You are most likely one of those people who spends several hours each
day sitting in front of your computer, staring at the monitor, while pounding
away on your keyboard and/or clicking away at your mouse. If so, have
you ever stopped to wonder what all of that monotonous activity can do
to your health? Probably not. I know that until I started researching
for this article, the thought didn't really cross my mind. Yes, of course,
I would suffer from sore, tired eyes, achy back, headaches, and a stiff
neck occasionally. But I never actually stopped to think of how excessive
computer use could effect my health. But maybe we should stop and examine
this? I mean, we all intend to branch off into careers involving computers,
right?
Perhaps you have already noticed some negative the effects of computer
use. Even worse, you may already be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
or some other common ailment caused by the excessive and/or improper use
of a computer. The sad fact is that each year thousands of people are
diagnosed with some type of an illness directly related to computers.
In the U.S., Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) has become the number one
work-related health problem. As well, back pain is the second most common
reason for visits to the doctor. And how many times have you gotten up
from a seven-hour stretch at the computer to have your back rip with pain?
Aside from back problems, Carpal Tunnel and RSI, there are many other
problems that can occur from prolonged periods of computer use. Some of
these include eyestrain, neck problems, circulation problems, and wrist
problems.
So what are we doing wrong to cause all of these complications? Well,
first we have to look at ergonomics. What kind of chair are you sitting
on? Does if offer your back the support it needs? A good chair should
keep your legs parallel to the floor, and should disperse your weight
evenly, to reduce pressure on your thighs. And how is your monitor set
up in relation to your body? Your monitor should be 20 degrees below eye
level so that you look down slightly at it. You should never have to tilt
your head to view your monitor, thus causing strain on your neck and eyes.
Lighting is also a very important consideration. You should place your
light source off to the side, parallel with your line of sight to the
monitor. The worst problems will likely be from sources above or behind
you, including fluorescent lighting and sunlight.
Now that you are comfy and "ergonomically correct" allow me to offer a
few good points of advice as to how you can avoid any other problems while
working away at your computer.
TAKE BREAKS. It is recommended that you take an eye break every ten minutes,
but seriously now, who really does this? However, try at least every hour
to look away from your monitor. Some people blink only once a minute while
working on the computer. (once every 5 seconds is normal) Less blinking
means less lubrication from tears, which causes dry, itchy or burning
eyes. So give them a break, as often as you can.
STAND UP AND STRETCH. Stretching your back, arms and neck regularly while
working on the computer can be extremely effective in preventing any physical
problems. As a matter of fact, stand up right now. Stop reading, and stand
up and stretch your arms over your head. Please? Great! Now don't you
feel better by doing that? You should, and you should be taking breaks
like that every hour or so to reduce any back, shoulder, or neck strain.
And every so often, don't just stand up, but walk around.
WATCH THAT KEYBOARD. Keyboards are not necessarily your friend, my friend.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused from improper typing technique. If you
have developed a poor keyboarding technique, break it. Your fingers should
be curved while typing, and your wrists straight and parallel to the floor.
Experts suggest a keyboard tray, and although they are as ugly as sin,
they really do work.
Now, although this all sounds simple, I haven't forgotten how focused
one can get on their work. Sometimes I find myself sitting at the computer
for hours without even moving my head. This might explain the headaches,
backaches, and sore eyes that I sometimes experience. If you find yourself
identifying with this, maybe it's time for you to consider how your computer
is affecting your health!
Is Your Computer Killing You?
Why computer users are at risk.
By Kerry Corcoran
