Data & Research May 20, 2009

Fix Your Office Posture

Do you spend a lot of time at a desk or hauling around a bulging briefcase? If so, you might want to try these tips.
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When you spend a lot of time typing away at a computer, bad posture or habits can really add up. Working in awkward positions can irritate the bone-tendon-muscle connections, resulting in musculoskeletal problems such as fatigue, overextension, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

To ensure you keep good posture on the job, here are some tips from the chiropractic Web site spineuniverse:

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  • Give yourself a hug: Start your day by stretching your arms above your head. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also suggests wrapping your arms around your body and turning as far to the left and right as you can.
  • Keep it flat: For women, wearing flat shoes is better for your back than high heels.
  • Pack right: If you tend to tote around a laptop and lots of papers, you might consider a better briefcase. Bags or briefcases worn over one shoulder are better to avoid—but if you must use them, choose a wide strap. Proper backpacks are the best option.
Sit Right

Having a good chair might be the best way to achieve good posture. But if expenses are too tight to get everyone a new chair right now, here are some other tips from spineunvierse and OSHA:

  • When at your desk, sit with your back against the back of the chair with knees at hip level. A footrest or a small pillow or rolled towel placed at the lower back can help offer support.
  • Your desk or workstation should be at elbow height.
  • Your shoulders should be straight and parallel to your hips.
  • Don’t slouch! Generally, your torso should be vertical or within 20 to 30 degrees of vertical.
  • Make sure your computer screen is at a height so you don’t have to tilt your neck forward or backward to view it. Tilt your computer screen so the center of the screen is at eye level.
  • Don’t cradle the phone between your shoulder and head. Using a headset or speakerphone is better.
  • Small keyboards are hard on your wrists. When laptops are the primary work computer, it’s good to also have a larger keyboard and monitor.
  • Take frequent stretch and rest breaks. See, all of those meetings are good for you.

More information about good posture at computer workstations from OSHA is available here.

 

Products May 20, 2009

Woodbury Revamps Web Site, Offers New Tools for Reps

Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., recently launched a Web site to offer tools and support for its registered representatives to reach their business objectives.
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According to a release from the broker/dealer, features of the revamped Web site include:

  • easier access to Woodbury tools and commonly used applications;
  • streamlined navigation and search capabilities, allowing reps to find what they need more quickly;
  • enhanced calendar features with more events and training opportunities;
  • support and contact information on every page;
  • more content, resources, and partnerships to help reps manage, market, and build their practices.

Through several additional phases, Woodbury said it will continue to enhance the Website including:

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  • improving the content management platform to ensure delivery of complete, accurate, and timely content;
  • providing a centralized rep dashboard with key client and practice statistics with integration capabilities to core tools for additional information;
  • implementing enhancements based upon rep feedback.

Woodbury said it based its updates on feedback from reps. The new site went live on May 10.

Woodbury, a broker/dealer with more than 1,750 independent representatives nationwide, is a subsidiary of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

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