Knowing what food to eat may be the key to living a healthy lifestyle. Aside from the food we eat, we also need exercise. A bit of reading about Health Facts would be a big help in living a healthy life. We would know what type of food to eat, the proper exercise that we need and some other information that may be helpful to some of us. We never really know if we are experiencing some of the symptoms of a sickness until we know that they are the actual symptoms. It’s not a bad idea to be informed of what we need and what we really don’t.

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Ergonomics is the study of design and arrangement of things people use, as in the workplace, to ensure an optimal relationship of efficiency, safety and comfort between work equipment and worker. Here are ergonomic factors to consider when setting up or adjusting workspace.

Your chair

The ideal swivel chair should have five feet. If used on carpet, it should be fitted with casters. On a smooth surface, it should have glides (flattened, smooth sliders fitted to the chair’s feet to protect the floor surface and allow easy movements.

Your monitor

The monitor should be roughly an arm’s length away from you. The top of the screen should be at eye level or just below so that you are able to look down slightly at your work.

Remember that eye muscles can become tired when you do nonstop close work. Rest your eyes every 10 minutes or so by looking away into the distance for at least 10 seconds at a time.

Your keyboard

When using the keyboard, your forearms should be close to horizontal and your wrists straight. Your hands should not be bent up, down or to either side in relation to your forearms. Your elbows should be close to your body. Align the keyboard with the monitor so you don’t have to twist or rotate to use it.

Your mouse

A mouse that fits the size of your hand is comfortable to work with. When you use the mouse, your wrist should be in natural and comfortable position, with minimal bend in any direction at the wrist. Your fingers should be able to rest on the push buttons between actions. It is good to position the mouse on the desk so that the weight of your arm is supported by the desk.

Posture, movement and stretching

Change your posture frequently to minimize fatigue. It’s a good idea to take short, frequent breaks from computer work while you carry out your other tasks for the day. This encourages physical movement and use of different muscle groups.

Regular physical exercise. This protects the brain and the way it processes information. Exercise boosts levels of brain-protective chemicals and reduces stress.

Adequate sleep. A good night’s sleep recharges the brain and allows the body to rest and heal. Our brain consolidates memories while we sleep. Inadequate sleep affects the way our brain cells function and can increase the risk of stroke and depression. About seven to nine hours of sleep a night is ideal.

Balanced diet. Your diet should be low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Studies show that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish) are good for the brain.

Social connections. Friendships and social networks are important as we age. Good mood hormones help us create new brain cells and keep them healthy.

Mental workout. Use it or lose it! Keeping the brain active and challenged increases its vitality, generates new brain cells, and bolsters connections and reserves.

Almonds. A cup of dry, roasted, unsalted almonds contains about 30 grams of protein and very low amounts of cholesterol and sodium.
Tofu. Tofu is rich in both protein and calcium. From three ounces of tofu, you get about 20 grams of protein and about 170 milligrams of calcium.

Oatmeal. A cup of oatmeal yields around six grams of protein. Oatmeal is also low in saturated fat and very low in cholesterol and sodium. It is good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, and selenium, and a very good source of manganese.

Spinach. There may be more to Popeye and spinach than a cartoonist’s tale. A cup of boiled and drained spinach has about five grams of protein. It is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and a good source dietary and other important minerals and vitamins.

Green peas. A cup of boiled green peas contains about nine grams of protein. Green peas provide a number of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and a very low saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

To prevent your hands from drying and wrinkling, it is necessary to improve blood circulation and hydrate them. Skin experts advise the following:

• Wash without soap. Regular use of soap and hand cleansers dries skin easily. Hand sanitizers and alcohol are better alternatives.

• Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing cream after washing. If your facial moisturizer contains retinoid and alpha hydroxyl acids, it will work as well for your hands. These ingredients will help build collagen and plump up skin for younger-looking hands. Other moisturizing ingredients are shea butter, olive oil, glycerin, and vitamin E. A product with sun protection factor of at least SPF 30 is also recommended.

• Massage. Aside from stimulating blood circulation, massage speeds up absorption of moisturizers and creams. Massage palms and the back of your hands using upward and downward strokes.

• Avoid standing still for long periods. If you have no choice, keep your calf muscles, rising up and down on your toes, and squeezing your feet together in your shoes.

• Avoid wearing knee-high nylons or socks daily. They can block the movement of blood up the leg.

• Wear support hose. These stockings apply a gentle, graduated pressure to the leg from the foot upward, which help decrease expansion of the vein wall.

• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes every day.

• Exercise with care. A well-toned leg muscle will pump out more blood than a weak muscle as you walk or move. When you lift heavy weights, however, make sure you blow out. Increased abdominal pressure can block the flow of the heart, forcing your veins to expand to get around the block.