Work at a Desk? Avoid Health Problems With These Tips
By Paul Rothbart
Desk jobs have existed for a long time. With the rise in computer technology that started in the latter half of the 20th Century, more desk jobs were created. Now, thanks to the internet, working from home is very common. Working at a desk certainly has its perks. You're indoors and not out in nasty weather, you get to use your brain, and your body doesn't take the beating that construction workers do. That said, there are still potential health problems connected to sitting at a desk all day.
Harmful Microbes
Sitting in one place all day can expose you to bacteria and germs. They collect on surfaces, keyboards, and other computer equipment. These are things you constantly touch. Then you scratch your nose and you get sick. Prevent this by wiping down surfaces regularly with antibacterial wipes. There are some that are safe for electronics, so clean your screens too. Smartphones are notorious for picking up germs. Also, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
Blue Light
Computers screens and those of other electronic devices emit blue light which can be harmful to vision. Looking at your screen for long periods is asking for trouble. Take frequent breaks. Get away from the screen and give your eyes a break. You can also buy glasses with lenses that block harmful blue light. I have those lenses in my glasses and never look at a screen without them. Some tablets have a setting that shuts off blue light. This is another good solution.
Posture
Sitting at a desk all day can do terrible things to your posture. People tend to lean forward to see the screen better. When they get tired, they often slouch. Holding your head at a particular angle for a long time can be harmful too. Poor posture can cause subluxations and compression in the neck and spine. This causes pain and can compress the spinal cord, causing tingling and pain in the limbs and extremities.
Practicing good posture while sitting and getting up from your seat at regular intervals are helpful preventatives. Another way to help is chiropractic care. A chiropractor can find those subluxations and make adjustments that can stop the pain and get your body functioning properly again. For a desk jockey, chiropractic care is an excellent treatment to try.
Working at a desk is perfect for some. I enjoy it. But there are potential health risks associated with those long periods of sitting and looking at a screen. Protect your health. Take the precautions. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed and chiropractic care may play a significant role in guarding your health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.