For the Laptop Lovers
When the laptop computer was first introduced to the market, it was not meant to replace its stationary desktop counterpart. In fact, it wasn’t able to – technologically speaking, buying a laptop years ago meant settling for slower processing speed and less memory. These days, however, many laptops are just as powerful as their bigger, bulkier siblings. Translation: more and more people are using laptops as their primary, or even sole, computer. Convenient, yes, but bad news for our bodies.
The built-in track pad found on most laptops concentrates a lot of activity into a cramped space, and one that forces awkward hand movement. The keyboard and screen being so close together makes for uncomfortable typing, and, in most cases, the need to bend at the neck to properly view the display. Because laptops are so portable, users are often away from their desk and computing at long stretches with far-from-ideal body posture.
“If possible,” says Dr. Bowers, “use a desktop computer as your primary work machine.” The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration has a whole section of their website dedicated to setting up a safe and ergonomic desktop workstation.
And when you must use a laptop? “Use a peripheral mouse and keyboard whenever possible,” says Dr. Bowers. Several companies now are even making a new kind of mouse that is basically a high-tech glove – your hand becomes the mouse. “Some of those options may be expensive, but they’re worth at least checking out.”
Sit Up Straight!
Your mother was right – good posture not only improves your appearance, but it’s just plain good for your body. Today’s final culprit of tech-induced tribulation is the sinister slouch. To illustrate, here’s a quick quiz:
How have you been sitting as you’ve read this article?
a) My head is held high
b) My computer screen is directly in front of me, at eye level
c) My shoulders are back and my spine is straight
d) Both of my feet are flat on the floor
e) All of the above
f) None of the above
If you answered e), congratulations! You can be an example for the rest of us, who largely tend to fall into the f) group. The unfortunate news for the rest of us: Sustained slouching can lead to all sorts of aches and pains – even, in some cases, serious injury.
“You can develop headaches, neck pain, back pain, bursitis, nerve impingement, issues with the trapezius (shoulder) muscles, the rotator cuff,” says Dr. Bowers. The list goes on and on. “But these problems are all avoidable. Good lower back support, straight posture of the upper back, and frequent breaks (she recommends a 10-minute break for every hour spent sitting in front of the computer) are all going to help prevent problems down the road.”
A Take-Home Tweet (Or, A Conclusion in 140 Characters or Less)
Our society’s obsession with the latest gadgets isn’t going anywhere. We just need to stay aware of our bodies (and our posture!) to keep texting far into the future.
