Dont CRI - Part 2

Written by Jayachandran.R


Dont CRI Part-2 Aged no more than 2 decadesrepparttar health problems generated byrepparttar 114233 computer industry is comparable torepparttar 114234 same created byrepparttar 114235 industrial revolution inrepparttar 114236 late 18th century in its social magnitude, severity, diversity and financial implications torepparttar 114237 members of this grand profession. In spite ofrepparttar 114238 huge profits generated byrepparttar 114239 industry,repparttar 114240 lords ofrepparttar 114241 same turning a blind eye towardsrepparttar 114242 indicators of this problem, fast attaining epidemic proportions, has not helped much in properly understanding or preventing CRI.

Data collected fromrepparttar 114243 more than 2000 computer professionals afflicted with CRI, who had sought help from Sanjeevani in Bangalore and Trivandrum, on analysis proves that maximum number of people have developed some or other kind of diseases related torepparttar 114244 vertebral column (often presented torepparttar 114245 doctor as neck pain or stiffness, vertigo or dizziness, low back pain and pain or numbness radiating intorepparttar 114246 legs) followed by head ache, sinusitis, too frequently recurring cold and running nose and digestive problems including excessive gas formation - flatulence- and pain inrepparttar 114247 eye or problems of vision asrepparttar 114248 third. More than 75% of them have complained of very high mental stress, sleeplessness and excessive fatigue. In comparison withrepparttar 114249 normal population, computer professionals are highly prone to High blood pressure and diabetes, as a group, especially comprising of maximum number of youth. Fertility and marital bliss are also evading this supposed to be rich population at an alarming rate.

Studies suggest that 20 percent to 25 percent of computer users worldwide, both vocational and recreational, have symptoms related to their computer activities. The first CRI "epidemic" was noticed in Australia 15 years ago and then emerged in many other industrialized countries.

There is a great need for spreadingrepparttar 114250 awareness about CRI because it is devastating not only forrepparttar 114251 injured party but it also affectsrepparttar 114252 company he works for. It accounted for 66% of work related illnesses inrepparttar 114253 US, in 1999. The estimated costs in lost productivity and compensation due to it are inrepparttar 114254 region of $60-100 billion annually. No one is immune to CRI, and it can seriously disrupt work and domestic life. About 20-25 % of all computer users worldwide are estimated to have it, which is why it is essential to raise public awareness as quickly as possible before a new generation of computer users is exposed torepparttar 114255 risks.

Due to lack of awareness about CRI, Computer users tend to ignore its initial symptoms. A survey of 500 software professionals at Hyderabad (in 2000) established that 50% had symptoms of established CRI. Preliminary results of an ongoing survey among over 400 IT professionals in projects it as high as 75%.

The pattern and nature of CRI in India is significantly different from that inrepparttar 114256 west. There may be significant anthropological differences in body shape and dimensions work practices and furniture design that only a comprehensive study can unearth. As these problems are unique to our country, so shouldrepparttar 114257 solutions.

In India, thanks torepparttar 114258 lack of adequate laws and procedures, employers don't have any obligation to compensate forrepparttar 114259 problems accrued byrepparttar 114260 employees in long run. Government laws and regulations on employee welfare and safety do not show any concern forrepparttar 114261 provision of ergonomically designed office products, tools and work environment.

As more and more work, education and recreation involves computers, everyone needs to be aware ofrepparttar 114262 hazard of Repetitive Strain Injuries (Cumulative Trauma Disorder). i.e. torepparttar 114263 hands and arms resulting fromrepparttar 114264 use of computer keyboards and mice. This can be a serious and very painful condition that is far easier to prevent than to cure once contracted, and can occur even in young physically fit individuals. It is not uncommon for people to have to leave computer-dependent careers as a result, or even to be permanently disabled and unable to perform tasks such as driving or dressing themselves.

What arerepparttar 114265 Symptoms? üTightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness or burning inrepparttar 114266 hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, or elbows üTingling, coldness, or numbness inrepparttar 114267 hands

üClumsiness or loss of strength and coordination inrepparttar 114268 hands üPain that wakes you up at night

üFeeling a need to massage your hands, wrists, and arms

üPain inrepparttar 114269 upper back, shoulders, or neck associated with usingrepparttar 114270 computer.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Any computer keyboard user, including pre-school children, who usesrepparttar 114271 computer 2 or more hours a day, is at high risk for CRI. They are inrepparttar 114272 20-40 year age group, which isrepparttar 114273 most productive one. It is estimated that a large proportion ofrepparttar 114274 software professionals, students and other computer users (e.g. secretaries, clerks, cashiers, etc) in India would soon develop CRI, ifrepparttar 114275 current situation prevails.

As with other things in life, too much of anything is dangerous. But that doesn't mean that one should avoid using computers or alterrepparttar 114276 duration of computing sessions. A judicious mix of working habits, proper ergonomic infrastructure support and medical support & care can preventrepparttar 114277 development of most ofrepparttar 114278 symptoms.

As you know, prevention is better than cure. Some prevention tips have been given which is sure to make you feel computing a safe & healthy experience.

MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS:

Common causes of musculoskeletal problems include poor workstation design, bad posture and sitting down for extended periods of time. The vertebrae ofrepparttar 114279 spine are arranged in a loose 'S', with a slight curve inrepparttar 114280 lower back. The typical office chair offers little support and actually encourages poor posture by forcing you to round out your lower back and hunch your shoulders. Symptoms of musculoskeletal problems include:

Healthy Chocolate for Your Valentine

Written by Debra Lynn Dadd


HEALTHY CHOCOLATE FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Let's face it. We're all going to eat chocolate for Valentine's Day. But there's no need to feel guilty! Chocolate is actually good for you…it's allrepparttar things added to it that arerepparttar 114232 problem. Here's how you can choose delicious healthy chocolates for your Valentine.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The gift of chocolate to a beloved as a token of love is more than just tradition. Naturally-occurring compounds in chocolate produce that mild euphoria of being in love and contribute to enjoyable interpersonal relations by elevating mood and enhancing sensory perception.

Beyond good feelings, chocolate benefitsrepparttar 114233 body in many ways. In moderation, chocolate can contribute to heart health, help you live longer, suppress a chronic cough, and add needed magnesium to your diet. Chocolate even contains a high level of chromium, which can help control blood sugar.

Chocolate does NOT cause acne, most headaches, or hyperactivity, and does not raise cholesterol.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

While chocolate itself is fine to eat, there are some substances present in chocolate products that you should watch out for.

Most chocolate products contain tremendous amounts of refined white sugar, which is harmful to health in many ways.

Chocolate may also contain pesticides. The EPA allows various levels of pesticide residue to be present in cocoa powder, andrepparttar 114234 FDA Total Diet Study found them in many chocolate products.

Many chocolates also containrepparttar 114235 toxic metals cadminum and lead. "Significant levels" of these metals were found in 68% ofrepparttar 114236 common chocolate products tested. There is no safe level for lead, and it is particularly harmful to children.

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