Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/753672
Short breaks during the workday may increase concentration and productivity, as well as provide health benefits. However, many workers, especially office workers who sit at a desk most of the day, skip breaks—often because breaks are not a scheduled part of the workday or workers are concerned that taking a break may put them behind schedule with their daily to-do lists. Such thinking may be shortsighted. Studies reveal that when workers take a ten-minute break, the benefit may be a lower risk of eyestrain and shoulder, neck and back tension or pain. "Breaks are believed to reduce stress levels, help workers reframe perspective, and increase productivity and creativity," says Nitin Ron, M.D., a doctor and researcher at New York Methodist Hospital. "Breaks can include engaging in a physical activity, stretching, deep breathing or simply chatting with a coworker." YOUR HEALTH IN A HEARTBEAT IT'S NOT EASY TO STAY CURRENT WITH HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION. HERE'S A QUICK RUNDOWN OF DEVELOPMENTS TO KEEP YOU IN THE KNOW. AT ANY RATE THE WORST WAY TO REMOVE EARWAX THE POWER OF A WORKDAY PAUSE 28% PERCENTAGE OF NORTH AMERICAN WORKERS THAT SELDOM TAKE BREAKS DURING WORKING HOURS 1 in 20 NUMBER OF ADULTS WITH EXCESSIVE EARWAX Earwax can accumulate in the ear canal and cause discomfort or partial hearing impairment. When earwax builds up, it needs to be removed with care. Using a cotton swab like a Q-tip to remove earwax can push the wax more deeply into the ear and does not effectively remove it. Although temporary relief may come from using a cotton swab, other methods are safer and more effective, including wax-softening eardrops with carbamide peroxide or irrigation using a syringe filled with water and saline. "For stubborn earwax, a visit to the doctor may be in order to have the wax removed through a microscopic and microsuction method," says Matthew Hanson, M.D., otolaryngologist and ear surgeon at NYM. "This method may be especially helpful to patients with narrowed ear canals, since earwax buildup can become impacted within the more confined spaces of the ear canal near the eardrum." 100,000 APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF TIMES A HUMAN HEART BEATS DAILY "Checking your pulse occasionally has its benefits," says Jeremiah Gelles, M.D., attending cardiologist at NYM. "It's an excellent indicator of how frequently your heart beats, which can help you monitor heart health and fitness levels." To check your pulse, press two fingers lightly over the blood vessel on the thumb side of your wrist or the outside of your neck under the jaw. Count the pulse beats you feel for ten seconds and then multiply that by six to find your pulse rate—expressed as beats per minute (BPM). Depending on age and activity, cardiologists at NYM recommend a target resting heart rate of 50 to 70 BPM for adults. People in peak physical condition may experience resting pulse rates as low as 40 BPM. P H Y S I C I A N RE F E R R A L / / 718 . 49 9. C A RE B Y T H E N U M B E R S thrive 5