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.
