The Effect of Computers on Our Health

It's difficult to imagine our day-to-day life without computers - laptops at home, computers in the offices. Work and leisure of a modern person are closely linked to computers. Many people sit in front of their computers in rather uncomfortable and unhealthy positions and that negatively affects the work of their cardiovascular system. It's worth mentioning that a long-term sitting in an uncomfortable position may easily lead to circulatory problems and stagnation in the vertebral arteries systems resulting in:

• increased blood pressure
• headaches
• irregular heartbeats because of the overstimulation of the nerves located along the spine
• memory problems
• increased fatigue
• false angina - pains in the chest caused by prolonged compression of the intercostal nerves.

According to the recent study, people who spend over 5 hours per day in front of their computers or TV are more prone to serious health problems; they are even more likely to die. Those working at the computer for more than 4 hours a day are 125% likely to have main cardiac diseases than those that spend less than 2 hours for this type of work. Other research has shown that after 1 hour of sitting the production of fat-burning enzymes is reduced by as much as 90%, moreover, extended sitting at the computer or in front of a TV slows body metabolism and affects such things as levels of good cholesterol in the blood (so fat gets accumulated in the bloodstream). This lack of physical activity is directly linked to 6% of the coronary heart disease cases.

Besides uncomfortable sitting position in front of a computer that has negative effect on the heart, there is another issue about computers that still brings up many questions - radiation. There is a lot of inaccuracy, vagueness and myths concerning computer radiation. The general consensus among researchers and medical specialists is that modern computers are manufactured in accordance with all safety requirement; therefore, they are not dangerous to individuals. But, like other electronic devices, laptops and computers do produce electromagnetic fields (EMF). So, to avoid any influence of the EMFs one should sit at least 12 inches away from the monitor and system unit of the computer. The same is true for laptops, in spite of their name it's better to keep them off the laps.

Now, that we've sorted out the negative effects of computers on the human heart, another question arises - how to reduce these negative effects?

There are two main rules:

• Change your sitting position as often as possible
• Control your muscle tension

Here are some tips that will help you follow these rules:

• Check your position (how you sit, whether your back is strained or shoulders are raised, etc.) every 10-15 minutes. Change it, shake your hands and arms, shrug your shoulders and get back to work.
• Drink a lot of water. This trick will help you make a break and divert your attention from your computer - going to the water cooler or toilet will make you move more.
• Keep your wastepaper basket away from your work desk so that you have to stand up when you need it.

General Health and Wellness Among Men

The importance of maintaining good health and wellness among males cannot be ignored. With health problems on a rise, there is a need for people to understand their health and become more responsible towards it. Health statistics show that males are at more risk in comparison to females. Despite this fact, the common stereotype held by men and the society is that they are tougher in comparison to women and therefore lesser at risk of diseases and injuries. Do not buy this logic.

Predisposing Factor

Quite evidently, the hectic lifestyle of modern times has contributed to an increase in stress levels owing to continuous work pressure, financial stress, family commitments and so on. In their constant endeavor to manage stress, men are left with no time to take care of their health. To add to this, cases of smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse are more common among men, which further aggravates health problems among them.

Common Health Problems

Male health is often interrelated. One health problem may lead to another problem. In addition to health concerns that affect all genders such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and urinary tract infection, men are more susceptible to other health issues as well. These include conditions involving ejaculation, the prostate, and the testes.

Some of the common health concerns are briefly explained here.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition faced by males. In this the force with which the blood flows through a person's arteries is chronically high. Blood pressure measuring above 120/80 mm Hg is considered as a case of hypertension. If not kept in check, this condition may result in congestive heart failure, stroke, heart disease, vision impairment, and others.

Hyper-cholesterolemia is a condition of high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is soft waxy fat substance that increases levels in blood causes blockage of arteries and can lead to coronary heart diseases, increased risk for stroke, and heart attack. The condition can even prove fatal.

Obesity is referred to as being overweight. Obese men are considered at high risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, asthma, etc.

Erectile issues are very common among men. Men increasingly experience conditions such as erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, premature ejaculation and infertility.

Enlarged prostate is another issue. Growth of the prostate not only involves prostate cells but also the hormones. These affect other tissues in the body. At times they may experience cancerous growth on the prostrate gland. If left untreated it may spread to lungs, liver, bones and other parts of the body. Early intervention can curtail this growth.

The good news is that such common health issues are preventable with good care. Good health largely depends on your lifestyle. A balanced diet along with proper exercise keeps lot of problems at bay. Besides, it is also important to go for an annual check-up so that an early detection can provide timely treatment.

The Importance of Health and Wellness

The importance of health and wellness has certainly come to the forefront of the health industry in the last decade. With the baby boomer generation nearing or entering their senior years, strained health and medical services, and the realization by greater numbers of people of the limitations of medical science, society has developed an increasingly prominent attitude of responsibility towards one's own health and wellness.

No longer are people solely relying on doctors or hospitals to make them better if they get sick. Instead, the approach has changed to one of illness prevention, to maintain or improve the state of health that already exists. The incredible boom in the health industry overall bears witness to these trends.

The importance of health and wellness is reflected by the fact that diets, weight loss programs, exercise programs and equipment, fitness facilities, spas, nutritional supplements and activity/leisure groups of all sorts are now commonplace in our everyday lives. Some of these changes are driven by the extreme demands and long waits for treatment in the health care system, but also by the desire of the working generation for a more active lifestyle after retirement, with the hope of being fit and well enough to participate in their chosen activities. For these goals to manifest into reality the base of good health must be built up throughout life, not just to try to repair the damage after it's been done.

So it has become clear why the health industry has turned in its present direction. Only by placing the importance of health and wellness as a priority now can anyone make the most of their future.

Articles are written for information only. I do not sell or promote any specific products.