How Can the Computer be Harmful to You?

In most of our articles, we discuss the importance of making technologies accessible. While doing so, we talk a lot about compensating for all types of disabilities.

However, we’d also like you to know that there is a lot you can do to avoid long-term health issues which would later require you to use technologies for people with disabilities.

Below we discuss these computer-related health issues and how you can minimize and avoid their negative effects.

Your Eyes

You use your eyes in almost every computer task, from watching videos to sending emails at work. And when you look at the monitor for more than two hours, this can strain your eyes a lot.

This is mainly because reading text on the screen is much more strenuous than reading printed text. When you stare at the screen continuously without resting your eyes, you may feel your eyes become dry and they may even become painful. And too much of this activity can result to double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity, headaches, or focus difficulties. Your eyesight may then become weaker in the long run.

Resting your eyes frequently will prevent these eye problems. Take a 10-minute break every hour when you are working on the computer. Every 10-15 minutes, Look at another area besides the computer screen. You may stare at a house plant or a painting on your wall.

Also, your monitor should be directly in front of you, and should be 24-26 inches away from you. Remember to use larger fonts and good color contrasts. These things will lessen eye strain while you are working.

Your Ears

Music is the best motivator while working on things like reports and blog posts. And for most of us, it’s even better to listen to our favorite songs through our headphones.

Sometimes though, you tend to have your music turned up for most of the time you’re working. And if you continue doing this, you may experience temporary hearing loss and headaches. Worst cases may involve severe and even permanent hearing loss.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with listening to music while working. However, you may want to consider using speakers instead of headphones. You should also adjust the volume such that you can still hear your surroundings while listening to music. This lets you enjoy your songs while keeping your ears from loud sounds.

Your Shoulders

The incorrect locations of your computer devices can strain your shoulders. When you’re mouse and keyboard are positioned such that you need to reach for them, your shoulders extend forward and your shoulder blades rotate.

Too much of this activity stretches your shoulder muscles, and this results to spasm, fatigue, headaches and stiffness in the neck and shoulder. Long term effects may include severe shoulder pain and muscular imbalance.

To put less stress on your shoulders, place your keyboard and mouse where you don’t have to strain to reach for them. Your mouse should be comfortably near you. Your table should be at a height where you don’t have to reach up while typing on your keyboard.

Your Back

Many people think that sitting is the least strenuous activity, but this in fact places much stress on a person’s back. So when you sit in front of your computer for four to six hours straight, your back would experience a great amount of stress. What’s worse is that we often fail to notice that we’re already slouching when using the computer.

Numerous hours of sitting and bad posture would result to noticeable back pains. There may even be cases when the back pain becomes so severe that one wouldn’t be able to work.

A few small changes in your work schedule can keep your back in good shape. After every hour, stand up and walk around your office or home for a few minutes. You can use this time to have a refreshing drink or step out and have a breath of fresh air.

Additionally, you can get an ergonomic computer chair with good lumbar support. It is also ideal to have a chair that allows some degree of recline. While you are sitting, always make it a habit to remind yourself to keep good posture.

Your Hands and Wrists

Apart from your eyes, you make heavy use of your hands and wrists as you work on the computer. As you type continuously, you put much stress on the joints and soft tissues of your fingers, hands, and wrists.

If poor typing habits are not corrected at once, you may experience problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition wherein your median nerve is compressed within a tunnel in your wrist. In simple terms, the median nerve controls the functioning of your hands and fingers.

The effects of problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome can be very troublesome. Your hands and wrist may become tight, stiff, numb, sore, or painful. Your hands and wrist may also become clumsy and noticeably weaker.

Practice good typing techniques to avoid having problems in your hands. Type gently on the keyboard and avoid pounding your fingers on it. Always hold the mouse lightly and don’t hold it too tightly. You may consider getting an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Remember to test these products before actually buying them.

You also need to stretch and rest your hands after 20 to 30 minutes of typing. You can rest your hands while you stand up and walk around your workplace.