Computer Ergonomics: Life Saving (or at least creating a pain-free life)
The term ergonomic office is no longer just a catchphrase on the lips of the trendy. Ergonomic office standards have even been implemented in some US Governement offices. Ergonomic office products are now being sold both to individuals for home offices as well as to companies for their offices. But what is it that makes ergonomic office products so special?
Ergonomics is basically the science of design that is tailored to fit the requirements of a human and the task they need to perform. If, for example, the human worker must sit for many hours a day, it is important that the design of the chair supports the body properly. As many doctors and chiropractors have stated, most of the pain experienced by office workers was due to badly designed products and misalignment of good posture.
Perhaps the most vivid example of an ailment caused directly by office work is Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Carpal Tunnel is one of the most common ailments reported by people who spend most of their day working with a keyboard and monitor. The repetitive motion of typing while the hands are not properly aligned and positioned causes the tendons in the wrists to become inflamed and painful. Carpal Tunnel can become a chronic condition if not dealt with, and a slew of cases from the 90’s nearly overwhelmed the medical community.
A new ailment, Carpal Tunnel sprung into being by the rapid rise in computer related jobs. Throughout the 80′s and 90′s, Carpal Tunnel was most commonly found among secretaries and programmers, as well as other computer-heavy job descriptions. The computer ergonomic keyboard first appeared on the market in the mid 90’s and was popularized by Microsoft. The new design split the keyboard in two and tilted the angle into a V shape more natural to typing hands. The first wave of relief had arrived.
Like in all things in the technology age, a new generation of ergonomic keyboards was born from better design and technology. Adjustable keyboards became the rage, allowing the user to adjust the keyboard at exactly the right angle for them. Other ergonomic keyboards included a built-in trackball, fully separated keyboards, and other gadgets and designs.
Soon after the ergnomic keyboard appeared, so did the first ergonomic mouse. The normal, everyday mouse is as hard on the wrist as is the normal keyboard. The ergonomic mouse shfits the angle they are held in, providing the maximum possible support for the wrist and hand. This can dramatically lower the possibility of having Carpal Tunnel. Although the ergonomic mouse can look somewhat absurdly designed, it does deliver one great benefit: it is much more comfortable once you get used to it. Design ranges from mouse boxes to upright mice.
There are other ailments that are directly related to computer use. As computers became more commonplace everywhere, these ailments rose dramatically. Neck and shoulder pain was especially bothersome to many people who spent hours in front of a computer monitor. Desks were most often not adjustable, and monitors were not positioned in the correct angle for that person. Office administrators overlooked the basic adjustment of the computer monitor and many people suffered.
Adjustable computer monitors with ergonomic design solved some of the problem. Monitor risers replaced telephone books when people wished to adjust the angle in which they viewed their monitors. Since many of them had a down-slope, they were much more effective than the telephone books. Laptop stands of all kinds helped people all over the world avoid the stress inflicted on the body by leaning into a laptop. Several implements such as monitor stakers and flat screen arms appeared on the market, supplying the demand for products that can help monitors be adjusted perfectly for each individual user.
Perhaps one of the least thought about ailment is the headache produced by monitor glare. The constant high-speed flicker affects human eyes drastically. The glare and flickering are much harder on the eyes than paper, making reading from a monitor doubly fatiguing for the eyes. This, of course, can cause headaches and migranes.
Glare monitors were developed in the early 90’s to reduce these headaches and have come a long way since then. Anti-Glare products should reduce the glare from the screen as well as sharpen the picture on the monitor, which in turn lowers fatigue for the eyes and reduces headaches.
Although our life today more often than not revolves around a computer, there are ways to avoid the ailments that curse the computer generation. Using ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, as well as the multitude of other products that employ computer ergonomics can literally be a life-saver for all those cursed with the aches and pains associated with any computer job. Whether you work in an office or have a home office, make it an ergonomic office. Your entire body will thank you, and may even give you a standing ovation!
Review: Gateway FHD2401 HD LCD Flat Panel Monitor
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3M BF10XXL Standard Computer Screen Filter
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1 1 Year 12.86″ Height x 15.46″ Width x 0.40″ Depth 15″ Height x 18.25″ Width x 0.88″ Depth 19″ to 20″ LCD 19″ to 21″ CRT 2.98 lb 20″ 21″ 3M 45% 90% CRT and LCD Monitors Fits 19″ – 21″ CRT Viewing area diagonal is 18.22 inches (463 mm) Easy to attach 3M patented hanger arms Cleans easily with a soft lint-free cloth and glass cleaner 3M Standard Computer Filter BF10XXL fits 19″ – 21″ monitors. Flat frame design for brighter graphics and sharper text. Anti-glare BF10XXL BF10XXL Standard Computer Screen Filter CRT Flat LCD Light Gray Frame Medium Tint Glass Screen Monitor Plastic Frame Retail Standard Screen Filter Up to 90% www.3m.com
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Compucessory LCD/Notebook Computer Screen Cleaning Wipes
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24 24 / Box 24219 LCD/Notebook Computer Screen Cleaning Wipes Twin packs one wet and one dry Screen-cleaning wipes are safe and effective for use on all monitors and computer notebook screens, LCD, LED, plasma, DLP screens and glass. Twin pack of wipes (one wet and one dry) cleans screens and equipment surfaces without streaking. Remove dust and dirt with the wet wipe. Next, use the second wipe to dry and buff the surface. Screen cleaner/protector formula leaves screens dirt-free and smudge-free while applying a protective antistatic coating. Cleaning Wipe Compucessory Display Screen LCD/Notebook Computer Screen Cleaning Wipes Notebook White www.compucessory.com
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3M LCD Privacy Computer Screen Filter
$64.99
1 17″ 17″ LCD – Monitors 3.70 lb 3.70″ Height x 12″ Width x 15.80″ Depth 3M 65% 99.9% 17″ LCD Monitors Monitor blackout privacy filter provides worry-free privacy wherever you work. Darken on-screen images from a side view with no blurring or distortion. Frameless-style filter stays attached even when your notebook computer is closed. Filter protects valuable LCD screen from fingerprints, scratches and abrasions. Unique attachment system Anti-fingerprint Black Flat LCD LCD Privacy Computer Screen Filter Lifetime Monitor PF17.0 Plastic Privacy Privacy Screen Filter Scratch-resistant Up to 99.9% ELF/VLF E-field Radiation www.3m.com
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3M PF500XL Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen
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1 13.69″ Height x 16.25″ Width x 0.88″ Depth 16″ to 19″ CRT 17″ to 18″ LCD 18″ 19″ 2.65 lb 3M 52% 95% 99.9% 16″ – 19″ CRT 17″ – 18″ LCD Monitors Offers privacy without blurring or distorting screen images Prevents static and dust build-up when properly grounded Cleans easily with a soft, lint-free cloth and glass cleaner PF500XL Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen Hanger Arms PF500XL Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen ensures that on-screen data visible only to those directly in front of screen. Will not distort images on screen. Blacks out screen view from the side and reduces glare. Screens are AOA approved. Protects LCD screens. Most styles fit both LCD and CRT monitors. AOA Approved Anti-glare Anti-radiation Anti-static CRT Flat Glass Screen LCD Lifetime Limited Light Gray Frame Monitor PF500XL PF500XL Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen Privacy Screen Filter Up to 95% Up to 99.9% ELF/VLF E-field radiation when properly grounded www.3m.com
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3M PF400XLB Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen
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1 13.69″ Height x 16.25″ Width x 0.88″ Depth 16″ to 19″ CRT 17″ to 18″ LCD 18″ 19″ 2.65 lb 3M 52% 95% 99.9% 16″ to 19″ CRT 17″ to 18″ LCD PF400XLB Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen Hanger Arms Will not blur or distort on-screen images Significantly reduces glare to help prevent eyestrain and headaches related to computer monitor use Available in flat frame and assembly-free contour frame designs Prevents static and dust build-up when properly grounded Utilize optimal tint glass for brighter graphics and sharper text Cleans easily with a soft, lint-free cloth and glass cleaner PF400XLB Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen ensures that on-screen data is visible only to those directly in front of screen. Will not distort images on screen. Blacks out screen view from the side and reduces glare. Protects LCD screens. Most styles fit both LCD and CRT monitors. AOA Approved Anti-glare Anti-radiation Anti-static Black Frame CRT Flat Glass Screen LCD Lifetime Limited PF400XLB PF400XLB Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen Plastic Frame Privacy Screen Filter Up to 95% Up to 99.9% ELF/VLF E-field radiation www.3m.com
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3M PF400XXLB Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen
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3M PF400LB Privacy Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen
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3M Executive EF200XXLB Computer Filter Anti-glare Screen
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3M PF400XL Privacy Computer Filter
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3M PF400 Privacy Computer Filter
$320.99
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3M PF400L Privacy Computer Filter
$108.99
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Fellowes Privacy Computer Screen Filter
$157.99
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Fellowes Privacy Computer Filter
$122.99
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