Don't Let Your Computer Send You to the Doctor
by Samuel Berger
Doctors report that the number of computer-related health problems continue to increase. Computer users frequently suffer from finger, hand, forearm, eye, neck, and back problems. Let's discuss a few ways to avoid some of these problems.
The good news is that there are ways to stop the pain of using a computer. Here are some easy things you can do. Every fifteen to twenty minutes, you should look away from the computer screen. Focus your eyes on something far away for a minute or two. You can also lessen eye stress by closing your eyes and using your fingers to press gently on your eyelids for five seconds.
To relieve stress in your back and neck, get up and stretch your body. Lift your hands and arms up and reach for the sky! Try to get up and walk around for five minutes every hour.
If your eyes, neck, or back continue to hurt, ergonomics may provide the answer. The field of ergonomics refers to the effect that the design of equipment, like computers or furniture, has on job performance. For example, you can experiment with raising or lowering your chair or moving the computer screen to a higher or lower position to relieve pain.
These suggestions may not stop all the aches and pain you have, but try them before you call the doctor.