Computer and Health

Computers are a hugely important part of human work. Caribbean industries such as banking and manufacturing rely on data gathering and analyses to give them a competitive edge. Data entry is labour intensive, requiring hours of concentrated  and repetitive work on the computer. Now after a few years in this type of environment, workers can suffer from a range of health problems known as computer work-related disorders.

This WebQuest lesson will teaches you the different types of computer work-related disorders and ways in which they can be prevented. 

At end of this lesson, learner will create a powerpoint presentation that will include the following task:  

1. The first task is to explain what repetitive strain injury is and what are the cause of it. 

2. Learners will describe methods of preventing repetitive strain injury 

3. Learners will Explain what is computer vision syndrome and developed way in which it can be prevented. 

4. Learners will be required to discuss lower back pain and then write down measures which can be used to alleviated it.

5. Explain what ergonomics is and how it helps to eliminate or reduce computer related disorder. 

6. Each how you would design a a computer room using ergonomics.

1.a. What is repetitive strain injury?

   b. Identify causes of repetitive strain injury.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/  

2. How can one prevent repetititive strain Injury  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agZe-tyj_1s

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/ 

3. Explain what is computer vision syndrome and developed way in which it can be prevented.

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome#1

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wMqzF6_q9s

4. Discuss lower back pain and then write down measures which can be used to alleviated it.

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/causes-lower-back-pain

https://www.livestrong.com/article/149719-what-are-the-causes-of-back-pain-when-working-on-the-computer/

5. Explain what ergonomics is and how it helps to eliminate or reduce computer related disorder. 

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/ergonomics 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc2RuIybHY0

6. Explin how you will designed a well ergonomical work area after watching the video below  . 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSBakWOsYdA

The long-term use of computers has been linked to a range of potential health problems,working with computer over a period of time without taking breaks may cause a range of health problems that is referred to as computer-work related disorder.  

The health problems most highly associated with the use of computer equipment are upper limb disorders, eye problems, stress and fatigue, and skin complaints. Upper limb disorders is a term used to describe a range of conditions affecting the fingers, hands, arms and shoulders. Such conditions may range from mild aches and pains, through to chronic tissue and/or muscular complaints.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is one such condition. This is attributed to the excessive performance of repetitive, dextrous operations. As a result of such repetitive activity, tenosynovitis (swollen muscles) or carpal tunnel syndrome (swollen tendons) may develop.The video below give more highlights on computer and health.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=116&v=T8qGO7XQ0Uw

Credits are given to the following websites for their contribution in this lesson:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agZe-tyj_1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wMqzF6_q9s

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome#1

https://www.livestrong.com/article/149719-what-are-the-causes-of-back-pain-when-working-on-the-computer/

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/causes-lower-back-pain