COMPUTER-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS- a solution

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i know u all using computer more than 3hr a day. I m also one of them but do u know how much helth problems are ther with computers. wen i read this i thought why not share this? you have to share this. Its important for all of us esp for mylot.com and it not give problems only also provides some practical solutions that we can easily adopt. COMPUTER-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS Introduction:I think that if many of us were asked what one thing has had the greatest impact on our lives in modern times, we would likely say the computer. Over the past twenty years or so, computers have gone from being monstrous curiosities taking up the entire space in large rooms, to relatively small boxes on almost every desk. Along with smaller size and lower prices has come an explosion in the number of PC’s, putting them within the reach of the vast majority of Americans. The speed and efficiency of the computers has made most businesses and institutions dependent on the technology. As a result, many people spend a large part of their time working with computers.The relatively recent advent of the widespread availability of the Internet has meant that even those individuals who don’t use computers at work likely use them at home to, ASurf the Net@. What this has meant is that many people are spending many hours on the computer at work and then again at home. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the reporting of health problems related to the use of computers. Common computer related syndromes:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve is squeezed as it crosses the wrist to enter the hand. The median nerve arises at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra in the neck. It supplies the muscles of the forearm responsible for pronating the forearm or turning it inwards. It also supplies the muscles that bend the middle finger as well as the muscles of the thumb. It also provides sensation for the palmar surface of the thumb, index and middle fingers and half of the ring finger. The Carpal Tunnel is an area on the palm side of the wrist bordered on one side by the carpal bones and on the other by the Carpal Ligament, a fibrous band. Because these structures are quite rigid, if edema or other conditions cause a shrinkage of the space in the tunnel, the structures within the tunnel come under increasing pressure.It has been recognized that repetitive movement at the wrist, as occurs with prolonged use of a computer keyboard can lead to inflammation in the carpal tunnel and the resultant painful syndrome. Patients usually feel pain in the forearm area as well as numbness in the affected hand in the finger distribution described above.Treatment:If the symptoms are not very severe, CTS is treated conservatively with rest, warm compresses, wrist splints (worn mainly at night), anti-inflammatory medications and sometimes steroid injections. If the symptoms are severe or worsening, a surgical carpal ligament release procedure may be necessary.Eye Strain:Long hours staring at a computer screen will inevitably lead to asthenopia or eyestrain. Persons tend not to blink as frequently, which also leads to drying of the eyes. Over a prolonged period, this can lead to some deterioration in vision especially in those prone to visual problems.In order to prevent this, it is suggested that one take regular breaks from staring at the screen maybe with brief eye closure.Neck and Back Pain:Poor positioning of the keyboard and monitor in relation to the user can lead to discomfort of the neck and back. The monitor screen should be at a level such that the user can easily see the screen with the head held at a comfortable and neutral position. If the head has to be constantly turned or tilted in order to see the screen, this will lead to chronic aches and pains in the neck area. This along with any eye strain that occurs can lead to tension headaches. The chair or keyboard stand should be adjusted so that when sitting with the hands resting on the keyboard, the elbows should be slightly above the wrists. The chair should have firm lumbar support and it is important that the individual maintain good posture to minimize back strain.Depression:Another syndrome more recently recognized and associated primarily with the Internet is depression. A recent study found a high degree of correlation between the time spent on line, including chat rooms, and an increased incidence of depression. It is believed that at least some of the individuals who spend long periods of time on line may have somewhat unfulfilled social lives. This is very likely the reason they spend many hours on line in the first place. However, the time on line may also serve to magnify the very loneliness the user may have been attempting to blunt. It is also likely that as one spends more and more time on the computer, it naturally takes away from the time the individual has for normal social or family relations and this in turn may lead to depression.Electromagnetic Radiation:There has been much debate about the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation. Most people agree that long term exposure to strong EMR fields, as occur near high voltage lines, can lead to health problems over the years. What is not clear is whether exposure to the much weaker fields that are generated by computers and other types of electronic equipment present any threat to one’s health. To date there has been no clear evidence of a link. However, computers are still in their relative infancy and so we do not have decades of data to go on. Also this is really the first generation of children with widespread access to and use of computers. The odds are though, that no one will suffer significant ill effects from the weak EMR fields generated by computers.The following recommendations for prevention of computer related injuries have been recently issued and posted on the Internet:Work Habits: * Use proper posture to reduce stress on the muscles, bones and tendons. Use as little force as possible - avoid pounding the keys on the keyboard or holding the mouse or pens and pencils in a death grip. Use a telephone headset or a shoulder rest on the telephone receiver to avoid bending the neck and raising the shoulder to hold the phone. Keep the shoulders and arms relazed while typing. Keep your whole body as relaxed as possible. Breathe regularly and deeply. This can help keep you relaxed and alert. Alternate non-computer jobs with computer jobs to keep your work routine varied and give yourself a break from computer use. Try to relax mentally. Stress can make your body tense and your work less efficient. * Use your eyes properly: blink, see more than the computer screen, and look into the distance frequently. Breaks: * Break up the repetition of keying. Take frequent breaks and use stretching exercises to improve blood circulation, provide rest for muscles and tendons, relieve tension and stress and improve efficiency. Short “micro breaks” should be taken frequently, at least every 15 minutes to 30 minutes. If necessary, use one of the “break reminder” software packages that are available. Longer breaks should be taken after every hour or two of intensive computer use. * Blink and rest the eyes frequently to reduce eyestrain and moisturize the eyes. Your normal blink rate (6-15 times per minute) is reduced dramatically while staring at a computer screen. Take a few seconds about every 10 minutes to close and cover the eyes (palming) or to focus on distant objects. Your Body and Mind:Maintaining a healthy physical and mental condition is important in the prevention of workplace injury. * Engage in a regular exercise program, with the advice of your doctor. Eat a healthy diet. Drink lots of water to keep joints and tendons lubricated. Get plenty of rest. Explore ways to relieve stress, such as meditation or massage in addition to exercise. Whenever possible, take advantage of macros, function keys and other ways of mapping multiple keystrokes to a single key in order to reduce keystrokes. * Computer users with disabilities or with severe CTD injury may wish to investigate speech recognition software as an alternative to keyboard input. Mice:The mouse should be placed in an easy reach zone so that the shoulders and upper arms can be relaxed and close to the body while operating the mouse. Keep the wrist and hand in a neutral position, never bent. Use as little force as possible when clicking or dragging.Alternative devices on the market include graphic tablets and pens, touchpads, touchscreens, and footswitch-operated mice. Mouse wrist supports are available to elevate the hand and wrist. These may or may not be any better for the user, depending on their design and on the user’s size, abilities or preferences.MonitorThe computer monitor should be positioned so that the worker does not have to bend the neck up or down or twist the neck sideways to view the screen. The top of the display screen should be at or slightly below eye level and at about 18" to 24" away from the face. Copy should be placed on a copy stand in front of the worker and at about the same height as the monitor.The angle of the screen should be easily visible. Dark letters on a light background should be used to reduce eyestrain. Brightness and contrast should be adjusted.Choose a monitor with good resolution for clarity of characters on the screen. The screen refresh rate should be at least 60 Hertz to eliminate screen flicker.The screen should be cleaned of dust frequently to ensure the image is sharp.Vision:Eyestrain is the most common health complaint of computer users. Symptoms of eyestrain can include: burning, itching, tiredness, aching, watering, blurry vision or altered color perception. Visual problems can cause headaches, fatigue, concentration difficulties and irritability.Have your vision checked frequently. Undercorrected or overcorrected vision can strain