Sitting fit
The problems that can come from sitting at a PC all day - such as the onset of repetitive strain injury (RSI) - are not to be sniffed at. WINDOWS explains how you can surf, type and search the web pain-free.
Ideally, a quick wander around the office every half an hour, or at the very least five minutes an hour.
When you are away from your PC, do feel free to consciously stretch your muscles.
• If you're forgetful yet not keen on Microsoft Outlook's reminders, download 'Break Reminder' from Cheqsoft.com to make sure you get some exercise when you should.
• For stretching tips, see the RSI-specific tips at www.mydailyyoga.com/yoga/rsi.html.
Do keep warm
This is important because your muscles and tendons are more likely to get damaged when they're chilly.
• Avoid sitting right under the AC vent.
• Also, check to see if your mouse hand is colder than your other hand. If this is the case, rethink the position of your mouse and consider buying a more comfortable, RSI-friendly mouse mat such as one that features a gel cushion to rest your wrist.
Do make the change
It's useful to change or alternate your keyboard and mouse every few weeks or months, as different models will be slightly differently shaped and so put different amounts of stress on your various typing muscles.
• If possible, apply the same rotation policy to your chair and desk use.
Do look to the horizon
Your eyes strain and tear partly because you're staring continually at a close subject, so every so often turn your gaze to an object in the distance (ideally some eight metres away). And don't forget to blink.
Don't type uphill
The best keyboard posture, in terms of your lower arm and wrist muscles, is what's known as a 'negative slope'. In other words, when the keyboard is below the height of your elbows (when you are seated).
Do see your doctor
...if you experience ongoing discomfort when sat at your desk. The longer you leave a problem, the worse it will likely become.
These models generally separate the hands and often include a wrist support to keep the wrists level (rather than them pointing upwards).
Professor Peter Buckle, who works at the Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics at the UK's University of Surrey, has written RSI reports for the European Union and suggests that such products can "overcome some of the problems", in that they can help effect a change in a user's posture, in turn lessening the risk that they will go on to develop RSI (AKA an ‘upper-limb disorder').
Ergonomic keyboards are available in most retail stores across the region, from vendors such as Microsoft and Logitech.
The latter's US $132 'Cordless Desktop Wave' keyboard for instance features what the company calls a 'gradual wave-shaped contour', which means the height of its keys varies in order to best fit the different lengths of a typical user's fingers.
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