Optimize your performance and prevent computer-related injuries with
Healthy Computing Email Tips. Each week we provide hints to help you stay
healthier while working.
Our body is designed for symmetrical movements. Performing repetitive
one sided movement or sitting in a skewed posture increases the risk of
injury. Alternate your movement patterns or rearrange your workstation
so that there is SYMMETRY IN MOVEMENT.
HOW TO INCREASE SYMMETRY IN MOVEMENT:
Observe your movement patterns and analyze your workstation layout for
the presence of asymmetry such as:
- Twisting to look at the monitor
- Mousing with the same hand
- Reaching for the phone with the same hand
- Tucking the phone between ear and shoulder on the same side
- Rotating the chair in the same direction when getting up
- Twisting to the same side to greet people entering the office
- Reaching to the same side for reference materials
- Reaching to the printer
- Crossing the same leg on top of the other
- Carrying work materials or purse/briefcase on one side
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Rearrange your workstation so that your movement alternates from one side
to the other. For example, move the location of the monitor from one side
to the other; carry your work, purse or briefcase in alternating hands;
get up from a chair by rotating in alternating directions; re-arrange
commonly used reference material so that it is closer to the center of
the desk; get up and walk over to the printer.
Use equipment which avoids unilateral movements such as a headset for the
phone. Practice physical movements to counter balance the asymmetry
(e.g., if the monitor is placed to the left, rotate your head to the
right a few times an hour).