1. Ergonomic Tips and Resources for Educators and Students Avoiding Repetitive Motion Injuries By Patricia J. McFarland Wyatt Connie J. Ury & Gary G. Ury

2. Strategies to consider: Causes Symptoms Cost issues Solutions & Software suggestions Techniques for adapting workspaces and environments

3. Who is at risk? Computer Users Transcriptionists Writers CAD & Graphic Designers Programmers Data Entry Clerks Secretaries Anyone who uses their hands for continued work. Anyone who suffers from fluid retention.

4. Causes Repetitive activity Trauma Crystal deposits (such as Gout) Friction Systemic disease (Arthritis and Gout) Clumsiness Weakness in effected area Tiredness

5. Symptoms Consistent pain Swelling of joints Warmth and redness to effected area Decreased range of motion

6. Factors of RMI Repetition. High Force Awkward join posture Direct pressure Vibration Prolonged constrained posture.

7. Cost issues Injuries Approximately 14 million w/ hand injuries Absenteeism Personnel training Personnel retention Workers’ Compensation Estimated to run nearly $29 billion in 1993 in the US

8. Techniques to avoid RMI Adapt your workspace Change your work habits Know your limitations Trust your judgment

9. Education comes first Make everyone who uses technology aware of the dangers of RMI Early warning signs Preventative measures The CS/IS department starts this education in the very first class and carries the theme throughout the major. Excellent learning tool (computer labs) Educational labs are not very user friendly Solutions

10. Workspace furniture Dragon NaturallySpeaking Voice Activated Software StretchBreak Exercise Software Special Mice and Ergonomic Pads Rest Wrist Splints Medications

11. Some Tips to use at your workstation Rest your hands frequently Control your mouse with a light touch Sit in a straight line with your keyboard and monitor Alter your posture from time to time Use larger pens Keep your fingernails short Take frequent breaks Sit up straight, don’t slouch Don’t wear splints for long periods of time

12. Resources The Helping Hand: Ergonomic Tips. Grid, Woodstock, GA 11 February 2003 http://www.thehelpinghand.com/tips/tips.htm

13. Thank you! Visit our Web pages at: http://www.nwmissouri.edu/library/courses/subjects.htm#ergo