An OOS/RSI Prevention Tool--Break Reminder

Nowadays more and more people can’t live without the Internet, including individuals involved in the e-TESOL activities. The problems caused by computer use are becoming more and more concerned. If we don’t pay attention to the issues, our health can be damaged or even ruined. These problems are known as OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome), RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury - USA), MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders - Europe). CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) and CVS (Computer vision syndrome) are also related to computer use. These injuries are becoming more and more omnipresent in this information technology era. OOS, RSI, MSD, CTS and CVS can become very painful and unbearable if not treated early and properly. Naturally, the best strategy is prevention. The “Break Reminder” is a program that helps prevent or manage those problems or conditions.
Since I didn’t mention this helpful software in my book, I’d like to recommend it to all e-TESOL participants here. The “Break Reminder” consists of a tiny interface that independently runs in the background while the user is using the computer. It can monitor or supervise the computer use, and reminds (or can force) the user to take a break to user-chosen settings. Users can download and install the trial version of the program directly from various websites on the Net.