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Jewish World Review Feb. 13, 2001 / 20 Shevat, 5761

Ella Johnson

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Consumer Reports


On being a stand-up kinda guy at work

http://www.jewishworldreview.com -- PEOPLE who work standing on their feet all day often look forward to the first chance they get to sit down.

But there's a growing trend in the workplace, especially among office workers who spend hours sitting down, to get rid of their regular desk and chair and work standing up.

As Americans grow more health conscious, people are starting to realize the benefits of using a stand-up desk to relieve back pain and improve blood circulation.

Stand-up desks are not new. Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway spent hours reading and writing while standing at a desk.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote many of his most notable opinions standing at a high desk.

Six months ago Evansville, Ind., attorneys George Barnett and Douglas Briody began using stand-up desks almost exclusively. Chiropractic neurologist Thomas Hamilton had recommended the desk to help Barnett ease pressure on his lower back.

"Lying down, there's not much pressure on the disc. When you go to a standing position, the pressure increases. But the greatest pressure is when you sit," Hamilton said, adding that workers sitting for long periods of time in overstuffed chairs often end up with back pains.

Barnett, 45, began having back problems several years ago. He said playing tennis, lifting weights and riding a stationary bicycle may have aggravated the condition.

Back massages and soft-soled shoes provided some relief. But Barnett also took Hamilton's advice and bought a small stand-up desk he used along with a regular desk.

When Barnett joined attorney Terry Noffsinger in a new law partnership last year, he persuaded Briody, who had minor back problems, to use a stand-up desk full time.

The attorneys now spend most of the time on their feet at two stand-up desks custom designed by local craftsmen.

"For about the first three days my feet were pretty sore after standing on them all day. I didn't really notice anything with the back," Briody said. "Now, when I sit down for long periods of time, my back hurts. That really seems to put a strain on my back."

Barnett said his stand-up desk not only eliminated most of his back problems, it increased his productivity.

"Sometimes when you're sitting in a chair, you want to go to sleep. Here I don't have that problem," Barnett said. "Not only does my back feel better, I work better. I can work and pace when I need to pace. I just don't get as tired."

Ella Johnson writes for The Evansville Courier. Comment by clicking here.

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