Week Five: Clear

So this week, there was so much information about memory, different types of storage, input/output devices, etc. Since Blogs five and six are both going to be dealing with all of this information, I figured I'd write about one of the most important issues that many people overlook, until it's too late sometimes. That issue is: repetitive strain injuries (RSI). As previously stated, many people don't pay attention to the signs of RSI, or write it off as nothing. As Mr. Olson states in the lecture, Typing and Pointing, more and more people are being faced with this problem because of the increase in technology use in today's society. 

Fortunately though, doctors as well as computer manufacturers are beginning to take notice and do something about this growing issue. I researched the topic of RSI a little more, and found these websites to be very helpful in not only explaining what RSI was, but some signs for how to tell if you have it (although it is recommended that a doctor be consulted if you think you have some of the listed symptoms), and some helpful ways to avoid it, or to make it better. The websites include: http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html and http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/rsi. Although both websites list common information, I think it just goes to show how important of a situation this is. I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow many of the rules to RSI prevention, but I'm working on changing that. 
A little FYI, repetitive strain injuries can occur in the workplace, or in the home and any where in between. But, as previously mentioned, manufacturers are coming out with products that help to reduce the occurrence of RSI. Some examples are ergonomic keyboards (pictured below) that create a divide in the keyboard and place the keys at an angle so that less stress is put on your wrists. There are also special types of mice that allow for easier use because the user does not have to continually move their wrist (or hand) with the mouse.