Tag Archives: eye strain

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THE BIGGEST HEALTH HAZARDS FOR “IT” PROFESSIONALS AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM (GUEST POST)

When you think of the riskiest jobs in the world, IT is probably not a field that comes to mind at all. However, these individuals work in front of computer screens all day, and this alone can pose a risk. What are some of the health issues associated with this type of job though? Read on – the answers to this question may surprise you.

Stationary Effects
Let’s immediately get into one of the biggest problems that can result from working on a computer all day long. IT is, generally, not a very active job. As a result, problems from carpal tunnel to dangerous blood clots can potentially form at anytime in your life. Remember, blood clots have the potential to kill you, so you need to be very alert to anything that seems out of the ordinary for this kind of work. You must remember to walk around at some point during the day, if not a few times and stretch out your fingers, hands and arms at least twice most days.

Eyes and Head
Not only are you working at the computer all day, you’re also perpetually staring at a screen. Doing so can cause your eyes to be strained. Even if you never needed to wear glasses or contacts in the past, you could find yourself with a prescription rather soon. Looking at the screen for extended periods of time can also give you a headache. Try to drink a lot of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and happy.

Arthritis
Depending upon the specific type of work you do, you may also find that you are developing arthritis earlier than all of your peers. This problem is more common for people who are typing throughout the day. Whether you are typing up gaming programs or new pieces of software for the computers at work, you run the risk of really straining your hands. Just think of how cramped up your fingers get when you have been typing for a long amount of time.

Back and Neck
You should definitely be looking into some ergonomic pieces of furniture for your office to prevent  back and neck pain (or other problems). You may literally be hunched over all day, and this is not good for your back. Once again, being in the same position for a long period of time is not good. If you are unable to secure ergonomic chairs or desks,  then it’s wise to practice something like yoga, which can stretch out and open up your shoulders, chest and torso. This can do wonders for someone who sits all day at a desk, hunched over a screen.

How to Help
Preventing these types of problems, especially the more serious ones, is crucial for your well-being. However, you really need to discuss specific plans with your doctor to ensure you are getting advice from a professional in the field. Of course, getting away from the computer, moving your body and purchasing ergonomic furniture will help with this endeavor. Try to work out at least three times a week, for at least thirty minutes, and take frequent breaks throughout the work day.

Or, you may very well find yourself passionate about the topic of occupational health and want to help others. If so, you may want to peruse http://www.thebestcolleges.org for more information about related healthcare fields where you really can make a difference.

You may have never realized all the health risks associated with being an IT professional before. Just as with any job, there are definitely some negative components, and you need to speak with your doctor before anything serious may develop.

Joseph Rodriguez writes about health, especially in terms of occupational health. His recent work chronicles his career as a healthcare administrator at a community health clinic on the west coast.

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

WHY ERGONOMICS MATTERS: THE SCIENCE OF SAFETY IN THE OFFICE (GUEST POST)

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Dictionary.com defines ergonomics as “the study of efficiency in working environments.” This one word encompasses just about everything about your workplace, including the size and brightness of your monitor, the space on your desk, and even how you hold your hands when typing an email. An improper ergonomic workspace can leave you feeling unnecessarily tired, grouchy, and sore. Over time, the wrong ergonomic setup can even cause debilitating and painful degenerative problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are five common physical problems improper ergonomics can cause, along with ways to combat them!

1)      Bad Posture

Sitting hunched over a keyboard or a steering wheel all day can lead to painful lower back problems such as bulging discs and strained muscles. The human body is designed to be in motion and can only sustain a single position for about twenty minutes without pain. In common seated-job scenarios, people tend to sit toward the front of their seats to focus more intently on the road or the computer. The best way to combat this is simple: sit back so the seat’s lumbar and neck supports can do their job. Place your feet flat on the floor. Finally, shift positions or stand up and move around as often as possible, but no less than five minutes per twenty minutes of sitting time.

2)      Carpal tunnel syndrome

Many professional writers and people who spend a lot of time typing are prone to this extremely painful degenerative disease. Carpal tunnel is so named because when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel into the palm, thumb, index, and middle fingers becomes inflamed, it can affect the range of motion and strength in the hand, as well as causing numbness, tingling, and pain. To combat this, you can use a special ergonomic brace for your keyboard or lower your desk so your wrists don’t raise upward while you’re typing.

3)      Eye Strain

Eye strain is one of the most common problems an ergonomically incorrect workspace can cause. If left uncorrected long enough, this can result in degenerative eye diseases such as astigmatism and nearsightedness. These can frequently result in the need for corrective lenses or eye surgery. Keeping your computer screen dimmed, especially when you are using it for long periods, and making sure your workspace is well lit can help prevent this problem. It’s also a good idea to take frequent breaks, especially when staring at a computer monitor or plan text for long periods. If possible, arrange your computer screen so it’s 18-24 inches from your face and you’re reading it from a downward angle.

4)      Repetitive Strain Injury

Anything you do repetitively day in and day out can cause RSI. This applies equally to typing and pushing wheelbarrows, as well as using a hammer, turning a wrench…just about anything your job requires on a regular basis can bring on RSI. Keeping a good posture and using appropriate safety equipment (see Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, above) can help reduce or eliminate RSI symptoms.

5)      Twisted Posture

This may seem to tie in with bad posture, and in some ways it does. However, in many offices, space is at a premium, forcing employees to sit in awkward positions. If possible, arrange your desk, monitor, and chair so everything sits in a straight line. Keep your desk phone and other things you use frequently close, so you can reach them without straining. If there’s not a way to reorganize your cubicle, ask your employer if it’s possible to move the wall back enough to give you a proper alignment to prevent posture and RSI problems.

Our thanks to Joe Shervall, of  www.officefurnitureexpress.co.uk, UK office furniture specialists.

Please note: Texas America Safety Company has the perfect Ergonomics Poster for your office. 

 

General Safety Issues

The Best Remedy for the Pains of a Desk Job (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Amelia Wood

Poor Posture

It can be difficult for office workers to maintain upright posture throughout the day. Chairs, desk positions, height, weight and preexisting medical conditions can all cause employees to slump into a collapsible position. Although it is incredibly common, sitting in the hunched position can lead to serious health problems.

Improper posture compresses different areas of the spine which can prohibit blood flow to the vertebrae in your spinal column. A lack of blood supply can cause degeneration of the intervertebral disc and can eventually lead to back pain. 

Tension headaches, TMJ and chronic pain in the neck and shoulders are also symptoms of poor posture. Pressure from bad posture can also cause fluid loss in the spine, which can result in structural changes of connective tissue and the distortion commonly referred to as “hunchback.”

Sedentary Work Day

The longer we sit (even with appropriate posture) the greater our chances for cardiovascular disease as well as colon and breast cancers. One recent study, published in the Lancet medical journal, compared a sedentary lifestyle to smoking in terms of preventable disease. The study also identified the behavior as having a negative impact on public health worldwide. Professionals recommend exercise of 15-30 minutes every day, but even those who exercise for 15-30 minutes a day are within the national average of Americans who spend the rest of the day in a sedentary state.

Computer Pains

Forearm, wrist and hand discomfort are common symptoms of performing repetitive tasks such as typing and using a mouse. Eyestrain, though not serious, often occurs after working at a computer for long periods of time. However, eyestrain could indicate an underlying condition that has gone untreated.

The Best Remedy

Take Breaks!

The most effective way to combat the pains of a desk job is to take breaks throughout the day. In some cases, breaks have been shown to increase productivity; and even with less time dedicated to work, taking breaks does not affect productivity negatively.

You might be surprised to discover that there are many different types of breaks. No type of break has been proven universally more effective than another.

Micropauses (15 seconds) – When taken every 10 minutes, micropauses can reduce end-of-shift fatigue by 50%.

Microbreaks (30 seconds to 5 minutes) – Forearm, wrist and hand discomfort can be eliminated by adding 5 minutes breaks into each hour of the work day.

Breaks (5-15 minutes) – It has been suggested that the best length for infrequent rest pauses is 6 minutes every 80 minutes. For frequent breaks, consider taking 10 minute breaks each hour to promote worker comfort and accuracy.

It might take a few days to decide on a break plan, and there are some software programs out there that can help you (or your entire team) keep a schedule. RSIGuard, a PC software program, is one of the best. It suggests breaks based on work intensity and natural rest patterns and during breaks RSIGuard plays videos of suggested stretches. Breaker is a free customizable work break timer that you can also use.  For Macs, Stretch Break is compatible.

Make the Most of your Break

  • Learn to juggle or teach someone else to juggle. (No, seriously, it forces you to strengthen your posture and flex your wrist muscles.)
  • Stretch at your desk. There are a lot of YouTube videos that offer suggestions for stretching at the desk.
  • Meditate or breathe deeply. If you have a minute or two, check iTunes for a Podcast that will help you break away from work
  • Take a walk.
  • Get a drink of water.
  • Chat with a co-worker.

Remember, taking breaks will benefit your body, but they are also necessary to maintain a healthy work mentality.

Amelia Wood is a blogger and freelance writer with a background in medical coding and billing. She loves to offer advice about health and wellness, especially in an office environment. Direct any questions or comments to amelia1612@gmail.com.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR EYES (GUEST POST)

Ways to Exercise your Eyes

Today, a majority of professionals working in different industry use computers for long hours in their daily office work. This could easily strain your eyes, hence carrying out proper exercises for them become mandatory. These exercises could make your eyes stronger and at the same time relieves the strain caused to them.  Below is the list of some useful exercises which can help you in improving eye health and making your them free from strain. 

Breathing

You may be surprised to see breathing in the list of eye exercises; however, this could help you in relieving the stress in your body along with relaxing your eyes. Before doing this, you are supposed to remove your glasses and then try breathing. For this, find a comfortable place to sit. Check your breathing rhythm, inhale air deeply via your nose. Your lungs should expand with the air taken inside followed by exhaling slowly from your mouth. You need to feel your stomach and chest deflating in a proper shape. Repeat these steps for several times.

While doing so, your eyelids should hang heavy, your eyes should remain unfocused and at the same time keeping the eyes relaxed till you close them slowly. You need to relax your body without putting any tension with slow movements. Continue your breathing for three minutes. Lastly, open your eyes without looking at anything in particular. Allow your eyes to remain unfocused so that they can get some light in a relaxed and natural way.

Massaging

Massaging your eyes too is an effective way to get rid of the strain in your eyes. All you need is a clean towel soaked in both hot and cold water and then press lightly to your face with focusing more on your close eyelids, eyebrows, and cheeks. Also, rub the hot soaked towel over your forehead and neck. While massaging your eyes, you are supposed to do it in a circular motion using your fingers for one or two minutes. To avoid any eye damage, you need to press them in light fashion with properly washed hands.

Scanning

This exercise for your eyes could help you in alleviating your strain over your eye muscles. Looking at one fixed point for longer duration cold restrain your blood flow, hence you need to loosen up your eye muscles by scanning your entire room. You can do this by either sitting or in a standing position or even while moving in any direction.

While scanning, you need to relax your eyes with proper breathing, looking around your room. Since the goal of this exercise is to move your eyes in different directions, hence you are supposed to shift it anywhere with your natural breathing and blinking processes. Also, while doing so, you are required to release any tension found around your jaw, mouth, and neck. Keep doing this for two minutes.

Near and far focus

Working on a computer for long hours could deter you in refocusing between your computer screen and the object that’s kept away at some distance. Trying this exercise can help you in making your eye muscles more flexible while gazing at diverse distances. To begin with, you need to find a comfortable position and start breathing in a natural way. Now, simply hold your thumb around six inches away from your eyes by keeping it straight across your nose.

Then gaze at your thumb by taking a deep breath followed by exhaling out slowly. Now, look at any object which is placed at around ten feet away from you. Now, take a deep breath by exhaling out slowly and looking at your thumb again. You are supposed to repeat gazing at your thumb and a far away object in an alternate order up to 15 times.

Wrapping up

Your eyes are important organ of your body. For a healthy body, you need to take care of these. The above exercises would help you in boosting appropriate amount of visual function along with helping to relieve computer eye stress.

About the author:  Margaret Jules is a writer/blogger. She loves to spent time on Ergonomic GymyGym exercise. She also loves to read more about exercise on bornrich.