Long hours at a computer can be a pain — in the shoulders back and wrists.
Health advisors at the Mayo Clinic studied the various ergonomic factors involved in working with a computer.
Chair: It should have adjustable armrests, height, lumbar support and seat depth.
Footrest: If desk or chair adjustments don't allow for keeping feet flat on the floor, use a footrest. A stack of sturdy books can fill the need.
Monitor: Placed at arm's length and directly in front of you. If you wear bifocals put the top of the screen slightly below eye level.
Arm and wrist: When typing or using your mouse, keep your wrists straight and upper arms close to your body.
Desk: Should be high enough so knees and thighs have clearance underneath the desk.
Mouse and keyboard: They should be within easy reach, side by side on the same desk surface. Use a standard size keyboard.
If you don't need the keyboard number pad, select a keyboard without it. The saved desk space allows closer placement of the mouse to the actual keyboard area.
When choosing a mouse, fit it into your hand. Roller ball models may be more comfortable and require only movement of the fingers. An optical mouse requires movement of the entire arm.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.