"The strength of a company lies in the backbone of its staff." THE PROBLEM: Frequent and long periods spent sitting behind a desk can have a lasting, detrimental effect on your physical and mental well-being, and thus negatively influence personal performance. In fact, cumulative trauma disorders (CTD'S) defined as physical injuries that develop gradually over a period because of repeated biochemical and physiological stresses on a specific body part, have risen dramatically over the years. The muscles in the back are primarily responsible for holding the human spine upright. In its normal, upright position, the spine can take a lot of strain. However, when subjected to stress by bending (due to weak supporting muscles and poor posture), the health of the inter-vertebral discs can deteriorate, resulting in harmful effects ranging from acute pain to chronic degenerative diseases. THE SOLUTION: Howver, we can prevent muscular tenseness by developing healthy posture, stretching, and doing exercises. An essential element is "dynamic posture": dynamic posture means permanently moving from the central axis to a forward-leaning or reclining position. A good office chair promotes dynamic posture. The sedentary worker should sit "dynamically" to avoid the muscle cramps and tension that result from static posture. We should all aim for a healthy balance between tensing and relaxing the different muscle groups. To do this the chair you select must permit all seated positions. HOW TO SIT: 1. Always sit to the rear of the seat, with your back firmly supported by the backrest. 2. Change your position often, by moving the upper body as frequently as possible to avoid muscular cramps (dynamic posture). 3. Keep the angle at the knees, elbows and hips at least 90 degrees or greater. If possible, tilt the seat forward when leaning over the desk. Use the supporting features provided by your chair.