Jessica Baumgartner, an Occupational Therapist at ProRehab, explains how to best set-up your work space to prevent pain and injury.
CLICK HERE for (an easy-to-print) tips on “Optimizing Your Computer Workstation”
CLICK HERE for (easy-to-print) “Exercises for Office Workers”
(Jessica Baumgartner in the KFGO Studio)
“Sitting is the new smoking”
Baumgartner says our bodies are not meant to sit all day! We need stand, move and stretch every 30 minutes to promote blood flow.
Sit/Stand workstations are becoming very popular, especially for those individuals who are unable to stand or get up often from their desk or workstation.
Medical or industrial grade anti-fatigue mats are great, but be careful, these can be slip/trip/fall hazards.
How long should you stand? This is a personal preference. Most people find standing for 1-2 hours followed by a brief time of sitting works well for them.
Prevent Strain & Pain
Frequently used items such as your keyboard, mouse and monitor should be place within arm span reach or the proximal reach zone. Leaning forward to use these items can cause muscle imbalance and neck, upper back or shoulder strain.
20/20/20 Rule
To prevent eye strain, use the 20/20/20 rule – look away from your computer every 20 minutes at a distance of 20 feet and blink for 20 seconds.
Related content you might like:
ProRehab: Preventing & Treating Falls This Winter
(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
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Follow Amy on Twitter
@AmyKFGO
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