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ISSN 1939-2834
Vol. 2, No. 14 | April 7, 2008
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In This Issue:
From the Editor
No one needs a pain in the neck. And I mean that... literally. If you've
been tolerating a workstation that isn't, well, working for you, Mary
Judge has some great information for you.
To your success!
Danielle Keister
Founder & CVO
Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce
Get Rid of that Pain
in the Neck
 Do
you have a pain in the neck? And no, I don't mean your spouse or when
the kids are bothering you endlessly on a rainy day. I'm talking about
physical pain in a particular area of your body. Maybe it's not in your
neck, but maybe it's in your shoulders, or lower back, or even your wrists
and fingers. Do you spend lots of time sitting at the computer? You could
be suffering from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), and perhaps it's time
to evaluate the ergonomics of your work area.
You’ve probably heard about both ergonomics and RSI. Ergonomics
is the study of the interaction of the body as it relates to your environment
while performing a task or activity. RSI is also called Cumulative Trauma
Disorder (CTD) or Occupational Overuse (OOS) Syndrome (scary names for
disorders that can cause serious injury), and is any of a group of conditions
resulting from overuse of a tool such as a computer or anything else that
requires repetitive movements.
So what does all that really mean and why do we have problems when we
spend lots of time doing certain tasks? Medically speaking, it is a condition
which occurs when affected muscles are kept tense for very long periods
of time. Poor posture and/or repetitive motions also affect the condition.
So how do you prevent it? The most important thing is to have good ergonomics,
good posture, and, most importantly, limit your time in stressful working
conditions. Stretches and strengthening exercises can help reduce neck
and shoulder muscle tension, but it is also important to have a properly
set-up workspace. A properly set-up workstation can increase productivity
and improve your quality of work. Ergonomics not only involves your workspace,
but also includes lighting and the tools you use (mouse, keyboard, monitor,
telephone, chair, etc.) and how it fits to you and the activity you are
doing.
To prevent or minimize work-related injuries, it is important to position
yourself and the work so that you are seated comfortably and minimize
stress on any specific area of your body. Make sure you keep your most
frequently used tools within easy reach.
For someone who spends hours at the computer due to the nature of their
work, there are some other important tools that can reduce the use of
the keyboard and mouse which tend to be the most critical factors in causing
repetitive strain injuries. One of these is voice- activated software.
This software allows you to "speak" to your computer thus reducing
numerous mouse clicks and keyboard strokes. Another tool that helps is
a special-needs mouse, which allows you to vary your activity and not
be constantly doing the same thing repetitively.
The key things that are critical to a productive workspace are to remember
to take frequent breaks, vary your positions and tasks, and match your
tools to your size and preferences.
RESOURCE: For some useful
computer exercises, visit http://www1.athabascau.ca/hr/gen_info/ohs/exercise.jpg.
For a Workstation RSI Assessment Checklist, visit http://www1.athabascau.ca/hr/gen_info/ohs/workstation.doc.
 About
the Author: Mary Judge owns Virtually
Working for You and has more than 25 years experience as an
administrative professional working for senior management in sales and
marketing. Her vast experience allows her to provide a wide range of services
to help you effectively operate and manage your administrative business
needs. Her top-notch skills in PowerPoint, Excel and Word allow her to
provide you with the administrative support that you and your clients
need. To find out more about Mary's services, visit her website at http://www.VirtuallyWorkingForYou.com
Next
FREE Teleseminar: May 15 with "Life on Track" Coach Cari Vollmer
 We
won't be having a teleseminar in April as the VACOC members will be celebrating
another fabulous year of business growth and accomplishments at their
annual anniversary party.
But save the date for Thursday,
May 15, when the teleseminars resume with "Life
on Track" coach Cari Vollmer. "See" you then!
- A D V E R T I S E M E N T -
 Find
Your Niche Helping Authors Tame the Publishing Process. Many of
the skills you have as a Virtual Assistant are directly transferable to
the specific tasks needed by authors as they work through the publishing
process. Consider working with authors as a niche! Click
to learn about training and watch a video...
See
Your Ad Here!
Find a Qualified Virtual Assistant Today!
 You
don't have to live in overwhelm. You CAN get just the help you
need without having to hire in-house staff. Find yourself a great Virtual
Assistant today, and go from struggling by yourself to getting things
done and thriving on the road to success.
See
Your Ad Here!
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Gritty Business Buzz is a weekly newsletter of
the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce published each Monday.
It is produced by Virtual Assistants especially for the gritty,
resourceful, fiercely determined small business owners and independent
professionals they serve--YOU!
EDITOR: Danielle
Keister, The
Relief Virtual Assistance
MANAGING EDITOR, BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT: Karen Del'Marmol, Karen
Del'Marmol
MANAGING EDITOR, MARKETING
& NETWORKING: Laura Lee Sparks, The
Simple Solution
MANAGING EDITOR, VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE
OUTSOURCING: Joy Slaughter, A
Capital Solution
MANAGING EDITOR, STRESS BUSTERS:
LaTanya Robinson, LaRobe
Business Solutions
MANAGING EDITOR, TECHNOLOGY:
Christine Wade, ChrisTech
Industries
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