Health Concerns of Computer Use

New health risk linked to computer use
By Deborah Condon
Irish Health [Posted: Wed 29/01/2003 www.irishhealth.com]
URL: http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=4589


and 

Britain man dies after playing Xbox for twelve straight hours

By

Michael Collado

– July 31, 2011

ZUnited

URL: http://zunited.net/2011/07/britain-man-dies-due-to-playing-xbox-for-twelve-straight-hours/

Two of the most well-known health risk in using the computer too long is eye strain and repetitive strain injury. More news tells us that sitting in front of the computer for a long period of time poses health risks as well. This is because when people sit down for too long without taking a break or simply standing up, blood clots start to form (mostly on the legs). When this blood clot reaches the lungs, the situation can be fatal. In medical terms this is what they call the Deep Vein Thrombosis or the DVT.


"This is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms within the deep vein system, often in the legs."


There had been a lot of news circulating around the globe citing situations of people actually dying of this condition. (Please see article 2). It had become a widespread news that doctors dubbed this condition as e-thrombosis.

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In reading articles like the 2 mentioned above, it is in a way, telling us that we are supposed to learn from the mistakes of others. It has been said that computers have become an essential part of our lives but we should also learn to be responsible users. This article is not just about learning new medical terms and definitions, it is about being aware that e-thrombosis is as real as heart attack and other medical conditions linked with computer usage. We must work towards keeping a good balance of activities in our daily lives and above all learn to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally.


When I read articles like this, I think to myself, are they real? It seems to me as an odd way to die and yet it makes sense. This serves as a good reminder to everyone to not abuse our bodies. Our computers can withstand working for hours and even days 24/7 and still function as we expect them to but our bodies are not machines. In a famous song by the Spice girls even they will tell you that "too much of something is bad enough." 


As the administrator of our Intranet site in the office and for being part of the Information Resource and Technology Management Services, I make sure that articles relating to health risks relating to computer use, ergonomics and the like must be posted on our Internal site for everyone to read on a regular basis. This will keep employees informed and knowledgeable of things they should and shouldn't do. I do not mind taking time snipping articles and posting them for our employees. Besides, we all need to be reminded every now and then.


So, if you are reading this article right now, I suggest you stand up from your chair and stretch those muscles!