Assignment 5

Computer Illnesses and Associated Disorders

     The topic I choose to cover for this assignment is computer illnesses and disorders. With the amount of technology available in today's society and the age at which young children are being exposed to new technologies in the form of computers whether the machines are desk tops, lap tops or handhelds the age at which children are being exposed is ever decreasing. Therefore I believe that this topic should be researched more and studied further.  

     The Lasa Information Systems Team, has found that a number of health risks are involved when the use of computers takes up a significant amount of time during a persons day.These risks can include continual or recurring discomfort, aches and pains, throbbing, tingling, numbness, burning sensation or stiffness. These are just risks. The team does inform us that most of these problems can be corrected and/or prevented if the proper precautions are taken, however they do advise on seeking professional medical attention if any of the symptoms do present themselves. 

     According to Lasa, the most common health problems associated with computer use or over use is musculoskeletal problems and eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems. The most important of these types of health problems are repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome as these can be permanently debilitating. These types of problems can be caused by maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer, sitting in the same position for an extended period of time and/or a ergonomically poor workstation set up. There is available all types of information on how to prevent these problems on the wed, but again do seek professional medical attention if any of these symptoms present themselves in your personal health.
     The U.S. Department of Labor thru its occupational safety and health administration better known as OSHA has identified, listed and set up guide lines for safe working environments when working with or at computers and/or computer stations for long periods of time. I have included the web address here as a convenience for ease of access, http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/computerworkstation/index.html, this site provides an extensive amount of work place safety associated with computers and their use. Below is an example of one potential problem associated with the use of computers, which is glare from a computer screen due to lighting being in the wrong place or not using a glare cover on the computer monitor.

     Above are two photos form a link on the web site provided, and show in the first pic the potential problem, in the second pic a correction to the potential problem.  http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/wkstation_enviro.html, is the link to the actual data. 

     Jennifer R. Farris did a study on Internet Addiction Disorder specifically looking at causes, symptoms and consequences. The research that she complied is supported by several PhDs, writers and other professionals in their respected fields, here is the link to the web page citing the research that she complied, http://www.files.chem.vt.edu/chem-dept/dessy/honors/papers/ferris.html. Her information discusses not physical ailments but with mental problems instead. The studies conclude that there is indeed a rising problem in the over use of computers and that over use is associated with Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). Care should be taken when considering these possible symptoms, causes and consequences.
     All of the information contained here in this report is from the web pages linked and can be found on those pages listed/linked to this blog.