Computer Conditioning

Though office workers may be safe from the beating sun and calloused hands of manual labor, the typical computer driven business set-up places many workers at a completely new array of potential hazards once uncommon in less technologically advanced times. That’s right, computers may indeed be the most revolutionary tool since the invention of the wheel, but when put to overuse they can be severely detrimental to the health of the operator. Keep tabs of your regular computer usage and note the following conditions as they may apply to your own personal well-being.

1. Poor Posture A locked, seated and upright position may be the most effective way to guarantee safety when landing an aircraft, but when the position is held for 40 hours a day, 5 days a week, it can take a toll on the very spine that keeps the back straight. Though a vertically seated position may help you to stay at full attention, holding such a pose puts an increased level of strain on your back. Proper typing posture allows for relaxed shoulders and an easy to reach keyboard position. Make sure your office chair provides adequate lumbar support. Though a comfortable chair might cost more upfront, it can save money in the long run by offsetting costly chiropractic bills.
2. Deteriorating Eyesight Though one look at the sun might be more instantaneously harmful, the human eye was not designed to look at an illuminated object for more than a short period of time. As you read, type or otherwise stare at a computer screen, your eye begins to strain more and blink less, ultimately drying out your eyeball. In order to guard against long term damage, try to look away from the computer screen from time to time or simply close your eyes for a few seconds every couple of minutes in order to mitigate these effects. If there is a part of your job you can do without computer assistance, try to divide up your day accordingly.
3. Carpal Tunnel The repetitive nature of typing intensive work can help to bring about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, with women at almost three times the risk of men. CTS shows itself through pain, numbness, or tingling sensations generally felt in the hands, fingers and wrist, but may extend in extreme cases up to the shoulders. To help offset the repetitive motions that are believed to bring about CTS, try stretching your hands, wrists and fingers should as you would your legs before entering into a day of athletic training. After all, though the traditional workout may seem less physically exhausting, the hands are constantly busy throughout the office work day and there is only so much range of motion from “Caps Lock” to “Enter.”