Welcome to the ft weekly tip. We realize that since FreeTrainers.com is an online community, everyone in our community has access to a computer. Since we all use computers, we should know how to use the computer in such a way as to avoid injury. Serious joint and tendon injuries may occur due to improper use of the computer. Below is a checklist to help you determine if you're using the computer as safely as possible. - Are your feet resting comfortably? Are your knees in a comfortable position? - Is your head in a vertical position while you work? Are your shoulders facing the computer at all times? Are you able to reach objects at your workstation without the need for extended reaching? - Is your seat height adjustable so that you can get the most comfortable seating position? Is the edge of the seat curved so that you avoid pressure on your legs at the edge of the seat? Is the back of the seat adjustable for maximum comfort? - Are you able to adjust the height of the monitor? Your monitor should be at a height that allows you to look at it while keeping your head straight, not leaning forward or backwards. - Is your keyboard detachable from your computer? If you're using a laptop, consider getting an external keyboard since the keyboard and screen on a laptop are too close together. - Is the mouse easy to reach with your arms and shoulders in a neutral position? Is the mouse comfortable to use? - Does your seat have arm rests? Arm rests allow you to take the weight of your arms off your back - this is important since your arms are heavy! Are the arm rests height adjustable? - Are the lighting levels in the room comfortable? Is the computer screen placed in such a way that glare is reduced? - Do you take enough rest between working sessions on the computer? Do you perform stretching exercises regularly? Your answer to most of these questions should be YES. If you answer no to any of them, you should consider taking the necessary actions to fix the situation. Using your computer is comfortable and safe if it's used properly! For complete information on computer ergonomics, visit Cornell University Ergonomics Web.