| There are a few problems inherent in working at | | | | with the top of the monitor at approximately eye |
| a computer all day. This is as true for medical | | | | level. Many people try to center the monitor for |
| transcriptionists as it is for computer | | | | their eye level, but this can create strain in the |
| programmers. But the more aware you are of | | | | neck as you look up just a little while you work. |
| the potential problems, the better you can set up | | | | You will also want to avoid having any glare on |
| your home office to deal with them. | | | | your screen. Glare can come from windows or |
| Perhaps the best known hazard is carpal tunnel | | | | overhead lights. If you need to get an anti-glare |
| syndrome. Get a bad case of this, and it's going | | | | filter for your monitor, do so. This can relieve |
| to be quite hard to work until you get it fixed, | | | | quite a bit of eye strain. |
| possibly surgically. | | | | Hearing loss can be avoided by being conscious of |
| But that's not the only hazard. You may also | | | | how loud you have your headphones turned up. |
| develop a ganglion cyst. These are somewhat | | | | You'll have to turn them up sometimes; some |
| uncomfortable, but not too likely to keep you | | | | doctors will speak really quietly relative to any |
| completely from working. They can be surgically | | | | background noise, or just in general, but be sure |
| removed or they may just go away on their | | | | to turn them down again as soon as possible. |
| own. | | | | A highly adjustable, comfortable office chair is |
| You may also develop eye strain from staring at | | | | more than just a luxury. It's a necessity. You |
| your computer monitor too long. Turn your | | | | should be able to adjust the overall height, the |
| headphones up too high and you can damage | | | | back, the armrests and so forth to your own |
| your hearing. And of course there are all the | | | | comfort levels. The height should be such that |
| health risks associated with inactivity. Medical | | | | your feet are flat on the floor, and the back |
| transcriptionists generally spend hours each day | | | | adjusted so that your spine is comfortably |
| typing, after all. | | | | supported. |
| More important than knowing what the risks are, | | | | Arm rests should be adjusted so that when your |
| however, is knowing how to avoid them. | | | | arms are on them your shoulders are relaxed. |
| The very first thing you need is an ergonomic | | | | You should not be using them as you type. Just |
| setup. This is more than getting a good keyboard. | | | | like wrist rests, they are for when you're resting. |
| You need to place your keyboard at the right | | | | Take some time every hour to stretch for a |
| height. Your shoulders should be relaxed as you | | | | couple minutes, and regularly during your work |
| type, with your forearms at a 90 degree angle to | | | | periods look away from the monitor. A little bit of |
| your upper arms. Your wrists should be level - not | | | | activity can really refresh your body, and eyes do |
| flexed up or down, and not resting on anything as | | | | better if you sometimes change the distance at |
| you type. That's not what wrist rests are for. | | | | which they are focused. |
| Your monitor should be about 18-30 inches away, | | | | |