Monday, October 15, 2012

Learning from Each Other

Before I forget:- I would like to thank everyone who writes a blog. I try to read as much as I can and sometimes I do leave a comment and sometimes I do not.  I hope that everyone keeps writing because blogs are inspirational, informational, and a lot of fun. For me writing is cathartic, although lately I have been so busy with my own life that I have overlooked some issues that I could have brought to people's attention. Also I have forgotten my password for Linkedin and as much as I want to befriend people, I am not able to. 

By now I think most of us have heard about the syringes that are infected with Fungal Meningitis. It is so sad and so ironic that people who went to a doctor to get a treatment for their backache got infected because of these syringes. I do not want to start a rant about what the FDA does and does not do. I just would like to create an awareness in people about the importance of good posture. I am not saying that all back injuries are caused by a bad posture. What I am saying is that while we have no control over getting hit by a drunk driver and getting hurt, we can try and learn from each other. 

Just about three years ago, my husband's nephew had told us that he was in a lot of pain. The Vertebra near his neck was kind of scraped and that he has to wear a brace most of the time. He was never hurt or had fallen or had an auto accident. The reason for the pain in his neck was just the mere fact that he was working at his desk for hours in a row. I had then remembered that we used to tell people at work to be careful about doing one task for a long time. In one of the safety training sessions we had learned that OSHA rules require that no one should work at one task for more than two hours in a row. While standing at a cash register hours in a row can be detrimental to your cardiovascular system, sitting at a computer desk for hours in a row can do serious damage to your spine and your nerves.  I wish that I had placed the due emphasis on this fact before a loved one was diagnosed with a herniated disc and was told by her doctor to get another job.

17 comments:

Ruth said...

It bothers my neck if I look down too long at a time.
Emphasis used to be placed on good posture. Not so much anymore. But, it does make a difference.
It is nice to see you.
I've been pretty busy lately too.

Anonymous said...

Parents of teenagers have probably tried to get them to stop slouching since the beginning of man!

Geo. said...

Good instructive post! I became a gardener 35 years ago because indoor work was ruining my feet. I was afraid the ruin would work its way up and wear me down like the poor fellow who posed for your illustration.

Chatty Crone said...

Maybe that is why my neck hurts - I am on the computer all the time!

yaya said...

Look around...people are constantly looking down at their phones, ipads, notebooks, etc. I work in an operating room and stand for hours at a time and also have problems with my neck because of looking down at the surgery site. Our floors are concrete and they are reeking havoc on the employees knees. That being said I do have a husband who is a Chiropractor and he's kept me in good working shape all our married life..38yrs. I'd recommend him to any and everyone but I realize blog land is all over the world! Exercise and good posture is essential for back health..plus keeping stomach muscles strong will help low back pain.

Granny Annie said...

During the time period of this outbreak my husband and brother both had those injections. That batch went to 23 states and Oklahoma was not among them. Good for us, bad for so many others. My husband's back injuries are from his 20 years in the US Navy. These injections are a God send from people who otherwise would require surgery.

Austan said...

I wasn't born to sit at a desk and physical work did me well until it didn't anymore. I wish I'd done yoga. But I'm oh so glad I refused to let them touch my spine. After that EMG damaged my sciatic nerve, it'll be a cold day in hell before they touch me again.

Youmna09 said...

Since I have started working I am experiencing the same may be because of the wrong sitting position :(

loverofwords said...

Oh there are so many things we can do to avoid problems later. Physical therapy really helps, Yoga, Pilates. Your post is a good reminder to questions treatments and take time to take care of ourselves.

klahanie said...

Hi Munir,

I wish to thank you for this cautionary tale. And you have shared some information that will be of valuable help. Which reminds me, I've been typing away on my computer for far too long.

And thank you for being a part of the great blogging community. I rejoice in the diversity and the knowledge we share. Thank you.

Gary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Munir .. it's work for an hour, move around and exercise shoulder muscles - for the upper body, but also for the legs ...

We do need to look after ourselves - so right there ..

Cheers and look after yourself - it's just good we continue to learn .. Hilary

Step-parent's Cove said...

Hello, I am still following your blog. Just haven't had time to write much but I do like stopping by to see what is new in your world. Take care.

Lisa said...

My neck hurts.

Hello Munir, thank you for reminding us to keep blogging for this is a wonderful place to be. And Munir, LinkedIn is easy, just tell them you don't have your password and they'll send a new one to your email.

And Munir, this is oceangirl. Happy Eidil Adha.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I work seated in an ergonomic chair. This kind of forces me to adopt good posture. But you are so correct on this. As we age, we need to continuously watch our health and when working or lifting, do so ergonomically to alleviate strain on our muscles and bones.

cube said...

Your post is spot on. I know exercising is better, but if you're pressed for time, just getting up and walking around helps.

DWei said...

I only get neck problems if I sleep in a strange position. But that could just be because I'm still young.

Anonymous said...

I agree about the blog community-- such a great source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hi. I look forward to reading more here!