Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

Can you kickstart my health campaign?

Why do I need a health campaign? People start a health campaign to lose weight.

However, even those who are not overweight should dedicate consistent time to their health. Research shows that purely by having a sedentary, desk-based job we are at higher risk of health issues later in life and so most CBD workers fall into this category.

Where should I start? Moving away from your desk is a good start. However, create some structure by doing 20 minutes of medium-intensity exercise each day such as a brisk walk at lunch time. The City of Melbourne has lots of great ideas as part of its “100 Ways to Move It” program.

Where to from here? Look for variety in your regime. Pounding on the treadmill is not the only way to stay healthy this winter. Try joining a dance class, a pilates class or a strength class to complement your more traditional exercise, cross-train your body and stay motivated!

www.fisicadancefit.comwww.vivaphysiotherapy.com/Pilates

World Blood Donor Day

Do you donate blood regularly? Have you ever thought of trying? Well this June might be a good opportunity to start, as June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, which serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

Did you know that different blood types are useful in different ways? For example, O-negative is known as the “universal blood type” which means that blood from the 8 per cent of the population who are O-negative can be donated to any other body.  Those with AB blood group, however, have the least compatible blood but the most compatible plasma.   

If you chose to donate blood for the first time, your blood will be tested and you will be advised on which type of donation is the most useful to the Blood Bank to save the most number of lives. If you are interested in trying it out, the Australian Red Cross Donor Centre is located on Bourke St, an easy walk for all city workers. www.donateblood.com.au

Four tips for dealing with neck pain

A curse of the city worker, neck pain is almost inevitable for those who work at a desk.  Severity can range from general soreness to “wry” neck and headaches or migraines.

Being one of the most common conditions we treat at Viva, instead of waiting for your pain to deteriorate to the point of requiring treatment, I recommend the following tips:

Get an ergonomic assessment. Many companies will provide these or alternatively you can ask your physio (many workplaces will pay, or you can get a rebate on your private health extras.);

Move from your desk regularly. Breaking the postural stress of sitting and mouse-use can cure many forms of neck pain;

Strengthen the muscles that are underused in a sitting job such as your hip and ab muscles. These are the biggest postural muscles in your body so keeping these strong reduces the stress on your neck; and

Get a stand-up desk. Ultimately, breaking postural habits is the key, so speak to your office manager and provide a workspace which does the above for you!

vivaphysiotherapy.com/comedian-toby-halligan-highly-recommends-a-stand-up-desk/

Kathryn Anderson is the principal of Viva Physiotherapy, Flinders Lane. Ph: 9663 2043  www.vivaphysiotherapy.com

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
Like us on Facebook