Get Some Help

When I see people who are worried about their posture or have a bad back I always suggest that they don't suffer in silence and get some help. Whether this is seeing an osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor, Alexander technique practitioner it is important to realise that there are people who can and want to help.

My business is a small concern but I have learnt through my experience (admittedly only two years or so) that getting some help from others is usually a good thing. I have a couple of examples.

I truly believe that the Back App can help a lot of people  - there are many testimonials from current users and also published research showing this to be the case. However to help me tell people how the Back App can be beneficial I got some help in the form of a PR person. Laura Berril has helped enormously and 'spread the word' in articles such as the one here. -
http://www.positivehealth.com/article/back-pain/long-periods-of-sitting-took-their-toll-exercise-and-a-new-chair-made-the-difference

I would recommend small businesses to really consider using all the different sorts of media to get their message across and Laura is a practical and talented person to lean on for this.

Also using blogs, twitter, email shot etc is a good way for small businesses to be heard. It can be a bit daunting at first and again I got some help from someone who can advise on a whole social media strategy. His name is Nick Hazell and again he has a very practical approach and is a delight to work with.

Both Nick and Laura have a track record of helping large business as well so you don't have to be a start up to benefit from their expertise.

So when running your business and also dealing with your bad back don't be afraid to ask for help!

Laura Berril's website is www.lauraberrill.co.uk
Nick Hazell's website is www.stratys.co.uk

Stand at Your Desk or Move While Sitting

There is a lot of talk about standing at your desk being more healthy than sitting all day for all sort of reasons. This morning on the BBC there as a piece on this subject - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27305330

For those people that want to move more but find it hard to stand all day then the Back App chair can help. It ensures a good posture and also provides a gentle but constant exercise for the core muscles. In addition it is easy to get out of so you are unlikely to be rooted in your chair all day so more possible you will stand for periods throughout the day.  See the video below for a demonstration of how it works.

Be In Balance - a new book on the Alexander Technique

Angela Bradshaw is an Alexander Technique teacher and has written a book that is an introduction to AT. I have read it and my review is below - I like it and recommend  it whether you have back pain and other niggles or not. Follow the link below to buy it.

Most people have heard about Alexander Technique but very few know what it is. I have had an AT lesson which I really enjoyed but I needed to read Angela's book before I could really tell you what AT is.

In particular it made me think about my children and how precious their movements and 'way of being' are when they are little. The book made me glad that they go to a school that employs movement in their learning and does not use computers, tablets and all the other 'stuff' that is often 'issued' by schools to young children.

There is sage advice for everyone on how to make the workplace more bearable and maybe even fun and pleasant. Tips on how to commute by train will make sure you start the day well. I took special note of AT tips on driving. Not only for posture but driving is something that can make me tense so practicing learning some new habits along with the 'whispered ah' will make me a better driver and hopefully, for my wife, better company in the car. 

  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Balance-Introduction-Alexander-Technique/dp/190779834X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398697399&sr=8-3&keywords=angela+bradshaw