SmartGlove, Cat's Paw, rest, exercise, expander sm
Posted By: MT on 2006-01-20
In Reply to: What do you do when your wrists ache and your hands weigh a ton but you have to keep typing? - x
I've been diagnosed with bilateral CTS. I had laparoscopic surgery on the right one, and would recommend that you either never get surgery, or if you do, don't go the laparoscopic route. I learned later that the open is better.
Ok, after a few years away from MT, I came back and invested in the Smart Glove. I don't wear them all the time, but I put them on with my wrists start bothering me. The relief is instantaneous.
Another thing that's great is called a Cat's Paw. It's inexpensive and does wonders. Before surgery, I found that physical therapy was hugely helpful. Unfortunately, insurance companies won't pay for unlimited physical therapy. The Cat's Paw mimics several of the exercises I did in PT.
I take rest breaks every 1 to 1-1/4 hour. A break is at least 5 minutes. A good exercise for the break is to go to a table or other surface that is about hip height, put your palm down on it and really feel that pull. You want to lean into it. Do it for a few seconds and switch hands.
I used to have an ergo keyboard, but don't anymore.
I've also made it a priority to work SMARTER not harder. One way to do this is make learning about productivity your hobby. I have ShortHand as my expander, have read the manual, know how to do a lot of the extras that many MTs either don't know or don't learn til they've been doing this a while. I've also studied what I could find on the web on MT sites about productivity. There are lots of tips and hints. I'm not working so hard these days and usually save at least 45% of my Keystrokes through Shorthand. That's like transcribing 500 lines a day and getting paid for 1000!
Hope this helps! ;)
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SmartGlove and Handeze, type with both on.
nm
Is this w/the built-in hand rest? Touch was nice, but the rest made my palms achey. Didn't
s
POLL: Productivity gain using your expander and what expander you use.
Guess I need to make it work harder.
The shortcuts expander works with the Bayscribe expander as well.
All at the same time.
exercise
Exercise helps. After doing a few annoyingly hard reports, I go over to my stationary bicycle and ride for about three miles, then go back and do a few reports, get up and ride a few more miles.
Regarding exercise
I believe the original poster said that she had a mini-dachsund. Those are really small, as in mini, so 30 minutes is probably more than enough exercise.
Exercise sm
Denise Austin's videos/DVDs are really good. There are different levels, low impact, high impact, etc. I lost 30 lbs using her videos (and with a healthy diet, of course). I started with the low impact and eventually worked my way up to high impact.
She came out with a children's DVD and now I have my 6-year-old using it to get exercise, especially in the winter and also during rainy days.
Hope that helps!
Exercise
I noticed a few posts down that you all were discusing exercise programs. I am looking for some exercise DVD with mild music. I can't stand loud, "rock-style" music. I did locate an aerobic exercise VHS through Bob Jones University to Celtic music which is great -- but they do not offer it on a DVD. Are there any suggestions with milder music? Someone mentioned Pilates. Is this to music also?
You could probably lose 10 lb. just from exercise. SM
Go to www.collage.com. There are hundreds of good exercise videos.
I could not get into t pep rally thing of WW.
Do something that is FUN and exercise at the same time. For myself,
I love to go for walks, rollerblading, biking, almost anything outside, etc., with my dogs, and like keeping in shape, but if I try to just "exercise" inside my home or on any machine, I simply won't stick with it. To me, "exercise" is something you have to make yourself do, whereas if it's something you consider "fun," it's something you look forward to doing and don't have to make yourself do it--it's a reward for hard work! And, congrats to you as well. (I'm still smoking).
Question: What exercise(s) do you do to keep from getting....
"secretary's butt"?????
I was warned when I started transcribing at 19 that it would appear. I'm 39 and here it is. LOL. But then again I do have 3 kids and a frig readily accessible 24/7
Just wondering what everyone does to stay in shape. I need to get into a program or you'll see me on "The Biggest Loser" TV show next season. 
My exercise routine
Walk to the fridge, open door (works arms), lift food (good strength training, lifting weights), put in mouth, close door, walk back to desk while lifting cup of coffee to lips. I gave my legs and arms a good workout, also my mouth. Transcription is hard. But I know if I keep up my exercise routine, I will be buff.
Breathing exercise
I think I read this somewhere a long time ago, but it has always worked for me.
Inhale to the count of 3, hold it to the count of 3, exhale to the count of 3. You can gradually increase the counts.
What happens is you get focused on counting and breathing and eventually conk out.
I agree with you about the exercise sm
I've had elevated BP for 13 years due to a vascular condition and I used to work as a CNA for many years so got plenty of exercise. The minute I went to a desk job, boom. Big ankles and hands, along with a bigger rear. Started walking for 30 minutes daily and watching the salt (I can't stand it now, I never salt my food) and 8 glasses of water a day. Really does seem to help. It seems I can knock off 5 pounds by just drinking the water.
exercise programs (sm)
For about three years, I had suffered with severe asthma and allergies. I could not ever get any of it under control. I had to take a lot of steroids during that time and everytime I tried to get in an exercise routine it would just exacerbate my symptoms. It turned out we had a black mold problem. I was the only one with symptoms though.
We moved though and now I am in total recovery. My asthma is completely under control. I might only take it now once or twice a month, if at all (used to take it 4-6 times a day). Doctors say I may always have it now.
I have put on a significant amount of though and really would like to get it off. I don't feel good about myself anymore. I eat very well and I am maintaining my current weight. I just do not get the exercise I need.
I was really active into Taebo before all of this began, but I don't feel like I can just jump back into that right away. I need something that would slowly work me back into shape. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your help!
exercise while typing
Need a work out during your typing day? Get a Yoga ball ans use it instead of your chair the simple act of keeping you body center on the ball will work your abs. while sitting in your chair, do leg lifts by simply lifting your heel off of the floor. Instead of ittinf for lunch, stand up at the counter or walk while having a sandwhich or what ever it is that you eat.
Do you exercise periodically throughout
the day? Seems like an obvious suggestion but not everyone would think of it.
Been scribin for 20 years and my father suffered from carpal tunnel, so I wanted to make sure I practiced preventative measures.
I am fairly regularly flexing my wrists (make a ball and flex inward)then spread fingers wide like a jazz dancer...
Also interlock the fingers and "wiggle the fingers" around (should feel pressure on the joints -like a massage).
These are ones I just made up. You can develope your own of course, or find recommended exercises. Just use common sense and dont force anything.
One last thing that works great for me is one hand massages the other - and try putting your thumb in the webspace of the other thumb (outside of hand) and give a rounded firm pressure.
If these work for you (et al) let me know where to send a bill.
Yuk.
But do you have a LIFE? Do you get any exercise?
?
DID anyone ever sit on an exercise ball?
hello
DO any of you ever sit on an exercise ball?
Is that better?! !!
Me too, what is it? Craft or exercise? I enjoy
zz
Does anyone take dance classes for exercise?
I'd like to get out of the house once in a while and can't stand the gym. I just don't want to be the only adult student among children. LOL
exercise bike.. tv news
What I have been doing is get on my exercise bike and turn on CNN for 10 mins, I get my heart rate up and wake up and feel better and am more clear headed to work after that. Its working so far! Also, worry beads are good, sugar free lemon drops, sunflower seeds, etc.
Do you use an exercise ball for a chair?
I know some transcriptionists do, and I think the wine and the ball would make a really fun combination to watch.
Can you exercise with light weights?
If you don't have a problem with a disc or something serious like that, working the upper body with light free weights may be just the ticket. It improves the posture and strengthens the muscles you use to hold up your arms while working.
I exercise my gray matter more than most..sm
so I believe it's from having TOO MUCH ON YOUR PLATE.....*l* - really, more responsibilities, more things to remember......all that stuff.....so who would remember typing the report.
What's great is....if someone down the road ASKED you about that certain report(s), MQ, QA, or an MD's office....you'd most certainly remember it......*LOL*
So, it's only the short-term memory that is affected FIRST *l* - that and the eyes.......first to go *rofl*
Exercise Ball at Desk
I sat on my ball at the desk a lot during my third pregnancy. It really seemed to help with some of the back problems I was having.
My brother gave me the idea - apparently many people with office jobs in Europe sit on balls all day at their desks.
I am using a regular chair now because my ball sprung a leak, but I plan on replacing it very soon.
First exercise link inside!
Sorry, I had the cleaned up versions before on another post, but it got wiped out when the kindly mod moved my post!
Hopefully this will work!
And I always thought the idea of walking the dog was for exercise! - nm
x
they do not work - try a sensible diet, exercise and then go in for liposuction - sm
best thing I ever ever ever did. I wear a perfect size 2 now with a flat tummy! Was a size 8!
You might try exercise daily to help you stay awake. sm
When I was a slug, I used to fight sleep all the time while transcribing. Then I started daily exercise, and now I don't fight sleep at all. I also went low carb, too - carbs make you sleepy.
This will also help your productivity.
An exercise ball can be a great thing!
I know at least a few MTs who exercise on the ball for five minutes or so every hour or so. Your schedule sounds very tight, so I guess this would be better than nothing!
And.:.......We do not have to exercise to lose weight and get in shape!..nm
nm
Exercise, cutting down on sugar, and Prozac helps me. nm
.
Go, you chicken fat, go! Used to be our exercise music in elemntary school! LOL nm
s
Thanks for the info. I'll have to crank up the exercise machine...
A short-cut would have been nice though. 
Thanks again.
You have to schedule a time for 1/2 hr of walking or aerobic exercise once a day. It's the
s
But exercise restores youthful hormones - proven. nm
z
Deliver newspapers. I do. Good $$$, great exercise.
I do approximately one hour each morning (walking). This past week I made $160 tax free for 7 hours of "exercise." :)
My theory is why get up early and walk the dog when you can walk the dog and make money while you're at it.
My sister and her husband did a motor route together and made $500+ a week.
And the Christmas tips? CHA CHING!!! I made almost $600 last year with 65 customers. My sister and her husband made close to $2000.00.
Anyone ever type while sitting on stability/exercise ball? sm
Working on getting back in shape. My Theraband ball is about the same height as my work chair so thinking about using it part of the day to sit on while transcribing. Wondering if anyone has every done this and how it went. Even if only for part of a day or an hour, I think it would be a great way to gain core body strength. Anyone tried this or even thought about it.
exercise is really important; they stress that on The Biggest Loser.
nm
I love to see people exercise their minds (and their rights)...will check it out...
Thank you, for sharing...
After all, if no one would have stood up years ago, we would still be called the 'typing pool' and making probably $7/hour, AND answering phones, filing, etc.
AAMT did have a huge role in that happening, but I have not seen them do anything for the American MT in a very long time.
According to the Advance Health mag (which is turning into a 'rag' in my opinion), their latest article is how MTs with disabilities are now being trained in INDIA...and elsewhere overseas, and just how wonderful and joyous that all is - !?#@$#@
Sisters, it is TIME we do something and take a stand.
Cut out the white foods and high sugars and exercise more. It's what works. nm
s
I find that exercise has greatly improved the quality of my sleep
I used to need 10-11 hours of sleep to feel rested, but since I started exercising (40 minutes a day on an elliptical machine), I feel completely refreshed with 8 hours.
Yep. Sure is common. If I exercise regularly, the palps go away. Strong heart
s
I go for a long walk or just exercise on my weight machine. That helps! nm
x
Word Expander Programs - Are there any expander programs that are easy to use and learn
that are similar to the MS Word expander? I prefer something very simple. I like MS Word expander; however I have gone over my limits and cannot add any more shortcuts so I need a program that will hold a larger amount of shortcuts. Many thanks.
Exercise isn't the issue here, him lifting leg in house is. Bye, Bye, Pooch, pack your bags.nm
:{
Not anal, but definitely reclusive and panicky. Add some diversions to your free time - exercise,
s
All I can say is rest when you need it and - sm
listen to the docs. I, personally, have not had cancer but after dealing with my 5-y/o Wilm's tumor (kidney cancer) this year, our family has been but through the wringer. Jen handled her chemo great, lost her hair with 2 treatments to go (had 14). Kids are great about that though, got a little self-conscious but after a few minutes in a new place would forget she had no hair. I got her a couple hats for the sun and for her to feel better too. Painted her head one day, had fun with it. She had good days and bad of course, but for the most part handled it all very well. Just had a clean ultrasound and chest x-ray today, yeah! She looks like a little boy now, with dirty blond hair (was an incredible shade of red before), with now the roots growing a new color, a strawberry blond/red, really pretty. So if you do lose your hair it may grow in different (probably will). Jen's was very fine before, now it is a lot thicker, still straight as a board though as it was. You may lose some weight too, but after chemo is done you will regain it once you get your appetite back. Best wishes to you and feel free to email ! 
Just take out 1/3 of the mix so far and add only 2/3 of rest
nm
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