Sep 12

The Connection Between Sitting Too Long and Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem for many people, especially those who spend long hours sitting at a desk, driving, studying, or using digital devices. While sitting may seem harmless, staying in the same position for too long can place stress on the spine, muscles, hips, and lower back. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and recurring pain.

How Sitting Affects the Spine

When you sit for long periods, your spine may lose its natural alignment. Many people gradually lean forward, round their shoulders, or slouch without realizing it. This posture places extra pressure on the lower back and can strain the muscles that support the spine.

The longer the body remains in this position, the harder the muscles must work to keep you stable. This can cause fatigue, tightness, and soreness, especially in the lower back.

Weak Muscles Can Make Pain Worse

Sitting too much can also reduce muscle activity. The core, hips, and glutes play an important role in supporting the back, but they become less engaged when the body is inactive for hours. Over time, weak muscles may make it harder to maintain proper posture and movement.

When these support muscles are not working effectively, the lower back often takes on more pressure than it should. This imbalance can increase the risk of discomfort during everyday activities such as bending, lifting, or walking.

Tight Hips and Lower Back Strain

Long periods of sitting can tighten the hip flexors, which are the muscles at the front of the hips. When these muscles become tight, they can pull on the pelvis and affect spinal alignment. This may contribute to lower back tension and reduced mobility.

Stretching, walking, and changing positions throughout the day can help reduce this stiffness and keep the body moving more naturally.

Poor Workstation Setup Matters

A poorly arranged desk or chair can make sitting-related back pain worse. A chair without proper support, a screen that is too low, or a desk that encourages leaning forward can all create strain. Good ergonomics can help reduce pressure on the spine and support better posture.

Simple changes can make a difference, such as keeping feet flat on the floor, placing the screen at eye level, and using a chair that supports the lower back.

Movement Is Key

One of the best ways to reduce sitting-related back pain is to move regularly. Standing up, stretching, or walking for a few minutes can help improve circulation and reduce muscle stiffness. Even short movement breaks throughout the day can support better comfort and posture.

For people dealing with ongoing discomfort, speaking with a healthcare professional, physiotherapist, or chiropractor Melbourne may help identify posture issues, movement habits, or lifestyle factors contributing to back pain.

Conclusion

Sitting too long can contribute to back pain by increasing spinal pressure, weakening support muscles, tightening the hips, and encouraging poor posture. While sitting is part of modern life, regular movement and better workstation habits can help reduce strain. By paying attention to posture, taking breaks, and keeping the body active, it is possible to support a healthier back and improve daily comfort.

Apr 13

Simple Pregnancy Tips for First-Time Parents

Becoming a parent for the first time can feel exciting, emotional, and overwhelming. Pregnancy brings many new questions about health, comfort, preparation, and what to expect next. With the right support and simple daily habits, first-time parents can feel more prepared throughout the journey.

Start Prenatal Care Early

One of the most important steps is scheduling prenatal care. Regular checkups help monitor the health of the parent and baby, track development, and identify concerns early. Early and consistent prenatal care is widely recommended because it supports a healthier pregnancy and helps providers guide parents through each stage.

Learn What Is Normal

Pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person. Fatigue, nausea, mood changes, food aversions, and body changes are common, especially in the first trimester. However, severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or other concerning symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider right away.

Focus on Healthy Habits

Simple habits can make a big difference. Eating balanced meals, drinking enough water, getting rest, and asking a provider about safe activity can support overall wellness. Health guidance also commonly recommends avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and unsafe drug use during pregnancy.

Confirm and Track the Pregnancy

For many first-time parents, early confirmation provides clarity and peace of mind. A healthcare provider may recommend tests, appointments, or imaging depending on timing and symptoms. Some parents may also choose to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound as part of early pregnancy care.

Build a Support System

Support matters during pregnancy. Partners, family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and parenting classes can all help first-time parents feel less alone. Having people to ask questions, share responsibilities, and offer encouragement can make the experience easier.

Prepare One Step at a Time

It is easy to feel pressure to prepare everything at once, but pregnancy planning can happen gradually. Parents can start with basic steps such as learning about prenatal appointments, reviewing insurance or care options, planning the baby’s sleeping space, and making a list of needed supplies.

Conclusion

First-time pregnancy comes with many changes, but simple preparation can help. Early prenatal care, healthy habits, support, and steady planning can make the experience feel more manageable. With guidance and patience, new parents can move through pregnancy with greater confidence.

Feb 18

CANCELED 10th Annual Eli’s Run 5/2/2020

The 10th annual Eli’s run will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Oxford Area High School’s cross country course, rain or shine! The 1 mile fun run will begin at 9:00am and the 5k run/walk will begin at 9:30am. Participation Fee: fun run-$10; 5k run/walk-$20; Teams (5k only)-$90 (5 people maximum) You must register by April 15th if you are on a team or want to be guaranteed a T-shirt! Anyone who pre-registers before May 2nd will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Dick’s gift card! Walk up registration will be accepted but you are not guaranteed a T-shirt (please register by April 15th to be guaranteed a T-shirt) Awards: The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will receive an award, as well as the team with the fastest average time. The age groups are as follows; 13 and below, 14-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46 and above. Feel free to email Paul Matthews at Braveeli@zoominternet.net if you have any questions. ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN. PLEASE REGISTER. ONCE YOU PUT THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN CLICK REGISTER THAT WILL OPEN THE NEXT PAGE. REAL EASY.  

https://braveeli.givingshared.com/event/elis-run-2020

Apr 19

Eli’s RUN 2019 Sponsor’s

Thank you to all of our 2019 Eli’s RUN Sponsor’s.  Thank you for your continued support in this FIGHT against Childhood Cancer!

Apr 17

Eli’s Run Sponsors 2018

As the Father and President of the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation I cannot thank these Sponsors enough.   We could not do what we do without the support of People and Businesses like these.  We truly appreciate all of you that continue to support this FIGHT against Childhood Cancer in our son Eli’s memory and honor.

Mar 26

8th Annual Eli’s 5K Run

The 8th annual Eli’s 5k Run will be held on Saturday, May 5th, 2018 at Oxford Area High School’s cross country course, rain or shine! The 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 9:00am and the 5k Run/Walk will begin at 9:30am
Participation Fee: Fun Run-$10; 5k Run/Walk-$20; Teams
(5k only)-$90 (5 people maximum)
You must register by April 21st if you are on a team or want to be guaranteed a T-Shirt!
Anyone who pre-registers before May 5th will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Dick’s gift card!
Walk up registration will be accepted but a T-Shirt is not guaranteed (please register by April 16th in order to be guaranteed a t shirt)
Awards: The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will receive an award, as well as the team with the fastest average time.
The age groups are as follows; 13 and below, 14-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46 and above.
Feel free to email any questions to Lizzie Estes at Lizacestes@gmail.com Sean Walsh at Seawal12@oxfordasd.org or Paul Matthews at BraveEli@zoominternet.net
Registration forms can be found at the link below, once completed please hand directly to Sean Walsh or Lizzie Estes, or mail to Duffy Sample at Penn’s Grove School.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eLAHNCq5SAMYsOu1KhPC1gRe3zE_oOiQ-1ayFoyovBA/edit?usp=sharing
Online registration:
https://www.signup2raceusabak.com/registration/elisrun/default.aspx?race_id=1534&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Jul 16

HOT WHEELS FROM HEAVEN (ADOPT A STATE)

We are sending 40 HOT WHEELS to one children’s hospital in every state. We will send to all 50 Sates. If you wish to adopt a hospital with Mini C-Arm service it’s simple just make a post under this event the state you wish to send HOT WHEELS to then mail a check for $40.00 to Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, Inc. PO BOX# 33 Oxford, PA… 19363 or click this link and donate $40.00 http://www.braveeli.com/donations/ … We will purchase 40 HOT WHEELS from this source and mail them to the children fighting cancer. Please do not click going if you don’t wish to help. Once you click going please pick a state and send the funds. We are doing this because someone took the HOT WHEEL CARS FROM MY SONS GRAVE SITE!!!! I decided to turn this negative act into a kind hearted act of goodness. Thank you all so much let’s do this!!!!

NOTE: If you pick the same state as someone else and wish to still help we will use the funds to FIGHT childhood cancer!!!!

HOT WHEELS FROM HEAVEN HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL 50 STATES!!!!

Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh, PA

St. Jude Children’s Hospital Memphis, TN

John Hopkins Children’s Hospital Baltimore, MD

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA

Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital in Virginia

Nemours/Alfred I duPont Hospital for children in Delaware, and Florida

Children’s Mercy South, Kansas

Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC

St. Louis Children’s Hospital-Paul Matthews Adopted this state

Children’s Hospital of New Jersey

Texas Children’s Hospital Houston

Kapiolani Medical Center for Children 1319 Punahou St, Honolulu, HI

Children’s Hospital New Orleans, LA 200 Henry Clay Ave New Orleans, LA 70118

Children’s Hospital Colorado 13123 East 16th Ave Aurora, CO 80045

Children’s Hospital Providence Alaska 3200 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Avenue New York, NY 10065

Mattel Children’s Hospital 757 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90095

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital 7 Richland Medical Park Columbia, SC 29203

Cheyenne Children’s Hospital 301 House Ave. Ste. 405 Cheyenne, WY 82001

Children’s Hospital of Georgia  Advocate on the Children’s Cancer Floor 1446 Harper St Augusta, GA 30912

Children’s of Alabama Attn: Child Life Advocate on the Children’s Cancer Floor Child Life Program 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

 St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital Attn: Child Life Advocate on the Children’s Cancer Floor 190 E Bannock St Boise, ID 83702

 Kentucky Children’s Hospital Attn: Child Life Advocate on the Children’s Cancer Floor 800 Rose St Lexington, KY 40536

 Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Attn: Child Life Advocate on the Children’s Cancer Floor 8200 Dodge St Omaha, NE 68114

 Arkansas Children’s Hospital Attn: Childlife Advocate on the Cancer Floor 1 Children’s Way Little Rock, AR 72202-3591

 Children’s Hospital Attn: Childlife Advocate on the Cancer Floor University of Chicago 5721 S Maryland Ave Chicago, Ill 60637

Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchock Attn: Childlife Advocate on the Cancer Floor 100 Hitchock Way Manchester, NH 03104

 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Attn: Childlife Advocate on the Cancer Floor 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026

Children’s Hospital Of Nevada UMC 1800 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102

 Children’s Hospital 593 Eddy ST Providence, RI 02903

 Children’s Hospital 2755 Colonial Drive Helena, MT 59604

 Children’s Hospital Washington St Hartford, CT 06106

Wisconsin Children’s Hospital 8915 W Connell Ave PO BOX 1997 Milwaukee, WI 53226

Children’s Hospital @ Maine Medical Center 22 Bramhall St Portland, ME 04102

 Children’s Hospital 1919 E Thomas Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016

 Children Indiana University Health 705 Riley Hospital Dr Indianapolis, IN 46202

 Children’s Hospital Sioux Falls 1305 W. 18th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5039

Children’s Hospital 2211 Lomas Blvd. N.E. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131

 Fletcher Allen Health Care Medical Center Campus111 Colchester Avenue Burlington, Vermont 05401

Children’s Hospital 1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown, West Virginia 26506

Hasbro Children’s Hospital 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Children’s Hospital Of Michigan 3901 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48201

Children’s Hospital Of Massachusetts 300 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA 02115

Seattle Children’s Hospital 4800 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98105

Sanford Children’s Hospital 801 Broadway N Fargo, ND 58102

Children’s Hospital 2525 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55404

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital 100 Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Shodair Children’s Hospital 2755 Colonial Dr, Helena, Mt 59601

University of Mississippi Medical center 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216

Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center 1200 N. Children’s Avenue, Oklahoma City 73104

University of Iowa Children’s Hospital 200 Hawkins Drive Iowa City, IA 52242

OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road Portland, OR 97239

Philadelphia Children’s Hospital-Paul Matthews Adopted this state

Jul 15

Hot Wheels From Heaven

We will touch the world #HotWheelsFromHeaven interactive. For many of you that have followed Eli’s story and my post you are aware that years ago while I was visiting Eli’s gravesite all of his Hot Wheels were stolen. In that moment I was so upset with tears running down my face and pure ANGER wishing very bad things on the thief. I left, bought more HOT WHEELS and returned to place them on the headstone. While driving home it hit me “daddy HOT WHEELS FROM HEAVEN” (Turn this negative into a positive, a message from my HERO in life my son Eli). Since that message the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation has sent Hot Wheels to all 50 States one Children’s hospital in each. Thousands and Thousands of HOT WHEELS delivered to children FIGHTING for their lives. And we are doing it again!

NEW LAUNCH:

I have tagged Eli’s gravesite the location this all began. Now when someone reads the “GOLD” sticker:

If you found this
HOT WHEELS FROM HEAVEN
Please keep it.
Please like our page
Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, Inc. and post a picture of your #HotWheelsFromHeaven
and use #BraveEli in your post

bELIeve

Visit our website: www.BraveEli.com for more information

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DOING THIS PLEASE PM ME YOUR ADDRESS AND I WILL MAIL YOU A “GOLD” STICKER. PLACE IT ON A NEW HOT WHEELS ONLY AND TAG YOUR LOCATION TAGGING THE ELI SETH MATTHEWS LEUKEMIA FOUNDATION, INC. And these two (#TAGS) #BraveEli #HotWheelsFromHeaven

Notice the (GOLD STICKER) as this color represents Childhood Cancer Awareness!

(ONE MORE THING “I FORGIVE THE THIEF”) BECAUSE OF YOU LOOK WHAT ELI HAD ME DO!

#bELIeve #BraveEli #EliMyHEROinLife #EliWarrior #CancerSlayer #ChildhoodCancerFighterDad #OnTheFrontLinesForACure #EradicateLeukemia #ThebELIeveACT #StandTogher #SenateBill572 #PackageOfLove #HotWheelsFromHeaven
#ChangingTheWorldOneHotWheelAtATime #EliSethMatthewsLeukemiaFoundation

Jan 21

Woman wanted in charity donation box theft turns herself in

Landhope Farms Theft Update: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
At approximately 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 18th, 2017 the suspect in the theft of the charity box from Landhope Farms turned herself in at the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office in Elkton. Patricia Desirea Alexander, 26 of Red Lion, PA was taken into custody and charged for the theft and is also currently being held on unrelated warrants at the Cecil County Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Office thanks the hundreds of thousands of people across the United States that viewed the images, shared tips, or sent their support to BraveEli.com. #CecilSheriffFB_IMG_1485038100050

http://www.abc2news.com/news/crime-checker/cecil-county-crime/woman-wanted-in-charity-donation-box-theft-turns-herself-in

PORT DEPOSIT, Md –

A woman was caught on camera stealing a collection box full of money from a Port Deposit convenience store.
It contained $150 collected to help children with cancer in memory of Eli Seth Matthews, a 10-year old who lost his battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia six years ago.
“With tomorrow being the passing of our son, Eli, in January 20, 2011, with all of this happening, it’s something we didn’t need to have on our shoulders—the stress of it,” said Eli’s father, Paul Matthews.
That stress shifted to the suspect after her picture blew up on social media.
And now, she has turned herself in. The lawyer for domestic violence charges is taking in-charge of this case to punish the criminal.
“Around seven o’clock last night, the suspect who we identified as Patricia Desirea Alexander turned herself in here at the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sgt. Michael Kalinsky, “She’d become aware of the social media uproar in regards to the video that had been posted and your story.”
Eli’s father is now celebrating news of the arrest.
“When I found out that she turned herself in, it was an absolute and amazing thing and an amazing feeling,” said Matthews, “It was like retribution what has happened for the kids.”
The Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation has been acknowledged for two breakthroughs for infant leukemia and recently helped a child by helping him get a trial drug that saved his life but was charged .
After analyzing breathalyzer for a DUI cases ,Police say the suspect in this case, Alexander, has a heroin addiction.And he As addiction is injurious to both health and nation. Pacific Ridge’ experts can help people to overcome drug addiction.
“The person to me is still evil in the sense of stealing from the children, and I want everyone to understand out there if you have an addiction like that, understand these children are fighting to live, like my son—he was fighting for his life to live,” said Matthews, “He would want to have a life that you’re throwing away for whatever reason or addiction you have.”

Since the theft (which was filed as firearms or weapons offense), both the Landhope Farms convenience store where it happened and one of its customers who is a military vet have both stepped up with $300 donations to more than make up for the loss, not to mention a host of total strangers.
“The outpouring and understanding that want to help the children, it’s been amazing.  So with this person being in jail, I’m hoping that this would maybe save her life from the direction she’s going in and has chosen in her life and remember the children are fighting so hard to live,” said Matthews, “Thank you so much everyone who helped and shared the story from abc2news.com.  It was amazing.  Amazing.”

According to charging documents, Alexander, 26, of Red Lion, PA told detectives she cashed the change from the theft at Martins in Rising Sun and tossed the empty donation box out of her car window along the road in the area of Jacob Tome Highway and Conowingo Road.

Anyone interested in learning more about the foundation in Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation can do so by visiting the foundation’s website.

Jan 10

7th Annual Eli’s 5k Run May 6, 2017

The 7th Annual Eli’s Run will be on Saturday May 6th, 2017at the OAHS Cross Country Course rain or shine!
The 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 9:00am, and the 5k Run/Walk will start at 9:30am.
Participation Fee: Fun Run-$10; 5k Run/Walk-$20: Teams (5K only)-$90 (5 people maximum)
You must register by April 22nd if you are on a team, and if you want to be guaranteed a T-shirt! Also, if you would like to request a child size or XXL please contact me before this date.
Walk up registration will be accepted, but a T-shirt is not guaranteed.
Awards: The top 3 male and female finishers in each age groups, and the team with the fastest average will recieve awards.
Age Groups: 13 and below, 14-18,19-25,26-35,36-45,46 and above.
If you have any questions, please email Emily Sniechoski at emilysniechoski@gmail.com or Paul Matthews at BraveEli@zoominternet.net
Registration Forms can be found here, once completed please mail to Duffy Sample at Penns Grove or hand directly to Emily Sniechoski. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9RqP83T5nRCQU1JNHdvU1I3VUk/view?usp=sharing

REGISTRATION ONLINE

https://www.signup2raceusabak.com/registration/elisrun/default.aspx?race_id=1434

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