Healthy Computer Usage : Tips while Using Computers

Posted in Labels: HealthCare | 1:15:00 PM

These days almost every single person is known with the word 'computer'. We can find computers everywhere around us.For people like you and me it's PC , professionals it's laptop and so..on.The wide variety of computers and their applications is pretty mind boggling!Shopping, banking, stocking, literature, entertainment, industry, almost everywhere computers are playing their roles efficiently.As some one said , "Without computers modern life will be same as a luxury car without fuel".

The launching of internet was a major boost to the use of computers.Earlier they were used only for business or research purpose and now people started using it for entertainment.What this has meant is that many people are spending many hours on the computer at work and then again at home.Aftermath of this habit is quiet visible these days ; people are victims of computer related diseases.But healthy usage of computer can help us avoid diseases to an extent.

Common Computer Related Diseases

1.Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) : RSI originates due to unhealthy use of computers.In front of computers people often do only certain body movements,which is believed to be the cause of this disease.Symptoms of RSI are pain and malfunction, that pain occurs with exhaustion in the beginning and disappears with the cease of work, that in later time, the pain still exists even when resting and that the lightest work becomes hard to do.

2.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :It's a disease that primarily occurs due to the injuries arising from force to median nerve found in the wrist.Basic symptoms are sudden pain in arms especially wrists, neck, shoulder or even body.In the end, it might result in being unable to grasp objects, evident impotence and weakness in the muscles controlled by the median nerve.

3.Computer vision syndrome(CVS) :Computer vision syndrome is excessive strain on eyes which is caused by working long hours in front of computer monitor or computer screen. When you concentrate on the computer monitor, the eye tends to blink less, this is an involuntary action and it results in drying up of the tears which acts a lubricant lining on the eye’s surface.Strain on the vision,Feeling tiredness and heaviness in the eyes,Discharge and watery eyes,Blurring of vision, Feeling irritation and redness in the eyes are common symptoms.

4.Exposure to Radiation : Computer's like most of other electronic devices emit various radiations.Long term exposure can lead to severe problems including sleeping disorders and can even increase cancer risk.

5.Pulmonary embolism :sitting in front of a computer without doing any movement might cause the lung veins to be congested and this is believed to be the cause of this disease.

6.Psychological Impact : Have you ever heard of Infornography,Blog streaking,Youtube-Narcissism,Facebook Impersonation,Google-Stalking,Cyberchondria,Photolurking,Wikipediholism ,Funny right?These are severe psychological ailments related with internet!Internet Addiction is some thing quiet common these days

Some Tips
I hope i didn't scare you, did I?First whatever may be your mode of usage of computers there are certain things to take care like posture , exercises etc..First adjust your posture as shown in figure :

Seating :Opt for a chair that provides adequate support to your back, legs, buttocks, and arms. For example, an ideal chair for your workstation should have the following:

1.Backrest that adjusts well to the natural curvature of your spine and provides necessary support
2.Comfortable seat that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor or a footrest that helps you adjust the height
3.Soft armrests that allow your shoulders to relax and your elbows to stay close to your body.

Placement of frequently-used devices : frequently used devices should be placed at locations of your table that are easily accessible.Use a document holder for keeping papers than laying them flat.

Mouse Placement : Always try to keep mouse in the keyboard tray. It's always better to keep mouse at the same level of keyboard. Otherwise try any of these:

A mouse platform positioned over the keyboard. This design allows the mouse to be used above the 10-key pad.
A mouse tray next to the keyboard tray.
A fingertip joystick attached to the keyboard.
Pointing devices attached to the keyboard such as a touchpad.
Point devices such as mouse that have the right size so that they fit the hand.
Mouse-pad with a wrist rest.

Keyboard Placement : Don't keep keyboard either too high or too low

Adjust the chair height and desk height to maintain a neutral body posture.
Raise or lower the tilt of the keyboard to maintain straight, neutral wrist postures.
If you are left-hand user, use an alternative left hand keyboard, which has the keypad permanently affixed to the left side.

Monitor Placement : Place the computer monitor at the recommended viewing distance and angle(refer 1st figure), adjusting it to the right clarity settings.

Adjust your computer monitor to be directly in front of you with your head, neck, and torso facing the screen.such that it is not farther than 35 degrees to the left or right.
Give periodic rest to your eyes by looking at far-away objects. You must stop, look away and blink at regular intervals to give your eyes the necessary moisture. Other non-computer tasks such as filing, phone work, etc., can help your eyes take the needed break from the stress.

Exercises : Do not sit in a posture for more than an hour. Lean forward, cross your arms in front of you, hold your knees, and push your knees apart, keeping your hands on them. Make sure you move your hands, legs, back, and neck every 10 minutes throughout the day. Get up and take short walks from your workstation periodically.Drink plenty of water.You can try Some of the exercises shown below !