Your Office Job and Your Health
Office jobs can vary, whether you are the receptionist for an accounting firm or a work-from-home billing and coding specialist, you are faced with the same health challenges that all office workers face. Working at a desk and in front of a computer poses health risks you can avoid and combat if you know what they are!
A Day in the Office
A typical day in the office for most people is a day full of focused and intentional work. Even though you may be stationary at a desk, you may be putting strains on certain parts of your body that, with time, can worsen for you.
Your eyes – According to a study sponsored by Acuvue, a contact lens manufacturer, adults spend nearly 1,700 hours a year in front of a screen, averaging about 6.5 hours a day. This type of exposure to blue light is harmful to the retinas in your eyes. Also, staring at a screen can cause issues with prolonged blinking, leading to dryness.
Your hands and wrists – Working in a profession that requires repetitive movement like typing can increase your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sitting down for extended periods of time – Lack of movement can create many different health issues. It can affect everything from your cardiovascular system to your digestion. Additionally, staying seated all day can cause joint pain and weakness in your muscles.
Improve Your Health in the Office
Though there are challenges that come along with working in the office, there are steps you can take to help gain control over your health at your desk job.
- Change up your seating – replace your desk chair with an exercise ball
- Utilize a standing desk
- Get blue light-blocking glasses to protect your eyes from long-term screen exposure
- Drink more water throughout the day
- Schedule in time for movement – even if it is a quick 5 to 10-minute stretch
- Find an ergonomically-designed computer mouse that is used to lessen the strain on your wrists.
Remember to visit a healthcare provider regularly to discuss your health goals and create an action plan that works best for you and your work environment!
Disclaimer
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.