TOWAMENCIN – While students and teachers are working at their desks for multiple hours, day after day focusing on work, one thing that probably goes unnoticed is posture. People’s posture can be a major factor in the way they carry themselves, their personal health, their attitude and even potentially their ability to lose weight. The teachers and faculty in North Penn High School’s Home Office K-31 know this and are ahead of the curve, implementing new ways to maintain their posture up throughout the day.

They started right after winter break and made this new initiative their New Year’s resolution.

“We saw an article on the Huffington Post about posture and this is a cheap, healthy way to start off the New Year right,” said Mr. Sam Feeney who is going to be spending time standing most of the day with an elevated desk. “Sitting for long periods of time is like the new smoking; people used to say that it wasn’t affecting our bodies negatively until the research came out and people realized how bad it was. Sitting is the same way; nobody realizes what sitting for hours straight every day can do to your health and posture, until you try something different,” he added.

During their first week of this new practice, K-31 personnel have already noticed a significant difference.

“I’ve felt less back pain from sitting upright and it keeps me more balanced,” said Mrs. Joanne Borchers, who sits on a modified exercise ball. “Plus it’s fun to bounce in,” she added.

Mrs. Karen Henkels, who also sits in a modified exercise ball, agrees that it is good for health, stating that she “feels more alert, has better posture and really enjoys it.”

After sitting in this manner for a longer period of time, people really begin to see and understand the health benefits of better posture.

“I noticed during the day how much better I feel and how hugely important my posture really is,” said Borchers, who also takes time during her lunch break with Henkels to actually use the ball for an exercise session.

Guidance counselor Mrs. Sue Reichwein also believes that this is a great idea and that “frequently changing positions is great for your core as well as your balance and circulation.” “ We are a fun home office and what’s more fun than sitting on an exercise ball while we can improve our health?” said Reichwein.

When asked if they wanted this to be a permanent change, they were committed.

“Totally. We spend a lot of our day here and it’s up to us to take care of our health. Other schools and jobs have done this before and students and employees have been more productive along with being healthier too,” Borchers explained. They even encouraged other teachers and classes to jump on board. “Health Classes should do it, it’s a real benefit for kids who need to pay attention in class and need a little movement,” added Reichwein.

While you’ve been reading this whole article you probably didn’t even notice that you’re most likely slouching right now. What home office K31 is doing is an innovative way to help shed light on something most people don’t know about that is affecting us all while we sit for multiple hours a day.