Computers and Health :: Medicine Biology Technology Essays

Computers and HealthComputers can be responsible for a number of diseases, such as eyestrains, wrist injuries, back problems, plump for ulcers or mentalcollapse.Not so long ago was it thought that estimators, which could performcalculations and process data with high speed and complete accuracy,would free up humans to only stool 3-4 hours a day. But now, humans atomic number 18working harder than ever.StressStress is often a major sector of work related illness. Simply thethough of computers can cause stress in some people. It is alsostressful* To be asked to complete a task, which is new to you and you arenot sure that you will be able to cope with it* To know you turn out(a) more work to do, than you can finish, in theavailable time* To have too little work to do and to be bored all day.The introduction of computers into the workplace can have harmfuleffects on the advantageously beings of information workers at many differentlevels in an organisation. For example* Some com panies monitor their employees output. This can oftenincrease stress levels. Symptoms include headaches, sleeplessnessand back up ulcers.)* Many peoples fare afraid of computers and fear that the will notlearn new skills, or that their position of seniority will beundermined by computer whizz-kids.* It can be almost impossible for people to get away from officework due to mobile, pagers laptop computers and modems.* Information overload means that managers are often bombardedwith more information than they can actually take-in.Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)These are the disorders affecting the neck, shoulders and upper limbs.It can result in numbness or quiver in the arms and hands, achingand stiffness in the arm, neck and shoulders, and an inability to liftobjects. Some sufferers cannot even pour a cup of tea with outexperiencing extreme pain.EyestrainComputer users are prone to eyestrain due to long hours in front of ascreen. There is no evidence that a computer can cause perman entdamage to eyes, but glare, improper lighting, improper correctedvision and poor work practices all contribute to temp eyestrain.Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) RadiationIn normal day life we are exposed to ELF from sources such as,electricity from the mains, sunshine, fire, earths own magnetic fieldand computers. Studies have been carried out to investigate if thereis a distinct link between miscarriages and ELF emitted by computers.Studies have vaguely showed that long hours played out at a VDU in thefirst trimester of pregnancy, has played a part in the leading tomiscarriages.Computers, Health and the LawThe Health and Safety Regulations of 1992 reads as follows