Ergonomics

Healthy computing.

Proper ergonomics - design factors intended to maximize productivity by minimizing operator fatigue and discomfort - is very important for maintaining a healthy body while computing. The following are a number of links which contain information on and tools for maintaining proper ergonomics.
Information on Laptop Ergonomics and Useful Products - This article from HealthyComputing.com provides information on the basics of ergonomics as well as suggestions for products which help to increase ergonomical use of laptops.
Five Tips for Ergonomical Laptop Use - Cornell University provides five helpful tips for proper ergonomical use of laptops.
Laptop Ergonomics - Cornell University provides further information on the basics of ergonomics.
Self Assessment Tool - This questionnaire from Key Tools Ergonomics helps you to assess how you use your laptop and provides suggestions for better usage.

How To Work on Your Laptop and Stay Healthy
1. Learn how to maintain a relaxed, neutral posture that reduces stress and strain to your muscles by:
· Schedule mini-breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid repetition and static postures.
· Maintain a comfortable viewing distance from your notebook screen - about 18-30".
· Keep your head and neck in a relaxed posture; avoid excessive neck flexion or rotation.
· Position the keyboard at elbow height and keep your wrists straight while keying.
· Experiment with table and chair height as well as keyboard angle to maintain neutral wrist postures.
· If you have to raise your chair, use a footrest to support your feet. When seated, your hips should be slightly higher than your knees.
· Add an external keyboard and place it on an adjustable keyboard/mouse platform.
· Attach an external mouse instead of using the small constricted touchpad or trackball.
· Tilt the screen so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight, if lighting permits.
· If you are sitting in a side chair or couch, use a pillow to support your arms while keying.
· Clean the screen regularly using appropriate antistatic cleaning fluid.
· Your hands and wrists should be kept in a straight wrist posture when typing and should not be resting on a palm rest, table or lap while typing.
· Did you know: wrist and palm rests are designed to provide support during breaks from typing.
2. Carry your laptop computer ergonomically:
· Remove unneeded baggage from your notebook case, the less weight to carry the better.
· Carry your laptop in a case with padded should straps and handle. Frequently shift shoulders to balance the load.
· Do yourself a favor by buying a wheeled laptop luggage cart that easily transports your laptop and accessories like laptop printer, laptop cables, paper and other utensils.
*Posture tips adapted from Ergo In Demand.

http://www.thepurplegenie.com/healthycomputing.htm
· Healthy Computing:
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