IN Penn Hills Winter 2019 | Page 23

NO BONES ABOUT IT Is your job a pain in the neck? If you work in a sedentary environment, your response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal pain is caused by excessive sitting throughout the day, leading to slouching, hunching over, and muscles in your body going without use for hours. Studies are finding that although a regular workout routine helps, it won’t combat the constant weight on your rump. Although some offices are moving toward healthier options, such as convertible stand up/ sit down desks or treadmill desks (if you have the skill to think and walk at the same time), most of us have to face our chairs every day. What a pain! There are ways to prevent the negative effects, such as stiffness and poor circulation, of constant sitting: • Get up and move! If you find yourself sitting for extended periods of time, you need to break the habit. Schedule an alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and take a lap around your office. Manage your time effectively by going to pick up your paper from the printer or grabbing a glass of water. Even better? Visit a co- worker to talk about a project instead of sending an email. • Establish proper sitting habits. Keep your back straight, feet at 90 degrees, and eyes level with the top of your computer screen. Make sure your shoulders aren’t hunched when resting your elbows on your desk to type. • Stretch in place. Adding stretching to your daily routine is beneficial for anyone. Stand up and do a few stretches at your desk to get your muscles loosened up and moving. Feeling spunky? Add a few jumping jacks in to get your heart rate pumping for some extra energy. • Realize how much sitting you do. Sitting for eight hours at your job has negative effects on your body, but going home and sitting on the couch for the rest of the night doubles those effects, increasing cause for concern. If you have a sedentary job, make a point of taking a walk when you get home or spend some time on your feet with your kids or at the gym. Keeping active during breaks and on the weekends will help combat negative effects from the workweek. HEART HEALTH—SKIP THE SUGAR! Heart disease is the number-one killer of all Americans, but awareness of the disease and its causes has allowed for a decrease in the number of deaths associated with it in recent years. Eating well and exercising are obvious ways to prevent the onset of heart disease, but a recent study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology looks at another culprit that has damaging effects on your heart: sugar (fructose). According to the study, one to two servings of sugary drinks per day raises a person’s risk of heart disease by 35 percent. It is important to be cognizant of sugar intake, as it can often sneak into your diet unnoticed. Men should only consume Continued on next page > miles We Create p S ions! for Cham l a t n e D y t i S te e l C STEEL CITY DENTAL OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF DENTAL CARE INCLUDING: • General dentists - provide cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, partials, dentures, and root canals • Oral Surgeons - Extractions, Implants and more all done while you sleep • Orthodontists - metal or clear braces • Endodontist - root canals • Cosmetic - Botox, Fillers, Veneers, and Teeth Whitening • CRYOSKIN - Slimming and Toning NEW Patients ONLY $59.99 Cleaning, Exam & X-Ray MASSAGES FREE $25 ORTHODONTIC REIKE & LASH OR IMPLANT EXTENSIONS 50% OFF CONSULTATION Expires 1/31/2020 Financial Plans available to fit most needs. Most insurances accepted including State plans Freeze Your Fat Cells Away CRYOSKIN - Slimming, Toning and Cellulite Reduction 582 Brown Avenue Wilkins Twp., PA 15145 412-824-6888 Two Convenient Locations To Serve You and Your Family 10493 Frankstown Road Penn Hills, PA 15235 412-371-1300 Walk-ins welcome • Referrals Rewarded • www.steelcitydental.net PENN HILLS ❘ WINTER 2019 21