Health Tip: Repetitive Stress Injury

Spending hours in front of the computer can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSI), according to the Harvard University Health Services.

Use these basic ergonomic principles to help prevent RSI:

* Place the monitor in front of you with the top of the monitor slightly below eye level.

* Sit up straight in the chair.

* Keep thighs parallel to the floor.

* Place feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest.

* Relax your arms at your sides with elbows at right angles.

* Place your wrists in a straight position, not flexed to the side or bent.

* Lift the heels of your hands off the keyboard.

* Place the mouse as close as possible to the keyboard and at the same height.

* Use a softer touch on the keyboard. Don't pound.

* Take frequent rest breaks. A general guideline is to take a 1–2 minute "micro–break" every 10–15 minutes and a 5–10 minute "mini–break" every hour.