Computer geeks don’t usually come off as valiant and brave heroes of society, wouldn’t you say? Our everyday IT guys, software developers, and computer engineers don’t exactly scream “dangerous.” It’s interesting to note, however, that some of our friendliest, pocket-protector-wearing, tape-between-the-glasses brainiacs put themselves in harms way everyday. Learn of the dangers lurking around your desk and see what you can do to prevent these office hazards from harming you.
BLOOD CLOTS
Problem: Sitting for too long.
Wired News comments, “Office workers glued to computer screens are at greater risk of deadly blood clots forming in their legs than long-distance air travelers.” By sitting for long periods of time, you reduce the blood flow in your system, often leading to the potentially fatal condition deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT.
Solution: Walk around; Stretch.
Although the clock is ticking and your deadline isn’t getting further away, take a moment to walk around, stand up, or stretch. Known as the traveling condition or “economy-class syndrome,” DVT is often a concern of immobilized travelers on plane or train. Stanley Mohler, M.D. comments on DVT saying, “It's important for passengers to keep moving their legs to help the blood flow. When you walk, the muscles of the legs squeeze the veins and move blood to the heart." So whether you’re on an airplane to Maui or daydreaming at your desk about it, take a second to move around.
Also helpful, avoid wearing tight stockings or socks. This contributes to loss of blood-flow in the legs, where DVT often starts. Along with this tip, the FDA recommends that seated office workers “exercise their legs by curling or pressing the toes down, which causes the muscles to contract and squeeze on the leg veins, helping to pump the blood along.”
CARPAL TUNNEL
Problem: Typing for extended periods of time.
If you work in any kind of office near any kind of computer, most likely you dedicate quite a number of hours to the good ol’ QWERTY. There’s not much you can do to get away from it either since computers are at the center of technology these days. Hence the risk: Carpal Tunnel.
Solution: Submit to ergonomics; Exercise hands.
Perhaps the best way to prevent this unpleasant syndrome is to submit to ergonomics. Ergonomics specialist, Anthony Ortega, comments that the main purpose of ergonomics is “to help you from not getting Carpal Tunnel or any repetitive type of injury.” Otherwise defined by The American Heritage® Dictionary, ergonomics is, “The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.” It’s the science behind keeping busy workers busy without uncomfortable injury.
Another helpful step to prevention is a recommendation from EatOnHand.com: Workout. Their hand and wrist exercises can workout your hands in such a way that they’re strong enough to battle the syndrome. Check it out: EatOnHand.com.
SPINE INJURIES
Problem: Sitting for extended periods of time.
Chiropractor John Triano explains, “Sitting adds large amounts of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs, even more than standing, and often people with desk jobs don't move around much and/or they slouch, causing even more strain on spinal structures.”
Solution: Walk around; Stretch; Get an adjustable chair.
Similar to blood clot prevention, avoiding spinal injury is a matter of moving around. Stretch, walk around, and invest in a good office chair that adjusts to your workspace. An ergonomics report by Safety.BLR.com suggests that our chair “should be set to the desired height of the work surface, and users should avoid slouching or leaning forward.” It continues saying, “A chair's lumbar back support should be used to ensure the lower back is aligned against the back of the chair.” Save your spine and follow the advice.
STRESS
Problem: Procrastination; Stressful deadlines; Office talk.
Just about every employee of every company experiences some kind of stress at some point in their career. While a little pressure might drive us to success, “work-related stress can wreak havoc on even the most resilient and naturally carefree among us,” as LifeScript.com comments. In the article, “Worked to Death? The Dangers of Workplace Stress,” the site writes, “Researchers identified work stress as a major risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome…More stressed-out workers were also more likely to engage in dangerous lifestyle behaviors such as drinking alcohol and smoking.”
Solution: Exercise.
Although virtually unavoidable, stress needs to be kept at a low. A great way to lower the damaging effects of stress is to adopt a regular exercise program. Personal Trainer Rivak Hoffman of Somagenesis explains that our body releases a higher level of cortisone when we’re under stress. While cortisone is known for its negative effects on the body, he continues to explain, “If cortisone levels increase, diet and exercise also cause normalization of insulin and cortisone within days to weeks of starting a diet program. And now what happens is that your body starts to produce Endorphins Hormone.”
Endorphins are not only great for reducing stress since, but they make you feel good since, as Dr. Edward Laskowski, M.D., says, “Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers.” Invest in some good running shoes and work your stress right out of your system. | 
