Digital Age @ Smartphone and various Texting Apps has resulted in the rise of new kind of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Digital Age @ Smartphone and various Texting Apps has resulted in the rise of new kind of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) 

Here is how you can prevent it

While computers or smartphones are not going to go away, the good news is that with a little care and thought, you can prevent RSI. Here are a few simple tips:

• If you sit at a desk, follow the traditional advice from parents and teachers: Sit up straight and don’t slouch! Good posture is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress on your muscles. This takes practice and mindfulness. There are also many exercises you can do to improve your posture.
• Adjust your work station to promote good posture and comfort.
• Sit in a chair that gives you support for your lower back and keep your feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground, and your hands, wrists, and forearms should be aligned. Your elbows should be in line with your keyboard to avoid strain.
• Avoid sitting cross-legged.
• If possible, spend some of your computer time at a standing desk. Slowly increase the amount of time you stand, aiming for 20–30 minutes each hour or more.
•  Place your computer monitor about an arm’s length away from you. The screen should be at eye level so you’re looking straight ahead.
• If you’re on the phone a lot, use a headset to avoid straining your neck, shoulders, and arms.
• Taking frequent breaks from your desk throughout the day is as important as having an ergonomic workstation. Get up to stretch or walk around. Do shoulder stretches at your desk. March in place. Wiggle your fingers and flex your wrists.

Using the keyboard

• Place your keyboard in front of you when typing. Leave a gap of about 4 to 6 inches (100mm-150mm) at the front of the desk to rest your wrists between bouts of typing.
• Keep your arms bent in an L-shape and your elbows by your sides.
• Some people like to use a wrist rest to keep their wrists straight and at the same level as the keys.
• Keep your mouse close.
• Position and use the mouse as close to you as possible. A mouse mat with a wrist pad may help keep your wrist straight and avoid awkward bending.
• If you're not using your keyboard, push it to one side to move the mouse closer to you.
• Avoid screen reflection.
• Your screen should be as glare-free as possible. If there's glare on your screen, hold a mirror in front of the screen so you know what's causing it.
• Position the monitor to avoid reflection from overhead lighting and sunlight. If necessary, pull blinds across the windows.
• Adjusting the screen's brightness or contrast can make it much easier to use.

Full Info | http://www.afternoondc.in/epaper/EpaperPost.aspx?id=229814

Regards

Mr. Pralhad Jadhav  

Master of Library & Information Science (NET Qualified) 

Research Scholar (IGNOU)

Senior Manager @ Knowledge Repository  

Khaitan & Co 

Blog | http://pralhad-fyilibrarian.blogspot.in/  

Website | https://sites.google.com/site/pralhadjadhavlib/home  

Twitter Handle | @Pralhad161978

Mobile @ 9665911593