Special Sections

FALL 2020 / HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 2 By Eileen Mozinski Schmidt Special to The Freeman The home office has become the new normal for many pro- fessionals. But working from home can present challenges in setting up office space that is user friendly and ensures a good ergonomic setup for workers. Where's the best place to start? Get away from the couch or bed and set up your work sta- tion at a desk or table, said Adrienne Loukopoulos, an occupational therapist with Freedom Physical Therapy Services. "Once you find a good table that you're going to work at, then you can build up from there," Loukopoulos said. She recommended finding a chair that is adjustable, includ- ing arm rests that can be moved up and down. "Ideally, at a desk, you want your feet flat on the floor," said Loukopoulos, who said if the user's feet do not reach the floor, a foot rest or book can be used. The aim is to have both knees and hips at 90 degree angles. A chair with a good back rest is optimal, but a small pillow or a towel rolled up and placed between the lower back and chair can provide neces- sary lumbar support, accord- ing to Loukopoulos. When working, keep shoul- ders upright and take breaks to pull shoulders down and take deep breaths, she said. If using a phone, try to employ a headset or use a speaker phone function if possible, Loukopoulos said. Computers with monitors are generally better for home office use than laptops because they allow for more adjust- ment, she said. "Ideally, the top of the screen should be at eye level or slightly below," Loukopoulos said, adding that the keyboard and mouse should be posi- tioned to avoid needing to reach far forward. She recommended a pad or even a rolled up wash cloth to keep hard surfaces from pressing directly on the carpal tunnel area. As workers log more hours than usual while working from home, Loukopoulos stressed that it is particularly impor- tant to take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to stretch. At Office Furniture Ware- house LLC, business owner Pat Walters said customers have been looking for comfortable work chairs and a variety of simple desks in recent months for home work and study. "Some come in looking for the stand up desk. A lot don't like sitting all day," said Walters, who said customers are also searching for desks with adjustable computer monitor arm features in order to bring their computers to eye level. Smaller items like floor mats and mouse pads supports have also been popular. "We do expect it to continue for a long time," said Walters, of recent home office furniture trends. Office Furniture Ware- house also works on business decommissions and Walters said many companies are clear- ing out of office spaces and are not renewing leases. "They are figuring out working from home can work for a good part of their popula- tions," he said. A healthy home office As more workers work remotely, local experts offer advice on equipment and setup needed for the best ergonomics Submitted photo An occupational therapist from Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C. helps in arranging an ergonomically correct desk setup. Adrienne Loukopoulos, an occupational therapist with Freedom Physical Therapy Services, said workers should try to keep arms and hips at 90 degree angles while at their desks.

• 01
• 02
• 03
• 04
• 05
• 06
• 07
• 08