May 4, 2005
Its thought of as a trusty friend of convenience. Now a new study is saying that using it might not be so friendly to you. Nowadays you can take a laptop pretty much everywhere you want to go, for convenience, but convenience isn't always so nice.
The trusty laptop has replaced many standard desktop computers for its convenience. "For me it's about being able to be productive pretty much anywhere I go," says Shareef Tahboub, a laptop user.
Productivity is something that most people want, no matter what it is, as long as its quick, fast, and in a hurry.
"I can take it wherever I'm going and I can set up in a coffee shop, or on a train, or on the airplane or wherever and get my work done at anytime," Tahboub explains.
But a new study shows that using your laptop can be damaging to your body. Most people who use laptops are putting a lot of strain on their necks, causing many medical problems. "Fifty percent of my patients who come to us have neck problems, and/or headaches," says local chiropractor Dr. Daniel Cox.
He says that although your laptop gives you convenience, its also giving you problems. "Continual use of a laptop over a long period of time, an individual may develop numbness in their hands, a lot of shoulder tightness, and also elbow and wrist problems."
Tahboub disagrees. "I haven't really experienced too much of a problem," he says.
But because someone hasn't experienced a problem just yet, doesn't mean they should avoid the advice.
Now doctors and chiropractors are suggesting when using your laptop, you should make sure it's at eye level, or if possible, use additional keypads, or a mouse. That way you can cut back on wrist, elbow, and shoulder problems.
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