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When most people hear the word "ergonomics," they think of computer work stations, office desks, maybe even those odd looking chairs. But ergonomics is simply arranging the environment to fit the person, keeping everyone comfortable and safe. It's become quite popular to consider ergonomics when designing work areas and home offices, and even kitchens - but what about the kids?

Children are used to living in an over-sized world, but sometimes this can lead to discomfort, and even injury. Back pain, sports injuries, and with more and more time spent online, eye strain and wrist injuries have all become epidemic among our children. There are three areas where ergonomics can be applied and we can make simple changes that will safeguard our children: in the home office, at school, and on the sports field.

At home, children are using computers at a younger and younger age. But you don't have to buy an expensive custom computer desk just for the kids. Sitting at the computer, the child should be about an arm's length from the monitor. The chair should be raised so that the child's elbows are at a 90 degree angle when using the mouse and keyboard, and if possible, the child should look directly at or slightly down to the monitor never up. Adding a footstool will support their feet a pile of phone books works too. It may also be necessary to place a pillow behind the child's back, to support their posture. Additionally, every half hour children should get up and stretch or move around to increase their circulation and let their eyes relax. If you can, provide a smaller table, just their size, where they can do their homework

At school, back pain is becoming a more frequent complaint, and the number one cause is overloaded backpacks. When choosing a school backpack, there are a number of features to look for: a lightweight bag, with wide, padded straps; a padded back; separate compartments; a waist strap; and a pack no larger than the child's back. How much weight the backpack should hold depends on the weight of the child: a 60 pound child can carry a maximum of only 5 pounds, and a 125 pound child should only carry 18 pounds. No one should carry more than 25 pounds in a backpack. Both shoulder straps should be used, to evenly distribute the weight.

In recent years, repetitive stress sports injuries have become a concern at younger ages than ever before. According to some estimates, over 3 million children each year suffer sports injuries from overuse. There are several techniques that are being used to combat this epidemic. It is important to warm up slowly before practice or a game, and then stretch thoroughly. Make sure all the equipment, as well as helmets, pads, and shoes, fit properly. Additionally, there should be rest and recovery periods built into the game or practice. Talk to your child's coach to make sure he or she is following these safe sports guidelines.

Providing the right tools for your children, and teaching them the right way to use them, is at the heart of ergonomics for kids. The goal is to keep the kids safe and comfortable. Addressing just these three areas will go a long way to making sure your own child has a healthy, happy school year.

Learn more about this author, Tamara Kelly.
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