These are 4 Major Health Risks Related to Working With Computers or smartphone or just gaming.
Many people nowadays spend a lot of their time in front of a computer screen – whether it’s a desktop computer, a laptop, tablet or even a smartphone.
These days, in fact, it’s rare to find a working environment where computer screens aren’t used.
Mostly, display screen equipment, like your computer is completely harmless.
However, if you spend prolonged periods in front of it (such as several hours each day), it can pose significant health risks.
Aches and pains can be caused by:
1.Repetitive work.
2.Uncomfortable working postures.
3.Incorrect screen settings.
4.Carrying out tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks.
Here are some ways that can help you have a comfortable and healthy lifestyle around your computer.
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Eye Strain and Headaches
Eye Strains
Your eyes should be level with the area of your computer screen that is 2-3″ below the top.
Adjust the tilt and height of your screen or your chair if you need to and, if you have a laptop, consider using a stand to raise it up.
If you ever have to angle your head upwards or downwards to see the screen, then tension can build up in your neck and cause headaches and fatigue.
The ideas is to get the eyes looking down about 10 degrees.
If it’s any lower or higher, computer users will adapt to it by moving their head.
If your screen is to low, your head points down, causing neck and back aches.
High displays, meanwhile, contribute to dry eye syndrome.
To reduce the risks of visual problems:
Reposition the screen to avoid glare from lights or windows.
Keep the screen clean and use a desk lamp to make it easier to see.
Ensure the screen colours are easy to look at, and that the characters are sharp and legible.
Look away from the screen into the distance for a few moments to relax your eyes; focus on something 30 metres away for 30 seconds every 30 minutes.
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Strain in Legs and Feet
Your desk chair should be positioned so that you can sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and your lower legs vertical.
Use a footrest underneath your desk if you need more support, or if the chair is putting pressure on your thighs.
Make sure that there’s enough space to change position and stretch your legs out every now and then, too.
Rotate your ankles round in circles under the desk, first one way and then the other.
Stand up and march on the spot for 30 seconds to improve the blood flow in your legs.
Stand on your tiptoes and stretch upwards, as tall as you can, to release some of the tension in your ankles, legs, back, arms and neck.
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Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
There should be enough room in front of your keyboard to support both your forearms and your wrists on the desk.
This desk support helps prevent your arms from becoming tired or achy. When typing, keep your wrists straight.
If you have to bend your wrists upwards to reach the keyboard then use a wrist support, otherwise you are at risk from a repetitive strain injury.
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Upper and Lower Back Pain
Poor posture is something that every office-based employee should consider throughout their day.
Most people sitting at a computer get drawn into the screen, which means they crane their necks forward.
This imbalance puts strain on the neck and spine.
Avoid slouching down into your chair or leaning forward onto the desk, as this can cause strains, aches and pains.
Your lower back (lumbar) should be supported by the chair or a cushion so that sitting upright doesn’t feel uncomfortable or unnatural.
To help keep your back free of strain:
Stand up and walk around every hour or so, so that you’re not sat in the same position all day.
Slowly lean your torso over to one side of the chair and then the other to stretch your sides and spine.
Stand up and put your hands together, elbows out, then slowly twist to the left and then to the right.
Also, keep your neck straight as much as possible.
The most important thing is to switch it up and work in different positions throughout the day..
