What measures do you take to avoid serious health issues while spending long hours on the computer?

Is your work station set up ergonomically to lower risks?

My answers are No... and No....




http://ls.berkeley.edu/lscr/advice/using/ergonomics

http://www.geocities.com/introductio...and-health.htm


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I take my health for granted alot of times, since the job is so "easy", i.e. no heavy lifting, or even walking lol. I do like to get out of my chair every 45 minutes and stretch though :P thats about the extent of it lol.

I do think im getting carpal tunnel though

I don't do as much as I shoud, I'm sure. I had a pre-existing back problem but I am sure the work I do contributes to it.

I visited a client site one time where an employee had his entire desk set-up very high so he could work while standing. I don't think I could do that 8 hours a day, but I bet it's better for your back.

I heard somewhere that it is good exercise for your eyes if you stop every hour and move them side-to-side, up-and-down a couple times.

As time goes by I am becoming more aware of how important it is to take better care of my body. I am an old fart anyway but I figure why not try to make it work as long as possible?

I need to take better care of my lower back and right wrist...

I find if I get up in the middle of something complicated, I'll get back and not have a Clue what all that code means. Consequently I spend faar too long in front of a screen at a time.

That said, whenever I make a breakthrough I do reward myself with a cup of tea .

I use a laptop and a horrible old chair, so my workstation definitely needs some improvement!

I bet it's better for your back.

Actually, it's not. My back surgeon would definitely agree. The 'ideal' position is sitting in one of those 'kneeling' chairs, takes the strain off your lower back.

3 years ago they stuck me in this teensy little cubicle and we still had CRT monitors around here. Because I could not get the screen far enough away from me, and because I wear bi-focals, I was getting horrendous headaches daily because in order to see the screen clearly, I had to have my head tipped back ALL day long. It was killing me. I sorta begged for a flat screen and our dept head ordered me one that same day.

I use a trackball (Logitech marble mouse) with the ball under my thumb so that even long hours in Photoshop no longer hurt my hands or my wrist. At home I use a padded wrist rest with my keyboard.

It all makes a difference. I do get up and stretch several times a day since I sit here for hours and hours.

I have my keyboard way in the back of my desk with the monitors hovering above my desk on those robotic looking arms. this keeps my arms fully straight and completely and entirely on the desk. So my risks are straight as well. My tip, I have been doing it for 12 years.

So my risks are straight as well.

Straight risks ?? Hmmmm....

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

I need to take better care of my lower back and right wrist...

Ok
Could be a little too much information there

I keep both windows open (with the monitor facing away, obviously) and set time-limits on certain things so every once in a while I'll get up and clean my room or another room and come back or stop and take a 1-hour gaming break on the x-box (since the television is about three feet away, and less bright.)

Also, I try not to get into the habit of drinking soda to keep myself awake, I tend to keep drinking water while working. And so having to get up to get a new bottle is also a chance for a break.

My monitor is elevated to be at eye level. My desk surface is a little too high but I'm kind of in a temporary desk situation right now anyway.

I play DDR for cardio and do a little strength training but not much (curls on dumbbells, pushups and crunches) probably 3-4 times a week. But I smoke =(

i try 15 break with eyes , hand and back , i do some exercise just to move my joints pain free...

I try to go away from a my computer at least once a day. Not just for my body, also for my mind. After a while I find it hard to concentrate or get inspired and I go out to the gym or for a walk. You'll be surprised how inspired you can get by pounding on the treadmill listening to your iPod.

Originally Posted by girlgeek

I try to go away from a my computer at least once a day. Not just for my body, also for my mind. After a while I find it hard to concentrate or get inspired and I go out to the gym or for a walk. You'll be surprised how inspired you can get by pounding on the treadmill listening to your iPod.

I know! I always get my best ideas when I'm not at the computer working. Usually I'll also stop and take time to straighten up my desk and work area, or I'll eat downstairs where it's brighter and less stuffy. I used to go out to lunch but i'm trying to stay away from fast food...