Broadcast 10 - 05 Sep 2010 "A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind" With the integration of cyberspace and work, the computer has, quite literally, invaded our lives. We spend a considerable chunk of our day sitting behind a screen, tapping away at a keyboard working on an assignment or an important e-mail. Long periods spent in this manner can lead to stiffness in the muscles and joints. Just like posture is important when sitting down at a worktable or while driving or even just standing, sitting at a computer with our hands (especially the wrists) in constant use also requires a bit of attention. Knowing the ideal way to sit at a computer can optimize the time you spend working at it, and can ensure that you don’t wind up feeling sore: Sitting Your back should be upright and feet flat on the floor (you may use a footrest if required). Make sure your knees are in line with or only slightly lower than your hips. This will ensure that your lower back is strain free. Using hands Your keyboard should be at the same level as your elbows so that your wrists are not bent while typing. Prolonged periods of typing with bent wrists can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is when you have a tingling sensation in your thumb, index and middle fingers because the nerve in the carpal tunnel in your wrist is under pressure. One reason for this occurrence is extended periods of typing. Also ensure that the keyboard (or anything else at your workstation like your telephone) doesn’t require you to reach out to it. It should be as close as possible so that your arms and back are not strained. The screen The screen should be directly in front of you and an arm’s length away. Reduce its glare by using an anti-glare filter. The textbooks or source documents that you may be using must be placed in front of you, between the screen and the keyboard. Ideally, you can attach your document to the computer monitor using a document holder (see picture). As with other activities, you need to take frequent breaks of about 2-3 minutes every 20 minutes. This will not only give your eyes and hands a breather but also boost concentration which will help you complete the task more successfully. Move around a little to work your legs and don’t forget to jiggle those wrists too! References: http://www.medicinenet.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/article.htm http://www.ergonomics.com.au/pages/400_useful_info/420_how_to_sit.htm http://ctsplace.com/category/cts-computer-related-repetitive-strain-injuries/ http://www.websudasa.com/blog/2010/03/injuries-and-precautions-while-working-on-computer/ Contributed by Sukaina Bhojani, a graduate from Middlesex University in Dubai with a BA in Media and Communication Studies. Currently she writes book reviews for a website. Join our mailing list by visiting http://groups.google.com/group/ksi-edboard or emailing ed_feedb...@al-mam.net Next Week's issue is: Recipe for Brinjal Bonanza Your feedback encourages us. Send in your feedback to ed_feedb...@al-mam.net -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "shiagroup" group. To post to this group, send email to shiagr...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to shiagroup+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/shiagroup?hl=en.
