Safety & Comfort Guide
4–7
Working in Comfort
Monitoring Your Health Habits and
Exercise
The comfort and safety of working at your computer can
be affected by your general state of health. Studies have
shown that a variety of health conditions may increase the
risk of discomfort, muscle and joint disorders, or injuries.
These preexisting conditions include:
❒
Hereditary factors
❒
Arthritis and other connective tissue disorders
❒
Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
❒
Thyroid conditions
❒
Vascular disorders
❒
Generally poor physical condition and dietary habits
❒
Prior injuries, traumas, and musculoskeletal disorders
❒
Excessive weight
❒
Stress
❒
Smoking
❒
Pregnancy, menopause, and other conditions affecting
hormone levels and water retention
❒
Advancing age
Monitoring Personal Tolerance Levels and Limits
Different users of computers have different levels of
tolerance for intensive work over a long period. Monitor
your personal tolerance levels and avoid regularly
exceeding them.
If any of the listed health conditions apply to you, it is
particularly important to know and monitor your personal
limits.
Cultivating Health and Fitness
Additionally, your overall health and tolerance for the
rigors of work typically can be improved by avoiding
adverse health conditions and by exercising regularly to
improve and maintain your physical fitness.