Ergonomics and You

Ergonomics and You I set up your home or office workstation to prevent or reduce injury and increase your productivity.

I provide office ergonomic presentations and lunch and learns for knowledge on how you should be set up at your workstation.

A new week means new letters and new ergonomic tips for using your mouse. This week we’re focusing on L‑O‑S.L — Lift You...
04/14/2026

A new week means new letters and new ergonomic tips for using your mouse. This week we’re focusing on L‑O‑S.

L — Lift Your Wrist
When you’re using your mouse, your wrist should not be resting on the work surface. I should be able to slide a piece of paper between your wrist and the desk.
Use your shoulder to guide the mouse in a smooth, controlled movement instead of planting your wrist and pivoting from that point.

If you need to rest your hand, rotate your wrist/hand 90 degrees and rest on your small finger, with your palm facing left if you mouse right‑handed. When you’re ready to resume, simply rotate your hand back onto the mouse.

O — Over the Mouse Buttons
Your fingers should rest over the mouse buttons—not behind them—and your wrist should not sit behind the mouse.
Aim for a natural “C” shape in your hand while you’re palming the mouse.

S — Standard Mouse
A “standard” mouse typically refers to a bilateral (ambidextrous) mouse that can be used with either the left or right hand.
Check whether it fits comfortably in your palm:

If you’re squeezing the sides with your thumb and small finger, the mouse may be too small.
If your fingers are stretched wide, the mouse may be too large.

If your mouse is too big or too small, I’m happy to recommend options that may work better for your hand size and work style.

Are you following these L‑O‑S tips?
If you have questions, you can reach me at kgranataclark@ergonomicsandyou.com or visit www.ergonomicsandyou.com.

New month, new statement of the month, and we are talking about your mouse. One tiny device, so many ways it can make yo...
04/08/2026

New month, new statement of the month, and we are talking about your mouse. One tiny device, so many ways it can make your hand, wrist, and shoulder cranky. Let’s fix that together.

👉 H — Hand on Top of the Mouse
Confession time: most people park their wrist behind the mouse like it’s taking a nap on the desk. That position = wrist extension = discomfort.

Try this instead:
✨ Palm on top
✨ Fingers draped over the buttons
✨ Wrist floating (I should be able to slide a piece of paper under it!)
✨ Movement from your shoulder, not just your hand

A tiny tweak that makes a huge difference.

👉 E — Effortless Movement
Your mouse should glide like it’s ice‑skating, not hopping around like a nervous bunny. If you’re lifting it constantly, check your pointer speed in your settings.
Smooth = happy wrists.

👉 L — Left‑Handed Mice
Only 11% of the world is left‑handed… which explains why left‑handed mice are basically unicorns.
Most lefties end up using their right hand or an ambidextrous mouse.

Left‑handers, try this:
✨ Don’t bend your hand outward to reach the left button
✨ Use your middle finger for left‑click and index finger for right‑click
✨ Or switch your mouse buttons in your settings

And yes… it feels weird at first.
✋ As a lefty myself (and mom to another lefty!), I get it.

If you’re not sure which mouse fits your hand, your work style, or your setup, I can help.
I offer virtual and in‑person ergonomic evaluations for home offices and corporate spaces.

📍 Learn more or schedule: www.ergonomicsandyou.com
📧 Email: kgranataclark@ergonomicsandyou.com

🍀 We’re wrapping up our St. Patrick’s series and getting ready to welcome April! This week’s ergonomic letters are K and...
03/31/2026

🍀 We’re wrapping up our St. Patrick’s series and getting ready to welcome April! This week’s ergonomic letters are K and S—small adjustments that can make a big difference in how your body feels at the keyboard.
⌨️ K – Keep your wrists floating
When typing, try not to rest your wrists on the desk or wrist rest. Ideally, you should be able to slide a piece of paper between your wrist and the surface below. Think “playing the piano”—wrists neutral and floating. Wrist rests are best used during breaks, or you can lightly rest on your small finger with your hand in a relaxed handshake position when you’re not typing.
🖥️ S – Split keyboard
A split keyboard can help keep your elbows closer to your body and your arms straight instead of angled inward. There are fully split options as well as attached split keyboards (where the space between the G and H keys is filled). If you’re experiencing wrist or shoulder discomfort from pulling your arms in, a split keyboard may be worth trying. Touch typists often adapt more quickly, but many users find it helpful with practice.
📬 This month in my newsletter, I reviewed a variety of keyboards—compact, standard, and split styles, plus Bluetooth, wireless, and wired options.
👉 Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7422051206388346880
💡 Not sure which keyboard is right for you? I offer virtual and in-person ergonomic evaluations. We’ll look at your current setup and explore options that best support your comfort and needs.
🌐 Learn more or schedule an evaluation at www.ergonomicsandyou.com

Next month I will be talking about mice and spelling out another word.

🍀 We’re nearing the end of our St. Patrick’s keyboard adventure!Today’s letters: I and C — two tiny keys with mighty pow...
03/24/2026

🍀 We’re nearing the end of our St. Patrick’s keyboard adventure!
Today’s letters: I and C — two tiny keys with mighty powers.
I – Italicize
Want to fancy up a word, sentence, or even a whole paragraph?
Just tap Ctrl + I and voilà — instant emphasis.

C – Copy
Ctrl + C is the classic move.
It’s the keyboard equivalent of a magic trick: now you see it… now you have two of it.

🖐️ One‑Handed Shortcuts? Yep!
You can do both of these shortcuts with one hand:
• Ctrl + I → right hand
• Ctrl + C → left hand
But let’s be honest… Ctrl + I feels a little like finger yoga.
Using both hands is totally fair game — and often more comfortable. For the Ctrl + I, you can use the Ctrl key on the left side of the keyboard and the I on the right side of the keyboard. For the Ctrl + C keyboard shortcut, it is just the reverse. You hold the Ctrl key on the right side of the keyboard and click the C on the left side of the keyboard.
🖱️ Why This Matters Ergonomically
Every shortcut you use = one less trip to the mouse.
Since most of us use the mouse with our dominant hand (and way more than we realize), shortcuts help spread the workload and give that overworked hand a break. Your non‑dominant hand deserves some action too.

✨ Want more shortcuts to save time and your shoulders?
Explore my list here: https://www.ergonomicsandyou.com/resources

St. Patrick’s Week continues — today we’re on the letters T and R!  T — Touch TypistBe honest… if I ask, “Are you a touc...
03/17/2026

St. Patrick’s Week continues — today we’re on the letters T and R!

T — Touch Typist
Be honest… if I ask, “Are you a touch typist?” do you:
A) Nod confidently
B) Stare at me like I just spoke ancient Gaelic

A touch typist types without looking at the keys — usually thanks to those old‑school typing classes. The perk? Your head stays up instead of hanging down like a wilted shamrock.

But here’s the twist:
Touch typists sometimes rest their wrists on the wrist rest (hello, contact pressure).
Non–touch typists hover and “piano‑play” their way across the keyboard, which actually keeps wrists lifted.
Either way… you’re still getting the job done. Just differently!

R — Reaching for the Keyboard
Repeat after me: DON’T. REACH. FOR. THE. KEYBOARD.
Keep those elbows tucked in like you’re guarding the last cookie in the break room.
When you reach forward, your shoulders take the hit — especially if your desk is higher than your elbows (which is most desks). Bring the keyboard to you, not the other way around.

So tell me…
Are you a touch typist?
Or are you out here hunting and pecking like a determined little leprechaun?

I’m Your Posture Tutor, and I help you set up a workstation that actually fits YOU.
I offer ergonomic evaluations for home offices and corporate spaces — looking at your chair, desk height, monitors, keyboard, mouse, and all the little habits that add up.
I also provide fun, engaging office ergonomics presentations and lunch‑and‑learns for companies who want healthier, happier teams.
If you or your workplace could use a posture upgrade, I’m here to help. 🍀
E-mail: kgranataclark@ergonomicsandyou.com
Website: www.ergonomicsandyou.com

🍀 Continuing our St. Patrick's Day alphabet series! Today we're tackling P and A—two lucky letters for keyboard ergonomi...
03/10/2026

🍀 Continuing our St. Patrick's Day alphabet series! Today we're tackling P and A—two lucky letters for keyboard ergonomics! 🍀

P - Portability: Taking your work on the road? Bring an external keyboard and mouse along for the ride! Don't forget to elevate your laptop on a riser—your posture (and your back) will thank you! 📱✨

A - At Elbow Height: Here's the golden rule: your keyboard should sit at or slightly below elbow height. Too high? You'll feel pressure at the edge of your desk. Too low? Your wrists will bend backward like you're trying to rest on the desk. Instead, imagine you're tickling the keys like a piano player—float those hands! 🎹

Ready to optimize your workspace? I'd love to help! Whether you need keyboard recommendations or a full workstation evaluation, I offer virtual and in-person ergonomic assessments for home and corporate offices.

Check out www.ergonomicsandyou.com for more ergonomic tips, or reach out for a personalized consultation! 💚

🍀 March is here, which means… it’s time to spell out St. Patrick’s (maybe “Day” if inspiration strikes!) with a brand‑ne...
03/03/2026

🍀 March is here, which means… it’s time to spell out St. Patrick’s (maybe “Day” if inspiration strikes!) with a brand‑new batch of ergonomic tips.
This month’s theme: your keyboard — and maybe your mouse if my creativity runs wild.
S – Short Keyboard
Short keyboards skip the number pad, which means your mouse can finally sit where your shoulder wants it to be — not way out to the side like it’s trying to escape. A compact keyboard keeps your arm closer to your body, reduces shoulder abduction, and helps you avoid that slow, sneaky discomfort that builds up over long workdays. If you don’t rely on the number pad, the numbers along the top row work beautifully. If you do need a number pad occasionally, grab a detached one and place it outside the mouse — even on the left side of the keyboard. Make your brain work using your non-dominant hand.
Fun options to explore:
- Logitech Pop Keys
- Logitech Pebble Keys
- Logitech MX Keys Mini
- Apple Magic Keyboard (for the Mac fans)
T – Take Breaks
Your fingers and wrists deserve a little love, too.
Sprinkle in mini‑breaks to wiggle your fingers, rotate your wrists, and stretch your hands. Think of it as a tiny dance party for your joints.

What keyboard are you using these days? If you’ve already switched to a short keyboard, I’d love to know which one made the cut.
You can always reach me at kgranataclark@ergonomicsandyou.com, and there are more keyboard‑friendly blogs waiting for you at www.ergonomicsandyou.com.

We are on our last two letters of Valentines. The theme this month is cell phones.E  - Eyes Up, Babe! 👀💘 Stop staring do...
02/24/2026

We are on our last two letters of Valentines. The theme this month is cell phones.

E - Eyes Up, Babe! 👀💘 Stop staring down at your phone like it just sent you a breakup text! Lift that phone up and keep your eyes forward. Hold it close with one or both hands and keep those elbows snuggled in by your sides. Your neck will thank you — and so will your Valentine! 😄
S - Switch It Up, Sweetheart! 🔄❤️ Don't let one hand hog all the love! Switch hands while using your phone so you're not overworking one side. Even if you're rocking a pop socket, those fingers are still under pressure — so share the load! Try holding with your left hand and scrolling with your right, then flip the script and give your non-dominant hand some Valentine's Day attention. 💪

💬 Now we want to hear from YOU! Did any of this month's tips change how you use your phone? Drop a comment and let us know! Can you think of other E or S words for cell phones or Valentine's Day? 🤔💌

👀 Stay tuned for next month — we're spelling out St. Patrick's Day with a keyboard & mouse theme! 🍀⌨️

Networking with BABEL Networking with Eileen Nestor
02/20/2026

Networking with BABEL Networking with Eileen Nestor

📱 V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E-S Challenge: I & N Edition! 💝**I is for Instagram** 📸Hot tip: Your phone is your best friend for Ins...
02/18/2026

📱 V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E-S Challenge: I & N Edition! 💝

**I is for Instagram** 📸
Hot tip: Your phone is your best friend for Instagram posting! Skip the computer hassle of downloading and re-uploading. Just snap, edit, and share directly from your device. Easy peasy!
**N is for NO Cradling!** 🚫
We see you trying to multitask with that phone wedged between your ear and shoulder! 😅 While your thin phone might seem like it fits perfectly, your neck and shoulders are NOT fans of this move. Quick call? Maybe. Long conversation? Grab those earbuds or put it on speaker!

Your body will thank you! 💪
**Your turn!** What other I and N words can we use for February? Drop your ideas in the comments! 👇

I am back for 3 more letters of the word Valentine and focusing on cell phone use for the month of February. E - Elbows ...
02/10/2026

I am back for 3 more letters of the word Valentine and focusing on cell phone use for the month of February.
E - Elbows Embraced (Keep Them Close!) Love your neck and shoulders by keeping your elbows snuggled next to your body—like a cozy February hug! Hold your phone with one or both hands, keep those elbows tucked in, and maintain a level head (literally!). Your spine will send you a Valentine! 💌
N - Night Light = Nice & Bright! Don't let late-night scrolling break your heart—or your sleep! When you're using your phone after dark, flip on that night light feature. It bathes your screen in a warm amber glow (very romantic, actually ✨) that's easier on your eyes and won't mess with your sleep cycle. Sweet dreams!
T - Texting While Walking? Total No-No! We've all seen the "phone zombies" shuffling around with their heads down, totally oblivious to the world. Don't be that person who walks into a pole (not cute!). If you need to text, pull over to the side, fire off your message, then get back to strutting your stuff. Your surroundings deserve your attention—and so does that cute dog you almost tripped over! 🐕

What other words can you come up with for E-N-T that are Valentines or February themed?

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you have had a good start to your New Year 2026. This is a long post. I wanted to explai...
01/08/2026

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you have had a good start to your New Year 2026. This is a long post. I wanted to explain a bit about my business. If you know of anyone that could use my services, let me know.

Ergonomics and You is a trusted ergonomics service provider based in Temple Terrace, serving Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, and surrounding Florida communities. Led by your personal Posture Tutor with 20 years of experience, we specialize in ergonomic workstation assessments, office setup consultations, and injury‑prevention education for individuals, businesses, and schools.

We offer both virtual ergonomic evaluations and on‑site workstation assessments for remote, hybrid, and in‑office workers. Each evaluation includes a full review of your chair, desk, monitor height, keyboard and mouse placement, laptop setup, and phone use. You’ll receive a detailed, customized report with ergonomic product recommendations, posture coaching, and behavioral strategies to reduce discomfort and prevent musculoskeletal strain.

Businesses rely on us for ergonomic training, lunch‑and‑learn sessions, and employee wellness presentations designed to improve comfort, productivity, and workplace safety. Our programs help reduce repetitive‑strain injuries, support HR wellness initiatives, and create healthier work environments.

We also provide student ergonomics workshops for middle and high schools, teaching young tech users how to set up laptops, tablets, and phones to prevent neck, back, and shoulder pain.

If you’re searching for ergonomic help in Tampa, workstation setup support, or a local ergonomics expert, Ergonomics and You is here to help you work comfortably and safely—wherever you are.

Thank you for your time.

Address

Tampa, FL
33617

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 2pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 2pm
Thursday 9am - 2pm
3:30pm - 5pm

Telephone

+14085066464

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