Key Tips On Ergonomics For Children
Posted on Nov 03, 2008 | Comments 0
Children live in an adult sized world. Consequently they are forced to use adult sized objects.
And, with the addition of video games, hand held electronics and increased use of computers, children are repeating tasks over and over.
Between the strain of coping with objects that are too large and repetitive motions, your children are setting themselves up for numerous stress injuries today and for the future.
Repetitive Stress
One of the primary injuries your child is facing today is repetitive stress injuries. This type of injury is due to performing the same action over and over, day in and day out.
Some activities that can lead to repetitive stress injuries are using adult sized equipment like a computer and computer desk, carrying a backpack with excess weight and spending an abnormal amount of time with video games and cell phones where motions are repeated again and again.
Eye Strain
Another common injury your child can suffer is eyestrain. Consistent viewing of computer monitors, hand held video games and television all contribute to this effect. Even the color paper your child uses in school and at home can cause eye injuries.
Ergonomic Tips
Your child’s workspace need to be set up just for him/her. The chair your child sits upon should support his/her back.
The edge of the seat should not be pressing into the back of your child’s knees. Your child’s feet should reach the floor and rest flat.
The height of the desk should be such that your child does not have to tilt his/her head up or down to see a computer monitor.
When performing tasks at the desk, be it using a keyboard or writing on paper, your child’s arms should be relaxed and close to his/her body.
The elbows should be at a 90-degree angle and the wrists should be relaxed and not flexed or angled down. All objects should be in easy reach so that your child is not over stretching or straining.
To prevent back strain, purchase a backpack that is appropriate size and do not overfill. The proper backpack should be the size of your child’s back but no larger.
The top of the backpack should be about two inches below the shoulder. The bottom of the backpack should sit two inches lower than the waist. Or, purchase a carrying case your child can pull behind her/him.
To prevent eyestrain during computer use, purchase a glare guard to go over your child’s monitor. White paper with black lines has very high contrast and can hurt your child’s eyes. If possible use blue, yellow or green lined paper.
Repetitive stress can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist and arm injuries. Make sure your child takes regular breaks hourly to prevent repetitive stress injuries.
Try to limit the time your child plays video games and uses the computer keyboard to no more than one hour a day for recreational use.
By following these simple steps you can help your child lead a healthy life free from pain now and in the future.
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