Jasele Oita's Blog A weblog about everything

You can never be sure if bottled water is better than tap water. The first thing to keep in mind is that tap water and bottled water both come from the same source. The only difference is that bottled water is filtered again. However, taste and scientific testing fail to show any differences between the two. The next thing to consider is the use of plastic bottles. Estimations indicate that close to 1.5 million tons of plastic are used to make all those plastic bottles. The energy used to manufacture and transport 89 billion litres of water annually does exhaust fossil fuel reserves quite a bit. Do not fill landfills with plastic bottles. It contains a substance called phthalate which is used to soften plastic.

The convenience of the bottle however is a plus point when it comes to bottled water. Having it in a plastic bottle makes it easy to carry around. Additives to bottled water enhance the properties of the water. Added calcium and magnesium for example aid recovery after sports. Therefore, it is hard to decide between the two. If considering convenience and added properties, then bottled water wins – however, filling a glass or metal bottle with filtered water will ensure that you are drinking the cleanest water in the most environmentally responsible way. It is important to reject consumers’ bottle-buying habit. This will ensure that they are helping the environment while helping to bring in higher quality tap water.

In office you sit at the same desk, use the same keyboard and chair every day. Sometimes you tend to develop a few aches and pains which most of us pass off due to ageing or stress. Once ignored, these pains sometimes worsen over time. Not once does it occur to you that it is perhaps due to the fact that it is uncomfortable for you in office. Tiny changes in office equipment or even the way you sit or type can make a world of a difference.

Ergonomics is a term that has grown in popularity over the years. A dictionary definition of the word says: “The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.” Therefore, ergonomic office equipment will lessen the discomfort you currently feel in office and give you less fatigue.
This furniture gives your body the support it needs throughout the day while relieving stress on various parts of your body. Trying to change your position at desks and keyboards can only worsen the problem.

Proper body movements, correct posture, simple arrangements of the workstation and regular breaks will all help you feel better throughout your day of work. Changing things around will take some effort on your part, but once the proper ‘ergonomic’ office equipment is in place you will feel the difference.

Things to keep in mind:
– Sit up straight, rest gently on the back of the chair, help the back to stay aligned
– Computer screen must be parallel with the head. Slowly turn your head from side to side every 15 to 20 minutes to relax neck muscles.
– Take a walk and stretch every half hour if you are a regular computer user.
– Make sure you have enough room for your legs, to stretch them and relax.
– Do not cradle the phone on your neck while typing.