Stay Healthy Using Computers and Other “Stuff ”

1. Being “ErgoSmart” is Cool! Stay Healthy Using Computers and Other “Stuff” Jeffrey Chung, Ph.D August 8, 2002

2. What is Ergonomics? • Design and build things to help people work safely and efficiently. • Teach people how not to hurt their bodies • Called Ergonomistsor Human Factors Scientist • Study people through: • Anatomy (body) • Kinesiology (movement) • Psychology (behavior) • Engineering (design)

3. The Human Body • Skeleton • Muscles • Tendons • Ligaments • Nerves

4. We’re All Different Sizes What if you use things that don’t fit your size? • TOO SMALL • TOO BIG Could you still do things as quickly, correctly, comfortably and safely?

5. Where Do You Use Computers? Home Computer Games Class Library Science Camp Baby Support Hand Held Games

6. Are Computers Safe to Use? While computers are educational and fun, what are they doing to your bodies?

7. When There’s Bad “Fit”Ergonomics When using computers thewrong way: • Problems with eyes • Trouble with posture, back, neck, arms and hand muscles

8. Bryan- Not a Cool Dude Anymore! • Age 5 –Video Games • Age 8 –Gets 1st PC • Dream Job –Be a programmer • Age 14 –Stiff fingers and cramped hands slouching long hours over PC • Age 18 –Quits Computing Science major in college; (can’t type – hands numb) • Dream Job – GONE! CNN

9. Fuzzy Eyes and Bad Backs! • Too much computer use in the WRONG WAY can cause problems to your body: • Eyesight • Musculoskeletal pain • Long-term posture effects • Creating a mis-matched over a long period of time could lead to vision (nearsightedness) andjoint, muscle, tendon and backproblems.

10. Other Ergo Problems • Gripping and writing with pencils and pens • Carrying school books and supplies in backpacks • home to school and back • between classes

11. What Can You Control? • Body Posture/Body Position (fingers/hand/arms/back) (for how long) • Force (how hard we grip) • Frequency (how many times) • Duration

12. Bad Ergonomics

13. Bad Ergonomics • You might not be able to: • (1)put your feet on the floor • (2)reach the keyboard • (3)have a level view of the computer monitor • (4) maintain a correct posture to type and view the computer monitor

14. Head straight; eyes at top of monitor Eyes (18”–22”) from monitor; avoid glare “Good” Ergonomics Elbows at 90o, arms at sides (no reaching) wrists straight • Neutral position Keyboard near lap height • Support your body • Time outs/take breaks - 45 minutes Back rest Mouse that fits hand Feet on floor or use box • Stretch & Exercise

15. Watch the Hand Movements! DON'Thold your wrists at a dangerous angle! DOkeep your wrists in a straight neutral line!

16. WATCH IT !HeavyBackpacks Backaches OUCH! OUCH!

17. Backpacks: Wrong Way = Backaches ! WRONG: over 1 shoulder WRONG: too heavy

18. Safe Way to Wear Backpacks Step 2:Pack only what you need – 15% of how much you weigh (Tip: If backpack forces you to lean forward to carry, it's overloaded). Step 1:Choosing the right sizebackpack is the most important step to safe backpack use. (Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly).

19. Safe Way to Wear Backpacks Step 3:Lift Right - face the pack, bend at the knees, use both hands & check the pack’s weight. Lift with the legs; apply one shoulder strap, then the other. (Tip: Don't hang backpack only on one shoulder. Step 4:Wear Right - use both shoulder straps - snug, but not too tight. (Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap - use it).

20. Digital Exercise – Squeeze! Stretch and Strengthen Arms, Hands & Fingers

21. Before We End, Remember . . . • Poor posture and awkward body movements can become habits. • Habits hard to change more you do them over and over again. • Bad ergonomic habits cause you to get hurt when you grow bigger and older. Always do things staying in NEUTRAL POSITON as often and as long as possible!

22. Being “ErgoSmart” is Cool ! Got Questions?