Laptops Raise Health Concerns

Evidence for the effects of using laptops on health ...

"The Ohio State University's Dr. Carolyn Sommerich has spent the last several years studying the effects of laptop use.

"What we see from research is that people's posture is very different when they use a notebook computer versus when they use, either a desktop computer or a notebook with a separate keyboard," Sommerich said.

He said laptops have taken great steps forward in portability at the cost of great steps backward in ergonomics.

"If you're using it on your lap or even on a desk, the screen's not going to be high enough, so your head is going to tilt down," Sommerich said.

He said the muscles which keep your head upright have to work a lot harder when looking downward."   continued ...   (Via NBC4i.com)

Drivers Don't Practice What They Preach

It sounds like the same result could be found with cell phone behavior ...

American drivers say the aggressive and distracted behavior of other drivers is more aggravating than traffic delays, road construction and personal stress combined – yet they also admit to many of the same bad highway habits they criticize in other drivers, a study finds.

Most drivers admit to engaging in at least one distraction while driving – and the list is growing thanks to technological devices such as global positioning systems, DVD players and text messaging. The poll indicates that multi-tasking while driving is only likely to grow, with the youngest, least experienced drivers being the group most likely to drive while sending or reading a text message or talking on a cell phone.

All that adds up to growing anxiety among drivers, who view the road as an increasingly risky place."   continued ...   (Via Occupational Hazards)

CHILDREN SUFFER FROM CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME RELATED TO VIDEO GAMES

CTS leaves no child behind. The link to Dr. Woo-Ming's site is quite good for CTS topics ...

"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a type of repetitive stress disorder (RSD) which was always regarded as an adult disorder. Today, however, more and more children are suffering from the problem according to Dr. Michael Woo-Ming of San Diego, California.

The culprit? “It’s the video games,” says Dr. Woo-Ming. “Hours upon hours of playing can lead to similar effects we see in patients who work with computers or type for a living.”

Dr. Woo-Ming has launched an extensive website dedicated to educating the public about carpal tunnel syndrome (www.carpal-tunnel-surgery.com). He suggests that parents should monitor their children for signs of carpal tunnel syndrome such as numbness and tingling of the hands."   continued ...   (Via newsinferno)

Wheelchair bike is star of show

You can't keep a good man down ...

"A new British-made motorcycle for wheelchair users was the star of this year's Mobility Roadshow in the UK.

The Conquest is based on BMW 850 or 1150 motorbikes which have been integrated into a racing car-type aluminium body shell.

The Conquest is designed to be driven from the rider's wheelchair and should be suitable for people without the use of their legs but with good upper body mobility."   continued ...   (Via BBC NEWS)

Rounded Shoulders and Forward Head Posture

Posture can affect many chronic problems ...

"While they can be reversed, it is wise to remember that poor posture habits have taken many years to develop. It stands to reason, then, that to develop good posture and ideal alignment of head, neck and shoulders, working with a program over time will be both necessary and safe.

I always like to start any effort to realign my body’s posture with breathing. A deep inhale, followed by a long, slow “hissing” exhale can begin to relieve the chronic muscular holding in the shoulders and neck that most of us have. This hissing should seem as though you are letting the air out of a tire. It should not be forced."   continued ...   (Via BellaOnline)

No Dozing, Doughnuts at Office of Future

One way to change workplace ergonomics and keep fit ...

"Sitting at their desks is about the last thing workers would do in Dr. James Levine's office of the future. Instead of being sedentary in front of their computers, they'd stand. But instead of standing still, they'd walk on a treadmill. And instead of meeting around a conference table, they'd talk business while walking laps on a track.

That's exactly how Levine, a Mayo Clinic obesity researcher, and several of his colleagues have been working for the past five weeks or so.

"I hate going to the gym, which may be partly why I'm so interested in this," he said, keeping up a 1 mph pace on his treadmill while checking e-mail and fielding questions from a reporter."   continued ...   (Via Technology News)