|
|
Ease
Your Pain: Helpful Products for Students and Office Workers A few months ago, a new research study reported that Americans work longer hours and more days every year than the rest of the world. The same holds true for students of all ages who find their workload growing to keep up with this changing world. As these diligent people sit at their desks glaring into the computer screen or carry their weighty backpacks and briefcases, their bodies become tired and even injured from repetitive tasks and heavy loads. In the last decade, a new science called ergonomics has been making tremendous strides in finding innovative designs and ideas to help with these problems. This article will review the most popular equipment and furniture available on the market that helps alleviate the many physical problems. Sitting Down At the very least, a good desk chair should allow you to adjust the height of the back. As you go up in price, the quality and features of a chair will increase. Some of these features include lumbar support, neck rests, extra wide and/or cushioned armrests. Research studies have found that chairs with lumbar supports and armrests will reduce strain on your spine and upper body. If you have a fixed chair, one that does not have any adjustable components, you will need to invest in a strap-on lumbar roll or cushion. A couple other products that may help are foot rests and deskalators. When used, a foot rest forces your back to be positioned against the back support, helping to eliminate lower back aches. A deskalator is a perfect solution for a taller person sitting at a typical desk because they raise the height of the desk at one inch intervals to comfort the worker. Some office furniture companies are beginning to offer ergonomical workstations that have recessed areas for computer equipment, height adjustable surface and even a sit-and-stand option. Healthy Computing In today’s world, workers and students are spending more time at the computer which can cause strains on your eyes, neck, back, hands, wrists and forearms. The good news is that there are several ways to help with these problems. Computer companies are designing split-designed keyboards that are broken into two halves that allow your wrists to work in a more natural angled position. If you can’t afford a new keyboard, an inexpensive rubber or gel-filled wrist rest in front of your traditional keyboard will help keep your wrists straight instead of resting on the desk in an angled position. If you spend a great deal of time at the keyboard each day, a pair of therapeutic gloves may offer some protection from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Placing a glare screen onto your monitor will reduce the glare and eyestrain. Also, another option are the new computer glasses that contain similar lens to help with eye fatigue from squinting. One way to alleviate neck strain is to properly elevate the computer monitor to your height using a monitor stand or swivel arm. Using a document holder, attached to the monitor or a freestanding model, will also help with excessive neck movements. Changing from a standard mouse to a trackball, contoured mouse, touchpad or foot-operated mouse might help with shoulder and wrist pain. Since these devices require less force to operate they also may help reduce stress on your fingers and hands. Heavy Loads A real concern of parents today is the weight their kids carry every day as they trot off to school with their heavy backpacks. No matter what your size or age, a good rule to remember is that you should only be carrying 10 percent of your body weight. So, a 55 pound, first grader should only be carrying 5.5 pounds of books in their backpack. Many companies have come up with alternative designs to the traditional backpack. A popular model uses an extended hand pull and wheels, so the student doesn’t have to carry the pack. Another type of pack has air-filled shoulder straps and lumbar section for better support and comfort. There are also purses and soft briefcases that offer the same air-filled straps. Finishing Details Smaller ways to help reduce the strain on your body and senses concern the phone, lighting and everyday office products. Those who spend a great deal of time on the phone everyday usually experience neck pain from cradling the phone. This problem can be eliminated by using a hands-free headset, speakerphone or neck rest. Task lighting, or directional lighting like a desk lamp, should be positioned so that it shines on your work away from your computer to alleviate unnecessary glare. The leading office supply companies are offering some creative designs for commonly used office products. Some of the more popular items include a stand-up grip stapler, rolling scissors and tape dispenser. Several pen manufacturers offer ergonomical pens that have a thick grip that reduces gripping power by almost 40 percent. About the author: Pattie Stechschulte is an award-winning writer and the associate editor of Today’s Chiropractic magazine. Inquiries should be directed to her at 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060 or E-mail pattiest@todayschiropractic.com.
|