Health Poll: Work Related : Back/Eye/Weight /Other Problems?

How has the web wrecked your body? :)

[webdevsf]

I bet a high number of us (who in our earlier years could sit at a computer for 18 hours nonstop) have wrecked parts of our body from doing web work.

What do you do to keep healthy/avoid being healthy?

[jeremy goodrich]

Eat well & exercise. Aerobic & anaerobic (spelling?) works well, as you need both to extend your life / & fell good.

I suffered a wrist problem that haunts me on / off since December of 2002, which is why at the moment, I'm typing with a brace on my left hand :)

Since then, I've been more careful, started using an ergonomic keyboard at work (again) and I take frequent short breaks between typing.

Also I use a trackball at work as well, which helps, as does an ergonomic chair.

[dmorison]

I developed some kind of RSI problem in my right arm (painful aching in upper arm and shoulder) and so trained myself to use a mouse left-handed.

The symptoms cleared after a couple of months, and I now time-share between hands.

Just worried that in a few years time i'll have 2 knackered arms instead of one...! :(

Re: back problems - variety is the key in my opinion. Don't develop a possessive attitude towards your chair in the office - chop and change about. It's the age old "too much of anything is bad for you".

[AAnnAArchy]

<<I developed some kind of RSI problem in my right arm (painful aching in upper arm and shoulder) and so trained myself to use a mouse left-handed.>>

That's interesting. I have RSI problems in both hands/wrists, but when I get the painful shoulder aching (which no pain pill gets rid of), it's always my left shoulder. I use the mouse with my right hand. I've never been able to figure out why I have the opposite shoulder problem.

Anyway, Carpal Tunnel is actually the reason I'm self-employed. Regular jobs can't allow the rest time that I need, when I need it. It's for the best though. Who needs that getting up early nonsense. :)

When I lived in San Francisco, I had some success with Active Release treatment. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a doctor nearby in Vegas who does it. Anyway, I would recommend trying it if other treatments haven't helped.

[requiem]

Work hard, and play hard.

An 18 hour day (or 70 hour week) doesn't hurt anybody if they are mentally and physically fit. For increased metal health I would suggest drinking, drink alot and do it atleast two times a week. When you are in the pub with your drinking buddys all the troubles of clients and SEO disappear. For physical health I would suggest starting EVERYDAY with a 5-6 km run, situps and pushups. Try to run as fast as you possibly can. While you are working try to avoid distractions, drink a lot of coffie and chainsmoke (if you havn't started smoking it is never too late, it only takes a few weeks to get the habbit). Try to try something new each and every week.

[skibum]

No computer probs but to stay in shape, ski like a maniac all winter, party hard in the apres ski clubs. Ride the mountain bike 50 - 200 miles a week in the summer and try not to smoke to much. Eat lots of veggies & protein, keep the carb intake pretty low.

[Trisha]

I have RSI problems in both hands too. I use a Cirque touch pad now instead of a mouse and that helps a little. I need to take frequent breaks. I find that it is easier for me to get myself to take more breaks when the weather is nice out, because then I can walk around outside a few minutes to get away.

Doing graphics work seems to cause more problems than other things too.

I take motrin when it starts to get bad, like it is today. I just a couple and I am going to go walk around outside and look at the garden a while until the motrin starts working.

[werty]

I have noticed my eyes are starting to go. I need to invest in an eye exam and glasses.

Also I have experienced some back issues due to extended hours infront of the computer with terrible posture.

I just purchased a laptop in order to help get away from the desk and take in some fresh air...once I get the blasted 802.11b figured out.

I try and work out at least once a week(pathetic yes, but at least it is a start), I do push ups daily, and walk a few miles a day. I want to start running/jogging and need to get a tire pump so I can ride my bike. It just got 90+ here this week so we will see how much time I spend outdoors.

[dingman]

RSI in both arms. Wonder if my eyes are starting to go - have to get that checked out. Just as soon as I get health care. (fsking idiots over here voted down universal health care when the Clintons tried to get it passed, so I'm waiting for my employer to give me a 'real' full-time job. Any day now...)

For fitness, I ride a 50lb recumbent tricycle to and from work every day and to run errands.

[bcc1234]

I lift weights 5 times a week. Don't even remember when was the last time my back hurt because of sitting in a chair all day long.

Now, if only I stopped smoking and drinking coffee, I wouldn't have any work-related health issues :)