Recognizing stress symptoms can be a positive influence in that we're compelled to take action. The sooner better. It's not always easy to discern why stress in each situation but some of more common events that trigger those emotions are death of a loved one, birth of a child, a job promotion, or a new relationship, we experience stress as we readjust our lives. Your body is asking for your help when you feel these stress symptoms.

In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it. Some of symptoms are headaches, indigestion, tight muscles, fatigue, skin breakouts, too much sleep, or sleeplessness.

At least 120 million working days are lost every year because of people's back problems.

10% of all major back injuries take place whilst handling, lifting or carrying.

Nearly two thirds of adults mostly in their 20's and 50's, experience back problems.

Back Pain is single greatest cause for time off work through ill health.

Every person complaining of back pain, and any related condition, takes an average of 13 days off work. (Shocking huh)

Unfortunately, you won't find a magic wand to cure your back problems, but you will find that you can improve or prevent a lot of problems by adopting back-friendly work habits.

Manual Handling

If you think about it, we all manually handle throughout every day of our lives, but have you ever stopped to think just how you go about it...

Do you bend from waist (naughty), Do you twist without moving your feet, Do you slouch in your office chair,

How do you pick boxes, or your screaming toddler up from floor?

If you sat down and thought about weight you lift during a normal day, you would probably die from shock because it probably run into tons... Ha, is there any wonder you have those aches and pains?

If you must lift something...

Bend your knees rather than your back, Keep your feet wide apart to provide stability (This is really important) Carry objects close to your body Bend again at knees to put object down When carrying loads, try and lighten them, i.e. try and break them down into lighter smaller loads and store them in areas which are easily accessible.