Fact Sheet on Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

> Occurs when the median nerve, running from the forearm into the hand, is squeezed or becomes pressed at the wrist.

> This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers as well as impulses to some small muscles.

> Signs of injury can be: weakness, numbness in the hand or wrist area, burning or tingling, itching in the palm, decrease in grip strength, some can not distigush between hot and cold touch in severe cases.

> Trauma and injury to the wrist causing swelling and in some cases fracture, can also lead to the disorder, not just high useage infront of the computer.

Idea Generated

I plan on creating a device that will help fight against the debilitating effects many computer users know as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. The device fits in front of the users keyboard in a comfortable and ergonomical position and uses a heating element (set to different settings based upon personal preference) combined with gel/memory foam to help keep the users wrists in a proper and comfortable position during long sessions of useage. Also an adaptation of the keys on the keyboard will be implemented to make the users computer experience vastly different and more profitable.

New Media Capstone Blog Started

The first NMD 498 002 Practicum in New Media I Blog has been initiated. I will be posting here periodically to keep you all updated with the status of my senior year capstone.