The problem with people is that they don't like to be balanced. Everything they go eventually goes to extremes: you are either too fat or too thin, either an abstinent or a sex addict, either a sports freak or just too static, And the exapmles could go on for ever. There are very few people who can always maintain on the thin line between extremes and they are really happy. This rule can be applied to computer use, too: you either live as a nun without TV, radio or computer (most likely for really ages people, but not necessarily, as I have seen really nice old fellows dating on the internet ) or stay on the computer for too long. I belong to the last category, I admit that. I use my computer as part of my job, but also for personal reasons that have to do with entertainment. Anyway, my job is only an excuse for me to stay in front of the computer all day long. I never get bored and I always find something interesting to read or play. From time to time I realize that I can't move my fingers on the computer mouse. It is true that I have a bad circulation of blood especially on my limbs , but I also keep my hand on the computer mouse for hours. I am aware that it is advisable to stop working every two hours and move your hands and feet for a quarter of an hour and all that stuff. But I can never keep track of time when I am playing a really hot game or I am doing something interesting. You know, it sounds familiar. I even bought an ergonomic mouse and mouse pad, but the problem was still there: cold numb hands. Then I realized that , ergonomic stuff and all, I kept my wrist on the edge of my desk when working with my mouse, so there was a lot of pressure and tension on my wrist, which caused my cold hands.
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I tried to change my position , but I don't know how, I ended up in the same place.  But one day I found the perfect solution for my problem:no, it's not the idea to stop working, I found an interesting computer mouse blanket or mouse hand warmer on the internet (of course).

This computer mouse blanket can be found together with a warm mouse and warm keyboards and all these devices can help you keep your mouse hand warm all the time. The best ones I could find are ValueRays mouse hand warmers. They come in different colours and models, but the basic idea is this : they are connected to your computer by an USB cable and use infra red light to warm your hands. This kind of warming is healthy for our body, as the rays go beyond the skin, to the tissue and muscles and relax them. Some of these mouse hand warmers are acting like a real blanket for both the hand and the mouse and keep them warm and heated during the long cold winter nights. You just need to introduce your mouse pad and mouse in the glove-like blanket and everything will be fine. Other models are a combination between mouse hand warmer and mouse pad, with the part below looking and feeling exactly like a mouse pad (I mean it is harder and made of a more rigid material) and the top part made of a soft comfotable fabric, plush or somehting related. This nice gadget works with a low voltage power (5V) and is safe for both people and computer. There may also be a switch that allows you to turn this warmer on and off when you stop using your computer mouse, in order to save energy. This on/off switch is conveniently located on the cord that connects the blanket to theUsb port. It works just like you are turning on and off your desk lamp - it is that easy.

This idea to use your computer USB port to generate infrared heat is brilliant. It is also a cost-effective and energy-efficient method of heating your hands without paying too much for it. Usually these pocket like blankets do not need additional software and I don't know what other complications to make them work. Just plug them in your USB port and they start working. They are plug and play devices that make our lives easier and our hands warmer.



I even saw some nice models in the shape of animals or fruit, all fluffy and comfortable, that you want to buy them just for fun, not out of necessity. I liked the strawberry mouse hand warmer most of all.



So the problem of cold hands was temporarily solved, at least for me. But the truth is that there are a lot of people who suffer from a lot of illnesses that affect their hands and fingers and using a computer is torture for them. Their problem and the problem with those people who got certain illnesses due to computer overuse is a lot more serious. We should take a good look at ourselves and realize that it is not normal to have carpal tunnel syndrome and computer cold hands and all repetitive strain injuries just because we are working too much on the computer. We should monitor the time spent here, in front of the computer screen and realize when it's time to stop and rest. And no employer in the world can force us stay and work and not have the necessary breaks, as there are lwas and regulations regarding our rights at work. But the problem lies in us. We are the inly ones responsible for our wellbeing and we are the only ones who can decide when to stop. Unfortunately some of us don't realize it until it's too late and the illness is already settled there. We know that it is easier to prevent than to cure, but only in theory, not in practice.