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July / August 2008

Laptop If you've ever spent a long night curled up like a worm on your bed (or sitting slouched on the couch) with your laptop, you've probably already suffered the consequential sore shoulders and tight neck. Or, if you regularly spend hours on end typing text into your laptop, you may have noticed some pain, tightness, or tingling in your wrists or forearms. While extended computer usage of any kind can be hard on your body, prolonged laptop use can be especially hard on the user. Why? The Cornell University Ergonomics website explains as follows:

"The reason is simple - with a fixed design, if the keyboard is in an optimal position for the user, the screen isn't and if the screen is optimal the keyboard isn't. Consequently, laptops are excluded from current Laptop ergonomic design requirements because none of the designs satisfy this basic need."

Does this mean you need to toss out your new $1,200 machine? No. But if you plan to use a laptop as your primary computer, it does mean that you will need to start taking some steps right now to prevent placing undo stress and strain on your body. The corrective action required will vary, depending on whether you're an occasional or long-term user.

Some ergonomic tips:

If you are using a laptop as your primary computer, here are some tips:

Elevate the laptop off your work surface so that you can see the screen without bending your neck.
Connect a separate keyboard and mouse to the back of your laptop or to a docking station.
Pay attention to your posture. Maintaining a neutral wrist position and good neck position are key.

Be good to your body

Learning to set up your work station correctly, take regular breaks, and improve your posture all take time and lots of practice. If, in the meantime, you notice computer-related aches and pains, don't delay in seeking care. Believe it or not, pain is not a normal consequence of computer usage and you don't have to put up with it. CISonsite has Physical/Occupational Therapists on staff that can assist in the treatment of computer-related injuries, and can make practical suggestions and give you exercises to help alleviate your discomfort.

If you’d like to learn more about laptop ergonomics, set up an appointment with one of our therapists for a general job position evaluation, or are interested in training programs for employees, please contact CISonsite at (866) 298-1312 or jpanozzo@cisonsite.com.

Adopted from the Cornell University Website

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Healthy Foot Notes

Many of the employees that we work with report foot pain. Having healthy feet is important. You need them for walking, exercising, working, and everyday living. The health of your feet is especially important if you have diabetes, which can decrease circulation and sensation to your feet, making them more vulnerable to injury and infection.

To help keep your feet in tiptop shape, know the signs and symptoms of foot problems. See your doctor if you have:

Persistent swelling of one leg or foot (longer than 24 hours)
Pain at rest or when you elevate your legs
Persistent foot pain (longer than 72 hours)
Pain that increases with exercise or walking
Sudden progression of a foot deformity
Signs of infection (redness, red streaks, warmth, swelling, pain, drainage)
A blister or ulcer on your foot that you did not feel developing or that’s not healing
Change in foot color
Flattening of the arch in only one foot
Loss of sensation
A mole or spot on your foot or toenail that’s becoming asymmetrical or changing its border, color, diameter or elevation

If you have diabetes, play it safe. Have a foot exam at least once a year, and immediately report any foot problems to your doctor. That includes blisters, cuts, bruises, ingrown or thick toenails, corns, calluses, bunions or warts.

Adopted from Mayo Clinic Health Solutions

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Think Safe! When Lightning Strikes:

Lightning can be dangerous – killing or injuring hundreds of people each year. Do you know how to stay safe in a thunderstorm? Here are some true-false statements to test your knowledge.

[ T / F ] If you’re stuck outside during a lightning storm, it’s best to take cover under a tree.
[ T / F ] Picnic shelters and covered patios are safer than remaining in your car.
[ T / F ] Lightning can follow electrical wires and phone lines into your home.
[ T / F ] If you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance.
[ T / F ] If you’re driving during a thunderstorm, stay in your car with the windows closed.
[ T / F ] It’s safe to touch metal during a storm as long as you’re inside your car or home.
[ T / F ] You shouldn’t wash dishes, do laundry or take a shower during a lightning storm.
[ T / F ] If you’re swimming or boating when a storm starts, head for shore immediately.
[ T / F ] As long as you’re in a house, you’re safe.

If you’re caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, follow the 30-30 rule. Seek a safer location immediately if the thunder occurs 30 seconds or less after the lightning. Once the storm has passed, wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving shelter.

Adopted from Mayo Clinic Health Information

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