Setting Up Your Work Station

Some studies have shown that more and more young adults are suffering with pain in their hands, wrists, and shoulders. We shouldn’t be surprised by this, because this age group has grown up using technology tools that past generations did not. The problem is, nobody knows how the new stresses on small body parts will affect young adults in their older years.

One of the big culprits when it comes to pain in the fingers and wrists is texting. Some experts believe that excessive stress from texting can lead to future wrist injuries.

One thing that students can do to avoid potential problems is to make sure that your homework desk is set up in the proper manner.

• Make sure your desk has a keyboard tray.
• Don’t place your keyboard in a downhill position. The back of the keyboard should not be higher than the front.
• Adjust your keyboard height so that your hands and wrists are slightly below the elbow level.

Our Guide to Ergonomics has provided a great visual guide to setting up your desk. If you are experiencing pain in your fingers, wrists, or neck, please take precautions to avoided excessive stress and possible injury. Cut down on texting and establish a safe, healthy work station for your homework.