At least 70% of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers according to a recent article in the New Uork Times. As a result of this increased usage, many children suffer from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or are poorly designed for children. Many of these students are developing chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.

A recently published study by researchers from Cornell University found that 40% of elementary school children they studied used computer work stations that put them at a postural risk and the remaining 60% scored in a range indicating some concern.

Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations.

Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a childs body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. There is a saying that has stuck with me concerning children. That is " so bend the twig so grows the tree". Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their long term health.

I'm going to give you 10 tips that will help your children:

1) If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each childs use.

2) Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer off its base or stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired height.

3) Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or rolled up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added back support.

4) There should be 2 inches between the front of the seat and the back of the knees, and arm supports so that the elbows can rest within a 70 - 135 degree angle to the keyboard.

5) The wrists should be in a neutral position, not angled up or down, and the mouse should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn't have to hold their arm out.

6) The childs knees should be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 - 120 degrees. You may need a foot rest in the form of a box, or stool to accomplish this.

7) Reduce eye strain by making sure there is adequate lighting, and there is no glare on the monitor screen. You may need an anti-glare screen if necessary.

8) Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computer time. Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving them in circles, 10 times inward and 10 times outward, place hands in a praying position and sqeeze them together pointing up and then down for 10 seconds each way. Next spread the fingers apart like a spider doing push-ups on a mirror, and finally shoulder rolls and squeezing your shoulder blades together helps stretch their postural muscles.

9) Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four eight ounce glasses of water a day. Soft drinks, juices and carbonated beverages are not a substitute.

10) Urge your childs school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.

If your child continues to complain of pain from sitting at a computer, give our office a call.

Dr. Rick Haas