Page 186 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2023

HEALTHY LIVING
story by
Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
STRUT INTO THE
WORKPLACE
GEAR
Long gone are the days of being covered from head to toe in frumpy materials, neither comfortable nor style worthy. Designer suits and snazzy uniforms have made comfort vs. style easily mergeable. Some companies specialize in creating comfortable clothing that have previously catered to men. In the medical industry, companies such as FIGS have produced non-boxy scrubs that conform to women's size and shape needs, with many accommodating body changes, such as during pregnancy.
SHOES
While red bottoms may indeed be a sign of high-end style and status, the aching feel- ing after a day of wearing them is not always a benefit. But whether your job requires sneakers, heels, flats, or steel-toe boots, the key to survival is arch support. Coast resident Voadketria King, a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, echoes this advice. “Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes while working. With that in mind, make sure you wear shoes with good arch support, and shoes that give your ankles and legs good support.” If you have a sedentary job, she also recommends you “walk through the space every 45 minutes to an hour for good circulation.”
GENERAL HEALTH
Hormonal changes are a constant in working professional women over time. De- pending on the conditions of where you work, many things can help. Staying hydrated is very important if you work in a warm climate. If you work near a large number of strangers daily, a boosted immune system, perhaps enhanced by vitamin C, is always helpful. Work behind a desk? An ergonomically correct chair is essential to avoid back strain, with a wrist support pillow to help with repetitive computer use. Knowing these things can help you remain cute and comfortable in the workplace while continuing
to dominate and consistently chip at the glass ceiling. *Cue Shania Twain on Apple Music*
186 | September 2023 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living