Tag Archives: headache

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.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

RARE TYPE OF MENINGITIS THREATENS PATIENTS

The Center for Disease Control is coordinating a multi-state investigation of meningitis among patients who received epidural steroid injections (medication injected into the spine.) A possibly contaminated medication used in epidural injections is believed to be the cause of this outbreak, which has so far, reached twenty-three states.  

The infection is known as Fungal Meningitis.  Thus far, the case count is thirty-five.  There have been six states reporting the disease, and five persons have died so far.   In patients, the meningitis was believed to be caused by a fungus that is common in the environment, but rarely causes meningitis.  This form is not contagious.  In several patients, strokes have been suffered, related to the meningitis. 

People in the states of California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas and West Virginia are being asked to contact their physician or clinic if they have recently received a steroid injection in the lower back, in order to see if they received products from contaminated medication lots.  According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC officials, each one of these patients affected had been injected with a preservative-free steroid called methylprednisolone acetate manufactured by New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham Massachusetts.  NECC voluntarily recalled three lots of steroids last week, and shut down production at the entire facility on Wednesday.  The FDA is advising all health care professionals who may have NECC medications to not use any products from NECC until the investigation is over.  Health officials say approximately 75 medical facilities in 23 states have received products from NECC. 

Fungal meningitis is rare, but can be life threatening.  It is not connected to the more common forms of bacterial and viral meningitis.  People at higher risk to get this disease include those with AIDS, leukemia, or other forms of immunodeficiency and immunosuppression.  Meningitis infection is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck.  Other symptoms can be nausea; vomiting; photophobia (sensitivity to light) and altered mental status.  

If you or a family member or friend has had an epidural injection, please contact your physician to investigate the source of your medication.  If you are needing an epidural, it will be wise to wait until the investigation is complete.

Source: CDC, CNN News