Computer And Health Facts

        The figure shows you how to sit at a computer for avoiding the above problems at an extent

How to Sit at a Computer

Regular computer users perform 50,000 to 200,000 keystrokes each day. Under certain circumstances and for vulnerable individuals, frequent computer use that involves awkward postures, repetition, and forceful exertions may be related to nerve, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage.
If you use a computer extensively (several hours each day), many experts recommend that you consider proper workstation layout and posture techniques to minimize your risk of developing injuries of the hand/arm, shoulder, neck, and back.Overuse injuries develop over time, and may set in more quickly if you spend long hours sitting at a computer at home, as well as at work.

http://video.about.com/ergonomics/Sit-in-Front-of-a-Computer.htm

Good Working Position

• Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
• Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
• Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
• Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
• Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
• Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
• Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
• Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

Regardless of how good your working posture is, working in the same posture or sitting still for prolonged periods is not healthy. You should change your working position frequently throughout the day in the following ways:

• Make small adjustments to your chair or backrest.
• Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso.
• Stand up and walk around for a few minutes periodically.

The Examples of body posture :

Upright Sitting Upright sitting posture. The user's torso and neck are approximately vertical and in-line, the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs are vertical. Figure 1. Upright sitting posture Figure 2. The user's torso and neck are approximately vertical and in-line, the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs are vertical

Standing Standing posture. The user's legs, torso, neck, and head are approximately in-line and vertical. The user may also elevate one foot on a rest while in this posture. Figure 3. Standing posture Figure 4. The user's legs, torso, neck, and head are approximately in-line and vertical

Declined Sitting Declined sitting posture. The user's thighs are inclined with the buttocks higher than the knee and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees. The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the legs are vertical. Figure 5. Declined sitting position   Figure 6. The user's thighs are inclined with the buttocks higher than the knee and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees. The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the legs are vertical

Reclined Sitting Reclined sitting posture. The user's torso and neck are straight and recline between 105 and 120 degrees from the thighs. Figure 7. Reclined sitting posture Figure 8. The user's torso and neck are straight and recline between 105 and 120 degrees from the thighs

Wrong Body posture :

Symptoms

Symptoms of a problem can include numbness in the fingers, sore wrists, lower back pain, or eyestrain (redness, dryness, soreness, temporary blurring of vision, and headaches).

You may also develop general aches and pains in the neck, shoulders, arms, back, thighs, and lower legs (postural fatigue) or persistent pain or discomfort in muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue (repetitive strain injury).

Injury Prevention

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Avoid most computer-related overuse injuries. Some experts suggest that to reduce your risk:

• Use a properly set-up workstation.
• Use correct posture including keyboard and pointing device techniques.
• And most importantly, take frequent rest breaks.

The computer is an essential equipment in many different occupations. However, long periods of working at a
computer can increase the chance of developing a health problem or an injury.

• Muscle and joint pain
• Overuse injuries of the upper limbs
• Computer Vision Symptoms
• Pain in the buttocks
• Pain in the shoulders
• Pain in the neck'
• Pain in the knees
• Pain in the fingers

and eyestrain can result from inappropriate computer use. The risks can be reduced or eliminated with proper desk arrangement, improved posture and good working habits.
The figure shows you how to sit at a computer for avoiding the above problems at an extent

Happy working !!!!!   :):):):):)