Newtown Stands Up (Straight) For Good Posture

The Town of Newtown has officially joined the American Chiropractic Association in proclaiming the month of May as Correct Posture Month. The purpose of the month is to alert residents to the health benefits brought about by having good posture.

Instrumental in bringing this subject to the town’s consciousness is Della Schmid, a doctor of chiropractic working in Newtown, who has focused on the health hazards of poor posture in the workplace.

“We used to believe that physical occupations like construction caused most on-the-job injuries,” Dr Schmid says. “However, someone who works at a computer is putting considerable stress on their wrists, shoulders, neck, and spine, and this can cause very painful workplace injuries.

“Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome have become increasingly prevalent in recent years,” she adds, “as more and more people spend long hours virtually immobilized in front of a computer screen.”

According to recent estimates, more than 75 million Americans spend some time using a computer every day – for work and for play. When the work day ends, many people go home and “surf the net” for hours on their own PCs.

Carpal tunnel syndrome alone affects approximately 230,000 people every year and accounts for nearly half of all workplace illnesses, costing the country nearly $800 million in health care benefits and rehabilitation.

But carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t the only problem: other injuries include low back pain, postural and spinal stress and tendonitis, conditions that can affect a person’s work, as well as make life painful.

Chiropractors suggest that by simply making sure your chair fits correctly, sitting with your knees at approximately a 90 to 120 degree angle, positioning your computer monitor at eye level, and keeping your wrists in a neutral, rather than angled, position, the possibility of suffering from painful injuries is dramatically reduced.

Doctors also suggest taking periodic stretch breaks: circling clenched fists in and out and stretching your neck, back, and legs every 30 minutes.

“If you do suffer from strain or injuries on the job, see a doctor of chiropractic,” advises Dr Schmid. “A chiropractor can identify the problem, work to alleviate the problem, and help you avoid further injury.”

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal signed the official proclamation, allowing Newtown to join the national fight against workplace injuries associated with poor posture.

To learn more about correct posture or chiropractic care, residents are urged to contact a chiropractor or the American Chiropractic Association at 800/986-4636.

Information about chiropractic, chiropractic education, and studies about chiropractic’s effectiveness can also be found on the American Chiropractic Association’s web page: www.amerchiro.org.