Heath Issues Associated with ICT

Back problems

Many computer users suffer serious back problems.

Causes

• Caused by bad position or bad posture.
• Using a computer or mobile phone for a long period of time

Solutions

• A fully adjustable chair should avoid poor posture.
• Footrests can reduce these problems.
• Screens should tilt and turn to a position that avoids awkward movements

Eye Strain

Eye-Strain is a problem that appears after using computers for a long time. Eye strain is the tiredness of the eyes

Causes

• Staring at the screen for too long
• Being too close to the screen
• Using a screen which flickers
• Looking at the monitor at the same constant distance
• Working in bad light, in glare or with a flickering screen
• What happens is that the muscles that focus the eyes do not move, amd therefore your eyes get tired.

Symptoms

• Burning or Itching eyes
• Blurring or Double Vision
• Headache, fatigue and nausea.

Preventions

• Have regular eye sight tests
• Take regular breaks
• Use proper lightning and window blinds
• Get Glasses
• Use TFT/LCD/Plasma Screens

• Distance between your eyes and the monitor, or the angle for your elbows and knees.
• Take regular breaks
• Sit in adjustible chair with lumbar support
• Your feet should rest
• Allow forearms to rest on it when using the keyboard
• " When you sit, its best to sit in an upright neutral posture. This maintains the natural curve of the spine and so preventing excessive loading of thr lower back.

What is it?

It is the damage to the fingers, wrists and other parts of the body due to repeated movements over a long period of time.

Causes

• Typing and using a mouse for long periods (carpel-tunnel syndrome)
• Excessive force used in typing
• Repetitive finger and hand movements

Symptoms

• Pain in the arms and hands
• Weakness and Inflammation
• Pain the shoulder and neck

Solutions

• Have correct pressue
• Use wrist rests
• Have a five-minute break from typing every hour
• Keep elbows close to your sides
• Make finger exercises periodically

Ozone Irritation

Health experts have suggested that ozone emitted from laser printers can lead to breathing problems.

Solution

• It is recommended that laser printers should be situated at least one metre away from where people are sitting and there should be good ventilation in the area.