EKOBOR Health Tips

很少人其實會察覺自己有駝背的問題，原來唔講你唔知，唔覺唔覺，到你40歲，病徵就會浮出來；例如：頭痛、頭暈、眼睛乾澀、記憶力變差、脖子僵硬、長骨刺、胸悶、胃痛、肩膀痠痛、膏肓痛、五十肩….等，很多問題都跟這個姿勢有關係。

第１步：豐富你的想像力，把身子拉直，好像量度高度這樣子。

坐姿正確的時候，從背後看脊椎也是直的

第２步：拿出左右手的三隻手指頭，揉揉看脖子兩邊的肌肉。

身體坐直時脖子兩旁的肌肉會是柔軟的。

According to TIMES, Standing desks have become a trend, office workers who experimented using Sit-Stand desk reported significant reduction of time spent sitting, better health and also job performance.  A research review mentioned that sitting more than 8 hours per day is linked to a higher chance of early death and cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes also increase as we sit too much.

More employees are starting to realize the benefit from standing desk, but due to its high costs, it is often not so easy to convince the company to provide such luxury to their employee. Some companies now have policies where if the employee has medical proof showing he/she is in need to have one, the company will need to provide him or her with a  standing desk.

Even the top global companies like Google and Apple are providing their employees with standing desks as they see the benefits from using them. 

Better Health and Posture

There is a growing phenomenon where back and hip problems happen more than before.  Medical technology is more advanced but still lots of people are experiencing back pain. And it is mainly due to prolonged seating. Your boss probably would experience that from time to time, and this should be a good sufficient reason to let them know how sit standing desk can actually help his entire team to enhance their productivity, health status and overall operational efficiency!

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29589226

http://time.com/5420362/standing-desk-health-benefits/

https://getcubefit.com/4-ways-to-convince-your-boss-you-need-a-standing-desk/

Do you ever realize you are sitting too much at work or home? Sitting all day long in the same position brings negative effects to your body! Our bodies were not designed to be sitting all day long. You must want to know the health benefits of standing! Say no to prolonged sitting and get your standing desk right away!

Here are 7 health benefits of standing: 

1. Reduce risk of weight gain and obesity

Sedentary lifestyle, which you spend most of your time sitting, will definitely lead to weight gain and obesity, however, your body will be able to burn more calories when you are standing. In reference to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, standing for more than 6 hours throughout the day significantly decrease probability  of obesity in both men and women. For men who stood up for at least 6 hours per day had 59% reduced likelihood of obesity; for women who stand for at least 6 hours a day will be linked to 35% reduce chance of obesity.

2. Lower heart disease risk

If you stand instead of sitting all the time, this lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, keeps weight off, and thus decrease your risk for heart disease! Standing for an extra 2 hours a day was associate with a 2% lower average fasting blood sugar level in both men and women, and 11% lower average level of fat! Every 2 hours spending sitting each day will lead to increased weight and waist size and increased levels of blood sugar and bad cholesterol. It is not rare to see beer belly on office workers! 

3. Lower risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases

According to the American Diabetes Association, if you try to break up your time of prolonged sitting by standing on a regular basis, for example, alternate between standing and sitting for every hour, it can help reduce blood sugar levels by 34%. For women, compared to prolonged sitting, both standing or walking help reduce postprandial glucose and insulin levels in women who are at a high risk of type 2 diabetes. 

4. Increase life expectancy

A research about impact of sitting and television viewing on life expectancy in the U.S., shows that there is two years estimated gains in life expectancy in the US population for reducing excessive sitting to less than 3 hours a day, and a gain of 1.38 years from reducing excessive television viewing to less than 2 hours a day. 

5. Reduce risk of cancer

Almost 50,00 cases of breast cancer and over 40,000 cases of colon cancer each year are indeed caused by inactivity (American Institute for Cancer Research). Standing up helps your circulation moving and reduce cancer risk. Do you still sit all day long when you know prolonged sitting is one of the largest cancer risk factors?

6. No more chronic back pain

A Stanford University back pain study shows that workers who used sit-stand desks instead of regular desks at work, were more likely to report a pain-free day. The study found that participants who were given standing workstation reported to have a significant reduction in both their current and worse lower back pain over the three month period of using the sit-stand workstation. 

7. Help increase energy levels and improve productivity

Workers who use standing desks report less stress and fatigue than those who do not, standing while working improves collaboration and encourage creativity. The study shows that users of standing desks were about 45% more productive each day compared to their seated colleagues. Productivity of the standing desks users significantly increased over time, from about 23% in the first month to about 53% over the next six months.

Check out our best standing desks for better health now!

Source: https://www.developgoodhabits.com/standing-vs-sitting/

Healthy employees, healthy business, it makes sense right? Unhealthy employees will cost companies expenses in a myriad of ways, ranging from the merely unmotivated employee to the seriously ill. Meanwhile, healthy employees will add value to business and improve job performance.

Job performance will be improved by 25% if employees eat healthy and by 15% if they exercise at least 30 mins 3 times a week. Employees want to be healthy and happy at work. According to a survey of 361 companies and 3,822 employees, Virgin Pulse and Workforcemagazine found nearly 90% of employees consider health and wellness paramount; employees want to be healthy–physically and mentally. And employees are happier at a company that promotes a healthy work culture.

Companies can always avoid the financial pains by starting at the source of their pain points. By encouraging them to alternate sitting and standing every hour, to encourage movement and prevent sedentary lifestyle, a small change can make a big impact. What is a small change? Other than standing desk and ergonomic chair sit-stand workstation, companies are encouraged to incorporate wearable devices into the corporate wellness budget.

Upright Go will be your first choice for correcting your posture at office, result in just 15 mins a day which easily fix your posture by strengthening your core muscles and raising awareness. It is the winner of Health and Well-being Tech of the Year 2017 and being recommended by physiotherapists and chiropractors. It works perfectly for office use because of its slim design. Without bulky straps, you can wear it without anyone noticing, even if you need to go into a meeting, turn the device to tracking mode only via smartphone app to avoid anyone with sensitive ears from picking up on the vibrations. Its a great choice for employees who wants to have the data and details of how much time is spent slouching or to track posture correction progress. 

Business owners should always bear in mind that productive employees are the core that drives a business forward. You just need to ensure their employees are happy and engaged. Work environment is essential factor for employee benefits and well-being, office space your employees spend most of their time can have a major influence on their overall mood, engagement and productivity. Let's create an enjoyable and functional work space for your employees to be at their best! Here are some tips on how to reach your goal:

1. The right office equipment

It's not rare to hear that one of the essential aspects that influence employees' productivity is the work conditions and equipment used to complete their daily tasks. If your employees don't have the right office equipment, there's no way for them to be productive. The better the technology you provide to your employees, the more efficient they'll be. Height adjustable desk and Ergonomic office chair are one of the most popular office supplies that help improve employees' well-being and boost their productivity. Employees are generally happier and healthier when they are using standing desks. Don't think of this endeavor as an expense, but as an investment that will help improve performance for your employees and company in daily basis. 

2. Office space

Space is a crucial factor when designing a high quality office fit out. EKOBOR is ready to offer the best ergonomic active work-space environment for your company. Traditional cubicle office spaces won't improve employee productivity, they ruin employees' mood and productivity, open office space is recommended for employees to fit their individual work space and personal office equipment. Other than providing natural lighting as much as possible, reducing noise level is important too. Noise could interfere employees' concentration, soundproofing office equipment should be provided to let them cancel out any disturbances or distractions at work, so employees can focus more on their own work. EKOBOR Office Desk Screen Acoustic Panel for your Sit-Stand Workstation will be able to help lower the level of distractions to optimize employees performance.

上班族每天坐着忙，大半天離不開張凳，但近年站立辦公成為新潮流。站立有甚麼好處？踢走張凳，原來可提升生產力及創意，且多坐對健康無益，支持「企」業，今天開會齊齊企？

港人常歎工作繁忙，沒時間做運動，每天幾十分鐘跑步也怨沒時間，站立更加千萬個不願。據外國數據，如美國人平均一日坐9.3小時，英國人坐8.9小時，至於香港人相信也相差無幾，工作、吃飯、回到家看電視都是把握機會要坐。

fb設站立辦公桌 員工受落

一般上班族每天站立時間，或者只有上下班期間迫車或中午等位吃飯，有沒有想過，在辦公期間也站立是怎麼一回事？

站立辦公近年成為不少企業提倡的新工作模式，Google、Facebook（fb）等新晉企業的辦公室已有站立式辦公桌，員工一邊站立一邊工作。企不是比坐着更累嗎？但據《華爾街日報》報道，有fb員工卻受落，指以往下午3時開始便感疲倦，站着工作反而全日也變得精神。

聽來難以置信？但確實又有研究支持此說法。美國華盛頓大學上月公布一項研究，觀察站着與坐着開會者的表現，並以儀器記錄身體變化如汗水變化。

站着開會 較坐着更具創意

結果發現，站立開會的人提出更多點子，對他人的意見亦抱更開放態度，身體狀況亦顯示更熱情興奮，認為站立開會有助令腦袋更活躍、激發創意。

美國密蘇里大學之前也有研究指員工站立開會，時間平均比坐着開會縮短約三分一，會議質素卻未見降低。

採取站立辦公室的「企」業愈來愈多。2011年，有美國軟件公司進行調查，訪問全球逾6,000名科技界員工，有78%稱每日會議均採取站立方式。

英國《每日郵報》前日報道，當地有人力公司購入20多張站立式辦公桌，員工可採取站立或一邊漫步一邊工作，又要用腦又要用手，腳還不停走，但管理層指員工表現得更自信，且生產力提升了約15%。

據報道，站立辦公桌的銷路也上升，「企」業會否成為未來大趨勢？對老闆來說，可刺激員工更有創意及有助生產力，或許未嘗不可，從員工角度，改變「坐定定」習慣也有好處，因多坐其實是健康大敵。

英國《鏡報》今年4月把長時間坐的做法形容為「new smoking」，即指跟吸煙一樣有害。該報引述英國切斯特大學學者巴克利（John Buckley）指，大眾對於久坐不動的關注應要如吸煙議題般。根據澳洲昆士蘭大學的研究，每日坐在梳化上看電視1小時，會令人「折壽」約22分鐘，相較吸煙1小時的11分鐘還要多。

Stand Up 久坐不動如吸煙

英國去年出現提倡「Get Britain Standing」運動，指英國每天平均坐8.9小時太久、不健康，其網站提供計算功能，可自行計算每日坐了多久？是否坐得多的高風險人士？呼籲大家Stand Up。

每日埋首工作或已疲累不堪，若可以揀，寧坐不企或許也是自然不過，但有時埋怨背痛、頸痛等，可能也與坐姿不好又長期坐有關。都市人做運動的時間已少之又少，即使還未是「站立辦公」一分子，但偶爾也要提醒自己找機會企一企，離開座椅，找機會伸個懶腰、去倒杯水，又或把握午休時間走動一會，上班乘車若時間不長也可選擇企一會，別一味要坐。

踢走張凳，多企一會，就已經是簡單易做的健康之道。

消息來源:沈帥青

 https://topick.hket.com/article/455128/%E6%B2%88%E5%B8%A5%E9%9D%92%EF%BC%9A%E5%81%A5%E5%BA%B7%E3%80%8C%E4%BC%81%E3%80%8D%E6%A5%AD%20%E8%BE%A6%E5%85%AC%E5%AE%A4%E4%B8%8D%E8%A6%81%E5%87%B3%EF%BC%9F

Return on investment

Study by Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health shows that employees are 46% more productive when they use height adjustable desk, as employees’ well-being and health are improved. This is definitely the wisest investment for improving company overall performance, thanks to the bump in employee productivity, companies will be earning $3-7 return on investment for every $1 spend on ergonomic office furniture.

Office trend

Height adjustable desk is becoming an office trend for many years, in 2015, Denmark has passed a law making sit-stand desks a legal requirement, over 90% of office workers have sit-stand desk, if a job requires workers to sit 2 or more hours each day at a desk, it must be a sit-stand desk. Companies like Facebook and Google have provided standing desks for their employees, as part of the employee wellness program, Facebook employees started to use standing desk since 2011.

In these days, more and more companies provide standing desk as a way to improve employee well-being, health and increase productivity. In the past 5 years, number of employers offering sit-stand workstation for employees increased by over 30%.

Boost productivity and improve health

Do you know sitting inhibits blood circulation? Sitting for 12 hours a day will bring negative impact to your health. We need to alternate between sitting and standing for every 30 minutes, standing can stimulate circulation and send more oxygen and nutrients to brain, thus boost employee’s brain power for creativity. 71% employees who reduced their time of sitting by only 1 hour a day, reported improved mental focus throughout the day, they will get more focused on their work, and therefore most of them work more efficient.

Standing at work also increase employee’s overall energy level. 87% of employees using sit-stand workstation reported feeling more energetic, it keeps energy levels stable and prevent mid-afternoon slump. Other than improving their working performance, standing also bring back health to employees by reducing the risk of back pain, chronic headaches, obesity, joint pain problems brought by prolonged sitting.

A small step of replacing standard desks by height adjustable desk can bring huge return on investment for your company!

Do you know employers in Denmark could be at legal risk if they don't offer sit-stand desks for employees? In Denmark, companies have been legally required to provide employees with an option for standing desks since 2014. Non-profit organization Ukactive also offers solutions to combat sedentary work life by making fitness facilities more accessible and developing workplace wellness programs. Australia and Canada also offered proactive campaigns that prompt companies to design workplaces that encourage activity and to adopt a more health-focused culture.

More standing would benefit not only health, but also workers' energy and creativity. When companies buy office furniture for employees, price is no longer the only concern, it's an investment by having ergonomics office supplies. It is believed 10 % of productivity is increased when employees use standing desk. In the US and UK, there is a tendency to treat workplace design as a cost, not an investment, however in Denmark, it has just made it mandatory for employers to offer their staff sit-stand desks.

So is it time for all of us in Hong Kong, to start considering sit-stand desk as mandatory at work?

New Swedish start-up EKOBOR brings a whole new dynamic to health and safety in the office

Did you know that in Denmark, over 90% of office workers use a sit-stand desk? If a job requires sitting for 2 or more hours each day at a desk, it is, in fact, required by law for the employer to offer a sit-stand desk.

EKOBOR, taking the meaning of ‘ecological living’ in Swedish, is founded by Kei Chan. During her pregnancy, she was concerned about the wellbeing of her twins. Once she had experienced the sit-stand desk and the UPRIGHT posture corrector, she realized what a profound effect they had on posture and circulation.

Part of the EKPAC Group with over 100 years of history in the healthcare sector, EKOBOR shares this proud Swedish tradition in healthcare specialization. The Company strives to create an international trend of a healthier and more more efficient work environement to prevent illness before they occur.

UPRIGHT is a simple and petite device worn on the upper-back. It features training and tracking modes that connect to a mobile app on devices, allowing the prefix of personalised training programs. With an unobstructive design, it is perfect for correcting ‘screen slouch’, and has a variety of applications for sitting, standing, walking, and even driving.

Among the EKOBOR products, a definite highlight is the Herman Miller grade ergonomic products:  the Austin Sit-Stand Desk series. Made with emphasis on quality, the series features powder coating, providing a strong protective layer that makes the desks resistant to scratches, abrasion, and water. It is also completely free of harmful substances such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), HAPs (hazardous air pollutants), and heavy metals, making them a safe and durable choice for any workforce.

“EKOBOR’s desks have an appealing design and are really well built,” says Clement Chan, Managing Director – Assurance of BDO Limited. “I was sceptical at first but the sit-stand element really boosted my attention and efficiency.”

In terms of design, the Austin? series features a simple, seamless design that makes the sit-stand desk ideal for an open office. Fully customizable in surface, frame color, and wood pattern, the desks operate electronically with 3 different height configurations to suit a variety of poses.  –“Sitting is the new smoking,” says Kei Chan, Founder of EKOBOR. “We would like to help people enhance their overall productivity.  We believe that to truly live a healthier life, dieting and exercising alone is not enough. We simply sit too much!”

“The sit-stand movement is the true crux of any successful ergonomic product,” says Francis Au, Chief Financial Officer of EKPAC. “Sitting and standing every 30 minutes improves blood circulation, therebyincreasing the amount of time we stay focused. It also allows muscles to properly rest, which promotes better posture.”

Sit-stand desks are also at the forefront of promoting long-term health for future generations. Stepping into today’s digital age, children, regardless of socioeconomic status, are logging excessive sitting time either watching TV or playing video games. Sit-stand desks will help develop a healthy habit and posture that will benefit our next generation for life.

We always advocate for standing up for your health, a lot of research shows that a sedentary lifestyle or long periods sitting over time can jeopardize your health, long time sitting lifestyle can be linked to health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and premature death, even if you exercise regularly. Even if you go to gym, if you sit for 8 hours at work, you might still encounter these health issues. When you sit for a long period of time, your body stops working as effectively as it can.

Major effects of a sedentary work life

• Limb problems: Loss of muscle mass, loss of flexibility, carpal tunnel syndrome and hand/wrist tendinitis
• Posture problems: Loss of flexibility, rotator cuff disease, pulmonary disease and chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, back or hand
• Back problems: Thoracic outlet syndrome, ruptured disks and pulled or strained muscles

Prolonged periods of sitting will lead to high risk of early mortality for office workers. To reduce the risks of having health problems, healthy eating and exercise are the best antidotes for a sedentary lifestyle. Many people realized they got back pain issue when they sit for too long. So here are some practical healthy tips to improve your health.

1. Standing desks are always your best option at workplace. It’s always important to alternate between standing and sitting throughout the day, sitting or standing too much can lead to serious back pain problems over time. ½ time of standing and sitting for every hour
2. Taking the stairs between meetings or taking breaks to walk the stairs for a few minutes
3. Stretch at your desk every 30 minutes
4. Walking to work or taking the long way to the train or bus stop

Let’s stay fit at work!

Source: https://doctorsthatdo.org/standing-health

According to Hong Kong Sports Clinic, on average, 80% of the population will be affected with some form of low back pain during their life. For most, this is short term and with minor consequences, though for some, this can become chronic and seriously affect their day-to-day lives. We all don't want this to happen, prevention is always better than cure, so how to prevent low back pain? These are the guidelines for preventing acute low back pain.

Sitting:

- Sit as little as possible. Only for 10 to 15 minutes. EKOBOR always encourages people to alternate sitting and standing in every hour, half sitting and half standing is preferred. 

- Sit with back support at the curve of your back. And keep your hips and knees at a right angle, your feet should be flat on the floor. 

- When standing up from a sitting position, move to the front of the seat of your chair. Stand up by straightening your legs and avoid bending forward at your waist. 

Standing:

- The right standing posture should be stand with your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward, weight balanced evenly on both feet, and hips tucked in 

- Adjust the height of the work table to a comfortable level and avoid standing in the same position for a long time.

- When standing, try to elevate one foot by resting it on a stool or box, after several minutes, switch your foot position. 

Other useful tips:

- Try not to sleep on your stomach. Sleep on your side with your knees bent, you can also put a pillow between your knees.

- Avoid activities that require bending forward at the waist or stooping. 

The key to recover from acute low back pain is maintaining the normal curve of the spine (hollow or lordosis). Try our sit-stand workstation to prevent back pain!

Source: http://www.hongkongsportsclinic.com/mavista/cms/en/common-complaints/Lower-Back-Pain

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4290-low-back-pain-coping