Tackling three common misconceptions about the implications of IWH's prolonged standing study Published: November 3, 2017 The recent study on prolonged standing and the risk of heart disease led by Institute for Work & Health Senior Scientist Dr. Peter Smith has received much media coverage since it appeared online in August 2017. While the researchers were encouraged to see this level of interest, some of the coverage and … [Read more...]

A pilot study conducted by the Canadian Concussion Centre has shown that using a non-LCD screen for computer tasks may decrease the risk of exacerbating symptoms in sufferers of post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The findings provide a potential option for earlier return to work or return to school for those suffering from light sensitivity and computer or cell phone screen intolerance – common, persistent concussion symptoms. The data, … [Read more...]

For the past 15 years, Tanya Johnson has been driving her boss nuts. It's not her job skills -- Dr. Robert Szabo says Johnson is an excellent nurse -- but rather her incessant knuckle-cracking that makes him want to strangle her. "I kept telling her to stop, that it was bad for her," Szabo said. You'd think Johnson might have listened, given that Szabo is a hand surgeon at the UC Davis Medical Center and former president of the American … [Read more...]

One of Canada's leading high-tech entrepreneurs has turned a low-tech solution to his back problems into a new venture that he hopes will reshape the office furniture business. Ryan Holmes was recovering from a painful back injury four years ago when his doctor suggested that the chief executive officer of Vancouver social media management firm Hootsuite Media Inc. work at a stand-up desk to help with his recovery. Established office furniture … [Read more...]

To reduce the health and injury risks of prolonged sitting, workers should change postures often and aim to stand for an equal amount of time that they spend sitting over the course of a work day. That was Dr. Jack Callaghan's message in a keynote address before an audience of about 400 researchers and clinicians at the recent 9th International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PREMUS 2016). … [Read more...]