Much of the information in this article is similar to that in the
typing tips article. The theory is the same: don't use any device
for too long a time and always always take breaks!
- The key to comfy, healthy mouse use is to try a variety of pointing
devices. We recommend Logitech's big mice & trackballs and
Wacom tablets.
- In addition to trying multiple devices, use multiple devices at
the same time -- have 2 or 3 connected to your computer and switch
between them. Variety is the key to reducing the chance of injury.
- Did we mention to take stretch breaks? This cannot be stressed
enough.
- Don't type for long intervals of time, like 30 minutes to an hour.
That's just too much for the body to handle. Even it out with other
tasks.
- Most importantly, if you're feeling any pain, see a doctor. These
tidbits are only a few little helpful hints for prevention. For
links to well-recommended doctors, see the bcomfy resources page.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Typing Tips
bcomfy.com is the result of a number of typing or repetitive strain-type
injuries -- we're hoping this site will help prevent and treat such
problems -- so here's a list of tips to remember when typing compiled
from meetings with qualified keyboard retrainers:
- Always watch your wrist position: keep them straight, not bent.
- Bounce when you type - keep it light (don't pound on the keys!)
- Relax your shoulders.
- Take lots of stretch breaks!!!
- Try using a small mirror next to your computer to watch your
posture -- it can be eye-opening.
- Don't bend your neck if you need to look at the keys.
- Pay attention to your entire body posture -- keep feet on the ground,
distribute your weight properly, keep arms at a 90 degree angle with
the keyboard.
- Try out a number of different keyboards. Use whichever feels best
for you, and it's not a bad thing to change occasionally just wo
you work different muscles.
- Did we mention to take stretch breaks? this cannot be stressed
enough.
- Don't type for long intervals of time, like 30 minutes to an hour.
That's just too much for the body to handle. Even it out with other
tasks.
- Most importantly, if you're feeling any pain, see a doctor. These
tidbits are only a few little helpful hints for prevention.
injuries -- we're hoping this site will help prevent and treat such
problems -- so here's a list of tips to remember when typing compiled
from meetings with qualified keyboard retrainers:
- Always watch your wrist position: keep them straight, not bent.
- Bounce when you type - keep it light (don't pound on the keys!)
- Relax your shoulders.
- Take lots of stretch breaks!!!
- Try using a small mirror next to your computer to watch your
posture -- it can be eye-opening.
- Don't bend your neck if you need to look at the keys.
- Pay attention to your entire body posture -- keep feet on the ground,
distribute your weight properly, keep arms at a 90 degree angle with
the keyboard.
- Try out a number of different keyboards. Use whichever feels best
for you, and it's not a bad thing to change occasionally just wo
you work different muscles.
- Did we mention to take stretch breaks? this cannot be stressed
enough.
- Don't type for long intervals of time, like 30 minutes to an hour.
That's just too much for the body to handle. Even it out with other
tasks.
- Most importantly, if you're feeling any pain, see a doctor. These
tidbits are only a few little helpful hints for prevention.
Travel Tips
As a frequent traveler who's suffered from a few different injuries, here's a compilation of tips, mostly geared toward helping your body adjust to unusual conditions:
general travel:
- always wear good walking shoes & bring a rain jacket
- take stretch breaks
- wear comfy, breathable & easy-to-move-in clothes
- bring your own water (and food, if possible)
- don't carry any more than you MUST
- when determining what to wear, if in doubt, err on the side of more comfort
- try those portable book lights that attach directly to the book --
they're small and great for any form of travel
planes:
- always moisturize your face & hands before & during flights
- business class are not necessarily better - more leg room but seat
shape can be horribly non-ergo
- try doubling up on pillows to put in the small of the back for correct
lumbar support (this definitely depends on the person) - bring your own if you can
- on trips with significant time changes, make sure to start eating meals
on your new time zone -- your body will adjust more quickly
trains:
- use the lack of seat assignment to your advantage - sprawl out whenever
possible
- be early (same rule)
automobiles:
- take time to find the right seat adjustment & cushion
- you can add special items to your car to make life easier: pen & paper,
cup holder, gps tracker, cell phone microphone/speaker, in-dash cd...
- did I mention stretch breaks? this is particularly important when driving to keep up your awareness, especially on long trips (drinking water helps with this too, leading to more pit stops)
general travel:
- always wear good walking shoes & bring a rain jacket
- take stretch breaks
- wear comfy, breathable & easy-to-move-in clothes
- bring your own water (and food, if possible)
- don't carry any more than you MUST
- when determining what to wear, if in doubt, err on the side of more comfort
- try those portable book lights that attach directly to the book --
they're small and great for any form of travel
planes:
- always moisturize your face & hands before & during flights
- business class are not necessarily better - more leg room but seat
shape can be horribly non-ergo
- try doubling up on pillows to put in the small of the back for correct
lumbar support (this definitely depends on the person) - bring your own if you can
- on trips with significant time changes, make sure to start eating meals
on your new time zone -- your body will adjust more quickly
trains:
- use the lack of seat assignment to your advantage - sprawl out whenever
possible
- be early (same rule)
automobiles:
- take time to find the right seat adjustment & cushion
- you can add special items to your car to make life easier: pen & paper,
cup holder, gps tracker, cell phone microphone/speaker, in-dash cd...
- did I mention stretch breaks? this is particularly important when driving to keep up your awareness, especially on long trips (drinking water helps with this too, leading to more pit stops)
Welcome
Welcome to the new bcomfy.com site. The goal of this site is to provide ergonomic and comfort-related resources to those with injuries, illnesses and disabilities of all kinds that make life uncomfortable. This blog will not be updated daily - at least for now - but it will serve as a log of news and information for products, solutions and services that can help people to be more comfy in our daily lives.
History
During the year of 2000, bcomfy was a for-profit California corporation with the developing business model to "ergonomize" the work place, i.e. provide an online software solution to make the modern workplace a healthier, more comfortable place.
bcomfy.com provided resources for helping injured and disabled individuals find comfortable, ergonommic solutions for their homes and offices. The bcomfy business model received some good feedback and the company was selected for that year's Forum for Women Entrepreneurs eSeries where founders Sarah Granger and Emily Jennings were trained on how to grow the business successfully.
bcomfy had great partners, advisors and early test customers showing there was a clear need for more attention to ergonomics in the workplace. A "huge problem", Yahoo CEO Tim Koogle said at the time about the onset of repetitive strain injuries in high-tech companies. Due to market timing and limited funding availability, bcomfy the corporation was closed at the end of 2000 and the concept was put on hold until 2007 when Sarah Granger, decided to reinvent it as a blog. bcomfy is not currently a for-profit venture.
bcomfy.com provided resources for helping injured and disabled individuals find comfortable, ergonommic solutions for their homes and offices. The bcomfy business model received some good feedback and the company was selected for that year's Forum for Women Entrepreneurs eSeries where founders Sarah Granger and Emily Jennings were trained on how to grow the business successfully.
bcomfy had great partners, advisors and early test customers showing there was a clear need for more attention to ergonomics in the workplace. A "huge problem", Yahoo CEO Tim Koogle said at the time about the onset of repetitive strain injuries in high-tech companies. Due to market timing and limited funding availability, bcomfy the corporation was closed at the end of 2000 and the concept was put on hold until 2007 when Sarah Granger, decided to reinvent it as a blog. bcomfy is not currently a for-profit venture.
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