Announcement: A health note for artisans who work from a seated position

[angusga]

I feel an impulse to warn folks out there about the potential risk that seated artists face of developing blood clots as a result of not getting up and moving around every couple of hours. I was unaware of this potential risk when I began engraving, and have had the unfortunate experience of a hospital stay. The doctors don't understand everything involved in the formation of clots but they all agree that this change in my work to sitting for hours at a time in one posture is a significant contributor to the problem.

I might have worked differently if I understood the potential danger. All the docs say to get up and walk around every 2 hours at least. Just the pumping of our calf muscles for a few moments is enough to keep the blood circulating through these veins in the legs. I hope this post will be useful to others who enjoy this creative work so much. I use a Lyndsey classic with a foot pedal but plan to get set up with a palm control as soon as possible so that I can stand while I work. An airtact would provide the same ability too stand. I don't currently work with a telescope, and don't know how easy it would be to stand while using one. If any one else out there has any experience with this situation I hope you will share it with the rest of us.

I won't have to stop engraving. But I darn sure will be paying attention to these vital appendages I'm walking around with. Hope this is of value to some of you.

 

[Peter E]

I feel an impulse to warn folks out there about the potential risk that seated artists face of developing blood clots as a result of not getting up and moving around every couple of hours. I was unaware of this potential risk when I began engraving, and have had the unfortunate experience of a hospital stay. The doctors don't understand everything involved in the formation of clots but they all agree that this change in my work to sitting for hours at a time in one posture is a significant contributor to the problem.

I might have worked differently if I understood the potential danger. All the docs say to get up and walk around every 2 hours at least. Just the pumping of our calf muscles for a few moments is enough to keep the blood circulating through these veins in the legs. I hope this post will be useful to others who enjoy this creative work so much. I use a Lyndsey classic with a foot pedal but plan to get set up with a palm control as soon as possible so that I can stand while I work. An airtact would provide the same ability too stand. I don't currently work with a telescope, and don't know how easy it would be to stand while using one. If any one else out there has any experience with this situation I hope you will share it with the rest of us.

I won't have to stop engraving. But I darn sure will be paying attention to these vital appendages I'm walking around with. Hope this is of value to some of you.

Thanks for the warning. I suspect you are not too young as is the case with many of us. I made the mistake of doing too much stippling without taking breaks and it resulted in the the tip of my thumb being numb for over a month!

You must have LONG arms if you are considering using a telescope:big grin:

There have been threads discussing ergonomics and I would suggest a GOOD task chair. Standing has other issues to worry about.

 

[Keith]

You can get clots while sitting for a long time (on a car ride or on a plane) acccording to the doctor I spoke to last year.
I had surgery and they put these compression socks on prior to going into surgery.
Upon discharge the nurse gave me a few pair and said to use them when sitting longer than a couple of hours.

Dont know if you can use them yourself, you might want to check with the doctor to see if will help stop future clots.
Keith

 

[Sandy]

A few years ago I found out that the body has more then one pump that moves blood around. Every time you take a step your feet act as a pump to help push the blood from your feet and lower legs upwards. What Gordan has said is very true. One of the things that you can do while seated for long periods of time is curl your toes under and act like you are picking up a marble. Even better pick up a marble with your toes while seated for a long period of time. If you just curl your toes and then flex them straight you don't even have to take your shoes off. It will help keep the fluids moving and reduce the possiblity of blood clots. I do this all the time while setting at the engraving ball.

Take what you need and leave what you don't.
Sandy

 

[david bain]

angusga.getting up and moving around also gives the eyes a break,gives the back a break,helps the wife get the garbage out,and the mail in from the mailbox.

 

[RoycroftRon]

This is where coffee is a great aid in circulatory health. Not only do I have to get up to get a new cup of coffee, but 5 minutes later I have to get rid of the old.

I here you on that stippling/numbing issue but I thought it was more a pinching of the nerve. I have not experienced it while engraving but I have with the chasing and repousse' work.

 

[Bobby Branton]

These chairs are designed to help with sitting for long periods of time.
http://www.backdesigns.com/webpage.aspx?Webpage_ID=13&

 

[Doc Mark]

One thing I did was to move my power hone and entire sharpening station to a different part of my workshop. I also stand to sharpen my tools and this gives me a break every so often.

Mark

 

[MICHAEL]

I have my gym in the same room as my engraving set-up. I like to play country music television (CMT) while I work. My rule is if I stop to watch a cool video I have to be exercising. I'm usually wore out after engraving all day!:beat up:

 

[dlilazteca]

Bringing this back, for us new guys

Carlos De La O III

 

[LVVP]

I have my gym in the same room as my engraving set-up. I like to play country music television (CMT) while I work. My rule is if I stop to watch a cool video I have to be exercising. I'm usually wore out after engraving all day!:beat up:

I do at the same Michael

 

[Big-Un]

I have one of those "saddle seats" and it made my crotch go numb! Now I get up and move every 1.5 to 2 hours. The doctor just today prescribed walking two miles every day, so I guess I'll get out and walk around the block every two hours. Can't hurt......much!

Bill

 

[ETHELBERT]

Thank you, sounds like it may just help out.