eHealth quiz

Answer these questions to check your understanding on the health threats from the extensive use of computers.

Question 1

RSI stands for:

  1. really smart individual
  2. repetitive strain/stress injury
Feedback:
  1. Incorrect. RSI is an acronym that stands for 'repetitive strain/stress injury'. You may get a RSI from a physical task or action that is repeated often. "Tennis elbow" is a RSI that tennis players get from the repeated action of their stroke. Overuse of the computer mouse may cause the a particular type of RSI called carpal tunnel syndrome.
  2. Correct. RSI can be suffered by tennis players in the form of 'tennis elbow', but also by office workers, computer operators and even computer games enthusiasts from frequent use of the keyboard or computer mouse.

Question 2

You should tilt your head forward when reading from a computer screen.

  1. True
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Incorrect. Your head is quite heavy and should balance gently on the top of your spine. If you let your head tilt forward you are causing your neck and back muscles to work hard and they may become painful or strained. Being too close to the screen may also cause eye strain.
  2. Correct. It is important to maintain good posture when using computers. Your head should be balanced on top of your spine to avoid eye, neck and back strain.

Question 3

You should sit with your feet flat on the floor when using the computer.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Correct. Your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees bent at about right angles, directly over your feet. You should squarely face the computer monitor and keyboard.
  2. Incorrect. Your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees bent at about right angles, directly over your feet. You should squarely face the computer screen and keyboard.

Question 4

To use the laptop, you should place it on your lap.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Incorrect. This causes you to be hunched over and is not good for your back.
  2. Correct. The laptop should be placed on a stable base, not on your lap, to avoid back strain.

Question 5

There is no problem with using computers without a break for hours on end.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Incorrect. RSI (repetitive strain/stress injury) can result from poor use of the computer. You should frequently take breaks, stretch and move around to maintain good health. Eye strain may also result from not taking breaks.
  2. Correct. RSI (repetitive strain/stress injury) can result from poor use of the computer. You should frequently take breaks, stretch and move around to maintain good health. Eye strain may also result from not taking breaks.

Question 6

When using a laptop it is fine to lie or sit on your bed.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Wrong. It is important to support your lower back by sitting in a well-designed chair and sit directly in front of the screen and keyboard to avoid back injuries.
  2. Well done. It is essential that your back is well-supported and that you are directly facing the laptop.

Question 7

Ergonomics is about matching office equipment and furniture to the human body to achieve comfortable and safe working conditions.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Correct.
  2. Incorrect. You may have heard of 'ergonomic' furniture. This furniture is designed to help people maintain a good posture and so achieve safe and comfortable working conditions. A wide range of tools and equipment can be designed to be ergonomic.

Question 8

Laptops were designed to be ergonomically ideal.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Wrong - in fact almost the opposite. Laptops were designed to allow people to use computers in a more flexible and mobile way. They were not intended to be used for extensive periods of time and present several ergonomic challenges.
  2. Correct. Laptops were designed for more flexible use of computers. The positioning of the screen and keyboard close together tend to cause a number of posture problems when used extensively.

Question 9

If using the laptop for a sustained period, it is a good idea to use a separate keyboard or monitor.

  1. True.
  2. False.
Feedback:
  1. Correct. Separating the keyboard and monitor gives you more chance of having the screen at a high enough level and the keyboard where it can be comfortably reached.
  2. Incorrect. Separating the keyboard and monitor help you sit and use the laptop and maintain appropriate posture - head upright and back well supported.

Solution