Healthy Office: Web Sites and Resources

Optimize your performance and prevent computer-related injuries with
Healthy Computing Email Tips. Each week we provide hints to help you stay
healthier while working.

We are frequently asked, “Where can I find a good stretch break program?”
or “What keyboard is best?” or “How can I prove to my boss that taking
breaks is productive?” In addition to the Email Tips, there are many
valuable sites that provide information in preventing and recovering from
computer-related injuries. Take a few minutes to educate yourself further
when you check out the following WEB SITES AND RESOURCES.

HOW TO CHECK OUT WEB SITES AND RESOURCES*:

1. Sign-up and practice the weekly Healthy Computing Email Tips on taking
   care of yourself. Send an email to healthco@sfsu.edu and request to be
   added to the distribution list.

2. Install an interrupt program that reminds you to take breaks and avoid
   immobility:
   –Stretch break: http://www.paratec.com One of the best programs that guides
   you through simple stretches. You can take this program for a 10-day test
   ride. Purchase price is under $50 for a single user.
   –Break reminder http://www.cheqsoft.com/break.html Download it for free for
   individual use.

3. Read about and implement healthy work-styles, good office set-ups, and
   home ergonomics. Visit the following websites (remember to take breaks as
   you read the suggestions).

   http://www.tifaq.com
   The Typing Injury FAQ provides a wide variety of information about
   repetitive strain injuries (RSI), resources for dealing with these
   ailments, and a broad description of assistive products to reduce injury
   risk and symptoms. Many of the resources provided here also relate well
   to other work environments.

   http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/healthycomputing
   Superb ergonomic suggestions and illustrations.

   http://ergo.human.cornell.edu
   Presents information from ergonomics research studies and class work by
   students and faculty in the Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics
   Research Group in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis
   at Cornell University. They e call their approach Ergotecture. They
   focus on ways to enhance usability by improving the ergonomic design of
   hardware, software, and workplaces, to enhance people’s comfort,
   performance and health.

   http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoPROJECTS/Library/library.html
   Specific focus on library ergonomics.

   http://librarysupportstaff.com/jobhelp5.html#ergonomics
   Excellent links for the ergo-minded, which include software suggestions.

   http://lib.ucr.edu/ergolib/
   Excellent tips for healthy computing

*We thank Richard Montgomery for his helpful suggestions.