• Remember to occasionally shift position and | • Discomfort may be alleviated by using |
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move your body. Keeping your body in one | alternative ergonomic designs and accessories |
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position for long periods is unnatural and | such as ergonomically personalized chairs, palm | |
stressful. When prolonged work is required, take | rests, keyboard trays, alternative input devices, |
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frequent short breaks. As a rule of thumb, a five | prescription eyeglasses, | |
or ten minute break every hour is a good idea. | more. Seek additional information from the |
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Short frequent breaks are more beneficial than | sources available to you, including your |
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longer, less frequent, breaks. Data shows that | employer, doctor, local office supply store, and | |
people who work for long periods of time without | the information sources provided in this guide. |
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a break may be more prone to injury. |
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• Changing tasks frequently will help prevent |
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muscle stiffness. For example, alternating |
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between keyboarding, reading, writing, filing, and |
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moving around in your work environment helps |
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you maintain a relaxed posture. Occasionally |
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stretch the muscles in your hands, arms, |
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shoulders, neck, and back. You should stretch at |
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least as often as you take brief task breaks at |
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least once every hour. |
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| Chapter1• PreparingtoUseYourComputer | 23 |