Athletic Trainer’s Corner- February 2021
It’s a Hard-Knock Life
2020 (and now 2021) has definitely turned our lives around. With COVID-19 closing schools and offices, work from home has become the new normal. But while office life may be normal for us adults, this is all new to our kids. They know how to use a computer, sometimes better than anyone else, yet many of them don’t know how to properly work at a desk, with a computer, for 7 hours at a time with no physical activity.
Your child may start to complain of the typical pains that bad ergonomics cause: neck, back, wrist, and even eye strain can occur after 8 months of being at home in the same positions. All of these areas can be affected with poor posture and a poor workspace.
Making the small adjustment of posture can make a huge difference! Also taking breaks from the computer to get up and move can actually relax the muscles that have been strained when at the desk. This can be something such as getting some extra touches on the ball or going for a run. Or you can even do something as simple as a taking 30-minute walk or enjoying a yoga session!
I have included some illustrations to show both good and bad desk posture. Also below are some basic stretches you can include during break times which can help decrease these pains as well. For further assistance in changing mechanics and decreasing pains, email me at [email protected]! These aren’t only for kids though—you can join in with your kids in applying these changes to help with your at-home work life too.
