Computer & Health ProBleMo

We will be working mainly with the creation of imagery, rather than typing an abundant amount of text. Even so, computer users subject their bodies to many unnatural stresses, which, over time, can lead to postural difficulties, eyestrain, headaches, and repetitive-motion injuries.
Those of you who do a massive amount of typing at work, are most at risk. The standard computer keyboard is very poorly-designed, as it forces the hands into unnatural positions which strain the hand / arm / shoulder musculature.
In fact, if one wanted to deliberately devise an instrument which eventually creates the potential for debilitating injuries to the human hand, one could not find a better tool for this, than the current computer keyboard design.
So if we take a poorly-designed tool and add to this a demanding workload, the stage is set for possible injury .
Even if you don't do a lot of typing, you may still be at risk. Clicking a mouse hundreds of times per day, especially if you hold the mouse with a vise-like grip, can also lay a foundation for future dilemmas .
Another concern for computer users, is their vision. Staring at a computer monitor for hours on end, can strain the eyes. Remember to take breaks at regular intervals.
Some things you can do to avoid problems is to:
Adjust your chair so that your wrists are not bent as they sit on the keyboard .
Do NOT use the small plastic prop-ups found on some keyboards to elevate the back part of the keyboard. Propping up the rear of the keyboard, forces your hands into dorsiflexion, which sets them up for carpal tunnel-related injuries. The line created by the forearm, wrist, and hand as it types, should be a straight one .
If you have a wrist rest, do NOT place your hands on it as you type. Your hands should only rest there while pausing from typing; otherwise they should be " floating " over the keyboard. Use a light touch; don't pound the keys .
Don't grip the mouse ( or stylus ) too tightly, and try to move it with your whole arm, not just your hand, moving from the shoulder .
Take frequent breaks, stretch the muscles used, and rest your eyes .
Pay attention to warning signs .
For more information, refer to these books:
Repetitive Strain Injuries: A Computer Users Guide by Emil Pascarella MD and Deborah Quilter, Pub. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN Number: 0-471-59533-0 ( paperback). Includes information an hand and vision care and setting up your workstation.
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Book by Mark A. Pinsky, Pub. by Warner Books ISBN Number: 0-446-36527-0
On the Internet, a very informative piece on the subject can be found at:
ftp://ftp.engr.unl.edu/pub/eeshop/findadoc.txt
If you haven't worked much with a computer before, please don't be alarmed. I am not attempting to frighten you; merely giving you some information so that you can start making conscious choices about work settings and habits .
As mentioned before, the physical stress of computer use in this class is very light, compared to use of a computer in the full-time or part-time job setting for typists or others who use the keyboard heavily every day.
It is mostly for those people, the marathon typists among you, as well as others who use their hands heavily - musicians, weightlifters, carpenters - that I present this information. Prevention really is the best policy. If you use your hands and arms continually day after day, don't wait until you sustain damage before taking action.