Can spending too much time in front of a computer lead to certain health problems? What are the risks involved?
Experts say anything in excess is bad. The same is true with computers. Using them for long periods daily can lead to eyestrain, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and a host of other health problems.
This was revealed by Dr. Arthur Frank pf the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine who studied problems associated with the computer screen and keyboard machines.
Frank's two-and-a-half-year study of computer users covered more than a thousand employees of the United Press International, the Associated Press and newspapers in St. Louis, Memphis, Toronto, Vancouver, Honolulu and New York City.
Compared to non-users, Frank said computer users suffered more from blurred vision, eyestrain, neck, shoulder and low back pain. Those who worked more often with computers were also more irritable, had trouble sleeping and felt overworked than other employees.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are also becoming common with computer workers. This is characterized by swollen fingers, aching wrists, and disabling hand, arm and neck pain.
"Disturbing as these reports may be, many of the hazards associated with computer use can be prevented," according to Martin Wong, a technical consultant for Distributed Processing Systems Inc.
"By learning the most common causes of computer distress and making some basic changes to their work place and work habits, most people can avoid joining the growing ranks of casualties of the computer revolution," Wong added.
To prevent computer-related problems, Wong suggests the following:
Work in a comfortable position where everything you need is easy to reach.
When working continuously at the computer, take a 15-minute break every hour.
Don't exceed 10,000 to 12,000 keystrokes (roughly 1,700 words) per hour.
When looking at documents, use a copy stand. Make sure the document you're looking at is as high as your computer screen.
Glare reflected from the screen can quickly lead to eyestrain. To cut the glare, Consumer Reports said you should:
Arrange your work space so that neither your eyes nor the screen face directly into a window or a bright lamp.
Arrange the lighting so it's directly over the computer.
Keep the light level moderate, not bright.
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Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com
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