Online Services
and Health
and Safety
Q1) Identify the main health issues.
a -
Carpal
tunnel syndrome (CTS) :)
Any condition that
causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel
can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in
this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle
fingers -- a condition known as "carpal tunnel
syndrome."
Symptoms :)
People with carpal tunnel
syndrome initially feel numbness and tingling of the hand in the distribution
of the median nerve (the thumb, index, middle, and part of the fourth fingers).
These sensations are often more pronounced at night and can awaken people
from sleep. The reason symptoms are worse at night may be related to the
flexed-wrist sleeping position and/or fluid accumulating around the wrist and
hand while lying flat. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be a temporary condition that
completely resolves or it can persist and progress.
As the disease progresses,
patients can develop a burning sensation, and/or cramping
and weakness of the hand. Decreased grip strength can lead to
frequent dropping of objects from the hand. Occasionally, sharp shooting pains
can be felt in the forearm. Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to
wasting (atrophy) of the hand muscles, particularly those near the base of the
thumb in the palm of the hand.
Treatment :)
Initial treatment usually
includes rest, immobilization of the wrist in a splint, and occasionally ice
application. Those whose occupations are aggravating the symptoms should modify
their activities. For example, computer keyboards and chair height may need to
be adjusted to optimize comfort. These measures, as well as periodic resting
and range of motion stretching exercise of the wrists can actually prevent the
symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that are caused by repetitive overuse.
Underlying conditions or diseases are treated individually. Fractures can
require orthopedic management. Obese individuals will be advised regarding
weight reduction. Rheumatoid disease is treated with measures directed against the
underlying arthritis. Wrist swelling that can be associated with pregnancy
resolves in time after delivery of the baby.
Several types of
medications have been used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin
B6 (pyridoxine) has been reported to relieve some symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome, although it is not known how this medication works. No steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs can also be helpful in decreasing inflammation and
reducing pain. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset and even ulceration
of the stomach. These medications should be taken with food, and abdominal
symptoms should be reported to the doctor. Corticosteroids can be given by
mouth or injected directly into the involved wrist joint. They can bring rapid
relief of the persistent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Side effects of
these medications, when given in short courses, for carpal tunnel syndrome are
minimal. However, corticosteroids can aggravate diabetes and should be avoided
in the presence of infections.
Most patients with carpal
tunnel syndrome improve with conservative measures and medications.
Occasionally, chronic pressure on the median nerve can result in persistent
numbness and weakness. In order to avoid serious and permanent nerve and muscle
consequences of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgical treatment is considered.
Surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce
pressure on the median nerve. This surgical procedure is called "carpal
tunnel release." It can now be performed with a small diameter viewing
tube, called an arthroscope, or by open wrist procedure. After carpal tunnel
release, patients often undergo exercise rehabilitation. Though it is uncommon,
symptoms can recur.
b-
Computer
vision syndrome (CVS) :)
Computer vision syndrome
(CVS) is strain on the eyes that happens when you use a computer for prolonged
periods of time. Anyone who has spent a few hours on the computer has probably
felt some of the effects of prolonged use of the computer or other digital
technology. It is temporary, and usually goes away on its own – however, the
discomfort it causes can be minimized by following a few simple practices.
Symptoms :)
Your eye care professional
can diagnose computer vision syndrome through an eye exam, with special
attention paid to how the eye works and responds at computer distance.
You probably have
experienced at least one of the common symptoms of computer vision syndrome
which include:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder
pain
These symptoms may be
caused by other factors such as uncorrected vision needs, glare, poor lighting,
improper posture, etc.
Treatment :)
With these simple
practices, you can reduce, or even prevent the effects of computer vision
syndrome:
- Make sure the
lighting in the room is comfortable on the eyes, and prevents you from
staring into glare on the computer screen
- Position the
computer screen so that your head is in a naturally comfortable position
while working
- Take breaks. A few
minutes away from the computer can go a long way when it comes to your
eyes. Think of it similarly to the way you take stretch breaks for your
arms and back.
- Make sure your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair with support for your neck and back will help you avoid neck and shoulder strain commonly associated with computer vision syndrome.
c-
Musculoskeletal
disorders (MSD) :)
Musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) consist of minor physical disabilities. This term is used to describe a
variety of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. The
severity of the MSD can vary. Pain and discomfort may interfere with everyday
activities. MSDs are extremely common, and your risk increases with age. Early
diagnosis is the key to ease pain while potentially decreasing further bodily
damage.
MSDs can affect all major
areas of the body, including the:
·
neck
·
shoulders
·
wrists
·
back (upper and lower)
·
hips
·
legs
·
knees
·
feet
Symptoms :)
Symptoms of musculoskeletal
disorders can hamper everyday tasks, such as walking. You may notice you have
limited range of motion, as well as difficulties accomplishing your favorite
activities. Call your doctor if you experience:
·
recurrent pain
·
stiff, painful joints
·
swelling
·
dull aches
Treatment :)
Treating musculoskeletal
disorders depends on the severity of your condition. Occasional pain may be
addressed with exercises as well as over-the-counter medications, such as
ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Never take these medicines without a doctor’s
approval.
Advanced disorders may
require different treatment approaches. Physical therapy and occupational
therapy can help you learn techniques to manage pain and discomfort during
everyday activities. Prescription medications may also be required to help
reduce inflammation and pain.
Q2) Identify the main safety issues.
The Chair :)
Since almost all the time
spent in front of a computer is at a desk, the chair is all-important. It’s
crucial to pick one out with proper support for both the upper and lower back.
Chung says this may include a high-backed chair or a towel or pillow as low
back support. He also points to the 90-degree angle rule—that your child’s
hips, thighs, ankles and feet should be approximately at this degree. For
shorter students whose feet don’t reach the ground put a block or stool under
their feet to give better support. But pay attention to height; if when sitting
in the chair, your child’s eyes aren’t lined up with the upper part of the
computer screen, the chair may simply be too large for them.
Mouse and Keyboard :)
Let’s look at the other
crucial components of the computer. Keyboards should be at elbow height,
leaving your child’s arms close to his or her body instead of being outstretched.
Chung praises adjustable keyboards that attach to the bottom of a desk and can
therefore by customized. Regular sized keyboards may be too large for your child,
forcing him or her to angle their wrists when typing, another thing Chung says
to watch for. They also make smaller mice for computers, or track ball types,
which Chung says can be better for children’s limited motor skills. He
recommends parents move the keyboard or mouse on the workspace to a comfortable
place, avoiding outstretched arms.
Give Me a Break :)
Chung recommends breaks
every 20-30 minutes, not just to allow the body to stretch, but also to give
the eyes a rest. Anyone who has spent hours in front of a computer knows that
the screen can wreak havoc on your eyes, causing strained, tired eyes or even headaches.
3-5 minute breaks should be sufficient.
