Office work may seem like a chore at first glance.gentle on health: it does not require great physical strength and is not associated with an aggressive environment, such as in chemical production. However, office workers may be susceptible to a number of so-called "occupational" diseases, the symptoms of which may not appear for a long time. Basic knowledge of such diseases can change your view of office work and prevent serious health problems in the future. Let's consider the most common of them:
- Disturbance of microcirculation and fatigue
The level of humidity in the room is importantfactor for maintaining good health, because the human body is 60%* water. If the air in the office is dry, for example, when using an air conditioner, the employee may have a disruption in the circulation of oxygen through the circulatory system. This results in drowsiness, increased fatigue, and the risk of frequent respiratory and skin diseases. If possible, it is best to equip the room with a humidifier, and also drink more clean, non-carbonated water.
- Dry eye syndrome
Long hours at the computer lead to developmentso-called "dry eye" syndrome. Today, it is increasingly common among office workers. If you are familiar with the feeling of fatigue, "sand" and pain in the eyes, it is time to consult an ophthalmologist or do simple eye exercises (circular rotations clockwise and counterclockwise) a couple of times a day. Remember - to maintain visual acuity while working at a computer, you need to move your gaze from the monitor into the distance and to the sides at least every 5 minutes.
- Rachiocampsis
Spending the whole day in a sitting position, whichincreases the load on the spine, the office worker risks "acquiring" diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The situation is aggravated by poor posture: often people whose work is related to working at a computer sit at the table slouched and with their necks forward (it is more convenient to look at the monitor screen this way). Regardless of age, curvature of the spine can cause poor health or the development of chronic diseases. Sedentary work in the office leads to changes in the intervertebral discs and pinched nerve endings. In addition, office workers often notice periodic pain in the muscles of the back, neck and arms. To prevent scoliosis, osteochondrosis, radiculitis and spinal curvature, it is necessary to move more, regularly do exercises and play sports, and also periodically undergo a course of massage. Exercises on the horizontal bar for stretching the spine are especially useful. During the workday, try to get into the habit of constantly monitoring your posture - keep your back straight, leaning against the back of the chair, with the monitor at eye level. Also, if possible, change your posture more often. After the end of the workday, instead of using public transport or a personal car, give preference to walking whenever possible.
- Pain in the joints
For joint pain of varying intensity58% of men and women with sedentary jobs complain**. An active lifestyle will help prevent the development of serious joint problems - make time for training in the gym, if possible, refuse the elevator and public transport, or devote at least half an hour a day to walking. It is also important to know that pain can be a sign of osteoarthritis in the initial stages of the disease, the cause of which is damage to the cartilaginous tissue of the joints. After the first symptoms appear, osteoarthritis slowly progresses, causing joint dysfunction and limiting mobility. Therefore, it is extremely important to see a doctor in time and begin treatment. Chondroprotectors are used as a means of preventing the destruction of cartilaginous tissue in the joints, for example, one of the most famous is the drug "Teraflex" from Bayer. When taken correctly (at least 3 months), it improves joint mobility and slows the development of osteoarthritis.
- Phlebeurysm
When you sit for a long time,under the influence of gravity, an additional amount of blood accumulates in the veins of the lower extremities. With prolonged sitting, the volume of venous blood in each leg increases sharply, which can contribute to the risk of developing varicose veins over time. Since it is not always possible to get up from your desk every hour and walk around the office, an alternative could be leg exercises (foot warm-ups) at your desk.
- Tunnel wrist syndrome
If you constantly work on a PC, you are at riskand hands: office workers often develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Its main symptoms are numbness of the hand and pain of varying intensity in the fingers. To prevent further development of the disease, work on correct posture, regularly stretch your hands and, if possible, equip your home computer with an anatomically shaped keyboard and mouse. Remember - it is not difficult to stay healthy while working in the office. It is important to acquire healthy habits that will gradually become a part of your life. A sedentary lifestyle disrupts the body's metabolism, so try to move more and not miss sports - this will help maintain metabolism at the proper level and prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases. Be healthy! * Kukushkin Yu. N. Chemical elements in the human body. L.: Chemistry, 1998 ** Among respondents over 45 years old. According to the study "Teraflex Index" of the Bayer concern (October 2014).