PC World just posted a review of the new Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. It’s fairly brief, but the reviewer ultimately liked the keyboard: “As a touch typist, I initially found positioning my hands comfortably on this shipping unit difficult. But after about a day, I got accustomed to the way it felt. The well-padded…
Recommendations for Ergonomic Office EQ
A visitor noted that there are lots of links and posts about ergonomic equipment in this blog, but–aside from a few reviews–not too many recommendations. He wanted to know what he should buy. Since I’m just one writer, I can’t claim to have tried everything available on the market or even a large portion of…
Vibrating Mouse Warns You to Take a Break
The Hoverstop mouse is designed to reduce the time you spend clutching your mouse by adding little breaks. If users hold the mouse without using it for more than 10 seconds, it’ll vibrate and alert them to remove their hands. It looks like a good idea for combating RSI, since so many of our problems…
Cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on the Rise
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome isn’t a problem that’s going anywhere, but with the number of reported cases rising each year, it looks like it’s getting more attention in the medical community. According to a brief article from the Las Vegas news: “The number of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnoses continues to increase. Many factors are contributing to…
ErgoGlide
ErgoGlide is an interesting keyboard tray (sort of) I saw advertised in an ergonomics magazine. Created by an Arizona chiropractor, ErgoGlide supports the keyboard and moves up and down and in and out. “ErgoGlide™ is a mobile hand, wrist and forearm support system that allows keyboard users freedom of movement across the keyboard in both…
A Germ Free Computer Mouse?
I noticed an ad in an ergonomics magazine for Contour Design’s new “MediMousePro.” It’s a 2-button optical mouse with a polyurethane cover that “allows it…to be disinfected, helping curtail harboring and spreading of infectious agents.” I’m not sure I need such a feature for my home office, but I suppose it makes sense if you…
Vacation
After much scrimping and saving, I’m heading off to Europe for a three week tour plus a couple extra days in Paris. I’m looking forward to giving my hands a rest, so I probably won’t be hunting for any cyber cafes in order to post to this blog. Expect the usual RSI and ergonomics news,…
Combating Horrible Advice for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Sufferers
I have a lot of respect for medical professionals, but it’s hard not to cringe when I see a doctor’s advice for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome published in a major paper like this: “Simply resting the wrist can lessen tunnel inflammation and let the nerve recover. That can be accomplished by wearing a wrist splint, obtainable…
Text Messaging Leading to RSI for Kids?
As if it isn’t bad enough that our computer keyboards and mice are contributing to an increasing number of instances of RSI in the adult population… now, the warning is out on cell phones. More specifically, text messaging and how popular it’s becoming for kids. A brief article called, “Kids Texting Messages in Danger of…
Colorful Ergonomic Chairs
As much as I like my Herman Miller Aeron, it’s a touch… monochromatic. (That’s code for all black.) Though I haven’t had a chance to sit in an Azeo GT office chair, I like the color options they offer: “durable ergonomic seating available in your color of choice” is the product’s tag line. Glossy red…
Are Trigger Points Causing Your Pain?
I’m perusing The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief and thought I would share a quote from the introduction: “There is growing evidence that most of our common aches and pains–and many other puzzling physical complaints–are actually caused by tigger points, or small contraction knots, in the muscles of the body. …
Avoiding RSI
An article posted online at Forbes today addresses RSI: “Avoiding Repetitive Strain Injury” It’s interesting that the article shows up in a business magazine. Previously, carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI have been afflictions mainly associated with computer professionals. It just goes to show you anyone who spends a lot of time at the keyboard is…