish” personality:

This person is “fashion above all else”. They wear heels on a hike, makeup at the gym, short sleeve or sleeveless shirts in the winter (in Montana). This person appreciates the distinction of being a trend-setter.

Idea #1 – Designer Computer glasses.

They know they need them but before now computer glasses were not “cool enough”. Take a look at these. Even the fashion police give these two thumbs up.

Idea #2-Trackbar Mouse. I bet they haven’t tried the trackbar mouse yet? This mouse allows mousing with either hand, reduces arm, neck and wrist discomfort. Especially designed for the fashion conscious. Accessory sleeve available in 10 different colors. Everyone will envy them at the office.

Personality #3 The “Latest and greatest” personality:

This person loves to work hard and play hard. They push the envelope. They ride rollercoasters, fast cars, enjoy snowboarding on black diamond, etc.. They love innovative high tech toys. Great ideas for this person include:

Idea #1 – Smartfish Ergomotion keyboard. The first intelligent keyboard. It moves and adjusts to the individuals typing style as you use it. This keyboard is said to actually reduce repetitive stress injuries. Very high tech!!

Idea #2 - Handshoe Mouse-It’s brand new, fits like a glove. Provides

the ideal shape for mousing. Comes in right or left – small,medium and large. It’s incredibly comfortable. They will love it!!

Personality #4 The “Warm Hearted but it’s cold in here” personality:

This person is always cold no matter if it’s summer or winter. They are the ones that try to change the thermostat, never go anywhere without a sweater and coat and gloves. Help keep them warm they will love you for it!!

Idea #1 – Heated Footrest. Turn it on and they will be able to

warm up in even the coldest offices.

Idea #2 – Heated Office Panel. Radiates warmth throughout their entire workstation area. Designed to be economical and energy saving.

Personality #5 The “Works…works…works” personality:

This person comes into the office early, stays late and works nights and weekends at home. Keep your favorite workaholic happy!!

Idea #1 – Super comfy Ergonomic Chair. Get them their “chair of a lifetime” with all the bells and whistles to give your “desk jockey” a comfortable and safe ride! They deserve it!! You do not have to go over-budget because there are so many high-quality yet low cost ergonomic chairs to choose from.

Idea #2 – At-Home workstation. Create a home office workstation so they can work comfortably in their own space to do the work that makes them happy.

We at The Ergonomic Store wish you a wonderful,

safe and healthy holiday season!

Hope you found our “Gift Guide by Personality” helpful.

Taking the Pain Out of the Holidays

Administrator — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:27:44 +0000

I just came across Dr. Lynn Kerew’s recent “Taking the Pain out of the Holidays”" blog and I really want to share this information with all of you. Dr. Kerew is a chiropractor who is very in-tune with the importance that ergonomics plays in a healthy lifestyle. This is great advice for all of us preparing for the Holidays and those of us traveling.

Per Dr. Kerew's blog, Last year, AAA reported a total of over 100 million Americans traveling during the holiday season in November and December. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average Thanksgiving long-distance trip length is 214 miles, compared with 275 miles over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday. At the same time the near 50,000 shopping centers throughout America are expected to swell with busy shoppers, despite the state of the economy.

“Low back pain is the number one ailment my patients come to see me with during the holiday months,” said Dr. Lynn. “This is an exciting time of year for many folks, but it is filled with so much planning, traveling, gathering, shopping and often too little sleep that many people can get themselves into a world of hurt, literally!”

Dr. Lynn has several tips and reminders for everyone looking to make it a pleasant pain-free holiday season, also many of the items recommended in this list double as great holiday gift ideas for any friend or family member who travels frequently. Here are a few of Dr. Lynn's recommendations and your can read her blog in its entirety on her blog website: http://lynnkerewchiropractic.com/blog/

When shopping:

• Be sure to really be aware of how much time you are spending on your feet and especially how much weight you are carrying when shopping.
If you’re already in pain or have a history try to keep your shopping load to no more than 10% of your body weight.
• Consider a portable shopping cart to make those long days at the mall less painful, they may not be the sexiest, but neither is spending the holidays on your back!
• This simple ergonomic shopping bag handle is great for reducing hand, wrist and arm stress from carrying too many bags at once

• Wear proper walking shoes! Get a proper pair of shoes that will give you the proper support so you can walk for hours at a time. Pretend you will be walking on cobblestones the entire time; you will not want to wear shoes that will hurt after 1 hour.

When traveling:

• Get some sleep! On overnight flights, bring some sleeping aids. Even if you are not tired, force yourself to sleep by using homeopathic supplements you can purchase at the homeopathic store. If you don’t sleep you will be jetlagged for days. Likewise, use JetLag homeopathic remedy when you arrive and just before you go home; about 12 hours before on either end will really help you.
• Get up often on the flight if you are not sleeping. This will help to prevent DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis which is a potentially deadly blot clot that can travel to your brain (stroke) or heart (heart attack).
• Get an aisle seat. If you can sit in either business class or on international flights, luxury economy, there is more legroom and possibly a better meal. More legroom which is important, even if you are only 5 foot 4 like me!

travel footrest

• Invest in Noise Cancelling Headphones and also eye shades, to help you rest easier.

Neck Pillow

It is perfect for providing much needed extra support at hotel and travel destinations.

Hope you have a great holiday!

Is it Thanksgiving already?

Administrator — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:47:07 +0000

This year I am going healthy. I lost 10 lbs from the weight loss challenge at the YMCA and I am not going to blow it this holiday season! A friend gave me this recipe for pumpkin pie that I am going to try this year.

Low Cal Pumpkin Pie
½ can pumpkin
¼ cup cool whip
2-3 packages of Sweet-n-Low
dash of nutmeg
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
Whip with wire whip and pour into pie shell

There is so much going on during the holidays that we don’t always make the best decisions when it comes to our health and wellbeing. I am not just talking about food choices.

Injuries and /or aches and pains occur from lifting, twisting, bending, reaching, pushing etc. If you just take a couple of seconds to use proper posture and technique when putting your groceries in the cart as well as in and out of your car, injuries can be avoided. Also take a minute to stretch while doing these shopping chores.

In the kitchen have a step stool handy when reaching into the higher cabinets.
There are plenty of ergonomic kitchen items now and some of them might be useful to you. If you are referring to recipes you might want to try an ergonomic adjustable slantboard. These are beneficial as they allow you to adjust the angle for less strain on your neck. Remember to have your kitchen at the light setting that is best for your eyes. Eyestrain can bring on fatigue and stress. Pick out easy to grasp handles for your cooking utensils.

I’d love to hear some of your recipes and ideas for a “more ergonomic” holiday this year.