Good Ergonomics Happen at Home, Too! | Trace Talks

Dr S Camille Perez, PhD CHFP shares the hidden hazards of the technology that has become such an assertion part of our daily lives. From "tech neck" and shoulder impingement syndrome to carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and even lower-extremity problems, poor posture while using technology--compounded by failing to take adequate breaks from it-- can cause not only pain but potentially lasting musculoskeletal injury. Dr Peres experienced this firsthand when she found herself glued to her desk during COVID. She shares practical strategies for preventing these problems and, just as importantly, for developing greater awareness of how we use our bodies. New pain or other symptoms should prompt us to consider changes in our technology use during the preceding 24-72 horns rather than simply ascribing them to "old age." Dr Peres also presents results from a study of college students at Texas A&M University and compares them with a small sample of residents at Eagle's Trace. Remarkably,. the postures used by the college students and senior adults while using their technology showed striking similarities. And technology is not the only culprit. Members of the audience described similar problems associated with hobbies such as painting, sewing and cross-stitch, as well as with the use of walkers, wheelchairs, and other devices. As smartphones, tables, laptops, and other technology occupy more and more of our daily lives, this is information you will not want to miss.