Tag Archives: ergonomics

Unexpected Health Advice From My New Laptop

My computer went to that great big electronics store in the sky last week, so I ended up buying a new laptop. It’s sleek and shiny and actually the first new computer I’ve owned in a long time. (My last two were hand-me-downs, and served long and well.) Like most electronics, the new laptop came with a manual. Several manuals, in fact. The regular operations one, the quick start guide, a shopping-for-accessories booklet, and something called the “Instruction Manual for Safety and Comfort”. With a title like that, I couldn’t resist taking a peek. Much of it is devoted to … Continue reading →

RSI Flare-Up!

Repetitive motion can do a number on your joints. This is part of why ergonomics are so important: the right alignment for your body and workspace, stretching, and taking breaks can help prevent repetitive strain injury. If you have a problem area — a joint that tends to suffer from repetitive strain issues — it’s not unheard of to have a flare-up from time to time. Maybe it’s been so long since you experienced symptoms that you overdid it. Maybe a new task is aggravating an old injury. When an old injury comes back to life, there are a few … Continue reading →

Ergonomics in Action

A good friend of mine needed some help with data entry at her workplace, so she asked if I wanted to pitch in. It’s been a long time since I put on my business clothes and went to work in an office, but I’m happy to help. As I settled into my borrowed desk and computer at the office, I made sure my arms and wrists were happy with the ergonomic set up. I’ve had problems with RSI (repetitive strain injury) in my wrists in the past, and didn’t want to aggravate any old injuries. It turns out that I … Continue reading →

Ergonomics: Dos and Don’ts

Are you experiencing pain sitting at your computer? Maybe it’s your back that aches after a day at the office. Maybe your elbows, wrists, and shoulders are throbbing. Maybe your hips hurt. A proper ergonomic set-up can alleviate a lot of that pain! Ergonomics is personal. What works for you may not work for someone else. Experiment until you find a pain-free set-up. Here are some hints to help you find the best possible position for computer, chair, and body. Don’t settle! Ask for a different desk or chair that may be more comfortable. Try swapping workstations with a coworker … Continue reading →

Stay Healthy And Sane At The Office

It can be hard to head back to work after the weekend. You had two glorious days to do whatever you wanted… and now you’re back on somebody else’s time. It can be stressful and discouraging — and encourage unhealthy habits! Here are some tips to help keep you healthy and sane on Monday morning and beyond. Try to add a fifteen minute physical break to your daily schedule. Whether you walk up and down the stairs, do laps of the parking lot, or gather your friends in the break room for some stretching, do something physical! Studies show that … Continue reading →