
The job prospects of IT professionals may seem to be quite
bright and prosperous.
However, the work life of software engineers isn't easy! In
fact, IT engineers typically encounter some of these common job-related
problems, such as long working hours, heavy workload, stressful work
environment, bad posture, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits.
Collectively, each of these issues may result in various
health concerns, for example, lower back pain, stress and anxiety, insomnia,
and more.
In this context, this article will examine five common
health issues for IT professionals and effective ways to alleviate such health
concerns.
Lower
Back Pain
Cause -- This is one of the most common health problems that
IT professionals often encounter. The primary causes of this health concern
include long, tiring, and stressful working hours & bad posture.
A vast majority of software engineers usually spend
approximately 8 - 10 hours in front of a computer screen. This sitting posture
can place huge stress on the joints, cartilage, and spinal cord.
Consequently, IT professionals often suffer from lower back
pain. Please note, lower back pain needs to be treated on time. Or else, the
continuous strain and stress on the ligaments will lead to chronic back pain
and severely worsen the health condition.
Remedy -- According to physiotherapists, right posture (sit
upright and avoid bending the back and head) must be adopted when seated at the
desk for long hours. Also, simple exercises must be performed throughout the
day to improve the blood circulation on the muscles.
Anxiety
and Stress
Cause -- Due to the poor work-life balance, rigorous job
pressure, and tight deadline, many IT engineers develop the health problems
like stress, depression, and anxiety.
Remedy -- Maintaining a proper work-life balance is the key
to avoid stress and anxiety. Also, simple exercises (like swimming, cycling,
and running), yoga, meditation, and relaxation therapy
Insomnia
Cause -- Insomnia is another common health problem for IT
engineers. Insomnia can be associated with sleeplessness, inability to sleep,
and habitual sleeplessness etc. The fundamental causes of this health concern
are odd working hours, depression, lack of exercise, anxiety and sitting in
close proximity to a computer screen for many hours.
Remedy -- Software professionals are recommended to maintain
a proper sleeping habit. They must ensure at least 7 - 8 hours of peaceful and
uninterrupted sleep per night. If the condition worsens, they must consult with
an experienced physician and undergo appropriate treatment.
Heart Disease
Causes -- Due to the nature of their job (i.e. long working
hours, deadlines, pressure), IT professionals suffer from an increasing risk of
potential heart diseases including stroke, heart blockage, high blood sugar,
increased blood pressure, and excess body fat.
Remedy -- To avoid these health concerns, software engineers
are recommended to indulge and follow a good exercise program. Plus, they must
take a short break in every thirty minutes and opt for a brisk walk inside the
office premises.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cause -- Carpal tunnel syndrome leads to numbness and
tingling in the hands. Due to restricted movements of the wrist joint, this
condition gets developed where the median nerve which passes through the wrist
gets abruptly compressed. Software engineering professionals suffer from carpal
tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive tasks like uninterrupted typing.
Remedy -- As a remedy to this problem, software engineers
should perform some simple wrist exercises like stretching and bending. These
workouts not only release the tight tissues, but also they accelerate blood
circulation and reduce pain, strain, and stiffness.
Additionally, while working on a personal computer, the
keyboard needs to be placed in such a way so that the elbow forms a 90-degree
angle with the table.
Health in the IT industry - Key Points to Note:
If you are working in the IT industry, then you're most
likely to encounter some of the aforementioned health issues.
In such cases, do not forget to follow the remedial steps (that
are explained above) and quickly alleviate the problems before they cause a more
serious impact on your health.
For your reference, the key points are summarized below.
• Maintain a good work-life balance
• Follow a regular exercise regime
• Dedicate some time to practice yoga and meditation
• Maintain a healthy and nutritious eating habit
• Ensure 7 – 8 hours of interrupted sleeping
• Get moving – do not sit slouched at your desk for long
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Source : https://www.computerworld.com/article/2533251/it-careers/health-hazards-for-it-workers----how-that-desk-job-wears-your-body-down.html