Guest Author - Anne Asher

Check out the Ergonomic Postcards, a new feature. The first set of postcards is called "Stretch Break". You can use them to send to yourself and to people you care about to remind you (or them) to take a health maintence break! Stretching helps to prevent computer related injuries such as RSI (repetitive strain injury).

Also new, is my CafePress Shop. At the shop, you will find items that can live on your physical desktop that will both remind you and guide you in preventing computer related illness and injury.

And I have added a Stretches and Exercises category on the left side of my page. In it you will find several online stretching resources. Most are animated. If you are the kind of person who easily gets bored with the same exercise routine, this is a perfect resource for you. There is a variety of resources, with different exercises and different look and feels.

If you plan to send a Bella Online postcard, you may wish to explain to your recipient how to do the stretch. Below are the thumbnails for each available postcard, with text you can copy and paste into the message box on the postcard page.

Postcard #1 - The Flexor Pollicus Longus Muscle (muscle of the thumb)

The Flexor Pollicus Longus Muscle is the one right under your thumb (on the palm).

To stretch this muscle, gently grab the thumb with the other hand and pull back. Monitor the direction, and the feeling of the stretch to be sure you don't hurt yourself. Extend the arm straight for maximum stretch.

Please listen to your muscles. If it does not feel like a stretch or if there is too much pain, back off, or stop:)

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Postcard #2 - The Extensor Muscles (they bend the hand backwards)

The Extensor muscles of the wrist bend the hand back. The muscles themselves (called muscle bellies) are actually located in the forearm. It is the tendons of those muscles that are found in the wrist.

Anyhow, a stretch of the extensor muscles and tendons will feel very effective! Curl your fingers into a ball (don't use too much tension for this), roll your fist toward your palm and use the other hand to gently push the back of the hand down toward the palm.

Please listen to your muscles. If it does not feel like a stretch or if there is too much pain, back off, or stop:)