Health concerns for constant use of Computer

Technology has entered into human life as a basic need and inseparable mechanism to operate various functions. Though it is a magnificent gift of advanced technology but growing use of computer can lead to serious health issues among users. 

Main problems with prolonged computer use are:

1.   Electromagnetic radiation exposure

2.   heat (from laptop)

3.   blue light exposure (especially at night)

4.   Sitting and posture concerns

There are several health problems emerged by constant use of computers that are the cause of worry.

1. Musculoskeletal problems: Users who constantly work on computer may experience muscle soreness and muscle fatigue. Other problems like back pain, chest pain, pain or numbness in arms, pain in shoulder and feet also occur due to prolonged use. Such health problems are experienced by users due to improper posture while using the computer.

To avoid such problems, it is important to adjust chair and desk such that user’s screen is either at his eye level or lower. It is recommended to sit with back straight and legs perpendicular to the floor with feet resting flat on the floor. User’s elbows should rest at the sides.

In order to lessen fatigue, it is necessary to take mini breaks from work and stretch slightly or go for a short walk.

2. Another health concern is monotonous stress injury. Users may feel pain in the neck, shoulder, or anywhere from the shoulder to fingers which signify repetitive stress injury. When users use their muscles in an awkward position, they experience difficulty, pain or swelling in that area. One of the disorders that affect the fingers and wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome.

To resolve this problem, users must sit in correct posture and use wrist rests and have a five-minute break from typing every hour.

3. Weak eyesight or other vision problems:  Constant focus on computer may result in many vision problems. User’s eye may be affected by bright light and bad glare or flickering image. It may also cause dry eyes. Users may suffer from computer vision syndrome if they work on computer excessively. Users may get eye power which needs vision correction. Major symptoms of eye strain include impaired vision, double vision and blurred vision, difficulty in looking at one point for a period of time, Itchy dry eyes and discomfort while looking at the VDT, headaches and eye fatigue that can have serious impact later in life.

To avoid eye strain, it is recommended to use screens that do not flicker. Screen filters can remove a high percentage of the harmful rays emitted from a computer screen. As stated earlier, it is essential to take regular breaks. Do not work for more than one hour without a break. Lighting must be proper and blinds to be fitted on windows to reduce glare.

4. Another common health issue associated with constant use of computer is headache. It is due to increased muscle tension or pain in the neck at the base of the skull.  To alleviate computer headaches, it is recommended to reduce the glare by adjusting screen brightness and changing the background colour of display. Another way to ease headache is to increase the text size and avoid watching at the screen continuously.

5. Obesity: People who are involved in preparing projects on computer and work constantly for 4-6 hours may become obese due to sedentary lifestyle. 

6. Stress disorders: Technology has immensely affected the mental processes, emotions and behaviours. Continued computer use along with other factors such as poor health, work pressure and job environment can trigger stress. Furthermore, if users retain stress for longer period, he/she may grip under stress disorder. It can also lead to loss of concentration, faintness and tiredness.

There are some stress relief strategies:

- Users must work in comfortable environment.

 - Users must relax for short time while working on computer.

- Breathe fresh air as often as possible.

- Users must work on updated computer. Slow computer may be stressful.

- As there are chances of crashing computer, therefore users must have back up of their information to avoid any stressful situation.

7. Internet addiction:  Users may be addicted to internet. It is due to use Internet every day without taking break, losing track of time while surfing the Net, staying home and detached from social contacts, denial of high usage.

To resolve this problem, people must limit their computer use. Users must get involve in other activities such as outdoor work or meeting friends.

8. Radiation: Computers emit very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation. This type of radiation is known as non-ionizing. The source of computer radiation is the flyback transformer in the back of the monitor and radiation is strongest at the back of the machine. Newer computers are manufactured with radiation protecting to lessen emissions. All computers when are switched on generate magnetic radiation or magnetic fields. These exposures can be significant particularly if operators are using a laptop or computer tablet in close proximity to their body.

To minimize such radiations, it is recommended that do not use laptop computer on lap. Use laptop on a desk or other surface away from body. Operators must use a natural crystal salt lamp to avoid radiation.

It has been also observed that people who use computer excessively may experience skin problems. Such conditions can include itching, rashes on the neck, face or hands, and dry skin.

It is well documented in reports that huge number of people around the globe, use computers for personal and business operations. This results in several health hazards for users. Computer related health problems are basically triggered by inappropriate use of computers and lack of knowledge about secure computing practices.