Tag Archives: Ergonomics

Computer Work at Home Health in Covid19

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Photo by Sharad kachhi from Pexels

In the past, some people who worked on computers all day in order to do their work discovered much later on that repetitive strain on their wrists could cause what is known now as “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”, or CTS. In addition, some had neck and eye strain, as well.

Fast forward to how work is performed nowadays due to the current Pandemic. People are required to be on  their computers all day long. Zoom meetings, for example, call for computer skills, which were not necessary just six months ago. Sitting for hours staring at a computer screen is not an optimum way to work. Not to mention it causes stress on our bodies, eyes, mind – you name it.

Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay

♦ Ergonomics is a system of support methods, techniques, and equipment, which can help you.
♦ Ergonomics is a way of working, which can help to reduce injury to your body, and give you a better computer working experience at home.

I searched the www for suggestions about what you can do to make your daily computer work experience more healthful and more productive.

 Zoom Meetings:
♦ have a prepared agenda
♦ schedule short breaks if the meeting is going to be more than two hours long.
♦ stand periodically; have a 5 minute social break to relieve the monotony of looking and listening to the screen.

Image by Bella H. from Pixabay

Sources:
https://www.ergonomics.com.au/free-resources/
https://www.ergonomics.com.au/how-to-reduce-risks-of-musculoskeletal-disorders-while-working-from-home/
https://www.ergonomics.com.au/zoom-meetings-tips-for-more-productive-and-engaged-virtual-meetings/
https://www.ergonomics.com.au/office-ergonomics-checklist
https://www.themuse.com/advice/coronavirus-work-from-home-tips
https://uhs.umich.edu/computerergonomics

Ways to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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7856760[1]What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and how can we prevent it?

♦ Wrist Care: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

If you spend a lot of time doing activities that involve forceful or repetitive hand or wrist movement or use of vibrating equipment, you have an increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. These activities can include driving, working with small instruments, knitting, or using a sander. Continue reading →

In the know about Technology

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canstockphoto12223026Every now and then Tech4Boomers likes to take a break from presenting just one aspect of technology.  Everywhere we look today we  glimpse, and hear of,  a new idea:  Microsoft Word, new Apps, and various ways to protect ourselves  on-line are constantly being created. This makes it very hard to keep up-to-date. This post brings some things, which we think could be useful to know. Continue reading →

Tech Savviness… Email Savviness … & More

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FBI Deadline for DNS CHANGER IS

JULY 9, 2012  

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Email Savviness:

How many of us have thought that the ‘rules and regulations’ implemented by our workplace management is put in place to  protect us? I bet most of us are grumbling about the Internet restrictions imposed by management at our workplace.  Did you know there is an ePolicy Institute?  You can find out what the ePolicy Institute thinks is worth “protecting employees from”.  What are eRisks, eRights, eResponsibilities? Can employers ‘legally’ read your email? Is it OK to email your kids during work hours? What is ‘social engineering‘?  The next time you have an opportunity you may want to visit the website.  There is much to learn.  In addition they have free literature.  Click this link to go to the website-  Search the ePolicy Institute.

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Tech Savviness:  Router Passwords

In a previous tech4boomers post we discussed the importance of using up-to-date equipment.  In particular old routers, which may not be providing you with the best service.  Equally as important is knowing how to protect your home network from unauthorized access.  PASSWORDS are very important when it comes to protecting your Network.   Below are some guidelines I found in an article recently. Click on the link provided to get the full details.

Though no password is foolproof, you can build a better password by combining numbers and letters into a complex and unique string. Remember to change both your Wi-Fi password (the string that guests enter to access your network) and your router administrator password (the one you enter to log in to the administration console–the two may sometimes be the same). via How To Lock Down Your Wireless Network | PCWorld.

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Healthful Computing:

iPad users will want to pay attention and be careful of their body posture when using this device.  Read what the article I found in the New York Times Science section recently had to say:  The scientists studied 15 experienced tablet users in their natural viewing positions. Placing a tablet on the lap created the greatest strain, the researchers found, because it forces the user to look down at a steep angle, causing head and neck flexion – a particular hazard for users who are doing a lot of typing. via WELL – Really? The Claim – Using an iPad can strain your neck. – Question – NYTimes.com.

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BuddyTV Guide App

According to what I have read this APP is worth looking into 🙂

  • Speedy
  • Find what you want to watch in 20 seconds or less
  • Tailors to your TV tastes.
  • Even changes the channel for you.

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I hope this is helpful 🙂

Tech News Overload….

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It’s almost impossible to keep up with all the great and useful things to know that are happening on the technology front.  That’s why in upcoming Posts the format for tech4boomers will change to short burst of information with links to the web pages, or apps, or guidelines  etc., which will give you quick access to the things that interest you most. You will also want to visit DIGITWIRL, which has great suggestions and tips for organizing your technology world. A link to the website (Great Technology Tips) is available under BLOGS I LIKE.

The topics covered in this Post are : Health Apps, Healthful Computing, and How to Buy a Router.

HEALTH APPS

appear to be everywhere, and there seems to be one for everything.  I don’t know why I was surprised to read about these weight loss apps in a Nutrition Newsletter that I received in the ‘snail mail‘, but there they were prominently placed on a page all by themselves as the latest way to keep track of what you are eating by using an app on your smartphone, or computer.  Below are some of the APPS that were suggested, along with the links to them. I’ve read that free apps are just as good as any of the ones which charge a fee in this category.  Why don’t you check them out for yourself using the links below which goes with your device.

Name of APP – MyFitnessPal – FREE

  • ANDROID USERS – Lose weight with MyFitnessPal, the fastest and easiest to use calorie counter for Android. With the largest food database of any Android calorie counter (over 1,700,000 foods), and amazingly fast food and exercise entry, we’ll help you take those extra pounds off! There is no better diet app – period.via Calorie Counter – MyFitnessPal – Android Apps on Google Play.

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Name of APP – Lose It! – FREE

  • iPhone Users: Succeed at weight loss with Lose It! Set goals and establish a daily calorie budget that enables you to meet them. Stay on track each day by recording your food and exercise and staying within your budget. The average active Lose It! user has lost more than 12lbs and more than 85% of our active users have lost weight. Lose It! is completely free via App Store – Lose It!.
  • ANDROID USERS – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fitnow.loseit

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HEALTHFUL COMPUTING!

tech4boomers  has often written about the importance of being careful to protect your eyes when you are at the computer. Check out the tips at this site:
http://office-ergo.com/eyestrain-neck-pain/

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DO YOU NEED AN EQUIPMENT UPDATE?

When was the last time you updated your computer equipment?  I know many of us are trying to save those dollars, but it could be possible that by not evaluating whether your current computer equipment is serving your best interests both economically and aesthetically, and you could be paying more than you need to.  Take a look at the article, which appeared in PC World Magazine recently about Routers.  It will help you to check what steps you should take in deciding what is best for your technology purposes.

How to Buy a Router, By Armando Rodriguez, PCWorld May 3, 2012

Buying a router may not be at the top of everyone’s to-do list, but a new model can mean the difference between enjoying Netflix in HD and seeing a grainy mess of substandard video.

  •  Are you still using the router that your Internet service provider gave you? If so, you might not be getting the best results possible. Routers that ISPs provide tend to be older models running custom firmware, and the download and upload speeds from these routers may not match the speeds you pay for.via How to Buy a Router | PCWorld.

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See you at the next Post.  I hope this is helpful 🙂

For Older Workers: How To Update Your Computer Skills

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What is your computer skills IQ?

Being an older worker does have some competitive advantages.  It also brings valuable resources to the working environment. However, as older workers we should  prepare to hone our job working skills for today’s job market. Many office environments use Microsoft applications. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook e-mail are just some of the programs used by office professionals today.

I have come to rely on some very helpful sites to aid me in acquiring competitive skills as an office professional. To support you in finding resources fordeveloping new skills, or upgrading your skills, I have connected my Blog to some of the best HELP around for developing computer skills.

Those sites are listed at the Blogroll on the right side of the screen. All you have to do is click the link, and you will be able to explore what the website has available to help you become proficient or even an expert using various software skills.

Below is a brief description of what those sites can offer.

Certiport.com

Certiport offers individuals current and relevant digital skills and credentials for the competitive global workforce. These solutions include the official Microsoft Office certification programs, the Microsoft Technology Associate certification program, the Adobe® Certified Associate certification program, the CompTIA Strata™ IT Fundamentals, the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification program and the Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®), delivered by more than 10,000 Certiport Centers worldwide via Certiport | Home – Certify to Succeed.

ShaunaKelly.com

I have found this word processing help the best of the many sites I visit frequently.  If you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced WORD user, I believe you will find this is a very useful resource.  Just click the link on my Blogroll to use the Word help.


Your body posture is important!

ERGONOMICS I have covered the reasons for having the correct body language at the computer.  Some of you may have already suffered from the stress of working at a computer device all day.  If you are new or an experienced computer user, it is important to have the correct posture when working. If you can’t manage the best posture, you may at least find the exercises provided at this site will help you with relieving some discomforts.  Just click the body language link on my Blogroll.

I hope this is helpful.  See you at the next Post!   🙂

ERGONOMICS for us Boomers

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Hi Boomers,

How’s your back feeling?

According to Wikipedia:
Ergonomics is concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their technological tools and environments. It takes account of the user’s capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each user.

If you are having problems with various body parts, it may be that you need to adjust/correct your body posture at the computer.

In my recent cybertravels,  i looked for information that might be useful in helping you to relieve some of the stress on your body while working at the computer.

The site the chart was reproduced from is:  http://www.ergonomics-info.com/ergonomic-exercises.html

I suggest you visit the site when you next have an opportunity, or ache from working at the computer.   🙂

To get a closer look at the chart:  Place your mouse pointer on the image, then click with your left mouse button.

To print the chart:  Double click the image (to enlarge it) , Click File, Click Print