Wow what a wake up call!! As an active in-shape (sort of) female getting a pulmonary embolism was about the last thing I would have expected. Here’s how it happened and how this all relates to ergonomics.
I had a minor surgery in December that required anesthesia. I was put on bed rest for 24 hours following the surgery.
Three days later I experienced extreme calf pain which I attributed to a pulled muscle. Upon advising my doctor about this pain he immediately recommended I go to the emergency room. I thought he was being overly cautious and being the workaholic that I am the thought of spending hours in ER seemed absurd. I decided to treat myself instead (big mistake). I took Advil for the pain and swelling, elevated my leg and waited for the calf pain to disappear. It didn’t. Finally, I came to my senses and went to a local clinic to get an ultrasound. The rest is history. I was diagnosed with a DVT (Deep-Vein Thrombosis) and the clots had traveled to my lungs. I wound up spending 8 days in the hospital.
DVT is a blood clot in a superficial vein, Pulmonary embolism most commonly occurs when a DVT breaks loose in the leg or pelvis and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.

It has been 2 weeks and I am much better but here is how all this relates to ergonomics and New Years Resolutions…

DVT has been tagged the “desk-bound syndrome”. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk, on an airplane, or in a vehicle puts people at a higher risk of developing a DVT. The less you move the slower your blood circulates.

Ergonomics and New Year’s Resolutions
• If you sit at a desk use an articulating footrest. This helps to keep the blood circulating so that it does not pool in your ankles and your legs.
• Get up from your desk every 30-45 minutes. Get a drink of water, go to the fax/copier or restroom, etc.

• Consider a portable leg massager.
• On airplanes, request an aisle seat (less constricting) and practice ankle/calf exercises that can help move the blood from the lower extremities.
• Consider purchasing compression stockings at a medical supply store and wearing them. I do, and they really work.
• Avoid wearing socks that are too short and too tight as they make it much harder for the blood to circulate out of the lower body. Also, avoid crossing your legs for long periods.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydrating fluids, such as coffee and alcohol. Dehydration causes blood to thicken and vessels to narrow.
• When traveling by car, stop every hour to walk around.
• Between connecting flights and during long flights, get up and move around. This squeezes the blood vessels, helping to prevent DVT by preventing the formation of blood clots.
• If you can’t easily move around, curl or press your toes down often throughout your trip.

I hope this condition never happens to any of you. Just add it to your list of New Year’s Resolutions, remember these simple techniques to prevent DVT and have a great, happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!

I think there a lot of us in the workforce that are now utilizing a room or space at home for a home office. Maybe some of you are downsizing due to the tough economic times we are going through and have given up your space in an office building. One thing is for sure, your home office needs to be set up ergonomically.

Your desk should have adequate work space and should be as flat as possible with enough space for a fax machine etc. You should also make sure to have space underneath the desk to be able to move your legs around a little bit so you they don’t get stiff.

The Chair !!! Please try and sit upright as much as humanly possible and purchase a chair with proper lumbar support. Don’t bring in your patio chair for your office. Spend the money to get a proper ergonomic chair.

Your lighting should not be too dark or too bright. These are a few things that are very important for you to keep in mind. Enjoy working at home as many of us do already.

These are just a few things that I hope you try and do. If you have some suggestions that you have found to be helpful at your home office please write to me at this blog site… Thank you

Stephanie

It looks like not too many of you are concerned with ergonomic pens. I guess it just might be that you all are writing as little as I am these days. So, I know this isn’t ergonomics but let’s see if I can interest some of our bloggers on the subject of the next dog in the White House. Anyone have a vote? How about we pick a name? We can talk ergonomics later. Me? I think it will be a labradoodle. Male.. His name will be Lincoln and they will call him Link.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out our new blog. Hope you enjoyed it and will make our blog a regular read. After reading all your comments about the Steelcase Walkstation and questions you asked of us; we have decided to get more information from the manufacturer and will keep you posted.

I think we have come up with another new product that you might find helpful. Your hands and wrists will be given a break and your feet will be tapping away. This foot mouse has a slipper shaped cursor controller where your foot rests. The pedal is preset by windows for their most popular features; however is programmable to what your needs are. Think of the gamers with both of their hands completely free for the battle! Answering the phone and multitasking with your hands just became a lot easier. I think this product will also be helpful to the physically challenged. Another usage for the Footime Mouse could be using it with a program like Microsoft tablet where you could actually type with your feet.
We look forward to hearing from you! Let us know if this is something you would like to see on our website for the price of about $199.00. Until next time.