Do you remember the old saw about how computers would change our lives for the better? We’d have more time to ourselves and lead healthier, happier lives. The truth is computers do make processing information lightning fast. It’s just that today, we have so much more information to process and so many more distractions that the computer, via the Internet, has brought into our lives.
The bottom line? Today we spend more time operating a computer (for fun and for
profit) than on any other single pastime save for maybe sleeping. And if you’re a
heavy computer user like me, even sleep takes a back seat to computer use every
now and then.
There are health hazards to continual computer use. Personally I’ve suffered from
back and shoulder pain, eye strain and numbness in my fingers. I've even had to
deal with stiff joints and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. None of this was any fun.
But I did learn a few things important enough to pass along to you today. Here are
some things you can do right now to reduce or eliminate stress on our body while
operating your computer.
The Concept of Neutral Body Positioning
Consider a comfortable working posture with a natural alignment of all your joints
from head to toe. This method of neutral positioning helps you reduce the stress
and strain on your muscles, tendons, and skeletal system thus reducing the risks of
developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).
Some Quick Tips - Body Posture
Your hands, wrists, and forearms should all be in a row, straight, and almost parallel
to the floor.
Your head and torso should be in-line with your head slightly bent forward, facing
forward, and balanced.
Your shoulders should be at ease with your upper arms hanging normally at the
sides of your body.
Your elbows should be close to your body and bent between 90 and 110 degrees.
Your feet should be either supported by a footrest or should be relaxing on the
floor.
While leaning back or sitting in a vertical position, make sure your lower back is
fully supported.
Your hips and thighs should be supported by a well-padded seat.
Your knees and hips should be at almost the same height as your feet and slightly
forward.
More Tips - Your Work Environment
Readjust your chair and backrest at regular intervals.
Periodically stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso.
Your keyboard, monitor, and your posture should be on a straight line to
avoid any positional discomforts.
Always adjust your chair so you’re looking down at the screen, never up.
Your desktop should be at a convenient height with enough space for your
equipment and the day’s work.
Your chair should give good back support and allow for height adjustment.
Your keyboard and the mouse mat should have a good wrist-rest.
A document holder placed at the height of your monitor will eliminate neck strain.
Roger Williams is a Web designer and copywriter who spends endless hours on his
computer. He has learned through much research how to eliminate the physical stress
of heavy computer use.
If you want more health tips for computer users, visit http://www.meandmymouse.com/hc
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