Dear Editors of Bead & Button,

I was extremely excited to see an article about “Bead Healthy” in your magazine. Cindy Martin’s suggestions were very accurate, but left out a very important part about proper posture while in a seated position for a period of time.

My wife and I own and operate a bead store in Southern California but for several years before and during the operation of the bead store I was Director of Marketing for Relax The Back. Their stores offer posture and back support products and self care solutions and have over 100 stores nationwide and in Canada.

Upon setting up our workshop area at the bead store, it was very important for us to think about ergonomics and how our customers will feel sitting for up to four or five hours in a workshop. So we fitted every workshop station with an ergonomically correct office chair. Even at our five lampworking stations have the same ergonomic chairs. By teaching our workshop students the benefits of proper posture they will add many more hours a day to their beading habit.

I wanted to add to your story the fact if your feet aren't properly supported when you are seated you could be placing undue strain on your lower back.

Foot rests are the final piece to the proper posture mystery. Add a foot rest to any craft station or office set-up because it will keep your feet supported at just the right angle to promote circulation and keep you from slouching - so you can sit longer and feel better. It truly makes a difference!

Here is some great information that Stewart G. Eidelson, SpineUniverse Founder, Orthopaedic Surgeon Asst. Professor - Univ. of Miami at FAU
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, Boca Raton, FL, USA wrote:

Tips to Minimize Stress at the Desk

• Don't lean over the desk for prolonged periods of time.
• Don't sit too far from the work and/or with the back unsupported.
• Raise or lower the chair to the proper height so the knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
• Keep the elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. The elbows may rest on the work surface.
• Don't bend or twist the neck to cradle the phone against the shoulder.

With all the stories about carpal tunnel, aching backs and necks, and the stress in the world, we should take the time to invest in ourselves today because it will only hurt us years down the line and won’t be able to enjoy our craft time.

Best Regards,


Scott Remmers
Brea Bead Works

1033 E. Imperial Hwy Unit E4
Brea, CA 92821

(714) 671-9976
info@breabeadworks.com

www.breabeadworks.com