Ergonomic Keyboards

Monday, June 11, 2012

Internet Users - Treat Neck and Shoulder Pain With a New Mini Keyboard

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No, you will not experience a whack across your shoulder blades with the use of mini ergonomic keyboard. That's not my style. However, it has been proven that the use of mini keyboard provides relief from shoulder and neck pains. It is welcome news, considering the expense of going to therapeutic massage therapy sessions or seeing a chiropractor for your neck and shoulder pains. Price of mini keyboard is considerably, cheaper.

Find a Fit, Lose the Pain

However, that's not just any mini keyboard you can use for the relief of shoulder and neck pains. It should be ergonomically-designed, which means your fingers and wrist, including the arch of your hand when you type on the keyboard should snugly "fit" the mini ergonomic keyboard.

Ergonomics, by the way, is the science of finding a "fit" between the machine and its user. It does not support the "one for all, all for one" use of office and home equipments and accessories.

Once a fit is found, and the fingers, hand and wrist sits comfortably on the keyboard when you type, repetitive strain injury on the wrist, otherwise known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is avoided. Your arms, including your shoulders and neck are also spared from excessive use of muscle, which is the primary cause of pain.

Pain is a Symptom - Heed its Warning

However, when pain is becoming intense and persistent, see your doctor. Pain can be a symptom of a serious health condition, thus it is advisable to seek medical attention before you attempt at buying a mini keyboard. It is best to rule out any health issues before you consider your pain is just a symptom of a stretched muscle.

It's time to get an ergonomic keyboard. Compact mini keyboards at ErgonomicsMadeEasy.com has a mini design, but has the home keys and 10 key, just like larger keyboards. It is ergonomically-designed to suit your fingers and hands, plus your budget.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5115333

Buy a Mini-Keyboard and Become a Successful Data Entry Clerk From Home

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The global financial crisis has hit some families like "a thief in the night"; however, since time immemorial, it is during difficult times that some people would find their opportunities of a lifetime.

Meet Ciara, a Stay-at-Home Parent

Ciara started to work from home a couple of years back, and save for the throbbing pain on her left wrist, she never regretted her decision to make a switch between her corporate suit and her work dress at home. Ciara, just like some parents and those who are physically-challenged have embarked on work-at-home opportunities, and never looked back to employment since then.

As full-time, data-entry clerk from home, Ciara makes good money, but the pain on her wrist has brought her to at least a couple of chiropractors, and has used up a portion of her savings. Her condition did not improve, until she read about mini-keyboards.

"Small, but terrible" speaks well about a mini-keyboard. It has all the features of a traditional keyboard, save for its size. However, not all mini-keyboards are created equal. The one Ciara got was an ergonomics mini-keyboard.

The Ideal Mini-Keyboard

The best mini-keyboard is one that is ergonomically-designed to suit the hands and wrists of its user. When it comes to long use of the keyboard, the phrase, "fits one, fits all", does not apply.

The Danger with Traditional Keyboards

It has been proven that prolonged use of keyboards that are not ergonomically-designed for the user may cause repetitive stress injury on his hand and wrist. Generally characterized by pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, when left untreated may worsen and cause disability. Such was (almost!) Ciara's.

Switch to Ergonomics

The term "ergonomics" has gathered moss in not so distant past, but today it has created a buzz on the internet. It is now attached to every mini-keyboard, desk, chair and office accessories in order to command a sale. Why the sudden interest?

Ergonomic mini-keyboards and other ergonomically-designed office and home equipments, such as computer keyboards, office chairs and desks are designed in such a way that motion of the joints are minimized to avoid repetitive stress injuries.

Mini-Keyboard and Work-at-Home Opportunities

When repetitive stress injuries are avoided, your productivity level increases. Be it in full-time employment or work-at-home opportunities, your success depends on your output.

Purchase Ergonomics Mini Keyboard for a start. There is a wide selection of mini keyboards at ErgonomicsMadeEasy.com that you can choose from. One Touch Ultra Mini Wireless Keyboard, for example, is great for businessmen on the go. It is light, very portable (just as big as your palm), and has a built-in trackball that you can use as a mouse.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5115125

Out of Work Due to RSI: Ergonomics Can Save Your Job

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RSI stands for Repetitive Stress Injuries - those pins and needles poking your fingers, hands or wrist after a long day's work in front of your PC. Learn about this "devil" in the workplace before it gets you out of your swivel chair - for good.

The Office Challenge

It's not your Boss. Your real challenge is your work environment. Just like most people in the office, you are an unwitting victim to RSI. Not your fault; your keyboard, mouse, office desk and chair were already there on the day you were hired, so obviously you had no hand in choosing those. However, if you persist in keeping silent despite of the knowledge you will acquire by reading this short article, you become an accomplice to your employer's "crime".

"One-size-fits-all" office equipments, such as keyboards, mouse, desks and chairs DO NOT fit everyone in your office. Your boss may not know about ergonomics, or he simply does not care, but he will begin to take notice when the overall productivity of his staff wanes. Then he begins to wonder what happened.

No to "one size fits all"

Your computer mouse may be too big for your grasp, or your office chair has no lumbar support and your desk may be too low for you. You are in an unfit work environment. But you rather keep mum about it than lose your job, right?

You're wrong!

Sooner or later, when RSI catches up on you, you will lose your job anyway. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a type of RSI, can be painful and will surely affect your productivity. It is a real pain-in-the-wrist that simply does not go away!

What to Do

Tell your boss. It's about time he buys office furniture, equipment or accessory that fits the worker who will use it. This is what ergonomics is all about.

When there is a fit between the worker and his tools, repetitive stress injuries are avoided. Unexcused absences or sick leaves due to work-related stress are minimized, if not at all avoided. Productivity is enhanced; profit will relatively improve.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5115497

A Mini Keyboard Plus 4 Other Ways to Treat Shoulder Pain

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Why a mini keyboard? Surprisingly, when shoulder pain is not a symptom of a serious health condition, a person who uses his computer for long hours will find immediate relief from using a mini-keyboard.

Not just any mini keyboard. Look for ergonomically-designed mini keyboard, and if your resources still allow for a desk and a chair, also include these items in your purchase and totally transform your place of work into an ergonomic workplace.

Commonly, shoulder pain is caused by frequent tensing of the shoulder muscles due to stress; however, if pain persists, you should seek medical intervention before your condition worsens.

There is more to shoulder pain than what is beneath your collar bones. When shoulder pain causes too much discomfort, it might be a symptom of bursitis or dislocation of a collar bone, or injury to it. It is advisable to seek medical intervention when pain does not seem to go away, as it is only a medical professional who can rule out serious conditions that may put your health in peril.

Where does the mini keyboard come in? Good question.

For long computer use, repetitive strain injury is common. It is painful and recurring, and if not treated immediately, may cause partial or total disability on the affected area, commonly the wrist or the hand.
Here are 4 Other Ways you can minimize, if not totally eliminate, shoulder pain:

1. Observe good posture at all times;
2. Do not overuse your muscles. Take a break.
3. Massage may help, including light motion exercises of shoulder, neck and arms;
4. Muscle relaxant may be helpful, but it is wise to consult a doctor first. Self-medication is risky, and may put your life in danger. In some instances, injection of corticosteroids eliminates pain.

Protect your fingers and wrists from repetitive strain injury by trading-in your traditional keyboard with an ergonomic mini-keyboard, and bid shoulder pain goodbye!

Are you frequently experiencing pain or numbness on your wrist or hands? Ergonomic keyboards and keypads are designed to promote pain relief and minimize repetitive stress injuries that can affect your speed and comfort while working.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5115106

Neck and Shoulder Pain Meets Cure - A Mini Keyboard

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Neck and shoulder pain should not be taken for granted, as it can be a symptom of a serious health problem that can be fatal when left unattended.

Chris complained of headache and a low-grade fever for days. His condition was dismissed as stress, and therefore he was advised by family and friends to just take it easy for a while, take his meds, go and watch TV, and all those stuff people normally say to somebody who complains about bodily aches; perhaps, to whisk them away until they get better. But Chris did not get better. He died of meningitis.

What To Do

You will know when there is trouble if you only listen intently to what your body tries to tell you. When neck and shoulder pain persists and gets intense, consult your doctor right away. A doctor's evaluation of your pain might just save your life.

At the hospital, your doctor will administer series of tests on you. Perhaps, he will request for X-rays, CT scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, including other basic tests. If all tests return negative for any serious ailments, then you can heave a sigh of relief and think about ergonomics!

Ergonomics and a Mini Keyboard

"One Size, Fits All" can apply to apparels, but definitely not when it comes to office equipments and accessories. To prevent repetitive stress injuries at work, it is advisable to "customize" your office equipments and accessories, according to your own bodily requirements.

Heart attack, anxiety and carpal tunnel syndrome are but few ailments that stress in a poor work environment causes; neck and shoulder pain another.

Five Steps to Remedy Neck and Shoulder Pain

First, visit your doctor if pain in your neck region, including your shoulders gets intense, or does not go away after you have taken some pain-relieving, over the counter drugs. Pain can be a symptom of a serious ailment, so don't take your chances.

Once cleared by your doctor from any medical issues, you may consider these five steps to protect yourself from work-induced stress:

1. Save your hand and wrist from carpal tunnel syndrome by using an ergonomically-engineered mini-keyboard;

2. Use computer screens to minimize the glare from your computer monitor;

3. Sit comfortably on an ergonomics chair. It is one that has lumbar support.

4. Put your feet flat on the floor, with space under your desk for your legs.

5. Customize your workplace by choosing only ergonomics office equipments and accessories.

Neck and shoulder pain can be remedied without using surgery; however, it should be treated immediately before your condition worsens and permanent disability sets in. Invest on ergonomics, and you will be making the best investment yet: your health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5115348

Five Reasons Why You Will Love a Left-Handed Keyboard

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If you are a frequent computer-user and a leftie, you should have heard the news - a keyboard designed with you in mind. Left-handed keyboards have special features engineered for the convenience of lefties, but even right-hand users would find these features practical and sensible.

What's wrong with the Standard Keyboard?

For right-handed users, the use of standard keyboard, even for long hours, would not be a cause for alarm; provided, proper posture and keyboard positioning of the fingers on the keyboard platform are observed. This experience may not hold true for a left-handed user who has to exert more effort when using a standard keyboard, as he has to conform to its layout that suits right-handed users.

The Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A lot has been said about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but its actual cause has yet to be determined. However, many factors have been considered as possible triggers, and two of these are work-related stress and repetitive motion of the wrists and fingers.

Can you imagine the amount of effort that a leftie has to exert each time he reaches for the mouse, using his right hand that does not have his natural strength? What about those arrow keys he has to press using fingers of the same right hand?

At the workplace, stress may be caused by tools you use, such as your keyboard and mouse. To protect your hands from the onset of CTS, make a shift. If you are left-handed, use the appropriate keyboard.

Five Key Features of a Left-Handed Keyboard

Anyone can own this keyboard. With its practical and convenient layout, even right-hand users would prefer this keyboard over the standard type. Here are five reasons why it is fast becoming everyone's favorite nowadays:

Sensible Layout. Throughout the years, the use of the keyboard has evolved with the mouse now frequently used than the numeric keypad. This perhaps gave the idea for designers of left-handed keyboards to set-up the numeric keypad on the left, and the mouse positioned closer to the keyboard on the right, for more convenience. This also minimizes stress as it limits the distance the arm has to reach out for the mouse.

Practical Placement of Keys. For ease of use, arrow keys, including Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, and Del keys are located on the left side of the keyboard; this means the user can still move the mouse on his right while pressing on directional keys on his left.

Lightweight and Portable. It has a mini look to it, but has the full features of a standard keyboard.

Modern Keys. Flat, notebook-style keys do not require much effort to press and do not make noise.

Prevents Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a type of RSI may be avoided by reducing stress on the arms and fingers. You can do this by using only office tools that promote your natural inclination and do not require you to exert lots of effort.

With its features and benefits, both left-handed and right-handed users would find a left-handed keyboard the perfect office tool to-date.

Left-handed Keyboard, Mini Keyboards and Specialty Keyboards are available at ErgonomicsMadeEasy.com. Use an ergonomic keyboard, custom-designed for your specific needs to lessen stress on your hands and fingers as you type. Repetitive stress on your wrists causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a disabling and deforming work-related injury.

For all the lefties in the world, left-handed keyboards were engineered with you in mind. However, even right-handed users would find left-handed keyboards easy to type on because they retain the features of a regular keyboard, but with the numeric keypad placed on the left so your mouse is located much closer to your body on the right to minimize reaching out for it, and the stress that goes with the effort.

Photo credit: Photostock/freedigitalphotos.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6564401

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Use Ergonomic Mini Keyboards: Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome before it Strikes

You might have thought that a toothache is the most painful experience you could ever have in your entire life – wait till carpal tunnel pain hits you, and you would surely change your mind!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an affliction on the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel inside your wrist. When the median nerve is compressed, or there is too much pressure applied on it, due to prolonged repetitive use of your fingers, hands or wrists, the nerve gets inflamed. Searing pain, numbness, tingling sensation and weakness on your fingers, hands and wrists that travel up to your forearm and shoulders are symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If left on its own, the pain won’t go away.

It is not advisable to hitch a ride on the bandwagon of alternative therapies immediately, as you would never know if you have symptoms of CTS, or something else. Pain is a universal symptom. Many other ailments manifest pain as one of their symptoms and only a licensed medical professional can rule out or correctly diagnose your specific condition. See your doctor, first.

Be Wary About Big Promises

The internet is never wanting of therapies and alternative remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome; however, there are just as many scams, too. Be wary about who you deal with online. Here are some tips you might find useful:

1. Too good to be true sales pitches about a product or service is, most often than not, just what it is – too good to believe in. Guard your credit card!

2. Read product reviews, but check on forums. Forum posters often tell “black” from “white” in plain, simple language you can understand. You will gather hints from there.

3. Ask around. Your friends or your friends’ friends might have suffered from CTS and might have found a better solution to deal with the condition.

4. Never hesitate to ask therapists and medical professionals about their recommendations. They are the best people to offer you advice.

Use of Ergonomic Mini Keyboards to Prevent CTS: Fact or Hype?

Mega Tiny Bluetooth Keyboard

Chiropractors, therapists and health professionals highly recommend the use of ergonomic keyboards that are specially designed to “suit the user”.

Unlike conventional keyboards that would require you to exert more repetitive movements when reaching out for the mouse or typing keys on QWERTY platforms, ergonomic mini keyboards are specially designed to limit unnecessary movements, such as the shifting of your hands from the keyboard to the mouse back to the numeric keypads and back to the mouse again. There is just too much effort required with the use of conventional keyboards that prolonged use may take its toll on your median nerve and produce the condition, known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

A Wise Investment

Slim-line Left-Handed Keyboard

Would you consider your purchase of an ergonomic mini keyboard, which can protect your hands, fingers and wrists from the onset of a debilitating repetitive strain injury that can cause permanent damage or deformity, an investment or expense?

There is always a mini keyboard that suits your budget. Don’t scrimp on what is good for your health. Remember, health is wealth!

There is always a mini keyboard that suits your budget at ErgonomicsMadeEasy.com. Choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

Please check out ergonomic left-handed mini keyboards. You might like the new placement of their numeric keys. This is one innovative idea that gives users more convenience.