Health Tip: Sitting at the Computer

(HealthDayNews) -- Sitting in front of a computer for a prolonged period can take its toll on your body.

Protect yourself against common computer-related aches and pains with these tips from the American Physical Therapy Association:

• Get up every half hour and do some gentle stretches.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor or consider using a foot rest.
• Don''t let your hands hover over the keyboard. This creates excess tension in your hands and arms.
• Watch for lighting glare. Use the 20-20-20 rule: blink 20 times, and stare 20 feet away from the screen every 20 minutes.
• Avoid movements that put your neck in an awkward position.

-- Felicity Stone